Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Moving
After much deliberation and tinkering I have decided to move my blog to a new home. You can find me at http://thesportssoldier.wordpress.com/ where I will continue my passion of sports writing. Please feel free to add me to your favorite websites or subscribe to follow my new blog. Thanks everyone, I have gotten quite a few page hits on this page and I hope to get even more in my new home. It was time for a change.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Giants on Draft Day
The New York Football Giants own the 32nd pick in the first round, the last pick, thanks to their Super Bowl victory. For a team that just won the Super Bowl there are plenty of needs. The Giants lost two tight ends during the Super Bowl, Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard who will probably miss the entire 2012 campaign. This has led to a lot of speculation that the Giants will be looking at tight ends with the last pick in the first round. Nonsense, I say.
Since Jerry Reese has taken the reigns as the Giants GM they have never drafted based on need in the first round. It is against Reese's philosophy. Last year they took CB Prince Amukamara, a move that turned out to be wise after so many cornerbacks went down, including Amukamara who was able to come back and show some flashes towards the end of the year. The Giants have needs all over the place. On the defensive side of the ball there are questions regarding Osi Umenyiora, the talented defensive end. Reese loves his pash rushers and Osi is one of the best. If Osi and the Giants can't come to an agreement then the Giants could draft an impact DE, if one is still available, to help take some of the pressure off of Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre Paul. There is also a chance the Giants could look to defensive tackle if Chris Canty and the Giants can't work out a deal to restructure his contract since he is owed $6 million this year. There is also a chance that Reese goes for a defensive back. Aaron Ross is a free agent and is not expected back. Terrell Thomas is a free agent coming off an year that he missed with injury. Right now Corey Webster and Prince Amukamara are the starting corners. I expect the Giants to re-sign Thomas but adding more depth, if the talent is on the board, is not out of the question. There is one area I don't see the Giants going all-in for and that is linebacker. The Giants have a trio of second-year linebackers in Joaquin Williams, Mark Herzlich, and Greg Jones. They also have Michael Boley and are expecting Jonathan Goff back after he missed all of last season.
On the offensive side of the ball the offensive line is a higher priority than tight end. Kareem McKenzie is a free agent and is expected to leave via free agency. There is also the issue of center David Baas' health after his neck gave him a lot of trouble this past season. The Giants do have some offensive line prospects in James Brewer, Kevin Boothe, Mitch Petrus, and Jim Cordle. However, offensive line depth is a huge need. If there is a good enough prospect on the board I can see the Giants going this route.
Running back is now also a need. Brandon Jacobs is gone. Ahmad Bradhsaw is a good running back but health has always been a problem. D.J. Ware, Andre Brown and Da'Rel Scott are the other running backs on the roster. The Giants like both of them but could look to grab a running back at some point in the draft if only for the competition in camp. Scott showed amazing flashes during last season's preseason games but he has also earned a spot in Coach Coughlin's doghouse with his propensity to put the ball on the ground.
Obviously, tight end is an area of concern for the Giants as well. Losing Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum for the season hurts. Only Bear Pascoe remains healthy at the position. There is a chance the giants address this need via free agency with an older, yet still capable veteran like a Dallas Clark, or a Kevin Boss who is reportedly getting released from the Raiders. Or, they could address this need in the later rounds of the draft. With the Giants weapons at wide receiver, the tight end doesn't play a pivotal role in moving the ball. The tight end is usually a third or fourth option for Eli Manning. If the best prospect on the board is a tight end then the Giants will take a tight end. However, if they see a playmaker available at another position they will take that player, even if it is a wide receiver.
One thing Jerry Reese has demonstrated is an ability to keep the draft geeks guessing. He is as unpredictable as they come. That has worked well for the Giants in years past. Without that philosophy the Giants wouldn't have drafted Jason Pierre Paul. The first 31 picks will shape what the Giants do at 32. Even if they address a need in free agency they still might take that position with their first pick if the prospect is rated highly enough. Call me crazy but I think Jerry Reese likes drafting from this spot because it is the spot you always try to take the best player available. That's the way Jerry Reese builds his football team and so far it has produced 2 Super Bowl winners. You can't argue with a system that has proven it works.
If I had to guess these are the players I think will be available for the Giants and guys that they might draft, in no particular order:
TE Coby Fleener, Stanford. Fits a need and is arguably the best TE in the draft. He is a big target at 6-6 and has a knack of finding the end zone.
RB LaMichael James, Oregon. I doubt he falls to 32 but you never know. Has good speed but is considered kind of small.
TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson. His combine might have made his stock fall. A good tight end who should be able to step into an offense and contribute. Combine numbers mean squat, watch the tape. He won't be the best but he will be good.
OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss. Good work ethic combines with a big body. Listed at 6-6, 316, he is athletic and strong. Might need some time to develop but could be a right tackle in a year or two full-time.
DE Quinton Coples, UNC. At 6-6, 284, he is a big, athletic man. Could fit in well with a 4-3 scheme like the Giants use. The Giants love their pass rushers. I don't think there is a chance he makes it all the way down to this slot but stranger things have happened.
DT Jerel Worthy, MSU. His game can frustrate at times. Not sure if he mentally checks out or gets frustrated. When he is on he is a beast. The Giants could see a lot of upside in him, especially if Chris Canty is shown the door. They do have Marvin Austin coming back from injury but depth along the D-line is always welcome in East Rutherford.
ILB Vontaze Burfict, ASU. He had a poor combine but, like I said before, I don't pay much attention to workouts sans pads and at game speed. He has ability to rush the passer and has shown the speed during the game to run. The Giants could see him as a prospect and nab him with the final pick in the round. I would be surprised if he made it this far, I can see a team picking him earlier. I would also be surprised if the Giants take him based on the plethora of other prospects out there and the amount of young linebackers they already have.
Since Jerry Reese has taken the reigns as the Giants GM they have never drafted based on need in the first round. It is against Reese's philosophy. Last year they took CB Prince Amukamara, a move that turned out to be wise after so many cornerbacks went down, including Amukamara who was able to come back and show some flashes towards the end of the year. The Giants have needs all over the place. On the defensive side of the ball there are questions regarding Osi Umenyiora, the talented defensive end. Reese loves his pash rushers and Osi is one of the best. If Osi and the Giants can't come to an agreement then the Giants could draft an impact DE, if one is still available, to help take some of the pressure off of Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre Paul. There is also a chance the Giants could look to defensive tackle if Chris Canty and the Giants can't work out a deal to restructure his contract since he is owed $6 million this year. There is also a chance that Reese goes for a defensive back. Aaron Ross is a free agent and is not expected back. Terrell Thomas is a free agent coming off an year that he missed with injury. Right now Corey Webster and Prince Amukamara are the starting corners. I expect the Giants to re-sign Thomas but adding more depth, if the talent is on the board, is not out of the question. There is one area I don't see the Giants going all-in for and that is linebacker. The Giants have a trio of second-year linebackers in Joaquin Williams, Mark Herzlich, and Greg Jones. They also have Michael Boley and are expecting Jonathan Goff back after he missed all of last season.
On the offensive side of the ball the offensive line is a higher priority than tight end. Kareem McKenzie is a free agent and is expected to leave via free agency. There is also the issue of center David Baas' health after his neck gave him a lot of trouble this past season. The Giants do have some offensive line prospects in James Brewer, Kevin Boothe, Mitch Petrus, and Jim Cordle. However, offensive line depth is a huge need. If there is a good enough prospect on the board I can see the Giants going this route.
Running back is now also a need. Brandon Jacobs is gone. Ahmad Bradhsaw is a good running back but health has always been a problem. D.J. Ware, Andre Brown and Da'Rel Scott are the other running backs on the roster. The Giants like both of them but could look to grab a running back at some point in the draft if only for the competition in camp. Scott showed amazing flashes during last season's preseason games but he has also earned a spot in Coach Coughlin's doghouse with his propensity to put the ball on the ground.
Obviously, tight end is an area of concern for the Giants as well. Losing Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum for the season hurts. Only Bear Pascoe remains healthy at the position. There is a chance the giants address this need via free agency with an older, yet still capable veteran like a Dallas Clark, or a Kevin Boss who is reportedly getting released from the Raiders. Or, they could address this need in the later rounds of the draft. With the Giants weapons at wide receiver, the tight end doesn't play a pivotal role in moving the ball. The tight end is usually a third or fourth option for Eli Manning. If the best prospect on the board is a tight end then the Giants will take a tight end. However, if they see a playmaker available at another position they will take that player, even if it is a wide receiver.
One thing Jerry Reese has demonstrated is an ability to keep the draft geeks guessing. He is as unpredictable as they come. That has worked well for the Giants in years past. Without that philosophy the Giants wouldn't have drafted Jason Pierre Paul. The first 31 picks will shape what the Giants do at 32. Even if they address a need in free agency they still might take that position with their first pick if the prospect is rated highly enough. Call me crazy but I think Jerry Reese likes drafting from this spot because it is the spot you always try to take the best player available. That's the way Jerry Reese builds his football team and so far it has produced 2 Super Bowl winners. You can't argue with a system that has proven it works.
If I had to guess these are the players I think will be available for the Giants and guys that they might draft, in no particular order:
TE Coby Fleener, Stanford. Fits a need and is arguably the best TE in the draft. He is a big target at 6-6 and has a knack of finding the end zone.
RB LaMichael James, Oregon. I doubt he falls to 32 but you never know. Has good speed but is considered kind of small.
TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson. His combine might have made his stock fall. A good tight end who should be able to step into an offense and contribute. Combine numbers mean squat, watch the tape. He won't be the best but he will be good.
OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss. Good work ethic combines with a big body. Listed at 6-6, 316, he is athletic and strong. Might need some time to develop but could be a right tackle in a year or two full-time.
DE Quinton Coples, UNC. At 6-6, 284, he is a big, athletic man. Could fit in well with a 4-3 scheme like the Giants use. The Giants love their pass rushers. I don't think there is a chance he makes it all the way down to this slot but stranger things have happened.
DT Jerel Worthy, MSU. His game can frustrate at times. Not sure if he mentally checks out or gets frustrated. When he is on he is a beast. The Giants could see a lot of upside in him, especially if Chris Canty is shown the door. They do have Marvin Austin coming back from injury but depth along the D-line is always welcome in East Rutherford.
ILB Vontaze Burfict, ASU. He had a poor combine but, like I said before, I don't pay much attention to workouts sans pads and at game speed. He has ability to rush the passer and has shown the speed during the game to run. The Giants could see him as a prospect and nab him with the final pick in the round. I would be surprised if he made it this far, I can see a team picking him earlier. I would also be surprised if the Giants take him based on the plethora of other prospects out there and the amount of young linebackers they already have.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Peyton and Bounties and another thing or two
- Peyton Manning is going to be released by the Colts tomorrow. It is a sad end to a Colts career that ranks among the greatest of all-time. Few quarterbacks have come close to accomplishing what Peyton has in a Colts uniform. Now, he follows other greats like Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, and Joe Namath, icons in the cities where they brought home championships and set records, and will finish out his career on another team. It is unlikely that Peyton will retire but I guess that is always a possibility until he signs with another team. Right now, it seems like the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and maybe even the Jets will kick the tires on Manning. If I had a gun to my head I would pick the Cardinals. They could trade or release Kevin Kolb, who I believe has a $7 million roster bonus due to him if he is on the team by March 17th. I might be wrong on the date and I can't find a good source on it but I do know he has a roster kicker due for $7 million. Teaming with Larry Fitzgerald would be fun to watch. I have already stated my thoughts on Peyton and the Jets...it is a bad idea for the team.
- So apparently the Saints are the dirtbags of the NFL. Former defensive coordinator, being the biggest dirtbag of them all, allowed players to receive extra bonus pay for injuring opposing teams stars. He also apparently did the same thing while in Washington. The fact that the players, coaching staff, and front office allowed this to happen under their very noses disgusts me. There has been a lot of players coming to the defense of Gregg Williams, saying this kind of thing is rampant in the NFL and isn't a big deal. To them I say, it is a rule in the NFL. The use of bounties is outlawed. It is not okay, regardless of who allows it, for anyone to break the rules of the game. The game's very integrity is based on those rules. They are there for a reason. Oh, and don't worry about former NFL players suffering from various mental disorders from taking too many hits to the head. Don't worry about players like Dave Duereson who suffered severe depression as a result of his head injuries. Yeah, those guys don't count because you got paid, right? Asinine comments from asinine people. The NFL has a huge issue on it's hands regarding player safety and to have a team completely disregard the long-term health of those men for a few hundred or few thousand extra bucks is disgusting. If I were NFL commissioner, and the Saints are lucky I am not (and so are the Rams for whom Gregg Williams is now a defensive coordinator), I would demand the firing of Sean Payton, Gregg Williams, and general manager Mickey Loomis and suspend them from the league for three years. I would also demand the IRS investigate the players for unreported income, something the IRS is doing anyway, and support any decision they make in regards to that money, including jail. I would also force the Saints to surrender their first round draft pick for the next three years and fine them one hundred times the total amount of money that was posted in this bounty system. I would also make them pay another one million dollars to fund the healthcare plan of retired players. If the Saints didn't care about injuring those players then they shouldn't mind helping them afford the long-term healthcare so many players need after they leave the field.
My penalties are stiff, maybe too stiff in some of your minds. However, the Saints allowed the league's rules to be undermined, put players health in jeopardy, and circumvented the NFL salary cap. They undermined the integrity of the game. I don't want to hear about how every team does it. Nobody else has gotten caught and if they were caught I would demand similar penalties for that team, or teams, as well. As for the players who think it is no big deal? Wait until you retire after suffering from several concussions. Wait until you need knee replacement surgery at 45 years old. Wait until your body is similar in age to that of a 90 year old at age 50. To them I say, shut up and let the NFL do it's job by enforcing the rules. The NFL needs to make an example of the Saints and they need to do it now.
- Deron Williams can score 57 points against the Bobcats but Jeremy Lin score 25 and he gets back pages and the whole Linsanity thing. I get it, Lin came from out of nowhere and helped turn a struggling Knicks team around. I get it. But, lost in the whole fog of Linsanity is the fact that he is still only the second best point guard in the New York area. I love watching Lin play. But Deron Williams is the best player in the New York area, yes, better then Carmelo Anthony right now and better that Amare' Stoudemire. I'm just telling the truth.
- I swear you can't keep Yankee fans happy. Michael Pineda throws two innings and already there are some fans calling the trade a bust. Seriously? After two innings? Pineda didn't throw in Winter Ball this offseason for the first time in a few years. His arm needs to get built back up. He isn't a bust. Not yet. The trade could still be a bust down the line but I would hold my judgement for several seasons and see what happens. This new generation of Yankee fans is driving me nuts. They were born in the 1990's and don't know what it's like seeing a crappy team. I saw the 1990-1992 Yankees. It wasn't pretty. I watched as former Yankee youngsters like Doug Drabek, Jose Rijo, Otis Nixon, Fred McGriff, Jay Buhner, Bob Tewksbury, and others go on to win Cy Young awards, championships, and otherwise be productive for other teams. You don't know what it's like to watch Matt Nokes, Mel Hall, and Jesse Barfield as everyday players. All these younger Yankee fans know is success and it is rotting their perspective. Since 1995 the Yankees have failed to make the playoffs once. ONCE! I had to wait 15 years of my life before I saw the Yankees in a postseason game. I know Andy Hawkins. I know Scott Sanderson. I know Rick Rhoden. I know Dave LaPoint, Jimmy Jones, Clay Parker, Tim Leary, and Wade Taylor. Those were pitchers in case you were wondering, some of them considered the ace on the staff like Sanderson, Rhoden, and Hawkins. Younger Yankee fans should thank God they don't have ownership or a general manager that will put them through another decade of futility. It was bad. I was young back then and loved my Yankees. I loved Alvaro Espinosa, Don Mattingly, Butch Wynegar, Pat Kelly, Mike Stanley, and Matt Nokes. So, my message to younger Yankee fans who weren't around for the 1990 debacle is: Chill out. Enjoy the game of baseball for what it is, a wonderful thing on a summer afternoon or evening. Enjoy the little things about the game. Stop thinking like the world will end if a bad trade is made. Stop thinking 2 innings of Spring Training baseball means anything more than a warmup. Relax. Settle down. Then again, maybe the Yankees need to go through a few years of futility again. I lived through it once and can do so again. I will stay loyal to my team no matter who they put out on that field.
- Speaking of the early 1990's Yankees, former first overall draft pick Brien Taylor was arrested last week for trafficking cocaine. I can remember when he was drafted and everyone immediately thought of Dwight Gooden as a young pitcher. Taylor was on his way before he injured his shoulder in a fight that he wasn't really a part of. Now this. It is sad to see. For my younger readers, imagine the hype surrounding Stephen Strasburg only you never get to see him pitch in a big league game. Taylor was supposed to turn the Yankees around. It never happened. The Yankees turned themselves around and the rest is history. It still would have been interesting to see what Taylor could have done for those dynasty Yankees. To this day I am still left wondering and every now and again I come across a rookie card of his and think about what could have been. Just sad.
- For what it's worth it is nice to see Johan Santana out on the mound again. I would love to see him pitch a full season with his old form again. I'm sure Met fans would love to as well. Before he got hurt he was simply amazing to watch, a true pitcher, a complete pitcher. He was an artist. Maybe he still is.
- So apparently the Saints are the dirtbags of the NFL. Former defensive coordinator, being the biggest dirtbag of them all, allowed players to receive extra bonus pay for injuring opposing teams stars. He also apparently did the same thing while in Washington. The fact that the players, coaching staff, and front office allowed this to happen under their very noses disgusts me. There has been a lot of players coming to the defense of Gregg Williams, saying this kind of thing is rampant in the NFL and isn't a big deal. To them I say, it is a rule in the NFL. The use of bounties is outlawed. It is not okay, regardless of who allows it, for anyone to break the rules of the game. The game's very integrity is based on those rules. They are there for a reason. Oh, and don't worry about former NFL players suffering from various mental disorders from taking too many hits to the head. Don't worry about players like Dave Duereson who suffered severe depression as a result of his head injuries. Yeah, those guys don't count because you got paid, right? Asinine comments from asinine people. The NFL has a huge issue on it's hands regarding player safety and to have a team completely disregard the long-term health of those men for a few hundred or few thousand extra bucks is disgusting. If I were NFL commissioner, and the Saints are lucky I am not (and so are the Rams for whom Gregg Williams is now a defensive coordinator), I would demand the firing of Sean Payton, Gregg Williams, and general manager Mickey Loomis and suspend them from the league for three years. I would also demand the IRS investigate the players for unreported income, something the IRS is doing anyway, and support any decision they make in regards to that money, including jail. I would also force the Saints to surrender their first round draft pick for the next three years and fine them one hundred times the total amount of money that was posted in this bounty system. I would also make them pay another one million dollars to fund the healthcare plan of retired players. If the Saints didn't care about injuring those players then they shouldn't mind helping them afford the long-term healthcare so many players need after they leave the field.
My penalties are stiff, maybe too stiff in some of your minds. However, the Saints allowed the league's rules to be undermined, put players health in jeopardy, and circumvented the NFL salary cap. They undermined the integrity of the game. I don't want to hear about how every team does it. Nobody else has gotten caught and if they were caught I would demand similar penalties for that team, or teams, as well. As for the players who think it is no big deal? Wait until you retire after suffering from several concussions. Wait until you need knee replacement surgery at 45 years old. Wait until your body is similar in age to that of a 90 year old at age 50. To them I say, shut up and let the NFL do it's job by enforcing the rules. The NFL needs to make an example of the Saints and they need to do it now.
- Deron Williams can score 57 points against the Bobcats but Jeremy Lin score 25 and he gets back pages and the whole Linsanity thing. I get it, Lin came from out of nowhere and helped turn a struggling Knicks team around. I get it. But, lost in the whole fog of Linsanity is the fact that he is still only the second best point guard in the New York area. I love watching Lin play. But Deron Williams is the best player in the New York area, yes, better then Carmelo Anthony right now and better that Amare' Stoudemire. I'm just telling the truth.
- I swear you can't keep Yankee fans happy. Michael Pineda throws two innings and already there are some fans calling the trade a bust. Seriously? After two innings? Pineda didn't throw in Winter Ball this offseason for the first time in a few years. His arm needs to get built back up. He isn't a bust. Not yet. The trade could still be a bust down the line but I would hold my judgement for several seasons and see what happens. This new generation of Yankee fans is driving me nuts. They were born in the 1990's and don't know what it's like seeing a crappy team. I saw the 1990-1992 Yankees. It wasn't pretty. I watched as former Yankee youngsters like Doug Drabek, Jose Rijo, Otis Nixon, Fred McGriff, Jay Buhner, Bob Tewksbury, and others go on to win Cy Young awards, championships, and otherwise be productive for other teams. You don't know what it's like to watch Matt Nokes, Mel Hall, and Jesse Barfield as everyday players. All these younger Yankee fans know is success and it is rotting their perspective. Since 1995 the Yankees have failed to make the playoffs once. ONCE! I had to wait 15 years of my life before I saw the Yankees in a postseason game. I know Andy Hawkins. I know Scott Sanderson. I know Rick Rhoden. I know Dave LaPoint, Jimmy Jones, Clay Parker, Tim Leary, and Wade Taylor. Those were pitchers in case you were wondering, some of them considered the ace on the staff like Sanderson, Rhoden, and Hawkins. Younger Yankee fans should thank God they don't have ownership or a general manager that will put them through another decade of futility. It was bad. I was young back then and loved my Yankees. I loved Alvaro Espinosa, Don Mattingly, Butch Wynegar, Pat Kelly, Mike Stanley, and Matt Nokes. So, my message to younger Yankee fans who weren't around for the 1990 debacle is: Chill out. Enjoy the game of baseball for what it is, a wonderful thing on a summer afternoon or evening. Enjoy the little things about the game. Stop thinking like the world will end if a bad trade is made. Stop thinking 2 innings of Spring Training baseball means anything more than a warmup. Relax. Settle down. Then again, maybe the Yankees need to go through a few years of futility again. I lived through it once and can do so again. I will stay loyal to my team no matter who they put out on that field.
- Speaking of the early 1990's Yankees, former first overall draft pick Brien Taylor was arrested last week for trafficking cocaine. I can remember when he was drafted and everyone immediately thought of Dwight Gooden as a young pitcher. Taylor was on his way before he injured his shoulder in a fight that he wasn't really a part of. Now this. It is sad to see. For my younger readers, imagine the hype surrounding Stephen Strasburg only you never get to see him pitch in a big league game. Taylor was supposed to turn the Yankees around. It never happened. The Yankees turned themselves around and the rest is history. It still would have been interesting to see what Taylor could have done for those dynasty Yankees. To this day I am still left wondering and every now and again I come across a rookie card of his and think about what could have been. Just sad.
- For what it's worth it is nice to see Johan Santana out on the mound again. I would love to see him pitch a full season with his old form again. I'm sure Met fans would love to as well. Before he got hurt he was simply amazing to watch, a true pitcher, a complete pitcher. He was an artist. Maybe he still is.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Hit and Runs
- It has to be a tough thing to be a Sizemore in baseball this year. First, Grady Sizemore injured his back while fielding grounders with the Indians. An update is being prepared by the Indians and it might be very bad news for Sizemore and the Indians. Grady was once an up and coming young outfielder, thought to become one of baseball's best. Then the injuries began. And they didn't stop. Now, the three-time All-Star who has appeared in just 104 games over the past two seasons, might be lucky to play at all this season.
On the other hand, there is Scott Sizemore, no relation to Grady, who tore his ACL on February 27th. He will now miss the entire year. Sizemore was expected to compete for the A's starting third baseman job. Now, he is out for the year. Spring Training has been a cruel mistress to these two this year.
- The price for a good catcher just went up. First it was Joe Mauer signing an 8-year, $184 million deal with the Twins a couple of seasons ago. Now, the Cardinals have inked All-Star catcher Yadier Molina to a 5-year, $75 million deal. Molina is a very good catcher. Is he worth $15 million a year? In my opinion, no. He has never driven in more than 65 runs, never hit more than 14 homers (both RBI and homer totals were career highs set last year), and has never hit higher than .305, again a career high set last season, besting his previous best of .304 from 2008. Don't get me wrong, I think Yadier Molina is a spectacular catcher on both sides of the plate. I'm just not a fan of giving a catcher, who plays 140 games at most and is susceptible to a myriad of injuries and breakdowns $15 million a year. Especially one coming off a career year where he set career high marks for hits, doubles, homers, RBI's, AVG, and runs scored. Yes, his defense is impeccable. Yes, he can swing the lumber. No, I still don't think any catcher is worth $15 million a year. Not after seeing Joe Mauer, Buster Posey, and Russell Martin all go from All-Star up and comers to question marks because of health or overuse as was the case with Martin. Strangely, though, if there is one catcher I would give the money to it is Yadier who has shown an ability to stay healthy, call a great game, hit the ball, and be a leader. It is crazy but sometimes it works out.
- Now for the rude, inappropriate comment that I can't resist. You know it's wrong but you will laugh too...or just think I'm an ass which you probably do already. Plaxico Burress wants to join the Eagles. He has practically taken out a full page ad in the Philadelphia newspapers and is telling anyone with two ears he wants to be an Eagle. Between him and Mike Vick that outta make shower time lots of fun postgame and post-practice. Soap on a rope fellas, soap on a rope. See it wasn't so bad. Ok, maybe it was. You still smiled though didn't you?
- To this day I still don't understand why the Rangers traded Mike Knuble. For Rob DiMaio of all people. DiMaio went on to play 12 games as a Ranger. Knuble went on to score 30+ goals two times and 20+ 8 times. To this day that trade still bothers me and it seems like the Rangers have been searching for that kind of player since Knuble left. Brendan Shanahan was kind of like that player but he is now gone and the Rangers are still searching. Maybe P.A. Parenteau will rejoin the Rangers as a UFA next season. Maybe.
- The question this season seems to be not what trophy Henrik Lundqvist will win but how many. In my humble opinion he should walk away with the Vezina (for best goalie) and the Hart (League MVP). He has meant everything to the Rangers this season and he is the reason for the Rangers being atop the Eastern Conference standings right now. Oh, he has 8 shutouts this year to lead the league. Hopefully the anti-Rangers bias among the voters won't shine through this year.
- Can someone please tell me what Bill Simmons of ESPN is doing interviewing President Barack Obama? Seriously? The President of the United States doesn't belong on a sports website. We don't need to know what his brackets will be for March Madness. We don't need his input on Jermey Lin, the Bulls, or the White Sox. The only thing we need from a President is leadership and that doesn't mean in sports. Stop the nonsense and let the President be the President by trying to fix, oh, I dunno, the damned economy.
- While everyone is paying attention to Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak is quietly putting together a very nice season for the Knicks. His ability to shoot the three is something the Knicks offense has lacked since Allan Houston left. Novak is only averaging 8.0 PPG but is 53-113 from beyond the arc. That's a very nice percentage of 46%. He has the ability to score 9 points in a few minutes, even on three possessions. Add that to what the Knicks already have and yes, they are a very dangerous team, especially in the playoffs.
- the other day I told Terry Francona to shut up. now it's time for Bobby Valentine to shut up. Ever since taking over as Red Sox manager, Bobby V has seemingly only cared about what the Yankees are doing. Recently, he commented on Derek Jeter's now infamous flip play to home plate in the 2001 ALDS. Seriously, how does this come up from Bobby V? The game had nothing to do with any team Bobby V was managing. In 2001, Bobby V was busy taking the defending NL Champions to a third place finish in the NL East. In October of 2001, he was planning how to make the Mets even worse and how to guide them to a 5th place finish. Why does a play that happened over 10 years ago bother Bobby Valentine so much that he has to comment on it now that he is managing in the Major Leagues again? Boston, you may have gotten rid of the bar but you brought in the circus.
On the other hand, there is Scott Sizemore, no relation to Grady, who tore his ACL on February 27th. He will now miss the entire year. Sizemore was expected to compete for the A's starting third baseman job. Now, he is out for the year. Spring Training has been a cruel mistress to these two this year.
- The price for a good catcher just went up. First it was Joe Mauer signing an 8-year, $184 million deal with the Twins a couple of seasons ago. Now, the Cardinals have inked All-Star catcher Yadier Molina to a 5-year, $75 million deal. Molina is a very good catcher. Is he worth $15 million a year? In my opinion, no. He has never driven in more than 65 runs, never hit more than 14 homers (both RBI and homer totals were career highs set last year), and has never hit higher than .305, again a career high set last season, besting his previous best of .304 from 2008. Don't get me wrong, I think Yadier Molina is a spectacular catcher on both sides of the plate. I'm just not a fan of giving a catcher, who plays 140 games at most and is susceptible to a myriad of injuries and breakdowns $15 million a year. Especially one coming off a career year where he set career high marks for hits, doubles, homers, RBI's, AVG, and runs scored. Yes, his defense is impeccable. Yes, he can swing the lumber. No, I still don't think any catcher is worth $15 million a year. Not after seeing Joe Mauer, Buster Posey, and Russell Martin all go from All-Star up and comers to question marks because of health or overuse as was the case with Martin. Strangely, though, if there is one catcher I would give the money to it is Yadier who has shown an ability to stay healthy, call a great game, hit the ball, and be a leader. It is crazy but sometimes it works out.
- Now for the rude, inappropriate comment that I can't resist. You know it's wrong but you will laugh too...or just think I'm an ass which you probably do already. Plaxico Burress wants to join the Eagles. He has practically taken out a full page ad in the Philadelphia newspapers and is telling anyone with two ears he wants to be an Eagle. Between him and Mike Vick that outta make shower time lots of fun postgame and post-practice. Soap on a rope fellas, soap on a rope. See it wasn't so bad. Ok, maybe it was. You still smiled though didn't you?
- To this day I still don't understand why the Rangers traded Mike Knuble. For Rob DiMaio of all people. DiMaio went on to play 12 games as a Ranger. Knuble went on to score 30+ goals two times and 20+ 8 times. To this day that trade still bothers me and it seems like the Rangers have been searching for that kind of player since Knuble left. Brendan Shanahan was kind of like that player but he is now gone and the Rangers are still searching. Maybe P.A. Parenteau will rejoin the Rangers as a UFA next season. Maybe.
- The question this season seems to be not what trophy Henrik Lundqvist will win but how many. In my humble opinion he should walk away with the Vezina (for best goalie) and the Hart (League MVP). He has meant everything to the Rangers this season and he is the reason for the Rangers being atop the Eastern Conference standings right now. Oh, he has 8 shutouts this year to lead the league. Hopefully the anti-Rangers bias among the voters won't shine through this year.
- Can someone please tell me what Bill Simmons of ESPN is doing interviewing President Barack Obama? Seriously? The President of the United States doesn't belong on a sports website. We don't need to know what his brackets will be for March Madness. We don't need his input on Jermey Lin, the Bulls, or the White Sox. The only thing we need from a President is leadership and that doesn't mean in sports. Stop the nonsense and let the President be the President by trying to fix, oh, I dunno, the damned economy.
- While everyone is paying attention to Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak is quietly putting together a very nice season for the Knicks. His ability to shoot the three is something the Knicks offense has lacked since Allan Houston left. Novak is only averaging 8.0 PPG but is 53-113 from beyond the arc. That's a very nice percentage of 46%. He has the ability to score 9 points in a few minutes, even on three possessions. Add that to what the Knicks already have and yes, they are a very dangerous team, especially in the playoffs.
- the other day I told Terry Francona to shut up. now it's time for Bobby Valentine to shut up. Ever since taking over as Red Sox manager, Bobby V has seemingly only cared about what the Yankees are doing. Recently, he commented on Derek Jeter's now infamous flip play to home plate in the 2001 ALDS. Seriously, how does this come up from Bobby V? The game had nothing to do with any team Bobby V was managing. In 2001, Bobby V was busy taking the defending NL Champions to a third place finish in the NL East. In October of 2001, he was planning how to make the Mets even worse and how to guide them to a 5th place finish. Why does a play that happened over 10 years ago bother Bobby Valentine so much that he has to comment on it now that he is managing in the Major Leagues again? Boston, you may have gotten rid of the bar but you brought in the circus.
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