I'm disgusted with Mark Tiexiera. I'm disgusted with the Yankees. I am also disgusted with baseball.
Following Mark Tiexiera's greedy decision to take every single dollar he could possible scrounge, the Yankees racked up their offseason total to 441 million dollars. Plus the 1.3 billion dollars they spent on a new stadium this year too. Well, wait, nevermind, the idiot taxpayers of New York are ponying up the money for that so that Yankees can continue to overspend for anyone and everyone. It's ridiculous, and bad for baseball. It's also bad for America. While far too many Americans battle through the recession, lose their jobs, struggle to make ends meet, the Yankees keep spending and spending and spending, and spending....
Their argument? We have to pay a luxury tax on our salaries so we're punished for it. Punished? If the New York Yankees had a living room, that 30 million was in their couch cushions.
Tiexiera could have gotten equal dollars from any number of teams. Teams he grew up rooting for, teams near his family and friends, but instead he followed the money to NYC. If I felt at all like he wanted to live and play in New York, I would be fine with it, but it's all about the money and if you don't believe that, get a life. The fact of the matter is, he will never see millions 100-180 anyway, but his great, great, grandchildren will reap the benefits. Instead of being the wholesome, guy who had a chance to change baseball for the better, Tiexiera helped bridge a bigger gap between the rich and poor among franchises, and drive away fans who are sick of seeing teams like the Yankees try to buy Championships. It will make it more fun when A-Rod bats .180 in the postseason and CC loses game 5 of the ALCS without getting out of the 2nd inning, while Tiexiera sits on the bench with a pulled hammy. At least we can hope we see that.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Ridiculous
The Packers did a fantastic job of one thing tonight... keeping the Bears in it. That should have been a blowout in the first half. The Bears are absolutely putrid. The fact that they are a playoff contender is a joke. They beat the Colts in Week 1 when Peyton was playing on one leg and in his first action of the year. They also beat the Eagles, the Lions twice, Vikings, Rams, Jaguars and Saints. That is not exactly a who's who of NFL Royalty this year. Kyle Orton has got to be the worst quarterback in the league, or at least darn close. Their coach, Lovie Smith, is maybe the most useless head coach in football. He is never doing anything when they show him on TV. Seriously, he is tucked so far into his hat and facemask that he probably can't even talk into his headset. He never changes his expression and rarely ever paces. He doesn't call the offensive plays, doesn't call the defensive plays and has guys in the booth tell him when to challenge a play. I guess he throws the challenge flag, so at least that's something. The Packers just couldn't make the play to knock the Bears out, and low and behold, in the fourth quarter, the predictable defensive breakdown allowed a big play for the Bears, and then the ability to make a stop allowed the Bears to tie it up again. So of course, if we follow the script, the next step would be a 4th quarter interception by Aaron Rodgers. But what did we get...
Probably the stupidest penalty I've seen in a while. A horse collar/late hit, whatever you want to call it after a nice return by Will Blackman. Honestly, how can you not resist from doing that? You should get fined for that kind of stupidity. Or cut. Or arrested. On another note, I have absolutely no idea why teams still believe this little squib kick thing is a good idea. I can't even really dream up a reason to believe why they think it is beneficial. The Bears were burnt on it, making it the 24th straight time I've watched that fail.
Then the Pack really decided to show that they weren't going to repeat earlier mistakes when they settled for a 52 yard field goal attempt that was missed, by throwing 3 consectutive passes taking it down to the two minute warning. It worked as they picked up a first down. Then they did the right thing by forcing the Bears to use their last time out by running the ball. I can't complain at all about the clock management in this game. So it's all set up, the script has been changed, there was no interception, so what do we get instead.... a blocked field goal!!! You have got to be kidding me. Hey at least they found a different way to blow this one. I was getting sort of sick of watching them lose the same way every week.
And what ends up really costing the Packers, well, what else would you guess.... A PENALTY!!! A stupid penalty at that. You just watched your opponent get called for the same thing, so why not go try it out yourself. Absolutely genius football players on this team. If that wasn't bad enough, let's have our two defenders crash into each other, fall down, and give up another big play. Wow.
I'm done. I want that 4 hours of my life back.
Go Lions.
Probably the stupidest penalty I've seen in a while. A horse collar/late hit, whatever you want to call it after a nice return by Will Blackman. Honestly, how can you not resist from doing that? You should get fined for that kind of stupidity. Or cut. Or arrested. On another note, I have absolutely no idea why teams still believe this little squib kick thing is a good idea. I can't even really dream up a reason to believe why they think it is beneficial. The Bears were burnt on it, making it the 24th straight time I've watched that fail.
Then the Pack really decided to show that they weren't going to repeat earlier mistakes when they settled for a 52 yard field goal attempt that was missed, by throwing 3 consectutive passes taking it down to the two minute warning. It worked as they picked up a first down. Then they did the right thing by forcing the Bears to use their last time out by running the ball. I can't complain at all about the clock management in this game. So it's all set up, the script has been changed, there was no interception, so what do we get instead.... a blocked field goal!!! You have got to be kidding me. Hey at least they found a different way to blow this one. I was getting sort of sick of watching them lose the same way every week.
And what ends up really costing the Packers, well, what else would you guess.... A PENALTY!!! A stupid penalty at that. You just watched your opponent get called for the same thing, so why not go try it out yourself. Absolutely genius football players on this team. If that wasn't bad enough, let's have our two defenders crash into each other, fall down, and give up another big play. Wow.
I'm done. I want that 4 hours of my life back.
Go Lions.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Newest Brewer?
Reports are starting to surface that the Brewers are close to a deal with former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Braden Looper. I've silently wondered why the Brewers weren't looking at Looper as he seems like a cost efficient and effective pitching options for the Crew. His career 3.96 ERA looks promising and at 12-14 with a 4.16 ERA, definately qualifies for a solid back of the rotation starter
I'm wondering though, if the Brewers are looking at him as a closer rather a starter. He emerged as a closer for the Marlins back in 2002 and 2003, then had two solid seasons in that role for the Mets in 2004 and 2005 before he was replaced by Billy Wagner. He had a career high 108 strikeouts last year in 199 innings pitched. The Brewers never seem to lack creativity in what they sign guys for, or ask of their players, so I'm just venturing a guess on this, but it's an intriguing possibility. He could be had for much less that the 20-30 million that Brian Fuentes is going to get, and the Brewers wouldn't have to give up one of their coveted draft picks. I'd guess Looper can be had in a 2 year deal for around 12-15 million which is on the cheap for a pitcher nowadays.
I'm wondering though, if the Brewers are looking at him as a closer rather a starter. He emerged as a closer for the Marlins back in 2002 and 2003, then had two solid seasons in that role for the Mets in 2004 and 2005 before he was replaced by Billy Wagner. He had a career high 108 strikeouts last year in 199 innings pitched. The Brewers never seem to lack creativity in what they sign guys for, or ask of their players, so I'm just venturing a guess on this, but it's an intriguing possibility. He could be had for much less that the 20-30 million that Brian Fuentes is going to get, and the Brewers wouldn't have to give up one of their coveted draft picks. I'd guess Looper can be had in a 2 year deal for around 12-15 million which is on the cheap for a pitcher nowadays.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Trail Blazer
Mark Tiexera has the chance to help the Milwaukee Brewers in the future. Not on the baseball field with his play but with his free agent choice. Tiexera is being offered similar money by the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals as he is by powerhouses in the Boston Red Sox, Anaheim Angels and New York Yankees.
He is from the Baltimore area and has said all along that he would like to play close to home (where have we heard that before?). If he chooses to go play in a place he feels comfortable, he could change the face of one of the those perpetual losing franchises. All of a sudden, that team becomes instantly credible in the eyes of the media and in the eyes of other free agents.
Maybe, just maybe, by Tiexera shunning the big guns, it would show others that they have choices in which franchises they go to. They can see that they have choices other than chasing the ultimate marketing buck in the big city. He has the opportunity to show that it is ok to go to a place that makes you happy or makes you feel comfortable. Like Baltimore or Washington, or for someone someday, Milwaukee.
Here's to hoping he makes the right decision.
He is from the Baltimore area and has said all along that he would like to play close to home (where have we heard that before?). If he chooses to go play in a place he feels comfortable, he could change the face of one of the those perpetual losing franchises. All of a sudden, that team becomes instantly credible in the eyes of the media and in the eyes of other free agents.
Maybe, just maybe, by Tiexera shunning the big guns, it would show others that they have choices in which franchises they go to. They can see that they have choices other than chasing the ultimate marketing buck in the big city. He has the opportunity to show that it is ok to go to a place that makes you happy or makes you feel comfortable. Like Baltimore or Washington, or for someone someday, Milwaukee.
Here's to hoping he makes the right decision.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Cameron for Cabrera, Mike for Melky
Rumors keep swirling that the Brewers are eventually going to trade Mike Cameron to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera. There seems to be stumbling blocks on the way to the trade regarding the Brewers either paying for some of the 10 million that Cameron is due next year or taking back some salary in return. The player who keeps coming up is "disappointing" lefty Kei Igawa of the Yankees. I say, go for it.
Igawa was solid in AAA last year after struggling with the Yankees. If nothing, it adds depth to the pitching staff, which is what they were hoping to get with the money they saved on Cameron. He's younger than the other guys they were looking to go after. It's less of a risk than to try to trust the health of John Smoltz, Randy Johnson or any other 40 something the Brewers are kicking the tires of. Who knows what getting out of the pressure of New York would do for Igawa. The Brewers can afford to try him as a starter, long man out of the pen or a reliever, and see where he fits. Pitchers moving from the American League to the National League have a good track record of improvement in numbers as well.
As far as Cabrera, what a perfect move for the Brewers. He is another guy who might thrive outside of New York. He's low risk with his salary around 500,000 and under club control for the next 3 years. They shed Cameron, his strikeouts, his salary, and, unfortunately his defense, but hopefully continued improvement from Ryan Braun and Corey Hart on the corners can compensate some for that loss.
I know this is the ultimate optimist view of this trade, but I can't help to take that view. It seems like a great deal to me. It could get even better if the Brewers could pawn Bill Hall off on them too...
Igawa was solid in AAA last year after struggling with the Yankees. If nothing, it adds depth to the pitching staff, which is what they were hoping to get with the money they saved on Cameron. He's younger than the other guys they were looking to go after. It's less of a risk than to try to trust the health of John Smoltz, Randy Johnson or any other 40 something the Brewers are kicking the tires of. Who knows what getting out of the pressure of New York would do for Igawa. The Brewers can afford to try him as a starter, long man out of the pen or a reliever, and see where he fits. Pitchers moving from the American League to the National League have a good track record of improvement in numbers as well.
As far as Cabrera, what a perfect move for the Brewers. He is another guy who might thrive outside of New York. He's low risk with his salary around 500,000 and under club control for the next 3 years. They shed Cameron, his strikeouts, his salary, and, unfortunately his defense, but hopefully continued improvement from Ryan Braun and Corey Hart on the corners can compensate some for that loss.
I know this is the ultimate optimist view of this trade, but I can't help to take that view. It seems like a great deal to me. It could get even better if the Brewers could pawn Bill Hall off on them too...
Dark Days Ahead
I'm not even sure where to start after today's disappointing performance by the Green Bay Packers. I wish I could at least say that they were finding creative ways to lose games, but it's the same script as it has been.
1. Don't come out ready to play and fall behind early
2. Fight back, play well, and take control of the game
3. Have a couple of defensive breakdowns to allow a late opponent score
4. Destroy any chance of a last minute drive by throwing an interception
There might be one of those four in some loss, but the majority are there every week.
No one will let me blame it on the fact that the Packers sorely miss Brett Favre's leadership and the way guys, offense and defense, rally around him. The way, that despite his interceptions that everyone remembers, he found ways to win games. Which led to countless 4th quarter game winning drives and one losing record in his time as Packers starting quarterback.
So, since I can't blame it on that, who is to blame?
Is it the coaches? The blatant lack of discipline on display by the costly penalties week after week, or the fact that they have to constantly call timeouts to get alignments correct. Breakdowns on defense, blown coverages and improper personnel could be placed on the coaches. A lack of blitzes, or effective blitzes could be a product of the system and be put on the coaches, or....
Is it the players? Losing recievers at key moments, penalties, and poor tackling should be blamed on the men who get paid millions to not do those very things. I'm forgetting dropped passes, not knowing where to line up and missing blocks. That's on them.
So who is it? Probably a combination of the two. When th Packers ended their 14-3 run last year with a loss at home to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game, it seemed like a disappointing end to a great run. It turns out, it began the Curse of #4. It's all downhill from here. Ask the Cubs how curses work out for a team. It's going to be a long century!
1. Don't come out ready to play and fall behind early
2. Fight back, play well, and take control of the game
3. Have a couple of defensive breakdowns to allow a late opponent score
4. Destroy any chance of a last minute drive by throwing an interception
There might be one of those four in some loss, but the majority are there every week.
No one will let me blame it on the fact that the Packers sorely miss Brett Favre's leadership and the way guys, offense and defense, rally around him. The way, that despite his interceptions that everyone remembers, he found ways to win games. Which led to countless 4th quarter game winning drives and one losing record in his time as Packers starting quarterback.
So, since I can't blame it on that, who is to blame?
Is it the coaches? The blatant lack of discipline on display by the costly penalties week after week, or the fact that they have to constantly call timeouts to get alignments correct. Breakdowns on defense, blown coverages and improper personnel could be placed on the coaches. A lack of blitzes, or effective blitzes could be a product of the system and be put on the coaches, or....
Is it the players? Losing recievers at key moments, penalties, and poor tackling should be blamed on the men who get paid millions to not do those very things. I'm forgetting dropped passes, not knowing where to line up and missing blocks. That's on them.
So who is it? Probably a combination of the two. When th Packers ended their 14-3 run last year with a loss at home to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game, it seemed like a disappointing end to a great run. It turns out, it began the Curse of #4. It's all downhill from here. Ask the Cubs how curses work out for a team. It's going to be a long century!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Opportunity of a Lifetime
I had the opportunity this past weekend to be on the sidelines at Lambeau Field before the Packers and Houston Texans game. It was an amazing experience that I will always remember. I've been to Lambeau many times before, but never like this. It capped a fantastic weekend where I met a lot of great people, including the majority of the Houston Texans coaching staff on Saturday night. I included a couple of my 140 pictures below or you can click on the link below them to see my entire photo gallery.
Bye Bye CC
Well, with all the lead-up, speculation and guessing as to where CC was going to go, he ended up following the money. It was always speculated that he wanted to play in the National League, or in his home state of California or that he enjoyed his time in Milwaukee so much that he'd consider signing there for less (who were we kidding?) But when it was all said and done, he took the Yankees offer of 7 years/161 million dollars. And honestly, I can't blame him in the least.
I was back and forth on the whole thing for the months following the Brewers exit from the playoffs, and today, when it happened, I felt relief. I'm glad that the Brewers didn't end up on the hook for 100 million plus. It would have crippled the franchise for years. Now they can make some trades, pick up some free agents off the bargain rack, maybe a mid-marquee name or two and build this team back up the way they had been doing it.
CC was great for the franchise while he was here. He helped put Milwaukee baseball back on the map, and I think we should be thankful for what he gave us. Let's just hope Sheets doesn't sign with the Yankees too so the Brewers get their full compenstation for the two. I'm still not against the Brewers resigning him to a 2 year/25 million dollar contract which is what is speculated the Yankees were going to offer him. That is actually a bargain for a pitcher of his caliber with little risk with a two year contract. Maybe toss a mutual option for a third year and boom, we've got Sheets back. Everyone likes to hate him for being injured all the time, but he has been loyal, valuable and productive for the Brewers over his time. Even if he only makes 25 starts a year because of injuries, that's better than 25 starts out of someone else.
Melvin said there won't be a firesale of the Brewers now, but I guarantee there will be some players coming and going. So let the speculation begin!
I was back and forth on the whole thing for the months following the Brewers exit from the playoffs, and today, when it happened, I felt relief. I'm glad that the Brewers didn't end up on the hook for 100 million plus. It would have crippled the franchise for years. Now they can make some trades, pick up some free agents off the bargain rack, maybe a mid-marquee name or two and build this team back up the way they had been doing it.
CC was great for the franchise while he was here. He helped put Milwaukee baseball back on the map, and I think we should be thankful for what he gave us. Let's just hope Sheets doesn't sign with the Yankees too so the Brewers get their full compenstation for the two. I'm still not against the Brewers resigning him to a 2 year/25 million dollar contract which is what is speculated the Yankees were going to offer him. That is actually a bargain for a pitcher of his caliber with little risk with a two year contract. Maybe toss a mutual option for a third year and boom, we've got Sheets back. Everyone likes to hate him for being injured all the time, but he has been loyal, valuable and productive for the Brewers over his time. Even if he only makes 25 starts a year because of injuries, that's better than 25 starts out of someone else.
Melvin said there won't be a firesale of the Brewers now, but I guarantee there will be some players coming and going. So let the speculation begin!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Useless Waste of My Time
While watching the Bucks and the Bulls tonight, I thought how much I disliked Drew Gooden. Not as a player, not as a person, not really for any reason in particular, but I just can't stand him. This got me thinking about other players in the league who I just can't stand for reasons that are either stupid or may not even exist. So, with that, I decided to put together my list of Players I Can't Stand for No Particular Reason, or reasons that are too ridiculous to even mention.
Chris Anderson, PF, Hornets
Renaldo Balkman, SF, Knicks
Bruce Bowen, SF, Spurs
Brian Cardinal, PF, Grizzlies
Ricky Davis, SF, Clippers
Walter Hermann, PF, Pistons
Stephen Jackson, SG, Warriors
Tyronn Lue, PG, Bucks
Drew Gooden, PF, Bulls
Andres Nocioni, SF, Bulls
Eduardo Najera, SF, Mavericks
Fabricio Oberto, PF, Spurs
Tayshaun Prince, SF, Pistons
Wally Szczerbiak, SF, Cavaliers
Jamaal Tinsley, PG, Pacers
Hedo Turkoglu, SF, Magic
Antoine Walker, PF, Grizzlies
Anyone I should add to the list?
Chris Anderson, PF, Hornets
Renaldo Balkman, SF, Knicks
Bruce Bowen, SF, Spurs
Brian Cardinal, PF, Grizzlies
Ricky Davis, SF, Clippers
Walter Hermann, PF, Pistons
Stephen Jackson, SG, Warriors
Tyronn Lue, PG, Bucks
Drew Gooden, PF, Bulls
Andres Nocioni, SF, Bulls
Eduardo Najera, SF, Mavericks
Fabricio Oberto, PF, Spurs
Tayshaun Prince, SF, Pistons
Wally Szczerbiak, SF, Cavaliers
Jamaal Tinsley, PG, Pacers
Hedo Turkoglu, SF, Magic
Antoine Walker, PF, Grizzlies
Anyone I should add to the list?
Luke Warm to Cold Stove
The off-season for the Brewers hasn't exactly lived up to my expectations so far this year. I know it is still considered early, but with today's report that they will most likely be quiet at the Winter GM Meetings, I'm starting to wonder if they are painting themselves in a corner with these CC negotiations. If it drags out into the depths of winter before one of the L.A. teams steps up and offers him a contract which he will accept, the Brewers may be left with little options. At least on the free agent market. I think plan A still includes keeping this team relatively as it was last year with CC leading the staff once again. I think plan B is still the trade of Cameron, Fielder or Hardy (my gut says Fielder), and the restocking of their minor leagues and young talent and pushing some of those talents to the big league level. I can't call it a rebuilding project, becuase that isn't what it is, but a restocking project might be a better way to say it. Then if these young guys develop quicker than anticipated and they are competitive this year they will have depth in the minor league system to make trades for veterans as the year goes on, or as needed. And by the way, if you haven't figured it out, plan A is not going to happen. Getting CC back is a pipe dream and if you haven't realized it yet, wake up.
The reason I feel that Fielder will be the one to go is that I don't think the Brewers believe that Alicides Escobar is ready to be an everyday player. He didn't perform well in the Arizona Fall League which is usually a pretty good indicator. If you didn't read about Escobar and other Brewers propects in the AFL, you can check it out at this link...
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/35014469.html
Whichever way they want to go, I just wish it would get going or stop calling it the hot stove, because it's been about as dull as can be.
The reason I feel that Fielder will be the one to go is that I don't think the Brewers believe that Alicides Escobar is ready to be an everyday player. He didn't perform well in the Arizona Fall League which is usually a pretty good indicator. If you didn't read about Escobar and other Brewers propects in the AFL, you can check it out at this link...
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/35014469.html
Whichever way they want to go, I just wish it would get going or stop calling it the hot stove, because it's been about as dull as can be.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Scary Future
The Matt Cassel story is one of the most fascinating stories that I've heard in quite a while. The guy had not played a football game in 7 years before this year. He didn't play in college as everyone knows but still the Patriots took a flyer on him and developed him, and now he has thrown for more than 400 yards the past two weeks and is really starting to look like the real deal. So what is my point?
I'm afraid that after his contract is up this year, he is going to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Signing him and maybe one more reciever might make them an instant, and legitimate Super Bowl contender, and the team to beat in the NFC North. They'll probably fall apart this year and not make the playoffs, leading to an even worse case scenario for Packers fans and the NFL... the firing of Brad Childress. They'll hire someone who is a competant NFL Coach and feed Adrian Peterson the ball, and then play action off of that and have Cassel just pick apart defenses ala Drew Brees against the Packers last night.
It scares me. I don't sleep at night.
Actually, I'm not that pathetic, but I really do dread the idea of the Vikings being good.
I'm afraid that after his contract is up this year, he is going to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Signing him and maybe one more reciever might make them an instant, and legitimate Super Bowl contender, and the team to beat in the NFC North. They'll probably fall apart this year and not make the playoffs, leading to an even worse case scenario for Packers fans and the NFL... the firing of Brad Childress. They'll hire someone who is a competant NFL Coach and feed Adrian Peterson the ball, and then play action off of that and have Cassel just pick apart defenses ala Drew Brees against the Packers last night.
It scares me. I don't sleep at night.
Actually, I'm not that pathetic, but I really do dread the idea of the Vikings being good.
Coaching Tactics
Last year, Stan Van Gundy, Head Coach of the Orlando Magic, was criticized last year when he pulled Dwight Howard from the game and chewed him out about something he was doing that the coach did not like. Van Gundy was ripped for treating his superstar like this. Analysts said that this is the way a coach loses his team and why a superstar asks for trades or doesn't sign long term. I was outraged by this at the time. A coach is there to motivate, develop and challenge his players. His liveliehood is based on the results of his tactics, whatever they may be. I thought that he had every right to do whatever necessary to motivate his player, superstar or not.
The last couple of weeks, other motivational tactics and player treatment have been in the media and most often criticized.
The first was the Mike Singletary treatment of Vernon Davis when he sent him off the sideline because he wasn't playing the way he demanded of his teammates. He was a coach trying to make a statement about the way he wanted his team to play and I applaud this. Later it came to light that at halftime of that same game, Singletary pulled his pants down to his boxers to demonstrate a point. It wasn't exactly the politically correct way to make the point, but I'm pretty sure that grown men don't need to be PC all the time. I'm sure many worse things are said and seen in the locker room when media isn't around. I think the real problem lies in who is allowed to be in the locker room.
Then finally, Andy Reid benching Donovan McNabb this past weekend has led to the speculation that he is done in Philadelphia and will be finding a new place to play next year. It immediately made people question Andy Reid's coaching job the past two years and question his job security as well. Why can't we just leave it at this... A player on this team was not performing to the expectations his coach had for him and he made a decision to try to find someone who could get it done. Kevin Kolb did not get it done, and now McNabb is starting again. Andy Reid has been one of the most successful coaches of the past decade in the NFL, and all of a sudden, he doesn't know how to coach. I just don't understand why we can't just see things for what they are and not speculate the crap out of everything.
It will probably be put in a top ten list of crazy coaching moves along with Van Gundy and Singletary, because God knows we love top ten lists!
The last couple of weeks, other motivational tactics and player treatment have been in the media and most often criticized.
The first was the Mike Singletary treatment of Vernon Davis when he sent him off the sideline because he wasn't playing the way he demanded of his teammates. He was a coach trying to make a statement about the way he wanted his team to play and I applaud this. Later it came to light that at halftime of that same game, Singletary pulled his pants down to his boxers to demonstrate a point. It wasn't exactly the politically correct way to make the point, but I'm pretty sure that grown men don't need to be PC all the time. I'm sure many worse things are said and seen in the locker room when media isn't around. I think the real problem lies in who is allowed to be in the locker room.
Then finally, Andy Reid benching Donovan McNabb this past weekend has led to the speculation that he is done in Philadelphia and will be finding a new place to play next year. It immediately made people question Andy Reid's coaching job the past two years and question his job security as well. Why can't we just leave it at this... A player on this team was not performing to the expectations his coach had for him and he made a decision to try to find someone who could get it done. Kevin Kolb did not get it done, and now McNabb is starting again. Andy Reid has been one of the most successful coaches of the past decade in the NFL, and all of a sudden, he doesn't know how to coach. I just don't understand why we can't just see things for what they are and not speculate the crap out of everything.
It will probably be put in a top ten list of crazy coaching moves along with Van Gundy and Singletary, because God knows we love top ten lists!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
BCS and Conference Bias
How soon we forget about Boise State and their amazing upset of Oklahoma in the BCS a few years ago. I thought a win like that would validate these other conferences and the level of football that they play, but here comes bowl season around the corner again and the media is doing it's part to make sure that Florida, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and the other big guns are in the bowl games and the right ones are in the Championship. If I hear one more time that Florida is the best team in the NCAA, I am going to puke. It's because people constantly say that, and sports analysis is such a copycat business that the votes start to sway towards Florida. (Again proving that ESPN has too much power). If they were the best team in college football, they would not have lost to Mississippi, who by the way is 6-4 (3-3 SEC).
The other thing that gets in the way of the BCS being a successful system is the conference bias. It is absolutely a joke that Cincinnati, UConn or West Virginia or whoever will represent the Big East in a BCS Bowl this year. Can't common sense step in and say, wow, that conference sucks and no one from it belongs in a prestigous bowl. How about the ACC too? Unranked Maryland is probably going to get that bid when it's all said and done and take their 3 losses into the BCS while Boise State heads to the Doesn't Matter Bowl. The Big Ten and Pac-10's insistence that they be affiliated with the Rose Bowl will end up being a game between Oregon State and Penn State, which by the way already happened this year and it was a 45-14 Nittany Lion rout. Then when Oregon State goes to the Rose Bowl, everyone's favorite darling, USC will get an at-large rather than Boise State, who already proved they can play with the big boys, if they're ever given the chance. Ohio State has stunk up the whole national stage lately, that they should get a 3 year ban from the BCS, but, even with two losses to two other BCS teams, they are projected to sneak in once again and get blown out once again.
If the season ended today, this should be the BCS Bowl Games..
National Championship - Alabama vs. Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Utah
Sugar Bowl - Ball State vs. Penn State
Rose Bowl - USC vs. Texas
Orange Bowl - Florida vs. Boise State
The only one loss team sitting out would be BYU, but they can't really gripe because they didn't win their conference. Utah did. Those are some good looking matchups. David vs. Goliath. Established coaches vs. up and coming coaching stars. Storylines that excite people. It has it all! But it doesn't follow the "rules" of the BCS, or should I say the bias of the BCS.
The other thing that gets in the way of the BCS being a successful system is the conference bias. It is absolutely a joke that Cincinnati, UConn or West Virginia or whoever will represent the Big East in a BCS Bowl this year. Can't common sense step in and say, wow, that conference sucks and no one from it belongs in a prestigous bowl. How about the ACC too? Unranked Maryland is probably going to get that bid when it's all said and done and take their 3 losses into the BCS while Boise State heads to the Doesn't Matter Bowl. The Big Ten and Pac-10's insistence that they be affiliated with the Rose Bowl will end up being a game between Oregon State and Penn State, which by the way already happened this year and it was a 45-14 Nittany Lion rout. Then when Oregon State goes to the Rose Bowl, everyone's favorite darling, USC will get an at-large rather than Boise State, who already proved they can play with the big boys, if they're ever given the chance. Ohio State has stunk up the whole national stage lately, that they should get a 3 year ban from the BCS, but, even with two losses to two other BCS teams, they are projected to sneak in once again and get blown out once again.
If the season ended today, this should be the BCS Bowl Games..
National Championship - Alabama vs. Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Utah
Sugar Bowl - Ball State vs. Penn State
Rose Bowl - USC vs. Texas
Orange Bowl - Florida vs. Boise State
The only one loss team sitting out would be BYU, but they can't really gripe because they didn't win their conference. Utah did. Those are some good looking matchups. David vs. Goliath. Established coaches vs. up and coming coaching stars. Storylines that excite people. It has it all! But it doesn't follow the "rules" of the BCS, or should I say the bias of the BCS.
Monday, November 17, 2008
NFL Week 11
5 Packers Thoughts
1. I'm not sure the Packers aren't better with AJ Hawk and Brandon Chillar then they are with Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk. I think it speaks more to the fact that AJ Hawk is playing out of position on the outside to anything negative about Nick Barnett. With his speed, put him on the outside next year and go with Barnett, Hawk and Chillar. That could be scary good.
2. Chad Clifton is getting a step slow. The line in general played MUCH better than they did last week, but he is not the football player he once was. The Packers might be better off with Colledge at LT and Spitz at LG. I'm sure they've discussed it.
3. If anyone didn't know, Al Harris and Charles Woodson are the best combination of cover corners in the National Football League. If Woodson doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year, I am not watching it. Wait, I never watch the Pro Bowl anyway, but you get the idea. The only thing that will keep Harris out is the time he missed, but even so, he's certainly good enough. He should be joined by Collins and Kampman on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively they should be represented by Greg Jennings and Mark Tauscher. Will Blackmon could be the return specialist in Hawaii too.
4. I think we should temper our excitement a little bit about how well they played. The Bears were not able to do anything and a lot of that was because of the lack of mobility of Kyle Orton and his injured ankle. They loaded up against the run and only had to cover for a very short amount of time because he couldn't keep plays alive. And even though the Bears have been better this year, they still don't have all that many offensive weapons. They won't have the same luxuries against the Saints next week. I think the Saints are the best team in the NFL that doesn't win very much. They're scary on offense.
5. Aaron Rodgers is a different guy when he has some time to throw. Who isn't really, but man did he look good again. That being said, the Packers would be 7-3 with Favre....
5 NFL Thoughts
1. Kurt Warner is the MVP of the league right now. He is playing out of his mind. And the Cardinals are for real at 7-3. If they get any running game from Hightower and Arrington, they can't be stopped because they have two recievers who demand double teams. If they don't give Bouldin all the money he wants in the off-season, I will be convinced that they do not want to win ever again. The only reciever in the league that's better than him lines up opposite him.
2. How come Brad Childress doesn't really want to coach the Vikings? Hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, then throw it, then hand it to him, then throw it to him, then chuck one down field to someone, then lather, rinse and repeat the process. If he doesn't touch it 25 times a game for the rest of the way out, he should be fired. Why doesn't he know this? He beat the Packers BY HIMSELF. That's what superstars do. That's what he is. Also, pass this memo to Wade Phillips about Marion Barber please. It's not that hard.
3. In case people haven't noticed, Peyton Manning is 17th in the league in quarterback rating and Donovan McNabb is 18th. Have we seen the best of those two guys? Seems like their prime didn't last all that long. Either that or I'm getting old, but man it came and went. They are behind the following list of quarterbacks in QB Rating... Chad Pennington, Matt Schaub, Trent Edwards, Matt Cassell, Matt Ryan, and Jason Campbell just to name a bunch.
4. ESPN decided that the star of Monday Night Football would be Ron Jaworski, but I'm really annoyed with him already this year. He thinks he is a genius and he's not. (Similar to the way I feel, but that's neither here nor there). I say more Tony Kornheiser makes more entertainment!
5. Finally, there is nothing better than football in HD. I can't even watch it in standard def anymore. It hurts my eyes. The Bills and Browns have never looked better.
1. I'm not sure the Packers aren't better with AJ Hawk and Brandon Chillar then they are with Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk. I think it speaks more to the fact that AJ Hawk is playing out of position on the outside to anything negative about Nick Barnett. With his speed, put him on the outside next year and go with Barnett, Hawk and Chillar. That could be scary good.
2. Chad Clifton is getting a step slow. The line in general played MUCH better than they did last week, but he is not the football player he once was. The Packers might be better off with Colledge at LT and Spitz at LG. I'm sure they've discussed it.
3. If anyone didn't know, Al Harris and Charles Woodson are the best combination of cover corners in the National Football League. If Woodson doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year, I am not watching it. Wait, I never watch the Pro Bowl anyway, but you get the idea. The only thing that will keep Harris out is the time he missed, but even so, he's certainly good enough. He should be joined by Collins and Kampman on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively they should be represented by Greg Jennings and Mark Tauscher. Will Blackmon could be the return specialist in Hawaii too.
4. I think we should temper our excitement a little bit about how well they played. The Bears were not able to do anything and a lot of that was because of the lack of mobility of Kyle Orton and his injured ankle. They loaded up against the run and only had to cover for a very short amount of time because he couldn't keep plays alive. And even though the Bears have been better this year, they still don't have all that many offensive weapons. They won't have the same luxuries against the Saints next week. I think the Saints are the best team in the NFL that doesn't win very much. They're scary on offense.
5. Aaron Rodgers is a different guy when he has some time to throw. Who isn't really, but man did he look good again. That being said, the Packers would be 7-3 with Favre....
5 NFL Thoughts
1. Kurt Warner is the MVP of the league right now. He is playing out of his mind. And the Cardinals are for real at 7-3. If they get any running game from Hightower and Arrington, they can't be stopped because they have two recievers who demand double teams. If they don't give Bouldin all the money he wants in the off-season, I will be convinced that they do not want to win ever again. The only reciever in the league that's better than him lines up opposite him.
2. How come Brad Childress doesn't really want to coach the Vikings? Hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, then throw it, then hand it to him, then throw it to him, then chuck one down field to someone, then lather, rinse and repeat the process. If he doesn't touch it 25 times a game for the rest of the way out, he should be fired. Why doesn't he know this? He beat the Packers BY HIMSELF. That's what superstars do. That's what he is. Also, pass this memo to Wade Phillips about Marion Barber please. It's not that hard.
3. In case people haven't noticed, Peyton Manning is 17th in the league in quarterback rating and Donovan McNabb is 18th. Have we seen the best of those two guys? Seems like their prime didn't last all that long. Either that or I'm getting old, but man it came and went. They are behind the following list of quarterbacks in QB Rating... Chad Pennington, Matt Schaub, Trent Edwards, Matt Cassell, Matt Ryan, and Jason Campbell just to name a bunch.
4. ESPN decided that the star of Monday Night Football would be Ron Jaworski, but I'm really annoyed with him already this year. He thinks he is a genius and he's not. (Similar to the way I feel, but that's neither here nor there). I say more Tony Kornheiser makes more entertainment!
5. Finally, there is nothing better than football in HD. I can't even watch it in standard def anymore. It hurts my eyes. The Bills and Browns have never looked better.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday Thoughts
I have a lot on my mind outside of the Wisconsin Sports at all times so here are just some random thoughts I felt like sharing.
1. I don't know if anyone watched the San Francisco/Arizona game last night but what a fun game that was. Arizona has some serious playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. I'm still not sold on Hightower as a starting running back, but other than that they have Fitzgerald, Breaston and Boldin who might be the best recieving corps in the NFL. Kurt Warner is playing out of his mind. I don't think there is a quarterback playing better in the NFL than he is. He'd half to be considered the MVP to this point.
2. NBA TV should do a nightly, "you pick em" game on their network. Something where you can go online and pick any of the NBA games on the schedule and get their local broadcast. I think it would really give the league a chance for people to see more teams than you do now. I can only watch so many Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs games. Most of the young, exciting stars are on teams that aren't being televised nationally. Wouldn't it be fun to see Kevin Durant, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and some of those guys whenever you wanted to? It seems something simple enough to do. Go online, choose your game, flip to the NBA TV and boom. Your very own game of the night
3. If I had to rate the top 5 shows that we hear on ESPN Radio in our area, they would no doubt go in this order. 1. Dan Patrick Show 2. The Herd 3. Mike and Mike in the Morning 4. Tirico and Van Pelt (Very Distant 5.) Jim Rome Show. Dan Patrick gets the best guests, his supporting cast is entertaining and his interviews are the most interesting. The Herd is a close second. He is very opinionated, but backs them up with facts. Mike and Mike are an entertaining way to start the morning. I think where they lack is their coverage of other sports. They are very football orientated and while I love the NFL, I like to hear about the NBA and MLB as well. Tirico and Van Pelt aren't together enough. They aren't terrible edgy or exciting, but a good listen nonetheless. Rome is lame. If you click over in the middle of the show, it often takes 10 minutes to figure out what the heck he is even talking about. Plus, to me, he seems stuck on himself.
4. Teams should hire official "clock managers" in both the NFL and major college football. As good as these guys are at coaching, very few of them can manage a clock. And let's face it, what do they do during a game if not that? They don't call plays, on offense or defense, they don't go to the bench and X and O during timeouts. They are out their to yell at the officials, talk to players as they come off the field (sometimes), be on camera a lot, decide whether to punt or go for it on 4th down and MANAGE THE CLOCK. I will offer my services to any coach who wants to start that position. If you've been watching a lot of football lately you've seen Bielma, McCarthy, Les Miles (LSU), and Mike Singletary (49ers) struggle with clock management and timeouts the last couple of weeks. And that's just naming a couple
5. Why in the world are the Padres so intent on trading Jake Peavy? He's rather affordable for an ace pitcher for one. Secondly, anything can happen year to year in baseball. You can be awful one year and competitive the next. The Rays are a pretty extreme case, but it's possible to have some degree of a turnover. The Padres made the playoffs (one game playoff at least) two years ago and struggled through injuries this year. Who's to say they wouldn't rebound next year. If they do, it sure would be nice to have an ace like Peavy out there. Peavy is young, cheap (relatively) speaking and perfect guy to rebuild AROUND. Don't use him to rebuild.
1. I don't know if anyone watched the San Francisco/Arizona game last night but what a fun game that was. Arizona has some serious playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. I'm still not sold on Hightower as a starting running back, but other than that they have Fitzgerald, Breaston and Boldin who might be the best recieving corps in the NFL. Kurt Warner is playing out of his mind. I don't think there is a quarterback playing better in the NFL than he is. He'd half to be considered the MVP to this point.
2. NBA TV should do a nightly, "you pick em" game on their network. Something where you can go online and pick any of the NBA games on the schedule and get their local broadcast. I think it would really give the league a chance for people to see more teams than you do now. I can only watch so many Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs games. Most of the young, exciting stars are on teams that aren't being televised nationally. Wouldn't it be fun to see Kevin Durant, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and some of those guys whenever you wanted to? It seems something simple enough to do. Go online, choose your game, flip to the NBA TV and boom. Your very own game of the night
3. If I had to rate the top 5 shows that we hear on ESPN Radio in our area, they would no doubt go in this order. 1. Dan Patrick Show 2. The Herd 3. Mike and Mike in the Morning 4. Tirico and Van Pelt (Very Distant 5.) Jim Rome Show. Dan Patrick gets the best guests, his supporting cast is entertaining and his interviews are the most interesting. The Herd is a close second. He is very opinionated, but backs them up with facts. Mike and Mike are an entertaining way to start the morning. I think where they lack is their coverage of other sports. They are very football orientated and while I love the NFL, I like to hear about the NBA and MLB as well. Tirico and Van Pelt aren't together enough. They aren't terrible edgy or exciting, but a good listen nonetheless. Rome is lame. If you click over in the middle of the show, it often takes 10 minutes to figure out what the heck he is even talking about. Plus, to me, he seems stuck on himself.
4. Teams should hire official "clock managers" in both the NFL and major college football. As good as these guys are at coaching, very few of them can manage a clock. And let's face it, what do they do during a game if not that? They don't call plays, on offense or defense, they don't go to the bench and X and O during timeouts. They are out their to yell at the officials, talk to players as they come off the field (sometimes), be on camera a lot, decide whether to punt or go for it on 4th down and MANAGE THE CLOCK. I will offer my services to any coach who wants to start that position. If you've been watching a lot of football lately you've seen Bielma, McCarthy, Les Miles (LSU), and Mike Singletary (49ers) struggle with clock management and timeouts the last couple of weeks. And that's just naming a couple
5. Why in the world are the Padres so intent on trading Jake Peavy? He's rather affordable for an ace pitcher for one. Secondly, anything can happen year to year in baseball. You can be awful one year and competitive the next. The Rays are a pretty extreme case, but it's possible to have some degree of a turnover. The Padres made the playoffs (one game playoff at least) two years ago and struggled through injuries this year. Who's to say they wouldn't rebound next year. If they do, it sure would be nice to have an ace like Peavy out there. Peavy is young, cheap (relatively) speaking and perfect guy to rebuild AROUND. Don't use him to rebuild.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Just a couple of thoughts right after a very disappointing Packer game. After all was said and done, it should have still been a victory
The Good
1. The defensive backfield continues to make plays. Nick Collins and Charles Woodson each have 5 interceptions, with Collins returning three of those for Touchdowns. Both should be playing in Hawaii in February. Without the play Collins made, that game could have gotten away from the Pack.
2. Will Blackmon is a playmaker. He made some bad decisions early, but more than made up for it with a spectacular punt return that should have given the Packers the lead for good. His kickoff return gave the Packers a chance to win, but we all know how that ended. A creative coaching staff might figure out ways to get him 5 more touches a game...
3. I wanted three things in each category, but that was about a sloppy a performance as I can remember, so my third point in the good category is that the game is over and I don't have to watch it anymore.
The Bad
1. Penalties are starting to be a real cause for concern. They have regressed from a discipline standpoint. False starts, holding and delay of game have plagued the offense. I will admit that the call against Daryn Colledge was a phantom call, but the Packers are at fault for the majority.
2. Derek Frost is abysmal. His punts have no hangtime and are easily returnable. After a three and out on the first series today, Frost could have limited the damage by getting off a nice, deep punt, but instead it's a 4o yard line drive that is returned into Green Bay territory and the Vikings momentum grows with a short field ahead of them.
3. What was Mike McCarthy thinking with his last challenge? I'm not sure what good could have come out of it. I'm thinking the Vikings almost wanted him to win the challenge. They could have ran two or three more plays from the one and punched it in with under a minute left and the Packers having no timeouts left on the board (not that they utilitized the one they had anyway). Instead he lost the challenge and his timeout. Interesting at best.
The Ugly
1. Aaron Rodgers. He got off to a fast start and got much of the state of Wisconsin on his side, but his play over the last couple of weeks has me concerned. He needs to get rid of the ball if there is no one open. He's holding onto it far too long which is evident by the second safety of the game. That is inexcusible for a professional quarterback. The other thing that is awful is his ball security. Put two hands on the football when you are standing in the pocket. It's another one of those things that is expected of a high school quarterback and should be second nature by this point. That led to the first safety, which was nothing short of embarassing. Rodgers was very inconsistent last week, and I'd argue that he was more consistent this week, albeit consistently bad.
2. The Packers run defense is embarrassingly bad. I understand that they were playing against Adrian Peterson and he is going to get his yards, but the way he got his yards, missed tackles, cutbacks against no pursuit are cause for concern. Remind me again why it was necessary to jettison Corey Williams in the offseason. Just for the record, with that pick the Packers selected third string quarterback Brian Brohm.
3. That was terrible two minutes offense at the end of the game. They were limited a bit by the lack of timeouts discussed above but none the less, when you get the ball at the 40 yard line with 1:45 left, why do you decide that that is far enough to get. They should have been throwing the ball down the field to try to get a closer field goal. Instead, against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL, they run twice and throw a quick screen behind the line of scrimmage. Wow. That kick was good from 48 yards, also known as one more slant pass downfield.
The Good
1. The defensive backfield continues to make plays. Nick Collins and Charles Woodson each have 5 interceptions, with Collins returning three of those for Touchdowns. Both should be playing in Hawaii in February. Without the play Collins made, that game could have gotten away from the Pack.
2. Will Blackmon is a playmaker. He made some bad decisions early, but more than made up for it with a spectacular punt return that should have given the Packers the lead for good. His kickoff return gave the Packers a chance to win, but we all know how that ended. A creative coaching staff might figure out ways to get him 5 more touches a game...
3. I wanted three things in each category, but that was about a sloppy a performance as I can remember, so my third point in the good category is that the game is over and I don't have to watch it anymore.
The Bad
1. Penalties are starting to be a real cause for concern. They have regressed from a discipline standpoint. False starts, holding and delay of game have plagued the offense. I will admit that the call against Daryn Colledge was a phantom call, but the Packers are at fault for the majority.
2. Derek Frost is abysmal. His punts have no hangtime and are easily returnable. After a three and out on the first series today, Frost could have limited the damage by getting off a nice, deep punt, but instead it's a 4o yard line drive that is returned into Green Bay territory and the Vikings momentum grows with a short field ahead of them.
3. What was Mike McCarthy thinking with his last challenge? I'm not sure what good could have come out of it. I'm thinking the Vikings almost wanted him to win the challenge. They could have ran two or three more plays from the one and punched it in with under a minute left and the Packers having no timeouts left on the board (not that they utilitized the one they had anyway). Instead he lost the challenge and his timeout. Interesting at best.
The Ugly
1. Aaron Rodgers. He got off to a fast start and got much of the state of Wisconsin on his side, but his play over the last couple of weeks has me concerned. He needs to get rid of the ball if there is no one open. He's holding onto it far too long which is evident by the second safety of the game. That is inexcusible for a professional quarterback. The other thing that is awful is his ball security. Put two hands on the football when you are standing in the pocket. It's another one of those things that is expected of a high school quarterback and should be second nature by this point. That led to the first safety, which was nothing short of embarassing. Rodgers was very inconsistent last week, and I'd argue that he was more consistent this week, albeit consistently bad.
2. The Packers run defense is embarrassingly bad. I understand that they were playing against Adrian Peterson and he is going to get his yards, but the way he got his yards, missed tackles, cutbacks against no pursuit are cause for concern. Remind me again why it was necessary to jettison Corey Williams in the offseason. Just for the record, with that pick the Packers selected third string quarterback Brian Brohm.
3. That was terrible two minutes offense at the end of the game. They were limited a bit by the lack of timeouts discussed above but none the less, when you get the ball at the 40 yard line with 1:45 left, why do you decide that that is far enough to get. They should have been throwing the ball down the field to try to get a closer field goal. Instead, against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL, they run twice and throw a quick screen behind the line of scrimmage. Wow. That kick was good from 48 yards, also known as one more slant pass downfield.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Not Ready for the Big Time
The Milwaukee Bucks have showed steady signs of progress so far in the 2008-2009 season, there is no doubt. At 3-3, it's easy to get a little excited about where they're at.
But it isn't quite time to talk playoffs yet.
The Bucks have beaten the Oklahoma City Outlaws, I mean Thunder. (Don't you think Outlaws sounds a lot better?), who might have a chance to win 20 games. They've beaten the Knicks who are nowhere near what you'd call contenders and they've beaten the "Agent Zeroless" Washington Wizards who stand as one of the only two winless teams in the NBA. The other is the Clippers. Not exactly a who's who of NBA Championship contenders.
They played one of those NBA contenders tonight when they traveled to Boston to face the Celtics. The Bucks stayed with them for the first 16 minutes, thanks in large part to a 14 point first quarter by Richard Jefferson, but the Celtics pretty much coasted past them without much effort.
The Bucks have also played two teams with legitimate playoff chances, the Bulls and the Raptors and were turned away by both. They certainly had their moments in both of those games, especially a spirited comeback against the Raptors, led by Andrew Bogut, but eventually the Bucks were outlasted by tougher, more seasoned basketball teams.
They are definitely ahead of where they were last year at this time. You can tell it by the intensity and the defensive effort, but with a brutal schedule over the next couple weeks (vs. Phoenix, @ Cleveland, vs. San Antonio, @ Memphis, vs. Boston, @ Denver, and @ Utah), their record might not be much different when the dust settles.
Michael Redd Trade Ideas
I have a feelings that a good majority of my Bucks thoughts this winter are going to begin and end with trading Michael Redd. Here are a couple of ideas. I included contract numbers where it was important.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd (15.78 mil/year for 3 years)
PG Damon Jones (expiring contract 4.46 mil)
Trade Exception on Mo Williams
New York Knicks trades:
PG Stephon Marbury (expiring contract 20.8 mil)
PF David Lee (expiring contract 1.78 mil)
The key to that trade is the Bucks ability to sign David Lee to an extension. He averaged around 10 points and 10 rebounds a year for the past 3 years while playing only 25-30 minutes a game.
The Bucks would create cap space and get a possible replacement for Charlie Villanueva when he leaves via free agency. Unless I decide to trade him later this year.
Why would the Knicks do it? Number one, you get Stephon Marbury out of your hair. Not only do you jettison a guy who doesn't want to be there, but you get to do it while acquiring an All-Star shooting guard. With he, Duhan and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt, Mike D'Antoni's offense is starting to look possible to run. The lose the athletic Lee, but you might lose him at season's end anyway. (Why wouldn't a young guy want to leave the Knicks?) The also have Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari and Mardy Collins developing on the wings to go along with that backcourt. Zach Randolph becomes more dangerous with a shooter like Redd on the perimeter and if Eddy Curry ever gets out of the doghouse to play center again, the Knicks start to look credible again. They also have Jerome James and Malik Allen's contracts coming off the books this off-season (14 million total). The following year, they would have Curry and Richardson's contract gone and now the cap space to bring in LBJ. It would be much more convincing for him to come in to a situation with an established point guard (Duhan), a shooter he's destined to play with (Redd) and a big man who has had three years of development (Gallinari).
Call John Hammond. Get it moving
The other trade idea I have is a really intriguing one.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd
PF Charlie Villanueva
Miami trades:
SF Shawn Marion
SG Daquan Cook
1st Round Draft Pick
The Bucks would do this trade with no intention of resigning Shawn Marion. His 17.8 million would come off the books after this year, and he can play the 3/4 while Alexander and Mbah a' Moute develop. Daquan Cook is a young player with a great shooting touch who would be given a chance to play the 2 with Charlie Bell. The first round pick might be wishful thinking on my part, but Michael Redd is an All-Star with game changing ability so I feel like the Bucks need something more out of the deal than cap space and a talented, but young shooting guard project. Some people might not like the inclusion of Charlie V, but I think that might seal the deal of getting the first round pick. The Bucks would have the money to go after a veteran 4 man next summer and two first round picks to acquire more talent or use as trade bait in the summer. Sounds promising.
Why would the Heat do it? Because putting Michael Redd on the floor with Dwayne Wade makes them tough to guard on the perimeter. Especially if Michael Beasley is what he is projected to be. And there's no reason to believe he won't be. Mario Chalmers looks to be a second round steal at the point guard and Mark Blount is a serviceable big man for now. (He's no worse than Kendrick Perkins was for the Celtics last year). Talk about a big three in Redd, Wade and Beasley. Teaming Villanueva on the Heat second unit with Marcus Banks, James Jones and Udanis Haslem provides a bench with some punch for the Heat.
But it isn't quite time to talk playoffs yet.
The Bucks have beaten the Oklahoma City Outlaws, I mean Thunder. (Don't you think Outlaws sounds a lot better?), who might have a chance to win 20 games. They've beaten the Knicks who are nowhere near what you'd call contenders and they've beaten the "Agent Zeroless" Washington Wizards who stand as one of the only two winless teams in the NBA. The other is the Clippers. Not exactly a who's who of NBA Championship contenders.
They played one of those NBA contenders tonight when they traveled to Boston to face the Celtics. The Bucks stayed with them for the first 16 minutes, thanks in large part to a 14 point first quarter by Richard Jefferson, but the Celtics pretty much coasted past them without much effort.
The Bucks have also played two teams with legitimate playoff chances, the Bulls and the Raptors and were turned away by both. They certainly had their moments in both of those games, especially a spirited comeback against the Raptors, led by Andrew Bogut, but eventually the Bucks were outlasted by tougher, more seasoned basketball teams.
They are definitely ahead of where they were last year at this time. You can tell it by the intensity and the defensive effort, but with a brutal schedule over the next couple weeks (vs. Phoenix, @ Cleveland, vs. San Antonio, @ Memphis, vs. Boston, @ Denver, and @ Utah), their record might not be much different when the dust settles.
Michael Redd Trade Ideas
I have a feelings that a good majority of my Bucks thoughts this winter are going to begin and end with trading Michael Redd. Here are a couple of ideas. I included contract numbers where it was important.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd (15.78 mil/year for 3 years)
PG Damon Jones (expiring contract 4.46 mil)
Trade Exception on Mo Williams
New York Knicks trades:
PG Stephon Marbury (expiring contract 20.8 mil)
PF David Lee (expiring contract 1.78 mil)
The key to that trade is the Bucks ability to sign David Lee to an extension. He averaged around 10 points and 10 rebounds a year for the past 3 years while playing only 25-30 minutes a game.
The Bucks would create cap space and get a possible replacement for Charlie Villanueva when he leaves via free agency. Unless I decide to trade him later this year.
Why would the Knicks do it? Number one, you get Stephon Marbury out of your hair. Not only do you jettison a guy who doesn't want to be there, but you get to do it while acquiring an All-Star shooting guard. With he, Duhan and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt, Mike D'Antoni's offense is starting to look possible to run. The lose the athletic Lee, but you might lose him at season's end anyway. (Why wouldn't a young guy want to leave the Knicks?) The also have Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari and Mardy Collins developing on the wings to go along with that backcourt. Zach Randolph becomes more dangerous with a shooter like Redd on the perimeter and if Eddy Curry ever gets out of the doghouse to play center again, the Knicks start to look credible again. They also have Jerome James and Malik Allen's contracts coming off the books this off-season (14 million total). The following year, they would have Curry and Richardson's contract gone and now the cap space to bring in LBJ. It would be much more convincing for him to come in to a situation with an established point guard (Duhan), a shooter he's destined to play with (Redd) and a big man who has had three years of development (Gallinari).
Call John Hammond. Get it moving
The other trade idea I have is a really intriguing one.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd
PF Charlie Villanueva
Miami trades:
SF Shawn Marion
SG Daquan Cook
1st Round Draft Pick
The Bucks would do this trade with no intention of resigning Shawn Marion. His 17.8 million would come off the books after this year, and he can play the 3/4 while Alexander and Mbah a' Moute develop. Daquan Cook is a young player with a great shooting touch who would be given a chance to play the 2 with Charlie Bell. The first round pick might be wishful thinking on my part, but Michael Redd is an All-Star with game changing ability so I feel like the Bucks need something more out of the deal than cap space and a talented, but young shooting guard project. Some people might not like the inclusion of Charlie V, but I think that might seal the deal of getting the first round pick. The Bucks would have the money to go after a veteran 4 man next summer and two first round picks to acquire more talent or use as trade bait in the summer. Sounds promising.
Why would the Heat do it? Because putting Michael Redd on the floor with Dwayne Wade makes them tough to guard on the perimeter. Especially if Michael Beasley is what he is projected to be. And there's no reason to believe he won't be. Mario Chalmers looks to be a second round steal at the point guard and Mark Blount is a serviceable big man for now. (He's no worse than Kendrick Perkins was for the Celtics last year). Talk about a big three in Redd, Wade and Beasley. Teaming Villanueva on the Heat second unit with Marcus Banks, James Jones and Udanis Haslem provides a bench with some punch for the Heat.
Flawed Logic
During the search for the Brewers new manager, Doug Melvin discussed how he wanted a fresh pair of eyes to come in and see these players. He said that many of them had come up through the system with these same coaches and maybe that wasn't the best thing for them going forward. He got that guy in Ken Macha.
But apparently that doesn't apply to his coaches.
Macha brought Dale Svuem back as hitting coach and has now hired Bill Castro, long time bullpen coach to be his pitching coach. So much for fresh eyes.
It seems that both of these guys "really wanted" to move into their new positions. In fact, Svuem went to Macha and asked, to which he agreed. That's quite the interview process they've got in Milwaukee. The same goes for Bill Castro. He told Macha that he it was his dream. He has waited 17 years for this opportunity. Well maybe there was a reason he never got it before this.
I think part of the reason that the Brewers weren't able to ascend to truly Championship Caliber was because of Ned Yost and his staff. There were fantastic at getting the player's to where they are today, but they needed someone else to take them to the next level. Reassigning coaches within the new staff isn't getting that done.
But apparently that doesn't apply to his coaches.
Macha brought Dale Svuem back as hitting coach and has now hired Bill Castro, long time bullpen coach to be his pitching coach. So much for fresh eyes.
It seems that both of these guys "really wanted" to move into their new positions. In fact, Svuem went to Macha and asked, to which he agreed. That's quite the interview process they've got in Milwaukee. The same goes for Bill Castro. He told Macha that he it was his dream. He has waited 17 years for this opportunity. Well maybe there was a reason he never got it before this.
I think part of the reason that the Brewers weren't able to ascend to truly Championship Caliber was because of Ned Yost and his staff. There were fantastic at getting the player's to where they are today, but they needed someone else to take them to the next level. Reassigning coaches within the new staff isn't getting that done.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mike Cameron, again
I'm going to change this blog name to A Kosi Outlook of Mike Cameron pretty soon. This rumor is starting to gain some steam around the internet.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11062008/sports/yankees/yanks_eye_cameron__could_move_cabrera_137265.htm
I for one, would be 100% behind this decision!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11062008/sports/yankees/yanks_eye_cameron__could_move_cabrera_137265.htm
I for one, would be 100% behind this decision!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Buyer Beware
There is no doubt that the hottest topic on the Brewers hot stove is CC Sabathia. With word that the Brewers have offered him 100 million dollars for 4 or 5 years depending on who you listen to, it brings up the question... Is he worth it? Honestly, I've gone back and forth on it. That's 20 million dollars a year to one guy on a team who's annual payroll is set to be between 80 and 90 million. That could be 25% to one guy, and 75% divided among the other 24 players. Let's look at one more scary statistic.
These are the 16 highest paid pitchers in baseball.
Johan Santana, $22,916,667 (2008-13)
Carlos Zambrano, $18,300,000 (2008-12)
Barry Zito, $18,000,000 (2007-13)
Jake Peavy, $17,333,333 (2010-12)
Andy Pettitte, $16,000,000 (2008)
Jason Schmidt, $15,666,667 (2007-09)
Mike Hampton, $15,125,000 (2001-08)
Roy Oswalt, $14,600,000 (2007-11)
Mark Buehrle, $14,000,000 (2008-11)
John Smoltz, $14,000,000 (2008)
Roy Halladay, $13,333,333 (2008-10)
Pedro Martinez, $13,250,000 (2005-08)
Randy Johnson, $13,000,000 (2007-08)
Chris Carpenter, $12,700,000 (2008-11)
Bronson Arroyo, $12,500,000 (2009-10)
Kevin Millwood, $12,000,000 (2006-10)
With the exception of Halladay, Santana and Peavey, would you want any of those guys on your team? I'll give a maybe to Oswalt, Zambrano.
Bronson Arroyo? Kevin Millwood? Mike Hampton? Jason Schmidt? Injuries have derailed a lot of these guys, and that's a risk you have to consider when offering a pitcher one of these massive contracts. Make sure you look at how long some of these guys are still going to be paid these massive dollars as well. Scary.
I'm starting to think the Brewers pitching staff might be in better shape by signing a Jon Garland type. Garland has pitched no less that 190 innings in every year since 2002 and has one no less than 10 games in any of those years, including two seasons with 18 wins. All in the American League. A move to the National League may lower that career 4.47 ERA. Pay to get Joe Beimel from the Dodgers. Chad Cordero has suffered through arm injuries, but should be ready for Spring Training. He's only 26 and will come cheaper than a guy like Brian Fuentes. I think one more name to consider for the Brewers is Carl Pavano. I understand that his time with the Yankees bordered on embarrassing. He was hurt pretty much the entire time and ineffective in the rest of the time. But remember, Doug Melvin has a history of grabbing guys off of the scrap heap and having them succeed in Milwaukee (Joe Dillon, Gabe Kapler, Brian Shouse, Guillermo Mota, even Salomon Torres to an extent). Pavano was a guy who didn't walk many people, and was an All-Star in 2004 and was excellent for the Marlins in the 2003 Post-Season (2-0, 1.40 ERA in 19.1 innings). He could be a steal if he could regain those numbers.
These are the 16 highest paid pitchers in baseball.
Johan Santana, $22,916,667 (2008-13)
Carlos Zambrano, $18,300,000 (2008-12)
Barry Zito, $18,000,000 (2007-13)
Jake Peavy, $17,333,333 (2010-12)
Andy Pettitte, $16,000,000 (2008)
Jason Schmidt, $15,666,667 (2007-09)
Mike Hampton, $15,125,000 (2001-08)
Roy Oswalt, $14,600,000 (2007-11)
Mark Buehrle, $14,000,000 (2008-11)
John Smoltz, $14,000,000 (2008)
Roy Halladay, $13,333,333 (2008-10)
Pedro Martinez, $13,250,000 (2005-08)
Randy Johnson, $13,000,000 (2007-08)
Chris Carpenter, $12,700,000 (2008-11)
Bronson Arroyo, $12,500,000 (2009-10)
Kevin Millwood, $12,000,000 (2006-10)
With the exception of Halladay, Santana and Peavey, would you want any of those guys on your team? I'll give a maybe to Oswalt, Zambrano.
Bronson Arroyo? Kevin Millwood? Mike Hampton? Jason Schmidt? Injuries have derailed a lot of these guys, and that's a risk you have to consider when offering a pitcher one of these massive contracts. Make sure you look at how long some of these guys are still going to be paid these massive dollars as well. Scary.
I'm starting to think the Brewers pitching staff might be in better shape by signing a Jon Garland type. Garland has pitched no less that 190 innings in every year since 2002 and has one no less than 10 games in any of those years, including two seasons with 18 wins. All in the American League. A move to the National League may lower that career 4.47 ERA. Pay to get Joe Beimel from the Dodgers. Chad Cordero has suffered through arm injuries, but should be ready for Spring Training. He's only 26 and will come cheaper than a guy like Brian Fuentes. I think one more name to consider for the Brewers is Carl Pavano. I understand that his time with the Yankees bordered on embarrassing. He was hurt pretty much the entire time and ineffective in the rest of the time. But remember, Doug Melvin has a history of grabbing guys off of the scrap heap and having them succeed in Milwaukee (Joe Dillon, Gabe Kapler, Brian Shouse, Guillermo Mota, even Salomon Torres to an extent). Pavano was a guy who didn't walk many people, and was an All-Star in 2004 and was excellent for the Marlins in the 2003 Post-Season (2-0, 1.40 ERA in 19.1 innings). He could be a steal if he could regain those numbers.
Mike Cameron 2
I put these numbers in the comments of my last Mike Cameron post, but I thought they were worth making sure everyone saw them. He had 1 good month in a Brewers uniform. That was August where he batted .360 with 9 home runs and 22 RBI's.
What did the other months look like? Brutal.
May - .212 7 HR, 17 RBI
June - .203 5 HR, 9 RBI
July - .250 3 HR, 14 RBI
September - .176 1 HR, 6 RBI, (34 K's)
Postseason - .154 0 HR, 0 RBI
That factors out to be .210 with 16 HRs and 46 RBIs. Oh, and 118 Ks. One every 2.94 ABs. And for the record, everyone's favorite target, Bill Hall, batted .225 with 15 HRs and 55 RBIs.
But at least he plays a good CF.
What did the other months look like? Brutal.
May - .212 7 HR, 17 RBI
June - .203 5 HR, 9 RBI
July - .250 3 HR, 14 RBI
September - .176 1 HR, 6 RBI, (34 K's)
Postseason - .154 0 HR, 0 RBI
That factors out to be .210 with 16 HRs and 46 RBIs. Oh, and 118 Ks. One every 2.94 ABs. And for the record, everyone's favorite target, Bill Hall, batted .225 with 15 HRs and 55 RBIs.
But at least he plays a good CF.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mike Cameron
The Brewers exercised the 10 million dollar option on Centerfielder Mike Cameron's contract today. I, for one, am not that happy about it. He struck out 142 times in 444 at bats. For you math majors out there, that is one strikeout every 3.13 at-bats. He produced in the other at-bats as evident by his 25 home runs and 70 RBI, but I think on a team that already strikes out a lot, he adds too much of that. He missed the first 25 games of the season and let's assume that he gets 4 at-bats per game during those games. That's 100 more at-bats, therefore his strikeout numbers project to 174 strikeouts. That would have put him 4th in Major League Baseball. I'm not asking for hits in all of those at-bats, but productive outs would be nice. I also understand that his defense was good, one error on the season. But he isn't getting any younger and he had already lost a half a step in my opinion over what he used to be in center field. I know you have to pay someone to play centerfield, but in one man's humble opinion, that 10 million could have been spent somewhere better.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Bielema Ball
What an embarrassing day for the Badgers and more specifically Coach Bielema. In a game that should have no doubt been a win for Bucky, Bielema, I mean the Badgers blew it and suffered a 25-24 loss in East Lansing. I understand that the players are ultimately the ones who have to get the job done on the field, but let me show you four instances that they had to not only overcome the Spartans but they had to overcome their own coach and his stupidity.
1. End of the first half, the Badgers are driving up 7-6. They have all of their timeouts left. They took their first timeout with about 35 seconds or so left and then ran another play. That play netted a first down for the Badgers inside of Michigan State's 20 yard line with approximately :27 seconds left. Instead of using one of the remaining two time outs, Bielema orders QB Dustin Scherer to spike the ball. It's now second down and two timeouts remaining. Possibly a good chance to run the ball because of your abundance of timeouts. Instead, another dropback, incompletion and it leaves 3rd and 10 with two timeouts still on the board. Well, of course it's an obvious passing situation, which the defense is waiting for, another incompletion and a field goal attempt rather a touchdown leaves the score 10-6 at half, and two time outs left on the board.
2. Up 24-13 and with Michigan State on the brink, Coach Bielema comes up with maybe his most ridiculous move of the day. Instead of preparing his defense to put the game on ice, he spends his energy arguing what should have been a pointless 5 yard penalty on his team. He is flagged 15 yards and puts State on the 44 yard line where they promptly shove it down the Badgers throat in 5 plays to bring the score to 24-19. Way to put your players in a position to win, Coach.
3. Penalties are a direct reflection of the discipline and attention to detail of your coach, in my opinion. Well, on the biggest play of the game, 3rd and 1 with a chance to seal it, a holding penalty, followed by an illegal motion penalty. 3rd and 16, incomplete pass, delay of game penalty, punt. Opportunity for the Spartans.
4. After giving up a couple of long passes down the middle of the field that set Michigan State up for the opportunity, the Badgers tightened and forced a 4th down. With the clock ticking down, Michigan State without the benefit of a time out, the Spartans rush their field goal team onto the field to attempt a pressure packed, rushed, disorganized field goal attempt. Instead, what does Bret Bielema do? He calls a time out. I don't care if you have 6 players on the field defensively in that situation, you're still in a better position than the kicking team. Absoultely ridiculous. He tries to mask it by calling a timeout to "ice" the kicker. Which by the way is one of the dumbest ideas in football. Maybe the only thing dumber is the squib kick to try to run time off the clock, but that's for another time.
As a football team, you are a reflection of your coach, your leader. The Badgers played an undisciplined, disorganized and mistake filled football game. The same kind that Bielema coached.
1. End of the first half, the Badgers are driving up 7-6. They have all of their timeouts left. They took their first timeout with about 35 seconds or so left and then ran another play. That play netted a first down for the Badgers inside of Michigan State's 20 yard line with approximately :27 seconds left. Instead of using one of the remaining two time outs, Bielema orders QB Dustin Scherer to spike the ball. It's now second down and two timeouts remaining. Possibly a good chance to run the ball because of your abundance of timeouts. Instead, another dropback, incompletion and it leaves 3rd and 10 with two timeouts still on the board. Well, of course it's an obvious passing situation, which the defense is waiting for, another incompletion and a field goal attempt rather a touchdown leaves the score 10-6 at half, and two time outs left on the board.
2. Up 24-13 and with Michigan State on the brink, Coach Bielema comes up with maybe his most ridiculous move of the day. Instead of preparing his defense to put the game on ice, he spends his energy arguing what should have been a pointless 5 yard penalty on his team. He is flagged 15 yards and puts State on the 44 yard line where they promptly shove it down the Badgers throat in 5 plays to bring the score to 24-19. Way to put your players in a position to win, Coach.
3. Penalties are a direct reflection of the discipline and attention to detail of your coach, in my opinion. Well, on the biggest play of the game, 3rd and 1 with a chance to seal it, a holding penalty, followed by an illegal motion penalty. 3rd and 16, incomplete pass, delay of game penalty, punt. Opportunity for the Spartans.
4. After giving up a couple of long passes down the middle of the field that set Michigan State up for the opportunity, the Badgers tightened and forced a 4th down. With the clock ticking down, Michigan State without the benefit of a time out, the Spartans rush their field goal team onto the field to attempt a pressure packed, rushed, disorganized field goal attempt. Instead, what does Bret Bielema do? He calls a time out. I don't care if you have 6 players on the field defensively in that situation, you're still in a better position than the kicking team. Absoultely ridiculous. He tries to mask it by calling a timeout to "ice" the kicker. Which by the way is one of the dumbest ideas in football. Maybe the only thing dumber is the squib kick to try to run time off the clock, but that's for another time.
As a football team, you are a reflection of your coach, your leader. The Badgers played an undisciplined, disorganized and mistake filled football game. The same kind that Bielema coached.
Ted Thompson's Statement
If anyone didn't know by now, the Green Bay Packers are Ted Thompson's team. If there was any doubt left in anyone's mind, he cleared it up this week. Within two days, he gave his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers $66 Million dollars and followed that with the surprising dismissal of KGB and his 37 million dollar contract. Gbaja-Biamila was one of the last players from the Mike Sherman GM days. I always questioned the contract given to a one-dimensional player. Ted Thompson may be brash, he may have escorted a legend out of town, but he sure does take control of his team, and I think you have to respect that. Good work Ted.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Under the Radar FA
Looking at the 2009 Free Agent Class, I see these somewhat "under the radar" guys as good fits for the Brewers. I'm sure these guys are on the radar of baseball people, but they're guys we don't talk about everyday.
Joe Biemel - He's a left reliever who can replace Shouse and be an upgrade to Mitch Stetter. His 2.02 ERA was very impressive and he has the ability to get righties out as well. If the Dodgers are going to throw tons of money at guys like Sabathia and Manny, maybe he slips through the cracks.
Felipe Lopez - I know I mentioned him in an earlier post, but I am very big on him being a Brewer. He was stuck in Washington for a couple of years, but he batted .385 while playing 6 positions after being traded to the Cardinals. That's the kind of depth and versatility that Championship teams have. He could be insurance at all of the infield positions and play the outfield in a pinch.
Joe Crede - A one year deal could be the perfect situation for Crede and the Brewers. It's a no risk move and you could be getting a fantastic third basemen defensively with a powerful bat when healthy. He could be a stopgap before either one of the Brewers young third basemen are ready or JJ Hardy is moved to third to make room for Escobar.
Mark Kotsay - Showed in the playoffs the ability to play multiple positions. Played both center field and first base and played first pretty well. At 33, he will probably come relatively cheap, especially if the Brewers don't resign Gabe Kapler.
Jon Garland - With all the talk about CC being showered with money by all of the big market teams, the Brewers may have to look at a backup plan. Garland would be a solid 3 guy behind Gallardo and Parra.
Also maybe consider: Mark Prior, Oliver Perez, Freddy Garcia
In my opinion, stay away from: Casey Blake, Mike Cameron, Paul Byrd, Mark Loretta
Prince Trade Idea of the Day - Say that the Yankees don't land Mark Texiera and cut ties with Jason Giambi. They could be in the market for a 1B/DH type. How about Prince Fielder to the Yankees in exchange for Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy (assuming you can't wrange Phil Hughes from them) and either another prospect or a guy like Wilson Betemit. That a young pitcher with tons of upside, an outfielder with loads of talent who may just need a change of scenery and a utility player to take the place of Counsell/Dillon.
Joe Biemel - He's a left reliever who can replace Shouse and be an upgrade to Mitch Stetter. His 2.02 ERA was very impressive and he has the ability to get righties out as well. If the Dodgers are going to throw tons of money at guys like Sabathia and Manny, maybe he slips through the cracks.
Felipe Lopez - I know I mentioned him in an earlier post, but I am very big on him being a Brewer. He was stuck in Washington for a couple of years, but he batted .385 while playing 6 positions after being traded to the Cardinals. That's the kind of depth and versatility that Championship teams have. He could be insurance at all of the infield positions and play the outfield in a pinch.
Joe Crede - A one year deal could be the perfect situation for Crede and the Brewers. It's a no risk move and you could be getting a fantastic third basemen defensively with a powerful bat when healthy. He could be a stopgap before either one of the Brewers young third basemen are ready or JJ Hardy is moved to third to make room for Escobar.
Mark Kotsay - Showed in the playoffs the ability to play multiple positions. Played both center field and first base and played first pretty well. At 33, he will probably come relatively cheap, especially if the Brewers don't resign Gabe Kapler.
Jon Garland - With all the talk about CC being showered with money by all of the big market teams, the Brewers may have to look at a backup plan. Garland would be a solid 3 guy behind Gallardo and Parra.
Also maybe consider: Mark Prior, Oliver Perez, Freddy Garcia
In my opinion, stay away from: Casey Blake, Mike Cameron, Paul Byrd, Mark Loretta
Prince Trade Idea of the Day - Say that the Yankees don't land Mark Texiera and cut ties with Jason Giambi. They could be in the market for a 1B/DH type. How about Prince Fielder to the Yankees in exchange for Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy (assuming you can't wrange Phil Hughes from them) and either another prospect or a guy like Wilson Betemit. That a young pitcher with tons of upside, an outfielder with loads of talent who may just need a change of scenery and a utility player to take the place of Counsell/Dillon.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Initial Impressions of the 2008-09 Milwaukee Bucks
As I watch the Milwaukee Bucks opener against the Chicago Bulls, these are a few of the observations I have of this year's squad.
- Michael Redd does not play defense. This is not a new fact, but you can see early that guys are making a conceited effort to play hard on the defensive end. Redd is a liability. He loses sight of the ball and doesn't committ to that side of the floor. I've seen him on at least two different occasions not get back all the way on defense either.
- While I'm ripping Michael Redd, I will throw out that through the first 20 possessions, he hasn't made a pass yet I don't think. I understand that he is a great shooter, but the Bucks cannot be a great or even good team without getting everyone involved, have everyone feel that they are a part of what they are doing on the offensive end. Redd dribbles into traffic, forces shots consistently and ruins the flow of the offense. The problem is that he makes shots, but I feel like they are at a cost to the team. To make matters worse, I think he's a good passer. I think if his scoring average fell to 16 a game this year, it would be a positive for the Bucks.
- Andrew Bogut plays hard. He was well worth the contract extension and while he may not seem like he panned out as a number one pick, he certainly is one of the building blocks for this team going forward and was a solid, if not spectacular pick. He needs to be more involved offensively. He has to work so hard to get any shots for himself. Run the offense through him from time to time.
- In a very small sample so far, good things seem to happen when Malik Allen is on the floor. Garbage buckets and defensive stops so far since he's been on the floor. He seems to be able to move to the right place for dumb-offs on penetration. Charlie V is a talented offensive player, the two might be a very good combination. Might be interesting to see them on the floor at the same time. My only complain about Allen is his quickness. He is getting beat to a lot of balls by Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. I'm assuming that's one of the things that has kept him from being a regular rotation guy for other teams. Hopefully his effort and intensity rub of on Villanueva and Alexander and those better athletes can develop and play with that kind of intensity.
- Interesting that Luc Richard M'bah Moute is the first rookie off of the Bucks bench. If that isn't an indication that Skiles is committed to get this team to play defense, I don't know what is. A lot of people seem to have labeled this kid as a defensive genius, even comparing him to Bruce Bowen. Let's give him a little time before we do that. He just picked up his second defensive three second call, so it looks like the learning curve is steaper than people thought. He certainly hasn't looked shy on the offensive end. He's taken open jump shots and looked to penetrate from time to time, including a couple of nice moves in the paint. He looks very much like a rookie tonight making some great plays and making some very dumb mistakes as well. But the upside definately looks to be there.
- I think one of the frustrating things watching the Bucks last year was their lack of toughness. It looks like Allen and Richard Jefferson might help with that.
- The Bucks were better in the first quarter as more subs came in. Allen, M'bah Moute, Lue gave good minutes. Obviously it's early, but maybe the bench is more solid than the "experts" say it is.
- They haven't been rewarded for it yet, but they seem to be trying to take a lot of charges. That's a good sign. I think that's a big indicator of a team's toughness. Watch a team when one of their player's take a charge. If all of them are going to pick him up, patting him on the butt, and picking up their intensity, that is a good sign that a team is buying into that toughness mentality. It's the 6:57 mark in the second quarter and the Bucks have tried to take four charges. Two of them should have been for sure, if not more. It hasn't stopped as the game goes on either. They have continued to try and have been rewarded with one or two charges. The bench seems to be on their feet when it happens which is a good sign.
- I think a lot of people were misled by Ramon Sessions big assist night last year and believing that he was ready to be a point guard in this league. If the first 8 minutes of Tyronn Lue's play tonight doesn't tell you that it's ok to leave him on the bench to develop longer, then watch closer.
- Quick Bulls note... Luol Deng is really good
- Michael Redd continues to be a black hole... Jefferson and Redd have both taken 9 shots so far in this game, but to me it just feels like Jefferson's have been more in the flow of the game. Redd has taken 9 shots because he wanetd to take 9 and RJ has taken 9 that have come to him.
- So far, way too many fouls. A lot of them are dumb reach fouls as well. I can handle the ones where they are one step out of position because they're working on getting it right, but a lot of them are just dumb. Those have to be eliminated.
- Dan Gadzuric gave some good minutes in the first half. He's banged a few jumpers, blocked a couple shots and grabbed a few rebounds. He will be a serviceable backup if he can continue to knock down those 12 foot jumpers.
- Michael Redd does not play defense. This is not a new fact, but you can see early that guys are making a conceited effort to play hard on the defensive end. Redd is a liability. He loses sight of the ball and doesn't committ to that side of the floor. I've seen him on at least two different occasions not get back all the way on defense either.
- While I'm ripping Michael Redd, I will throw out that through the first 20 possessions, he hasn't made a pass yet I don't think. I understand that he is a great shooter, but the Bucks cannot be a great or even good team without getting everyone involved, have everyone feel that they are a part of what they are doing on the offensive end. Redd dribbles into traffic, forces shots consistently and ruins the flow of the offense. The problem is that he makes shots, but I feel like they are at a cost to the team. To make matters worse, I think he's a good passer. I think if his scoring average fell to 16 a game this year, it would be a positive for the Bucks.
- Andrew Bogut plays hard. He was well worth the contract extension and while he may not seem like he panned out as a number one pick, he certainly is one of the building blocks for this team going forward and was a solid, if not spectacular pick. He needs to be more involved offensively. He has to work so hard to get any shots for himself. Run the offense through him from time to time.
- In a very small sample so far, good things seem to happen when Malik Allen is on the floor. Garbage buckets and defensive stops so far since he's been on the floor. He seems to be able to move to the right place for dumb-offs on penetration. Charlie V is a talented offensive player, the two might be a very good combination. Might be interesting to see them on the floor at the same time. My only complain about Allen is his quickness. He is getting beat to a lot of balls by Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. I'm assuming that's one of the things that has kept him from being a regular rotation guy for other teams. Hopefully his effort and intensity rub of on Villanueva and Alexander and those better athletes can develop and play with that kind of intensity.
- Interesting that Luc Richard M'bah Moute is the first rookie off of the Bucks bench. If that isn't an indication that Skiles is committed to get this team to play defense, I don't know what is. A lot of people seem to have labeled this kid as a defensive genius, even comparing him to Bruce Bowen. Let's give him a little time before we do that. He just picked up his second defensive three second call, so it looks like the learning curve is steaper than people thought. He certainly hasn't looked shy on the offensive end. He's taken open jump shots and looked to penetrate from time to time, including a couple of nice moves in the paint. He looks very much like a rookie tonight making some great plays and making some very dumb mistakes as well. But the upside definately looks to be there.
- I think one of the frustrating things watching the Bucks last year was their lack of toughness. It looks like Allen and Richard Jefferson might help with that.
- The Bucks were better in the first quarter as more subs came in. Allen, M'bah Moute, Lue gave good minutes. Obviously it's early, but maybe the bench is more solid than the "experts" say it is.
- They haven't been rewarded for it yet, but they seem to be trying to take a lot of charges. That's a good sign. I think that's a big indicator of a team's toughness. Watch a team when one of their player's take a charge. If all of them are going to pick him up, patting him on the butt, and picking up their intensity, that is a good sign that a team is buying into that toughness mentality. It's the 6:57 mark in the second quarter and the Bucks have tried to take four charges. Two of them should have been for sure, if not more. It hasn't stopped as the game goes on either. They have continued to try and have been rewarded with one or two charges. The bench seems to be on their feet when it happens which is a good sign.
- I think a lot of people were misled by Ramon Sessions big assist night last year and believing that he was ready to be a point guard in this league. If the first 8 minutes of Tyronn Lue's play tonight doesn't tell you that it's ok to leave him on the bench to develop longer, then watch closer.
- Quick Bulls note... Luol Deng is really good
- Michael Redd continues to be a black hole... Jefferson and Redd have both taken 9 shots so far in this game, but to me it just feels like Jefferson's have been more in the flow of the game. Redd has taken 9 shots because he wanetd to take 9 and RJ has taken 9 that have come to him.
- So far, way too many fouls. A lot of them are dumb reach fouls as well. I can handle the ones where they are one step out of position because they're working on getting it right, but a lot of them are just dumb. Those have to be eliminated.
- Dan Gadzuric gave some good minutes in the first half. He's banged a few jumpers, blocked a couple shots and grabbed a few rebounds. He will be a serviceable backup if he can continue to knock down those 12 foot jumpers.
- Right away to start the second half, Redd spotted up on the perimeter and let someone else do the dribbling and setting up the offense. And he drilled three threes. If he let's that happen, he could be deadly and the Bucks could be tough to defend.
- They look like they are going to make a concerted effort to get the ball down in the post. These guys are such better shooters on kick outs. Run the offense through Bogut and good things will happen. Not only that, but it creates opportunities to get other bigs in foul trouble and take them out of their game plan. I feel like the Bucks on the last couple of years would have that idea, but they would go away from it as the game went on. A big part of that was Redd and Mo Williams and their dribbling shows and forced shots they had a tendancy to do.
- I haven't talked at all about Luke Ridnour yet. To this point, I feel like it's good to see a point guard who doesn't need shots to validate himself on the floor. Of course he needs to take them when he's open, which he's doing, but he isn't forcing anything, he's running the offense which is what a point guard should do. He has turned the ball over more than you like to see though. I'm sure it will take some time to get on the same page with his teammates and those numbers should go down.
- A forced three by Redd without making one pass and an immediate hook from Scott Skiles. I hope that is the reason he was pulled from the game. If it was, great coaching.
- To this point there seems to be less defensive breakdowns or wasted defensive possessions like we got so accustomed to seeing last year. It will be interesting to see as the possessions get more intense to see if the Bucks can get stops when they need it. There seems to be hands getting into shooters faces. Over the long run, hands in faces on shots, will result in a lower opponent shooting percentage. That wasn't the case all the time tonight, the Bulls got red hot for a stretch. I think there were closeouts and hands up, but not enough.
- The intensity of the game picked up with about 3 minutes left in the third quarter. It seems to me like the Bulls raised it and the Bucks weren't able to match it. Their offense got very rushed and out of sync and the Bulls beat them to a lot of loose balls. As I type, Ridnour re-entered the game to try to control it. Immediately they pound it back in to Bogut and good things happen.
- Dumb fouls killed the Bucks tonight. Not only was their a wide margin of scoring at the free throw line, but it's kept the regulars off of the floor. They needed Bogut and Jefferson on the floor, but couldn't use them because of their foul trouble. Like I said, hustle fouls are fine, but reach fouls and out of position fouls can't be tolerated going forward. By the time they got back on the floor, they couldn't match the intensity the Bulls were playing with and as a result, they got run off of the floor.
- Michael Redd was 7-7 on catch and shoots in the flow of the offense or on rebound kick-outs for 19 points. He was 3-12 for 6 pointes when he tried to create his shot himself.
- Game one is a loss. For two and a half quarters, the Bucks seemed like the could compete, but they just couldn't match Chicago's intensity from that point forward. It didn't help that the Bulls made everything. I think there were some positive signs for the Bucks, but it's obvious they have a long way to go. They had some good defensive possessions, I'd say more than we're used to seeing. Offensively, they have a long way to go. They can't foul as much as they did obviously and I'm sure that will be addressed. I saw enough good things to watch them again tomorrow night. I'm on a game to game basis this year. I think it only took me about 12 games to stop watching them last year, but I have a feeling i will get much deeper into the year this year.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Off-Season Preview - Milwaukee Brewers
Everyone wants the Brewers to resign CC Sabathia. I would love to see him pitch again for the Brewers as well. But what would the Brewers look like if they didn't resign him? Here are a few ideas...
1. Trade JJ Hardy. The Orioles need a shortstop and seemed interested in Hardy around the trade deadline. The Orioles have a lot of young arms set to arrive late in 2009 or 2010. Some of their young arms have already made it to the bigs with mixed success. They may be willing to deal a guy like Radhames Liz or Garrett Olson. I think the first choice would be Jeremy Guthrie, but I don't know if that is reasonable for just Hardy. Throw in Melvin Mora who has been the talk of trades for years, along with Geroge Sherrill who was fantastic in the first half of last year but struggled a bit in the second half but could be another left handed arm at the back of the bullpen that the Brewers need. That would clear the way for Escobar to play shortstop for the Brewers.
2. Trade Prince Fielder. I loved the rumor that has been going around for last part of the season about the Brewers sending Fielder to the power starved San Francisco Giants for Matt Cain, another young arm with worlds of potential. All of a sudden a pitching staff in question becomes one of the most dangerous young rotations in baseball. Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Matt Cain, Radhames Liz and Dave Bush. You still have Jeff Suppan, Chris Capuano (possibly) and Seth McClung if any of those young guns struggle or if you want to work Liz out of the bullpen or start him AAA.
3. Say Goodbye to Mike Cameron and Craig Counsell. I think the two have their purposes, but not at the prices they would command. Counsell has a lot of good at-bats but as his .220 average shows, not enough of them end in hits.
4. Resign Eric Gagne. He wasn't as bad as people made him out to be last year. I think what irritated Brewer fans was that he was doing that with a 10 million dollar salary. Sign him back for 2 years at 5 million or so and that's a pretty good price for what he brings. A bullpen of Torres, Mota, Gagne, Villanueva, Stetter, Sherrill, Liz (assuming he isn't in the rotation) and McClung doesn't sound too bad. Keep in mind that doesn't include David Riske who's health affected his performance last year and could return to his American League form with the Royals.
5. After looking at all of that, I have brought in some young arms, bullpen help and a better third base option. The other key thing is kept payroll very low. Why did I do that? So number 6 can happen....
6. Sign Mark Teixera. You were willing to spend the money on CC, why not on a young 1B who is fantastic at the plate and on the field. I really don't think it's as far fetched as it sounds. I'll show you below.
7. This off-season plan has the Brewers getting younger once again. Some veteran presence around, but continuing with that trend, I think it's Mat Gamel time. I don't love the idea of guys always changing positions, but I say do it one more time. Gamel will never be a 3B. Move him to Right Field. He's an athlete like Braun was, with a good arm, and right field could be perfect for him. Obviously you would need Corey Hart to move to center which it seems was the Brewers plan for him eventually anyway.
That leaves the roster looking like this...
1B Mark Teixera
2B Rickie Weeks
SS Alicdes Escobar
3B Melvin Mora
LF Ryan Braun
CF Corey Hart
RF Mat Gamel
C Jason Kendall
Bench
IF Bill Hall - See if the super sub role can re-energize his career.
OF Gabe Kapler - an invaluable guy who can play any outfield position
1B/RF Brad Nelson - Showed in September that he could bat off the bench
C - Angel Salome - If Kendall is going to be effective again next year, he will need more time off. Spelling him once a week with the Brewers future backstop could be a great learning experience for the youngster
IF -I would love if this spot was filled by Felipe Lopez of the St. Louis Cardinals. He could back Escobar up at Short and provide insurance if Weeks struggles again at 2B.
Starting Rotation
1 Yovani Gallardo
2 Manny Parra
3 Matt Cain
4 Dave Bush
5 Suppan/Capuano (if healthy)
Bullpen
Closer - Salomon Torres
Set up - Geroge Sherrill
Set up - Eric Gagne
Lefty Specialist - Mitch Stetter or Brian Shouse
Middle Relief - Carlos Villanueva
Middle Relief - Guillermo Mota/Todd Coffey
Middle Relief - David Riske
Long Relief - Seth McClung
(Radhames Liz starts in AAA working on his control)
I think that looks like a pretty solid team. You have made your lineup more balanced with right and left along with contact hitters and power hitters. The obvious thing missing is a true leadoff hitter. Unless Escobar can be that guy. The rotation has been overhauled with young, talented arms. If there is any question if you can win with a staff of young pitchers, watch the Rays... One more note, the Brewers, by not signing CC or Ben Sheets recieve two supplemental draft picks for sure. They also could recieve a first round pick from the team who signs that player if they are in the upper 15 teams recordwise in the league. If either are signed by a team with one of the top 15 picks, those picks are protected and the Brewers would recieve their second round pick. That means at worse, the Brewers would have 5 picks in the top 60 of the next draft. Not bad compensation.
So let's look at how this works out financially
C - Jason Kendall - $4.6MMillion
C - Angel Salome - $400 K
1B - Mark Texiera - $20 Million
2B - Rickie Weeks - $2.5 Million*
SS - Alcides Escober - $400 K
3B - Bill Hall - $6.8 Million
3B - Melvin Mora - $9 Million
SS - Alicdes Escobar - $400K
LF - Ryan Braun - $745K
CF - Corey Hart - $4.5 Million*
1B - Brad Nelson - $450 K
IF - Felipe Lopez - $3 Million*
OF - Gabe Kapler - $2 Million*
SP - Yovani Gallardo - $404K
SP - Dave Bush - $3.7 Million*
SP - Manny Parra - $400K
SP -Jeff Suppan - $12.5MM
SP - McClung - $750K+
SP - Matt Cain - $2.65 Million
RP - David Riske - $4.25 Million
RP - Salomon Torres - $3.75 Million
RP - Carlos Villanueva - $413K
RP - Mitch Stetter - $400K
RP - George Sherrill - $980K
RP - Todd Coffey - $925K
RP - Eric Gagne - $2.5 Million
Other commitments: Craig Counsell - $400K buyout, Chris Capuano - $3.75MM
*These are best guesses of free agent contract numbers along with arbitration raises to elgible players. I tried to error on the high side if anything.
By my calculations, that brings the payroll committments to $88.9 million give or take. That leaves money to account for raises next year to Braun, along with the financial flexibility to sign guys like Gallardo, Cain, Parra, Weeks, Hart to extensions along with impending raises to other players as well.
More young talent, better defense, more balanced lineup, reinforced bullpen, more financial flexibility. World Series.
Probably in 2010.
What do you think?
1. Trade JJ Hardy. The Orioles need a shortstop and seemed interested in Hardy around the trade deadline. The Orioles have a lot of young arms set to arrive late in 2009 or 2010. Some of their young arms have already made it to the bigs with mixed success. They may be willing to deal a guy like Radhames Liz or Garrett Olson. I think the first choice would be Jeremy Guthrie, but I don't know if that is reasonable for just Hardy. Throw in Melvin Mora who has been the talk of trades for years, along with Geroge Sherrill who was fantastic in the first half of last year but struggled a bit in the second half but could be another left handed arm at the back of the bullpen that the Brewers need. That would clear the way for Escobar to play shortstop for the Brewers.
2. Trade Prince Fielder. I loved the rumor that has been going around for last part of the season about the Brewers sending Fielder to the power starved San Francisco Giants for Matt Cain, another young arm with worlds of potential. All of a sudden a pitching staff in question becomes one of the most dangerous young rotations in baseball. Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Matt Cain, Radhames Liz and Dave Bush. You still have Jeff Suppan, Chris Capuano (possibly) and Seth McClung if any of those young guns struggle or if you want to work Liz out of the bullpen or start him AAA.
3. Say Goodbye to Mike Cameron and Craig Counsell. I think the two have their purposes, but not at the prices they would command. Counsell has a lot of good at-bats but as his .220 average shows, not enough of them end in hits.
4. Resign Eric Gagne. He wasn't as bad as people made him out to be last year. I think what irritated Brewer fans was that he was doing that with a 10 million dollar salary. Sign him back for 2 years at 5 million or so and that's a pretty good price for what he brings. A bullpen of Torres, Mota, Gagne, Villanueva, Stetter, Sherrill, Liz (assuming he isn't in the rotation) and McClung doesn't sound too bad. Keep in mind that doesn't include David Riske who's health affected his performance last year and could return to his American League form with the Royals.
5. After looking at all of that, I have brought in some young arms, bullpen help and a better third base option. The other key thing is kept payroll very low. Why did I do that? So number 6 can happen....
6. Sign Mark Teixera. You were willing to spend the money on CC, why not on a young 1B who is fantastic at the plate and on the field. I really don't think it's as far fetched as it sounds. I'll show you below.
7. This off-season plan has the Brewers getting younger once again. Some veteran presence around, but continuing with that trend, I think it's Mat Gamel time. I don't love the idea of guys always changing positions, but I say do it one more time. Gamel will never be a 3B. Move him to Right Field. He's an athlete like Braun was, with a good arm, and right field could be perfect for him. Obviously you would need Corey Hart to move to center which it seems was the Brewers plan for him eventually anyway.
That leaves the roster looking like this...
1B Mark Teixera
2B Rickie Weeks
SS Alicdes Escobar
3B Melvin Mora
LF Ryan Braun
CF Corey Hart
RF Mat Gamel
C Jason Kendall
Bench
IF Bill Hall - See if the super sub role can re-energize his career.
OF Gabe Kapler - an invaluable guy who can play any outfield position
1B/RF Brad Nelson - Showed in September that he could bat off the bench
C - Angel Salome - If Kendall is going to be effective again next year, he will need more time off. Spelling him once a week with the Brewers future backstop could be a great learning experience for the youngster
IF -I would love if this spot was filled by Felipe Lopez of the St. Louis Cardinals. He could back Escobar up at Short and provide insurance if Weeks struggles again at 2B.
Starting Rotation
1 Yovani Gallardo
2 Manny Parra
3 Matt Cain
4 Dave Bush
5 Suppan/Capuano (if healthy)
Bullpen
Closer - Salomon Torres
Set up - Geroge Sherrill
Set up - Eric Gagne
Lefty Specialist - Mitch Stetter or Brian Shouse
Middle Relief - Carlos Villanueva
Middle Relief - Guillermo Mota/Todd Coffey
Middle Relief - David Riske
Long Relief - Seth McClung
(Radhames Liz starts in AAA working on his control)
I think that looks like a pretty solid team. You have made your lineup more balanced with right and left along with contact hitters and power hitters. The obvious thing missing is a true leadoff hitter. Unless Escobar can be that guy. The rotation has been overhauled with young, talented arms. If there is any question if you can win with a staff of young pitchers, watch the Rays... One more note, the Brewers, by not signing CC or Ben Sheets recieve two supplemental draft picks for sure. They also could recieve a first round pick from the team who signs that player if they are in the upper 15 teams recordwise in the league. If either are signed by a team with one of the top 15 picks, those picks are protected and the Brewers would recieve their second round pick. That means at worse, the Brewers would have 5 picks in the top 60 of the next draft. Not bad compensation.
So let's look at how this works out financially
C - Jason Kendall - $4.6MMillion
C - Angel Salome - $400 K
1B - Mark Texiera - $20 Million
2B - Rickie Weeks - $2.5 Million*
SS - Alcides Escober - $400 K
3B - Bill Hall - $6.8 Million
3B - Melvin Mora - $9 Million
SS - Alicdes Escobar - $400K
LF - Ryan Braun - $745K
CF - Corey Hart - $4.5 Million*
1B - Brad Nelson - $450 K
IF - Felipe Lopez - $3 Million*
OF - Gabe Kapler - $2 Million*
SP - Yovani Gallardo - $404K
SP - Dave Bush - $3.7 Million*
SP - Manny Parra - $400K
SP -Jeff Suppan - $12.5MM
SP - McClung - $750K+
SP - Matt Cain - $2.65 Million
RP - David Riske - $4.25 Million
RP - Salomon Torres - $3.75 Million
RP - Carlos Villanueva - $413K
RP - Mitch Stetter - $400K
RP - George Sherrill - $980K
RP - Todd Coffey - $925K
RP - Eric Gagne - $2.5 Million
Other commitments: Craig Counsell - $400K buyout, Chris Capuano - $3.75MM
*These are best guesses of free agent contract numbers along with arbitration raises to elgible players. I tried to error on the high side if anything.
By my calculations, that brings the payroll committments to $88.9 million give or take. That leaves money to account for raises next year to Braun, along with the financial flexibility to sign guys like Gallardo, Cain, Parra, Weeks, Hart to extensions along with impending raises to other players as well.
More young talent, better defense, more balanced lineup, reinforced bullpen, more financial flexibility. World Series.
Probably in 2010.
What do you think?
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