The future of the A.L. West lies somewhere between the Major League rosters and low A ball in the minors. Of course future drafts could come into play as well as free agent signings and trades. Yet we cannot predict much of that. What we can look at is the top 10 prospects of each A.L. West team to find out who is stacked and who just sucks.
Wow that sounded cliché or at least very lame.
I have shown you a top 10 for the Mariners before. Here it is updated with help again from the ussmariner.com.
1. Carlos Triunfel, SS (A) - .298, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .684 OPS
2. Adam Jones, OF (AAA) - .310, 1 HR, 9 RBI, .801 OPS
3. Jeff Clement, C (AAA) - .217, 2 HR, 15 RBI, .682 OPS
4. Ryan Feierabend, LHP (AAA) – 1-1, 2.84 ERA, 25 1/3 IP, 1.46 WHIP
5. Tony Butler, LHP (A) – 0-2, 5.14 ERA, 14 IP, 1.93 WHIP
6. Alex Liddi, 3B (A) - .177, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .672 OPS
7. Chris Tillman, RHP (A) – 1-1, 2.61 ERA, 20 2/3 IP, 0.97 WHIP
8. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B (AA) - .365, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .957 OPS
9. Greg Halman, OF (A) - .263, 2 HR, 12 RBI, .600 OPS
10. Wladimir Balentien OF (AAA) - .376, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 1.067 OPS
Triunfel, Liddi, and Halman all play in a horrible hitters ballpark and the league in general doesn’t allow for much power in April. That is especially true this season as the Midwest has been so cold and rainy.
Also, Triunfel is only 17 years old so the power will come as he gets older. Hopefully Jones or Balentien will get a shot to play some in the Show this season. Clement may be a full time DH next year.
The Oakland Athletics have pushed some of their prospects into major league action this season due to injuries. Other prospects simply did not have very good years last season. Here is their list:
1. Daric Barton, 1B (AAA) - .235, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .649 OPS
2. Kurt Suzuki, C (AAA) - .300, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .786 OPS
3. Matt Sulentic, OF (A) - .138, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .369 OPS
4. Jermaine Mitchell, OF (A) - .279, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .716 OPS
5. Javier Herrara, OF (A) - .217, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .582 OPS
6. Jason Windsor, RHP (AAA) – 1-2, 7.33 ERA, 27 IP, 1.85 WHIP
7. Marcus McBeth, RHP (AAA) – 1-0, 1.80 ERA, 10 IP, 5 SV, 1.00 WHIP
8. Justin Sellers, SS (A) - .213, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .598 OPS
9. Richie Robnett, OF (AA) - .256, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .793 OPS
10. Kevin Melillo, 2B (AAA) - .305, HR, 14 RBI, .859 OPS
The stacked pitching prospects are a thing of the past for the A’s. The strength lies more in position players now, specifically among outfielders. The issue is that none are above the AA level and aside from Robnett, none are doing particularly well.
The Angels seem to be the team to beat in the A.L. West this year and they look good for years to come. Take a look:
1. Brandon Wood, 3B (AAA) - .278, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .838 OPS
2. Nick Adenhart, RHP (AA) - 3-1, 0.80 ERA, 33 2/3 IP, 1.01 WHIP
3. Stephen Marek, RHP (A) – 1-0, 2.40 ERA, 15 IP, 1.20 WHIP
4. Hank Conger, C (A) - .250, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .653 OPS
5. Jeff Mathis, C (AAA) - .303, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .802 OPS
6. Sean Rodriguez, SS (AA) - .289, 4 HR, 10 RBI, .939 OPS
7. Sean O’Sullivan, RHP (A) - 1-2, 3.52 ERA, 23 IP, 1.39 WHIP
8. Terry Evans, OF (AAA) - .305, 3 HR, 13 RBI, .873 OPS
9. Hainley Statia, SS (A) - .277, 0 HR, 14 RBI, .703 OPS
10. Jose Arrendondo, RHP (AA) - 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 5 1/3 IP, 2.44 WHIP
The Rangers suffered setbacks and disappointments with some of their top pitching prospects. Nevertheless their top guy is off to a great start. Here is their list:
1. Eric Hurley, RHP (AA) – 3-0, 1.50 ERA, 30 IP, 0.97 WHIP
2. Edinson Volquez, RHP (A) – 0-2, 8.87 ERA, 23 1/3 IP, 1.54 WHIP
3. John Mayberry, OF (A) - .242, 5 HR, 20 RBI, .773 OPS
4. Jason Botts, OF (AAA) - .186, 1 HR, 14 RBI, .578 OPS
5. Marcus Lemon, SS (A) - .218, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .579 OPS
6. Taylor Teagarden, C (A) - .324, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 1.099 OPS
7. Chris Davis, SS (A) - .244, 5 HR, 20 RBI, .814 OPS
8. Wes Littleton, RHP (AAA) – 0-0, 0.73 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, SV, 0.81 WHIP
9. Chad Tracy, OF (A) - .262, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .716 OPS
10. John Rupe, RHP (AAA) – 1-1, 4.24 ERA, 17 IP, 1.47 WHIP
Keith Law of ESPN.com rates the top farm systems in MLB and at the beginning of the season, the Angels were #8, Oakland #21, Seattle #25, and Texas #26.
The Angels definitely deserve to be that high in my opinion as they already have C Mike Napoli, 2B Howie Kendrick and SS Erick Aybar in the majors. Wood is the 2nd best prospect in baseball this year behind Delmon Young of Tampa Bay. Aybar and Kendrick were top 10 on the Angels list before this season. It is possible that as soon as next year the Angels will be starting Napoli, Aybar, Wood, Kendrick, Morales (another prospect who is being shuttled up and down from AAA), and Ervin Santana, John Lackey, Jered Weaver, and Adenhart in the rotation.
Just Weaver, Wood, and Kendrick alone put them at the top of the A.L. West farm systems.
The Mariners players are all too young to have impact soon. Granted Betancourt and Lopez will be the middle infield for years to come and Felix plus Morrow makes a good top of the rotation. The problem is that Jones and Clement are really the guys closest to the majors and Clement is not doing well.
The Rangers still build around Teixera. Now add Ian Kinsler too that, but nobody knows about Hank Blaylock. What happened to him? OF Nelson Cruz will be part of the future, but their pitching still isn't great. They traded prospect Jon Danks for Brandon McCarthy, but I am not sure Tejada or Loe is a real answer.
The A's usually have a great pitcher to come up and start each year, but they may be a few years away for that now. Dallas Braden pitched well in his first start (not so much in the 2nd one), but he was sent down the other day. Jason Windsor looks bad in AAA and who else is there? McBeth may help in the pen. Those outfielders aren't ready. Suzuki and Melillo may be starters next year, but they don't exactly evoke the images of Grieve, Chavez, Tejada, Swisher and even Crosby.
Oh and I hate the A’s.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Pack of 1992 Hoops
I flat out do not understand how trades work in the NFL. When did it become a league where the value of first round picks only matters in the future? It makes no sense. Ravi always says that he will trade fantasy players for a pack of 1992 Hoops. That may be a better deal than some of the swaps this weekend.
Let me explain. When t
he Seattle Seahawks traded for WR Deion Branch last season, they had to give up their first round pick in the 2007 draft (#24 overall). Randy Moss, despite his antics and troubles, went from Oakland to New England for a fourth round selection (#110 overall) on Sunday. In addition, the Seahawks parted with WR Darrell Jackson for a fourth rounder as well (#124 overall).
While I agree with many that the Hawks overpaid for Branch, this doesn’t explain everything. The Cleveland Browns gave up their second round pick (#36 overall) and next year’s first round selection to grab QB Brady Quinn in the first round at #22. The 49ers gave up pick #100 overall and their 1st round pick next season to move up to #28 to grab OT Joe Staley.
Now on some levels it makes sense. You give up a first round pick next year to grab one this year. Except essentially the team is saying that Joe Staley is worth more than Darrell Jackson. Maybe he is. Maybe he isn’t. Or Cleveland says that Brady Quinn is worth four times what Randy Moss is worth.
So why are two players who have yet to play a down in the league more valuable than two receivers who have caught a ton of balls and been to Pro Bowls? That is what I don’t understand.
Apparently teams are ok with trading a first round pick as long as it is in the future. If it is draft day, the highest they will go is the fourth round. Makes very little sense to me.
Here is one thing that I know: The Seahawks overpaid for Deion Branch. He better catch 80 balls this year. The Hawks could have just kept Darrell Jackson, never traded for Deion Branch, and drafted TE Greg Olsen this year. Unfortunately I am not in charge and I don’t have a
time machine (yet), so we are stuck with the real results. Here they are:
2nd Round – CB Josh Wilson, Maryland
3rd Round – DT Brandon Mebane, Cal
4th Round – DE Baraka Atkins, Miami
4th Round – OG Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech
5th Round – LB Will Herring, Auburn
6th Round – WR Courtney Taylor, Auburn
6th Round – WR Jordan Kent, Oregon
7th Round – OG Steve Vallos, Wake Forest
Wilson will contribute right away. I did not know who he was when they picked him, but I did some research. He is short (5’9), so he will only be able to defend slot receivers. Yet he runs a 4.39 40 and is a strong returner. This allows Burleson to be a full time receiver again (something he will need to do with the loss of Jackson).
Mebane and Atkins will help the defensive line. The Seahawks rotate the line throughout the game so they join defensive ends Patrick Kerney, Bryce Fisher, and Darryl Tapp, as well as DTs Rocky Bernard, Chuck Darby, Marcus Tubbs, and Craig Terrill. Most analysts like Atkins more than Mebane. I just know they were both really good in college.
Wrotto and Vallos will add to the depth at guard which is needed. Wrotto could eventually become a starter in 2008 or 2009, replacing Chris Gray and/or Floyd Womack. Rob Sims will be the other guard for years to come. Herring should help on special teams and be a back up linebacker with D.D. Lewis going to Denver.
I don’t expect Taylor or Kent to do anything. Kent cannot catch at all despite his speed. Taylor is a WR from Auburn. Ben Obomanu (2006) and Karstan Bailey (1999) are the other two receivers from Auburn drafted by the Hawks. Neither of them did anything.
Joe Newton, a tight end from Oregon State, did sign a rookie free agent deal after the draft. He should make the team and back up Marcus Pollard this year, with a chance to start in 2008.
Overall the Hawks did ok. The analysts never seem to agree with their picks so I like to wait and see how they pan out. Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill were not considered great picks (Tatupu a stretch in the 2nd round supposedly) and they are starting linebackers.
What else is left to say? GO HAWKS!
Let me explain. When t
he Seattle Seahawks traded for WR Deion Branch last season, they had to give up their first round pick in the 2007 draft (#24 overall). Randy Moss, despite his antics and troubles, went from Oakland to New England for a fourth round selection (#110 overall) on Sunday. In addition, the Seahawks parted with WR Darrell Jackson for a fourth rounder as well (#124 overall).While I agree with many that the Hawks overpaid for Branch, this doesn’t explain everything. The Cleveland Browns gave up their second round pick (#36 overall) and next year’s first round selection to grab QB Brady Quinn in the first round at #22. The 49ers gave up pick #100 overall and their 1st round pick next season to move up to #28 to grab OT Joe Staley.
Now on some levels it makes sense. You give up a first round pick next year to grab one this year. Except essentially the team is saying that Joe Staley is worth more than Darrell Jackson. Maybe he is. Maybe he isn’t. Or Cleveland says that Brady Quinn is worth four times what Randy Moss is worth.
So why are two players who have yet to play a down in the league more valuable than two receivers who have caught a ton of balls and been to Pro Bowls? That is what I don’t understand.
Apparently teams are ok with trading a first round pick as long as it is in the future. If it is draft day, the highest they will go is the fourth round. Makes very little sense to me.
Here is one thing that I know: The Seahawks overpaid for Deion Branch. He better catch 80 balls this year. The Hawks could have just kept Darrell Jackson, never traded for Deion Branch, and drafted TE Greg Olsen this year. Unfortunately I am not in charge and I don’t have a
time machine (yet), so we are stuck with the real results. Here they are:2nd Round – CB Josh Wilson, Maryland
3rd Round – DT Brandon Mebane, Cal
4th Round – DE Baraka Atkins, Miami
4th Round – OG Mansfield Wrotto, Georgia Tech
5th Round – LB Will Herring, Auburn
6th Round – WR Courtney Taylor, Auburn
6th Round – WR Jordan Kent, Oregon
7th Round – OG Steve Vallos, Wake Forest
Wilson will contribute right away. I did not know who he was when they picked him, but I did some research. He is short (5’9), so he will only be able to defend slot receivers. Yet he runs a 4.39 40 and is a strong returner. This allows Burleson to be a full time receiver again (something he will need to do with the loss of Jackson).
Mebane and Atkins will help the defensive line. The Seahawks rotate the line throughout the game so they join defensive ends Patrick Kerney, Bryce Fisher, and Darryl Tapp, as well as DTs Rocky Bernard, Chuck Darby, Marcus Tubbs, and Craig Terrill. Most analysts like Atkins more than Mebane. I just know they were both really good in college.
Wrotto and Vallos will add to the depth at guard which is needed. Wrotto could eventually become a starter in 2008 or 2009, replacing Chris Gray and/or Floyd Womack. Rob Sims will be the other guard for years to come. Herring should help on special teams and be a back up linebacker with D.D. Lewis going to Denver.
I don’t expect Taylor or Kent to do anything. Kent cannot catch at all despite his speed. Taylor is a WR from Auburn. Ben Obomanu (2006) and Karstan Bailey (1999) are the other two receivers from Auburn drafted by the Hawks. Neither of them did anything.
Joe Newton, a tight end from Oregon State, did sign a rookie free agent deal after the draft. He should make the team and back up Marcus Pollard this year, with a chance to start in 2008.
Overall the Hawks did ok. The analysts never seem to agree with their picks so I like to wait and see how they pan out. Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill were not considered great picks (Tatupu a stretch in the 2nd round supposedly) and they are starting linebackers.
What else is left to say? GO HAWKS!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
A Day With Ravi and Me...Reader Beware
9:10 JaMarcus Russell just went #1 and Commissioner Goodell's first pick ever just sat on the phone. Apparently he does not care about the commish. Oh and I think he looks like The Game. But Ravi just thinks I am racist. I hope I am not.
9:26 Calvin Johnson just went #2. Awesome. Steve Young is currently kissing his ass. Mel Kiper says he is one of the highest players he has ever graded. Jeez. The Lions should keep him.Uh and the highlights of C-Joh are ridiculous, especially when he makes the white guy fall down. Ravi says he is a genuine good guy because he said thank you to people.
Stupid Steve Spurrier. "Yeah I told you he could really go. Yeah click clack". And he hangs up the phone. Who says click clack and hangs up?
Oh yes, I am in Portland watching the draft with Ravi. In the basement as mommy and daddy live here now. Yes, just like high school. Red Bull in hand. Ready to go.
9:37 Brady Quinn's girlfriend. Hmmm. Pretty sure he will upgrade by mini camp. Also can he stop drinking water and looking nervous. Relax Brady. No one likes you.
9:41 Now Brady looks pissed/nervous as Joe Thomas goes #3. This also marks the first of many dollars that I will win from Ravi as we predict the picks right before they are announced. Apparently Ravi loves Brady Quinn so he picked him.
Waiting for the Joe Thomas/fisherman interview on the boat as Ravi watches Thomas squash defensive players and cackles loudly.
9:50 Luis calls and yells about Matt Millen, calling him an idiot. I tell him that just because the Lions had bad WR picks in the past shouldn't make them pass on Johnson this year. Luis agrees, but says that the Lions have nobody to throw to them. I say Brady Quinn will not be a good pro. Luis says, "Me either and I don't think Russell will be good either." So who do they pick then Law School boy? Jeez, you'd think he'd be smarter.
9:54 Gaines Adams goes #4. Ravi and I agree although Ravi just said "that tie doesn't pop". What does that mean?
Chris Berman said something about when offensive players play against him, they don't Gaines Adams. Huh?
9:57 This is Ravi now folks. The tie just looked stupid, it didn't pop. He needed a different tie. Boomer said he would be No Gaines Adams. Second time today
10:03 Levi Brown goes #5 to Arizona. Brady Quinn looks so dejected. It is awesome. Now they are talking about how the Cardinals can make a move in the NFC West. Eat it Steve Young. Eat it. Hawks forever!!!! Luis and I just got season tickets.
Reunited and it feels so good. Peaches and Herb. Luis and Brian.
Levi is huge. No one really cares about much. Oh and Rich Eisen asked the commissioner early this morning if they could bring back the helmet phones. Goodell said he would get right on that. Hilarious.
Now Ravi is talking to David Dunch about Brady Quinn. Dave loves him. We hate him. There is debate on the girl next to Quinn whether it is a sister or not. Since the girl hasn't been shown the last couple times, my guess is that Quinn already traded up. Or more likely she dumped him as he plummets down the draft board. Yes.10:13 Apparently LaRon Landry is going #6. Wow. Landry and Sean Taylor. Nice safety combo.
By the way, Landry is not in New York. He apparently is at his pimp's house. Did you see those couches? They are like orange velour swirls. And his awkward white agent guy next to him is pumping his fist. Landry is excited although he is wearing a hat, nice shirt untucked, tie, and jeans. I think that is why he isn't in New York.
Ravi says he leads the mockery now. He will be 6 for 6. This will be my first miss.
Berman is talking nonsense.
10:17 The only white person in the room with Landry is his agent. And he is still awkward. Really awkward.
Adrian Peterson looks worried. I think he is wondering how he will pay off his watch. Have you seen that thing? Let me just say that it is ridiculous.
Quinn looks strange still with his girl and his mom maybe. Hopefully.
Now Tom Condon, Quinn and Peterson's agent is talking about how weird it is that both have not been drafted yet.
Yeah weird for you buddy. At least he doesn't look as awkward as the other guy with Landry. By the way, why does awkward look so awkward when you type it?
10:23 Ravi again. Click Clack is on again. Maybe the 17,2345th time. Brian raises his fists in anger. Oh god, it was just on three seconds ago and it's on again. Anybody not want to buy Under Armour now? I don't. Plus it's inferior product. Nike for life.
Brian just breezed past me leading the Mockery. I AM DOMINATING. Brian wasn't even going to pick Levi Brown at #5.
Ravi Out.
10:35 Ravi in. Brian just said that Dr. Quinn Medicine Women just touched the blond girl in a way that proves she's not his sister, unless of course she is his Alabama sister.
Hilarious.
We just saw a new girl next to Quinny. Apparently Blond girl was scaring people.
First theory on the draft. JaMarcus Russell wore all black cause he knew he would be a Raider.
10:40 First real big shocker of the day. Falcons and former Louisville Coach Bobby Petrino pass on Christian Okoye's little brother to take Jamaal Anderson of Arkansas. Michael Smith called it on ESPN. Apparently we should listen to him.
No one is talking about Anderson. They just keep talking about stupid Quinn. And the dog killer Mike Vick. So let's think about Vick.
Alias known as Ron Mexico as he gave a girl herpes. Smuggled weed in a water bottle. Tried to kill 30 dogs. And can't throw anything but a deep chuck and a 15 yard pass over the middle to Crumpler. Yeah, build a team around him. Not to mention his brother did all kinds of bad stuff and got kicked out of Virginia Tech.
CLICK CLACK.
WTF. Nike gets some advertising dollars in here or something.
Dolphins are up. Quinn has gotta go now. Holy mackarel. They just showed the hottest girl ever to attend the NFL draft wearing a Quinn jersey. We have a candidate to trade up to. Quinn get out there!
10:51 There is a buzz in the building. And by building, I mean Ravi's house.
Unbelievable. Ted Ginn Jr. goes #9 to Miami. Mel Kiper is yelling at the camera and he just said "You gotta be kidding me".
Quinn looks like he is going to cry. It is awesome. So awesome. He is throwing his hands up and stuff.
Houston is up. Do they take Quinn? The intrigue. The suspense.
So Miami apparently believes in Daunte Culpepper. So crazy. Mel is so mad still. He is now yelling at Keyshawn Johnson. No one agrees with this pick.
Dave Dunch calls. He is pumped for the 49ers to have a myriad of defensive players to choose from. Bad for the Hawks. Tony Kornheiser just called Quinn a car wreck as in you want to look away as he sits and waits.
I want to watch. Apparently I am sick and disgusting.
11:05 Okoye just went to Houston. Bookend DEs now with Super Mario. And by Super Mario, I mean Super Busto. OH SNAP.
Okoye's friends and family have the same t-shirts on and are jumping around and loving him. Mel Kiper is now saying all the things wrong with him. Debbie Downer. Wah wah.
Really all you need to do is look this diagram to know whether Okoye will be good or not.
11:19 49ers draft Patrick Willis. Not hard to guess when Steve Young says "You can write this down in blood, the 49ers are taking Patrick Willis".
That is a little violent for a Mormon to say, don't you think?
Oh and Brady Quinn was escorted to the back room by the Commish. Ravi says it is weak sauce. I just imagine all the things he is saying to his ugly girlfriend. "Stop touching me, you are so yesterday!".
Mariucci is talking about crying on the NFL Network. That is why no one watches it.
CLICK CLACK. Son of a biscuit. Different network, same commercial. Just scrape my eyes out with a rusty spoon.
11:25 Ravi in. Brian just read that DJack is taking a physical in SF. Looks like it's goin to happen (rumor is a 4th round pick).
Marshawn to Buffalo. Brian says he loves the pick 7 times in a row.
Thought maybe Quinny would go here. Excellent. Wonder if he is crying? Like Adam Morrison. I bet he and Adam Morrison are best friends. Yeah.....bff's forever.
By the way, everyone knows that Charlie Weis is a good coach, but how about everyone stops jockin him until he does something in college football. Yeah, he got Jimmy Clausen, but win some big games already.
Ravi Out.
11:33 Marshawn Lynch is awesome. He dominated the Pac-10. Great pick by Buffalo, instead of stupid Quinn or some other guy like Carriker.
Ravi said BFF forever, which means Best Friends Forever....Forever. Awesome.
Charlie Weis 19-6 in two years with no Bowl wins. With all of Ty Willingham's players. Oooohhhh, so good. I hate you Charlie Weis.
Mike Tirico just talked about waiting for the restroom with the Commish. Did anyone hear about the ESPN book where Tirico always has sex in the copy room? Do you think he tried to do the Commish? I do.11:40 Ravi in. Adam Carriker was just taken by St. Louis. I think it's a good pick.
For those of you that don't know, Brian and I did a mock draft before the draft started this morning ($10) and also do a pick-by-pick bet as well ($1 per pick). So far in our mockery, Brian has 5 out of 13, I have 7 out of 13 correct. Awesome. Brian is up on the pick-by-pick though (up a buck).
TRADE. Fans in Radio City Music Hall are goin crazy. That means Jet or Giants?
Jets just pushed up to the 14th spot. Traded with Carolina. I say maybe they want Olsen. Brian thinks Quinny. The analysts say a CB (Hall or Revis).
Jets traded a 1st, 2nd and 5th for 1st and a 6th.
Both Brian and I think it's way too much. Carolina is brillant.
Ravi Out.
11:52 JETS pick is up. Darrelle Revis goes. The Jets fans are happy. They are idiots. Ravi just said, "That is my stupid fault". Apparently Pittsburgh wanted Revis. The Jets traded up to go ahead of them. I thought they would take Leon Hall. Ravi said Greg Olsen.
CLICK CLACK. If there was a drinking game involved, I would be dead right now.
Seahawks are only 40 picks away! Let's go Hawks.
12:13 Pitt took Lawrence Timmons awhile ago. Nothing exciting about that. Although what happened to Buster Davis and Lorenzo Booker?
Mort is yelling at Steve Young. Absolutely yelling.
Packers took Justin Harrell. Keyshawn says "you gotta score points". Everyone seems to think they should have taken a WR except Kiper. Keyshawn and Steve Young are both Favre fans and think that the Packers are telling Favre to suck it. Mort is fuming. Awesome.
Jacksonville is up. This is very signifcant. As some of you may know, Ravi is a Jacksonville fan. I know, it makes a lot of sense. Also Ravi stated to me that if they draft Brady Quinn, he will no longer root for them. He will be a Seahawks fan. So let's all root for that.
Getting closer to the Seahawks pick. Time to drink. CLICK CLACK.
12:28 Jacksonville pulls a coup similar to the French peasants. They get Denver's #1 (4 picks later), 3rd round, and 6th round. Denver takes Jarvis Moss, a.k.a. The Freak Part Two. Can't they come up with a better nickname than that? Why not "The Rolling Moss" or "J-Mo the Psycho".
Ravi thinks the Jags could have got more for it. He is an idiot. Ravi also states that 6th round picks don't do much. Tell that to Marc Bulger, Matt Hasselbeck, and Tom Brady. I can't wait until the Jags take Quinn at #21. Awesome.
Anyway, Ravi can't complain. He is just like Louis XIV.
12:35 Cincy picks Leon Hall. Great pick. Did some research, I was off by two Louis.
12:36 Ravi in. Yeah, it was Louis XVI.....ass. Leon Hall, great pick that just fell to the Bengals. Tenn was pretty much taking Ted Ginn Jr. since the Superbowl. They may have liked Leon Hall, but maybe they take Robert Meachem?
Just showed hot girl in stands again. Fantastic.
I have liked the combo of Steve Young, Keyshawn, Mort, Mel and Boomer today. Sad that they got rid of Michael Irvin though. Anyone know why? I don't. I thought that he was money in the bank, drew in those dollars like the flickering light of an incandescant odorless oil fire lamp to fire flies.
Ravi out.
12:48 Tennesse takes Michael Griffin, safety from Texas. Kiper compared him to Ronnie Lott. Uh, why wouldn't you take him then? Ravi and I both thought Meachem.
Ravi is now pissed because the Titans WR depth chart looks awful. Steve Young doesn't like defense at all.
We are only 35 picks away from the Seahawks. The Seahawks fans on message boards are calling for Michael Bush at #55. That might be a good pick.
With thirteen picks left in the 1st round, how many teams would draft a QB? We say Kansas City, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Chicago. QUINN TO THE JAGS!!!!
Oh and Ravi meant renounce the Jags. Not just stop rooting. Much stronger. Suzi Colber just said, "Quinn has been sequestered to the back". Going on the Revolution theme, nice Suz.
12:57 Giants pick. Aaron Ross picked. The crazy Giants fans are happy.
Texas guys going like crazy now out of no where. Joe Staley dropping like a glass of milk when you see your mom walk into the kitchen naked. Shield your eyes.What?
12:57:01 Ravi in. Why does it sound like you have been through this experience?
Ravi out.
1:05 Ravi in. Good movement by Jaxs. Got the guy they wanted (Reggie Nelson) and more picks (although I thought they could get more). I was hoping Cleveland or Detroit was on the phone trying to move up and giving up everything for Quinny, but I like Nelson nonetheless.
Rumor has it that Carrie Underwood is dating Tony Romo. Lucky Tony Romo, but if Dallas picks Dr. Quinn Medicine Women right now, does she dump Romo for Quinny?
Just heard that Ed Werder texts Romo about Quinny. Why did Romo give Ed Werder his number? Weird. Pretty sure we will be hearing about Ed Werder going to jail for hiding in bushes outside Tony Romo's house in the next few weeks.
Ravi out.
1:17 The Browns move up and grab Quinn at #22. Wow. This may end up being great for Cleveland despite the fact that I hate the Medicine Woman.
Side note: I think the Medicine Woman is so hot.
So the Browns now have Quinn and Joe Thomas on Day 1. I wonder what they had to give up. Too bad Lil' Romeo is their coach.
Did you hear Lil' Romeo verballed to play basketball at USC? What is USC doing? With Lil' Romeo and OJ Mayo, we need a reality show. Call it "Pass the Mayo" or "Romeo with a side of Mayo".Wow, the Browns gave up the 2nd round pick this year and their first round pick next year. Another coup. Good job Dallas.
Ravi's mom apparently calls one of their Toyota Avalons "the Mercedes". Hilarious. Gotta love the Shankars.
1:38 Seahawks fictional pick is up. This is the one they traded for Deion Branch. Could have had Greg Olsen, TE, from Miami. I would take Branch still.
Kansas City took D-Bowe with the last pick. Steve Young gets excited because a team finally took a WR to help a quarterback. Mort still shoots him down, saying Damon Huard won't start anyway. Steve looks at Mort like he is a soda. The devil to Mormons.
Phil Sauvage of the Browns says he likes trading next year's #1 pick is fine because Quinn will be a 2nd year pro next year and he can take next year off. Huh? No wonder they are horrible.
1:47 Ravi gets this one. He picked Merriweather and proceeded to yell "Give me my dolla! Give me my dolla!" What an idiot.
1:48 Ravi in. Idiot with a dolla! wait.....At least my cell phone ring isn't Barney's theme song, or maybe the Tella Tubbies. Not sure which one, but it's probably one of those.
That last pick, Brandon Merriweather was a double win for me. picked up that dolla and another point on the mockery. Up three on Brian right now. He kind of looks like he's about to cry.
Ravi Out.2:02 I am not listening to Ravi but he is talking anyway. Stop talking.
The Panthers took Jon Beason at #25. I thought he was white. He isn't. Hmmm, maybe I am racist.
Kei Igawa is wearing sunglasses while pitching for the Yankees. Luis says, "That is so Japanese". Who is the racist now?
Cowboys trade back up into the 1st round and draft Anthony Spencer. Ok. BORING.
2:21 I win a dollar back baby. Robert Meachem to the Saints. Apparently they are just loading up on offense.
The Dolphins' draft party crowd booed Coach Cam Cameron went he announced they picked Ted Ginn Jr. Then Mark May said he won't go over the middle, can't get off the line, and will drop tough passes. Nice.
Stupid cars.com commercial. Jesus, we are getting loopy. Too much basement time. WINGS TIME!
Almost wing time. Have to wait for the end of the 1st round. I love the commercial where the guy loves his car device that tells him where to go. Funny stuff.
Patriots up next. Justin probably doesn't even know there is a draft today. Loser. Go get married on an island or something.
2:35 49ers trade up and take Joe Staley. Ravi gets that one. I picked Paul Pasluzkyzyky. Why? No idea.
I hate the 49ers. They think they are so cool. And Haryharra (Ravi's dad) loves them. He also said the Seahawks will always suck today. I think he wants to fight.
By the way, Staley's picture makes him look like someone I want to beat up. If I was 6'5, 300 lbs.2:44 Double win for me. Ben Grubbs to the Ravens. Mel Kiper said "The Ravens are getting a great guy in Ben Grubbs" before they announce the pick. Then Ravi picks someone else. Moron.
Grubbs looks like the opposite of Staley. 49ers are idiots. They gave up next year's #1 pick for that guy. Stupid San Francisco.2:48 Ravi in. First, my dad didn't say that the SeaChickens suck, he said they choked. He compared them to the Bills. HA HA, the bills.
I gave Brian a chance to catch up on the Mockery, so I went with Ugoh. Apparently Brian thinks I should be going for the throat.
I choose Greg Olsen for the Chargers. Let's see what happens.
Ravi Out.
2:53 Greg Olsen is going next. They showed him in Miami celebrating in some light blue room with some tan girls. It looked very Miami-y in there. How do you say that? Miami-ee. Try saying it out loud. DO IT!
Also, Greg Olsen looks like he could be your neighbor who mows the lawn for lemonade. I don't know what that is supposed to mean.
2:57 Something happened. Craig Davis from LSU. A WR taken over Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. Ravi and I sit in silence. Keyshawn is disappointed a little. He "didn't think they would take this kid". Oh Key-Jo.
He is probably just pissed because he compared Jarrett to himself, which in turn means that he is a bust.
Gre-Ol must be going to Chi-Town next.
3:01 Ravi In. Sooooooo, Key-Jo just said that WR dudes from USC can be put on "Steak Knives and Ellen Saints."
Huh?
Ravi Out.
3:05 The Bears are going to take Greg Olsen. Going out on a limb as he puts on the Bears hat in his Miami-y home.
I am so smart. S-M-R-T.
3:18 Last pick. Just announced that this was the longest first round in the history of the draft. Holy jeez.
Anthony Gonzalez from the Ohio State goes last.
Final tally - Ravi 9, me 7. We are horrible at projecting. Stupid draft.Time to go eat some wings. No more blogging for now. Too much sauce. And we all know, Jesus is the best sauce.
3:23 Ravi In. Thanks for tuning in folks. Stay on Steak Knives and Ellen Saints.
Ravi Out.
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Four
For the three of you who read by NBA playoffs preview, I have some updated info. If you notice at the end of the column, I picked four players to “blow up” in the playoffs. I have to say, I am awesome.
Luol Deng put up 33 points and eight rebounds in the Bulls first win. Then followed it up with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game Two’s win.
Leondro Barbosa scored 26 in Game 1, 26 in Game 2, and 20 in Game 3 as the Suns are up 2-1 on the Lakers. He racked up 15 straight points in Game 2 at one point.
Devin Harris scored 19 points in Game 1 and 15 points in Game 2.
Deron Williams’ scoring hasn’t been great, but look at the overall numbers. 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in Game 1. 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2. And 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in Game 3. Jazz are down 2-1.
Keep watching these four as the playoffs move on.
Luol Deng put up 33 points and eight rebounds in the Bulls first win. Then followed it up with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game Two’s win.
Leondro Barbosa scored 26 in Game 1, 26 in Game 2, and 20 in Game 3 as the Suns are up 2-1 on the Lakers. He racked up 15 straight points in Game 2 at one point.
Devin Harris scored 19 points in Game 1 and 15 points in Game 2.
Deron Williams’ scoring hasn’t been great, but look at the overall numbers. 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in Game 1. 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2. And 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in Game 3. Jazz are down 2-1.
Keep watching these four as the playoffs move on.
They're Back Baby!
A little three game winning streak can do a lot for the morale, can’t it? No, not the morale of the team. My morale.
The Mariners are 4-1 against the hated Oakland Athletics this year. They are 3-1 against the Rangers and 0-3 against the Angels. Still it is an improvement over last year. What changed over the past three games? The starting pitching kept them in the game and then the bullpen could take over.
Cha Seung Baek only went 4 1/3 innings on Monday, but left with the game tied 4-4. He gave the M’s a chance to win. Brandon Morrow came in and dominated. Putz finished it up. No more runs for the Rangers.
Then Washburn pitched very well (I don’t care that the A’s line up was less talented than a paraplegic blind Catholic all-girls school team) in throwing a complete game shutout. No need for the pen.
Batista went 5 1/3 yesterday and only gave up two runs, leaving with a 3-2 lead. Reitsma, Sherrill, Morrow, and Putz closed it out.
Contrast this with the three starters in the Angels series (Weaver, Ramirez, Batista) who went 13 total innings and
gave up 15 runs. The starters left the game down 6-0, 6-0, and 3-0. No runs, but no chance either.
This won’t necessarily ever be a good team. They are still last in on base percentage in the American League and the 4-6 hitters are scuffling. They only have two stolen bases. The #3 starter’s ERA is 7.54, the #4 is 6.30 and the #5 wow. 13.91. I hate you Jeff Weaver. But they have some good components.
Washburn is now 1-2 with a 2.96 ERA. Batters are hitting only .216 off him and he really succeeds ahead in the count. That is what he did against Oakland two days ago. If he keeps this up (not at this level, but 3.50-3.90 ERA), Wash will be a solid #2 behind The King. By the way, he is scheduled to pitch again May 4th at Yankee Stadium. I am counting the days.
Ibanez is hitting .500 with runners in scoring position and Ichiro is at .455 in the same situations. The problem is neither of them get many chances. Stupid Jose Guillen is hitting .154 with one RBI with runners in scoring position. Stupid Guillen. And that is one of the Mariners’ biggest problems right now. They do not drive runners home, especially with no or one outs and a runner on third. Unbelievable how inept they are at that.
If Ramirez or Batista can keep them at least in games, the M’s will be ok. Weaver? He is a lost cause.
0-3, 13.91 ERA. Batters hitting .436 off him. They hit .439 in innings 1-3. They hit .429 in innings 4-6. They hit .688 after they get ahead 1-0. They hit .294 when Weaver gets ahead 0-1. Somehow they hit .375 when Weaver gets ahead 0-2. Oh and 1.000 when hitters are up 2-0. Man I hate him right now.
Get on base for Ibanez. Sexson hit a home run every once in awhile. Lead going into the 6th and the M’s will win. O’Flaherty and Sherill as lefties in the pen. Both 0.00 ERAs. Morrow has shown value as a set up guy despite a couple rough outings (4.15 ERA). Reitsma 1.23 ERA. Putz 2.16 ERA. Domination.
So the M’s need Ramirez to pitch well tonight and get a win. They lose to the Royals tomorrow with Weaver pitching (against Gil Meche too, I hate you dirty Meche). And then Baek gets a win on Sunday.
10-10 heading into next week.
The Mariners are 4-1 against the hated Oakland Athletics this year. They are 3-1 against the Rangers and 0-3 against the Angels. Still it is an improvement over last year. What changed over the past three games? The starting pitching kept them in the game and then the bullpen could take over.
Cha Seung Baek only went 4 1/3 innings on Monday, but left with the game tied 4-4. He gave the M’s a chance to win. Brandon Morrow came in and dominated. Putz finished it up. No more runs for the Rangers.
Then Washburn pitched very well (I don’t care that the A’s line up was less talented than a paraplegic blind Catholic all-girls school team) in throwing a complete game shutout. No need for the pen.
Batista went 5 1/3 yesterday and only gave up two runs, leaving with a 3-2 lead. Reitsma, Sherrill, Morrow, and Putz closed it out.
Contrast this with the three starters in the Angels series (Weaver, Ramirez, Batista) who went 13 total innings and
gave up 15 runs. The starters left the game down 6-0, 6-0, and 3-0. No runs, but no chance either.This won’t necessarily ever be a good team. They are still last in on base percentage in the American League and the 4-6 hitters are scuffling. They only have two stolen bases. The #3 starter’s ERA is 7.54, the #4 is 6.30 and the #5 wow. 13.91. I hate you Jeff Weaver. But they have some good components.
Washburn is now 1-2 with a 2.96 ERA. Batters are hitting only .216 off him and he really succeeds ahead in the count. That is what he did against Oakland two days ago. If he keeps this up (not at this level, but 3.50-3.90 ERA), Wash will be a solid #2 behind The King. By the way, he is scheduled to pitch again May 4th at Yankee Stadium. I am counting the days.
Ibanez is hitting .500 with runners in scoring position and Ichiro is at .455 in the same situations. The problem is neither of them get many chances. Stupid Jose Guillen is hitting .154 with one RBI with runners in scoring position. Stupid Guillen. And that is one of the Mariners’ biggest problems right now. They do not drive runners home, especially with no or one outs and a runner on third. Unbelievable how inept they are at that.
If Ramirez or Batista can keep them at least in games, the M’s will be ok. Weaver? He is a lost cause.
0-3, 13.91 ERA. Batters hitting .436 off him. They hit .439 in innings 1-3. They hit .429 in innings 4-6. They hit .688 after they get ahead 1-0. They hit .294 when Weaver gets ahead 0-1. Somehow they hit .375 when Weaver gets ahead 0-2. Oh and 1.000 when hitters are up 2-0. Man I hate him right now.
Get on base for Ibanez. Sexson hit a home run every once in awhile. Lead going into the 6th and the M’s will win. O’Flaherty and Sherill as lefties in the pen. Both 0.00 ERAs. Morrow has shown value as a set up guy despite a couple rough outings (4.15 ERA). Reitsma 1.23 ERA. Putz 2.16 ERA. Domination.
So the M’s need Ramirez to pitch well tonight and get a win. They lose to the Royals tomorrow with Weaver pitching (against Gil Meche too, I hate you dirty Meche). And then Baek gets a win on Sunday.
10-10 heading into next week.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Stupid Sund
It is hard to want to write anything about the Sonics considering they are most likely moving to Oklahoma City after next season. It’s like getting into a relationship with a moderately attractive girl for a year. She has days where she looks pretty good like when she wears her hair up (Ray Allen going off). Some days she looks ok (Wilcox dunks, Lewis hits 3’s, Ridnour hits mid range jumpers) and some days she looks disgusting (51 losses). Why even bother?
So next year maybe I should consider the younger, better looking girl down the road (Portland) who I went out with once in high school (Martell, BRoy, Nate McMillan).
Ok enough with the analogy. Of course I am preparing myself for the departure of the Sonics. But I will not abandon them until they actually leave. So that leaves me with some thoughts on the future of this team. They need a new coach and a new GM.
I don’t know much about the GM candidates but I like Times writer Jerry Brewer’s idea of throwing a lot of money at Jerry West. The logo turned the Grizzlies into a playoff team, although they are horrible this season. Still the Sonics would be better off with him. If not West, then take som
eone from a good team’s front office like the Spurs, Mavericks, Suns, or Pistons.
In terms of the coach, I believe you have to go get Suns assistant Marc Iavaroni. I don’t know much about his philosophy, but hopefully he wants to play fast like Mike D’Antoni. Iavaroni learned much about coaching from legend Pete Newell and worked on player development under Pat Riley before joining the Suns. I think he is the perfect fit for Seattle.
I don’t understand why the Sonics would ever slow the ball down. They don’t have the personnel to do it, especially when you start Nick Collison at center. Now Luke Ridnour is no Steve Nash, but his game has similarities. He is best when the team runs and he can distribute. And Chris Wilcox and Collison are at an advantage when they can beat bigger guys down the floor. Have you seen Wilcox in the post? He needs to run and dunk, not shoot jump hooks. Trust me.
The Sonics do not have defenders and if they plan on re-signing Lewis then it will continue. Lewis, Allen, and Wilcox will not be sitting on the bench and none of them defend very well. So why fight it? Run, run, and run. That feeds into Ridnour’s strength so now he becomes more effective. Collison now doesn’t have to fight with bigger guys at center all the time and you become more attractive to potential free agents.
So hire Marc Iavaroni. Maybe I should be the GM. I know one thing is for sure – I wouldn’t draft seven footers three years in a row. But who would really? Oh yes, Rick Sund.
So next year maybe I should consider the younger, better looking girl down the road (Portland) who I went out with once in high school (Martell, BRoy, Nate McMillan).
Ok enough with the analogy. Of course I am preparing myself for the departure of the Sonics. But I will not abandon them until they actually leave. So that leaves me with some thoughts on the future of this team. They need a new coach and a new GM.
I don’t know much about the GM candidates but I like Times writer Jerry Brewer’s idea of throwing a lot of money at Jerry West. The logo turned the Grizzlies into a playoff team, although they are horrible this season. Still the Sonics would be better off with him. If not West, then take som
eone from a good team’s front office like the Spurs, Mavericks, Suns, or Pistons.In terms of the coach, I believe you have to go get Suns assistant Marc Iavaroni. I don’t know much about his philosophy, but hopefully he wants to play fast like Mike D’Antoni. Iavaroni learned much about coaching from legend Pete Newell and worked on player development under Pat Riley before joining the Suns. I think he is the perfect fit for Seattle.
I don’t understand why the Sonics would ever slow the ball down. They don’t have the personnel to do it, especially when you start Nick Collison at center. Now Luke Ridnour is no Steve Nash, but his game has similarities. He is best when the team runs and he can distribute. And Chris Wilcox and Collison are at an advantage when they can beat bigger guys down the floor. Have you seen Wilcox in the post? He needs to run and dunk, not shoot jump hooks. Trust me.
The Sonics do not have defenders and if they plan on re-signing Lewis then it will continue. Lewis, Allen, and Wilcox will not be sitting on the bench and none of them defend very well. So why fight it? Run, run, and run. That feeds into Ridnour’s strength so now he becomes more effective. Collison now doesn’t have to fight with bigger guys at center all the time and you become more attractive to potential free agents.
So hire Marc Iavaroni. Maybe I should be the GM. I know one thing is for sure – I wouldn’t draft seven footers three years in a row. But who would really? Oh yes, Rick Sund.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Get Out of My Dreams, Get Away From Me David Carr
The question leading up to the 2007 NFL Draft this weekend is like always, “who will go #1?”
Last year everyone knew who it would be. Reggie Bush. Everyone except the Texans. As you know, they went with Mario Williams. I am pretty sure that if Mario has 12 sacks next year it would be the wrong call still.
The #1 overall pick is a big deal. The Texans have not sniffed the playoffs yet and their two #1 overalls have been David Carr and Mario Williams. They could have had Julius Peppers in 2002 and Reggie Bush last year. That would have been nice, right?
Teams who do it right can have their franchises changed forever like the Colts with Peyton Manning and the Bengals with Carson Palmer.
The early candidates for this year’s #1 overall were JaMarcus Russell (LSU, QB), Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech, WR), Joe Thomas (OT, Wisconsin), Brady Quinn (Notre Dame, QB), Gaines Adams (Clemson, DE), and LaRon Landry (LSU, S). That list quickly went down to Russell, Johnson, and Quinn. At this point it is safe to say it is down to Johnson and Russell. So who do the Raiders take?
To answer that question one must look at the history of quarterbacks and wide receivers in the draft. I looked back to all the #1 overalls since 1983 (kind of an arbitrary year to pick, but since the league changes style such as passing more, I didn’t want to go back too far) and found most #1 overalls were quarterbacks.
There were some very good: Elway (1983), Aikman (1989), Peyton (1998)
Some good: Palmer (2003), Bledsoe (1993), Testaverde (1987)
Some ok, jury still out: Vick (2001), Eli (2004), Smith (2005)
Some bad: George (1990), Couch (1999), Carr (2002)
As you can see, it isn’t a sure thing.
But we don’t have much data on wide receivers. Just two have been selected #1 overall in this time period. Keyshawn in 1996 and Irving Fryar in 1984. Both players have enjoyed nice careers, but probably aren’t worthy of a #1 overall.
In fact, many teams in the past ten years would probably take a different #1 overall if they could. I have listed the #1 overalls with the player that should have been taken below and their overall pick. I only considered players in the top ten of each year as it seems unlikely that a team would “reach” below that point. Even if that player turned out to be a star, if nine other teams passed they weren’t going to go #1 overall no matter what.
1995: Ki Jana Carter
Steve McNair (#3)
1996: Keyshawn Johnson
Jonathan Ogden (#4)
1997: Orlando Pace
1998: Peyton Manning
1999: Tim Couch
Donovan McNabb (#2, really hard to pick over Torry Holt and Champ Bailey here)
2000: Courtney Brown
Brian Urlacher (#9)
2001: Michael Vick
LaDanian Tomlinson (#5)
2002: David Carr
Julius Peppers (#2)
2003: Carson Palmer
2004: Eli Manning
Philip Rivers (#4)
2005: Alex Smith
Pacman Jones (#6)
Just kidding.
2006: Mario Williams
Reggie Bush (#2)
So over the past 11 drafts, five QBs should have been taken #1 overall. Two offensive tackles. Two running backs. And two defensive players (probably the two best in the game).
But does drafting a QB early lead to success? I looked at the past four years of the NFL playoffs as a sample to test it. With six teams in each conference making it, that involves 48 total teams (obviously the Patriots are counted four times and so are the Seahawks, holla!).
Of the 48 teams, 22 were led by 1st round picks at quarterback. There are some repeats here, so let’s look at the individuals. There were 12 individuals out of a possible 26 that were first round picks. That is 46.1%, which is pretty impressive. How many were top 5 picks? Six. And #1 overall? Four – Manning, Manning, Palmer, and Vick.
Peyton Manning has one Super Bowl. The other three have zero. Elway won two. Aikman won three. Not a guarantee, but Irving Fryar never won a Super Bowl. Keyshawn did with Tampa Bay.
Unless you want to wait to draft a QB in the 6th round (Tom Brady, Matt Hasselbeck, and Marc Bulger), you might be better off taking one with the #1 overall pick. But before we crown Russell the man, we should take a look at the players and the Raiders’ needs.
Oakland suffers at the quarterback position. I mean, they are really bad. The Raiders ran out Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter, and contemplated Jeff George in 2006. They haven’t had any success at the position since Rich Gannon. And I don’t think Walter is the answer despite b
eing young. Meanwhile at wide receiver they are not short on talent. Maybe on character, but not talent. Randy Moss and Jerry Porter lead the way, along with Ronald Curry. Doug Gabriel is ok as well.
Calvin Johnson evokes some memories of Randy Moss actually. Johnson ran a 4.35 in the 40 at the NFL combine. With someone else’s shoes. He wasn’t even going to run, but the competitor in him decided it was a good idea. So he borrowed someone else’s shoes and blew away all the NFL scouts. He also posted a 42 ½ inch vertical and an 11 foot, 7 inch broad jump. Apparently the broad jump is jumping as far as you can from a position standing still. Hmmm, I think I would jump 1 foot, 2 inches. A NFL scout was quoted as saying it was the farthest he ever say a player jump. Ever.
Johnson pulled down 76 catches for 1202 yards and 15 touchdowns last year as a junior. He ranks in the top five in Georgia Tech history in catches (5th), yards (3rd), touchdowns (tied 1st), and 100 yard games (1st) in only three seasons. He is regarded as a good guy with no off the field issues (unlike Moss).
Russell puts up some impressive numbers of his own. Last season he completed 232 of 342 passes (67.8%) for 3129 yards and 28 touchdowns while throwing only eight interceptions. The previous year he threw for 2443 yards (while completing 60.5% of his passes) for 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He is the first quarterback in LSU history to lead the Tigers to
back-to-back double digit wins (10 in 2005, 11 last year). Russell was named the 2007 Sugar Bowl MVP after throwing for a career high 332 yards. He wins games.
The other factor in this draft is the depth at wide receiver. Ted Ginn Jr (Ohio State), Dwayne Bowe (LSU), Robert Meachem (Tennessee) and Dwayne Jarrett (USC) are all projected to be first round picks. Steve Smith (USC) and Sidney Rice (South Carolina) are borderline first round picks as well. I don’t think any of them can do what Calvin Johnson can do though.
That is what makes this truly hard. Johnson is special and could change games. Yet the reality is that the quarterback has the ball in his hands on every snap. The quarterback makes the most decisions in each game. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. And I believe JaMarcus Russell will be a good one.
Last year everyone knew who it would be. Reggie Bush. Everyone except the Texans. As you know, they went with Mario Williams. I am pretty sure that if Mario has 12 sacks next year it would be the wrong call still.
The #1 overall pick is a big deal. The Texans have not sniffed the playoffs yet and their two #1 overalls have been David Carr and Mario Williams. They could have had Julius Peppers in 2002 and Reggie Bush last year. That would have been nice, right?
Teams who do it right can have their franchises changed forever like the Colts with Peyton Manning and the Bengals with Carson Palmer.
The early candidates for this year’s #1 overall were JaMarcus Russell (LSU, QB), Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech, WR), Joe Thomas (OT, Wisconsin), Brady Quinn (Notre Dame, QB), Gaines Adams (Clemson, DE), and LaRon Landry (LSU, S). That list quickly went down to Russell, Johnson, and Quinn. At this point it is safe to say it is down to Johnson and Russell. So who do the Raiders take?
To answer that question one must look at the history of quarterbacks and wide receivers in the draft. I looked back to all the #1 overalls since 1983 (kind of an arbitrary year to pick, but since the league changes style such as passing more, I didn’t want to go back too far) and found most #1 overalls were quarterbacks.
There were some very good: Elway (1983), Aikman (1989), Peyton (1998)
Some good: Palmer (2003), Bledsoe (1993), Testaverde (1987)
Some ok, jury still out: Vick (2001), Eli (2004), Smith (2005)
Some bad: George (1990), Couch (1999), Carr (2002)
As you can see, it isn’t a sure thing.
But we don’t have much data on wide receivers. Just two have been selected #1 overall in this time period. Keyshawn in 1996 and Irving Fryar in 1984. Both players have enjoyed nice careers, but probably aren’t worthy of a #1 overall.
In fact, many teams in the past ten years would probably take a different #1 overall if they could. I have listed the #1 overalls with the player that should have been taken below and their overall pick. I only considered players in the top ten of each year as it seems unlikely that a team would “reach” below that point. Even if that player turned out to be a star, if nine other teams passed they weren’t going to go #1 overall no matter what.
1995: Ki Jana Carter
Steve McNair (#3)
1996: Keyshawn Johnson
Jonathan Ogden (#4)
1997: Orlando Pace
1998: Peyton Manning
1999: Tim Couch
Donovan McNabb (#2, really hard to pick over Torry Holt and Champ Bailey here)
2000: Courtney Brown
Brian Urlacher (#9)
2001: Michael Vick
LaDanian Tomlinson (#5)
2002: David Carr
Julius Peppers (#2)
2003: Carson Palmer
2004: Eli Manning
Philip Rivers (#4)
2005: Alex Smith
Pacman Jones (#6)
Just kidding.
2006: Mario Williams
Reggie Bush (#2)
So over the past 11 drafts, five QBs should have been taken #1 overall. Two offensive tackles. Two running backs. And two defensive players (probably the two best in the game).
But does drafting a QB early lead to success? I looked at the past four years of the NFL playoffs as a sample to test it. With six teams in each conference making it, that involves 48 total teams (obviously the Patriots are counted four times and so are the Seahawks, holla!).
Of the 48 teams, 22 were led by 1st round picks at quarterback. There are some repeats here, so let’s look at the individuals. There were 12 individuals out of a possible 26 that were first round picks. That is 46.1%, which is pretty impressive. How many were top 5 picks? Six. And #1 overall? Four – Manning, Manning, Palmer, and Vick.
Peyton Manning has one Super Bowl. The other three have zero. Elway won two. Aikman won three. Not a guarantee, but Irving Fryar never won a Super Bowl. Keyshawn did with Tampa Bay.
Unless you want to wait to draft a QB in the 6th round (Tom Brady, Matt Hasselbeck, and Marc Bulger), you might be better off taking one with the #1 overall pick. But before we crown Russell the man, we should take a look at the players and the Raiders’ needs.
Oakland suffers at the quarterback position. I mean, they are really bad. The Raiders ran out Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter, and contemplated Jeff George in 2006. They haven’t had any success at the position since Rich Gannon. And I don’t think Walter is the answer despite b
eing young. Meanwhile at wide receiver they are not short on talent. Maybe on character, but not talent. Randy Moss and Jerry Porter lead the way, along with Ronald Curry. Doug Gabriel is ok as well.Calvin Johnson evokes some memories of Randy Moss actually. Johnson ran a 4.35 in the 40 at the NFL combine. With someone else’s shoes. He wasn’t even going to run, but the competitor in him decided it was a good idea. So he borrowed someone else’s shoes and blew away all the NFL scouts. He also posted a 42 ½ inch vertical and an 11 foot, 7 inch broad jump. Apparently the broad jump is jumping as far as you can from a position standing still. Hmmm, I think I would jump 1 foot, 2 inches. A NFL scout was quoted as saying it was the farthest he ever say a player jump. Ever.
Johnson pulled down 76 catches for 1202 yards and 15 touchdowns last year as a junior. He ranks in the top five in Georgia Tech history in catches (5th), yards (3rd), touchdowns (tied 1st), and 100 yard games (1st) in only three seasons. He is regarded as a good guy with no off the field issues (unlike Moss).
Russell puts up some impressive numbers of his own. Last season he completed 232 of 342 passes (67.8%) for 3129 yards and 28 touchdowns while throwing only eight interceptions. The previous year he threw for 2443 yards (while completing 60.5% of his passes) for 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He is the first quarterback in LSU history to lead the Tigers to
back-to-back double digit wins (10 in 2005, 11 last year). Russell was named the 2007 Sugar Bowl MVP after throwing for a career high 332 yards. He wins games.The other factor in this draft is the depth at wide receiver. Ted Ginn Jr (Ohio State), Dwayne Bowe (LSU), Robert Meachem (Tennessee) and Dwayne Jarrett (USC) are all projected to be first round picks. Steve Smith (USC) and Sidney Rice (South Carolina) are borderline first round picks as well. I don’t think any of them can do what Calvin Johnson can do though.
That is what makes this truly hard. Johnson is special and could change games. Yet the reality is that the quarterback has the ball in his hands on every snap. The quarterback makes the most decisions in each game. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. And I believe JaMarcus Russell will be a good one.
With that said, the #1 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft is….JaMarcus Russell from LSU. Let’s just hope he is better than David Carr.
Thank You Mr. Halberstam
I had mixed emotions yesterday when I heard the news that author David Halberstam died in a car crash.
For those who don't know him, he wrote the best baseball book I ever read titled "Summer of '49" about the classic rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees. He also wrote "Playing for Keeps" about Michael Jordan and "The Children" about the Civil Rights movement. A Pulitzer Prize winner, Halberstam lived in New York and Massachusetts.
I never met Mr. Halberstam, but that book "Summer of '49" meant a lot to me. My grandfather Henry, my mother's dad, lent that book to me to read when I was in the 6th grade. I don't remember ever being lent another book by anyone in my life. I loved that book. I enjoyed every word of it.
Baseball has always been my first love despite my current job as a basketball coach. I love this history, tradition, and the mental challenge each at bat, each pitch presents to the players. Sometimes I can't even explain what I love about baseball. I just do. And I really loved that my grandfather and I shared this fondness for the game.
Henry passed away the next year and aside from little remarks or small things, the number one thing I remember is that book. I read about Joe Dimaggio and Ted Williams and it brought me closer to my grandfather.
I know that no one in the Halberstam family will ever read this, but it doesn't matter to me. Thank you David Halberstam.
For those who don't know him, he wrote the best baseball book I ever read titled "Summer of '49" about the classic rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees. He also wrote "Playing for Keeps" about Michael Jordan and "The Children" about the Civil Rights movement. A Pulitzer Prize winner, Halberstam lived in New York and Massachusetts.
I never met Mr. Halberstam, but that book "Summer of '49" meant a lot to me. My grandfather Henry, my mother's dad, lent that book to me to read when I was in the 6th grade. I don't remember ever being lent another book by anyone in my life. I loved that book. I enjoyed every word of it.
Baseball has always been my first love despite my current job as a basketball coach. I love this history, tradition, and the mental challenge each at bat, each pitch presents to the players. Sometimes I can't even explain what I love about baseball. I just do. And I really loved that my grandfather and I shared this fondness for the game.
Henry passed away the next year and aside from little remarks or small things, the number one thing I remember is that book. I read about Joe Dimaggio and Ted Williams and it brought me closer to my grandfather.
I know that no one in the Halberstam family will ever read this, but it doesn't matter to me. Thank you David Halberstam.
Monday, April 23, 2007
I Greatly Dislike Bill Bavasi
Before you read this post, you have to understand a couple things.
1. The Mariners have lost six in a row and I am frustrated. Extremely frustrated.
2. Pat Gillick left the Mariners in bad shape. No doubt about it. He did not draft well and he signed older players.
3. Bill Bavasi is horrible at his job.
Now I am usually a fairly positive sports fan. I will defend current management or at least give them a chance. Also I am not ready to give up on the season and I understand that the Mariners have only played 14 games. I also know they are a small winning streak away from being in first place.
At the same time, I have been hearing for the last couple years how bad Bill Bavasi is as a General Manager. I never really did the research myself. Until now. Oh my God.
Bavasi signed on to be the GM on November 7, 2003. The Mariners just two years before won 116 games and went to the ALCS. They didn’t exactly flounder in 2002 or 2003, winning 93 games both years. The M’s did not make the playoffs either year and the fans were ready for change. Be careful what you wish for.
For the first time in club history, the Mariners have finished last for three straight seasons. They lost 99 games in 2004, 93 games in 2005, and 84 in 2006. Yes, the record improved each year. No, things don’t look good thus far in 2007.
Bavasi does a decent job drafting and the Mariners have good international scouts. But how about trades?
Carlos Guillen to Detroit for Ramon Santiago and Juan Gonzalez.
Jeff Cirillo and Brian Sweeney for Kevin Jarvis, Wiki Gonzalez, and Dave Hansen.
Freddy Garcia and Ben Davis to Chicago for Miguel Olivo, Jeremy Reed, and Mike Morse.
Brett Boone to Minnesota for nothing
Randy Winn to San Francisco for Jesse Foppert and Yorvit Torrealba
Miguel Olivo to San Diego for Nathaniel Mateo and Miguel Ojeda
Ron Villone to Florida for Yorman Bazardo and Mike Flannery
Matt Thornton to Chicago for Joe Borchard
Adsrubal Cabrera to Cleveland for Eduardo Perez
Eddie Guardado to Cincinnati for Travis Chick
Jamie Moyer to Philadelphia for Andrew Baldwin and Andrew Barb
Yorman Bazardo to Detroit for Jeff Frazier
Travis Blackley to San Francisco for Jason Ellison
Raphael Soriano to Atlanta for Horacio Ramirez
Emilio Fruto and Chris Snelling to Washington for Jose Vidro
All those trades and do any of them stand out as good? The only one I even think is decent was the Moyer one. Baldwin is pitching decent in AA and Barb is good in A ball. Moyer is only going to be around this year and maybe next.
The Villone trade would have been good but they shipped Bazardo off. He is in AAA with Detroit’s organization. Vidro is decent right now, but Snelling is playing in the majors and Fruto is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in AAA as a starter. Think the M’s could use a starter right now?
Randy Winn, Miguel Olivo, Joe Borchard, Freddy Garcia, Matt Thornton, Jamie Moyer, and Carlos Guillen are all starting on major league teams. The Mariners do not have one player on their Major League roster in return. Not one! In fact the only players left in the organization from these trades are Barb, Baldwin, Jeremy Reed, and Mike Morse.
Part of Bavasi’s reasoning for getting rid of Guillen was his tendency to get injured. Well Guillen hit .318 with 20 HR and 97 RBI that first year. Then did get hurt and hit .320 in 87 games. Yet came back to play a full season last year hitting .320 with 19 HR and 85 RBI.
Who did Bavasi sign to replace Guillen? Rich Aurilia.
I repeat. Rich. Aurilia.
Look at this list of free agents signed: Scott Spezio, Rich Aurilia, Ron Villone, Jeff Nelson, Aaron Sele (not when he was good), Pokey Reese (never played), Matt Lawton, Carl Everett, and this year’s all-stars: Miguel Batista, Jeff Weaver, Jose Guillen, and Arthur Rhodes.
He signed some players who have been good: Raul Ibanez, Kenji Johjima, Richie Sexson, and Chris Reitsma.
The jury is still out on Adrian Beltre (too much money) and Jarrod Washburn (too much money). The issue is that Beltre makes $12.9 million per year. Carlos Guillen makes $5 million per year. He could be playing third base right now for $8 million less and hitting the same!
Washburn makes almost $10 per year. Weaver makes $8.3 million. Batista $6 million. Guillen $5 million. Sexson $15.5 million. Dear Lord.
Sexson .170 with 3 HR, 11 RBI (.264 with 34 HR and 107 RBI last year)
Beltre .241 with 3 HR, 12 RBI (.268 with 25 HR and 89 RBI last year)
Guillen .217 with 1 HR, 3 RBI
Batista 1-2 with 8.83 ERA (3 starts)
Weaver 0-3 with 13.91 ERA (3 starts)
Washburn 0-2 with 4.42 ERA (3 starts)
The Mariners have the sixth highest payroll in baseball at over $100 million. And they are paying some of their worst players the highest salaries.
What good has happened with Bavasi?
He drafted Matt Tuiasosopo (hitting .357 in AA) and Mark Lowe (good set up man before getting hurt last year) in 2004. He drafted C Jeff Clement in 2005. Although he is batting under .200 while Ryan Zimmerman is starting at 3B for the Nationals. Brandon Morrow is on the roster from the 2006 draft and there are some strong young arms in single A Wisconsin from that class.
They have added to the Major League roster with players such as Yuniesky Betancourt, but Bavasi did not sign him alone. The reality is that Bavasi has not improved this ball club much at all. Felix Hernandez, J.J. Putz, and Jose Lopez were already prospects in the system. Ichiro was here. What else is there aside from his two bright spots, Ibanez and Johjima?
Another last place finish most likely and hopefully it costs him a job in the process.
1. The Mariners have lost six in a row and I am frustrated. Extremely frustrated.
2. Pat Gillick left the Mariners in bad shape. No doubt about it. He did not draft well and he signed older players.
3. Bill Bavasi is horrible at his job.
Now I am usually a fairly positive sports fan. I will defend current management or at least give them a chance. Also I am not ready to give up on the season and I understand that the Mariners have only played 14 games. I also know they are a small winning streak away from being in first place.
At the same time, I have been hearing for the last couple years how bad Bill Bavasi is as a General Manager. I never really did the research myself. Until now. Oh my God.
Bavasi signed on to be the GM on November 7, 2003. The Mariners just two years before won 116 games and went to the ALCS. They didn’t exactly flounder in 2002 or 2003, winning 93 games both years. The M’s did not make the playoffs either year and the fans were ready for change. Be careful what you wish for.
For the first time in club history, the Mariners have finished last for three straight seasons. They lost 99 games in 2004, 93 games in 2005, and 84 in 2006. Yes, the record improved each year. No, things don’t look good thus far in 2007.
Bavasi does a decent job drafting and the Mariners have good international scouts. But how about trades?
Carlos Guillen to Detroit for Ramon Santiago and Juan Gonzalez.
Jeff Cirillo and Brian Sweeney for Kevin Jarvis, Wiki Gonzalez, and Dave Hansen.
Freddy Garcia and Ben Davis to Chicago for Miguel Olivo, Jeremy Reed, and Mike Morse.
Brett Boone to Minnesota for nothing
Randy Winn to San Francisco for Jesse Foppert and Yorvit Torrealba
Miguel Olivo to San Diego for Nathaniel Mateo and Miguel Ojeda
Ron Villone to Florida for Yorman Bazardo and Mike Flannery
Matt Thornton to Chicago for Joe Borchard
Adsrubal Cabrera to Cleveland for Eduardo Perez
Eddie Guardado to Cincinnati for Travis Chick
Jamie Moyer to Philadelphia for Andrew Baldwin and Andrew Barb
Yorman Bazardo to Detroit for Jeff Frazier
Travis Blackley to San Francisco for Jason Ellison
Raphael Soriano to Atlanta for Horacio Ramirez
Emilio Fruto and Chris Snelling to Washington for Jose Vidro
All those trades and do any of them stand out as good? The only one I even think is decent was the Moyer one. Baldwin is pitching decent in AA and Barb is good in A ball. Moyer is only going to be around this year and maybe next.
The Villone trade would have been good but they shipped Bazardo off. He is in AAA with Detroit’s organization. Vidro is decent right now, but Snelling is playing in the majors and Fruto is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in AAA as a starter. Think the M’s could use a starter right now?
Randy Winn, Miguel Olivo, Joe Borchard, Freddy Garcia, Matt Thornton, Jamie Moyer, and Carlos Guillen are all starting on major league teams. The Mariners do not have one player on their Major League roster in return. Not one! In fact the only players left in the organization from these trades are Barb, Baldwin, Jeremy Reed, and Mike Morse.
Part of Bavasi’s reasoning for getting rid of Guillen was his tendency to get injured. Well Guillen hit .318 with 20 HR and 97 RBI that first year. Then did get hurt and hit .320 in 87 games. Yet came back to play a full season last year hitting .320 with 19 HR and 85 RBI.
Who did Bavasi sign to replace Guillen? Rich Aurilia.
I repeat. Rich. Aurilia.
Look at this list of free agents signed: Scott Spezio, Rich Aurilia, Ron Villone, Jeff Nelson, Aaron Sele (not when he was good), Pokey Reese (never played), Matt Lawton, Carl Everett, and this year’s all-stars: Miguel Batista, Jeff Weaver, Jose Guillen, and Arthur Rhodes.
He signed some players who have been good: Raul Ibanez, Kenji Johjima, Richie Sexson, and Chris Reitsma.
The jury is still out on Adrian Beltre (too much money) and Jarrod Washburn (too much money). The issue is that Beltre makes $12.9 million per year. Carlos Guillen makes $5 million per year. He could be playing third base right now for $8 million less and hitting the same!
Washburn makes almost $10 per year. Weaver makes $8.3 million. Batista $6 million. Guillen $5 million. Sexson $15.5 million. Dear Lord.
Sexson .170 with 3 HR, 11 RBI (.264 with 34 HR and 107 RBI last year)
Beltre .241 with 3 HR, 12 RBI (.268 with 25 HR and 89 RBI last year)
Guillen .217 with 1 HR, 3 RBI
Batista 1-2 with 8.83 ERA (3 starts)
Weaver 0-3 with 13.91 ERA (3 starts)
Washburn 0-2 with 4.42 ERA (3 starts)
The Mariners have the sixth highest payroll in baseball at over $100 million. And they are paying some of their worst players the highest salaries.
What good has happened with Bavasi?
He drafted Matt Tuiasosopo (hitting .357 in AA) and Mark Lowe (good set up man before getting hurt last year) in 2004. He drafted C Jeff Clement in 2005. Although he is batting under .200 while Ryan Zimmerman is starting at 3B for the Nationals. Brandon Morrow is on the roster from the 2006 draft and there are some strong young arms in single A Wisconsin from that class.
They have added to the Major League roster with players such as Yuniesky Betancourt, but Bavasi did not sign him alone. The reality is that Bavasi has not improved this ball club much at all. Felix Hernandez, J.J. Putz, and Jose Lopez were already prospects in the system. Ichiro was here. What else is there aside from his two bright spots, Ibanez and Johjima?
Another last place finish most likely and hopefully it costs him a job in the process.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
A-Rod, Griffey, and The Future
How ridiculous is Alex Rodriguez right now?
I know everone has opinions on A-Rod and I haven't always been a big fan, but you cannot ignore him or even criticize him right now. He is hitting .369 with 12 home runs and 30 RBI. 12 home runs in 15 games? That is insane.
One of my links to the right is Buster Olney's blog on ESPN.com. He provides links to stories on every team in baseball as well as his own insight. Today he wrote about A-Rod. It says in his column that Rodriguez might start getting walked like Bonds did in his 73 home run season. You have to walk him now.
Also interesting from Olney's column is A-Rod's success (or lack there of) when the player in front of him is intentionally walked. This fuels the fire of all those (me included) who claim he does not come through in the clutch.
Career he is only 4 for 22 in these situations. Thus far no one has tried it in April. And why would you? A-Rod's April only compares to Pujols in 2004 (14 hr, 32 RBI) and Ken Griffey in 1997 (13 hr, 30 RBI). Now I could definitely play the "what if" game about Rodriguez and Griffey. That will just get me to upset about the current state of affairs in Seattle.
I have thought recently about where Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey will end up in history. Some have argued that Alex may end up being the greatest player to ever play the game. He will need to win a championship or two, but his numbers may back it up.
Rodriguez is a career .306 hitter (92nd best all-time). His other ranks:
Home Runs 476 (25th all-time)
RBI 1377 (68th all-time)
Runs 1378 (85th all-time)
Hits 2090 (205th all-time)
Doubles 370 (193rd all-time)
A-Rod is 31 years old. He has averaged 41 HR, 120 RBI, 184 hits, 122 runs, and 32 doubles per year over the past 11 years. I would guess he could keep that pace for six more seasons. Then he would probably stay around at a lower pace for four more years.
That puts him around 750-770 home runs (top five all-time), 2200 RBI (top three all-time), over 3000 hits, 2100 or so runs scored (top 10 all-time), and 570 doubles (top 25 all-time). Ridiculous.
While looking at his numbers all-time, I was surpised at where Griffey ranks currently.
Griffey is a .290 career hitter with 563 HR (10th all-time), 1614 RBI (24th all-time), 453 doubles (75th all-time) and 2425 hits. Obviously Junior is not going to put up the huge numers anymore, but his career is very impressive. He could end up in the top five in homers and top 15 in RBI when he retires.
Ok now I am slightly depressed at what could have been. What am I left with? The future. Ichiro has broken some records, won a MVP, blah blah. But I look to the future. While I am almost positive I will never see Griffey or A-Rod clones coming up through the M's farm system, I have a tiny bit of hope.
Assuming Felix gets over this little injury and comes back the same, you have to like the top of the rotation for years to come. Brandon Morrow should continue to progress to be a strong #2 starter in a couple years. He might even be in the rotation by the end of this season or early next year. The club also likes a lefty starter Ryan Feierabend who is in AAA.
So maybe you have three starters. They have Putz for awhile in addition to Mark Lowe (hopefully back healthy) and Eric O'Flaherty from the left side.
The future of the line-up should be focused around Betancourt and Lopez (both signed long term extensions recently). Beltre is under contract for a few more years, but prospect Carlos Triunfel (A Wisconsin) might take that spot in 2-3 years. Jeff Clement (AAA Tacoma) should eventually become the catcher and Adam Jones (AAA Tacoma) will play the outfield. So six regulars in the line-up could come from the farm system. That is the optomistic view.
No A-Rods and no Griffeys, but Felix and Morrow could be the best pitching duo in club history. Again you can sense the optomism. We don't know much about Morrow yet, but he throws 98 with decent movement. And they used a top 10 pick on him so you have got to hope.
Here is a look at the Mariners top 10 prospects (not in the majors) and how they are doing thus far (from the ussmariner.com Future Forty):
1. Carlos Triunfel, SS, A Wisconsin - .222, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .465 OPS
2. Adam Jones, OF, AAA Tacoma - .333, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .870 OPS
3. Jeff Clement, C, AAA Tacoma - .224, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .670 OPS
4. Ryan Feierabend, LHP, AAA Tacoma - 0-1, 2.76 ERA, 15 K, 16 1/3 IP
5. Tony Butler, LHP, A Wisconsin - 0-0, 1.42 ERA, 7 K, 6 1/3 IP
6. Alex Liddi, 3B, A Wisconsin - .147, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .580 OPS
7. Greg Halman, OF, A Wisconsin - .195, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .429 OPS
8. Chris Tillman, RHP, A Wisconsin - 0-1, 2.79 ERA, 15 K, 9 2/3 IP
9. Justin Thomas, LHP, AA W. Tenn - 0-1, 1.80 ERA, 6 K, 5 IP
10. Bryan LaHair, 1B, AAA Tacoma - .220, HR, 6 RBI, .585 OPS
I will update this throughout the year. And look at a couple clubs of interest to my friends (A's, Giants, Red Sox). I just hope the M's don't mess it up like usual.
Playoff Action Live
Woke up just in time to watch the start of the Raptors and Nets. Thought about it a little longer and went back to sleep. Woke up again and decided with Dana out at a volunteer event, it would be a great day to have some McDonalds breakfast. Now I am eating candy and it is not 11 a.m. yet. Awesome.
Started watching the Nets-Raps at the end of the first half. Chris Bosh was sitting with two fouls. Jason Kidd was dominating. Although he walks like he is 87 years old. He runs fine, but he walks funny. Richard Jefferson had 15 at half and they were all on Kidd setting him up for dunks.
I can name maybe three Raptors. And with Bosh on the bench, I am searching for answers.
Ah yes, Andrea Bargnani. Wow, he looks like a serious Euro playa.
At halftime, Tracy McGrady yells at Steven A. Smith.
Tracy: "If we don't win the series, it is on me."
Steven: "Wait"
Tracy: "If we don't win, it is on me."
Steven: "Wait, wait, wait"
Tracy: "IF WE DON'T WIN, IT IS ON ME!!!"
Riveting.
Second half begins. Apparently the Raptors do have fans. Maybe because the Maple Leafs didn't make the playoffs? And the strip clubs aren't open yet? Apparently there a lot of strip clubs in Toronto. Gary Payton told me.
Anyway, the whole crowd is in red shirts. Is this the new trend? Miami had the whole White Out thing where eveyone wore white. Does anyone else think this is stupid? It is like they are trying to make it like college but they really can't. If they really want to make it like college, they should reserve a section in the middle of the court for all fans under 30. You have to be under 30 and you have to submit an essay or video on how you will help the hometown NBA team win. You have all the rich, boring stiff people sitting in the first couple rows. They don't know what to do. Just reserve one section. Guaranteed to have big results.
Vince Carter just picked up his third foul, then was called for a moving screen for his fourth foul in the 3rd quarter. Why? Why are they calling moving screens? It only makes sense if you call it consistenly. That is stupid.
Now Chris Bosh is going to work and so is TJ Ford. The Raps fans are pumped. OH CANADA!
The Nets answer back with a Jarron Collins tip in and a Kidd three. Jason Collins is such a loser. Why does he exist? Could one of the brothers worked on his perimeter game and the other one on his post game? Then they could have a procedure to combine their bodies and become the first Siamese twins in the NBA.
Seriously, Jason Collins scored one total point in the last ten games of the regular season. ONE POINT! And he played over 12 minutes in each game and in six of the games over 20 minutes. Seriously, Mikki Moore is out playing you Jason! The East is horrible. Absolutely disgusting.
The Nets are up 12 now, make that 14 as Jason Kidd is now stroking it.
The Raptors are playing Ford, Juan Dixon, and Anthony Parker together. That is some power.
Oh god, Josh Boone is in. I hate that guy. Seriously cut your hair. You look like a transvestite. Unless that is the look you are going for Josh, then more power to you.
It is 78-65 at the end of the third with the Nets leading. Sometimes I don't get NBA coaches. Or maybe it is the players.
The Raptors have Chris Bosh. The Nets big guys are Nachbar, Moore, Boone, and Collins. Read that again.
Give Chris Bosh the ball on the block.
Nope. Instead they are running and gunning. Throwing up wild shots. Which is what the Nets want to do. The pace needs to slow down for the Raptors to be successful. In addition, the Nets are simply working harder on the boards. Those big guys who should not be scoring are grabbing offensive rebounds and the Nets are converting with Vince Carter on the bench.
By the way, when did it become cool to wrap yourself in towels on the bench? NBA guys always put one around the shoulders and then one over the legs. Why does Vince need this? He is wearing tights. And he inside an arena full of people. How could he be cold? Why does this look cool?
Fourth quarter time. Let's see if Sam Mitchell is paying attention. The Nets are leading 42-14 for points in the paint. GIVE BOSH THE BALL.
Ok I changed my mind. They gave Bosh the ball and he shot a fadeaway off the block. What are you doing Chris? Be a fricking man. Next possession they run a pick and pop with Bosh. Calderon takes it to the hoop and misses. Third possession (after the Nets have Vince dribble for 12 seconds and then shoot with Kidd and Jefferson on the bench), the Raptors run a pick and roll and Bosh scores. And another Vince dribble, dribble, dribble, shoot.
The Raptors have the ball and the P.A. is playing "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake. Oh ok.
Just saw a hot pink sign that says "Wince Carter". Oh snap. He is shook.
Calderon hits a three. Jefferson misses and Calderon gets the board. Throws it ahead to Kris Humphries. I am looking for a lay in.
Humphries absolutely rams it and pulls himself up on the rim. What? Wow.
81-75 Nets. Now the Nets are just isolating Carter or Jefferson and shooting jumpers.
Bosh in the post. Two over Collins. By the way, Calderon's three was kicked out by Bosh after a post entry. Interesting how things change when you give the ball to Bosh in the post.
Vince leans into a defender in the air and gets a call. That is such a stupid foul. Bosh kicks out to Calderon. Three-cola!
Calderon to the hoop! Ivan you are nasty! Remember Ivan Calderon? He was sick. 83-82 Nets. Vince is shooting every time and looks awful.
Bosh gets fouled attacking the hoop. Down two. He is going to the free throw line.
Oh wow, another "Wince Carter" sign. So creative.
Vince is 4-18 right now. That makes me Wince Carter.
Bosh its one of two. 84-83 Nets.
Nachbar for three! What? What is going on? And they are calling him Poki Nachbar? Huh?
Oh good, the Raptors isolate Anthony Parker on the baseline and he shoots off the side of the backboard. Great decision. Just ignore Chris Bosh.
Yes, there is some creativity. Vince Carter bibs. I like it.
Nets up 88-83 with 1:49 left. The Raptors are now taking horrible shots and Bosh isn't touching the ball.
The crowd is chanting "Bulls**t". I think they mean "Bullsh**t eh".
The hoop microphone just picked up a fan yelling, "Vince you suck. Take the headband off". Man, they are good in Canada. I mean, where do they come up with this stuff?
Ray Allen just did a WNBA commercial. I am sad. He apparently has like a 13 year old daughter. Apparently that scene in "He Got Game", where Jesus goes to town with those twin blonde girls is dead on. JESUS!
Did some research. Apparently his daughter is 14. He is 32. Who knew? He has three kids and a fiance but no wifey. Ray Ray ain't shooting blanks. If he has 8 more kids, he will catch Shawn Kemp. Awesome.
Back to the game. Vince made a lay up. Now they are talking about how Vince is carrying the Nets. He has scored 8 points in the fourth on 2 of 7 shooting. Just because he is shooting and the Raptors are inept on offense does not mean VC is carrying the Nets.
Big three by Anthony Parker. 94-91 Nets with 12 seconds left.
Vince hits a free throw.
The red shirts many of the fans are wearing say, "Let's go red, Let's go Raptor". What? Who runs these teams? Can I get a job in the NBA please?
It should say, "Wear red as we drink Vince Carter's blood".
Vince misses the 2nd.
Let's go Raptor! Anthony Parker fadeaway airball three. Nets ball. Nice play.
Nets win 96-91. The announcer just said that Vince Carter played well in the 4th. He went 2 of 7 and missed at least two free throws.
He finished 5 of 19. Really shouldn't he just stick to this.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hometown Nine Minus The King
It is currently 6-0 Angels through six innings and I am fairly disappointed. The Mariners enter the game 5-6 while the Angels are 6-9 after losing six games in a row in which they only scored 16 total runs. Of course Bad Vlad being back and going 3-4 thus far helps.
But so does Miguel Batista. Thus far he has been horrible vs. the A's, great vs. the Rangers, and now awful again tonight. Jeff Weaver has been just plain nasty in his two starts. Except I mean nasty as in Shaun Livingston's horizontal leg. Not good nasty. Horacio Ramirez pitched ok last time out. Washburn has been a pleasant suprise thus far, but seems to do enough to pitch well and lose.
The only hope for this staff thus far has been King Felix. And then he got hurt. So what is left? What hope do I have?
There was a rumor on some Mariner websites today that #1 pick from last year Brandon Morrow was going to enter the rotation for Felix. This made no sense and the fans said as much on these sites. He threw only 8 1/3 innings in spring and has thrown only three innings this year thus far.
DAMN IT. This game is over. Sorry got distracted by the lack of energy, runs, and skill.
My issue is with Morrow. What are they doing with him? If he is not going to throw in the majors, why not send him to AAA to be a starter? Tim Lincecum (former UW star and current Fresno Grizzlie) is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in the minors for San Francisco as a starter. If the Giants want him to relieve, they can call him up and put him in that role. Why not do this with Morrow? The team says he will be a starter long term.
Speak of the devil. Here comes Morrow to pitch the 7th.
Essentially the issue is that Morrow is the top prospect in the organization and I am not sure they are using him right. What is the purpose of having him be a reliever who only pitches when the team is down 6-8 runs? Is that a good investment in your #1 pick (#5 overall)?
By the way, he has given up a single and double thus far. Should be in AAA. WTF.
I am so distracted and upset right now.
The point returns to this....what happens with Felix out? So far, it looks like disaster.
I think Washburn and Ramirez can give the M's a shot to win. Batista apparently will every other time. Weaver = not hopeful. Nice way to say it.
Run scores, bloop single. The world is ending.
Jake Woods or Cha Seung Baek (from AAA) will likely replace Felix. Pray for Baek. Jake Woods is like watching the Sonics start Damien Wilkins and Micheal Gelabale. Why would I pay to watch that?
Sac fly. C'mon, I am dying here. 8-0. I hate the Mariners.
Ok, I need to stop before I get really upset. Hopefully something better will happen tomorrow.
But so does Miguel Batista. Thus far he has been horrible vs. the A's, great vs. the Rangers, and now awful again tonight. Jeff Weaver has been just plain nasty in his two starts. Except I mean nasty as in Shaun Livingston's horizontal leg. Not good nasty. Horacio Ramirez pitched ok last time out. Washburn has been a pleasant suprise thus far, but seems to do enough to pitch well and lose.
The only hope for this staff thus far has been King Felix. And then he got hurt. So what is left? What hope do I have?
There was a rumor on some Mariner websites today that #1 pick from last year Brandon Morrow was going to enter the rotation for Felix. This made no sense and the fans said as much on these sites. He threw only 8 1/3 innings in spring and has thrown only three innings this year thus far.
DAMN IT. This game is over. Sorry got distracted by the lack of energy, runs, and skill.
My issue is with Morrow. What are they doing with him? If he is not going to throw in the majors, why not send him to AAA to be a starter? Tim Lincecum (former UW star and current Fresno Grizzlie) is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in the minors for San Francisco as a starter. If the Giants want him to relieve, they can call him up and put him in that role. Why not do this with Morrow? The team says he will be a starter long term.
Speak of the devil. Here comes Morrow to pitch the 7th.
Essentially the issue is that Morrow is the top prospect in the organization and I am not sure they are using him right. What is the purpose of having him be a reliever who only pitches when the team is down 6-8 runs? Is that a good investment in your #1 pick (#5 overall)?
By the way, he has given up a single and double thus far. Should be in AAA. WTF.
I am so distracted and upset right now.
The point returns to this....what happens with Felix out? So far, it looks like disaster.
I think Washburn and Ramirez can give the M's a shot to win. Batista apparently will every other time. Weaver = not hopeful. Nice way to say it.
Run scores, bloop single. The world is ending.
Jake Woods or Cha Seung Baek (from AAA) will likely replace Felix. Pray for Baek. Jake Woods is like watching the Sonics start Damien Wilkins and Micheal Gelabale. Why would I pay to watch that?
Sac fly. C'mon, I am dying here. 8-0. I hate the Mariners.
Ok, I need to stop before I get really upset. Hopefully something better will happen tomorrow.
Correction....sort of
I apparently need to make my first correction. Well, sort of.
I did ask the question, "where is Clyde Drexler's championship?" Obviously Clyde won a championship with the Rockets.
But that wasn't Clyde's. Just like the Lakers three-peat weren't Kobe's. He can't get the Lakers above a 7 seed without Shaq.
The Clyde error of course was pointed out to me by the only two Blazers fans left on earth....the Godfather and the Ravi.
Thanks guys.
And just for you Jerry, the Blazers championship in 1977 was due to the inside duo of Maurice Lucas and Bill Walton. Just like the 1978 Bullets were led by Wes Unseld. See it never stops.
Big men win championships. Durant may sell tickets. But big men win.
I did ask the question, "where is Clyde Drexler's championship?" Obviously Clyde won a championship with the Rockets.
But that wasn't Clyde's. Just like the Lakers three-peat weren't Kobe's. He can't get the Lakers above a 7 seed without Shaq.
The Clyde error of course was pointed out to me by the only two Blazers fans left on earth....the Godfather and the Ravi.
Thanks guys.
And just for you Jerry, the Blazers championship in 1977 was due to the inside duo of Maurice Lucas and Bill Walton. Just like the 1978 Bullets were led by Wes Unseld. See it never stops.
Big men win championships. Durant may sell tickets. But big men win.
Its Fantastic!
With the NBA season concluded, it is time to look forward and look back just a little. The beloved hometown Sonics finally achieved something at the end of the year. They tanked almost perfectly.
Ray Allen went out with ankle issues and the Sonics followed by going 5-11. They actually won 4 out of 6, then did the full on tank job. Earl Watson (who apparently is Mexican? He is going to play for their national team this summer. Huh?) and Luke Ridnour both went down for the season and the Sonics lost 9 out of the last 10. Impressive.
I am still not sure why they decided to come back and win against Utah. Could have been a cool 0-10 stretch which would have tied them with Atlanta for 4th worst in the league. More ping pong balls that way.
Ah the ping pong balls. As a Sonics fan that is our “Medellin”. A chance to grab the #1 or #2 overall pick. What would #3 do? Nothing really. It is all about Oden or Durant. But Durant is all for show. Oden will help you win a championship. I am not even sure why there is debate about who to take. Here is a list of all the NBA champions in my lifetime courtesy of NBA.com.
2005-06 Miami Heat
2004-05 San Antonio Spurs
2003-04 Detroit Pistons
2002-03 San Antonio Spurs
2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers
2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers
1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers
1998-99 San Antonio Spurs
1997-98 Chicago Bulls
1996-97 Chicago Bulls
1995-96 Chicago Bulls
1994-95 Houston Rockets
1993-94 Houston Rockets
1992-93 Chicago Bulls
1991-92 Chicago Bulls
1990-91 Chicago Bulls
1989-90 Detroit Pistons
1988-89 Detroit Pistons
1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers
1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers
1985-86 Boston Celtics
1984-85 Los Angeles Lakers
1983-84 Boston Celtics
1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers
1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers
1980-81 Boston Celtics
1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers
1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics
The only possible teams that won a championship without a good big man were the back-to-back Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. Obviously Jordan changes everything.
But Dominique Wilkins, Tracy McGrady, Clyde Drexler, Vince Carter….where are their championships?
Unless you are ready to put Durant at the Jordan level, you have to take Oden. Even if he just does what Ben Wallace did for the Pistons (I think he will be better), it is worth it.
Speaking of NBA champions, the playoffs start tomorrow. Most people think it is really just a race out west with the winner between Phoenix, San Antonio, and Dallas. It is hard to disagree with that.
The Pistons could do something and the Bulls would be interesting, but the champ has got to come from the West. With that said, here are my predictions:
WEST
1. Dallas (4) vs. 8. Golden State (2)
A highly entertaining series to watch with Baron Davis trying to dunk on everyone. Plus Stephen Jackson might just kill someone. I think Devin Harris will frustrate Baron with his incredible on ball D. And Nowitski will score enough. Watch for Josh Howard to sprain his ankle, he seems to do that every other game.
2. Phoenix (4) vs. 7. Los Angeles (1)
I really don’t enjoy Kobe. He might win one game in this series though. Phoenix is just too much. Watch how much easier Nash makes the game for everyone; they just run around and look for open spots and he hits them. Love Barbosa by the way.
3. San Antonio (4) vs. 6. Denver (2)
Some people are picking Denver in the upset. Pretty sure there is no way that happens. Carmelo and AI both need the ball in their hands to play effectively. They can’t move without the ball well. And who else plays for Denver? Linas Kleiza, Nene? Spurs have too much still.
4. Utah (4) vs. 5. Houston (3)
McGrady and Yao should win this series. Except Tracy McGrady has been to the playoffs five times and never won a series. See you don’t win with wing players. They don’t give Yao the rock. Utah runs a great pick and pop and I love Deron Williams. Plus Jerry Sloan is an awesome coach. Utah wins.
EAST
1. Detroit (4) vs. 8. Orlando (1)
Don’t you think Orlando should just give Dwight Howard the ball every time down the court? Why don’t they? Detroit will win and bore us all. Chris Webber will be rewarded for being a douche in Philly.
2. Cleveland (4) vs. 7. Washington (0)
Horrible series. Washington could not be more boring now without Hibachi and Caron Butler. The only thing that could salvage it is the Cavs wearing the orange jerseys.
3. Toronto (3) vs. 6. New Jersey (4)
Vince Carter against the Canadians. Bill Simmons claims the Raptors fans care. Are there really Raptors fans? New Jersey probably wins, but I hope Chris Bosh dunks a lot. Man I hate the East.
4. Miami (2) vs. 5. Chicago (4)
Miami shouldn’t have won last year, but D-Wade took them on his back for a few games. And Shaq was the presence to prevent teams from keying on Wade. Although I am not sure why. The Bulls are fun with Ty Thomas hopefully dunking a lot and Ben Gordon shooting the highest arced shots ever.
I really like the NBA playoffs for the match ups and the changes coaches make over the course of a series. These non-superstar players will make a big impact in the first round:
Devin Harris
Leondro Barbosa
Deron Williams
Luol Deng
And draft Oden. Always.
Ray Allen went out with ankle issues and the Sonics followed by going 5-11. They actually won 4 out of 6, then did the full on tank job. Earl Watson (who apparently is Mexican? He is going to play for their national team this summer. Huh?) and Luke Ridnour both went down for the season and the Sonics lost 9 out of the last 10. Impressive.
I am still not sure why they decided to come back and win against Utah. Could have been a cool 0-10 stretch which would have tied them with Atlanta for 4th worst in the league. More ping pong balls that way.
Ah the ping pong balls. As a Sonics fan that is our “Medellin”. A chance to grab the #1 or #2 overall pick. What would #3 do? Nothing really. It is all about Oden or Durant. But Durant is all for show. Oden will help you win a championship. I am not even sure why there is debate about who to take. Here is a list of all the NBA champions in my lifetime courtesy of NBA.com.
2005-06 Miami Heat
2004-05 San Antonio Spurs
2003-04 Detroit Pistons
2002-03 San Antonio Spurs
2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers
2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers
1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers
1998-99 San Antonio Spurs
1997-98 Chicago Bulls
1996-97 Chicago Bulls
1995-96 Chicago Bulls
1994-95 Houston Rockets
1993-94 Houston Rockets
1992-93 Chicago Bulls
1991-92 Chicago Bulls
1990-91 Chicago Bulls
1989-90 Detroit Pistons
1988-89 Detroit Pistons
1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers
1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers
1985-86 Boston Celtics
1984-85 Los Angeles Lakers
1983-84 Boston Celtics
1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers
1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers
1980-81 Boston Celtics
1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers
1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics
The only possible teams that won a championship without a good big man were the back-to-back Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. Obviously Jordan changes everything.
But Dominique Wilkins, Tracy McGrady, Clyde Drexler, Vince Carter….where are their championships?
Unless you are ready to put Durant at the Jordan level, you have to take Oden. Even if he just does what Ben Wallace did for the Pistons (I think he will be better), it is worth it.
Speaking of NBA champions, the playoffs start tomorrow. Most people think it is really just a race out west with the winner between Phoenix, San Antonio, and Dallas. It is hard to disagree with that.
The Pistons could do something and the Bulls would be interesting, but the champ has got to come from the West. With that said, here are my predictions:
WEST
1. Dallas (4) vs. 8. Golden State (2)
A highly entertaining series to watch with Baron Davis trying to dunk on everyone. Plus Stephen Jackson might just kill someone. I think Devin Harris will frustrate Baron with his incredible on ball D. And Nowitski will score enough. Watch for Josh Howard to sprain his ankle, he seems to do that every other game.
2. Phoenix (4) vs. 7. Los Angeles (1)
I really don’t enjoy Kobe. He might win one game in this series though. Phoenix is just too much. Watch how much easier Nash makes the game for everyone; they just run around and look for open spots and he hits them. Love Barbosa by the way.
3. San Antonio (4) vs. 6. Denver (2)
Some people are picking Denver in the upset. Pretty sure there is no way that happens. Carmelo and AI both need the ball in their hands to play effectively. They can’t move without the ball well. And who else plays for Denver? Linas Kleiza, Nene? Spurs have too much still.
4. Utah (4) vs. 5. Houston (3)
McGrady and Yao should win this series. Except Tracy McGrady has been to the playoffs five times and never won a series. See you don’t win with wing players. They don’t give Yao the rock. Utah runs a great pick and pop and I love Deron Williams. Plus Jerry Sloan is an awesome coach. Utah wins.
EAST
1. Detroit (4) vs. 8. Orlando (1)
Don’t you think Orlando should just give Dwight Howard the ball every time down the court? Why don’t they? Detroit will win and bore us all. Chris Webber will be rewarded for being a douche in Philly.
2. Cleveland (4) vs. 7. Washington (0)
Horrible series. Washington could not be more boring now without Hibachi and Caron Butler. The only thing that could salvage it is the Cavs wearing the orange jerseys.
3. Toronto (3) vs. 6. New Jersey (4)
Vince Carter against the Canadians. Bill Simmons claims the Raptors fans care. Are there really Raptors fans? New Jersey probably wins, but I hope Chris Bosh dunks a lot. Man I hate the East.
4. Miami (2) vs. 5. Chicago (4)
Miami shouldn’t have won last year, but D-Wade took them on his back for a few games. And Shaq was the presence to prevent teams from keying on Wade. Although I am not sure why. The Bulls are fun with Ty Thomas hopefully dunking a lot and Ben Gordon shooting the highest arced shots ever.
I really like the NBA playoffs for the match ups and the changes coaches make over the course of a series. These non-superstar players will make a big impact in the first round:
Devin Harris
Leondro Barbosa
Deron Williams
Luol Deng
And draft Oden. Always.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)