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Thursday, March 31, 2005
2005 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW, Part 2 NL EAST 1. ATLANTA BRAVES - The constant in their incredible run of 13 straight division titles has been pitching, and with the addition of SP Tim Hudson and closer Dan Kolb, look for the trend to continue. Player to watch: SP John Smoltz With the All-Star Kolb in tow, Smoltz moves back to starting rotation after three years as dominating closer. If he can show some of the outstanding stuff of his younger years, look out. 2. FLORIDA MARLINS - Fish boast one of the league's most well-balanced rosters. They picked up a cleanup hitter (Carlos Delgado), veteran starter (Al Leiter) and upgraded at catcher (Paul LoDuca) late last year. Biggest question is at closer, where former Dodgers set-up man Guillermo Mota replaces Armando Benitez who, believe it or not, was teriffic last year. Player to watch: SP A.J. Burnett Hasn't yet lived up to his potential, but if he stays healthy he could put up big numbers and cash in as a free agent at end of year. 3. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES - Underachievers the past few seasons could finally make a postseason run under new manager Charlie Manuel. The offensive talent is there, and so is the bullpen, but does a starting rotation headed by Jon Lieber, Randy Wolf and Corey Lidle really have what it takes? Player to watch: LF Pat Burrell Will he be the Pat Burrell of 2002 (.282, 37 HR, 116 RBI) or revert to the disappointments of the past two seasons? 4. NEW YORK METS - Amazin's made wonderful strides to improve themselves with whirlwind offseason that netted CF Carlos Beltran and SP Pedro Martinez, among others, and gave the franchise a much-needed facelift. They still need major help in middle relief, however, and although things are looking up they are probably another year away from seriously contending. Player to watch: LF Cliff Floyd If the sometimes-disgruntled veteran can have a big year batting fifth behind C Mike Piazza, he could work wonders for the lineup - or become a valuable bargaining chip for help in the bullpen or elsewhere during a pennant race. 5. WASHINGTON NATIONALS - These aren't the same old Expos. With fan support and a permanent home, plus some decent new pieces like SS Cristian Guzman, RF Jose Guillen and 3B Vinnie Castilla, they'll still finish last, but it should be at least somewhat exciting. Player to watch: SP Livan Hernandez He's a workhorse that could be valuable to any big-league staff. With some of the smaller improvements made to the offense, defense, bullpen and rotation, there's a chance he could approach his career high for wins (17). NL CENTRAL 1. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS - Defending NL champs did lose some important pieces in the offseason (speedster Tony Womack, lefty reliever Steve Kline, SS Edgar Renteria and innings-eater Woody Williams) but added a good leadoff hitter (SS David Eckstein) and an ace (Mark Mulder). They'll also benefit from a full year of having OF Larry Walker, acquired in a late-season trade, batting in front of a modern-day Murderer's Row of 1B Albert Pujols, 3B Scott Rolen and CF Jim Edmonds. Player to watch: 1B Albert Pujols His potential impact on the MLB record books is scary. Look at his career numbers after just four seasons: 500 runs, 787 hits, 160 HRs, 504 RBI, .624 slugging, .333 average. Sick. 2. HOUSTON ASTROS - Unfortunately, they were only Carlos Beltran retners and not long-term investors. The loss of the five-tool center fielder, as well as 2B Jeff Kent, combined with CF Lance Berkman's ACL injury and another year of age for LF Craig Biggio and 1B Jeff Bagwell could cause production to drop dramatically. But the trio of SPs Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte at top of rotation should make them a factor. Player to watch: SP Roger Clemens How much longer can Rocket keep this up? At 42, he's given no indication of slowing down. As he goes, so go the 'Stros. 3. CHICAGO CUBS - Success hinges on the top two starters, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. Sky's the limit for these two guys, and if they're healthy all year (a HUGE if), they're world series contenders. If not, the debacle at the end of last season is a harbinger of things to come. Player to watch: SS Nomar Garciaparra Seems like ages ago he was considered the league's top shortstop. With a fresh season on the North Side and the Red Sox drama over thanks to their World Series win, No-mah's primed to put up big numbers in a contract year. 4. PITTSBURGH PIRATES - Arguably the most talent the Bucs have had in the past few years. They should at least break .500 this year, or manager Lloyd McLendon should go. As long as SS Jack Wilson, LF Jason Bay and 1B Craig Wilson didn't all fool us with career years in 2004, and if they can squeeze another productive year out of closer Jose Mesa, they might - and I stress might - make some progress this year. Player to watch: SP Oliver Perez Lefty is real deal and could be a No. 1 starter on at least half the teams in the league. Dropoff after him in the Pirates' rotation, however, is major cause for concern. 5. CINCINNATI REDS - Appear to be building a serious club. If the heart of the order - RF Austin Kearns, 1B Sean Casey, LF Adam Dunn and CF Ken Griffey Jr. - can somehow avoid extended trips to the DL, this underrated group of basher's can be among the league's best. Rotation was upgraded with the additions of SPs Eric Milton and Ramon Ortiz, but they'll have to prove they're better than average for the Reds to make some noise. Player to watch: LF Adam Dunn The big guy clubbed 46 HRs last season and had over 100 walks, hits and RBIs - the only Red besides Joe Morgan to do so. However, he struck out an MLB-record 195 times. Cutting down on that number could make him an MVP threat. 6. MILWAUKEE BREWERS - Slowly but surely assembling a contender, adding slugging OF Carlos Lee and dealing closer Dan Kolb to the Braves at perhaps his highest value for prized pitching prospect Jose Cappellan. Minors are also bursting with talent led by Prince Fielder, son of former Tigers great Cecil Fielder. That being said, it's going to be a long year. Player to watch: SP Ben Sheets Blossomed into a Cy Young-caliber starter last season, his fourth in the big leagues. He could be the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come, so they simply must lock him up with a long-term deal this year. They're trying. NL WEST 1. SAN DIEGO PADRES - Could sneak up on Dodgers and Giants to win West thanks to talented pitching staff that adds veteran Woody Williams and benefits from friendly confines of Petco Park. Also boast a solid lineup and one of league's top bullpens, with unheralded Scott Linebrink and Akinori Otsuka setting up for Trevor Hoffmann. Player to watch: CF Dave Roberts In his brief time with the Red Sox last year, he gained fame for his ALCS Game 4 steal against the Yankees, but now the former Dodger gets a chance to once again be an everyday player. He's capable of 60+ SBs and could score a ton of runs batting leadoff in front of 2B Mark Loretta, LF Ryan Klesko, 1B Phil Nevin and RF Brian Giles. 2. LOS ANGELES DODGERS - Messed with a good thing last year with questionable moves like dealing catcher and team leader Paul LoDuca and set-up man Guillermo Mota, the bridge to super-closer Eric Gagne. Also lost three heavy hitters (CF Steve Finley, RF Shawn Green and 3B Adrian Beltre) and brought in two high priced potential busts, SP Derek Lowe and RF J.D. Drew. Player to watch: SP Brad Penny L.A. thought highly enough of him to deal LoDuca and Mota to the Marlins to get him (and 1B Hee Seop Choi). Full recovery from nerve problems in pitching arm is crucial and could give them a solid No. 2 behind Jeff Weaver. 3. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS - Hopes rest in the knee (and mind) of beleaguered LF Barry Bonds. If he's able to return to the lineup and is his usual self by midseason or earlier, they've got a shot. If not, they're an old bunch with a weak offense and average pitching, aside from stellar SP Jason Schmidt. Only silver lining in Bonds' troubles is opportunity for talented young utility man Pedro Feliz to step in and show his stuff full-time. Player to watch: RP Armando Benitez Once considered a lost cause as a big-time pitcher, he experienced a rebirth last year in Florida, saving 47 games with a sparkling 1.29 ERA. A repeat performance would be a huge help. 4. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS - Things certainly won't be as bad as last year, despite the fact that SP Randy Johnson is across the country. Contrary to popular belief, D-Backs were able to increase payroll, picking up 3B Troy Glaus, RF Shawn Green and starters Javier Vazquez and Russ Ortiz. Won't be enough to make a run at the division title, but at least they could begin to climb back to respectability. Player to watch: SP Javier Vazquez Heralded as a huge pickup by the Yanks last year, he started out strong and even made the AL All-Star team before failing miserably down the stretch. Now the pressure's off and he's back in the NL, where he spent the first six years of his career, so let's see if he can shrug it off. 5. COLORADO ROCKIES - The average baseball fan would be hard-pressed to name a Rockie other than 1B Todd Helton or maybe CF Preston Wilson. With a roster full of prospects like 2B Aaron Miles, SS Clint Barmes, 3B Garrett Atkins and C J.D. Closser, you figure at least a few will come into their own in the rarified air at Coors Field. As for the pitching staff, well, that's a whole different story. Could challenge K.C. for the league's worst record. Player to watch: 1B Todd Helton The guy puts up incredible stats, but don't be field - his numbers away from Colorado are nearly just as good, and just recently he vehemently denied a broadcaster's claim that he might be on steroids. He also has two Gold Gloves in his trophy case and is said to be a model citizen - too bad no one outside of Denver or fantasy baseball knows much about him. POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS AL East: Yankees AL Central: Twins AL West: Angels Wild Card: Red Sox ALDS: Yankees over Red Sox; Angels over Twins ALCS: Yankees over Angels NL East: Braves NL Central: Cardinals NL West: Padres Wild Card: Marlins NLDS: Cardinals over Marlins; Braves over Padres NLCS: Cardinals over Braves World Series: Yankees over Cardinals in six games AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrerro, Angels AL Cy Young: Randy Johnson, Yankees AL Rookie of Year: 3B Dallas MacPherson, Angels AL Manager of Year: Eric Wedge, Indians NL MVP: 1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals NL Cy Young: Tim Hudson, Braves NL Rookie of Year: 3B Garrett Atkins, Rockies NL Manager of Year: Bruce Bochy, Padres Wednesday, March 30, 2005
2005 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW, Part 1 AL EAST 1. NEW YORK YANKEES - Most complete team in baseball - as they should be, given their payroll. Three-fifths of the rotation was beefed up after last year's major disappointment. Only question, of course, is how they will fare in October. Player to Watch: SP Randy Johnson Will he be the missing piece to put them over the top, a la Boston's Curt Schilling in 2004? 2. BOSTON RED SOX - Lineup actually improved with addition of SS Edgar Renteria, but rotation takes a big hit with loss of Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe. Will there be a hangover from last year's miracle season? Player to watch: SP Curt Schilling No Pedro behind him in the rotation this year, plus he's still got a gimpy ankle. Can he be the savior again? 3. BALTIMORE ORIOLES - Even a mediocre season from RF/DH Sammy Sosa will produce 35+ HRs in Camden Yards, making a serious lineup even better. Starting rotation is dangerous too, but for all the wrong reasons. Off-field trouble involving ace-turned-No. 4 starter Sydney Ponson (punching a judge in Aruba after a jet ski run-in, plus a DUI arrest) doesn't help matters. Player to watch: RP B.J. Ryan Dominant as a set-up man in 2004, can the lefty be equally as good as the O's closer? 4. TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS - Team of blossoming young stars, led by All-Star LF Carl Crawford (capable of 50 SBs, 100 runs and a .300 average) could avoid division cellar for a second season. Player to watch: SP Scott Kazmir At least another year away from emerging as a true superstar, but southpaw will eventually make the Mets rue the day they dealt him for Victor Zambrano. 5. TORONTO BLUE JAYS - Loss of 1B/DH Carlos Delgado from middle of batting order is damaging. Only hope for contention is for SP Roy Halladay to return to Cy Young form, and that alone may not be enough. Player to watch: CF Vernon Wells Jays' key offensive player cannot have another down year. AL CENTRAL 1. MINNESOTA TWINS - They're hoping to continue their small-market magic act by contending with the big boys at one-third the payroll. Entire pitching staff returns intact, and talented youngsters plug holes left by SS Cristian Guzman and 3B Corey Koskie. Player to watch: SP Johan Santana Who else but the 2004 AL Cy Young winner and last year's breakout star? He wowed us with a dominating second half - imagine if he can keep it up for a full season. 2. CLEVELAND INDIANS - Tribe had some surprising success last year before fading down the stretch. Can infusion of a few veterans (RF Juan Gonzalez, SP Kevin Millwood, 3B Aaron Boone) put them over the top? Player to watch: C Victor Martinez Looking to establish himself as the game's premier backstop in just his second season. 3. CHICAGO WHITE SOX - Remade a good portion of their lineup, replacing power (RF Magglio Ordonez, LF Carlos Lee) with speed (LF Scott Podsednik, 2B Tadahito Iguchi), but will it make a difference in AL's most competitive division? Player to watch: CF Aaron Rowand Will need to duplicate or better last year's breakout numbers (.310, 24 HRs, 151 hits) to make up for lost pop. 4. DETROIT TIGERS - Picking up RF Magglio Ordonez - especially from a divisional rival - could be huge if injured knee holds up, and indications are it will. With offense looking good, hopes rest in talented but underachieving pitching staff led by emerging Jeremy Bonderman and improved bullpen that added Kyle Farnsworth and Troy Percival to go with Ugueth Urbina (if he doesn't get traded). Player to watch: DH Dimitri Young Injured much of last year, but a return to his usual numbers (.300, 80 RBI, 160 hits) isn't out of question batting behind Ordonez and C Ivan Rodriguez. 5. KANSAS CITY ROYALS - Will resemble a AAA team rather than a big-league club, with exception of 1B Mike Sweeney, who could be dealt to a contender. 1B/DH Ken Harvey, an All-Star last year, was surprisingly demoted to the minors. 2005 will serve as training for future stars like C John Buck and 3B Mark Teahen, acquired in exchange for CF Carlos Beltran last year. Player to watch: SP Zack Greinke Twenty-one year old has the makings of a future star, and it would be nice to see him blossom into K.C.'s future ace. AL WEST 1. LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM - New CF Steve Finley gives this ridiculously named ballclub one of the league's best OF trios. If SP Bartolo Colon picks up where he left off in second half of '04 and RP Francisco Rodriguez can effectively replace Troy Percival as closer, they could run away with division title. Player to watch: 3B Dallas MacPherson Rookie had 40 HRs and 126 RBI between AA and AAA last year. He could start out on DL with a bad back, but by end of year he could be AL Rookie of the Year and have Angels fans forgetting about the departed Troy Glaus. 2. TEXAS RANGERS - Manager Buck Showalter is blessed with an abundance of young offensive talent, but they could be one or two quality starters away from fielding a serious playoff contender. Player to watch: 1B Mark Teixeira Entering his third big-league season, the heavy hitter (.550 slugging percentage, 38 dingers in '04) is primed for more big numbers in hitter-friendly Ballpark in Arlington. 3. SEATTLE MARINERS - Best-case scenario: 1B Richie Sexson returns to 2003 form, 3B Adrian Beltre proves last year wasn't a fluke, and the starting rotation and bullpen rebound from an awful 2004. Worst-case scenario: Can things get any worse than last year? Player to watch: CF Jeremy Reed After 18 games with M's last season, youngster gets a prime No. 2 spot in the lineup between RF Ichiro Suzuki and Beltre. 4. OAKLAND ATHLETICS - Moneyballers once again find themselves replacing superstars with young talent like OF Nick Swisher, SPs Dan Haren and Joe Blanton, and RP Huston Street. A very talented group, but can the A's squeeze enough out of them before they depart via free agency like the rest? Player to watch: SP Rich Harden Promising flame-thrower and No. 2 starter gets unenviable task of filling void left by departed Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson - talk about some big white shoes to fill. COMING TOMORROW: Part Two, the National League Monday, March 28, 2005
It's almost time for a second season of fantasy baseball in my league at work (Anal Leakage II: Anal Revenge) ... I'm looking to repeat as league champion, mind you. We had a live draft this year (my first), so let's take a look at the Nittany Loins' 2005 lineup: C - Ivan Rodriguez, J.D. Closser 1B - David Ortiz, Mark Teixeira 2B - Mark Loretta, Ryan Freel SS - Edgar Renteria 3B - David Wright OF - Jim Edmonds, Larry Walker, Barry Bonds, Dave Roberts, Jacque Jones, Craig Wilson SP - Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Greg Maddux, David Wells, Al Leiter, Jeff Weaver RP - Mariano Rivera, Keith Foulke, B.J. Ryan, Juan Rincon I have to say I'm pretty happy with my roster for the most part ... the starting rotation is a little old, so some lengthy trips to the DL could be costly ... I just had to take a chance on Bonds in the 13th round, even if he doesn't come back until the second half of the year he could be the push I need to get to the top of the standings. I also have a few familiar faces - Roberts, Wilson, Maddux, Wells, Rivera and Ryan - who helped me win the league championship last season. It's definitely going to be a fun ride. NCAA TOURNAMENT UPDATE As for my NCAA tournament pool, I'm in a tie for first place with one of my co-workers (who had three of the Final Four correct - I had two). I can probably pull it out if, by some chance, Louisville knocks off Illinois and then North Carolina beats them for the championship. We'll see. GIANTS UPDATE A few minor transactions from the past week or so ... the G-Men re-signed FB Jim Finn and QB Jesse Palmer, who will be either the second- or third-string QB along with new signee Jim Miller. They also cut OL Barry Stokes and WR Tony Johnson, a Penn State product who had been allocated to NFL Europe but couldn't make a roster. Sucks to be him. PENN STATERS ON THE MOVE A couple Nittany Lions found new homes this week, as WR Joe Jurevicius signed on with the Seahawks (joining former Lion Bobby Engram) and DE Courtney Brown joined the Broncos. Good luck to both of these gentlemen. Speaking of PSU, things haven't been so great lately, athletics-wise. Last week, the women's basketball team was shocked in the first round of the NCAA tournament by 13th-seeded Liberty, a school that had never won a tourney game and, even worse, was founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell (who, you may recall, blamed the 9/11 attacks on gays, lesbians, feminisits and the ACLU). Things got even worse for the Lady Lions when two players supposedly asked for their release from Penn State (or were forced to leave, depending on who you believe). One player, Jennifer Harris, was a highly touted high school player and McDonald's All American who was penciled in as the starting point guard next year. Along with the 2005 graduates (including All-American guard Tanisha Wright) the Lions are losing EIGHT players from their squad. Needless to say, there may be a slight dropoff in their success next season. Over on the men's side, the Lions just lost one of their best players in junior Aaron Johnson, who has asked to transfer. I guess it's only fitting that the move now leaves just one player left over from the regime of former coach Jerry Dunn. New coach Ed DeChellis does deserve a few more years to revamp the program as he sees fit. However, it's pretty discouraging to note that both Dunn (now an assistant coach at West Virginia) and former guard Sharif Chambliss (now with Wisconsin) went deep into the tournament while Penn State sat home and watched like the rest of us. As for football, spring practice is now underway in Happy Valley in preparation for the annual Blue-White scrimmage later in April. It just wouldn't be spring, however, unless there was at least one off-the-field incident involving football players to report ... actually this one has been floating around for a while, I had some inside info from one of my State College contacts, but more facts only recently came to light ... apparently a couple players (starters, no less) who share an on-campus apartment were busted shooting multiple arrows into a wall. Not a huge deal I guess, but it was pretty reckless and stupid, and apparently they had been warned prior to that ... it wasn't the first trouble for one of the fellows either, so I don't have too much pity for him. The word is that the players are suspended indefinitely pending a judicial affairs investigation and all that ... for the sake of the team I hope they can return, although honestly I've had enough with these stupid incidents involving guys who represent my school and should know better. In other news, there were two notable deaths recently: attorney Johnnie Cochran, and actor Barney Martin of Seinfeld fame. Cochran, of course, is best known for defending O.J. Simpson in his murder trial and adding the timeless phrase "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit" to popular culture, while Martin played Jerry Seinfeld's elderly father Morty on the show. In a weird twist, Cochran was the inspiration for another memorable Seinfeld character, attorney Jackie Chiles. Now that's egregious, preposterous ... outrageous! I was thinking about this the other day during a lengthy car ride: has there ever been a more diverse, talented and consistently excellent rock band than Led Zeppelin? A case could be made for the Beatles I guess, but other than them, I defy you find one. Wednesday, March 23, 2005
NCAA Tournament Update It doesn't seem like it, but apparently I've had a pretty good run through the first two rounds of the tourney. In fact, I'm in first place in the Daily Record office pool, thanks to an 11-5 record in the second round. I'm also in pretty good shape for the rest of the tournament, as I have 11 of my Sweet 16 teams left and three of my Final Four picks still alive. Go me. Saturday, March 19, 2005
So, how's your bracket? Mine was doing fine ... until tonight. Freakin Syracuse loses to Vermont (I told you it'd be the game to watch, didn't I?) ... then Kansas falls to Bucknell. I was a pretty solid 13-3 on the tournament's first day, but thanks to these two costly upsets (especially the Orange, one of my Final Four teams) I am now a very ordinary 25-7. But hey, this is what March Madness is all about, anything can happen and there's a long way to go until the bracket is complete. Two of my upset specials came up big, Wisconsin-Milwaukee over Alabama and UAB over LSU. Iowa didn't fare so well against Cincinnati, but Niagara actually had a chance against Oklahoma - the Purple Eagles were only down by like five late in the second half before the game slipped away. As I just mentioned, my prediction for an exciting Cuse-Vermont game was on the money, although the outcome wasn't exactly what I had in mind. The Orange certainly didn't play its best game, but you have to admit the Catamounts and their retirement-bound coach are turning out to be a pretty exciting story so far. As for my other highlighted game, Utah vs. UTEP (which I didn't even get to see because of the steroids hearings, and I don't think was shown much on CBS anyway) this Andrew Bogut had 24 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. I'll have to catch him this afternoon against Oklahoma. As for some second-round games to watch: For starters, Texas Tech vs. Gonzaga is pretty intriguing and it kicks off this afternoon's action at 1:10 p.m.. I have Bobby Knight's boys getting past the third-seeded Zags. The two 8 o'clock games are pretty interesting 7 vs. 2 matchups, West Virginia-Wake Forest and Cincy-Kentucky. Especially watch for WVU's Kevin Pittsnoggle to come up big against the Demon Deacons. As for Saturday, try Georgia Tech-Louisville (4:45 p.m.) ... it should have big implications for a lot of people's Final Four picks since there doesn't seem to be a lot of confidence in Washington as a No. 1 seed, leaving the Albuquerque bracket divided among the Yellow Jackets, Cardinals and Deacons. As for the steroid hearings ... pretty fascinating stuff, I kept my eye on it throughout most of the day on ESPN. Mark McGwire obviously came off looking pretty bad with his refusal to answer questions and his repeated "I'm retired" and "I'm not here to talk about the past" statements when it came to steroid use. He almost would have been better off admitting that he used them, because at least then he could have apologized to the nation and his pledges to help kids in whatever way possible would have been viewed as sincere. Now, everybody believes he did steroids and, even worse, didn't tell the truth to the entire country under oath. As for Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro, whether they were being completely honest or not they at least came straight out and said they hadn't juiced, and thus they'll get the benefit of the doubt. A few other issues: - It's amazing how sitting before Congress can make people change their tunes. Jose Canseco writes an entire book based on the idea that "hey kids, steroids could actually be good for you if you use them properly," then comes out and says he's changed his mind and doesn't believe that anymore. Curt Schilling shoots his mouth off to the media about how huge the steroid problem is in baseball and how something drastic needs to be done, then says he "grossly overstated" the problem and believes MLB can fix the problem on its own. Bud Selig goes on and on about how he's been tough on steroids in the minor leagues and if he had his way he'd be tougher at the major league level, then says that steroids aren't really a big problem. Amazing. - Did you catch Canseco's warning that soon there's going to be a "wood shortage" and MLB will have to switch to aluminum bats? As far as gems of wisdom go, that almost rivals his infamous 60 Minutes comment about the "gluteus maximus - which is the butt muscle." - Also, did you see Canseco's "lawyer"? The dude looked like either A) a Sopranos extra, B) the WWE Intercontinental Champion or C) a guy who's had too many injections in his gluteus maximus - which is the butt muscle. - Was Sosa's "interpreter" really necessary? The man's been in the major leagues for 15 years ... and he had to have his lawyer read his opening statement (which, presumably, contained his own, genuine inner thoughts as written by himself, right?) ... plus, whenever he was asked a question all he did was agree with McGwire or Palmeiro anyway. GIANTS UPDATE In a shocking turn of developments, the Giants agreed to a six-year deal with WR Plaxico Burress, one week after the G-Men released a statement saying they had rescinded their contract offer to him after he turned it down. Burress changed agents after that, found out that there really wasn't a market for him anywhere else, came crawling back, agreed to the Giants' demands that he take a physical, and agreed to essentially the same $25 million deal that he passed on. It's been quite a soap opera, but now he's officially a Giant. I'm pretty split on the move, so let's take a look at it from both angles. Positives: The Giants needed a WR, and he was the best one available. Burress is an upgrade over the two other free agents they were looking at (Corey Bradford and David Terrell) and, at least on paper, better than any receiver that might fall to them in the second round of the draft. ... His contract is relatively affordable, and the Giants did not have to significantly overpay or increase their original offer. ... He is only 27 years old, should be entering his prime and will be a much needed deep threat they can pair with young QB Eli Manning for several years to come. Negatives: Burress has never been a No. 1 receiver but will be expected to fill that role with the Giants. (For reference, see Peerless Price's similar move to the Falcons). How will he fare without Pro-Bowler Hines Ward on the field? ... Burress managed only 35 catches and five TDs last season. Granted, he was the No. 2 WR, but that was a contract year, on a team that went 15-1 ... Burress is said to have something of a bad attitude. Coach Tom Coughlin may be a hard ass, but I haven't yet seen much evidence of him decisively dealing with locker-room distractions. Will the two personalities be able to coexist? Overall, I have to view the move as a positive. Burress is clearly a talented player and he comes at the right price. The Giants have made significant steps to fill their needs, and I can only hope that Burress will keep his head on straight and blossom into a big-time player for Big Blue. Tuesday, March 15, 2005
I had a pretty whack cell phone conversation the other night at work. Someone came up as a "restricted number." Here's a transcript: Me: Hello? Caller: Tell Bob he's dead. Me: Excuse me? Caller: Tell Bob he's dead. Me: I think you have the wrong number ... Caller: TELL BOB HE'S DEAD, MOTHERF***ER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Me: Ok. (end) Anyway, if anybody knows Bob, please pass that along ... Well it's one of my favorite times of the sporting year - the phenomenon known as March Madness. The Madness gets underway tonight with the play-in game between hoops heavyweights Oakland and Alabama A&M ... but then things get really fun on Thursday with a few days of non-stop action. Hopefully you're getting in on the action by filling out a bracket and following along. That being said, here are a few of my picks: FINAL FOUR North Carolina, Syracuse, Oklahoma State, Lousville NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP UNC 72, Okla. St. 68 UPSET CITY 12 Wisconsin-Milwaukee over 5 Alabama 11 UAB over 6 LSU 14 Niagara over 3 Oklahoma 10 Iowa over 7 Cincinnati FIRST-ROUND GAMES TO WATCH THURSDAY: 11 UTEP vs. 6 Utah, 3:15 p.m. This one is notable because it features the Utes' Andrew Bogut, a 7-foot, 245-pound sophomore from Australia. Assuming at least some of the game is on CBS, it could be the first time for much of the nation (including myself) to see the much hyped player of the year candidate who many say could be the top pick in the next NBA draft. FRIDAY: 4 Syracuse vs. 13 Vermont, 7:10 p.m. Everyone knows about the Orange's star power (Gerry McNamara, Hakim Warrick and co.) and how they're expected to go pretty deep in the tourney ... but Vermont is led by the nation's second-leading scorer (Taylor Coppenrath) and its coach, Tom Brennan, is retiring at the end of the season after 19 years with the team. The Catamounts (24-6) should be playing with plenty of emotion and it could make for an exciting contest. In the current issue of Sports Illustrated (Penn State alum Tom Verducci and some Toronto Blue Jays on the cover) you will find a hilarious account of a recent dinner gathering of Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo and Patrick Ewing at a Houston-area Chinese restaurant owned by Yao's parents. Sounds almost too good to be true, but it really happened ... if it were up to me I'd sign these guys up for a reality TV show in an instant, the comic possibilities are endless. GIANTS UPDATE The G-Men released massive DT Norman Hand on Monday. Hand was pretty good as a run-stopper in his first season with the Giants until it was cut short by a groin injury, and the recent signing of the younger Kendrick Clancy made Hand expendable. They also cut DE Keith Washington on Tuesday. In another weird twist to the Plaxico Burress saga, the wide receiver changed agents on Sunday after failing to sign a contract during the first two weeks of free agency. The move comes a few days after the Giants rescinded a contract offer to Burress. Could the change in representation re-open negotiations between Burress and Big Blue? Perhaps, but it's more likely that this rash move is just another example of Burress being a headcase, all the more reason for the Giants to look elsewhere. The Vikings had been the only other team rumored to have an interest, but that possibility was likely shot down by Minnesota's signing of WR Travis Taylor on Tuesday. And finally, in some off the field news, DE Michael Strahan filed for divorce Monday from his wife of almost six years. It was reported that Mrs. Jean Strahan filed a restraining order against her husband and also removed more than $3 million from their joint bank account, which she was ordered to turn over. Mrs. Strahan alleges that her husband was neglecting the family and dating other women. Pretty sad, considering that the couple just had twins in the fall and had built their dream house in Montclair, N.J. ... and hopefully this won't affect Strahan's performance on the field either as he enters the twilight of his career. PENN STATERS ON THE MOVE The Browns released DE and former Nittany Lions All-American Courtney Brown on Monday. Brown, a 2000 No.1 draft pick, has been hobbled by injuries in his pro career, missing 33 games in the last four seasons. There is a chance that Cleveland could re-sign him to a lesser contract, and Brown has said that he'd be willing to switch to the linebacker position for new coach Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense. However, it's also been reported that the Redskins have some interest in signing him, a move that would reunite Brown with former PSU teammate LaVar Arrington, who was chosen directly after Brown in the 2000 draft with the No. 2 pick. Finally, a few song recommendations: Black Sabbath - "A Bit of Finger / Sleeping Village / Warning" Mudvayne - "Happy" Steely Dan - "Deacon Blue" Crazy World of Arthur Brown - "Fire" Soilwork - "Distance" Judas Priest - "Hellrider" Led Zeppelin - "Tangerine" Kansas - "Carry On My Wayward Son" Audioslave - "Be Yourself" Opeth- "Black Rose Immortal" Finally, the lineup for Ozzfest 2005 has been announced ... MAIN STAGE Black Sabbath Iron Maiden Rob Zombie Killswitch Engage Shadows Fall Black Label Society SECOND STAGE As I Lay Dying Mastodon The Haunted In Flames The Black Dahlia Murder Soilwork and more ... I had a good time at this year's Ozzfest but I figured I'd take at least a year off ... but I have to say, that's a pretty kick-ass lineup. I just may have to consider another trip this summer .... Friday, March 11, 2005
GIANTS UPDATE Well a few moves and one big non-move have been made the past few days. Most notably, the Giants said "thanks, but no thanks" to WR Plaxico Burress. After Burress blew off scheduled meetings not once but twice (supposedly because of the flu and a delayed flight), apparently his contract demands were too high, especially for a guy who doesn't appear to have too many suitors this late into the free agency period. The only other team I've heard with much interest in him is the Vikings, so New York wasn't going to ridiculously overpay for a player who hardly anyone (including his old team, the Steelers) really seems to want. The Giants offered a six-year, $24 million contract, but after Burress turned that down they broke off negotiations. They were reportedly talking to Texans WR Corey Bradford, but he is not exactly the big-time No. 1 receiver (167 catches and 20 TDs in a seven-year career) they need, and in fact they could have been better off restructuring Ike Hilliard's contract. I suppose the most likely scenario is that they might go for a WR in the draft and use some of the remainder of their cap room (somewhere around $3 to $5 million) to address some other needs .... they have signed a few players in the past few days, so let's take a look: K Jay Feely - The former Falcons kicker gives them a reliable option at the position, which they haven't had for quite some time. Veteran Steve Christie was hit or miss last year, and Feely has a stronger leg (13 touchbacks last year, compared to two by Christie). QB Jim Miller - Miller, who was inactive all of last season for the Super Bowl champion Patriots as a third-stringer, could be the primary backup/tutor for Eli Manning or the third-stringer behind Jesse Palmer. Miller is best known as serving as the starter for most of the 2001 season with the Bears when they went 13-3. The Giants had targeted Jay Fiedler, but Fielder signed with the Jets on Friday. DT Kendrick Clancy - Clancy has been a role player for the Steelers the past few years, and is reunited with his former defensive coordinator, Tim Lewis. The five-year veteran will add depth to the defensive line after the loss of free agent Lance Legree and the release of DT Martin Chase. Friday, March 04, 2005
GIANTS UPDATE The Giants made a terrific move today by signing Jets RT Kareem McKenzie to a seven-year, $37.5 million deal. Yes, it's a lot of money, but salaries for the tackle position are some of the most inflated in the league, and after all, what do I care, it's not my money. McKenzie, a 2001 draft pick out of Penn State, has started 16 games in each of the past three seasons at right tackle for the Jets and could eventually move to the left tackle spot. Even more remarkably, he's been flagged for only THREE penalties - in his career! I think this should be a great move for the Giants, as it allows them to move young Dave Diehl from tackle to his natural position at guard. I guess they'll stick with Luke Petitgout at LT for now, and maybe McKenzie's aversion to dumb penalties will rub off. The Jets did snatch up one of the Giants players, signing DT Lance Legree, which will hurt their overall depth on the line. Big Blue is probably done making high profile free agency moves, although the WR and backup QB positions still need to be adressed. It seems likely that the team will pick up Dolphins QB Jay Fiedler to serve as a mentor for Eli Manning. With most of the big-ticket free agent WRs already off the market (with the exception of Plaxico Burress, who will want a big payday and could be on his way to the Vikings) and the Giants could look for a receiver with their second-round pick (37th overall). Some possible players to keep an eye on: Craphonso Thorpe (Florida State, whack name, track star in college), Chris Henry (West Virginia, awesome talent, bad attitude), Roddy White (UAB), Troy Williamson (South Carolina), and Terence Murphy (Texas A&M). PENN STATERS ON THE MOVE The Jets may have lost McKenzie, but they did add another Penn Stater to the organization by hiring Sam Gash as running backs coach. Gash carved out a nice 13-year career for himself in the NFL as a blocking FB, earning two Pro Bowl nods with the Patriots and winning a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens in 2001 before his retirement last year. Thursday, March 03, 2005
GIANTS UPDATE The Giants made their first major free agency signing today, picking up Redskins MLB Antonio Pierce with a six-year, $26 million contract. They also cut eight-year veteran WR Ike Hilliard, who was due $1.5 million and a $750,000 bonus next season. Somewhat sad to see Hilliard go, he's been a good guy and had to battle plenty of injuries since Big Blue selected him in the first round of the 1997 draft. However, his production has dropped considerably the past few years, and the Giants desperately need a more exposive and reliable offensive threat to pair with young QB Eli Manning. They're running out of options though, as T.J. Houshmandzadeh re-signed with the Bengals, Derrick Mason joined the Ravens, and the Skins picked up David Patten. They could still be in the running for Plaxico Burress, or they may try to address the WR position with their first draft pick in the second round. There was a report that they may be interested in a reunion with former Giant Joe Jurevicius, but he's not exactly the type of playmaker they need. The signing of Pierce seems to be a good one. He's a four-year veteran, but only became a starter last year after an injury to former Giant Mike Barrow. He enjoyed an outstanding season in 2004, racking up 110 tackles and helping lead the Skins to one of the NFL's best defenses, and at age 26 the Giants hope he is just beginning to blossom. He's an immediate upgrade over last year's middle linebackers, Nick Greisen and Kevin Lewis. The Giants' attention should now turn to the offensive line. Several big-time OLs have been snatched up in the last two days, including Marco Rivera (Cowboys), Mike Wahle (Panthers) and Jonas Jennings (49ers). The Giants would be wise to pursue either Jets OT Kareem McKenzie or, to a lesser extent, Titans OT Fred Miller. PENN STATERS ON THE MOVE A few former Penn State players found new homes around the NFL on Thursday, with Rivera signing with Dallas and CB Bhawoh Jue inking a deal with the Chargers. McKenzie and Jurevicius are still talking with potential suitors. And QB Kerry Collins, who's staying put with the Raiders, will have an explosive offense around him next year as the Silver and Black has added RB LaMont Jordan and WR Randy Moss to an already good offensive nucleus that includes receivers Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry and LT Robert Gallery. Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Today I finished reading a great book, When Pride Still Mattered by David Maraniss. It's a biography of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi. Fascinating guy, and a pretty interesting read, I highly recommend it. The Rick and I were stuck up in a hotel again after work on Monday thanks to the Blizzard of 2005 ... we never really got the foot of snow that was predicted (there's a surprise) but there was just enough to foil my plans to drive home. Gotta love winter. I also picked up a couple albums the other day and decided to write some reviews. Here you go ... Judas Priest - Angel of Retribution (2005) Angel marks the much anticipated reunion of one of the most influential metal bands of all time with original vocalist Rob Halford after a 15-year separation. After 1990's Painkiller, Halford wandered off to a variety of side projects (Two, Fight, Halford) while Priest carried on with a few lackluster albums with replacement singer Tim "Ripper" Owens before the two sides finally came to their senses and agreed to reform. The result has been billed as something of a sequel to their first true classic, 1976's Sad Wings of Destiny, with cover art, liner notes and lyrical nods that reference that album as well as others in the Priest catalog. It's an interesting choice, and although a few tracks are similar to their subdued '70s sound (see "Angel" or the dark piano ballad "Eulogy", almost a follow-up to Sad Wings' "Epitaph"), the majority of the tunes bear a closer resemblance to their heavier (but not as inspired) '80s material. Case in point: "Deal with the Devil", a heavy rocker that traces the band's early beginnings and dedication to all things metal, and "Wheels of Fire", the kind of motorcycle rebel anthem they've become known for. They aren't exactly breaking any new ground here, although the production has definitely been updated for the 2000s courtesy of Roy Z. The aggressive double-bass drumming style of Scott Travis (a member of the band only since Painkiller) also adds a lot, particularly to the vicious, apocalyptic "Demonizer" and the outstanding "Hellrider", a virtual "Painkiller Pt. 2." The songwriting is also fairly strong and rejuvenated thanks to the reunion of Halford with his old writing partners, guitar duo K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton, who are also in fine form. There are a couple missteps, notably the poldding, lurching, nearly 14-minute closer "Lochness" (who else would dare tackle that subject matter?), and although the boys weren't able to recapture the magic of Sad Wings (and probably never will be now that they're getting into their 50s), this is still a worthwhile disc from these metal giants. Jay's Picks: "Judas Rising", "Revolution", "Demonizer", "Angel", "Hellrider" Dark Tranquility - Character (2005) Dark Tranquility, one of the original forces behind the Swedish melodic death metal movement, are keeping the Gothenberg sound alive in '05 without resorting to corny gimmicks or recycling old ideas like many of their '90s counterparts. Character offers a blend of their harsher, earlier work and somewhat more accessible and melodic recent outings while still maintaining their signature sound. Keyboards are a little less prevalent than on 2002's Damage Done, serving only to accentuate the melodies (see "Out of Nothing") without overdoing it. Singer Mikael Stanne takes a little harsher approach too than their last outing, with his death metal growl harkening back to the mid-90s The Gallery style. But the real focus is on the speedy melodicism of guitarists Niklas Sundin and Martin Henriksson, who basically put on a how-to clinic for aspiring metal guitarists - witness the awesome "Lost to Apathy", "Mind Matters", "One Thought" ... basically there isn't a bad song on this disc. A decade after At the Gates' landmark Slaughter of the Soul, the genre is still going strong thanks to one of the best albums of 2005 so far. Jay's Picks: "The New Build", "Out of Nothing", "Lost to Apathy", "Mind Matters", "One Thought", "Dry Run" |