2009 Kentucky Derby Preview: TV Schedule, Post Positions, and Odds

April 30, 2009 By 6 Comments
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Update 5/2 – 10:00 am: I Want Revenge has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby.

It’s time to get into this year’s Kentucky Derby odds, with the 135th edition of the “Run For The Roses” set to take place on Saturday at venerable Churchill Downs. I Want Revenge is the sportsbook favorite for the Derby, and he’ll be aiming to take the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Before we preview the odds of a few of the major contenders, here are the particulars for this year’s Kentucky Derby:

2009 Kentucky Derby Preview: Location, Date, Time, TV, TicketsKentucky Derby Post Time, Date, NBC TV Schedule, Tickets, Horse Names, Positions

And here is a table listing the post positions, horse names, trainers, jockeys, and odds (as of 4/30) for the 2009 Kentucky Derby.


2009 Belmont Stakes Post Positions, Race Horse Names, Trainers, Jockeys and Odds

Post Position Horse Name Jockey Trainer ML Odds
1 Chocolate Candy G. Gomez J. Hollendorfer 10-1
2 Dunkirk J. Velazquez T. Pletcher 4-1
3 Mr. Hot Stuff E. Prado E. Harty 15-1
4 Summer Bird K. Desormeaux T. Ice 12-1
5 Luv Gov M. Mena D. W. Lukas 20-1
6 Charitable Man A. Garcia K. McLaughlin 3-1
7 Mine That Bird C. Borel C. Woolley 2-1
8 Flying Private J. Leparoux D. W. Lukas 12-1
9 Miner's Escape J. Lezcano N. Zito 15-1
10 Brave Victory R. Maragh N. Zito 15-1

And now onto a preview of the lines for some of the most prominent horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

I Want Revenge is favored at +360, and he won his debut on dirt in the Wood Memorial on April 4, beating West Side Bernie without really breaking a sweat. I Want Revenge seems to be the class of the three-year-olds running this year, and jockey Joe Talamo said that the horse really only put the pedal to the Kentucky Derby Post Time, Date, NBC TV Schedule, Tickets, Horse Names, Positionsmetal for the last 1/8-mile of the race, which bodes well for Kentucky Derby betting players. Another good thing? I Want Revenge’s owners, IEAH Stables, won the Derby last year with Big Brown.

Friesan Fire is next with Kentucky Derby odds of +485, and he also comes with an outstanding pedigree as his father, A.P. Indy, was the Horse of the Year in 1992. Friesan Fire has three pre-Derby wins to his credit, but he hasn’t raced since March 14, when he routed the competition in the Louisiana Derby.

Dunkirk has Kentucky Derby odds of +545 and, although he hasn’t raced since losing to the injured Quality Road in the Florida Derby, Dunkirk has all the tools to emerge with the roses this Saturday. His first gallop on dirt came just over a week ago, and his handlers have been more impressed with each trip around the track.

Pioneerof the Nile is close behind at +605 and, like Friesan Fire, he also won three pre-Derby races. He’s never raced on a dirt track before but he’s looked good since landing at Churchill Downs for training. The win in the Santa Anita Derby was big for Pioneerof the Nile, as some say he wasn’t even running to his full potential.

A darkhorse (no pun intended) for the Derby? Chocolate Candy, with Kentucky Derby odds of +1215. Chocolate Candy has won two pre-Derby races, and four of the last six he’s entered. In all sports, momentum is always a big factor, and his handlers have to be feeling good about Chocolate Candy’s Kentucky Derby odds.


Filed Under: Sports Betting, TV and Betting Tagged With: horse racing, Kentucky Derby, Sports Betting

Zack Greinke Makes SI Cover as ‘Best Pitcher in Baseball’ – What About Johan Santana?

April 29, 2009 By 11 Comments
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Zack Greinke on Sports Illustrated cover - the best pitcher in baseball - johan santanaIn this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated, Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke is on the cover with the headline The Best Pitcher in Baseball.

Without question, Zack Greinke’s meteoric rise into the pantheon of top pitchers in Major League Baseball has been one of the best stories this April.

Zack Greinke’s story — falling into the abyss of social anxiety disorder and coming back from it — deserves both respect and adulation. The following passage from the SI article paints the depressing picture perfectly:

During a dreadful 2005 season in which he would finish with a 5–17 record and a 5.80 ERA, Brian Anderson remembers Greinke once suddenly announcing in the dugout, “I’m going to throw a 50-mph curveball next inning.” That was all he said.

Next inning, Greinke threw a preposterously slow curve to Detroit’s Dmitri Young, the kind that made the whole crowd shout “Oooh.” Anderson stuck his head out of the dugout to get the reading. It was precisely 50 mph.

The incident says something about Greinke’s quirkiness and a virtuoso’s feel for pitching, but it reveals more than that, too. It shows that Greinke was in trouble. He hated pitching so much that he had to invent little games to keep himself from crumbling. Everything was falling apart. He feuded with his pitching coach, Guy Hansen, who wanted him to move five inches to the left on the rubber. Never close to his teammates, he became even more distant, occasionally hostile.

The SI story about Zack Greinke, from where the above passage is taken, is written by Joe Posnanski, one of the most consistently sublime sportswriters out there. If he says that Zack Greinke is the best pitcher inZack Greinke on Sports Illustrated cover - the best pitcher in baseball - johan santana baseball, then Greinke has a pretty powerful and respectable source in his corner. (And, truth be told, Posnanski does only say that Greinke is the best pitcher in baseball “for the moment.”)

I have to say, it’s pretty hard to argue with Zack Greinke’s stat line thus far through his first four games in April:

  • Record: 4-0
  • ERA: 0.00
  • WHIP: 0.86
  • K/BB: 36/6
  • Complete game shutouts: 2
  • Consecutive starts without an earned run dating back to last season: 6

To say that those numbers are preposterously good would be an understatement. If I was playing a video game and had a pitcher with those kind of stats I would raise the difficulty level. So it is hard to dispute that at this very moment Zack Greinke is the best pitcher in baseball. He may even be, at this very moment right now, the best player in baseball — bar none (with apologies to Albert Pujols).

But is Zack Greinke really the best pitcher in baseball?

Off the top of my head I can think of a few guys that I would certainly consider to be on Greinke’s level who are far more proven over the long haul: C.C. Sabathia, Roy Halladay, and Jake Peavy. Tim Lincecum, while only in his third year, has already proven that he can be dominant over the course of an entire season, which is something that Greinke has yet to do.

I can’t say off-hand whether I would take any of these guys over Zack Greinke if I was the GM of an MLB team, but I do think they would all be worthy debates.

There is one pitcher, however, for whom there would be no debate: Johan Santana — the true best pitcher in baseball.

I know that Sports Illustrated wants to go out on a limb with their cover claim in an effort to sell more magazines, and that calling Johan Santana the best pitcher in baseball has become something of a cliche, but that’s because it is true. And if SI’s cover story is any indication of the general perception of baseball writers or baseball fans, then we are not truly appreciating the consistent greatness of Johan Santana.

As insanely good as Zack Greinke’s start has been, is anyone noticing the incredible four-game start of Santana this season?

  • Record: 3-1 (and his one loss was a 13K gem in which he went 7 innings while giving up only 3 hits and no earned runs)
  • ERA: 0.70
  • WHIP: 0.90
  • K/BB: 37/6

Clearly, Greinke’s start has been better. But let’s compare their numbers from last season:

  • ERA: Santana – 2.53 | Greinke – 3.47
  • WHIP: Santana – 1.15 | Greinke – 1.28
  • Ks: Santana – 206 | Greinke – 183
  • IP: Santana – 234.1 | Greinke – 202.1

Greinke was good last year, and certainly my hat is off to him for overcoming what he has overcome to rebound from his awful 2005 season, but I think SI is jumping the gun just a bit by proclaiming him the best pitcher in baseball. Johan Santana is only 3 1/2 years older than Greinke and has been producing at a high level in the majors since 2002. Greinke finally started coming into his own last season, and has followed that success up with a ridiculous start to this season, but just look at the year-by-year career stats of Johan Santana compared with the year-by-year career stats of Zack Greinke.

There really is no comparison.

Zack Greinke on Sports Illustrated cover - the best pitcher in baseball - johan santanaIf the claim was “best pitcher in baseball over the last 6 starts,” then yes Zack Greinke is your choice. But we all know that high atop the list of important characteristics for a pitcher is the ability to produce consistently over the long haul, season after season. Zack Greinke may yet prove that he can be this type of pitcher, but no one, not even the great Roy Halladay, can compete with Johan Santana in this area right now.

Besides, just by putting Zack Greinke on their cover and subjecting him to the infamous jinx, Sports Illustrated may be ensuring that he will not continue to be the “best pitcher in baseball.” Maybe from that perspective Johan Santana is happy they did not choose him. Of course, Santana has been on the SI cover before and it hasn’t seemed to bother him much.

(Update: And the SI cover jinx may have already begun. In his first start since the new SI was issued, earlier tonight against Toronto, Greinke gave up his first earned runs of the year. It wasn’t a complete jinx though, as he improved to 5-0 and struck out 8 over 7 innings. Johan Santana also pitched tonight, going 7 innings, giving up two earned, and striking out 7.)

If I was starting a team today, and I could choose any pitcher in baseball to start it with, I’m choosing Johan Santana without even a split second thought. And when I think of the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana is the first and only pitcher who comes to mind.

Sports Illustrated picked a great pitcher to profile, and Joe Posnanski was his usual proselific* self, but Zack Greinke still has a ways to go before I would even consider him as the best pitcher in baseball. Considering his personal backstory, and the underdog nature of his team, I wouldn’t mind seeing him get there though.

Kudos to Zack Greinke for beginning to fulfill his immense potential, but best pitcher in baseball is a torch that will have to be passed by Johan Santana, rather than handed out by the SI headline writers.

What do you think?

Who is the best pitcher in baseball?

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* – Just made that one up while typing. Pretty apt word to describe Joe Posnanski, don’t you think?


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: AL Central, Johan Santana, Kansas City Royals, MLB, Zack Greinke

MSF Exclusive: John Madden and Brett Favre Schedule Joint Press Conference to Announce Return to NFL

April 29, 2009 By 3 Comments
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John Madden and Brett FavreEver since the New York Jets announced yesterday that they were releasing Brett Favre, speculation has been running rampant on the Internet that the move was paving the way for yet another return to the NFL by Brett Favre.

Well guess what? Favre is back, and he’s bringing another NFL icon with him: John Madden, who announced his own retirement from broadcasting just a few weeks ago. (Picture of Brett Favre and John Madden to the left courtesy of The Sporting Blog.)

According to a press release draft secretly and illegally obtained by Midwest Sports Fans, Brett Favre and John Madden have scheduled a joint press conference to announce their return to the NFL.

Below is the draft copy of the press release, which MSF obtained by hacking into the computer of R.V. Cook, the brother of Brett Favre’s agent Bus Cook.

Favreland, MS – April 29, 2009 – The most important man in the history of American sports is returning to the league he made famous.

Brett Favre, recently named one of the 10 Most Important Men in the History of Civilization by In His Own Head Magazine, has decided to play one more year of football before forcing post-Favre purgatory on the NFL and its fans. And in a testament to His greatness, Favre has also convinced John Madden to stick around for one more year in the announcing booth.

Despite concerns about his conditioning and arm strength, Favre is already preparing for the upcoming NFL season by playing catch with students at a local elementary school a few hours a week.

Though Favre could not be reached for comment, as he was unable to hear the phone while riding on his tractor, Super Agent Bus Cook was seen dancing through the streets of Favreland singing the words “Another contract, another contract” over and over again to the tune of “La Cucaracha.”

John Madden was available for comment, and had the following to say about the return of Brett Favre:

“If, if, if…if Brett Favre unretires, and then signs with another team, he’ll be an NFL football player again.”

Concerning his own unretirement, Madden has decided that he will only announce games for the team Brett Favre signs with.

According to a source close to John Madden who requested anonymity because he did not actually exist and this entire story is made up, Madden had no interest in continuing to broadcast games for the No Favre League. However, now that Favre is returning, the source said, Madden again recognizes the NFL as a legitimate football league and wants to be there every step of the way for Favre’s true final season.

Brett Favre and John Madden will appear together at a press conference scheduled for Thursday morning at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

When found for comment, Vikings head coach Brad Childress said there is no correlation between the press conference’s location and the rumors that Brett Favre would join the Vikings. However, immediately after saying that Childress inexplicably said “Sagevaris Frerollinger is our quarterback and we are confident in him moving forward,” before walking away and reciting the beginning of the Lord Favre Prayer under his breath: “Our Favrether, who art in Mississippi, hallowed be thy name…”

The Favre-Madden unretirement press conference will be aired live on ESPN beginning at 10:00 AM and then will be looped without break for the ensuing 48 hours.

So there you have it. Looks like all of the immediate speculation about Favre’s possible return was worthwhile.

I was concerned that the press release might have been made up, so I contacted Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk to see if he’d heard anything. However, his only response was a story about poop and then a suggestion that I buy his Quarterback of the Future book.

I then thought about contacting ESPN to confirm the reports of the press conference being scheduled on their network for tomorrow morning, but then I realized that they would probably just copy the press release straight from MSF without attributing credit to us. So screw them.

Undeterred, I called up Al Michaels, John Madden’s former broadcast partner on Sunday Night Football, and asked him if he believed this miraculously unexpected story. Michaels said he hadn’t heard anything specific, but then after thinking about it for a moment said, “Do I believe in miracles? Yes.”

So perhaps it really is true: Favre and Madden returning to the NFL together.

For some reason all I can think about now is the final scene from one of my favorite movies of all time, Adaptation:

Chime in with your thoughts:

What is your initial thought after reading that Brett Favre and John Madden will be returning to the NFL together?

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Filed Under: NFL, Random Thoughts Tagged With: brett favre, John Madden

Jets Release Brett Favre, Open Floodgates of Favre-Vikings Rumors and Speculation

April 29, 2009 By 6 Comments
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brett favre comeback 2009 - new york jets release favre - speculation and rumors begin of favre-vikings matchI can’t wait to hear what Ryan Russell has to say about this. (Something tells me it will involve the f-word. Multiple times.)

In case you haven’t heard, the New York Jets released legendary and purportedly retired QB Brett Favre yesterday. Essentially what this means is that Favre could now sign with any team. Previously, the Jets would have owed the Packers 3 first round draft picks if they traded him to a team in the NFC North.

If I were to be optimistic, I would look at this as opening the door for Brett Favre to sign a one-day contract with the Packers so he could officially retire at Lambeau. However, the pessimistic Florio-influenced side of me looks at this as potentially opening the door for another summer of endless Favre speculation.

Here is what PFT had to say about this yesterday:

Jets Officially Release Favre — (Pro Football Talk)

Wow.

On the same day we speculated that the stage could be set for the Second Annual Brett Favre Retirement to be followed by the Second Annual Brett Favre Unretirement, the Jets threw the NFL world a curve ball by releasing Favre from the reserve-retired list.

…

But unless Favre is planning to sign a one-day contract to officially retire (again) with the Packers, there’s no reason for the Jets to make the move if Favre has no intention of returning to football.

Clearly any initial speculation will center on the Minnesota Vikings. The whole “they are only a quarterback away from the Super Bowl” thing has been one of the most oft-uttered cliches of the past few NFL seasons. And while the Vikings signed Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme Rosenfels in the offseason, the improvement he will provide over Tarvaris Jackson is not expected to be any type of quantum leap.

The Vikings, however, are built to win now. Their first round pick of Percy Harvin, despite his much-publicized off-field issues, was looked at by many as a desperate choice by a coach in Brad Childress who knows that he has to win now – or else. And it is no secret that Favre and the Vikings had discussions last year when we all first learned that Brett Favre might wear colors other than the green and gold in 2008.

So while nothing definitive has been reported that Brett Favre is considering yet another comeback, nothing definitive has been reported to quell such speculation either. [Update: Just caught this article posted last night at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel website, saying Favre released a statement saying "Nothing has changed. At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football." It is unclear if the statement was from three weeks ago or yesterday.] And reading between the lines of Favre’s statement back when he retired from the Jets could offer a little insight into his potential future plans. As Florio pointed out yesterday at PFT, Favre and agent Bus Cook had discussed the possibility of the Jets releasing Favre before he retired again in February:

“[Agent] Bus [Cook] and Mike [Tannenbaum] have been talking about this for a while,” Favre said in a statement. “Nothing has changed. At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.”

Well, now something has changed. And the question is, at this time, with these new circumstances, does Favre now have an intention of returning to football?

I have to be honest, I’m straddling the fence on whether or not I want to see Favre come back.

On the one hand, there is something inherently exciting about watching a game quarterbacked by Brett Favre. Even at his current age he has the capacity for a 3- or 4-touchdown gem on any given Sunday. He also has the capacity to throw for 100 yards and 3 picks at any time. That uncertainty and limitless potential for any game he is involved with is compelling. And the thought of Favre playing in the NFC North for a team other than the Packers immediately produces so many storylines that servers hosting sports websites across America may spontaneously combust should Favre ever come back with the Vikings.

However, Favre has become an increasingly annoying and self-absorbed presence over the past few years. If he could come back and just receive some coverage, I’d be okay with it. The reality, however, is that football news and reporting would be absolutely dominated once again by Favre stories. That inevitable overshadowing of everything else in the NFL would be a tremendous drawback from a fan perspective, and might just be enough to make the compelling Favre-in-the-NFC-North storylines more of an annoyance than an interesting component of another NFL season.brett favre comeback rumors and speculation for 2009 - new york jets release favre, favre-vikings now a possibility

One thing we know is that the speculation train left the station last night when the Jets announced Favre’s release. And it won’t truly stop until the 2009 season begins and Favre is nowhere near an NFL facility.

I just hope that if he does come back, the mainstream sports media takes the ubiquitous advice of Viagra and sees a doctor (probably some sort of addiction specialist) should their “erection last more than four hours.” The inevitable Favre-on that would ensue from another unretirement would simply be unnecessary and would almost certainly be both overwhelming and overdone.

Brett Favre is now one of those sports figures for whom there is no middle ground. I’d be all for his return if he would just be another NFL quarterback headed to training camp. In the absence of such media restraint, however, his return would be the story again for another NFL season. I could take and would welcome Brett Favre the quarterback for another year; I could not take Lord Favre the Most Important Man Alive for another season.

But I think we all know how it would turn out, so maybe I’m not really straddling the fence at all. Stay home and stay retired Brett. The time has come for us all to move on.

What do you think?

Now that the door is slightly cracked open, would you want to see Brett Favre make another comeback in 2009?

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Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: brett favre, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, nfl offseason

Boxing: Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton Preview, Odds, and Prediction

April 28, 2009 By 1 Comment
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The boxing fight of the year is coming up this Saturday as Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao get ready to square off on May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Before we get into a preview and prediction, here are the particulars:

Click Here for Exclusive Pacquiao-Hatton Tickets from StubHub

Manny Pacquiao v Ricky Hatton Preview

manny pacquiao-ricky hatton preview, prediction, odds, lines, tickets, date, time, tv, ppv, pacman-hitman

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The last time boxing betting fans recall seeing “The Hitman” Hatton in a marquee fight, he ended up with a bruised face and bruised ego with a 10th-round TKO at the gloves of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The main concern for anyone betting the Hatton odds is whether or not he has recovered from that loss. Hatton and Mayweather Jr. really hated each other and it destroyed Hatton’s confidence to lose to a fighter as cocky as Mayweather Jr.

It took Hatton a while to bounce back and it’s definitely surprising to hear a former champion talk about crying himself to sleep after losing a fight.

Boxing betting experts know that a boxer is never the same after his first knockout, which is the main concern here. Hatton showed that was in fact the case when he fought Juan Lazcano in his follow up fight and nearly lost.

Hatton has made a change in his training camp, which comes as a surprise to many. Hatton has been training with Floyd Maymanny pacquiao-ricky hatton preview, prediction, odds, lines, tickets, date, time, tv, ppv, pacman-hitmanweather Sr. for the fight against Pacquiao, which is an interesting choice.

Hatton and Mayweather Sr. couldn’t be more opposite. Hatton is humble while Mayweather Sr., like his son, is as arrogant as they get. Hatton’s style of boxing has always led to him going forward and being the aggressor, yet Mayweather Sr. is teaching Hatton some defensive skills.

It’s an interesting mix, which a lot of boxing betting fans aren’t sure will pay off.

In the other corner, you won’t find a trainer-fighter relationship that is closer than Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach has his fighter peaking right now, which will make it really tough on Hatton. Pacquiao presents similar speed that Hatton proved he couldn’t handle against Mayweather Jr. but Pacquiao also has power.

These two fighters are simply at different ends of the spectrum. Pacquiao is in his prime while another ugly loss here could genuinely be the last for Hatton. Furthermore, it doesn’t look like Hatton is over his last loss while Pacquiao is as focused as it gets.

It doesn’t look good for Hatton as May 2 approaches while the Pacquiao odds keep looking better and better. One thing is for sure: with two fighters who prefer confrontation over dancing, the bout this Saturday should be electric.
manny pacquiao-ricky hatton preview, prediction, odds, lines, tickets, date, time, tv, ppv, pacman-hitman

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Here are the most updated odds and lines, courtesy of BetUs.com:


Filed Under: Featured Column, Sports Betting Tagged With: Boxing, Sports Betting

What Is Wrong With Matt Vasgersian? Seriously?

April 28, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Update: In the time since this post was written, Matt Vasgersian issued an on-air apology for what you will read below. He also visited some blogs like Biz of Baseball (though not ours…damn) and addressed critical commentary that had been made about his remarks. Kudos to Vasgersian for staying in front of this and recognizing the insensitivity of it. (Found via The Big Lead.)

Matt Vasgersian asks if EMT is Donovan McNabb during Rockies-Padres game after Brad Hawpe gets hit with baseballSeriously, what’s this guy’s deal?

As pointed out today by Bugs and Cranks, first Matt Vasgersian dropped an f-bomb live during the first few weeks that the MLB Network was on the air. Then last night he completely fell off his rocker. How much? So much so that even Mitch Williams was left staring at Matt Vasgersian like he was some sort of imbecilic sideshow.

As you will see in the video below, Matt Vasgersian loses all sense of tact during a pretty serious scene at the Rockies-Padres game last night after Brad Hawpe got hit in the side of the neck with a baseball. Hawpe had to be taken off the field on a cart, and was then taken to the hospital with a possible concussion. Luckily, Hawpe appears to be doing okay.

But as this serious scene reaches its climax, and goes back to the studio for what should be some relatively serious, somber discussion, Matt Vasgersian decides to send it back out to the field because he “recognizes” someone. And apparently, Matt Vasgersian thinks all black guys look the same, because the guy he supposedly “recognizes” is Donovan McNabb. Yes…that Donovan McNabb.

Look at this picture and tell me if this guy looks anything like Donovan McNabb to you:

Matt Vasgersian asks if EMT is Donovan McNabb during Rockies-Padres game after Brad Hawpe gets hit with baseball

And even if he was the spitting image of Donovan McNabb – or hell, even Donovan McNabb himself – Vasgersian’s comments come mere moments after a player was laying motionless on the field. Luckily, Vasgersian’s studio co-hosts, Mitch Williams and and a bald guy whose name I’m not sure of, call call him out for being an idiot. Here is the almost incomprehensible exchange, with the video below.

Vasgersian: Is that Donovan McNabb? No.

Bald Guy (I think): Dude.

Vasgersian: No. I thought, hey–

Bald Guy (I think): Dude.

Vasgersian: I thought he was on the field as an EMT.

Mitch Williams: In Colorado?

Bald Guy: What’s wrong with you? Seriously? (chuckling)


Video: Matt Vasgersian Asks if EMT is Donovan McNabb on MLB Network

I love the MLB Network and I watch it pretty much every night, but Matt Vasgersian is proving himself to be a ticking time bomb who can hurt the credibility of the network at any second. I’m not one who takes things too seriously, and it’s not like someone died on the field, but as the bald guy put it aptly: what’s wrong with Matt Vasgersian? Seriously.

Update: The fine folks over at Cleveland Frowns have posted their own piece about this latest Matt Vasgersian incident in which they take posts like mine to task for unnecessarily calling out Vasgersian and for, in some respects, being hypocritical.

While I agree that it is slightly hypocritical to suggest even the slightest bit of racism on the part of Vasgersian, especially considering the homophobia that the sports blogosphere is littered with, I think that misses the bigger point; at least, the point I was trying to make. The MLB Network is the new kid on the block and is trying to carve out a respected niche as a nightly baseball resource for die-hard fans like myself. After his f-bomb and then this poorly-timed joke (or whatever it was), it just makes the network a bit harder to take seriously when Vasgersian is the studio host. I’m not saying I won’t watch MLBN or that anything he’s done is all that egregious, and certainly part of my purpose in posting was for the entertainment value and humor inherent in his gaffe, but absolving Vasgersian completely is also not appropriate.

One of the things I love about blogs is that we have a forum to keep the mainstream media honest, to take them to task and mock them when they screw up. Hell, if I screw up I certainly expect a commenter to jump on it and call me out. I think that give and take is good and healthy. I tend to think that for media members, who went largely unchecked for a long time, having that little fear in the back of their minds ultimately produces better quality and professionalism for us all to enjoy. I don’t think anyone was seriously accusing Matt Vasgersian of being racist – I know I wasn’t. It was just the sports blogosphere’s own way of saying, “Dude, seriously?” And if any embarrassment, or threat of future embarrassment, compels Vasgersian to exercise a little more tact next time, then we’re all better off.


Filed Under: Announcers, Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: baseball, matt vasgersian, MLB, mlb network

LOTD: The Incredible Focus of Braylon Edwards and Bob Knight Cusses Out a Reporter (Video)

April 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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We have a dual Link of the Day today, without much commentary from me because tons of work beckons me this morning. But I wanted to most this before I get started.

First, our good friends over at Cleveland Frowns have a new post up in the wake of the NFL Draft that is another solid reminder why the Braylon Edwards Experiment in Cleveland has been such a roller-coaster ride:

LOTD: Hollywood Bray Update — (Cleveland Frowns)

“Last year I was with the Texans [the non-Playoff team who, coincidentally, beat the Browns at Cleveland Stadium in a game that the AP described as leaving the Browns "beaten, battered and bewildered," "their season in shambles"], and when we played [WHOOPED] the Browns, Braylon Edwards asked me between plays if we could talk after the game about modeling and acting.”

Whatever else this indicates, at the very least it shows that Braylon’s head is somewhere else than on the football game when he’s playing in the football game. If Braylon wants to go Hollywood, he should cancel his contract with the Browns and go do that, but the level of play in the NFL is too high for players — even players with Braylon’s talent — to play at the highest level (the level that Braylon is being paid to play at) with their minds not focused 100% on the task at hand.

And then, unfortunately, there is this new video of Bob Knight cussing out a reporter who darvideo of bob knight cussing out netherlands reporter who asks about chair - f-bombed to ask him about the chair throwing incident. Look, you all know that I love Coach Knight, but I don’t really have anything to say in his defense here. He just comes across looking a petulant bully…which is nothing new for him. I’m sure he’s sick of hearing that question about the chiar, but just give a polite, canned answer and move on.

Bob Knight does not do polite, nor does he do canned, which I guess is part of the reason why he is both loved and hated more than almost any other figure in the sports lexicon.

I mean, one time in college I set a stove on fire while boiling water to make mac and cheese. It was only one blip on an otherwise unblemished record of water boiling (up to that point…), but for the rest of my life I will hear about that story. It is what it is. You threw a chair. The price you have to pay is being questioned about it every now and again. Is that really such a big deal?


I grew up in Bloomington in the 80s and early 90s so I’ll never stop loving Coach Knight. I just wish he’d stop doing things like this, which shine a negative light not only on himself but on his supporters as well. Fast forward to the 2:30 second mark for the comment in question. (video of Bob Knight cussing out Netherlands reporter Found via You Been Blinded, via SportsBrite.)

Video: Bob Knight Cusses out Netherlands Reporter Who Asks About Chair

And a few more links:


Filed Under: Featured Column Tagged With: bob knight, braylon edwards, Cleveland Browns, links

Who’s the Diva Now? Mike Leach Continues to Pirate Press Coverage with Controversial Comments

April 28, 2009 By 1 Comment
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mike leach comments on stephen mcgee, texas a&m, mike sherman, eric mangini, diva, michael crabtreeHas everyone been keeping up with the recent Mike Leach Madness?

Geez, a guy gets to double-digit wins one time and his mouth turns into a news making megaphone.

Who knows, maybe Mike Leach has always been like this; but like his beloved pirates who are all the rage in the news right now, stories of Mike Leach’s megalomaniacal attitude and controversial comments have been quite plentiful this offseason.

First, there was the tense period of contract negotiations between Mike Leach and Texas Tech after the Red Raiders won 11 games in 2008. Ultimately, despite an unnecessary pissing match between Leach and the school, they agreed on a 5-year extension to keep Leach in Lubbock through 2013.

Then, during this weekend’s NFL draft, Mike Leach had some choice words for Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini. After Tony Grossi of the Plain-Dealer reported that the Browns had been turned off by Michael Crabtree’s purported “diva attitude” – not citing Mangini as a source or with any direct quotes, mind you – Leach had this to say (courtesy of our friends at Shaver Sports, via the Sporting Blog):

“Crabtree as a receiver has been more successful than that guy has been as a coach. … I think he took it upon himself to figure that in a few minutes he had all the expertise on the subject of Michael Crabtree that he needed. And so we’ll see how those non-divas up there in Cleveland do this year.”

Well alrighty then.

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mike leach comments on stephen mcgee, texas a&m, mike sherman, eric mangini, diva, michael crabtree

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I know that a coach has to, and should, stick up for his players. However, it seems to me that there just might be a more tactful way to do it, especially since Leach is basically trusting Grossi who is trusting a source – it’s not like the words came straight from Mangini’s mouth. Either way, Leach came across sounding like the kid over in the corner of the sandbox who has trouble getting along with the other kids.

And the coach sounded even more like that in the most recent report of unnecessary comments by Leach, this time concerning a player from a school in his own sandbox state. For whatever reason, Mike Leach decided to take what most people are interpreting as veiled shots at former Texas A&M QB Stephen McGee, who by all account is a nice, upstanding young man – albeit one who never totally lives up to his high school hype.

I am sure that a major reason for Leach’s comments was the fact that McGee was drafted while Tech QB Graham Harrell was not, despite Harrell’s college production dwarfing that of McGee’s. (And in the irony of all ironies, Graham Harrell ended up signing a free agent contract with the Browns.)

Anyway, here is what Leach had to say about Stephen McGee (courtesy of Deuce of Davenport, via the Dallas Morning News):

“I’m happy for Stephen McGee,” Texas Tech coach Mike Leach said. “The Dallas Cowboys like him more than his coaches at A&M did.”

Now look, there is nothing in that statement that is inherently awful. However, Mike Sherman and Stephen McGee took offense to the comments. And with Leach’s track record, plus the Tech-A&M rivalry, they probably have good reason too.

With Sherman still trying to win over the Texas A&M fan base, and McGee probably feeling a bit defensive about his underwhelming college career that he hopes to turn around in the NFL, I can see how they might be taken aback by what Leach had to say. Moreover, whether what Leach said was that bad or not, why not stay focused on your program? More than anything, it just seems pretty tacky to me.

Said Mike Sherman in response to Leach’s comments about McGee:

“I don’t understand Coach Leach’s comments about Stephen McGee,” Sherman said Monday. “He was named our starter until he got injured. I’ve always believed in Stephen’s character and I’ve always believed in his talent, and I always will. I see him having an outstanding NFL career.

“Coach Leach is in no position to comment about my relationship with Stephen McGee.”

For his part, Stephen McGee showed one of the reasons why so many NFL scouts were high on him as a potential second-day sleeper in the 2009 NFL Draft; he showed that he has something in abundance that Leach apparently lacks: class.

“I don’t know where that comment came from or who it was directed at,” McGee said. “But I am shocked because my time at A&M was very special to me. Obviously, I got injured, and many people think that Coach Sherman benched me. That’s just not true.

“If I had a son today and he was a college quarterback, I would send him to Coach Sherman or Coach Fran without any doubt, without any question, first and foremost.”

And Leach’s response?

“…based on all the fuss and commotion on this, I can’t help but wonder what round Coach Sherman would have drafted Stephen McGee, given the fact he was once a head coach in the NFL.”

As for an apology?

“I’m not sorry for what I said,” Leach said. “I’m sorry if they feel offended.”

After reading the quotes, too big of a deal is probably being made of this latest Leach story. Stephen McGee and Mike Sherman probably need to get their panties unbunched and not get so defensive.

The truth is, Mike Leach knows that he will always face an uphill battle staying relevant out in Lubbock with the majority of the national attention in the Big 12 being showered upon Austin and Norman, OK. And honestly, that’s one of the things that makes Leach perfect as the Texas Tech coach. He’s brash, outspoken, and has proven he can win there consistently and attract national attention to a campus that isn’t typically on the national college football radar screen.

But boy is Mike Leach acting emboldened now that he has his 11-win season, was a hot commodity for every major coaching vacancy this offseason, and now has a new contract. Or maybe he’s always been saying things like this and I’m only now paying attention because of the three aforementioned reasons have increased his profile and because his previous quote about Mangini and Crabtree pierced through the noise of this draft weekend for the Browns.

Either way, something tells me his bosses at Tech are smiling, even if they’d never say so publicly. Leach can’t be vanilla like Mack Brown is at Texas, otherwise Tech will fade right back into the third and fourth tiers of college football relevance. But if Michael Crabtree does turn out to be a diva in the NFL, we’ll have a pretty good idea of at least one example he is probably following.

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com


Filed Under: Big 12 Football, CFB, Featured Column Tagged With: Big 12 Football, CFB, Cleveland Browns, eric mangini, michael crabtree, mike leach, NFL

Video: Carl Edwards Crashes at Talladega, Then Does Ricky Bobby Impression

April 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Video: Carl Edwards crash at Talladega, runs to finish lineI didn’t watch the race, but a guy at work just came in and told me to YouTube it. Pretty incredible crash involving Carl Edwards at Talladega this weekend.

And even more incredible is that he was completely fine afterwards – fine enough for life to imitate art, as Edwards gets out and runs to cross the finish line like he’s Ricky Bobby. Check it out:

Video of Carl Edwards crash at Talladega:


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Video of Ricky Bobby (or is it Carl Edwards?) from Talladega Nights

Update: Here are a link to story about the crash, where 8 fans were injured:


Filed Under: Auto Racing, Featured Column Tagged With: Auto Racing, Carl Edwards, Talladega

“Expert” Analysis, Grades For Cleveland Browns 2009 Draft Class

April 27, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Yersteday I gave you my initial thoughts and grades on the Cleveland Browns’ 2009 draft class.  To summarize, while I was not overwhelmed by any means, I thought the Browns did a good job of sticking with a plan, getting solid and low-risk guys they were targeting (though no guys with true superstar potential), and using 2009 to build a foundation for the Mangini Era.  My final grade was a B+.

Now that the “experts” have had a night to digest the events of this weekend, their opinions and grades are rolling in.  The Plain-Dealer compiled a few of the early thoughts on the Browns 2009 draft class.  And here are a few of them that I found this morning.  All excerpts are copied directly from the original source, linked at the end of each section:

Mel Kiper Jr. Analysis and Grade for Browns 2009 Draft:

  • Cleveland Browns: GRADE: B-
  • “Alex Mack was a good pick at No. 21 and Mohamed Massaquoi was a very good pickup in the second round. I think fellow second-rounder David Veikune was a bit of a reach in that round, but not enough of one to seriously dent the Browns’ grade. They didn’t get a great receiver in Brian Robiskie in the second round, but he’s polished enough as a rookie that he could be a solid possession guy for this franchise.”
  • Read the complete list of 2009 NFL Draft grades by Mel Kiper Jr. at ESPN.com

Todd McShay Analysis of Browns 2009 Draft:

  • “Best pick: WR Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia (Second round, No. 50 overall)
  • Worst pick: WR Brian Robiskie, Ohio State (Second round, No. 36 overall)
  • Bottom line: While teams don’t usually like to take centers so early in the first round it’s unlikely Alex Mack would have been off the board in the next few picks had the Browns not traded up to No. 21 overall to get him. You can’t fault them for bringing Mack into the fold, but they had other priority needs including wide receiver and a pass-rush upgrade that could have been addressed there. Cleveland got its receivers in the next round, though I think Robiskie was a reach because he likely won’t turn into anything more than a possession-type No. 3 receiver. I expect Massaquoi to emerge as the bigger playmaker of the two. I also liked the way the Browns hankered down on Day 2 and found versatile, instinctive playmakers like DE David Veikune, LB Kaluka Maiava and DBs Don Carey and Coye Francies.”
  • Follow the link to see Todd McShay’s draft analysis for each team at ESPN.com

James Walker Analysis of Browns 2009 Draft:

  • “It’s one thing to gain additional picks. It’s another thing to draft the right players.  For the next several months, expect many questions to linger about Cleveland’s first-day selections.”
  • “(Alex) Mack is considered by many to be the highest-rated center in this year’s draft. He is a solid player by all accounts and very smart. But most projections had him going somewhere between No. 25 and No. 40. Add in all the aforementioned flashy talent (Clay Matthews, BJ Raji, Jeremy Maclin, Mark Sanchez) Cleveland passed over at other positions, and it certainly opens the team’s first pick for debate.”
  • “Similar to Mack, Robiskie also could be considered a reach early in the second round. But he does fill a major need at receiver, as does Massaquoi, who was a top target for quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford at Georgia. Following the release of veteran receiver Joe Jurevicius and the pending legal trouble with Donte’ Stallworth, it’s apparent Cleveland was concerned with its receiver depth.”
  • Read the full post by James Walker on the Browns 2009 draft at the AFC North Blog on ESPN.com

Tony Pauline Analysis of Browns 2009 Draft:

Pauline wrote a “steals and reaches” article for SI.com.  He did not have any steals listed for the Browns, but did have the following in the “reaches” section:

  • “Alex Mack/C/Cleveland/21st: Eric Mangini traded down on three occasions in the first round, then reached for Mack with the 21st pick. Mack is solid on the pivot yet not dominant enough to justify Cleveland bypassing on so many talented players to get him.”
  • Read the complete “steals and reaches” article by Tony Pauline at SI.com

Clark Judge Analysis of Browns 2009 Draft:

Judge wrote a length article of “draft judgments”.  The first statement is from his ten general thoughts on the draft.  Then he goes into the 10 biggest winners and losers of the 2009 draft.  No one related to the Browns was in the “winners” section, but the last two statements listed below are from the “losers” section.

  • “Just for the record, Cleveland, Eric Mangini has six players from the league’s 16th-rated defense … otherwise known as the New York Jets. Oh, yeah, one other thing: Mangini starts his career in Cleveland just as he started his career in New York — by exercising his first draft pick on a center.”
  • “Cleveland wide receiver Braylon Edwards. He thought he was going to the Giants. He’s not. The Browns just spent two of their first three draft picks on wide receivers, so imagine what he’s thinking now.”
  • “Cleveland quarterbacks Brady Quinn/Derek Anderson. Mangini doesn’t make the Mark Sanchez deal unless quarterback Brett Ratliff is included. That means he values the guy. Uh-oh, that means he thinks he can start, too. Either Quinn or Anderson goes.” [Editor's note: This makes no sense at all.  The Browns need a 3rd string quarterback, but you want one with at least a little upside.  I don't see Ratliff as a threat to DA or Brady at all.]
  • Read the complete article of 2009 NFL draft judgments by Clark Judge at CBSsports.com

Pete Prisco Analysis and Grade of Browns 2009 Draft:

  • “Best pick: I love the pick of receiver Brian Robiskie in the second round. He will be a starter as a rookie.
  • Questionable move: Trading down as much as they did and not quite getting the value they deserved. The Jets got the better of them in that deal for the fifth pick.
  • Second-day gem: Sixth-round pick James Davis was a highly rated back a year ago, but he struggled as a senior. There is talent there.
  • I like some of their picks, but they didn’t get enough in their trade downs.”
  • Overall Grade: C
  • Read the complete 2009 NFL draft analysis and grades from Pete Prisco at CBSsports.com

WalterFootball.com Analysis and Grade of Browns 2009 Draft:

  • “I’m willing to bet that Eric Mangini has weird, worthless crap scattered all over his apartment. I’m also going to guess that he eats Ramen noodles each night, as he watches his black-and-white TV.  How did I come up with this? Well, Mangini moved down from No. 5 to 17 in the first round for just a second-rounder, two backups and a developmental quarterback. Well, actually, Cleveland’s roster is so devoid of talent that the two backups will probably be starters.  I like Alex Mack and Brian Robiskie.  But Mangini has done nothing to improve a horrific defense and a non-existent running game. Drafting your first linebacker at No. 52, who happened to be a mid-round prospect, is not a good move. Neither is failing to address the right tackle or inside linebacker positions.”
  • Grade given on 4/27/09: C-
  • Read the complete analysis of the Browns 2009 draft class and each pick individually at WalterFootball.com

I’m a little surprised.  I obviously had a higher opinion of the Browns’ draft than the people mentioned above, and I’ve seen lots of praise for what the Browns accomplished this weekend on Browns message boards.  While I wasn’t expecting any of the experts to be jumping up and down saying the Browns knocked it out of the park, I thought opinions would be a little bit more positive.

But, of course, this is only a small sampling of the opinions that will be rolling in over the next 24 hours.  And the nice thing is, none of these opinions mean jack squat.

My favorite aspect of the Browns’ draft is that ManKok executed a focused strategy in regard to both picks and the players they selected.  One thing we know about the new regime is that nothing will be done haphazardly.  We don’t know yet if the plan will work, but we do know this: there is a plan and there is a clear vision for how they want to build a competitive football team.  That is something I feel comfortable rallying behind…for the time being.

Obviously we have to see if the plan actually works in the coming seasons, but I applaud Mangini and Kokinis for what I consider to be a solid draft weekend and a good first step towards building the foundation of a team that can be competitive on a yearly basis.


Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: 2009 nfl draft, Cleveland Browns, NFL

Cleveland Browns 2009 Draft Class: Analysis, Grade, Complete List of Draft Picks

April 26, 2009 By 7 Comments
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I’ve posted consistent updates of the Browns 2009 draft, but let’s pull it all together into one post with one final grade.

Now that the 6th round picks are in, here is the complete 2009 draft class for the Cleveland Browns:

Last night I analyzed the Browns’ first day draft picks and gave them a B+. Click that link for a detailed analysis.

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Cleveland Browns 2009 draft class, analysis, and gradeI thought the Browns had a very solid strategy going in to acquire more picks, and they were successful in sticking with that strategy. They were also successful in filling specific needs with each draft pick. Each of their first three picks is a player drafted based on production more than potential, meaning they can step in right away and compete for playing time. In Alex Mack, Brian Robiskie, and Mohamed Massaquoi, we are looking at three guys who could play a significant amount in 2009. David Veikune is a versatile player who may not be an every-down starter, but can play situationally and on special teams.

Each one of the players received from the Jets fills a specific need as well. Ratliff can be the 3rd string QB, Elam provides experienced depth at safety, and Kenyon Coleman can be in the rotation along the front of the defense. Most importantly, they are experienced in Eric Mangini’s system and obviously have the character traits that he and George Kokinis have been specifically looking for.

On the draft’s second day, the Browns continued to find solid players who fill specific needs.

In Kaluka Maiava the Browns found an undersized linebacker, but one who has the intelligence and instincts they covet. If he ever plays with D’Qwell Jackson, the Browns could have the shortest linebacking corps in the NFL, but Maiava will be a special teams contributor and have a chance to contribute in certain defensive packages. Looking at the guys picked after Maiava, no one jumps out at me as someone we should have picked over him.

In the 6th round I thought the Browns did an excellent job of acquiring value at positions of need. We all know that the Browns are weak in the secondary. They were able to pick up the #11 and #23 rated CBs (according to Scouts Inc.) with two of their 6th round picks. While neither may be good enough to unseat Eric Wright or Brandon McDonald, perhaps the most inconsistent duo of corners in the league, they should make the Browns more effective in nickel and dime situations, where Terry Cousin was a touchdown waiting to happen last year.

In RB James Davis the Browns picked up the kind of late-round running back that we often see become a very productive NFL player. Davis was very productive in college but fell because of injury concerns and because he is more of a one-dimensional two-down back. He caught 19 passes as a freshman, which was high water mark as a pass catcher, but his production can be seen in his 47 career touchdowns. That is no small number, and he did it over a consistent 4-year body of work. He could step right in and be a 5-10 carry guy spelling the aging Jamal Lewis. And if anything happens to Jamal, Davis at least has shown over four years that he is capable of being a productive back. I like this pick a lot based on the round and Davis’ productive history.cleveland browns 2009 draft class, analysis, grade

Overall, I think it would have been hard for the Browns to come out of Day 2 significantly improving upon an already solid grade of B+. But they also did nothing to knock that grade down in my eyes. What keeps them from getting a A is the lack of a true impact talent with significant upside, but I’m not sure that was necessarily their aim heading into this weekend. ManKok seemed pretty intent on drafting solid, low-risk players who can be foundational pieces of a two-year rebuilding project while acquiring volume as opposed to giving up picks to target specific players. They executed this strategy very well.

So while nothing about their 2009 draft class jumps out at you as spectacular, the Browns drafted a solid, productive player who fits a need with every pick. In my years following the Browns I have certainly seen many draft classes that do not measure up to this one, at least upon immediate post-draft analysis. We have no idea how strong this draft class truly is until we see it translate into on-field production, but overall I’m not sure how any Browns could exit draft weekend with anything other than a very positive feeling.

Final Grade for Browns 2009 Draft Class: B+

What do you think?

What general grade would you give the Browns 2009 draft class?

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Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: 2009 nfl draft, Alex Mack, brian robiskie, Cleveland Browns, eric mangini, Mohamed Massaquoi, NFL

Browns 6th Round Picks: CB Don Carey, CB Coye Francies, RB James Davis

April 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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The Cleveland Browns have completed their picking in the 2009 NFL Draft by selecting two cornerbacks and a running back with their three 6th round picks. The final three Browns picks were:

Click on the links above to see their Scouts Inc. profiles from ESPN.com. While none of the three will likely be impact players next year, each represents solid value this late in the draft for the Browns.

The Scouts Inc. summary of Don Carey’s potential is as follows:

Carey has good upside, in terms of instincts and ball skills and plays with an aggressive attitude. However, due to some tightness in his hips, Carey may be forced to line up at the nickel position at the NFL level.

Sounds a little like Brandon McDonald to me.

Scouts Inc. had Carey rated as the #23 CB in the draft, yet had Francies, who was drafted 14 picks later, rated as the #11 CB and #81 player overall. James Davis was rated as the #11 RB and the #124 player overall. It is interesting that the Browns took Carey before the other two, but obviously it shows the differences of opinion with which one player can be rated.

The Browns certainly need depth in the defensive secondary and the combo of Carey and Francis would appear to be capable of providing that. Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald can fluctuate between being great and being, well, awful; perhaps the addition of a couple of late round talents will not only add depth but also press Wright and McDonald to play with more focus, a trait they both seemed to lack last year at times.

Either way, they have to be better than Terry Cousin.

James Davis can step right in and backup Jamal Lewis as a first and second down back, with Jerome Harrison hopefully getting the bulk of the 3rd down touches. The Browns have Noah Herron and Marcus Thomas also on the roster right now, but they are there for depth and have not proven to be capable NFL ball carriers. Davis formed a productive 1-2 punch with CJ Spiller at Clemson and might have been drafted higher had it not been for injury concerns that plagued him in college. He scored 21 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Clemson, and has good size, despite not being overly elusive.

For fantasy players thinking deep, deep sleeper potential, Davis could be a possibility. With Jamal Lewis advancing in age, Davis could have a chance to grab carries next year. He won’t set the world on fire, but he could provide adequate production based on what he showed in college running behind an improved Browns O-Line.

Three more solid picks by the Browns. They filled needs and got players who were productive in college. Add them to the players already chosen, and it rounds out a very nice 2009 NFL Draft. I doubt anyone will give the Browns an “A”, but coming out of this weekend with a solid “B” and lots of holes filled is still a solid outcome.


Filed Under: Featured Column Tagged With: 2009 nfl draft, Cleveland Browns

Deal ‘em, Reel ‘em: Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice and Tips

April 26, 2009 By 3 Comments
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fantasy baseball april trade advice: berkman, hamels, phillips, hudson, alexei ramirez, orlando hudson, matt hollidayThe MLB’s first 3 weeks are bringing along surprises. Toronto and Seattle sit atop their divisions. The Angels are 6-11. Astonishing. The Pirates have young talent coming through at the mound and plate, and the worthless Cubs are sitting at .500 at the middle of the NL Central.

Suck it, Cubs fans

Alright, maybe it’s a little early for impetuous smack-talk, but I just watched Alexei Ramirez jack his 5th grand slam with the White Sox last night, and I remembered suddenly that euphoric stroke of what it means to be a White Sox fan. Furthermore, my boy Paul Konerko finally looks like he has his body healthy and capable this season.

Amidst the strange standings referenced above come equally aberrant fantasy stats for many players. I’m here to sort out the current hot starters that you should deal high and the frosty players to reel in low.

Note: I am a firm believer in praising AVG in standard 5×5 leagues. If you can get on base, you have the world of stats open to you. Every stat has a greater potential to react positively if a batter’s average is higher.  Also, all rankings and position eligibilities referenced below are based on Yahoo! rankings.

Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice and Tips: Players to Reel In

Alexei Ramirez – Yeah, he nailed a grand slam last night, but that only minutely fuels the alarming path Alexei is going to be on for the rest of the season. Ignore the average. He bats .172 in April on average, then the Cuban Missile launches to .288 in May, and doesn’t look back as he soars beyond .300 the next months.

Move over, Robin Ventura. With five career grand slams already as a White Sox player, Alexei is as clutch as they come.fantasy baseball april trade advice: berkman, hamels, phillips, hudson, alexei ramirez, orlando hudson, matt holliday

Ramirez came up last year and fooled pitchers with his unique batting, and his technique continues to adapt. This guy’s potential has no limit; in AVG, HRs, RBIs, Runs, and SB, he has enormous potential to be a 5-category helper. 92% of leagues own him. If you can’t pick him up, trade now and be rewarded for the rest of the season. His versatility at positions 2B, SS, and OF make him easy to trade and put on your roster.

Lance Berkman – Berkman’s .167 is not a good average. It’s been 3 weeks already, but remember: it’s only been 3 weeks. Berkman delivers in AVG, HR, RBI, Runs, and, apparently from last year, his first season with double-digit steals at 18, he also is capable of producing in that category as well.

Many think the 33-year old is on the decline, but I say differently. You don’t switch from a career-high 9 SB to twice as many if you body feels “old.” Since 2001, only one year has Berkman missed more than 10 games. 6 out of 8 years he hits for more than 100 RBIs. In eight years, he is averaging 33 HRS a season.

Don’t be fooled by gossip; this guy is healthy, qualified, and April is his worst month in terms of almost every category anyway. Reel him in now, you will be showered with production the rest of the season.

Cole Hamels – He is pitching with an ERA of 10 and a WHIP of 2 right now. He had to readjust his delivery mechanics early on, and received a line drive to the shoulder last Thursday. Now that the grim beginning to 2009 is out of the way, the pitcher who is ranked around 194,036 (or 1166, give or take) looks “injury-prone” to many owners.

This is not the case.

When you increase from ’06’s 132 IP to 183, then to 227 in ‘08, aren’t you supposed to get “hurt” all the time from that increase? And is your ERA (4.08, 3.39, 3.09) WHIP (1.25, 1.12, 1.08) and K’s (145, 177, 196) supposed to improve substantially each year? These first 3 weeks are a fluke. They should not be precursors of any “indications” he is in trouble. I don’t believe he will be at a lower point in fantasy terms again in his career, so seize the opportunity to invest at Hamels’ low point.

Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice and Tips: Players to Deal Out:

Brandon Phillips – Mayday, Mayday, this liner is sinking faster than a brick. Every sign points to abandoning this ship. His career year came in ’07 with 30 HRs, 94 RBIs, and 32 SB. This was also the only year he didn’t miss 12+ games in his 7-year stint. With a career BA of .259, Phillips significantly lacks the power to have this squat average.

If you OBP fans are looking for a deal, turn away. Phillips has a .307 OBP in his career, and an average of 36 walks each of his 3 starting seasons. He is batting 4th, and this spot will stain his production in Runs. And if you’re batting .165, you’re not getting on base much. And if you don’t get on base with walks OR hits, you can’t steal them!

I do not trust one solid year to an overrated flop. He is owned in over 95% of leagues. Yes, finding 2nd basemen can be difficult, but trading his value now is a good idea before people realize he isn’t worth as much as they’d anticipated.

Matt Holliday – This is self-explanatory; going from the most renowned hitters’ ballpark of the MLB to McAfee Coliseum just demolishes any hopes of Holliday’s hitting numbers being what they were.

Since he is a solid hitter, his average may somehow make it’s way up to .300 by year’s end, but the dude won’t be hitting nearly the number of RBIs or HRs as he did in Coors Field. Expect to see his watered-down performance all year long. Do yourself a favor, and trade him quickly for value, and celebrate getting rid of the “Holliday.”

Orlando Husdon – Trade him immediately. His value will never be higher in his career. Several people want to hop on this gravy train for a hot 3-week start, but his career stats tell otherwise.

He will play about 135 games a year, produce around 11 HRs with 55 RBI and 14 SB a year. Does this look like the Number 15-ranked player in all of baseball? This is the perfect time to deal him out and get the most out of it. Anticipating his streak maintaining its course is like golfing in the dark. That analogy needs no further explanation.

fantasy baseball april trade advice: berkman, hamels, phillips, hudson, alexei ramirez, orlando hudson, matt hollidayZack Greinke – The number 3 player in all of fantasy baseball. How much longer can his streak of 38 innings without an earned run keep up? All season hopefully? That would be great. But let’s see: increasing the pitch count from 122 innings to around 210? Looks alarming on paper.

Well it is. Pitchers have a history of injuries resulting from increasing innings over 30 from one year to the next. And Greinke did not just increase 30, but 90. He will throw his arm out at this rate.

Regardless of his amplified chance of going on the DL sometime this season, he is currently ranked number 3. Think of the possibilities. You reaped 38 flawless innings, so now trade for a more consistent, durable pitcher.


Filed Under: Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Sports, Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: alexei ramirez, fantasy baseball, Zack Greinke

LOTD: NFL Network Coverage of 2009 NFL Draft Has Been Informative, Entertaining, Outstanding

April 26, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Analysis, Comparison of NFL Network NFL Draft Coverage v ESPN NFL Draft CoverageAt 3:00 yesterday afternoon I faced a very important decision: which channel would I set the TV on to guide me through the 2009 NFL Draft. Both ESPN and the NFL Network featured live, all-day coverage of the draft and I had the option of both in HD.

Obviously, the ESPN coverage is the one I am most familiar with, as it was the only option before the NFL Network came along. However, I decided to give the NFL Network a try, trusting that Rich Eisen would not lead me astray.

I think it was a great decision.

Obviously I cannot specifically compare the NFLN coverage of the 2009 NFL Draft to that of ESPN, because I have had the TV tuned to NFLN for 99% of the draft (switching over only at a few commercials to see if I was missing anything). But based on experience, I cannot imagine ESPN coming anywhere close to being as informative, entertaining, and simply put, as outstanding, as the NFLN has been.

Rich Eisen is outstanding as the host, letting his panel of experts be the star of the show rather than himself. Not sure you could ever suggest such a thing about Chris Berman. Plus, Mike Mayock is my favorite of the draft scout talking heads. I trust his opinions far more than Tood McShay and Mel Kiper Jr., and I never get a sense that Mayock’s ego is talking; rather, he always seems to provide measured, balanced, and informed analysis of each player and pick that comes through. I have no idea how the Todd McShay-Mel Kiper dynamic has worked this year, but I do know that I’m excited not to know. I don’t trust the opinions of either one as much as I trust Mike Mayock and Charley Casserly.

As for the other guys on the NFLN – Jon Gruden, Jamie Dukes, Marshall Faulk, and Charles Davis (plus Steve Marriucci on Saturday) – I think they provided a productive balance of insight, contradiction, and interaction that was very compelling. By contrast, I never get the feeling that Keyshawn Johnson has spent more than five minutes preparing for a show. With the NFLN team, while they are not perfect by any means, I felt much more comfortable that the content of their statements was just as important, if not moreso, than the style.

And that’s my main source of appreciation for the NFLN over ESPN: the NFLN has a great balance of style and substance; ESPN always seems to come off as more style, less substance, in my opinion.

Now let’s get to today’s Link of the Day, a perfect manifestation of the NFLN’s ability to balance style and substance.

Analysis, Comparison of NFL Network NFL Draft Coverage v ESPN NFL Draft CoverageOne of the fun, gimmicky features of the NFLN’s coverage is their use of camera trickery to give their analysts oddly shaped heads. It is one of those juvenile, sophomoric features that doesn’t sound particularly great in theory; in practice, however, it’s hilarious and a terrific addition as a periodic comedic break in an otherwise long, serious, and analytical weekend.

Mike Florio and ProFootballTalk obviously agrees, and we link out to PFT for today’s Link of the Day, plus offer Florio the credit for doing what I failed to do: be resourceful enough to bust out the camera phone and take picks of the humorous head enlargement interlude. Rich Eisen’s big head moment is pictured to the right. Click through to PFT to see the equally hilarious pictures of Jon Gruden, Jamie Dukes, and Marshall Faulk.

LOTD: A New Kind of Fathead — (Pro Football Talk)

The folks at NFLN, perhaps recognizing that the lengthy draft process benefits from some periodic comic relief, have been using from time to time a camera distortion trick that creates the impression that a guy’s head is incredibly large.

(They do it at ESPN when Trent Dilfer or Mel Kiper are on the screen, but without any technical gimmickery.)

I’ve had the TV tuned to the NFL Network non-stop since 3:00 yesterday afternoon. As far as I’m concerned, they get an A from me for their overall coverage and analysis of the 2009 NFL Draft.

And if Jon Gruden does not go back into coaching, he needs to become a consistent presence on pregame shows or in the booth as a color announcer. Of all the guys on the NFLN coverage, Gruden seemed to be least comprehensively prepared in terms of analyzing specific players, but he was the most compelling panelist member because of his personality, humor, and general ability to provide relevant NFL insight.

Kudos to the NFL Network. As long as they are covering the NFL Draft live at the level they did this weekend, my TV will not be tuned to ESPN again.

And some other links for you on a windy, overcast Sunday here in Dallas:


Filed Under: Announcers, Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: 2009 nfl draft, espn, links, NFL Network

Browns Pick USC LB Kaluka Maiava with 4th Round Pick

April 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Coming into the 2009 draft, many people expected the Browns to possibly came away from the first day with one of the three highly rated USC linebackers: Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, and Rey Maualuga. The expectation became even greater when the Browns traded all the way back to #21 from #5 in the first round.  Both Matthews and Maulaluga were avaialble, but the Browns selected C Alex Mack instead.

And considering Matthews’ relative inexperience having been a full-time starter for one year, and the character red flags about Maulaluga (solidifed by the fact that he was drafted by the Bengals), I agreed with the Mack pick.

Well, the Browns still got a USC LB, but it wasn’t one of the elite three that graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. With their only 4th round pick (#104 overall), the Cleveland Browns selected LB Kaluka Maiava.

Here is the summary of Maiava according to Scouts Inc.:

Maiava is a little bit undersized at 5-11, 229. Still, he displays outstanding football intelligence that allows for him to get into strong initial position as a run defender. He also is a consistent open-field tackler and shows good fluidity in coverage. However, we have some concerns about his overall strength, especially in phone-booth situations.

The key there is “he displays outstanding football intelligence”.  Eric Mangini is proving that character and aptitude are two of the most important components he desires, and the Browns’ picks continue to manifest this commitment.  The Maiava pick seems like a solid 4th round selection to me, keeping with the theme of the weekend for the Browns.

Here is some more information on Kaluka Maiava:


Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: 2009 nfl draft, Cleveland Browns
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