The Yammering Hammer : CBSSports.com Blogs

Looking Ahead to New Orleans

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 9:47:35 EST

If the Patriots somehow win the Super Bowl next month, I think virtually all conversation will be ended as to who the greatest QB of all-time is. If Brady wins a 4th ring, 8 seasons after winning his last one, in the era of free agency, parity, etc., I personally think that is a greater accomplishment than Bradshaw or Montana's 4 titles or anything pre-merger (Graham, Luckman, Tittle, Unitas) or early modern (Lombardi's Packers).

Along with that, Belichick (who already has a HOF resume) has to go down as one of the greatest not only coaches, but personnel guys as well.

Belichick took over in 2000, which was also his first draft. He ended up with the following drafts:

2000- Brady

Ins and Outs 2012-13 NFL Season

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:47:35 EDT

La Confora, who is pretty solid on this site...gives us his "6 in" "6 out" theory, which a lot of people have done over the years, it's a pretty consistent metric for the NFL under the modern rules. MY division and wild-card winners for the upcoming season:

AFC East: New England (13-3 last year, even easier schedule this year, Tom Brady, good draft, added help on D)

AFC North: Baltimore (one last hurrah for Reed/Lewis, Flacco improves, offense just does enough)

AFC South: Houston (offense and health make up for absence of Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans)

2012 WideOut FA Bonanza

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:40:26 EST

I was just listening to the Pixk-6 podcast on this website, not something I normally do but they were looking ahead at the pending NFL offseason following Super Bowl XLVI. Whether the Pats win or lose, they will have a bevy of offseason moves to make and that's not even taking April's draft into account. As usual under Bill Belickick, the Patriots have multiple picks in each of the first couple of rounds and all New England fans want to see what we've never seen: the Patriots to draft an impact pass rusher with a 1st round pick.

However, in this podcast, Ryan Wilson and Will Brinson went over the list of upcoming free agents the the WR position, and the list is astounding.

As follows, all will be unrestricted FA's this offseason:

Tectonic Shifting On West Coast:

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:08:19 EST

We are used to hearing reports of earthquakes around the San Andreas Fault. Breaking news from the sports world, no matter how titanic in spectrum, usually doesn’t register on the local seismographs. What the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim just accomplished at the annual baseball winter meetings might be the first. For seemingly ever, the Angels have been frustrated in their attempts to lure marquee free agents to LA’s AL franchise. Mark Teixeira didn’t want to re-up. CC Sabathia, even after claiming a desire to be on the West Coast, spurned them for Broadway’s bright lights. Adrien Beltre frustrated the Angels not once but twice, first by signing with Boston and then with division-rival Texas. The Angels have had a hole at the hot corner since Troy Glaus left and Brandon Wood never became the player they thought he would. Carl Crawford also chose Boston over the Angels.

The Miami Ascendency:

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:06:47 EST

After joining the Major Leagues as an expansion franchise in 1993, the Florida Marlins were the quickest expansion team to ever win a world title, accomplishing this impressive feat in only 4 years existence. The 1997 championship team was dismantled as quickly as it had been assembled, stars shipped out to save money. In 2003, the Marlins struck again, upsetting the juggernaut Yankees in the Fall Classic with a mix of homegrown youngsters and veteran free agent pickups. This franchise has won two world titles without ever winning a division title, and lately has been a lot more “potential” than results. Marlins fans have watched a bevy of All-Stars come and go. The 1997 team had Antonio Alfonseca, Kevin Brown, Al Leiter, Robb Nen, Livan Hernandez, Charles Johnson, Bobby Bonilla, Luis Castillo, Jeff Conine, Craig Counsell, Darren Daulton, Edgar Rentaria, Moises Alou, Cliff Floyd, Mark Kotsay, Devon White and Gary Sheffield. When the Marlins won again in 2003, only Castillo and Conine were still there. In 1998 the Marlins became the first team ever to lose 100 games the year after winning the World Series. When Wayne Huizenga sold the team to John Henry and his group, a new era was ushered in, but the principle remained the same. Watch the bottom line. Despite Florida’s reputation as a breeding ground for youth athletic talent, fan bases in the Miami and Tampa areas just can’t seem to get behind their teams.

Bon Voyage Part II

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:11:08 EDT

Cont.

These out of control egos that are pampered and even encouraged by modern fans and media, the entire sports machine, has given a pass for these jerks to do almost whatever they want, and the more outrageous and stupid their claims, actions and the like, the more of a wall they can hide behind. The crazier they are, the thicker the skin, and the better their own defenses are. It's a sickening cycle.

Classly, humble, sincere star atheletes have become the exception and are almost seen as soft, boring, etc.. When we, collectively, don't have dirt on a guy, it's almost like they are the ones hiding something, that being nice is an act and the skeletons are in the closet. Being seemingly innocent has turned into being guilty because you haven't been acting a damn fool outwardly for the world to see. The star athlete that can protect their privacy is a rarity and something to be admired. We fans contribute to it because we want to know all about these guys.

Bon Voyage

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:52:27 EDT

So the Patriots pulled the rug out from under the NFL world once again, and traded the divisive and polarizing Randy Moss. As a Patriots fan, I am actually ok with this move if he was being a distraction in the locker room. Rumors and reports are still leaking out bit by bit from the media, so a completely clear picture of just how this all came about hasn't quite formed yet.

That hasn't stopped the talking heads from turning this into the biggest news story since The Decision. One particularly infuriating mouthpiece is Cris Carter, former star reciever for the Vikings and ex-teammate of Randy Moss. As someone who mentored Moss and "showed him the ropes" so to speak, Carter has become the unofficial expert on this whole situation, the lead source for all news concering number 84 in purple. The guy has been on the air for what seems 50 hours straight, everywhere I turn.

Highs and Lows

Thu, 13 May 2010 14:44:26 EDT

What a whirlwind these NHL playoffs have been eh? For the first time in what seems like a long time, a Canadian team (probably the most important one) is left in the final four. I believe, and may be wrong, that when Calgary was in the finals a few years back is the most recent time a Canadian team has gone this far. Montreal surely seems to be the team of destiny, an inexplicable run through the Capitals and Penguins.

This run is posing problems for the NHL I believe. Obviously the networks (Vs. and NBC) would have loved a Washington-Pittsburgh conference finals in the East, and probably something like a Detroit-San Jose or Detroit-Chicago matchup out west. The Sharks-Blackhawks series should be a fruitful one for fans and those that stand to profit. The city of Chicago always supports their teams voraciously and the Blackhawks are a young and exciting group. San Jose is a good story because of their past playoff flame-outs and maybe they have overcome those demons.

LeBron Should Stay

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:25:07 EDT

With what he did in last nights game , and watching the fans in Cleveland going nuts, I couldn't help but think a deep playoff run and possibly a championship could be the LBJ swan song in the Mistake By The Lake. Being an sympatheic personality, I really will feel for the whole regoin of Cleveland if Lebron goes East to New York or New Jersey.

What else does Cleveland have? Besides the Rock and Roll HOF, whats the draw? Cleveland State? C'mon. The Indians stink, having won a World Series since the 1940's, and the glow of the late 1990's and Jacobs' Field has worn off. Big stars get shipped out by cheap ownership, how long before Sizemore, Peralta, and others are gone?

The Browns were stolen away from their great fans and turned into a winner in Baltimore. The Dawg Pound were reunited with their purpose in 1999, and have been treated to what, one winning season. Bad coaching, bad drafts, just all bad. Bernie Kosar isn't walking through that door (although Jimmy Clausen might).

All That's Right Is Wrong

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:25:03 EDT

Great game. Great story. But even if Butler had won last night, it wouldn't have been a fairy tale upset the likes of NC State/Houston in 1983 or Villanova/Georgetown in 1985. It was an enjoyable ride and a memorable story. So, that leaves us with the hated Blue Devils back on top with what might be the least impressive championship team in recent memory. Does anyone really think any of those Dukies are going on to a successful NBA career? Maybe, maybe Nolan Smith or Lance Thomas, but probably not. So Duke is the champ, Alabama won college football and the Yankees and Lakers are defending champs as well. It's a good time to be a bandwagoing punk, but for the rest of us, it makes us sick.

Notes:

Mark Buerhle's play last night was sick. Already a 2010 top 10 web gem, I'm calling it.

Bye-Bye Bobby!

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:27:30 EDT

Before we kick off the National Pasttime this spring, I just wanted to post a farewell to the enigmatic ambassador Bobby Cox. We all know and respect this man (even Mets and Phillies fans) and I for one hope his last season goes well for him. The man is the model of grace, consistency, and reserve. We all know about the 14 consecutive division titles between 1991 and 2005, puncutated by the one World Series win in 1995 over the Indians. We all know the names associated with these teams; Maddux, Chipper, Smoltz, Glavine, Andruw Jones, etc. If the Braves had won more than just one title in the 14 straight playoff seasons, we would be talking about this team as one of baseball history's great dynasties. They went to the Series five times in the 1990's, a remarkable run. They ran into very good Twins and Blue Jays teams early in the decade, and then ran into the Yankees

BCS Expansion

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:33:31 EST

Lots of news coming out about the attempted expansion plans of the Pac-10 and Big 10 (Big 11). The Pac-10 are considering courting Colorado from the Big 12, and also Utah and BYU among others. The Big 11 has had internal discussions about Texas and Missouri. This has led many around the game to wonder openly if now is the time for Notre Dame, smack dab in the middle of Big 10 country, to finally give up its proud independence and join up. This would make the Big 10 a twelve-team league and allow for a conference championship game.

Notre Dame has had a lucrative NBC contract for a long time, but the amount isn't as much as you might think. Notre Dame receives only $9 million annually from NBC, which televises all ND home games. So, 6 games a year for 9 mil. Jack Swarbrick by himself makes at least 3 million a year. You would think Notre Dame could have squeezed more out of that deal, which runs out after this upcoming season.

Stand Pat

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:09:26 EST

With the action going on at the NFL Combine the last couple days, I can't help but look forward to the Patriots new additions at the draft. We all know Bill Belichick likes to move around the draft board, trade down, acquire picks, whatever. The big "V" world (value, get your mind out of the gutter people) rules the New England war room. As a fan, I would say the Patriots drafting under Belichick has been solid, but not as good in the last 2-3 years as the first 4-5.

As is stands now, the Patriots own the 22nd pick in the first round, and also the 44th, 47th and 53rd picks, all three second rounders. The Patriots have no third rounder, have the 120th overall (4th round), 140th and 148th in the 5th round, 193 and 208 in the 6th and finally 235 and 255 in the seventh round.The Patriots guaranteed will not use all these picks at their current level, some will be traded. Just once, I would like to see the Patriots stand pat, to pardon the pun, and use the first four they have at exactly where they are. This is a deep defensive draft and the Patriots need to restock on that side of the ball.

Bettman..Capitalze....Please

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 8:15:37 EST

EVERYONE is talking hockey today. Unfortunately, the fervor won't last. Local sports radio, ESPN, all the major news outlets, everyone is talking about the overtime gold medal game from yesterday, as they should be. I wish this meant new American puckheads, to further the sport here. I wish I knew that the NHL marketing machine (if there even is one) could use this to prop up some of the game's Stars and put these guys images in people's living rooms across the nation. However, it probably won't. There are plenty of things wrong with all the major sports leagues in America, but none need to gain traction the way hockey does. We just took it to the best team in the world with a bunch of young bucks who have Olympic Games still ahead of them. This is the first home-grown generation that can go skate-to-skate with the best players in the world from every country. So let's capitalize.

A Good Run

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:39:03 EST

A heartbreaker, no doubt. Ryan Miller stood on his head all tourney, and Team USA, with the youth movement in full swing, played great hockey and surprised a lot of people. They entered the Games the fifth ranked team (behind Canada, Russia, Sweden and Finland) and certainly played like the second-best if not the best. To beat Team Canada, and then play them again and take them into overtime is quite a feat. There is a very bright future for American hockey and these guys should be proud. Being a Rhode Island guy, seeing Ronny Wilson and Lou Lamoriello play such a big role in all this is a cherry on top. Overall, the hockey was the only part of the Olympics I cared about.

Spring Is In The Air: Part IV

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:48:27 EST

Our fourth installment brings us an intriguing bunch. These teams, I believe, could have solid seasons or, if some things break the wrong way, well, it could be ugly. Ugly like three of these cities too.

1. The Twins are always a punchy group. I mean, they do have America's most accessible superstar according to ESPN The Magazine (Joe Mauer), and the guy can play some baseball as well. Justin Morneau's health is always great, but with he, Cuddyer, Kubel and Denard Span, there is enough offense. The pitching staff, who knows? There is not a single strikeout pitcher in the bunch unless Liriano can find his marbles (spring reports are good so far). These guys are always around the strike zone and pitch to contact, but who was the last World Series team that didn't have that go-to guy, that lockdown ace? Someone from this group basically needs to become something their not. Joe Nathan heads an always good bullpen, and Ron Gardenhire is a very good manager. Just missing that ace. I guess Liriano can make or break this team.

Spring Is In The Air: Part III

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:22:27 EST

Another grouping of teams that certainly inspire hope amongst their fans, and intrigue to analysts.

1. Tampa Bay-A ridiculously talented roster. Speed, power, pitching, defense, a great manager, this team has it all. The real questions are not whether this team can compete, but whether the right guys will break out, and will the youth have enough maturity to put it together over the course of a long season in a tough division. Evan Longoria is an absolute stud at the hot corner. As is Carl Crawford in left field. Carlos Pena strikes out too much, but he brings an almost guaranteed 30 homers and 95-100 RBI's. Ben Zobrist is a star in the making, and this team is solid everywhere. If B.J. Upton ever reaches his potential, this team would be scary good. Shields, Garza, Price, Sonnastine, Wade Davis and Jeff Niemman are a solid group. Rafael Soriano is the key here, if he can solidify the bullpen, Tampa might be able to catch the Yanks and Sox.

Spring Is In The Air: Part II

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:41:32 EST

Thanks for the blog spotlight CBS. PECOTA projections be darned, say I.

I previously covered the five teams I thought had the best chance of winning the whole thing. Vegas odds, I haven't checked out, but I would guess at least four of those teams (NYY, PHI, BOS and STL) would be the best odds. Those are my "contenders". The "pretenders" section isn't as bad as it sounds. It is more like teams that are good, and have a decent shot, but everything would have to break right.

1. The Angels-Even after a terrible offseason, there is enough in-house talent here to stay atop the AL West. Scott Kazmir, your typical erratic lefty, could possibly explode here with a full season under Mike Scioscia. Add to that Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, Saunders and Joel Piniero, and thats a strong rotation. Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales are now full-time players, and Abreu and Torii Hunter provide steady production and veteran presence. Brandon Wood's time has finally arrived, let's see what he can do with it. Mike Napoli has emerged as one of the better catchers in the AL. Not as much star-power as in years past, but this team is solid and capable.

Spring Is In The Air: Part 1

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:59:47 EST

Even though the Northeast just got battered by another snowstorm, spring is in the air. Even though the groundhog saw his shadow in Punxsutawney, Pa, pitchers and catchers are reporting in less than three weeks. So, with most difference-making free agents signed, it can be a safe time for contenders, pretenders, sleepers, and rebuilding,

The Contenders:1. Obviously, then Yankees. A very strong rotation with C.C.-Burnett-Vasquez-Pettite-Joba/Phil Hughes. A HOF left side of the infield, a perennial All-Star at first, and a breakout candidate at second in Robinson Cano. A so-so outfield, but Curtis Granderson should fit in nicely at the new Yankee Stadim, and Swisher is steady if not spectacular. Throw in the best closer of all time, and all the money in the world to patch up weak spots at the trade deadline, and the recipe for success is there, per usual.

Order of Preference

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 8:37:48 EST

Here's a list, in order, of which teams I wouldn't mind seeing win the Super Bowl; one being I'm kinda rooting for them, and 8 being please, God, don't let that happen. I have my reasons.

1. New Orleans--That city needs some good mojo, and they beat the hell out of the Pats, so that loss will look a little better maybe?2. Arizona--I'm a Kurt Warner fan, if he's a borderline HOF before, a win would make it a no-brainer. A long down-trodden franchise.3. Minnesota--This team, for all their success and tradition, has never won the SB. I like Favre.4. Baltimore--The Ravens are always one of my favorite teams because they play Pittsburgh well. They knocked the Pats out, so root for them.5. San Diego--The Pats fan in me kicks in for the rest of this list. I hate LT and Merriman, but hate the rest of these teams more.6. Dallas--Always have disliked the Cowboys, but oh well. 7. New York--HATE the Jets. All Pats fans do. They are pathetic.8. Indianapolis--HATE the Manning family altogether. I never want Peyton adding rings to his resume.

Yay for Beltre

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:02:45 EST

Not bad, not bad at all. I am not in love with Beltre as a player, and we all know what his 2004 season was about. That said, this is short money for a Gold Glove third baseman, and his numbers at Fenway will be much improved over his numbers at Safeco, which we all know is where power hitters go to die. This lineup, offensively, will be a contact lineup, everyone capable of double-digit home runs and there is a good lefty-right balance with some speed at both the top and bottom of the order. The defense will be among the league's best, and the pitching staff is looking to be ferocious. A bench with Kotchman, Varitek, Lowrie, Hermida, not bad. The bullpen, the usual suspects; Papelbon, Bard, Okajima, DelCarmen, etc. Also, a great farm system, lots of money, and great owners/front office. What's not to like? The trade deadline will fill any glaring needs. As Theo's theory goes, this team needs to win approx. 95 games to get in. Winning the division doesn't really matter, a good team should be able to win at home and on the road (which was Boston's problem last year). As long as you can get into the playoffs, home field advantage is a mere token. We all knew it was coming, but it will still be sad to see Mike Lowell go. Wherever he ends up, that team is getting a huge clubhouse asset, and if healthy, a good player.

Lamar Woodley....WHAT?

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:54:39 EST

What the hell is this guy talking about? The Patriots and Bengals, like the Colts last week, have earned the right to do whatever they friggin want next week. Ryan Clark had the right idea, saying no one is scared of the Steelers this year. If you hadn't punted games against Oakland and Kansas City, you wouldn't need all this HELP to get into the playoffs. If you take care of business, you control your own fate. The Patriots, IF they sit starters, aren't doing because they are scared to play you Lamar, they are doing it to get healthy and rest up. Cincy, same thing. Is it just a Steelers LB thing, saying stupid stuff all the time? Joey Porter is a walking-talking litany of moronical refuse. James Harrison is expecting to get invited to the White House when he DOESN'T win the Super Bowl, all the sense that makes. And now Lamar thinking the Patriots and Bengals are plotting against the Steel Curtain out of fear. Wake up buddy, maybe too many Iron City's before the interview.

Decade

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:39:43 EST

It's the New Year time in 2009, about to be 2010. So every pundit, channel, publication are doing their versions of "Team of the Decade" or "Athlete of the Decade", so I wanted to take a crack at it.

MLB--Has to be the Yankees, which pains me. They won the title in 2000 and 2009, played in the WS two more times, losing in Game 7 in 2001 and in Game 6 in 2003. They won the AL East every year except for one (2008) and have employed the biggest stars in the game (ARod, Clemens, Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Sabathia, Randy Johnson, etc. etc.). They have spent their money, sometimes wisely, sometimes unwisely (Esteban Loaiza, Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano, Johnson, Contreras, etc.) and pushed people around the juggernaut they are, earning praise from their fan base and immeasurable indemnity from the haters out there, myself included. They only missed the playoffs once in the decade. The Cardinals, Red Sox and Angels also get nods here.

Adrian Gonzalez...Wasting Away

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:28:55 EST

John Moore's divorce is crippling the Padres, a team a few seasons back that was routinely competing in the NL West. Adrian Gonzalez is a local kid, a Mexican-American in a heavily Latino fan base, and is signed to a very affordable contract considering how good this guy really is. Take a look at that lineup though, at that whole organization. There is no help there or on the way up, and the Padres are at least 3-4 years away from possibly competing. They need to unload whatever guys carry value, trim payroll and re-stock the system. That is the blueprint for solidify the organization, a tried and true method that some teams do better than others. Not every prospect pans out, but the Padres have a bare cupboard right now. A package of Clay Buchholz, Lars Anderson, Ryan Westmoreland, that should be good enough to get Adrian Gonzalez in a Red Sox uniform.

Interesting

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:48:29 EST

AP just released today their "Athletes of the Decade" and apparently Lance Armstrong was number two, and Roger Federer was number three. I can't really argue with the top 3 at all, and I don't know what the rest of the list is. However, I wanted to construct my own list. Not sure what exact criteria would be applied, just going by feel here.

1. Tiger Woods2. Lance Armstrong3. Roger Federer4. Derek Jeter5. Shaquille O'Neal6. Tom Brady7. Peyton Manning8. Kobe Bryant9. Alex Rodriguez10. Martin Brodeur

Today's Randoms

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 9:52:42 EST

What is this, the Big 10 (or Big 11 as I like to call it) thinking about expanding? There are already 11 teams in the misnomer that is the Big X. If anything, the Big 11 should be thinking about contracting (hey Northwestern, take a hike) not expanding. Over the years, the Big 10 has tried to recruit Notre Dame. This would make sense on every level for the conference (geography, tradition, revenue) but would be detrimental financially to ND, which is the only reason it has never happened. Besides their lucrative national TV deal, ND has the luxury and flexibility to schedule whoever they want. Instead of half their schedule being a conference slate, ND seeks out home and homes with teams that will pay them (and teams they think they will beat even though that hasn't been the case with the Stanfords, UConns and Syracuses of the world). I can understand why Missouri would want to leave the difficult Big 12 and join the eminently winnable Big 10, but what will the Big 10 call itself? Can't call itself the Big 12, for obvious reasons. Downsize, not supersize.

What do the Sox do for more offense?

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:24:27 EST

Can we resign ourselves to the fact that Jason Bay is not coming back? We know Theo is not going to offer that fifth year. The Sox front office hates giving too long of contracts to guys on the wrong side of 30, even one as productive and conducive as Bay was here. So, now what? A gaping hole in the lineup and in left field. I don't trust Matt Holliday in an American League, big market, high-pressure city. I just have a bad feeling about this guy, maybe its the stink emanating from Boras, the ludicrous contracts he is talking. Fenway plays well to anyone with right-handed pull power, and Holliday has that but just something about the guy I don't trust. I also am not comfortable with a Jeremy Hermida/Josh Reddick platoon out there. That's for the Nationals and Pirates of the world, not the Red Sox. I don't want to hear anything about Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon, Jack Cust, or any other bum. It seems like its Bay or Holliday, and if Bay leaves, it makes us desperate for Holliday which is a dangerous place to be when dealing with a Boras client. What trades are out there? Too many bad contracts man. Alfonso Soriano, Carlos N. Lee, Magglio Ordonez. Yuck. The only places that are optional to upgrade/add power are LF, 3B and 1B. Youkilis can move around, VMart can play some first, so there are options. Adrian Gonzalez is available and affordable, but San Diego (especially with Jed Hoyer working there now) would want the sun and the moon to move this guy. A young, superstar slugger thats Mexican-American playing in San Diego for a bad team...who else will sell tickets? Jody Gerut? I don't know if Detroit wants to get rid of Miguel Cabrera, or is regretting the contract they gave him. The kid looks like he's trying to eat his way out of baseball. Theo doesn't want to give up the prospects necessary to nab either of these two it seems. Adrian Beltre seems imminent, and I'm ok with that as long as its within say 5-7% over market value. Another Boras guy unfortunately. What would a guy like Lance Berkman cost?

Nervous Nellie

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:09:59 EST

I like, not love, the John Lackey signing. He pitched very well against the Sox in the playoffs last year, but has bad career numbers at Fenway. Albeit, from now on the Sox will be scoring for him and not on him. We all know how much better the Sox swing the bat at the Fens vs. on the road. A rotation of Beckett, Lester, Lackey, Matsuzaka and Buchholz is fantastic. Wakefield, Tazawa and Bowden will provide the depth. On top of that, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sox bring in a guy like Duchscherer or Bedard on the cheap like Penny and Smoltz last year; hopefully with better results. Depth is always a must, no rotation has all five of its starters make 30+ starts. The big question I have now is, do the Sox get a contract extension done with Beckett, or are they even going to try? Beckett is younger and better than Lackey, so the money will be more than the $85 million Lackey is now due.

I Believe In.......

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:47:40 EST

America. Babies. God. Love. Joe Mauer. I also believe money corrupts weak people. I don't know if Joe Mauer is a strong man, but I know the Twins, as a franchise, would be dealt a CRUSHING blow if they let this guy go. More than Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, Guzman, Koskie, Milton, Radke, whoever. Do what you have to go, devote literally half your payroll to this kid if need be. Keeping Joe Mauer keeps the Twins alive. Same way the Cardinals need Albert Pujols. It's not common, as we all know, for a superstar player to remain in one place for their entire careers. Shaq is on team number four. Brett Favre team number three. Roger Clemens played for four teams, Pedro five. It goes on and on. A much shorter list is iconic players starting one place, and ending there as well. Jeter will do it. Pujols, Mauer, maybe. I hope so. Good fans deserve to see that. The Pohlads were notoriously cheap owners, and the Twins still win the Central every other year it seems. Ron Gardenhire gets the most out of these guys, stresses fundamentals, all sunshine and rainbows. As a Red Sox fan of this generation, I might never see a guy start here and finish here. I thought at one point Nomar would, and we all know what happened there. I would love to see the Lesters/Youks/Pedroias/Ellsburys of the world stay here always. Chances all four finish in Boston, 1 in 100. My grandfather saw Teddy Williams, Bobby Doerr, and Dom Dimaggio start to finish. My Dad Yaz, Jim Rice and Dewey Evans do the same thing. Even though I am not a Twins fan, have no affiliation to the state and probably will never go to Minnesota, I am a baseball fan and will always be concerned as to the welfare of my favorite sport. I live and breathe baseball. As a fan, I would love to see Joe Mauer stay home, and someday even win a title for Minny (unless at the expense of my BoSox). Give the guy the contract extension he deserves, don't let him get to free agency if you can help it. Seeing this guy in a Boston uni or in evil pinstripes would suck.

Winter, A Season of Dreams

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:22:28 EST

Ah, the baseball offseason. A time of wistful thinking and lineup tinkering. Some teams need a lot of help (Houston, we have a problem), and some teams, not so much (I swear the Steinbrenner's print their own money). Our beloved pastime has no salary cap, and despite all the revenue-sharing in the world, baseball will never be an equally fair enterprise. For teams like the Red Sox, more things go right than wrong because their is the money available to cover up mistakes. The bad contracts that can sink a small market team like Kansas City or Pittsburgh are only a headache for the LA's and Boston's of the world. The fact that Boston is still paying Julio Lugo may smack at the pride of Theo Epstein; but it won't cost him his job. On to the lineup. A whole season of a healthy Victor Martinez can do wonders for this team. That, in combo with the multiple-positional aptitude of Kevin Youkilis, could potentially make this offseason easier for Theo. If Youk would not be opposed to an almost full time move to third, Victor could play first and let Varitek/Max Ramirez split time behind the plate (with VMArt getting the occasional start). I would hate to see another bad contract given out to Scott Boras client Adrian Beltre. A fine defensive player, who probably could use that wall similar to the way Lowell did as a right-handed hitter. All well, except the money would probably be more than it would cost to retain a guy like Casey Kotchman to spell at first, or use a utility guy at third when Youk needs a night off or is playing first. Jeremy Hermida as a 4th OF isn't too shabby. The kid is only 25. We shall see if he blossoms a little more. A dream lineup.