Cavaliers
Some teams are built for the regular season (i.e. the high octane/littel or no defense Western Conference teams of the past 10 years, including the Kings, Mavs and Suns) and some teams are better suited for post-season play.
The Cavaliers are a better half court team after the 11-player deal and should be ready for a serious playoff run if healthy come April and May when the game slows down and execution in the half court becomes paramount. Adding a defensive presence in the post and shooters that should make the defenses pay for swarming 23 with multiple bodies should improve the Cavs' chances in the playoffs.
Kobe vs. 23
The national pundits are falling all over themselves proclaiming Kobe Bryant as ‘the game’s best player” and the “NBA’s MVP.” What did I miss here? LeBron James is averaging more points, rebounds and assists than Bryant. This corner has stated that 23 has been the league’s best player the past two years. He took 11 role players to the Finals a year ago. Now he is putting up career numbers in 2007-08. It will be interesting to see which superstar – Bryant or James - takes his team farther in the playoffs this spring – another reason why the MVP award voting should not begin until June. Contrary to many experts who have the Lakers as the team to beat now in the West, my money is on James’ Cavaliers going deeper in the playoffs than the Lakers. We’re on record early – just the way we like it.
Barry Bonds
One of the greatest hitters of all-time is available and he can’t get a contract. The Cleveland Indians should move quickly and sing Barry Bonds for 2008. That’s right – sign Barry Bonds.
First, at his age, he’s perfectly suited to be in the American League – the league with the DH and small ballparks. Secondly, he would put rear ends in the seats. The Indians have had trouble drawing fans – barely breaking the two million mark in attendance recently with very competitive teams. Bonds would certainly draw fans. Third, and most importantly, the Indians need his bat. They underachieved at the plate in 2007 and could certainly use his presence in the middle of the order. Fourth, Bonds would provide insurance in case Hafner doesn’t rebound from the “off-year” he had in ’07. And finally, the “risk versus reward” part of the equation is in the team’s favor. He (Bonds) wants to reach the 800 home run mark, his asking price should not be that high and if you get 400-450 at bats from him at DH – it should be a win-win for all concerned. Besides, who better than Bonds to hit behind Victor this summer?
Pac Man
While we are at it, this corner wants to go back to the Pac Man well one more time. Hear me out, PLEASE. The Browns can get him for a second day draft pick. Talent-wise, he is one of the best cover corners in the NFL. You sign him cheap, tell him to stay clean and wait for the league to clear him to play. If all that happens and he dresses on Sundays at some point in 2008, he makes your defense better. That’s a defense that had trouble stopping the opposing cheerleaders from scoring in ’07. If he falls off the wagon, you cut him and move on. Again, this is a low risk-potentially high reward move. Do I expect him to make it? No. But again - it is worth a try at this price.
DA
As we print this entry, the Browns look as though they will tender DA a one-year deal and allow him to test the market. We’ve been clear on this since day one – if the Browns can get a #2 pick and an early second day pick for Anderson, they should make the deal and let him walk. That move would need to be followed by signing a quality backup QB to cover you in case Quinn goes down. Trent Green comes to mind immediately. Yes, I am getting ahead of myself, but here’s hoping the Browns take this particular fork in the road heading into 2008 and beyond. It would mean Savage and company would be taking somewhat of a risk since they know what they have in Anderson and they don’t know for sure what they have in Quinn. The media and fans of course would crucify the club if it doesn’t work, but it is the right move.
Cowboys
I hear Dallas is looking to move up in the draft to take D. McFadden and make him their featured back even though they have quality at that position already. Again, I love teams that are willing to role the dice. It’s easy to stand pat – especially if you already have a good product. But it takes real guts to let it fly. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys can pull it off. I give Jones and company credit for wanting to gamble.
Bears
Then we have the opposite end of the spectrum – the Chicago Bears. The Bears RESIGNED Rex Grossman for 2008. No, it’s not April Fools Day. You wonder how the Bears ever made it to the Super Bowl two years ago with this group of decision-makers in charge.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
A Danny Ferry Sighting
Cavs Swap
First, let me congratulate Danny Ferry for finally shuffling the deck – which is what he did in this 11 player trade completed at 2:59 p.m. – one minute before the NBA trading deadline passed yesterday.
No, he did not acquire a running-mate for LeBron James. Scottie Pippen in his prime, one of the game’s 50 best players of all time, will not show up in Independence – site of the team’s new lavish practice facilities. In fact, Cavaliers did not even add an all star caliber player in this mass exodus of bodies.
However, what they did get is the following:
Ben Wallace is still a solid defensive presence in the post – something this corner has been begging for Cleveland to add since the organization mistakenly decided to re-sign Big Z several years ago. We stated at that time you could not win a title with Z and Gooden as your two starting post players. Z is now basically a 7-3 jump shooter while Gooden is too inconsistent and not good enough defensively to off-set Z’s lack of mobility at the five.
As we have pointed out time and time again, on most nights, you rarely saw both of them on the floor at crunch time – and that tells you all you needed to know. Mike Brown preaches defense and getting ‘stops” down the stretch – and actually means it. Those two rarely made plays at that end of the floor that warranted being out there together with the game on the line.
Teams often had a free pass to the basket against the Cavaliers. That should change with Wallace in the blocks. Remember, the Cavaliers are not getting the Ben Wallace that won the league defensive MVP award several years ago. However, if Big Ben can give them 25 minutes a night of high-energy, solid defensive post player, that will go a long way toward making the team better and lowering the opposition's shooting percentage.
Secondly, Wallace will allow the Cavaliers to play quality post players one on one come playoff time instead of having to double-down all the time. If you want to advance in the East, you must be able to handle Kevin Garnett in Boston. Wallace will allow Cleveland to play him straight up – thus keeping a body on the Celtics’ other perennial perimeter all-stars. Having a post defender that doesn’t need much help is huge in the post-season, when the game slows down and execution in the half court is paramount.
A disclaimer – I was never a Wally Szczerbiak fan coming out of college and am still not enamored of his overall game. He has had the NBA career I thought he’d have – he can score the basketball but can’t do much else. However, he’s a good fit with Cleveland.
Why? Because anyone that can shoot should be thrilled to join a team with 23 – especially at this stage of Wally’s career. All pretty boy has to do is stand on the wing and wait for the doubling of LeBron. When the ball rotates his (Wally’s) way, shoot it. That should not be hard for the Miami (Ohio) grad to do.
Wally could be to Cleveland what Robert Horry has been to several teams. His career numbers indicate he should be another solid 25 minute a night perimeter fit for the Cavaliers.
As for Joe Smith, you have to be a real NBA fan to appreciate this guy. Smith does everything relatively well and is consistent performer who coaches trust.
Smith can shoot, defend, is a solid rebounder and has a high basketball IQ. He will be solid coming off the bench and will fit into Brown's playoff rotation immediately.
Notice a them here – the Cavaliers haven’t really added anyone who they can lean on heavily in terms of minutes played. What they did was add some true pros - guys who will understand their role and play off of James. These are veteran players who are hungry for a ring, should fit in nicely and appreciate the opportunity they have to play with a future Hall of Famer.
And in Wallace’s case – he actually has something to prove – that he wasn’t a bust after leaving Detroit.
I haven’t covered Dante West for one simple reason – I have not seen enough of him to give you an evaluation. Those of you who know me personally, understand my first commandment when it comes to sports – if I haven’t seen them, I won’t comment on them.
All I know is he’s (West) young, can play the one or two and has already been shopped around several times even though he’s only three years into his career.
Again, playing with James should speed up West’s development. His career numbers to date indicate he can knock down an occasional perimeter jumper. We’ll see. With Gibson out with an injury and Hughes off to Chicago, West should get major minutes right away – the Cavaliers have little choice. So we will be watching and evaluating his play along with everyone else.
In total, we admire Ferry for realizing the previous group was not going to get it done and for finding someone to take Hughes’ contract off their hands. For a variety of reasons, Hughes simply was a bad fit. It didn't work so a change was necessary. We also felt Gooden had to go once Andy V. was re-signed and stated so. We had hoped the deal in question would bring Batman a “Robin-like” talent in return. However, we do believe, given time, this move will make them better.
How much better remains to be seen. The team does lose some athleticism in the trade, but that should be off-set by the consistency the players bring in return.
The Cavaliers are physically and mentally tougher inside with Wallace on the roster. Wally should help spread the floor even more – especially when Gibson returns. And Smith is a versatile pro’s pro who can still play.
We are told by Danny Ferry, long-term, the move does not affect the team’s cap room flexibility. That’s good. As for the short-term – it should make for an interesting late winter/spring in Cleveland.
Think about it – what’s the down side to this move? None.
All you’ve done is move the chess pieces around looking for better chemistry while adding a guy with a handle (West), a shooter (Wally), a good post defender (Wallace) and a solid veteran (Smith).
Remember – we said a long time ago they (Cavaliers) only had three keepers – 23 of course, Andy and Boobie. Those guys are still present and accounted for. This move certainly won’t hurt and it is likely to help for the reasons stated above.
You finally showed up Danny and I understand the logic behind the move. And by the way - glad to finally hear from you.
First, let me congratulate Danny Ferry for finally shuffling the deck – which is what he did in this 11 player trade completed at 2:59 p.m. – one minute before the NBA trading deadline passed yesterday.
No, he did not acquire a running-mate for LeBron James. Scottie Pippen in his prime, one of the game’s 50 best players of all time, will not show up in Independence – site of the team’s new lavish practice facilities. In fact, Cavaliers did not even add an all star caliber player in this mass exodus of bodies.
However, what they did get is the following:
Ben Wallace is still a solid defensive presence in the post – something this corner has been begging for Cleveland to add since the organization mistakenly decided to re-sign Big Z several years ago. We stated at that time you could not win a title with Z and Gooden as your two starting post players. Z is now basically a 7-3 jump shooter while Gooden is too inconsistent and not good enough defensively to off-set Z’s lack of mobility at the five.
As we have pointed out time and time again, on most nights, you rarely saw both of them on the floor at crunch time – and that tells you all you needed to know. Mike Brown preaches defense and getting ‘stops” down the stretch – and actually means it. Those two rarely made plays at that end of the floor that warranted being out there together with the game on the line.
Teams often had a free pass to the basket against the Cavaliers. That should change with Wallace in the blocks. Remember, the Cavaliers are not getting the Ben Wallace that won the league defensive MVP award several years ago. However, if Big Ben can give them 25 minutes a night of high-energy, solid defensive post player, that will go a long way toward making the team better and lowering the opposition's shooting percentage.
Secondly, Wallace will allow the Cavaliers to play quality post players one on one come playoff time instead of having to double-down all the time. If you want to advance in the East, you must be able to handle Kevin Garnett in Boston. Wallace will allow Cleveland to play him straight up – thus keeping a body on the Celtics’ other perennial perimeter all-stars. Having a post defender that doesn’t need much help is huge in the post-season, when the game slows down and execution in the half court is paramount.
A disclaimer – I was never a Wally Szczerbiak fan coming out of college and am still not enamored of his overall game. He has had the NBA career I thought he’d have – he can score the basketball but can’t do much else. However, he’s a good fit with Cleveland.
Why? Because anyone that can shoot should be thrilled to join a team with 23 – especially at this stage of Wally’s career. All pretty boy has to do is stand on the wing and wait for the doubling of LeBron. When the ball rotates his (Wally’s) way, shoot it. That should not be hard for the Miami (Ohio) grad to do.
Wally could be to Cleveland what Robert Horry has been to several teams. His career numbers indicate he should be another solid 25 minute a night perimeter fit for the Cavaliers.
As for Joe Smith, you have to be a real NBA fan to appreciate this guy. Smith does everything relatively well and is consistent performer who coaches trust.
Smith can shoot, defend, is a solid rebounder and has a high basketball IQ. He will be solid coming off the bench and will fit into Brown's playoff rotation immediately.
Notice a them here – the Cavaliers haven’t really added anyone who they can lean on heavily in terms of minutes played. What they did was add some true pros - guys who will understand their role and play off of James. These are veteran players who are hungry for a ring, should fit in nicely and appreciate the opportunity they have to play with a future Hall of Famer.
And in Wallace’s case – he actually has something to prove – that he wasn’t a bust after leaving Detroit.
I haven’t covered Dante West for one simple reason – I have not seen enough of him to give you an evaluation. Those of you who know me personally, understand my first commandment when it comes to sports – if I haven’t seen them, I won’t comment on them.
All I know is he’s (West) young, can play the one or two and has already been shopped around several times even though he’s only three years into his career.
Again, playing with James should speed up West’s development. His career numbers to date indicate he can knock down an occasional perimeter jumper. We’ll see. With Gibson out with an injury and Hughes off to Chicago, West should get major minutes right away – the Cavaliers have little choice. So we will be watching and evaluating his play along with everyone else.
In total, we admire Ferry for realizing the previous group was not going to get it done and for finding someone to take Hughes’ contract off their hands. For a variety of reasons, Hughes simply was a bad fit. It didn't work so a change was necessary. We also felt Gooden had to go once Andy V. was re-signed and stated so. We had hoped the deal in question would bring Batman a “Robin-like” talent in return. However, we do believe, given time, this move will make them better.
How much better remains to be seen. The team does lose some athleticism in the trade, but that should be off-set by the consistency the players bring in return.
The Cavaliers are physically and mentally tougher inside with Wallace on the roster. Wally should help spread the floor even more – especially when Gibson returns. And Smith is a versatile pro’s pro who can still play.
We are told by Danny Ferry, long-term, the move does not affect the team’s cap room flexibility. That’s good. As for the short-term – it should make for an interesting late winter/spring in Cleveland.
Think about it – what’s the down side to this move? None.
All you’ve done is move the chess pieces around looking for better chemistry while adding a guy with a handle (West), a shooter (Wally), a good post defender (Wallace) and a solid veteran (Smith).
Remember – we said a long time ago they (Cavaliers) only had three keepers – 23 of course, Andy and Boobie. Those guys are still present and accounted for. This move certainly won’t hurt and it is likely to help for the reasons stated above.
You finally showed up Danny and I understand the logic behind the move. And by the way - glad to finally hear from you.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Advice To Johny MAC & Some Sports
Politics
Today, we are going to start with politics and work our way back to the candy store of life – sports.
I have some advice for John McCain, who this corner predicted would be the Republican nominee nearly two years ago – although I did get off the bandwagon and rode Rudy Giuliani for a time. Sorry John. Always go with your first instincts - I know.
Here's the advice - pick Condi Rice as your running mate.
Rice, currently President Bush’s Secretary of State, would be an “out of the box” choice in that she doesn’t put a particular state in your column in the general election nor has she ever held an elected post in state (i.e. Governor) or national politics (i.e. Senator).
What Rice brings to the table is obvious – she is African-American and a woman. Those characteristics would partially negate the Democrat’s visual and potentially historical advantage regardless of who wins that primary fight.
No, I’m not suggesting she be placed on the ticket simply because she is a black woman.
Most objective observers admit she has the qualifications to hold the highest office in the land – especially in a time of war. We are at war, remember?
It is common knowledge presidential candidates choose running mates based on two main criteria – what does this person bring to the ticket that helps me gain an edge, and could I envision that person holding the highest office in the land if something happened to me.
In both cases, she passes the test.
Therefore, pick Condi John. She is as qualified as anyone else you will look at, and just as important, she will take some votes away from the opposition candidate based on her race and gender. That may sound cold and callous, but this is about winning an election, and Rice gives you more of a fighting chance in my humble opinion.
And I don’t see her choice as a VP as going for broke, or throwing a bomb, if you will. There are those within the Republican party that actually wanted her to run for President a couple years back. She has the goods to help.
Now, whether she would accept the #2 position is another matter. If published reports are accurate, Colin Powell, an African American and the former Head of the Joined Chiefs under Bush I, and former Secretary of State under Bush II, was offered the Republican VP spot on more than one occasion and turned it down. Rice may do the same.
But you won’t know unless you ask John.
Bleak Picture For The GOP
While we are on this subject, if you are a Republican strategist for the McCain camp, you have to be concerned over the “buzz” the Obama candidacy is creating. He’s turning out record crowds wherever he speaks, and the Democrats are turning out record voters in many of their primaries. That does not bode well for Republicans in the general election.
It is simple math. If the opposition turns out many more voters that you do on election day, you lose. Period.
McCain and company better hope Hillary wins the Democratic primary race – something that appears a less than 50-50 proposition at the moment. That may be the only thing that energizes the Republican base and gets people to the polls in November.
Let’s face it, Obama is an attractive, likeable guy who is offering “change and hope” to the country. He may be the first person ever to win the presidency based on themes rather than policy. At this time, he looks like a stronger candidate than Clinton.
However, anyone that follows politics will tell you that a week is a lifetime in this game. Things change quickly. If Clinton wins Ohio and Texas in early March, she’s back in it. If she doesn’t, she’s toast.
The only thing Republicans have going for them right now is the division within the Democratic party over who to choose to run in the fall – a division that may widen and spell potential disaster at the Democratic Convention in late summer with the party still split four shorts months before the general election in November.
In the meantime, Republicans would do well to rally around their presumptive winner (McCain) and clearly begin to differentiate their candidate and his candidacy from whoever the Democrats eventually choose.
In a sports context, it is like one team (Republicans) getting to start Spring Training or Training Camp before everyone else (Democrats). It’s a clear edge – if you take advantage of it.
There is your politics lesson for the week - whether you wanted it or not.
By the way, I don’t care who you vote for – as long as you take part in the process. It is a privilege many have given the ultimate sacrifice for you to possess. As you have probably figured out by now, I am what some might call a “moderate Republican.”
Regardless what label you have, the right to vote is a special right we have in our democracy. You should take advantage of it. But it's your call. That's what freedom is all about.
Now sports.
NBA Trade Rules
The cap is killing the NBA.
I hate the concept that teams can’t make trades unless the “numbers” match up in terms of players’ contracts. It clearly makes it much more difficult to make deals. That’s not good for the sport when teams have to come up with clever ways to get around the rules – such as trading players that are cut immediately after the deal by their new teams in order to make the package work.
No, I do not have a solution. However, the league needs to tweak the rules so teams have more room to deal without needing several accountants in the room figuring out if the money matches.
Cavaliers
Look for Danny Ferry, who we stated a long time ago was in the federal witness protection program, to make a minor deal before the Thursday deadline. My hunch is he will pick up a point guard - alla Andre Miller. He may need to part with a first round pick in the package to make it happen, but the pressure of doing nothing is a real problem for him now.
Even 23 is complaining. That means it is time to act. Four days and counting Danny.
As usual, we were ahead of the curve on this one riding Ferry for the past two years for non-activity while the team was winning 50+ a season on the back of one player. But that’s why you read this column – because, more often than not, we tell you where things are headed instead of where things are now.
Dizzy Dean said it best - "It ain't bragging if you can do it!"
Patriots
Speaking of being ahead of the curve, we are waiting to see what the Patriots’ former "camera spy" has to say to Congress. The buzz is that he has more video evidence of cheating – cheating that dates back several years he was directed to take part in. What happens if he (Matt Walsh – former Pats’ video assistant) spills his guts, or more importantly – shows the video evidence?
As we stated when this first broke – not only are the Patriots on the hook, but the commissioner and the league is as well, for wrapping this investigation up in one week. It smelled of "cover up" then, and Walsh could put a nail in Roger Goodell's coffin soon.
My guess is the only reason we have not heard more on this matter is that lawyers are hard at work for the two sides (Walsh & Congress) trying to hash out immunity conditions.
Stay tuned.
Roger Clemens
He asked to speak in front of Congress, according to the head of the investigative committee (Henry Waxman), then said through his attorneys he never wanted to appear.
He then threw his WIFE and his former agents under the bus when speaking in front of Congress this past week – describing how she used steroids and how his former agents failed to tell him he was being asked to testify in the Mitchell inquiry.
This guy will either be Duke-LaCrosse II if he is vindicated, or he'll make Bill ("I did not have sexual relations with that woman") Clinton look like an honest man.
At this point, in order to believe Roger Clemens, you have to believe EVERYONE ELSE is lying – including his good buddy, Andy Pettite. This is the height of arrogance on his part.
Clemens may not know it, but the course he has chosen could likely keep him out of the Hall of Fame.
Barry Bonds has denied for years he ever used illegal/banned substances. He (Bonds) has been vilified by the press and fans alike. Bonds has, up to now, been the poster child of the steroids era.
However, he (Bonds) was smart enough NOT to go in front of Congress and potentially commit perjury. He was intelligent enough not to sue is accusers. He had enough sense to do most of his talking through his attorneys, not seek out one public forum after another claiming his innocence.
If Clemens is found to have cheated beyond a reasonable doubt, he will go down perhaps as the most selfish and arrogant pro athlete in the history of sports. I then cannot imagine voters putting him in the Hall.
At minimum, he (Clemens) has somehow done the impossible, taken the spotlight off Bonds – at least for a while. To with, Bonds should send Clemens a thank you letter and some left-over Valentine’s Day flowers.
Today, we are going to start with politics and work our way back to the candy store of life – sports.
I have some advice for John McCain, who this corner predicted would be the Republican nominee nearly two years ago – although I did get off the bandwagon and rode Rudy Giuliani for a time. Sorry John. Always go with your first instincts - I know.
Here's the advice - pick Condi Rice as your running mate.
Rice, currently President Bush’s Secretary of State, would be an “out of the box” choice in that she doesn’t put a particular state in your column in the general election nor has she ever held an elected post in state (i.e. Governor) or national politics (i.e. Senator).
What Rice brings to the table is obvious – she is African-American and a woman. Those characteristics would partially negate the Democrat’s visual and potentially historical advantage regardless of who wins that primary fight.
No, I’m not suggesting she be placed on the ticket simply because she is a black woman.
Most objective observers admit she has the qualifications to hold the highest office in the land – especially in a time of war. We are at war, remember?
It is common knowledge presidential candidates choose running mates based on two main criteria – what does this person bring to the ticket that helps me gain an edge, and could I envision that person holding the highest office in the land if something happened to me.
In both cases, she passes the test.
Therefore, pick Condi John. She is as qualified as anyone else you will look at, and just as important, she will take some votes away from the opposition candidate based on her race and gender. That may sound cold and callous, but this is about winning an election, and Rice gives you more of a fighting chance in my humble opinion.
And I don’t see her choice as a VP as going for broke, or throwing a bomb, if you will. There are those within the Republican party that actually wanted her to run for President a couple years back. She has the goods to help.
Now, whether she would accept the #2 position is another matter. If published reports are accurate, Colin Powell, an African American and the former Head of the Joined Chiefs under Bush I, and former Secretary of State under Bush II, was offered the Republican VP spot on more than one occasion and turned it down. Rice may do the same.
But you won’t know unless you ask John.
Bleak Picture For The GOP
While we are on this subject, if you are a Republican strategist for the McCain camp, you have to be concerned over the “buzz” the Obama candidacy is creating. He’s turning out record crowds wherever he speaks, and the Democrats are turning out record voters in many of their primaries. That does not bode well for Republicans in the general election.
It is simple math. If the opposition turns out many more voters that you do on election day, you lose. Period.
McCain and company better hope Hillary wins the Democratic primary race – something that appears a less than 50-50 proposition at the moment. That may be the only thing that energizes the Republican base and gets people to the polls in November.
Let’s face it, Obama is an attractive, likeable guy who is offering “change and hope” to the country. He may be the first person ever to win the presidency based on themes rather than policy. At this time, he looks like a stronger candidate than Clinton.
However, anyone that follows politics will tell you that a week is a lifetime in this game. Things change quickly. If Clinton wins Ohio and Texas in early March, she’s back in it. If she doesn’t, she’s toast.
The only thing Republicans have going for them right now is the division within the Democratic party over who to choose to run in the fall – a division that may widen and spell potential disaster at the Democratic Convention in late summer with the party still split four shorts months before the general election in November.
In the meantime, Republicans would do well to rally around their presumptive winner (McCain) and clearly begin to differentiate their candidate and his candidacy from whoever the Democrats eventually choose.
In a sports context, it is like one team (Republicans) getting to start Spring Training or Training Camp before everyone else (Democrats). It’s a clear edge – if you take advantage of it.
There is your politics lesson for the week - whether you wanted it or not.
By the way, I don’t care who you vote for – as long as you take part in the process. It is a privilege many have given the ultimate sacrifice for you to possess. As you have probably figured out by now, I am what some might call a “moderate Republican.”
Regardless what label you have, the right to vote is a special right we have in our democracy. You should take advantage of it. But it's your call. That's what freedom is all about.
Now sports.
NBA Trade Rules
The cap is killing the NBA.
I hate the concept that teams can’t make trades unless the “numbers” match up in terms of players’ contracts. It clearly makes it much more difficult to make deals. That’s not good for the sport when teams have to come up with clever ways to get around the rules – such as trading players that are cut immediately after the deal by their new teams in order to make the package work.
No, I do not have a solution. However, the league needs to tweak the rules so teams have more room to deal without needing several accountants in the room figuring out if the money matches.
Cavaliers
Look for Danny Ferry, who we stated a long time ago was in the federal witness protection program, to make a minor deal before the Thursday deadline. My hunch is he will pick up a point guard - alla Andre Miller. He may need to part with a first round pick in the package to make it happen, but the pressure of doing nothing is a real problem for him now.
Even 23 is complaining. That means it is time to act. Four days and counting Danny.
As usual, we were ahead of the curve on this one riding Ferry for the past two years for non-activity while the team was winning 50+ a season on the back of one player. But that’s why you read this column – because, more often than not, we tell you where things are headed instead of where things are now.
Dizzy Dean said it best - "It ain't bragging if you can do it!"
Patriots
Speaking of being ahead of the curve, we are waiting to see what the Patriots’ former "camera spy" has to say to Congress. The buzz is that he has more video evidence of cheating – cheating that dates back several years he was directed to take part in. What happens if he (Matt Walsh – former Pats’ video assistant) spills his guts, or more importantly – shows the video evidence?
As we stated when this first broke – not only are the Patriots on the hook, but the commissioner and the league is as well, for wrapping this investigation up in one week. It smelled of "cover up" then, and Walsh could put a nail in Roger Goodell's coffin soon.
My guess is the only reason we have not heard more on this matter is that lawyers are hard at work for the two sides (Walsh & Congress) trying to hash out immunity conditions.
Stay tuned.
Roger Clemens
He asked to speak in front of Congress, according to the head of the investigative committee (Henry Waxman), then said through his attorneys he never wanted to appear.
He then threw his WIFE and his former agents under the bus when speaking in front of Congress this past week – describing how she used steroids and how his former agents failed to tell him he was being asked to testify in the Mitchell inquiry.
This guy will either be Duke-LaCrosse II if he is vindicated, or he'll make Bill ("I did not have sexual relations with that woman") Clinton look like an honest man.
At this point, in order to believe Roger Clemens, you have to believe EVERYONE ELSE is lying – including his good buddy, Andy Pettite. This is the height of arrogance on his part.
Clemens may not know it, but the course he has chosen could likely keep him out of the Hall of Fame.
Barry Bonds has denied for years he ever used illegal/banned substances. He (Bonds) has been vilified by the press and fans alike. Bonds has, up to now, been the poster child of the steroids era.
However, he (Bonds) was smart enough NOT to go in front of Congress and potentially commit perjury. He was intelligent enough not to sue is accusers. He had enough sense to do most of his talking through his attorneys, not seek out one public forum after another claiming his innocence.
If Clemens is found to have cheated beyond a reasonable doubt, he will go down perhaps as the most selfish and arrogant pro athlete in the history of sports. I then cannot imagine voters putting him in the Hall.
At minimum, he (Clemens) has somehow done the impossible, taken the spotlight off Bonds – at least for a while. To with, Bonds should send Clemens a thank you letter and some left-over Valentine’s Day flowers.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
K2, Roger & Cavs
I hope you missed me. I've been busy. You wouldn't believe it I told you.
K2
First a disclaimer – I felt K2 would be a potential Hall of Fame player coming out of college if he stayed healthy. He hasn’t been healthy, but I wasn’t far off. Eight more years like the last two and you can put him in a convertible and wheel him down Cleveland Avenue in the parade come late July in my hometown of Canton, Ohio.
Having said all that, he should get paid – but quietly. Yes, he was the 12th highest paid tight end in the NFL, and yes, he wasn’t even the highest paid tight end on his team in 2007 - Eric Heiden was according to published reports. However, Winslow's contract improves dramatically over the course of the next couple years.
Regardless, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately league.” The contracts, as everyone knows, are not guaranteed like they are in the other major sports. Players are asked, and do take pay cuts all the time. Can you imagine a MLB player taking a cut after putting up subpar numbers? Never. Different league, different rules in place.
Therefore, the Browns should privately work it out with K2 and his people so everyone wins. Strike a deal that both sides can live with. This team should have one of the most potent offensive units in the league for several years to come. The line is solid – especially the crucial left side (the QBs blind side). The receivers, including K2, are tall, athletic and play with an edge. And the running game should continue to flourish behind that line and with those receivers spreading the field like they do.
Note that I referred to Winslow as a wide receiver. He’s a hybrid – not really a true tight end and not a wide receiver in the classic sense. In my mind, that makes him even more valuable because he’s too big for corners and safeties to cover, and too fast for linebackers. But the only thing that truly matters is that he plays hard, plays hurt and he performs.
The Browns have an identity on offense for the first time since the Kosar Era of the late 80s. They know their talent, know what they can do offensively, and on most Sundays, do it pretty well.
Pay the man.
Roger Clemens
Why would his trainer lie? That’s the question I keep asking myself. What’s in it for him? At this point, it doesn’t seem like money is the motivator. I doubt he wanted all this media scrutiny and his life turned upside down. And no one in their right mind wants to stand in front of Congress, let alone be there and be threatened with federal jail time if they commit perjury.
Secondly, I found humorous seeing Clemens meeting individually with Congressmen and women who would be asking the questions. I actually saw him sign autographs in one news clip.
The politician will remind you this is not a trial. It doesn't matter. This is serious business with people's lives and reputations at stake. Try to stay somewhat neutral, please.
If I were the trainer’s attorneys, I would be screaming foul to the heavens right now. Perhaps when some of these politicians get done throwing softball questions at Roger, they’ll ask him to come over to the house and teach their little-leaguers how he grips that nasty sinker of his.
I may be biased, but Clemens looks simply like an arrogant athlete who figures he can do and say as he pleases and get away with it.
Deadline Looms
We stated months ago we were on the Danny Ferry Watch – expecting him to make a significant acquisition to help 23 prior to the playoff run. Don’t think we are going to let him off the hook like everyone else just because they have injuries to deal with.
That’s too bad.
He’s had several years to improve the roster and the end-result is 23 – courtesy of a ping pong ball landing the team’s way, and only two other marketable players – B. Gibson and Andy V. - both on the DL.
You’ve got one week Danny. Get to work. The world is finally on you to improve the roster while we have been riding that horse for years. And we ain't gettin off!
Larry Hughes
Hughes went off the other night with a 40+ night and led the Cavaliers to a quality road win. Good. He gets paid a lot of money to play well. What I would rather see is Hughes average 16-18 a night and play excellent defense - what they are paying him all that money to do.
Going off for 40+ one night and letting Manu G. torch you the next night doesn't impress me. It's always been about consistency or the lack there of. Let's hope Ferry can unload Hughes' contract and get quality in return prior to the deadline.
For me, it's not so much he hasn't lived up to expectations. It's that he's whined about it - quietly blaming the offense he's in, the fact that he's out of position, not getting to do what he wants with the ball, etc... etc...
One time, I would like to have an underachieving pro athlete, who got a big payday, simply admit he hasn't performed as expected.
Maybe in the next lifetime.
K2
First a disclaimer – I felt K2 would be a potential Hall of Fame player coming out of college if he stayed healthy. He hasn’t been healthy, but I wasn’t far off. Eight more years like the last two and you can put him in a convertible and wheel him down Cleveland Avenue in the parade come late July in my hometown of Canton, Ohio.
Having said all that, he should get paid – but quietly. Yes, he was the 12th highest paid tight end in the NFL, and yes, he wasn’t even the highest paid tight end on his team in 2007 - Eric Heiden was according to published reports. However, Winslow's contract improves dramatically over the course of the next couple years.
Regardless, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately league.” The contracts, as everyone knows, are not guaranteed like they are in the other major sports. Players are asked, and do take pay cuts all the time. Can you imagine a MLB player taking a cut after putting up subpar numbers? Never. Different league, different rules in place.
Therefore, the Browns should privately work it out with K2 and his people so everyone wins. Strike a deal that both sides can live with. This team should have one of the most potent offensive units in the league for several years to come. The line is solid – especially the crucial left side (the QBs blind side). The receivers, including K2, are tall, athletic and play with an edge. And the running game should continue to flourish behind that line and with those receivers spreading the field like they do.
Note that I referred to Winslow as a wide receiver. He’s a hybrid – not really a true tight end and not a wide receiver in the classic sense. In my mind, that makes him even more valuable because he’s too big for corners and safeties to cover, and too fast for linebackers. But the only thing that truly matters is that he plays hard, plays hurt and he performs.
The Browns have an identity on offense for the first time since the Kosar Era of the late 80s. They know their talent, know what they can do offensively, and on most Sundays, do it pretty well.
Pay the man.
Roger Clemens
Why would his trainer lie? That’s the question I keep asking myself. What’s in it for him? At this point, it doesn’t seem like money is the motivator. I doubt he wanted all this media scrutiny and his life turned upside down. And no one in their right mind wants to stand in front of Congress, let alone be there and be threatened with federal jail time if they commit perjury.
Secondly, I found humorous seeing Clemens meeting individually with Congressmen and women who would be asking the questions. I actually saw him sign autographs in one news clip.
The politician will remind you this is not a trial. It doesn't matter. This is serious business with people's lives and reputations at stake. Try to stay somewhat neutral, please.
If I were the trainer’s attorneys, I would be screaming foul to the heavens right now. Perhaps when some of these politicians get done throwing softball questions at Roger, they’ll ask him to come over to the house and teach their little-leaguers how he grips that nasty sinker of his.
I may be biased, but Clemens looks simply like an arrogant athlete who figures he can do and say as he pleases and get away with it.
Deadline Looms
We stated months ago we were on the Danny Ferry Watch – expecting him to make a significant acquisition to help 23 prior to the playoff run. Don’t think we are going to let him off the hook like everyone else just because they have injuries to deal with.
That’s too bad.
He’s had several years to improve the roster and the end-result is 23 – courtesy of a ping pong ball landing the team’s way, and only two other marketable players – B. Gibson and Andy V. - both on the DL.
You’ve got one week Danny. Get to work. The world is finally on you to improve the roster while we have been riding that horse for years. And we ain't gettin off!
Larry Hughes
Hughes went off the other night with a 40+ night and led the Cavaliers to a quality road win. Good. He gets paid a lot of money to play well. What I would rather see is Hughes average 16-18 a night and play excellent defense - what they are paying him all that money to do.
Going off for 40+ one night and letting Manu G. torch you the next night doesn't impress me. It's always been about consistency or the lack there of. Let's hope Ferry can unload Hughes' contract and get quality in return prior to the deadline.
For me, it's not so much he hasn't lived up to expectations. It's that he's whined about it - quietly blaming the offense he's in, the fact that he's out of position, not getting to do what he wants with the ball, etc... etc...
One time, I would like to have an underachieving pro athlete, who got a big payday, simply admit he hasn't performed as expected.
Maybe in the next lifetime.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Super Bowl & More
Super Bowl 42
Others will have much more to say, but I have just two observations after watching the Giants upset the Patriots today.
First, hats off to the Giants’ defensive front seven, who pressured Tom Brady from start to nearly finish. They ran out of gas on the Pats’ apparent game-winning drive that resulted in a Randy Moss touchdown reception.
Fortunately for the Big Apple, the Giants’ offense found a way to answer. It might have been the ugliest 83 yard touchdown drive I have ever seen – but it counts nonetheless.
Congratulations to both the Giants, and ’72 Dolphins, who can still claim the title of the NFL’s greatest team. Until someone goes 19-0, you can’t argue with perfection.
Secondly, let me be the first to point out how classless many Patriots were – led by their head coach of course – for heading to the locker room with 0:01 left on the clock and not waiting around to shake a few hands.
Am I the only one to notice this?
It reminded me of the Detroit Pistons, who left the floor in the final seconds when they were finally dethroned as Eastern Conference Champions, by a guy named Jordan and company back in the early 90s.
Yes, I know Bill shook the opposing coach’s hand, but he could have hung around a bit longer and shook a few more hands before making his exit. You see college kids even line-up and do it, why not expect a little more from adults?
Spy Gate
Hey, do you think Roger Goodell will burn the tape of Super Bowl 42 so the Patriots don’t use it next year for advantage purposes?
That was the most lame excuse I ever heard when the commissioner of the NFL gave that ridiculous reasoning when answering why he burned the six tapes and notes the Pats turned in after Spy Gate broke.
The man must think the general public’s intelligence level borders on the retarded.
We complained loudly when the league investigated, came to a conclusion and passed judgment in JUST one week’s time when this story first broke. It smelled of COVER UP up then, and stinks even worse now.
Thanks to Congress, and specifically my new favorite politician, Arlen Spectre of Pennsylvania, the league will not be able to sweep Spy Gate under the rug after all. My guess is that he (Spectre) is an Eagles’ fan and wants to know if the Pats cheated when they beat his Eagles in one of their previous meetings.
Regardless of the reason, the story is still alive. Good.
Major League Baseball didn’t take the steroids issue seriously until Congress stepped in. The same can be said for the NFL on this matter– who doesn’t want its anti-trust status touched either.
Why did the NFL brass want this story behind them? Simple. The Patriots are the team of the decade - the league's current flagship franchise. If their reputation is tarnished, the league is tarnished. Get it?
However, if the cheating was widespread – we need to know. The league’s integrity and the holy grail of competitive sports – the concept of an even playing field - is also at stake.
Finally, if it is discovered Goodell was pass protecting for the Pats, he should be fired and perhaps even prosecuted, depending on how negligent he was. That’s right –prosecuted.
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. If there is much more to this story than just six tapes and some notes, the commissioner didn’t just drop the ball – he tried burning it, and pleading ignorance won’t do. We are smarter than that Roger.
For Goodell and the league’s sake, I hope this is all there is.
Politics
Speaking of politics, we have some advice for right-wing Republicans who are having trouble wrapping their minds around the fact that John McCain will be their party’s nominee in the general election next fall.
Ronald Reagan is not coming back to life and lead the Republican party. So stop whining and get on board.
Yes, McCain doesn’t reflect the conservative position on immigration, he opposed the Bush tax cuts, and he sided with democrats on campaign financing reform. And there’s more. I know. I know.
And he has a temper too. So what? You’d have a temper if you spent nearly six years being tortured by the North Vietnamese.
I never said he was perfect. But the guy is genuine and Americans seem to want that this time around - someone who tells it straight regardless of the political consequences.
My response to the right-wing of the party is simple – if you don’t support McCain and decide to sit this election out, you’ll likely get either Clinton or Obama in the White House in charge of fighting Islamic Fascism and choosing perhaps as many as three new Supreme Court justices.
Is that what you really want?
Others will have much more to say, but I have just two observations after watching the Giants upset the Patriots today.
First, hats off to the Giants’ defensive front seven, who pressured Tom Brady from start to nearly finish. They ran out of gas on the Pats’ apparent game-winning drive that resulted in a Randy Moss touchdown reception.
Fortunately for the Big Apple, the Giants’ offense found a way to answer. It might have been the ugliest 83 yard touchdown drive I have ever seen – but it counts nonetheless.
Congratulations to both the Giants, and ’72 Dolphins, who can still claim the title of the NFL’s greatest team. Until someone goes 19-0, you can’t argue with perfection.
Secondly, let me be the first to point out how classless many Patriots were – led by their head coach of course – for heading to the locker room with 0:01 left on the clock and not waiting around to shake a few hands.
Am I the only one to notice this?
It reminded me of the Detroit Pistons, who left the floor in the final seconds when they were finally dethroned as Eastern Conference Champions, by a guy named Jordan and company back in the early 90s.
Yes, I know Bill shook the opposing coach’s hand, but he could have hung around a bit longer and shook a few more hands before making his exit. You see college kids even line-up and do it, why not expect a little more from adults?
Spy Gate
Hey, do you think Roger Goodell will burn the tape of Super Bowl 42 so the Patriots don’t use it next year for advantage purposes?
That was the most lame excuse I ever heard when the commissioner of the NFL gave that ridiculous reasoning when answering why he burned the six tapes and notes the Pats turned in after Spy Gate broke.
The man must think the general public’s intelligence level borders on the retarded.
We complained loudly when the league investigated, came to a conclusion and passed judgment in JUST one week’s time when this story first broke. It smelled of COVER UP up then, and stinks even worse now.
Thanks to Congress, and specifically my new favorite politician, Arlen Spectre of Pennsylvania, the league will not be able to sweep Spy Gate under the rug after all. My guess is that he (Spectre) is an Eagles’ fan and wants to know if the Pats cheated when they beat his Eagles in one of their previous meetings.
Regardless of the reason, the story is still alive. Good.
Major League Baseball didn’t take the steroids issue seriously until Congress stepped in. The same can be said for the NFL on this matter– who doesn’t want its anti-trust status touched either.
Why did the NFL brass want this story behind them? Simple. The Patriots are the team of the decade - the league's current flagship franchise. If their reputation is tarnished, the league is tarnished. Get it?
However, if the cheating was widespread – we need to know. The league’s integrity and the holy grail of competitive sports – the concept of an even playing field - is also at stake.
Finally, if it is discovered Goodell was pass protecting for the Pats, he should be fired and perhaps even prosecuted, depending on how negligent he was. That’s right –prosecuted.
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. If there is much more to this story than just six tapes and some notes, the commissioner didn’t just drop the ball – he tried burning it, and pleading ignorance won’t do. We are smarter than that Roger.
For Goodell and the league’s sake, I hope this is all there is.
Politics
Speaking of politics, we have some advice for right-wing Republicans who are having trouble wrapping their minds around the fact that John McCain will be their party’s nominee in the general election next fall.
Ronald Reagan is not coming back to life and lead the Republican party. So stop whining and get on board.
Yes, McCain doesn’t reflect the conservative position on immigration, he opposed the Bush tax cuts, and he sided with democrats on campaign financing reform. And there’s more. I know. I know.
And he has a temper too. So what? You’d have a temper if you spent nearly six years being tortured by the North Vietnamese.
I never said he was perfect. But the guy is genuine and Americans seem to want that this time around - someone who tells it straight regardless of the political consequences.
My response to the right-wing of the party is simple – if you don’t support McCain and decide to sit this election out, you’ll likely get either Clinton or Obama in the White House in charge of fighting Islamic Fascism and choosing perhaps as many as three new Supreme Court justices.
Is that what you really want?
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