Sporting News staff reports
Umpire Joe West told the Bergen Record that the pace of the season-opening series between the Red Sox and Yankees, of which he was the crew chief, was "a disgrace to baseball."
West added: "They’re the two clubs that don’t try to pick up the pace. They’re two of the best teams in baseball. Why are they playing the slowest? It’s pathetic and embarrassing. They take too long to play."
The Boston Globe noted the game times in that series were 3:46, 3:48 and 3:21.
According to The Boston Globe, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire joined in the Red Sox and Yankees bashing when speaking to reporters in Anaheim on Thursday.
"There’s a lot that goes on in New York and Boston," Gardenhire said. "It’s showtime, and they get away with things that other people don’t, and if you want to change the game, you have to start with those guys. We all know that. "We move our games along pretty good, and it’s pretty hard to tell some of those guys, ‘Let’s go, get in the box.’ They just look at you like, ‘Why? I haven’t heard the second verse to my song yet.’ That’s just the way it is."
Sporting News staff reports
Umpire Joe West told the Bergen Record that the pace of the season-opening series between the Red Sox and Yankees, of which he was the crew chief, was "a disgrace to baseball."
West added: "They’re the two clubs that don’t try to pick up the pace. They’re two of the best teams in baseball. Why are they playing the slowest? It’s pathetic and embarrassing. They take too long to play."
The Boston Globe noted the game times in that series were 3:46, 3:48 and 3:21.
According to The Boston Globe, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire joined in the Red Sox and Yankees bashing when speaking to reporters in Anaheim on Thursday.
"There’s a lot that goes on in New York and Boston," Gardenhire said. "It’s showtime, and they get away with things that other people don’t, and if you want to change the game, you have to start with those guys. We all know that. "We move our games along pretty good, and it’s pretty hard to tell some of those guys, ‘Let’s go, get in the box.’ They just look at you like, ‘Why? I haven’t heard the second verse to my song yet.’ That’s just the way it is."
In a wide-ranging conversation, Pete Rose spoke with Dan Barreiro on KFAN in Minneapolis about differences between baseball players today and those from his playing days, and, of course, the scandal that led to Rose’s banishment from baseball. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
In a recent interview, Pete Rose wondered why he hasn’t been forgiven by the Commissioner of Baseball.
What does Rose think about players who hang on to their careers too long?
Rose: I think, more or less, guys in my time stuck around a little longer. Let me tell you why. It’s because today, if you’re a Willie Mays type player – and there’s some pretty good players out there – when they get to the end of their career at 37, 38 years old, they’re going to have $100 million in the bank. Okay? Willie, when he played – Hank, when he played – we didn’t have $100 million in the bank.
So, to stay around for that extra 1 or 2 years, to go to another team and make that extra money, that’s probably why most of us did it. So, you know, a lot things would be easier when you’re making $16 million a year and you sign a 10-year contract. And that’s the type of players we’re talking about.
Wouldn’t you like to be in Joe Mauer’s shoes? And he may go down – and I’m predicting this and I played with Johnny Bench – Joe’s going to go down as the best hitting catcher in the history of baseball when it’s all over. I mean, he’s already won two or three batting titles. Do you know how hard it is to win a batting title? And it’s even harder if you’re a catcher.
Is Rose ultimately to blame for making the All Star Game mean less, because he bowled over Ray Fosse in 1970?
Rose: I never took an exhibition game as going through the motions when people pay good money to see you play. Now, I played the same in the All Star Game, and if you watch that replay, Dan, I actually started to slide head first because Ray Fosse had that plate blocked, and I went over him and tagged the plate with my hand. Okay?
But what people won’t say about that controversial play is I missed the next three games of the season and he didn’t miss any. And he went on to have a better second half than he did a first half. But everybody said I ruined his career.
I mean, there’s 53,000 people in Cincinnati, my hometown, watching that game and I always thought – maybe I’m wrong, but I’m going to preach this ’till the day I die – I’m playing the game to win. That’s my goal. If I’ve got a uniform on and people are paying to see me play, I’m going to give everything I’ve got to try to win the game. I don’t care if it’s a spring training game, if it’s an exhibition game, if it’s an intrasquad game, I’m going to try to win the game. That’s just the way you have to do it, and if you don’t that way, you’re going to be a loser.
Now, why did I play that way in an All Star Game? Well, I played 17 of them and we won 16 of them, and I think it’s partly being around Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron, and those guys early in my career when I’d just become an All Star. It was like an honor to be an All Star in the National League and that’s the way we looked at it. I mean, I can’t imagine Willie Mays getting on a plane from San Francisco to Pittsburgh, or New York, to play in an All Star game to get one at bat and then fly. I mean, he’d want four at bats. We all did.
Does he think the steroids era has made his transgressions seem more palatable to the public?
Rose: You’re probably right in the eyes of the people, but I don’t think you’re so right in the eyes of the commissioner. I’m just one guy, and regardless of what side you’re on, or what you think I did, or how bad you think it was, or whatever, it was wrong, no question about it.
But I had nothing to do with altering the statistics of the game of baseball. As you know, as I can tell from hearing you talk, baseball’s statistics are sacred.
Now, to answer your question about steroids, wouldn’t you like to ask Roger Maris how he feels about steroids? Or Babe Ruth how he feels about steroids? Or Hank Aaron, you could probably ask how he feels about steroids. Because those guys all lost records because of people who supposedly took steroids. So that’s a different deal right there. But I didn’t alter any statistics of baseball.
What did I do? I’ll tell you exactly what I did. I bet on my team to win every night. I mean, my players were like my sons. I had so much confidence in them. I was wrong, but I didn’t bet on them four times a week, or five times. I bet on them every night. Okay? That’s the way I did it, and I was wrong, and I paid the price. But unlike me, it seems like most other guys, or a lot of other guys who do this, or do that, or do this, they’ve all gotten second chances.
I’d have been better off to be a drug addict, or a spousal beater, or an alcoholic. If I’d been one of those three, they probably would have paid for my rehab and I’d still be managing a baseball team. That’s the sad thing about my case.
Has Rose allowed himself to think about what it would be like if he were to be elected to the Hall of Fame?
Rose: No. I don’t think about that moment at all. Listen, I go to ball games just like everybody else. I get texts from players every day, asking my advice on how to hit a baseball and how to approach the game of baseball. So it’s not like I’m not around the game of baseball. I’m just not allowed to work in baseball. Okay? That don’t mean I don’t help this player, or that player, or this player.
I mean, a couple months ago, I went out with Joe Mauer right here in Las Vegas. We went to the 9 Steakhouse and talked about hitting for 45 minutes. I do that all the time. Whether baseball wants it or not, my name is synonymous with the game of baseball. As long as I’ve got that "Hit King" in front of my name, people are going to look at me as a player who did special things.
What would he say to those who are wary of trusting Rose, since he denied allegations against him for many years before finally coming clean?
Rose: You have no idea what I would have said if I was called into baseball’s office in 1991 or 1992, because I was never given the opportunity. The first time I was able to have a meeting with the commissioner I spilled my guts. Okay? The first time. That’s how long it took those guys to answer my mail or my phone calls…
I’ve never seen a report that says I bet against my own team. Never. Ever!
More from SRI
Jimmy Rollins talks about trading Cliff Lee and the start of the baseball season
Stephen Curry discusses completing his first season in the NBA
In a wide-ranging conversation, Pete Rose spoke with Dan Barreiro on KFAN in Minneapolis about differences between baseball players today and those from his playing days, and, of course, the scandal that led to Rose’s banishment from baseball. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
In a recent interview, Pete Rose wondered why he hasn’t been forgiven by the Commissioner of Baseball.
What does Rose think about players who hang on to their careers too long?
Rose: I think, more or less, guys in my time stuck around a little longer. Let me tell you why. It’s because today, if you’re a Willie Mays type player – and there’s some pretty good players out there – when they get to the end of their career at 37, 38 years old, they’re going to have $100 million in the bank. Okay? Willie, when he played – Hank, when he played – we didn’t have $100 million in the bank.
So, to stay around for that extra 1 or 2 years, to go to another team and make that extra money, that’s probably why most of us did it. So, you know, a lot things would be easier when you’re making $16 million a year and you sign a 10-year contract. And that’s the type of players we’re talking about.
Wouldn’t you like to be in Joe Mauer’s shoes? And he may go down – and I’m predicting this and I played with Johnny Bench – Joe’s going to go down as the best hitting catcher in the history of baseball when it’s all over. I mean, he’s already won two or three batting titles. Do you know how hard it is to win a batting title? And it’s even harder if you’re a catcher.
Is Rose ultimately to blame for making the All Star Game mean less, because he bowled over Ray Fosse in 1970?
Rose: I never took an exhibition game as going through the motions when people pay good money to see you play. Now, I played the same in the All Star Game, and if you watch that replay, Dan, I actually started to slide head first because Ray Fosse had that plate blocked, and I went over him and tagged the plate with my hand. Okay?
But what people won’t say about that controversial play is I missed the next three games of the season and he didn’t miss any. And he went on to have a better second half than he did a first half. But everybody said I ruined his career.
I mean, there’s 53,000 people in Cincinnati, my hometown, watching that game and I always thought – maybe I’m wrong, but I’m going to preach this ’till the day I die – I’m playing the game to win. That’s my goal. If I’ve got a uniform on and people are paying to see me play, I’m going to give everything I’ve got to try to win the game. I don’t care if it’s a spring training game, if it’s an exhibition game, if it’s an intrasquad game, I’m going to try to win the game. That’s just the way you have to do it, and if you don’t that way, you’re going to be a loser.
Now, why did I play that way in an All Star Game? Well, I played 17 of them and we won 16 of them, and I think it’s partly being around Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron, and those guys early in my career when I’d just become an All Star. It was like an honor to be an All Star in the National League and that’s the way we looked at it. I mean, I can’t imagine Willie Mays getting on a plane from San Francisco to Pittsburgh, or New York, to play in an All Star game to get one at bat and then fly. I mean, he’d want four at bats. We all did.
Does he think the steroids era has made his transgressions seem more palatable to the public?
Rose: You’re probably right in the eyes of the people, but I don’t think you’re so right in the eyes of the commissioner. I’m just one guy, and regardless of what side you’re on, or what you think I did, or how bad you think it was, or whatever, it was wrong, no question about it.
But I had nothing to do with altering the statistics of the game of baseball. As you know, as I can tell from hearing you talk, baseball’s statistics are sacred.
Now, to answer your question about steroids, wouldn’t you like to ask Roger Maris how he feels about steroids? Or Babe Ruth how he feels about steroids? Or Hank Aaron, you could probably ask how he feels about steroids. Because those guys all lost records because of people who supposedly took steroids. So that’s a different deal right there. But I didn’t alter any statistics of baseball.
What did I do? I’ll tell you exactly what I did. I bet on my team to win every night. I mean, my players were like my sons. I had so much confidence in them. I was wrong, but I didn’t bet on them four times a week, or five times. I bet on them every night. Okay? That’s the way I did it, and I was wrong, and I paid the price. But unlike me, it seems like most other guys, or a lot of other guys who do this, or do that, or do this, they’ve all gotten second chances.
I’d have been better off to be a drug addict, or a spousal beater, or an alcoholic. If I’d been one of those three, they probably would have paid for my rehab and I’d still be managing a baseball team. That’s the sad thing about my case.
Has Rose allowed himself to think about what it would be like if he were to be elected to the Hall of Fame?
Rose: No. I don’t think about that moment at all. Listen, I go to ball games just like everybody else. I get texts from players every day, asking my advice on how to hit a baseball and how to approach the game of baseball. So it’s not like I’m not around the game of baseball. I’m just not allowed to work in baseball. Okay? That don’t mean I don’t help this player, or that player, or this player.
I mean, a couple months ago, I went out with Joe Mauer right here in Las Vegas. We went to the 9 Steakhouse and talked about hitting for 45 minutes. I do that all the time. Whether baseball wants it or not, my name is synonymous with the game of baseball. As long as I’ve got that "Hit King" in front of my name, people are going to look at me as a player who did special things.
What would he say to those who are wary of trusting Rose, since he denied allegations against him for many years before finally coming clean?
Rose: You have no idea what I would have said if I was called into baseball’s office in 1991 or 1992, because I was never given the opportunity. The first time I was able to have a meeting with the commissioner I spilled my guts. Okay? The first time. That’s how long it took those guys to answer my mail or my phone calls…
I’ve never seen a report that says I bet against my own team. Never. Ever!
More from SRI
Jimmy Rollins talks about trading Cliff Lee and the start of the baseball season
Stephen Curry discusses completing his first season in the NBA
Sporting News staff reports
Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is scheduled to make his 2010 major league debut Saturday, according to the New York Times.
Barring a setback in his final minor league rehab start today, Reyes will be activated from the disabled list before Saturday’s game and appear in his first regular season game with the Mets since May 20 of last season.
In 2009, Reyes was limited to 36 games by a hamstring injury that eventually required surgery. Then, a thyroid condition sidelined him in early March this year.
From 2005-08, Reyes averaged 114 runs, 65 stolen bases, 66 RBIs and 14 homers as the Mets’ leadoff man.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is scheduled to make his 2010 major league debut Saturday, according to the New York Times.
Barring a setback in his final minor league rehab start today, Reyes will be activated from the disabled list before Saturday’s game and appear in his first regular season game with the Mets since May 20 of last season.
In 2009, Reyes was limited to 36 games by a hamstring injury that eventually required surgery. Then, a thyroid condition sidelined him in early March this year.
From 2005-08, Reyes averaged 114 runs, 65 stolen bases, 66 RBIs and 14 homers as the Mets’ leadoff man.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
A new season, and a new start, for Dontrelle Willis.
D-Train back on track?
After posting a 3.22 ERA in 22 1/3 innings this spring, Tigers left-hander Dontrelle Willis was awarded the No. 5 starter job. In fact, Detroit dealt Nate Robertson, Willis’ chief competition for that role, to the Marlins late in spring training. But it remains to be seen if the Tigers’ confidence in Willis is wise. In two seasons with Detroit, Willis is 1-6 with an 8.27 ERA in 15 games (14 starts). He has pitched more in the minors — 5-7, 4.52 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) — than the majors since his trade from the Marlins to the Tigers. The D-Train will be on the mound tonight in Kansas City.
Speaking of Robertson …
Robertson was drafted by the Marlins in 1999 and posted an 11.88 ERA in six games (one start) with them in 2002, prior to being dealt to the Tigers. But he is back and will start tonight at Citi Field in the series finale against the Mets. Robertson will be opposed by Jon Niese, whose 6.52 ERA this spring actually was better than that of teammates Johan Santana (6.75), John Maine (7.88) and Oliver Perez (8.68). The last time the 23-year-old Niese was on a mound in a regular season game (Aug. 5, 2009), he crumbled to the ground after tearing his right hamstring from the bone.
The future is now
Braves fans have plenty of reasons to be excited this season, and two of them will be on the field tonight against the Cubs. On the mound will be 23-year-old right-hander Tommy Hanson, who finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2009 after posting a 2.89 ERA in 21 starts. In right field will be 20-year-old Jason Heyward, who could bash his way with this season’s NL Rookie of the Year honor.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
A new season, and a new start, for Dontrelle Willis.
D-Train back on track?
After posting a 3.22 ERA in 22 1/3 innings this spring, Tigers left-hander Dontrelle Willis was awarded the No. 5 starter job. In fact, Detroit dealt Nate Robertson, Willis’ chief competition for that role, to the Marlins late in spring training. But it remains to be seen if the Tigers’ confidence in Willis is wise. In two seasons with Detroit, Willis is 1-6 with an 8.27 ERA in 15 games (14 starts). He has pitched more in the minors — 5-7, 4.52 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) — than the majors since his trade from the Marlins to the Tigers. The D-Train will be on the mound tonight in Kansas City.
Speaking of Robertson …
Robertson was drafted by the Marlins in 1999 and posted an 11.88 ERA in six games (one start) with them in 2002, prior to being dealt to the Tigers. But he is back and will start tonight at Citi Field in the series finale against the Mets. Robertson will be opposed by Jon Niese, whose 6.52 ERA this spring actually was better than that of teammates Johan Santana (6.75), John Maine (7.88) and Oliver Perez (8.68). The last time the 23-year-old Niese was on a mound in a regular season game (Aug. 5, 2009), he crumbled to the ground after tearing his right hamstring from the bone.
The future is now
Braves fans have plenty of reasons to be excited this season, and two of them will be on the field tonight against the Cubs. On the mound will be 23-year-old right-hander Tommy Hanson, who finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2009 after posting a 2.89 ERA in 21 starts. In right field will be 20-year-old Jason Heyward, who could bash his way with this season’s NL Rookie of the Year honor.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite their much-publicized problems late last season, Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett and catcher Jorge Posada were on the same page during Tuesday’s start. Afterward, Burnett said he was ready to put the Posada issue to bed.
"This will be the last time I will answer this question. It was great, it was good. It was good to go out there and play ball," he told the New York Daily News.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite their much-publicized problems late last season, Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett and catcher Jorge Posada were on the same page during Tuesday’s start. Afterward, Burnett said he was ready to put the Posada issue to bed.
"This will be the last time I will answer this question. It was great, it was good. It was good to go out there and play ball," he told the New York Daily News.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Jake Peavy’s focus is on being as dominant as he was last September.
Tough act to follow
Usually accustomed to pitching opening day, White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy took a back seat to Mark Buehrle this season. And it will be nearly impossible to top the performance Buehrle turned in Monday. Not only did he toss seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win over the Indians, Buehrle made what likely will turn out to be the best defensive play by a pitcher all season with his between-the-legs scoop to first baseman Paul Konerko. Although an acrobatic display would be nice, Peavy’s focus will be on beginning 2010 the way he ended 2009 (3-0, 1.35 ERA in three starts for the White Sox).
Ace no longer waiting
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Dodgers opted to start Vicente Padilla on opening day, rather than left-hander Clayton Kershaw. And Padilla’s performance against the Pirates on Monday (seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings), did little to silence the naysayers. This evening, however, Kershaw, who led Los Angeles’ rotation with a 2.79 ERA last season, will be on the mound in Pittsburgh. The Pirates are only 81 wins away from their first non-losing season since 1992, thanks in part to two opening day homers from outfielder Garrett Jones. The left-handed hitting Jones batted just .208 against southpaws last season, though six of his 21 hits were homers.
Keep ’em in the yard
St. Louis scored eight of its 11 runs via the long ball Monday, going deep four times against Cincinnati pitchers in the season opener. Seeking to curb the Cardinals’ power, the Reds will turn to right-hander Johnny Cueto this evening. In three starts against St. Louis last season, Cueto posted a 1.76 ERA with no homers allowed. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, its hitters also will face a challenge against 19-game winner Adam Wainwright.
This story appears in the April 7 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Jake Peavy’s focus is on being as dominant as he was last September.
Tough act to follow
Usually accustomed to pitching opening day, White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy took a back seat to Mark Buehrle this season. And it will be nearly impossible to top the performance Buehrle turned in Monday. Not only did he toss seven shutout innings in a 6-0 win over the Indians, Buehrle made what likely will turn out to be the best defensive play by a pitcher all season with his between-the-legs scoop to first baseman Paul Konerko. Although an acrobatic display would be nice, Peavy’s focus will be on beginning 2010 the way he ended 2009 (3-0, 1.35 ERA in three starts for the White Sox).
Ace no longer waiting
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Dodgers opted to start Vicente Padilla on opening day, rather than left-hander Clayton Kershaw. And Padilla’s performance against the Pirates on Monday (seven earned runs in 4 1/3 innings), did little to silence the naysayers. This evening, however, Kershaw, who led Los Angeles’ rotation with a 2.79 ERA last season, will be on the mound in Pittsburgh. The Pirates are only 81 wins away from their first non-losing season since 1992, thanks in part to two opening day homers from outfielder Garrett Jones. The left-handed hitting Jones batted just .208 against southpaws last season, though six of his 21 hits were homers.
Keep ’em in the yard
St. Louis scored eight of its 11 runs via the long ball Monday, going deep four times against Cincinnati pitchers in the season opener. Seeking to curb the Cardinals’ power, the Reds will turn to right-hander Johnny Cueto this evening. In three starts against St. Louis last season, Cueto posted a 1.76 ERA with no homers allowed. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, its hitters also will face a challenge against 19-game winner Adam Wainwright.
This story appears in the April 7 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The baseball season is exactly three days old, and already Red Sox DH David Ortiz is sparring with the Boston media.
Big Papi unleashed a profanity-laced rant being asked about his "rough start." He went 0-for-4 against the Yankees on Tuesday and is hitless in his first seven at-bats.
"(Bleep) happens. Then you guys talk (bleep)," Ortiz told reporters, as reported by the Boston Herald. "Two (bleeping) games already. (Bleepers) are going crazy. What’s up with that, man? (Bleep). There’s (bleeping) 160 games left. Y’all (bleepers) go ahead and hit for me."
Sporting News staff reports
The baseball season is exactly three days old, and already Red Sox DH David Ortiz is sparring with the Boston media.
Big Papi unleashed a profanity-laced rant being asked about his "rough start." He went 0-for-4 against the Yankees on Tuesday and is hitless in his first seven at-bats.
"(Bleep) happens. Then you guys talk (bleep)," Ortiz told reporters, as reported by the Boston Herald. "Two (bleeping) games already. (Bleepers) are going crazy. What’s up with that, man? (Bleep). There’s (bleeping) 160 games left. Y’all (bleepers) go ahead and hit for me."
In Monday’s USA Today, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio bemoaned his low-budget team’s struggles in signing Prince Fielder while the Yankees were spending more than twice as much on salaries.
"We’re struggling to sign (Fielder)," Attanasio told the paper, "and the Yankees infield is making more than our team."
Yankees president Randy Levine apparently didn’t take kindly to the comment. He offered a sharp response Tuesday, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
"I’m sorry that my friend Mark continues to whine about his running the Brewers," Levine told the web site. "We play by all the rules and there doesn’t seem to be any complaints when teams such as the Brewers receive hundreds of millions of dollars that they get from us in revenue sharing the last few years. Take some of that money that you get from us and use that to sign your players.
"The question that should be asked is: Where has the hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue sharing gone?"
The Brewers are expected to spend around $80 million on salaries this season, while the Yankees’ payroll is expected to be around $200 million, according to USA Today. New York infielders are slated to make $85.225 million this year.
While the Yankees’ payroll is about $44 million more than second-place Boston for 2010, the Brewers aren’t exactly paupers. They’re 18th in the majors in payroll entering the season, outspending the last-place Pirates by more than $45 million.
In Monday’s USA Today, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio bemoaned his low-budget team’s struggles in signing Prince Fielder while the Yankees were spending more than twice as much on salaries.
"We’re struggling to sign (Fielder)," Attanasio told the paper, "and the Yankees infield is making more than our team."
Yankees president Randy Levine apparently didn’t take kindly to the comment. He offered a sharp response Tuesday, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
"I’m sorry that my friend Mark continues to whine about his running the Brewers," Levine told the web site. "We play by all the rules and there doesn’t seem to be any complaints when teams such as the Brewers receive hundreds of millions of dollars that they get from us in revenue sharing the last few years. Take some of that money that you get from us and use that to sign your players.
"The question that should be asked is: Where has the hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue sharing gone?"
The Brewers are expected to spend around $80 million on salaries this season, while the Yankees’ payroll is expected to be around $200 million, according to USA Today. New York infielders are slated to make $85.225 million this year.
While the Yankees’ payroll is about $44 million more than second-place Boston for 2010, the Brewers aren’t exactly paupers. They’re 18th in the majors in payroll entering the season, outspending the last-place Pirates by more than $45 million.
For the past three years at the University of Florida, Riley Cooper has been a favorite target of Gator Nation’s favorite son, QB Tim Tebow. Cooper, working out in Gainesville, Fla., before the 2010 draft, talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer about his rare size/speed combination, his good rapport with Tebow and why he likes to stay outdoors when not playing football.
Riley Cooper says he’d return to his special teams roots to stick in the NFL.
Sporting News: You have pretty good speed to go along with your 6-3, 233-pound frame. How would describe the strengths of your game?
Riley Cooper: I think I’m fast, with my big body. A lot of my game is boxing out and being physical, which helps me against bump-and-run coverage. I am good at running to the ball.
SN: Does that make you suited for a particular style of offense?
RC: I can fit into any team’s system, really, every style of offense on the outside. I’m seen as an X- and Z-type receiver. I’m also used to getting a lot of work in the red zone, where I can go up and get the ball.
SN: Who are some of the receivers you’ve looked up to and tried to emulate?
RC: I’ve always liked other physical receivers, namely Brandon Marshall and Larry Fitzgerald. They’re right there at 230, 225 pounds. One guy I liked before injuries slowed him down was Michael Clayton of the Buccaneers. He knew how to play the game physically and had some great hands.
SN: How much do you think your dedication to special teams will help in the NFL?
RC: That’s how I got on the field early at Florida, running down on coverage, returning kicks as a freshman and sophomore. With a 53-man roster (in the NFL), I’ll work to make it, even if I’m not playing a lot of wide receiver at first.
SN: How does the experience of having being already drafted — in baseball — help you with the NFL’s pre-draft process?
RC: It definitely helps that I’ve had the chance to be drafted twice, once out of high school by the Phillies and more recently, the Rangers. The processes are a lot different. Baseball is quiet, not as much hands on. In football, there are lot of visits and workouts.
SN: How did you choose Florida after growing up in Oklahoma City?
RC: Honestly, I didn’t really watch much college football. I wanted to find the right style offense, then with coach (Urban) Meyer showing his interest, and told me that I could play on special teams and be a No. 3 or 4 wide receiver right away. I’m still close enough to home where my family never misses a game.
SN: How was it like being Tebow’s roommate?
RC: He has great trust in me, and we have a bond that you would expect that comes from being around each other almost 24-7 during football season. That trust really showed up on the field and how we worked together on pass routes. If I have a chance to compete with him on the same team in the NFL, it would be neat. Just having him as my quarterback and knowing him so well has been a good experience.
SN: What do you and Tebow offer an NFL team, beyond physical skills?
RC: We both have a great work ethic, and we both want to get on the field, even if we start on special teams or kick returns. We want to contribute in some way to help our team win every game.
SN: What did you learn from all that success at Florida?
RC: We were always prepared with a great game plan, and you wanted to compete hard in (Meyer’s) offense. When he recruits you, you come in with a winning attitude. I really hate losing. That’s why it’s hard in baseball — even when you’re among the best, you still fail seven out of 10 times. I can’t stand that feeling.
SN: What do you like to do off the field?
RC: I like to spend most of my time outdoors, hunting and fishing. I hate being inside and just watching TV. When I get a chance to relax, I love being on the beach.
SN: When you’re finished with football, what would like people to say about your career?
RC: I would like to be known as someone who is hard-working, loves the game, always going at 100 miles per hour and never takes a play off.
For the past three years at the University of Florida, Riley Cooper has been a favorite target of Gator Nation’s favorite son, QB Tim Tebow. Cooper, working out in Gainesville, Fla., before the 2010 draft, talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer about his rare size/speed combination, his good rapport with Tebow and why he likes to stay outdoors when not playing football.
Riley Cooper says he’d return to his special teams roots to stick in the NFL.
Sporting News: You have pretty good speed to go along with your 6-3, 233-pound frame. How would describe the strengths of your game?
Riley Cooper: I think I’m fast, with my big body. A lot of my game is boxing out and being physical, which helps me against bump-and-run coverage. I am good at running to the ball.
SN: Does that make you suited for a particular style of offense?
RC: I can fit into any team’s system, really, every style of offense on the outside. I’m seen as an X- and Z-type receiver. I’m also used to getting a lot of work in the red zone, where I can go up and get the ball.
SN: Who are some of the receivers you’ve looked up to and tried to emulate?
RC: I’ve always liked other physical receivers, namely Brandon Marshall and Larry Fitzgerald. They’re right there at 230, 225 pounds. One guy I liked before injuries slowed him down was Michael Clayton of the Buccaneers. He knew how to play the game physically and had some great hands.
SN: How much do you think your dedication to special teams will help in the NFL?
RC: That’s how I got on the field early at Florida, running down on coverage, returning kicks as a freshman and sophomore. With a 53-man roster (in the NFL), I’ll work to make it, even if I’m not playing a lot of wide receiver at first.
SN: How does the experience of having being already drafted — in baseball — help you with the NFL’s pre-draft process?
RC: It definitely helps that I’ve had the chance to be drafted twice, once out of high school by the Phillies and more recently, the Rangers. The processes are a lot different. Baseball is quiet, not as much hands on. In football, there are lot of visits and workouts.
SN: How did you choose Florida after growing up in Oklahoma City?
RC: Honestly, I didn’t really watch much college football. I wanted to find the right style offense, then with coach (Urban) Meyer showing his interest, and told me that I could play on special teams and be a No. 3 or 4 wide receiver right away. I’m still close enough to home where my family never misses a game.
SN: How was it like being Tebow’s roommate?
RC: He has great trust in me, and we have a bond that you would expect that comes from being around each other almost 24-7 during football season. That trust really showed up on the field and how we worked together on pass routes. If I have a chance to compete with him on the same team in the NFL, it would be neat. Just having him as my quarterback and knowing him so well has been a good experience.
SN: What do you and Tebow offer an NFL team, beyond physical skills?
RC: We both have a great work ethic, and we both want to get on the field, even if we start on special teams or kick returns. We want to contribute in some way to help our team win every game.
SN: What did you learn from all that success at Florida?
RC: We were always prepared with a great game plan, and you wanted to compete hard in (Meyer’s) offense. When he recruits you, you come in with a winning attitude. I really hate losing. That’s why it’s hard in baseball — even when you’re among the best, you still fail seven out of 10 times. I can’t stand that feeling.
SN: What do you like to do off the field?
RC: I like to spend most of my time outdoors, hunting and fishing. I hate being inside and just watching TV. When I get a chance to relax, I love being on the beach.
SN: When you’re finished with football, what would like people to say about your career?
RC: I would like to be known as someone who is hard-working, loves the game, always going at 100 miles per hour and never takes a play off.
On Easter Sunday, the NFL world was rocked by its first major trade of 2010. The Philadelphia Eagles traded quarterback Donovan McNabb to the rival Washington Redskins for a pair of draft picks.
Eagles coach Andy Reid joined Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio to talk about the trade and the Eagles’ future. To listen to Reid on Mike and Mike in the Morning, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid says trading Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins will work out for everyone involved.
Why did the Eagles trade McNabb?
Reid: I was sitting there with three quarterbacks in the last year of their contract. I sat back and listened to the different offers that came in. I thought that this was the best offer and the best situation for the Philadelphia Eagles and for Donovan.
Did Reid want to trade McNabb?
Reid: I have the final say on the whole thing there Mike, so yes. You know how this business goes. There is a business side and a personal side. I knew I was going to be in this situation. I didn’t know it would be Donovan that would be traded, but I knew I would be offered something and had to do something. It ended up being Donovan with a pretty good deal for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s also a good deal for Washington and it’s a good deal for Donovan. It’s a good situation for him.
What are Reid’s thoughts on trading with Washington, a divisional rival?
Reid: I didn’t concentrate as much on Washington as I did the Philadelphia Eagles. I have to do what I think is best for our football team. When you get into a negotiation, that’s the way you think. Do you take into consideration a bit that it’s Washington? OK, you might think about it a little bit. But number one, you are thinking about your football team and what you need to do to become even a better football team. That’s part of this business. I have heard you say that several times. That’s part of the game.
We’re trying to make ourselves better. We felt this is the best way to do it and we pulled the trigger there. This was the best deal for all parties.
What was it like telling McNabb about the trade?
Reid: It was tough. That’s not an easy thing to do. When you have been together for eleven years, you develop this bond. That’s how it is.
Is it an emotional thing? Yeah, it’s an emotional thing. But you move on. I know he is going to have success – hopefully not for two games during the year – but I know he is going to have success. And I know we are going to have success.
It’s going to work out, I believe, fine. I am not good at predicting the future, but it will work out fine. And life moves on. That’s how both of us kind of looked at it.
What does Reid expect from quarterback Kevin Kolb in 2010?
Reid: Obviously, we have confidence in Kevin to be able to do what we did here. We also have confidence in Michael Vick. We still have a tremendous situation at that position.
The thing that we have seen in Kevin is leadership. He is a smart kid. Not that it matters, but he is a coach’s kid and grew up around the sport. He’s got a nice control of the offense. He has good enough arm strength and he is a good enough athlete to make this thing work. And he was able to be tutored by Donovan. He got to see how it’s done and done right. That has helped his maturation process move forward here.
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On Easter Sunday, the NFL world was rocked by its first major trade of 2010. The Philadelphia Eagles traded quarterback Donovan McNabb to the rival Washington Redskins for a pair of draft picks.
Eagles coach Andy Reid joined Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio to talk about the trade and the Eagles’ future. To listen to Reid on Mike and Mike in the Morning, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid says trading Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins will work out for everyone involved.
Why did the Eagles trade McNabb?
Reid: I was sitting there with three quarterbacks in the last year of their contract. I sat back and listened to the different offers that came in. I thought that this was the best offer and the best situation for the Philadelphia Eagles and for Donovan.
Did Reid want to trade McNabb?
Reid: I have the final say on the whole thing there Mike, so yes. You know how this business goes. There is a business side and a personal side. I knew I was going to be in this situation. I didn’t know it would be Donovan that would be traded, but I knew I would be offered something and had to do something. It ended up being Donovan with a pretty good deal for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s also a good deal for Washington and it’s a good deal for Donovan. It’s a good situation for him.
What are Reid’s thoughts on trading with Washington, a divisional rival?
Reid: I didn’t concentrate as much on Washington as I did the Philadelphia Eagles. I have to do what I think is best for our football team. When you get into a negotiation, that’s the way you think. Do you take into consideration a bit that it’s Washington? OK, you might think about it a little bit. But number one, you are thinking about your football team and what you need to do to become even a better football team. That’s part of this business. I have heard you say that several times. That’s part of the game.
We’re trying to make ourselves better. We felt this is the best way to do it and we pulled the trigger there. This was the best deal for all parties.
What was it like telling McNabb about the trade?
Reid: It was tough. That’s not an easy thing to do. When you have been together for eleven years, you develop this bond. That’s how it is.
Is it an emotional thing? Yeah, it’s an emotional thing. But you move on. I know he is going to have success – hopefully not for two games during the year – but I know he is going to have success. And I know we are going to have success.
It’s going to work out, I believe, fine. I am not good at predicting the future, but it will work out fine. And life moves on. That’s how both of us kind of looked at it.
What does Reid expect from quarterback Kevin Kolb in 2010?
Reid: Obviously, we have confidence in Kevin to be able to do what we did here. We also have confidence in Michael Vick. We still have a tremendous situation at that position.
The thing that we have seen in Kevin is leadership. He is a smart kid. Not that it matters, but he is a coach’s kid and grew up around the sport. He’s got a nice control of the offense. He has good enough arm strength and he is a good enough athlete to make this thing work. And he was able to be tutored by Donovan. He got to see how it’s done and done right. That has helped his maturation process move forward here.
More from SRI
Stewart Cink says Tiger is the favorite at the Masters
Mark Teixeira talks about chasing the Yankees’ 28th World Series championship
