Last season, the Dallas Cowboys exorcised some demons. They delivered in December. They won the NFC East. Coach Wade Phillips and quarterback Tony Romo each got their first playoff win.
Can Tony Romo end his December funk and get the Cowboys to Super Bowl 45?
However, as the Cowboys begin training camp Saturday, unfinished business remains. Their goal is to reach Super Bowl 45 and to become the first team to play a Super Bowl on its home field. Anything less will be a disappointment.
"You have about 10 elite teams and Dallas is one of them, but Dallas has more of an incentive," former Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones said. "What else do you need to motivate you when it’s going to be in your backyard? I know it would motivate me. I would say, ‘Nobody is coming into my hometown and representing in the Super Bowl other than us."
Three questions that will help determine whether the Cowboys jump from contenders to champions:
1. Do the Cowboys have a left tackle liability?
The Cowboys gambled by releasing five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams in the offseason. Fourth-year player Doug Free is No. 1 on the depth chart and is backed up by Alex Barron, a ’05 first-round pick of the Rams.
Romo, however, was pummeled by the Vikings during the playoffs and shaky blindside protection could blow up any Super Bowl plans.
"Flozell is a great guy, a great offensive lineman and we’re gonna miss him," Cowboys running back Felix Jones said. "We have Doug Free; I think he’s going to do a great job."
When asked what could keep the Cowboys from winning the Super Bowl, former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon did not hesitate.
"The big concern I have right now with the Cowboys is the left tackle situation," said Gannon, now an analyst for CBS and SIRIUS radio. "But if Free and Barron can solidify that spot, you’re looking at a very good team.
"Offensively, they’re very balanced between the run and the pass. Romo took big strides last year. There was so much being leveled at them — they couldn’t win in December, they couldn’t win in the playoffs. They did it last year. They took care of the Saints late in the year. They destroyed Philadelphia in back-to-back games. They just have to build on that."
2. Can Phillips guide a team through the playoff minefield?
That question will be asked until Phillips does it successfully. His career record is an impressive 81-54 during the regular season but a poor 1-5 in the playoffs.
"I think they can win with him," "Too Tall" Jones said. "I’d give any coach 3-5 years to put his system in. That’s how long he’s been there, so now it’s time for him to win."
3. Does Romo have even more upside?
Romo is coming off his best season — 26 touchdowns, nine interceptions — but to reach the Super Bowl, he might have to play even better.
"Just nine interceptions was really impressive," Gannon said. "But every year, you want to improve."
"Every year I’ve been with the Cowboys it’s been like, ‘We’re gonna win the Super Bowl, we’re gonna win the Super Bowl,’ " he said. "One day at a time, and we’ll focus on that when the time comes."
Staff writer Ryan Fagan contributed to this article. Email him and Clifton Brown at rfagan@sportingnews.com and cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com
Last season, the Dallas Cowboys exorcised some demons. They delivered in December. They won the NFC East. Coach Wade Phillips and quarterback Tony Romo each got their first playoff win.
Can Tony Romo end his December funk and get the Cowboys to Super Bowl 45?
However, as the Cowboys begin training camp Saturday, unfinished business remains. Their goal is to reach Super Bowl 45 and to become the first team to play a Super Bowl on its home field. Anything less will be a disappointment.
"You have about 10 elite teams and Dallas is one of them, but Dallas has more of an incentive," former Cowboys defensive end Ed "Too Tall" Jones said. "What else do you need to motivate you when it’s going to be in your backyard? I know it would motivate me. I would say, ‘Nobody is coming into my hometown and representing in the Super Bowl other than us."
Three questions that will help determine whether the Cowboys jump from contenders to champions:
1. Do the Cowboys have a left tackle liability?
The Cowboys gambled by releasing five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams in the offseason. Fourth-year player Doug Free is No. 1 on the depth chart and is backed up by Alex Barron, a ’05 first-round pick of the Rams.
Romo, however, was pummeled by the Vikings during the playoffs and shaky blindside protection could blow up any Super Bowl plans.
"Flozell is a great guy, a great offensive lineman and we’re gonna miss him," Cowboys running back Felix Jones said. "We have Doug Free; I think he’s going to do a great job."
When asked what could keep the Cowboys from winning the Super Bowl, former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon did not hesitate.
"The big concern I have right now with the Cowboys is the left tackle situation," said Gannon, now an analyst for CBS and SIRIUS radio. "But if Free and Barron can solidify that spot, you’re looking at a very good team.
"Offensively, they’re very balanced between the run and the pass. Romo took big strides last year. There was so much being leveled at them — they couldn’t win in December, they couldn’t win in the playoffs. They did it last year. They took care of the Saints late in the year. They destroyed Philadelphia in back-to-back games. They just have to build on that."
2. Can Phillips guide a team through the playoff minefield?
That question will be asked until Phillips does it successfully. His career record is an impressive 81-54 during the regular season but a poor 1-5 in the playoffs.
"I think they can win with him," "Too Tall" Jones said. "I’d give any coach 3-5 years to put his system in. That’s how long he’s been there, so now it’s time for him to win."
3. Does Romo have even more upside?
Romo is coming off his best season — 26 touchdowns, nine interceptions — but to reach the Super Bowl, he might have to play even better.
"Just nine interceptions was really impressive," Gannon said. "But every year, you want to improve."
"Every year I’ve been with the Cowboys it’s been like, ‘We’re gonna win the Super Bowl, we’re gonna win the Super Bowl,’ " he said. "One day at a time, and we’ll focus on that when the time comes."
Staff writer Ryan Fagan contributed to this article. Email him and Clifton Brown at rfagan@sportingnews.com and cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com
The Cardinals have the flexibility to add a front-line player such as Roy Oswalt, Cardinals president Bill DeWitt told Sporting News.
"I’m not getting into specifics, but I’ve said all along that we have flexibility," DeWitt said.
But he added, "just on that (Oswalt) subject, that’s highly speculative. There’s nothing imminent there at all. I’m not saying we wouldn’t. I don’t know how that word is floating around."
Taking on the remainder of Oswalt’s salary would require considerable flexibility. He is owed what is left of his $15 million salary this season plus $16 million in 2011. And he has a $16 million option for 2012 that he reportedly wants picked up if he accepts a trade. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, however, Oswalt has indicated he might defer the option if traded to the Cardinals.
The Cardinals already are on the hook for several hefty salaries in 2012, including Matt Holliday at $17 million and Kyle Lohse at $11.875 million. They hold a $15 million option on Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright at $9 million (plus more with possible incentives).
Then, of course, there’s Albert Pujols. He will be a free agent after 2011 and figures to command close to $30 million a season.
If the Cardinals were to keep all four of those starting pitchers plus Holliday and Pujols in 2012, they would be paying more than $95 million for six players. The club has said it wants to maintain a payroll of $100 million.
Another consideration is whom the Cardinals would send the Astros. Houston is looking for a first baseman and starting pitcher who can play in the majors. The Cardinals lack proven first basemen behind Pujols, but they do have a top young pitcher in Jaime Garcia. Including him in an Oswalt deal, however, would not make sense because Garcia is 9-4 with a 2.21 ERA and remains under club control for five more years.
The Cardinals have the flexibility to add a front-line player such as Roy Oswalt, Cardinals president Bill DeWitt told Sporting News.
"I’m not getting into specifics, but I’ve said all along that we have flexibility," DeWitt said.
But he added, "just on that (Oswalt) subject, that’s highly speculative. There’s nothing imminent there at all. I’m not saying we wouldn’t. I don’t know how that word is floating around."
Taking on the remainder of Oswalt’s salary would require considerable flexibility. He is owed what is left of his $15 million salary this season plus $16 million in 2011. And he has a $16 million option for 2012 that he reportedly wants picked up if he accepts a trade. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, however, Oswalt has indicated he might defer the option if traded to the Cardinals.
The Cardinals already are on the hook for several hefty salaries in 2012, including Matt Holliday at $17 million and Kyle Lohse at $11.875 million. They hold a $15 million option on Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright at $9 million (plus more with possible incentives).
Then, of course, there’s Albert Pujols. He will be a free agent after 2011 and figures to command close to $30 million a season.
If the Cardinals were to keep all four of those starting pitchers plus Holliday and Pujols in 2012, they would be paying more than $95 million for six players. The club has said it wants to maintain a payroll of $100 million.
Another consideration is whom the Cardinals would send the Astros. Houston is looking for a first baseman and starting pitcher who can play in the majors. The Cardinals lack proven first basemen behind Pujols, but they do have a top young pitcher in Jaime Garcia. Including him in an Oswalt deal, however, would not make sense because Garcia is 9-4 with a 2.21 ERA and remains under club control for five more years.
Stan McNeal analyzes three hot topics in Major League Baseball:
Jaime Garcia is a leading candidate to win NL Rookie of the Year.
STRIKE 1: Garcia is the top rookie starter
If you haven’t been paying attention to Cardinals lefthander Jaime Garcia, it’s time to. For a number of reasons, including:
• If the NL rookie of the year vote were today, Garcia would be the deserved winner. He is 9-4 with a 2.21 ERA and a .234 batting average allowed — all easily the best of any rookie who has been up all season (and better than one who arrived later; Washington’s Stephen Strasburg is 5-2/2.32/.216).
• You might be able to do what scouts haven’t so far and identify exactly what type of pitcher he is. Garcia isn’t a soft-tossing lefty, but he isn’t a 95-mph fastball guy. "He’s a pitcher," said one scout who watched Garcia beat the Phillies with a seven-inning, one-run performance Wednesday night. "He’s got a good curve — not an (Adam) Wainwright curve but a good curve. Good fastball, and good changeup. I’ve seen him since high school and he’s always had the feel for pitching."
Garcia on his repertoire: "I started throwing a slider last year and I’ve worked a lot on my changeup. I’ve always had curveball and fastball. Now my sinker, slider and changeup are better."
He hesitates to use the slider in crunch time but none of the others.
• Unless the Cardinals trade for Roy Oswalt — don’t hold your breath — Garcia likely will remain their third-best starter. Considering he had Tommy John surgery less than two years ago and pitched only 37 2/3 innings in the minor leagues in 2009, you have to wonder how well he will hold up in August, September and, who knows, October.
Garcia already has made 19 starts and worked 110 innings. The Cardinals have not said — publicly, anyway — what his max will be, but they will continue to closely monitor his workload. He has pitched seven innings in only five starts and topped 100 pitches in six starts.
Manager Tony La Russa said Garcia’s next start will be pushed back next week to allow him a sixth day of rest (which, because of an off day, would keep Wainwright on regular rest).
The scout says that Garcia has a smooth enough delivery to work 200 innings this season. Of course, the scout would not have to take the hit if Garcia injured his arm in inning No. 201.
Said La Russa: "You watch his arm come through and he’s not out there like (Greg) Maddux but he’s together, and (his delivery) is not that taxing."
As La Russa was talking on the field at Busch Stadium, Garcia ran past on his morning-after jog of four laps around the field in 90-degree heat. "He’s a worker," La Russa said.
One more reason to pay attention to him.
STRIKE 2: Jimenez suddenly looks human
Rockies righthander Ubaldo Jimenez has let his chance to make history fade away. In four of his past five starts, he has allowed at least four earned runs. His once-minuscule ERA is up to 2.38, fourth-best in the NL.
Why the downturn? It isn’t a loss of his fastball. Jimenez regularly was hitting 98 mph Monday at Florida.
Jimenez’s biggest problem is not a new one for him, either. He has had the tendency to get away from his fastball and become too dependent on his secondary stuff. He’ll fall behind in the count and instead of using the fastball, he’ll want "to try to trick somebody," says manager Jim Tracy."
Sure enough, against the Marlins, Jimenez tried to fool outfielder Mike Stanton with a changeup — but he didn’t. The resulting three-run homer ended Jimenez’s night after 5 1/3 innings, his shortest start of the season.
Jimenez’s secondary pitches are so good that he can’t be blamed for wanting to throw them. He admits that having so many pitches — at least six that he’ll use most games — "can be a bad thing because you don’t know which pitch to use."
Expect him to figure it out.
David Eckstein’s numbers aren’t great, but the Padres play better with him in the lineup.
STRIKE 3: Padres must continue without their leader
David Eckstein, the starting shortstop for two World Series champions, might have been the most underrated player of the past decade.
Or not.
His .349 career on-base percentage as a leadoff hitter, his limited range and his four-finger throwing style never have overwhelmed scouts or statheads. But these are the numbers to watch after the Padres’ second baseman went on the disabled list with a calf injury Wednesday: 4-16 and 37-25.
The former was the Padres’ record when Eckstein was on the disabled list last July. The latter: Their record after his return, which was just a half-game off the Rockies’ league-best record during the stretch.
BONUS PITCH: Wishful thinking?
Tonight is Adrian Gonzalez bobblehead night at Class AAA Portland. That’s Portland, Maine, the home of the Red Sox’s Class AA affiliate and not Portland, Ore., home of the Padres’ Class AAA club. Perhaps the Sea Dogs were being optimistic in thinking that Gonzalez would be on the Red Sox by now? Not really. Gonzalez enjoyed a strong season in 2002 when he and the Sea Dogs were part of the Marlins’ organization.
Stan McNeal analyzes three hot topics in Major League Baseball:
Jaime Garcia is a leading candidate to win NL Rookie of the Year.
STRIKE 1: Garcia is the top rookie starter
If you haven’t been paying attention to Cardinals lefthander Jaime Garcia, it’s time to. For a number of reasons, including:
• If the NL rookie of the year vote were today, Garcia would be the deserved winner. He is 9-4 with a 2.21 ERA and a .234 batting average allowed — all easily the best of any rookie who has been up all season (and better than one who arrived later; Washington’s Stephen Strasburg is 5-2/2.32/.216).
• You might be able to do what scouts haven’t so far and identify exactly what type of pitcher he is. Garcia isn’t a soft-tossing lefty, but he isn’t a 95-mph fastball guy. "He’s a pitcher," said one scout who watched Garcia beat the Phillies with a seven-inning, one-run performance Wednesday night. "He’s got a good curve — not an (Adam) Wainwright curve but a good curve. Good fastball, and good changeup. I’ve seen him since high school and he’s always had the feel for pitching."
Garcia on his repertoire: "I started throwing a slider last year and I’ve worked a lot on my changeup. I’ve always had curveball and fastball. Now my sinker, slider and changeup are better."
He hesitates to use the slider in crunch time but none of the others.
• Unless the Cardinals trade for Roy Oswalt — don’t hold your breath — Garcia likely will remain their third-best starter. Considering he had Tommy John surgery less than two years ago and pitched only 37 2/3 innings in the minor leagues in 2009, you have to wonder how well he will hold up in August, September and, who knows, October.
Garcia already has made 19 starts and worked 110 innings. The Cardinals have not said — publicly, anyway — what his max will be, but they will continue to closely monitor his workload. He has pitched seven innings in only five starts and topped 100 pitches in six starts.
Manager Tony La Russa said Garcia’s next start will be pushed back next week to allow him a sixth day of rest (which, because of an off day, would keep Wainwright on regular rest).
The scout says that Garcia has a smooth enough delivery to work 200 innings this season. Of course, the scout would not have to take the hit if Garcia injured his arm in inning No. 201.
Said La Russa: "You watch his arm come through and he’s not out there like (Greg) Maddux but he’s together, and (his delivery) is not that taxing."
As La Russa was talking on the field at Busch Stadium, Garcia ran past on his morning-after jog of four laps around the field in 90-degree heat. "He’s a worker," La Russa said.
One more reason to pay attention to him.
STRIKE 2: Jimenez suddenly looks human
Rockies righthander Ubaldo Jimenez has let his chance to make history fade away. In four of his past five starts, he has allowed at least four earned runs. His once-minuscule ERA is up to 2.38, fourth-best in the NL.
Why the downturn? It isn’t a loss of his fastball. Jimenez regularly was hitting 98 mph Monday at Florida.
Jimenez’s biggest problem is not a new one for him, either. He has had the tendency to get away from his fastball and become too dependent on his secondary stuff. He’ll fall behind in the count and instead of using the fastball, he’ll want "to try to trick somebody," says manager Jim Tracy."
Sure enough, against the Marlins, Jimenez tried to fool outfielder Mike Stanton with a changeup — but he didn’t. The resulting three-run homer ended Jimenez’s night after 5 1/3 innings, his shortest start of the season.
Jimenez’s secondary pitches are so good that he can’t be blamed for wanting to throw them. He admits that having so many pitches — at least six that he’ll use most games — "can be a bad thing because you don’t know which pitch to use."
Expect him to figure it out.
David Eckstein’s numbers aren’t great, but the Padres play better with him in the lineup.
STRIKE 3: Padres must continue without their leader
David Eckstein, the starting shortstop for two World Series champions, might have been the most underrated player of the past decade.
Or not.
His .349 career on-base percentage as a leadoff hitter, his limited range and his four-finger throwing style never have overwhelmed scouts or statheads. But these are the numbers to watch after the Padres’ second baseman went on the disabled list with a calf injury Wednesday: 4-16 and 37-25.
The former was the Padres’ record when Eckstein was on the disabled list last July. The latter: Their record after his return, which was just a half-game off the Rockies’ league-best record during the stretch.
BONUS PITCH: Wishful thinking?
Tonight is Adrian Gonzalez bobblehead night at Class AAA Portland. That’s Portland, Maine, the home of the Red Sox’s Class AA affiliate and not Portland, Ore., home of the Padres’ Class AAA club. Perhaps the Sea Dogs were being optimistic in thinking that Gonzalez would be on the Red Sox by now? Not really. Gonzalez enjoyed a strong season in 2002 when he and the Sea Dogs were part of the Marlins’ organization.
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Chris Bahr discusses different possible trade scenarios as we approach the MLB non-waiver trade deadline.
Sporting News
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Chris Bahr discusses different possible trade scenarios as we approach the MLB non-waiver trade deadline.
In the pass-happy NFL, more teams than ever can feel confident about their starting quarterback. A combination of established elite performers and rising stars, however, make it difficult to rank the league’s quarterbacks for 2010.
That’s why Sporting News enlisted an NFL team’s director of pro personnel to rank the top 20 quarterbacks and then provide analysis.
The scout’s take:
1. Peyton Manning, Colts
He’s like a machine with everything he does. He’s the total package. It’s still pretty easy starting with him on top, considering his study habits, ability to make every throw and leadership skills.
2. Tom Brady, Patriots
He’s coming off a little bit of a down year, but his terrific mindset and focus should get him back on track. You must be a fan of his mindset and focus. His accuracy separates him from the quarterbacks below.
3. Drew Brees, Saints
For a guy of his size (6-0, 209), he gets the most out of himself and his teammates. He’s as competitive as anybody. Despite his stature, he still can find all his targets and make all the throws.
4. Carson Palmer, Bengals
Maybe it’s a bit of a surprise to have him this high, but he has the prototypical size, frame and arm strength and just guided his team into the playoffs last year. He also has come back strong from a major knee injury.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
He is blessed with a strong arm is a deceptively smooth athlete. He was brought along the right way; he was groomed and allowed to work through the flaws of most young quarterbacks. He is tough, absorbing a lot of sacks and still performing.
6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
He hangs in the pocket well and for having a big, statuesque frame has great mobility. When forced to move, he does a great job of improvising and making big throws on the run.
7. Matt Ryan, Falcons
Had a tremendous first year, and he struggled a bit in Year 2 but got through it. He is a smart and wise decision-maker who gets better because he puts in the work.
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys
Here’s another self-made guy in the Brady vein. He really has worked hard, and although the great team success hasn’t been quite there his personal growth has been impressive. His arm, mobility and improvisation stand out.
9. Philip Rivers, Chargers
Looking beyond the unorthodox delivery, his toughness and competitiveness fly off the page. He’s on the border between confident and cocky, and it’s an attribute his teammates love and opponents fear.
10. Donovan McNabb, Redskins
His skills are in a bit of a decline, but he still has a strong arm and enough mobility to spark Washington with some much needed big pass plays.
11. Jay Cutler, Bears
He is very talented with one of the strongest arms ever. He is a fearless gunslinger who works best when in a rhythm. He shows some mental toughness in not letting interceptions faze him.
12. Brett Favre, Vikings
Leadership attributes and arm strength are still there. He also has that uncanny knack of raising the play of teammates.
13. Eli Manning, Giants
He has shown the mental and physical makeup to ace New York’s system.
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
As his health goes, the Seattle offense goes. He remains a good rhythmic underneath passer with smarts and savvy decision-making.
15. Mark Sanchez, Jets
There is a confidence and a swagger that elevates his game. Getting a team to the playoffs and improving along the way was a boost to his mental toughness.
16. Matt Schaub, Texans
Here’s another big, strong, smart passer who has been in an ideal system since he was a sophomore in college.
17. Joe Flacco, Ravens
For a big guy, he has deceptive mobility. He works well in the pocket and shows a great feel for the downfield passing game.
18. Matthew Stafford, Lions
Expect much more in Year 2—his 400-yard game is a good indication. He has a knack for making the plays that win games, something Detroit desperately needs.
19. Matt Cassel, Chiefs
A smart passer, he will benefit greatly from being back in Charlie Weis’ system.
20. Chad Henne, Dolphins
He showed promise when getting the chance to start last year, especially in developing decisiveness. He has the strong arm and mobility Bill Parcells likes.
This story appears in July 22’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
In the pass-happy NFL, more teams than ever can feel confident about their starting quarterback. A combination of established elite performers and rising stars, however, make it difficult to rank the league’s quarterbacks for 2010.
That’s why Sporting News enlisted an NFL team’s director of pro personnel to rank the top 20 quarterbacks and then provide analysis.
The scout’s take:
1. Peyton Manning, Colts
He’s like a machine with everything he does. He’s the total package. It’s still pretty easy starting with him on top, considering his study habits, ability to make every throw and leadership skills.
2. Tom Brady, Patriots
He’s coming off a little bit of a down year, but his terrific mindset and focus should get him back on track. You must be a fan of his mindset and focus. His accuracy separates him from the quarterbacks below.
3. Drew Brees, Saints
For a guy of his size (6-0, 209), he gets the most out of himself and his teammates. He’s as competitive as anybody. Despite his stature, he still can find all his targets and make all the throws.
4. Carson Palmer, Bengals
Maybe it’s a bit of a surprise to have him this high, but he has the prototypical size, frame and arm strength and just guided his team into the playoffs last year. He also has come back strong from a major knee injury.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
He is blessed with a strong arm is a deceptively smooth athlete. He was brought along the right way; he was groomed and allowed to work through the flaws of most young quarterbacks. He is tough, absorbing a lot of sacks and still performing.
6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
He hangs in the pocket well and for having a big, statuesque frame has great mobility. When forced to move, he does a great job of improvising and making big throws on the run.
7. Matt Ryan, Falcons
Had a tremendous first year, and he struggled a bit in Year 2 but got through it. He is a smart and wise decision-maker who gets better because he puts in the work.
8. Tony Romo, Cowboys
Here’s another self-made guy in the Brady vein. He really has worked hard, and although the great team success hasn’t been quite there his personal growth has been impressive. His arm, mobility and improvisation stand out.
9. Philip Rivers, Chargers
Looking beyond the unorthodox delivery, his toughness and competitiveness fly off the page. He’s on the border between confident and cocky, and it’s an attribute his teammates love and opponents fear.
10. Donovan McNabb, Redskins
His skills are in a bit of a decline, but he still has a strong arm and enough mobility to spark Washington with some much needed big pass plays.
11. Jay Cutler, Bears
He is very talented with one of the strongest arms ever. He is a fearless gunslinger who works best when in a rhythm. He shows some mental toughness in not letting interceptions faze him.
12. Brett Favre, Vikings
Leadership attributes and arm strength are still there. He also has that uncanny knack of raising the play of teammates.
13. Eli Manning, Giants
He has shown the mental and physical makeup to ace New York’s system.
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
As his health goes, the Seattle offense goes. He remains a good rhythmic underneath passer with smarts and savvy decision-making.
15. Mark Sanchez, Jets
There is a confidence and a swagger that elevates his game. Getting a team to the playoffs and improving along the way was a boost to his mental toughness.
16. Matt Schaub, Texans
Here’s another big, strong, smart passer who has been in an ideal system since he was a sophomore in college.
17. Joe Flacco, Ravens
For a big guy, he has deceptive mobility. He works well in the pocket and shows a great feel for the downfield passing game.
18. Matthew Stafford, Lions
Expect much more in Year 2—his 400-yard game is a good indication. He has a knack for making the plays that win games, something Detroit desperately needs.
19. Matt Cassel, Chiefs
A smart passer, he will benefit greatly from being back in Charlie Weis’ system.
20. Chad Henne, Dolphins
He showed promise when getting the chance to start last year, especially in developing decisiveness. He has the strong arm and mobility Bill Parcells likes.
This story appears in July 22’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only digital sports daily, sign up today.
The Phillies need pitching help, but Pedro Martinez won’t be providing it.
Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, told ESPNDeportes.com on Wednesday the right-hander will sit out this season. Cuza added that Martinez has not decided to retire from baseball.
"After a meeting to discuss his immediate future, Pedro decided he wouldn’t pitch this year, in order to spend more time with his family in the Dominican Republic," the site quoted Cuza, who spoke in Spanish.
"This does not mean Pedro is announcing his retirement from baseball, because the possibility that he changes his opinion for next season still exists. But today, he asked that I call the teams that were interested to reveal his decision."
Cuza said recently that Martinez has yet to throw this year.
Martinez joined the Phillies midway through last season and went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts. He made two starts in the World Series against the Yankees and was the losing pitcher New York’s clinching Game 6 victory.
Philadelphia lost left-hander Jamie Moyer to an elbow injury Tuesday night, and it has yet to name its new fifth starter after demoting Kyle Kendrick to the minors. Reports Tuesday indicated the Phillies may be working to acquire Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt.
Sporting News staff reports
The Phillies need pitching help, but Pedro Martinez won’t be providing it.
Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, told ESPNDeportes.com on Wednesday the right-hander will sit out this season. Cuza added that Martinez has not decided to retire from baseball.
"After a meeting to discuss his immediate future, Pedro decided he wouldn’t pitch this year, in order to spend more time with his family in the Dominican Republic," the site quoted Cuza, who spoke in Spanish.
"This does not mean Pedro is announcing his retirement from baseball, because the possibility that he changes his opinion for next season still exists. But today, he asked that I call the teams that were interested to reveal his decision."
Cuza said recently that Martinez has yet to throw this year.
Martinez joined the Phillies midway through last season and went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts. He made two starts in the World Series against the Yankees and was the losing pitcher New York’s clinching Game 6 victory.
Philadelphia lost left-hander Jamie Moyer to an elbow injury Tuesday night, and it has yet to name its new fifth starter after demoting Kyle Kendrick to the minors. Reports Tuesday indicated the Phillies may be working to acquire Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt.
Astros owner Drayton McLane on Wednesday acknowledge the team is discussing trades involving right-hander Roy Oswalt, but he denied reports saying a deal is about to happen.
"[General manager] Ed [Wade] and I talk several times every day, but nothing’s imminent," McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. "Trades really don’t get done [until close to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline]. There is no imminent trade with the Phillies or anybody else. There have been lots and lots of discussions, nothing close to a trade."
Oswalt told reporters at Wrigley Field he wasn’t sure where things stood.
"I don’t know anything about it," he said. "I really don’t. I saw it on TV this morning actually. I’ve seen a bunch of other things on TV news and whatever. Until I get told something, I don’t know."
Oswalt would need to approve any deal, because he has a no-trade clause in his contract. He said earlier this season he’d be willing to waive it in the right deal to a contender. AOL FanHouse, citing an unnamed source, reported Wednesday night that Oswalt would approve a deal to Philadelphia.
Asked earlier Wednesday if he’d be willing to go to the Phillies, he said, "It would have to work for both of us. If it doesn’t work for both of us, no. But if it does, maybe."
What might make a deal work for Oswalt is if a team guarantees his $16 million club option for 2012. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Wednesday that Oswalt is asking interested teams to do that as a condition of him approving a trade. Stark reported the Phillies are unwilling to do so right now.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros owner Drayton McLane on Wednesday acknowledge the team is discussing trades involving right-hander Roy Oswalt, but he denied reports saying a deal is about to happen.
"[General manager] Ed [Wade] and I talk several times every day, but nothing’s imminent," McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. "Trades really don’t get done [until close to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline]. There is no imminent trade with the Phillies or anybody else. There have been lots and lots of discussions, nothing close to a trade."
Oswalt told reporters at Wrigley Field he wasn’t sure where things stood.
"I don’t know anything about it," he said. "I really don’t. I saw it on TV this morning actually. I’ve seen a bunch of other things on TV news and whatever. Until I get told something, I don’t know."
Oswalt would need to approve any deal, because he has a no-trade clause in his contract. He said earlier this season he’d be willing to waive it in the right deal to a contender. AOL FanHouse, citing an unnamed source, reported Wednesday night that Oswalt would approve a deal to Philadelphia.
Asked earlier Wednesday if he’d be willing to go to the Phillies, he said, "It would have to work for both of us. If it doesn’t work for both of us, no. But if it does, maybe."
What might make a deal work for Oswalt is if a team guarantees his $16 million club option for 2012. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Wednesday that Oswalt is asking interested teams to do that as a condition of him approving a trade. Stark reported the Phillies are unwilling to do so right now.
In three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Jon Beason—who played college ball at Miami—has been one of the NFL’s most prolific tacklers. If you have a question for him, send it, along with your name and hometown to kbradley@sportingnews.com. We’ll select five of the best ones and publish his answers in a future issue of Sporting News magazine.
Ken Bradley
In three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Jon Beason—who played college ball at Miami—has been one of the NFL’s most prolific tacklers. If you have a question for him, send it, along with your name and hometown to kbradley@sportingnews.com. We’ll select five of the best ones and publish his answers in a future issue of Sporting News magazine.
Sweet Lou is hanging up the spikes at the end of the season.
The writing was on the wall for anyone paying attention to the way this Cubs season has gone. Lou Piniella isn’t just managing a third-place team that’s nine games under .500, he’s managing a team that is a complete non-factor.
The most notable thing to happen to the Cubs this year was Carlos Zambrano’s insane tirade that had him sent to anger management and Piniella to tell reporters, "I’ve gotten frustrated. But I bounce back. … The losing isn’t easy for me. I’m not used to losing."
Piniella will turn 67 this summer, his last as an MLB manager.
Piniella does have a fantastic track record as a Major League manager. He won the World Series in 1990 with the Reds and was named Manager of the Year three times in his career – but his actual playoff record is 23-27, and in 23 seasons he’s been to the World Series once. Oh, and let’s not forget that before joining the Cubs in 2007, Piniella was the manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for three seasons. In the eight years since leaving Seattle – with a stop off in the broadcast booth in 2006 – Piniella’s overall record is 508-556 (.447) with an 0-6 postseason record.
Piniella must have been frustrated when he made those comments in late June because despite a .547 winning percentage in this three previous years in Chicago, he hasn’t really won much of anything.
Again, it could just be frustration settling in and perhaps "the losing isn’t easy for me," should be translated differently. To paraphrase the great line from Danny Glover, maybe Piniella is just too old for this … stuff.
The average age of all the current Major League managers is 55 and a half. Only eight managers in the big leagues were born before 1950. Piniella, who turns 67 in August, may just be too old for this stuff. Before this starts to sound ageist (admittedly that ship may have sailed) it’s not to say that Piniella is incapable of managing at this age. It’s just that being a baseball lifer can make for a pretty long life after a while.
Piniella first played in the big leagues in 1964 and played in the league every year from 1968-1984 when he retired and took a job with the Yankees. A year later, he was their manager and has been in the league for seemingly every minute since. That’s a long, long baseball life.
Bobby Cox is retiring this summer, too.
Piniella isn’t the only one who’s lived a long baseball life, by the way. Bobby Cox is 69 years old and has been a coach, manager or general manager in professional baseball since 1971. I’m not great at math, but that’s almost 40 years! That was certainly enough for Cox, as he announced his retirement well before the 2010 season.
And then there’s Joe Torre who turned 70 years old this week and is the oldest manager in the game. Torre had hoped for an extension with the Dodgers but cut those talks off before the season as to not "be a distraction" the rest of the year. There has been as much speculation about Torre’s future as anyone, and much of the talk has him leaning toward retirement after the season.
The other managers over 60 are: Cito Gaston, 66 (Blue Jays); Jim Leyland, 65 (Tigers); Charlie Manuel, 66 (Phillies); Tony La Russa, 65 (Cardinals); and Dusty Baker, 61 (Reds). Manuel and Baker seem to still have a few years left in them, which makes some sense considering Baker is the youngest of the lot and Manuel didn’t get his fair shake at managing until he was already in his 60s. Gaston was all but out of baseball before getting re-hired by the Blue Jays in 2008 on a two-year deal. Leyland’s contract, which was extended by the Tigers in 2009, goes through next season. And La Russa? His time in the league may very well be tethered to whatever decision Albert Pujols makes about his future.
So is 60 some magical number with regard to managerial success? That may be better asked this way: Has 60 always been the magic number for managers, and have the last 10 years actually bucked the historical trend? Manuel managed the Phillies to the World Series at the age of 64. In 2006, La Russa won the title as manager just after turning 62. Jack McKeon led the Marlins to the 2003 title at the age of 72. Torre led the Yankees to the 2000 World Series during the year in which he turned 60.
Before 2000, the last manager to win a World Series after the age of 60? Casey Stengel in 1958 at the age of 68. With six of the eight managers over 60 still in their respective pennant races, there are a few years before we have to start thinking about that kind of drought again.
Sweet Lou is hanging up the spikes at the end of the season.
The writing was on the wall for anyone paying attention to the way this Cubs season has gone. Lou Piniella isn’t just managing a third-place team that’s nine games under .500, he’s managing a team that is a complete non-factor.
The most notable thing to happen to the Cubs this year was Carlos Zambrano’s insane tirade that had him sent to anger management and Piniella to tell reporters, "I’ve gotten frustrated. But I bounce back. … The losing isn’t easy for me. I’m not used to losing."
Piniella will turn 67 this summer, his last as an MLB manager.
Piniella does have a fantastic track record as a Major League manager. He won the World Series in 1990 with the Reds and was named Manager of the Year three times in his career – but his actual playoff record is 23-27, and in 23 seasons he’s been to the World Series once. Oh, and let’s not forget that before joining the Cubs in 2007, Piniella was the manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for three seasons. In the eight years since leaving Seattle – with a stop off in the broadcast booth in 2006 – Piniella’s overall record is 508-556 (.447) with an 0-6 postseason record.
Piniella must have been frustrated when he made those comments in late June because despite a .547 winning percentage in this three previous years in Chicago, he hasn’t really won much of anything.
Again, it could just be frustration settling in and perhaps "the losing isn’t easy for me," should be translated differently. To paraphrase the great line from Danny Glover, maybe Piniella is just too old for this … stuff.
The average age of all the current Major League managers is 55 and a half. Only eight managers in the big leagues were born before 1950. Piniella, who turns 67 in August, may just be too old for this stuff. Before this starts to sound ageist (admittedly that ship may have sailed) it’s not to say that Piniella is incapable of managing at this age. It’s just that being a baseball lifer can make for a pretty long life after a while.
Piniella first played in the big leagues in 1964 and played in the league every year from 1968-1984 when he retired and took a job with the Yankees. A year later, he was their manager and has been in the league for seemingly every minute since. That’s a long, long baseball life.
Bobby Cox is retiring this summer, too.
Piniella isn’t the only one who’s lived a long baseball life, by the way. Bobby Cox is 69 years old and has been a coach, manager or general manager in professional baseball since 1971. I’m not great at math, but that’s almost 40 years! That was certainly enough for Cox, as he announced his retirement well before the 2010 season.
And then there’s Joe Torre who turned 70 years old this week and is the oldest manager in the game. Torre had hoped for an extension with the Dodgers but cut those talks off before the season as to not "be a distraction" the rest of the year. There has been as much speculation about Torre’s future as anyone, and much of the talk has him leaning toward retirement after the season.
The other managers over 60 are: Cito Gaston, 66 (Blue Jays); Jim Leyland, 65 (Tigers); Charlie Manuel, 66 (Phillies); Tony La Russa, 65 (Cardinals); and Dusty Baker, 61 (Reds). Manuel and Baker seem to still have a few years left in them, which makes some sense considering Baker is the youngest of the lot and Manuel didn’t get his fair shake at managing until he was already in his 60s. Gaston was all but out of baseball before getting re-hired by the Blue Jays in 2008 on a two-year deal. Leyland’s contract, which was extended by the Tigers in 2009, goes through next season. And La Russa? His time in the league may very well be tethered to whatever decision Albert Pujols makes about his future.
So is 60 some magical number with regard to managerial success? That may be better asked this way: Has 60 always been the magic number for managers, and have the last 10 years actually bucked the historical trend? Manuel managed the Phillies to the World Series at the age of 64. In 2006, La Russa won the title as manager just after turning 62. Jack McKeon led the Marlins to the 2003 title at the age of 72. Torre led the Yankees to the 2000 World Series during the year in which he turned 60.
Before 2000, the last manager to win a World Series after the age of 60? Casey Stengel in 1958 at the age of 68. With six of the eight managers over 60 still in their respective pennant races, there are a few years before we have to start thinking about that kind of drought again.
CINCINNATI — The bases are loaded, there are no outs in the eighth inning and the Reds are clinging to a one-run lead. The near-capacity crowd rises not once, not twice but several times as Arthur Rhodes stares down the Rockies’ hitters.
When Rhodes throws a 92-mph fastball past Carlos Gonzalez to end the threat, he pumps his left fist and the place erupts. The Reds go on to win, 3-2.
Veteran lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes made his first All Star team this year.
And it feels like October at Great American Ball Park — as much as possible on a steamy July night, anyway.
After a decade of disappointment, Cincinnati is sensing a special season from the Reds. They lead the NL in offense. Their rotation is overflowing with candidates. Their defense has been superb.
The Reds have the easiest second-half schedule of any contender. They have been in first or second place since early May, have lost once since the All-Star break and trail the Cardinals by just a half-game in the NL Central. A nice turnaround for a team that hasn’t had a winning season since Ken Griffey Jr. arrived in town 10 years ago.
The Reds have assembled a roster that can hang with the Cardinals. First baseman Joey Votto, 26, is having a breakout season to match St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols. The Reds have a decided edge around the rest of the infield with second baseman Brandon Phillips, shortstop Orlando Cabrera and third baseman Scott Rolen. The Reds don’t have Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter to lead their rotation, but they have greater depth. Neither club has a rally-proof bullpen, though the Reds have an All-Star, Rhodes, in theirs.
But sorry, Cincinnati. You should keep those "Hunt for Red October" banners in storage for now. The Reds’ run of consecutive losing seasons will end in 2010, but they will have to wait until next year to knock the Cardinals from the NL Central’s perch.
On one hand, the Reds are just too young. And on the other, too old.
They haven’t been there
As solid as Cincinnati’s rotation has been, no one knows what to expect down the stretch because of its inexperience in these situations. Bronson Arroyo is the only Reds starter who has pitched in the postseason, or even in a pennant race.
Four rookies have made at least two starts, and Aroldis Chapman, who remains in the minors to develop better command of his 95-mph-plus fastball, hasn’t been one of them. Of the youngsters, only Mike Leake and Travis Wood figure to stay in the rotation when it reaches full health. And that is only if the Reds stick with Wood, who has dazzled in his first four starts, once injured veteran Aaron Harang (5.02 ERA) is ready. Edinson Volquez’s return last week from Tommy John surgery could not have gone better, but manager Dusty Baker knows "he’ll be better next year than this."
Scott Rolen has battled injuries and illness in recent weeks.
Arroyo even admits the starters’ success has been "part luck" and the last two months of the season could be a roller-coaster ride. "There’s going to be a point where we slide downhill a little between now and the end of the season," Arroyo says. "Our hope is that we can weather that storm enough when the Cardinals go through the same thing and we don’t fall too many games behind."
Age matters
The club brought in Rolen and Cabrera as what Baker calls "foundation guys" because of their postseason experience and clubhouse presence. Problem is, Rolen can’t help from the bench. After failing to play in more than 128 games in any of the past three seasons, Rolen made the All-Star team thanks to a first half when he played like he did as a mainstay in the powerhouse Cardinals’ lineup of the mid-2000s. Baker says Rolen looked as good as the old days but "the difference is, he could play more then."
Since the break, Rolen has been sidelined by a stomach virus and a hamstring injury that might land him on the disabled list.
To steady an up-and-down bullpen, general manager Walt Jocketty recruited a couple of aging relievers, Russ Springer, 41, and Jason Isringhausen, 37, whom he had on his side when he was running the Cardinals. Neither has pitched in the majors since last season, and might not this year.
Springer debuted at Class AAA last week while Isringhausen had yet to accept the Reds’ contract offer after a Tuesday tryout. Both would bring considerable postseason experience to a bullpen that ranks 13th in the NL (4.37 ERA) with a closer, Francisco Cordero, who ranks among the league leaders with six blown saves.
At the least, the old guys would give Rhodes, a first-time All-Star at 40, some clubhouse company around his age.
At best, they could return to pitching in the postseason—if they stick around until next year.
CINCINNATI — The bases are loaded, there are no outs in the eighth inning and the Reds are clinging to a one-run lead. The near-capacity crowd rises not once, not twice but several times as Arthur Rhodes stares down the Rockies’ hitters.
When Rhodes throws a 92-mph fastball past Carlos Gonzalez to end the threat, he pumps his left fist and the place erupts. The Reds go on to win, 3-2.
Veteran lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes made his first All Star team this year.
And it feels like October at Great American Ball Park — as much as possible on a steamy July night, anyway.
After a decade of disappointment, Cincinnati is sensing a special season from the Reds. They lead the NL in offense. Their rotation is overflowing with candidates. Their defense has been superb.
The Reds have the easiest second-half schedule of any contender. They have been in first or second place since early May, have lost once since the All-Star break and trail the Cardinals by just a half-game in the NL Central. A nice turnaround for a team that hasn’t had a winning season since Ken Griffey Jr. arrived in town 10 years ago.
The Reds have assembled a roster that can hang with the Cardinals. First baseman Joey Votto, 26, is having a breakout season to match St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols. The Reds have a decided edge around the rest of the infield with second baseman Brandon Phillips, shortstop Orlando Cabrera and third baseman Scott Rolen. The Reds don’t have Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter to lead their rotation, but they have greater depth. Neither club has a rally-proof bullpen, though the Reds have an All-Star, Rhodes, in theirs.
But sorry, Cincinnati. You should keep those "Hunt for Red October" banners in storage for now. The Reds’ run of consecutive losing seasons will end in 2010, but they will have to wait until next year to knock the Cardinals from the NL Central’s perch.
On one hand, the Reds are just too young. And on the other, too old.
They haven’t been there
As solid as Cincinnati’s rotation has been, no one knows what to expect down the stretch because of its inexperience in these situations. Bronson Arroyo is the only Reds starter who has pitched in the postseason, or even in a pennant race.
Four rookies have made at least two starts, and Aroldis Chapman, who remains in the minors to develop better command of his 95-mph-plus fastball, hasn’t been one of them. Of the youngsters, only Mike Leake and Travis Wood figure to stay in the rotation when it reaches full health. And that is only if the Reds stick with Wood, who has dazzled in his first four starts, once injured veteran Aaron Harang (5.02 ERA) is ready. Edinson Volquez’s return last week from Tommy John surgery could not have gone better, but manager Dusty Baker knows "he’ll be better next year than this."
Scott Rolen has battled injuries and illness in recent weeks.
Arroyo even admits the starters’ success has been "part luck" and the last two months of the season could be a roller-coaster ride. "There’s going to be a point where we slide downhill a little between now and the end of the season," Arroyo says. "Our hope is that we can weather that storm enough when the Cardinals go through the same thing and we don’t fall too many games behind."
Age matters
The club brought in Rolen and Cabrera as what Baker calls "foundation guys" because of their postseason experience and clubhouse presence. Problem is, Rolen can’t help from the bench. After failing to play in more than 128 games in any of the past three seasons, Rolen made the All-Star team thanks to a first half when he played like he did as a mainstay in the powerhouse Cardinals’ lineup of the mid-2000s. Baker says Rolen looked as good as the old days but "the difference is, he could play more then."
Since the break, Rolen has been sidelined by a stomach virus and a hamstring injury that might land him on the disabled list.
To steady an up-and-down bullpen, general manager Walt Jocketty recruited a couple of aging relievers, Russ Springer, 41, and Jason Isringhausen, 37, whom he had on his side when he was running the Cardinals. Neither has pitched in the majors since last season, and might not this year.
Springer debuted at Class AAA last week while Isringhausen had yet to accept the Reds’ contract offer after a Tuesday tryout. Both would bring considerable postseason experience to a bullpen that ranks 13th in the NL (4.37 ERA) with a closer, Francisco Cordero, who ranks among the league leaders with six blown saves.
At the least, the old guys would give Rhodes, a first-time All-Star at 40, some clubhouse company around his age.
At best, they could return to pitching in the postseason—if they stick around until next year.
