AFC West teams are still chasing Chargers

A look at the key offseason moves in the chase to dethrone the four-time AFC West champion San Diego Chargers:

Best offseason pickup: Thomas Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs. K.C. got a power back to complement speedy Jamaal Charles.

Larry English was selected by the Chargers 16th overall in the 2009 NFL draft.
Larry English was selected by the Chargers 16th overall in the 2009 NFL draft.

Star watch, offense: Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders. Oakland has promise at wide receiver, but Miller remains the most reliable target.

Star watch, defense: Larry English, OLB, Chargers. He could be their next prolific edge rusher.

Best coordinator hires: Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, Chiefs. They will have a major impact on Matt Cassel and a young defense.

Contract concerns: Champ Bailey, CB, and Elvis Dumervil, OLB, Denver Broncos. Their top two defensive players want to be paid their worth.

Impact rookie: Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers. He will carry the load right away and deliver as a red-zone force.

Camp competition: Broncos quarterback. The spotlight will be on big names Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn, but Kyle Orton’s knowledge of the offense gives him the edge.

For details on AFC West teams, click on the following:

Broncos: McDaniels’ style needs to catch on | Fantasy: Expect more from run game
Chiefs: On track for improvement | Fantasy: Can you trust Jamaal Charles?
Raiders: Their mountain gets steeper | Fantasy: Bush, McFadden to split time
Chargers: It’s Super Bowl or bust | Fantasy: RB Ryan Mathews overrated? 

Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

A look at the key offseason moves in the chase to dethrone the four-time AFC West champion San Diego Chargers:

Best offseason pickup: Thomas Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs. K.C. got a power back to complement speedy Jamaal Charles.

Larry English was selected by the Chargers 16th overall in the 2009 NFL draft.
Larry English was selected by the Chargers 16th overall in the 2009 NFL draft.

Star watch, offense: Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders. Oakland has promise at wide receiver, but Miller remains the most reliable target.

Star watch, defense: Larry English, OLB, Chargers. He could be their next prolific edge rusher.

Best coordinator hires: Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, Chiefs. They will have a major impact on Matt Cassel and a young defense.

Contract concerns: Champ Bailey, CB, and Elvis Dumervil, OLB, Denver Broncos. Their top two defensive players want to be paid their worth.

Impact rookie: Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers. He will carry the load right away and deliver as a red-zone force.

Camp competition: Broncos quarterback. The spotlight will be on big names Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn, but Kyle Orton’s knowledge of the offense gives him the edge.

For details on AFC West teams, click on the following:

Broncos: McDaniels’ style needs to catch on | Fantasy: Expect more from run game
Chiefs: On track for improvement | Fantasy: Can you trust Jamaal Charles?
Raiders: Their mountain gets steeper | Fantasy: Bush, McFadden to split time
Chargers: It’s Super Bowl or bust | Fantasy: RB Ryan Mathews overrated? 

Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

Broncos camp countdown: Can Denver survive McDaniels’ my-way-or-highway mentality?

Lee Rasizer, Sporting News correspondent

This is the 25th in a series of team breakdowns to be published before the start of training camp.

Josh McDaniels knows how to make an entrance. A personality clash ushered franchise QB Jay Cutler out of town just weeks into McDaniels’ head-coaching tenure. Once training camp began last summer, a petulant Brandon Marshall tested the organization’s patience and, again, McDaniels put his foot down in the form of a suspension.

The Broncos will expect more from Knowshon Moreno after an up-and-down rookie year.
The Broncos will expect more from Knowshon Moreno after an up-and-down rookie year.

But the flashiest entrance was Denver beginning ’09 as one of the league’s hottest teams.

Then everything crashed. Denver became the third team ever to open 6-0 and fail to make the playoffs and the first not to finish with a winning record. At the same time, an adequate defensive line fizzled; Orton went back to being solid instead of spectacular; and running back Knowshon Moreno hit the rookie wall.

Though McDaniels was more calm this offseason, the rest of the front office was busy replacing a defensive coordinator and revamping a conditioning program in hopes of avoiding another late-season slide. The Broncos also traded Marshall to Miami and tight end Tony Scheffler to Detroit. Then Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round, putting McDaniels in the crosshairs of media and fans.

What’s new

Offense: McDaniels and coordinator Mike McCoy want a more power-based rushing attack, and they have tweaked the personnel up front to accommodate that style. With Marshall gone, the passing game will feature a spread-it-around approach. But it remains unclear whether McDaniels can capture the magic with Orton that he once did with New England quarterbacks. If not, he won’t hesitate to turn to newcomer Brady Quinn or Tebow.

After the departure of Marshall, the Broncos used their other first-round pick on Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas, who has a similar skill set. There will be some adjustments for Thomas in route-running, but his 25.1 average yards per catch last year demonstrates game-breaking ability.

The offensive line is a big question mark because of injuries. Left tackle Ryan Clady sustained a patellar tendon injury in the offseason, which required surgery. The team is hopeful he’ll be ready for the start of the season; if he isn’t, Tyler Polumbus will fill in. If veteran Russ Hochstein (knee) isn’t healthy, third-round pick J.D. Walton could start at center. Several players, including second-round pick Zane Beadles, will compete at left guard.

Defense: It’s no secret the Broncos needed to beef up their front line, and they did in the offseason with the additions of Justin Bannan, Jarvis Green and Jamal Williams. But Denver also is going on its fifth coordinator in five years with Don Martindale’s promotion from linebackers coach. He’s expected to bring an aggressive mindset in the team’s 3-4 system.

Breakout player

Robert Ayers will have a chance to excel with additional playing time this year.
Robert Ayers will have a chance to excel with additional playing time this year.

Robert Ayers, OLB. A ’09 first-round pick, Ayers had a sporadic role last season. He was used mainly in nickel pass-rush situations but failed to record a sack. Mario Haggan’s move to inside linebacker should give Ayers the opportunity to be an every-down player—if he beats out Jarvis Moss. Ayers (6-3, 274) has the quickness and size to excel off the edge in the 3-4.

"I’m definitely not comfortable with where I am right now. I still want to get better. Come time for the season to start, opening game, I still won’t feel comfortable. I’ll still be thinking there’s more to improve on. You’ve got guys like Jamal (Williams) still trying to find ways to get better. That’s the attitude I’m trying to take." — Ayers

OPPONENT’S VIEW

(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Broncos)

"They started really fast and died down the stretch last year. It looked like they played really solid defense, then just collapsed. With a new head coach, and then all of sudden with a new defensive coordinator and now another new defensive coordinator, I would have to use the word unsettled. …

"To me, all the things that happened last year showed McDaniels’ inexperience. He looked a little impetuous in trying to make a stand and portray an image as a tough guy. You don’t really need to portray an image. You just have to be smart in what you do. I don’t know all the insides and outs of what happened, but while he looked like a ‘boy genius’ early on, it certainly wasn’t built on anything substantial because it collapsed. …

"But with all the stability that team had through the years with (former coach Mike) Shanahan, once they ran him out of there for whatever reason, from afar, it looks like it’s gone from something very stable in Denver to something unstable."

Bottom line

The Broncos are trying to morph into McDaniels’ vision. The young coach made his point that it’s his way or the highway, and the locker room is receptive to his team-oriented message. But talent wins out in the NFL. This team needs more playmakers and a continued infusion of youth to be a Super Bowl-caliber franchise.

Depth chart

Offense

QB: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn
RB: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter
WR: Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker
WR: Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley
TE Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn
LT: Ryan Clady, Tyler Polumbus
LG: Russ Hochstein, Eric Olsen
C: J.D. Walton, Dustin Fry
RG: Chris Kuper, Seth Olsen
RT: Ryan Harris, Zane Beadles

Defense

DE: Justin Bannan, Marcus Thomas
NT: Jamal Williams, Ronald Fields
DE: Jarvis Green, Ryan McBean
OLB: Robert Ayers, Kevin Alexander
ILB: D.J. Williams, Wesley Woodyard
ILB: Mario Haggan, Akin Ayodele
OLB: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss
CB: Champ Bailey, Alphonso Smith
CB: Andre Goodman, Perrish Cox
SS: Brian Dawkins, Darcel McBath
FS: Renaldo Hill, Nate Jones

Specialists

K: Matt Prater
P: Britton Colquitt
KR: Perrish Cox
PR: Eddie Royal
LS: Lonie Paxton
 

Lee Rasizer, Sporting News correspondent

This is the 25th in a series of team breakdowns to be published before the start of training camp.

Josh McDaniels knows how to make an entrance. A personality clash ushered franchise QB Jay Cutler out of town just weeks into McDaniels’ head-coaching tenure. Once training camp began last summer, a petulant Brandon Marshall tested the organization’s patience and, again, McDaniels put his foot down in the form of a suspension.

The Broncos will expect more from Knowshon Moreno after an up-and-down rookie year.
The Broncos will expect more from Knowshon Moreno after an up-and-down rookie year.

But the flashiest entrance was Denver beginning ’09 as one of the league’s hottest teams.

Then everything crashed. Denver became the third team ever to open 6-0 and fail to make the playoffs and the first not to finish with a winning record. At the same time, an adequate defensive line fizzled; Orton went back to being solid instead of spectacular; and running back Knowshon Moreno hit the rookie wall.

Though McDaniels was more calm this offseason, the rest of the front office was busy replacing a defensive coordinator and revamping a conditioning program in hopes of avoiding another late-season slide. The Broncos also traded Marshall to Miami and tight end Tony Scheffler to Detroit. Then Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round, putting McDaniels in the crosshairs of media and fans.

What’s new

Offense: McDaniels and coordinator Mike McCoy want a more power-based rushing attack, and they have tweaked the personnel up front to accommodate that style. With Marshall gone, the passing game will feature a spread-it-around approach. But it remains unclear whether McDaniels can capture the magic with Orton that he once did with New England quarterbacks. If not, he won’t hesitate to turn to newcomer Brady Quinn or Tebow.

After the departure of Marshall, the Broncos used their other first-round pick on Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas, who has a similar skill set. There will be some adjustments for Thomas in route-running, but his 25.1 average yards per catch last year demonstrates game-breaking ability.

The offensive line is a big question mark because of injuries. Left tackle Ryan Clady sustained a patellar tendon injury in the offseason, which required surgery. The team is hopeful he’ll be ready for the start of the season; if he isn’t, Tyler Polumbus will fill in. If veteran Russ Hochstein (knee) isn’t healthy, third-round pick J.D. Walton could start at center. Several players, including second-round pick Zane Beadles, will compete at left guard.

Defense: It’s no secret the Broncos needed to beef up their front line, and they did in the offseason with the additions of Justin Bannan, Jarvis Green and Jamal Williams. But Denver also is going on its fifth coordinator in five years with Don Martindale’s promotion from linebackers coach. He’s expected to bring an aggressive mindset in the team’s 3-4 system.

Breakout player

Robert Ayers will have a chance to excel with additional playing time this year.
Robert Ayers will have a chance to excel with additional playing time this year.

Robert Ayers, OLB. A ’09 first-round pick, Ayers had a sporadic role last season. He was used mainly in nickel pass-rush situations but failed to record a sack. Mario Haggan’s move to inside linebacker should give Ayers the opportunity to be an every-down player—if he beats out Jarvis Moss. Ayers (6-3, 274) has the quickness and size to excel off the edge in the 3-4.

"I’m definitely not comfortable with where I am right now. I still want to get better. Come time for the season to start, opening game, I still won’t feel comfortable. I’ll still be thinking there’s more to improve on. You’ve got guys like Jamal (Williams) still trying to find ways to get better. That’s the attitude I’m trying to take." — Ayers

OPPONENT’S VIEW

(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Broncos)

"They started really fast and died down the stretch last year. It looked like they played really solid defense, then just collapsed. With a new head coach, and then all of sudden with a new defensive coordinator and now another new defensive coordinator, I would have to use the word unsettled. …

"To me, all the things that happened last year showed McDaniels’ inexperience. He looked a little impetuous in trying to make a stand and portray an image as a tough guy. You don’t really need to portray an image. You just have to be smart in what you do. I don’t know all the insides and outs of what happened, but while he looked like a ‘boy genius’ early on, it certainly wasn’t built on anything substantial because it collapsed. …

"But with all the stability that team had through the years with (former coach Mike) Shanahan, once they ran him out of there for whatever reason, from afar, it looks like it’s gone from something very stable in Denver to something unstable."

Bottom line

The Broncos are trying to morph into McDaniels’ vision. The young coach made his point that it’s his way or the highway, and the locker room is receptive to his team-oriented message. But talent wins out in the NFL. This team needs more playmakers and a continued infusion of youth to be a Super Bowl-caliber franchise.

Depth chart

Offense

QB: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn
RB: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter
WR: Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker
WR: Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley
TE Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn
LT: Ryan Clady, Tyler Polumbus
LG: Russ Hochstein, Eric Olsen
C: J.D. Walton, Dustin Fry
RG: Chris Kuper, Seth Olsen
RT: Ryan Harris, Zane Beadles

Defense

DE: Justin Bannan, Marcus Thomas
NT: Jamal Williams, Ronald Fields
DE: Jarvis Green, Ryan McBean
OLB: Robert Ayers, Kevin Alexander
ILB: D.J. Williams, Wesley Woodyard
ILB: Mario Haggan, Akin Ayodele
OLB: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss
CB: Champ Bailey, Alphonso Smith
CB: Andre Goodman, Perrish Cox
SS: Brian Dawkins, Darcel McBath
FS: Renaldo Hill, Nate Jones

Specialists

K: Matt Prater
P: Britton Colquitt
KR: Perrish Cox
PR: Eddie Royal
LS: Lonie Paxton
 

Braden, A’s players angry over A-Rod-themed T-shirt

Sporting News staff reports

Dallas Braden is angry the A’s are trying to profit off his "Get off my mound" scold of Alex Rodriguez.

The A’s left-hander told reporters Monday the team is selling T-shirts that contain the phrase against the wishes of himself, his teammates and the players union. The unlicensed shirts, which have been on sale for a month, do not include Braden’s name and uniform number but do feature the phrase and a slihouette of his pitching motion.

"It’s just not cool," Braden said before the A’s and Yankees met for the first time since the April dustup. "It’s just a serious, gross lack of tact. At the end of the day, I hope I do not become associated with that kind of approach."

Braden said he understands the club’s desire to make a buck (the A’s are charging $25 a pop) but is upset with management’s unwillingness to listen.

"They’re trying to generate revenue, trying to get butts in the seat, I can see that," Braden said. "It’s almost like, at what cost do you do that? They didn’t have permission. They were told on multiple occasions, that, no, it’s not a good idea. It’s not going to be approved. They just kind of put the horse-blinders on and ran with it."

Braden said he doesn’t have or want a shirt and added that he considers it an affront to A-Rod and the game. "We’re all fraternity brothers. This is baseball. You don’t ever put two guys against each other, no matter how fun-lvoing or severe the incident might be," Braden said..

Braden yelled "Get off my mound" at A-Rod during a game April 22. Rodriguez angered Braden by stepping inside Braden’s "office" after a foul ball.

The two haven’t spoken directly to each other since, though they did trade barbs through the media. Braden pitched a perfect game three weeks after the incident, but has since landed on the disabled list with an elbow injury.

Even though the two are together again, Braden isn’t interested in a confab. "I’m not a big hype guy," he said. "It is what it is. Done deal."

Sporting News staff reports

Dallas Braden is angry the A’s are trying to profit off his "Get off my mound" scold of Alex Rodriguez.

The A’s left-hander told reporters Monday the team is selling T-shirts that contain the phrase against the wishes of himself, his teammates and the players union. The unlicensed shirts, which have been on sale for a month, do not include Braden’s name and uniform number but do feature the phrase and a slihouette of his pitching motion.

"It’s just not cool," Braden said before the A’s and Yankees met for the first time since the April dustup. "It’s just a serious, gross lack of tact. At the end of the day, I hope I do not become associated with that kind of approach."

Braden said he understands the club’s desire to make a buck (the A’s are charging $25 a pop) but is upset with management’s unwillingness to listen.

"They’re trying to generate revenue, trying to get butts in the seat, I can see that," Braden said. "It’s almost like, at what cost do you do that? They didn’t have permission. They were told on multiple occasions, that, no, it’s not a good idea. It’s not going to be approved. They just kind of put the horse-blinders on and ran with it."

Braden said he doesn’t have or want a shirt and added that he considers it an affront to A-Rod and the game. "We’re all fraternity brothers. This is baseball. You don’t ever put two guys against each other, no matter how fun-lvoing or severe the incident might be," Braden said..

Braden yelled "Get off my mound" at A-Rod during a game April 22. Rodriguez angered Braden by stepping inside Braden’s "office" after a foul ball.

The two haven’t spoken directly to each other since, though they did trade barbs through the media. Braden pitched a perfect game three weeks after the incident, but has since landed on the disabled list with an elbow injury.

Even though the two are together again, Braden isn’t interested in a confab. "I’m not a big hype guy," he said. "It is what it is. Done deal."

Orioles, Showalter meet again about manager’s job

Sporting News staff reports

The Orioles and Buck Showalter have met a second time about the club’s managerial position, The Baltimore Sun reports, but no job offer has been made.
 
Showalter is considered a front-runner for the full-time position, with former Indians manager Eric Wedge also a candidate. Juan Samuel is serving as interim manager after the team fired Dave Trembley on June 4.

"I have not been offered anything, that’s for sure," Showalter told The Sun on Monday night. He declined to comment further, the newspaper reported.

Orioles officials did return calls seeking comment from The Sun.

The Sun speculates the Orioles could have a new manager in place immediately after the All-Star break next week.

Sporting News staff reports

The Orioles and Buck Showalter have met a second time about the club’s managerial position, The Baltimore Sun reports, but no job offer has been made.
 
Showalter is considered a front-runner for the full-time position, with former Indians manager Eric Wedge also a candidate. Juan Samuel is serving as interim manager after the team fired Dave Trembley on June 4.

"I have not been offered anything, that’s for sure," Showalter told The Sun on Monday night. He declined to comment further, the newspaper reported.

Orioles officials did return calls seeking comment from The Sun.

The Sun speculates the Orioles could have a new manager in place immediately after the All-Star break next week.

Reds, M’s talk Cliff Lee trade; Twins making push

Sporting News staff reports

The Reds and Mariners have discussed a trade involving Seattle left-hander Cliff Lee, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports, and the Twins reportedly are making a big push as well.

Officials from Cincinnati and Seattle spoke last month when the teams met for an interleague series out West.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty on Monday didn’t deny that talks have taken place.

"I will say this: We’re looking at any way we can to improve the club," Jocketty told reporters. "To improve the club, it would have to be a pretty significant player to do that. We have a lot of good things going. We don’t want to disrupt that."

Lee would qualify as a significant addition. The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner is 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA for the last-place Mariners, despite missing the first month of the season with an injury. He can become a free agent after the season, and Seattle is expected to deal him before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.

The Enquirer speculated that first base prospect Yonder Alonso, a 2008 Reds first-round draft pick, would have to be included in a package of prospects to get Lee. Alonso is blocked in Cincinnati by Joey Votto.

A Detroit radio station reported Monday night that the Twins had finalized a deal for Lee, but the Twins quickly denied the story. SI.com’s Jon Heyman, however, reported things are getting "interesting" between the teams and that the discussions "have possibilities."

Both Heyman and AOL FanHouse’s Jeff Fletcher report Seattle wants Twins catching prospect Wilson Ramos as part of the deal. Ramos is blocked by Joe Mauer. Fletcher also reported that Minnesota may also have offered outfielder Aaron Hicks, Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2008.

Sporting News staff reports

The Reds and Mariners have discussed a trade involving Seattle left-hander Cliff Lee, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports, and the Twins reportedly are making a big push as well.

Officials from Cincinnati and Seattle spoke last month when the teams met for an interleague series out West.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty on Monday didn’t deny that talks have taken place.

"I will say this: We’re looking at any way we can to improve the club," Jocketty told reporters. "To improve the club, it would have to be a pretty significant player to do that. We have a lot of good things going. We don’t want to disrupt that."

Lee would qualify as a significant addition. The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner is 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA for the last-place Mariners, despite missing the first month of the season with an injury. He can become a free agent after the season, and Seattle is expected to deal him before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.

The Enquirer speculated that first base prospect Yonder Alonso, a 2008 Reds first-round draft pick, would have to be included in a package of prospects to get Lee. Alonso is blocked in Cincinnati by Joey Votto.

A Detroit radio station reported Monday night that the Twins had finalized a deal for Lee, but the Twins quickly denied the story. SI.com’s Jon Heyman, however, reported things are getting "interesting" between the teams and that the discussions "have possibilities."

Both Heyman and AOL FanHouse’s Jeff Fletcher report Seattle wants Twins catching prospect Wilson Ramos as part of the deal. Ramos is blocked by Joe Mauer. Fletcher also reported that Minnesota may also have offered outfielder Aaron Hicks, Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2008.

Fly’s rumorama: Cristiano Ronaldo, Takeru Kobayashi, Eric Mangini, Bill Belichick, Steve McNair, LeBron James, Kris Humphries, Brook Lopez

Soccer: Tweet du jour, from Jemele Hill: "Welcome Cristiano Ronaldo to baby-daddy-hood."

Eating: Who figured the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest would lead to an arrest? Since when did professional eating need some kind of collective bargaining agreement? Would be ironic if Takeru Kobayashi went on a hunger strike, wouldn’t it?

NFL: Fly’s pal Mike Florio over at ProFootballTalk.com reports in his NFL season preview guide that Eric Mangini would like to patch things up with mentor Bill Belichick. "When I talk about him, he was my mentor. He taught me everything, and I respect him tremendously," Mangini says." That’s not bull. That’s how I feel. I hope at some point, we’ll be able to sit down and talk about things and get back to a better relationship. It’s not there right now, but at some point, things have a tendency to roll back."

• The one-year anniversary of Steve McNair’s death leaves his family still searching for answers, USA Today reports.

NBA: Keep dreaming, Nets. The New York Daily News reports that LeBron waiting until Wednesday or Thursday gives the team more time to make salary cap room for LeBron and one of his superstar friends — most likely by trading forward Kris Humphries. According to the Daily News, the only guy the Nets won’t give up is Brook Lopez.

Soccer: Tweet du jour, from Jemele Hill: "Welcome Cristiano Ronaldo to baby-daddy-hood."

Eating: Who figured the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest would lead to an arrest? Since when did professional eating need some kind of collective bargaining agreement? Would be ironic if Takeru Kobayashi went on a hunger strike, wouldn’t it?

NFL: Fly’s pal Mike Florio over at ProFootballTalk.com reports in his NFL season preview guide that Eric Mangini would like to patch things up with mentor Bill Belichick. "When I talk about him, he was my mentor. He taught me everything, and I respect him tremendously," Mangini says." That’s not bull. That’s how I feel. I hope at some point, we’ll be able to sit down and talk about things and get back to a better relationship. It’s not there right now, but at some point, things have a tendency to roll back."

• The one-year anniversary of Steve McNair’s death leaves his family still searching for answers, USA Today reports.

NBA: Keep dreaming, Nets. The New York Daily News reports that LeBron waiting until Wednesday or Thursday gives the team more time to make salary cap room for LeBron and one of his superstar friends — most likely by trading forward Kris Humphries. According to the Daily News, the only guy the Nets won’t give up is Brook Lopez.

Yankees, others still keeping tabs on Cliff Lee

Sporting News staff reports

The Yankees, Dodgers and Cardinals were among the clubs with a scout in attendance at Cliff Lee’s start in Detroit on Sunday afternoon, according to FOXSports.com. It marked the second straight start by Lee that the Yankees scouted.

Rival clubs believe the Yankees are pursuing Lee ahead of the July 31 non-waiver deadline, although it’s possible the Yankees are scouting Lee in preparation for his upcoming free agency, according to the report. The Mariners are widely expected to trade Lee this month.

New York also has been linked to Kansas City infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist, according to The Kansas City Star. Boston and Philadelphia also reportedly are in the mix.

That interest doesn’t sit well with his current manager. "I’m not advocating Willie going anywhere," K.C. skipper Ned Yost said. "I can’t tell you how valuable he is. He’s at the top of his position. I can’t think of another super-utility player who is as good as Willie outside of maybe Jamey Carroll (of the Dodgers)."

Sporting News staff reports

The Yankees, Dodgers and Cardinals were among the clubs with a scout in attendance at Cliff Lee’s start in Detroit on Sunday afternoon, according to FOXSports.com. It marked the second straight start by Lee that the Yankees scouted.

Rival clubs believe the Yankees are pursuing Lee ahead of the July 31 non-waiver deadline, although it’s possible the Yankees are scouting Lee in preparation for his upcoming free agency, according to the report. The Mariners are widely expected to trade Lee this month.

New York also has been linked to Kansas City infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist, according to The Kansas City Star. Boston and Philadelphia also reportedly are in the mix.

That interest doesn’t sit well with his current manager. "I’m not advocating Willie going anywhere," K.C. skipper Ned Yost said. "I can’t tell you how valuable he is. He’s at the top of his position. I can’t think of another super-utility player who is as good as Willie outside of maybe Jamey Carroll (of the Dodgers)."

Padres pitchers, Votto among biggest All-Star snubs

The All-Star rosters are out. Let the griping begin. There is plenty to gripe about, too:

An ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 0.96 aren't enough to make the Padres' Mat Latos an All-Star.
An ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 0.96 aren’t enough to make the Padres’ Mat Latos an All-Star.

1. Not a single pitcher from the Padres makes the team. This could not have been what shortstop Jerry Hairston meant when he told me recently that, "We hope everyone continues to overlook us." The Padres’ rotation leads the majors in ERA. Their bullpen leads the majors in ERA. Yet they are limited to one player on the team — first baseman Adrian Gonzalez — and the best their pitchers can do is get closer Heath Bell on the final-vote ballot.

This is so wrong that you can be almost certain at least one more San Diego pitcher will be added by the time the players convene in Anaheim next Monday. Two besides Bell who are worthy: starter Mat Latos, 9-4 with a 2.62 ERA and reliever Luke Gregerson, 51 strikeouts to 6 walks in 38 outings with a 2.23 ERA.

2. No Joey Votto. This is about two things:

• Charlie Manuel keeping one of his own happy rather than going with the more deserving player. Going into Sunday, Votto held a statistical edge over Ryan Howard, and his Reds owned the better record and were in first place.

The numbers: Votto: .313/.414/.574, 19 HRs, 57 RBIs. Howard: .296/.353/506, 15 HRs, 58 RBIs.

Heck, a case could be made for the Braves’ Troy Glaus over Howard considering the impact Glaus has made on the NL East standings.

• Manuel earning the right to such a call. If the Reds reach the World Series, perhaps Dusty Baker can return the favor.

3. No Andy Pettitte. At 10-2 with a 2.93 ERA, he should be in line to start the game. He’s nearing the end of a career that’s almost Hall of Fame worthy and there’s been no Ubaldo Jimenez in the AL this season. Instead of possibly starting, Pettitte was completely left off the team by his own manager in favor of CC Sabathia.

Perhaps Girardi wants to keep the 38-year-old Pettitte rested for the second half. Or, more likely, Girardi has figured out a way to name both. Because Sabathia is scheduled to pitch Sunday, he would be ineligible to work in the All-Star game and would have to be replaced. Hmm? Pettitte should not make too many plans for the break.

4. Omar Infante is in. Who? You know, the Braves’ super sub. But that’s the thing. He’s not even a full-time starter on his own team. And now he’s an All-Star.

Manuel must not want to worry about running out of players. Because Infante can play all over, Manuel can hang on to him until the late innings and not have to think so much about how he uses the NL bench. The NL really must want to end their 13-year winless streak.

5. No Matt Cain. This one is on NL players, who went with Tim Lincecum over Cain as one of its five starting pitchers. Guess players haven’t caught on as much as everyone else that wins are overrated.

6. No Miguel Olivo. Another bad call by NL players, who opted for Brian McCann and his reputation over the Rockies’ Olivo and his fine season. Olivo is hitting .308 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs. McCann: .261, 9 and 33 — and offense is supposed to be his strength.

Well, enough griping (for now). Two impressive points about the selections:

• NL players voted for Martin Prado over Chase Utley, 472-276. That’s a big margin. Guess they were paying close enough attention to see that Utley is injured. It also must mean that players look closely at batting average leaders. Prado leads the NL with a .336 average.

• AL players got it right at every position except shortstop, where Derek Jeter had 573 votes to just 266 for Elvis Andrus. Even if the Rangers’ 21-year-old doesn’t deserve the start — he does, in my book — he should not be more than doubled up in the voting.

At least Andrus still made the team, which is more than any Padres pitcher can say.

Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.

The All-Star rosters are out. Let the griping begin. There is plenty to gripe about, too:

An ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 0.96 aren't enough to make the Padres' Mat Latos an All-Star.
An ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 0.96 aren’t enough to make the Padres’ Mat Latos an All-Star.

1. Not a single pitcher from the Padres makes the team. This could not have been what shortstop Jerry Hairston meant when he told me recently that, "We hope everyone continues to overlook us." The Padres’ rotation leads the majors in ERA. Their bullpen leads the majors in ERA. Yet they are limited to one player on the team — first baseman Adrian Gonzalez — and the best their pitchers can do is get closer Heath Bell on the final-vote ballot.

This is so wrong that you can be almost certain at least one more San Diego pitcher will be added by the time the players convene in Anaheim next Monday. Two besides Bell who are worthy: starter Mat Latos, 9-4 with a 2.62 ERA and reliever Luke Gregerson, 51 strikeouts to 6 walks in 38 outings with a 2.23 ERA.

2. No Joey Votto. This is about two things:

• Charlie Manuel keeping one of his own happy rather than going with the more deserving player. Going into Sunday, Votto held a statistical edge over Ryan Howard, and his Reds owned the better record and were in first place.

The numbers: Votto: .313/.414/.574, 19 HRs, 57 RBIs. Howard: .296/.353/506, 15 HRs, 58 RBIs.

Heck, a case could be made for the Braves’ Troy Glaus over Howard considering the impact Glaus has made on the NL East standings.

• Manuel earning the right to such a call. If the Reds reach the World Series, perhaps Dusty Baker can return the favor.

3. No Andy Pettitte. At 10-2 with a 2.93 ERA, he should be in line to start the game. He’s nearing the end of a career that’s almost Hall of Fame worthy and there’s been no Ubaldo Jimenez in the AL this season. Instead of possibly starting, Pettitte was completely left off the team by his own manager in favor of CC Sabathia.

Perhaps Girardi wants to keep the 38-year-old Pettitte rested for the second half. Or, more likely, Girardi has figured out a way to name both. Because Sabathia is scheduled to pitch Sunday, he would be ineligible to work in the All-Star game and would have to be replaced. Hmm? Pettitte should not make too many plans for the break.

4. Omar Infante is in. Who? You know, the Braves’ super sub. But that’s the thing. He’s not even a full-time starter on his own team. And now he’s an All-Star.

Manuel must not want to worry about running out of players. Because Infante can play all over, Manuel can hang on to him until the late innings and not have to think so much about how he uses the NL bench. The NL really must want to end their 13-year winless streak.

5. No Matt Cain. This one is on NL players, who went with Tim Lincecum over Cain as one of its five starting pitchers. Guess players haven’t caught on as much as everyone else that wins are overrated.

6. No Miguel Olivo. Another bad call by NL players, who opted for Brian McCann and his reputation over the Rockies’ Olivo and his fine season. Olivo is hitting .308 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs. McCann: .261, 9 and 33 — and offense is supposed to be his strength.

Well, enough griping (for now). Two impressive points about the selections:

• NL players voted for Martin Prado over Chase Utley, 472-276. That’s a big margin. Guess they were paying close enough attention to see that Utley is injured. It also must mean that players look closely at batting average leaders. Prado leads the NL with a .336 average.

• AL players got it right at every position except shortstop, where Derek Jeter had 573 votes to just 266 for Elvis Andrus. Even if the Rangers’ 21-year-old doesn’t deserve the start — he does, in my book — he should not be more than doubled up in the voting.

At least Andrus still made the team, which is more than any Padres pitcher can say.

Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.

The fix is in: Seven Super Bowl contenders who can solve their problems

It’s the calm before all 32 NFL teams storm into training camp later this month, so it’s a good time to check in on which areas some Super Bowl hopefuls must fix to come back stronger than they were last season.

These seven teams did well to recognize their weaknesses, and it’s a matter of their changes taking effect this season:

Kroy Biermann could fill the Falcons' need for another strong pass rusher.
Kroy Biermann could fill the Falcons’ need for another strong pass rusher.

1. Atlanta Falcons: Pass rush. After racking up 16 1/2 sacks in ’08, defensive end John Abraham drew much more attention last year. And with no consistent force opposite him, his total dropped to 5 1/2 in ’09. Considering ’07 first-round pick Jamaal Anderson has only 2 1/2 sacks in 44 career starts, the Falcons must find another young pass rusher. Two intriguing candidates to watch in camp are Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury Jr.

2. Baltimore Ravens: Secondary. With Haloti Ngata on the three-man front and Ray Lewis anchoring the linebacker corps, there are few questions about the front seven, especially against the run. The defense, however, must be steadier in pass coverage and force more turnovers. Sure, safety Ed Reed must stay healthy, but the team needs to find some solid players among youngsters and newcomers such as cornerbacks Travis Fisher and Walt Harris and safety Ken Hamlin.

3. Green Bay Packers: Offensive line. The team’s struggles to keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright have been well documented, and there also has been a power drain in the running game. With a healthy tackle Chad Clifton, some shuffling among the interior veterans and the use of a first-round pick on tackle Bryan Bulaga, the correct adjustments seem be in order.

4. New York Jets: Passing game. Neither Santonio Holmes nor Braylon Edwards were Jets this time last year, and during his Year 3 tight end Dustin Keller will be counted on more as an intermediate threat. LaDainian Tomlinson also will bring his great savvy in backfield receiving situations. It will be interesting to see how these pass-catching threats play off the league’s most dominant running game, and how much of a second-year leap Mark Sanchez takes with an improved supporting cast.

5. Philadelphia Eagles: Front seven. They put a pretty good defense on the field last season, but there were some notable lapses in allowing big plays to develop in the running game and on short-to-medium passes. The Eagles loaded up on defensive depth in the draft, injecting youth to help themselves on the outside. It will make a big difference to have a healthy Stewart Bradley back roaming the middle.

Related Links

6. San Francisco 49ers: Offensive line. It’s not guaranteed that both first-round picks, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis, start right away. Joe Staley quietly has become one of the league’s better left tackles, and QB Alex Smith has sped up his delivery. Iupati and Davis mesh well with Mike Singletary’s desire to be a more physical, run-heavy team, and that should bode well to reestablish Frank Gore as the core of the offense.

7. San Diego Chargers: Running game. Norv Turner’s history with talented power runners and the fresh legs of rookie first-rounder Ryan Mathews should have the Chargers believing their rushing attack can work its way back to Martyball levels. The line also can perform better as a whole, and having an elite passing game will keep defenses from stacking the line to stop Mathews. His presence also will allow Darren Sproles to again become the ultimate change-of-pace back.

Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

It’s the calm before all 32 NFL teams storm into training camp later this month, so it’s a good time to check in on which areas some Super Bowl hopefuls must fix to come back stronger than they were last season.

These seven teams did well to recognize their weaknesses, and it’s a matter of their changes taking effect this season:

Kroy Biermann could fill the Falcons' need for another strong pass rusher.
Kroy Biermann could fill the Falcons’ need for another strong pass rusher.

1. Atlanta Falcons: Pass rush. After racking up 16 1/2 sacks in ’08, defensive end John Abraham drew much more attention last year. And with no consistent force opposite him, his total dropped to 5 1/2 in ’09. Considering ’07 first-round pick Jamaal Anderson has only 2 1/2 sacks in 44 career starts, the Falcons must find another young pass rusher. Two intriguing candidates to watch in camp are Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury Jr.

2. Baltimore Ravens: Secondary. With Haloti Ngata on the three-man front and Ray Lewis anchoring the linebacker corps, there are few questions about the front seven, especially against the run. The defense, however, must be steadier in pass coverage and force more turnovers. Sure, safety Ed Reed must stay healthy, but the team needs to find some solid players among youngsters and newcomers such as cornerbacks Travis Fisher and Walt Harris and safety Ken Hamlin.

3. Green Bay Packers: Offensive line. The team’s struggles to keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright have been well documented, and there also has been a power drain in the running game. With a healthy tackle Chad Clifton, some shuffling among the interior veterans and the use of a first-round pick on tackle Bryan Bulaga, the correct adjustments seem be in order.

4. New York Jets: Passing game. Neither Santonio Holmes nor Braylon Edwards were Jets this time last year, and during his Year 3 tight end Dustin Keller will be counted on more as an intermediate threat. LaDainian Tomlinson also will bring his great savvy in backfield receiving situations. It will be interesting to see how these pass-catching threats play off the league’s most dominant running game, and how much of a second-year leap Mark Sanchez takes with an improved supporting cast.

5. Philadelphia Eagles: Front seven. They put a pretty good defense on the field last season, but there were some notable lapses in allowing big plays to develop in the running game and on short-to-medium passes. The Eagles loaded up on defensive depth in the draft, injecting youth to help themselves on the outside. It will make a big difference to have a healthy Stewart Bradley back roaming the middle.

Related Links

6. San Francisco 49ers: Offensive line. It’s not guaranteed that both first-round picks, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis, start right away. Joe Staley quietly has become one of the league’s better left tackles, and QB Alex Smith has sped up his delivery. Iupati and Davis mesh well with Mike Singletary’s desire to be a more physical, run-heavy team, and that should bode well to reestablish Frank Gore as the core of the offense.

7. San Diego Chargers: Running game. Norv Turner’s history with talented power runners and the fresh legs of rookie first-rounder Ryan Mathews should have the Chargers believing their rushing attack can work its way back to Martyball levels. The line also can perform better as a whole, and having an elite passing game will keep defenses from stacking the line to stop Mathews. His presence also will allow Darren Sproles to again become the ultimate change-of-pace back.

Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

Launching Pad: Pitchers make All-Star auditions

What to expect in the major leagues today:

All-Star auditions

Stephen Strasburg gets his last opportunity to prove he's worthy of being an All Star.
Stephen Strasburg gets his last opportunity to prove he’s worthy of being an All Star.

The All-Star rosters will be announced Sunday, but a couple of NL starters will be on the mound today hoping to impress. In Colorado, Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez, the front-runner to start for the NL, can cement his status as he goes for win No. 15 against the Giants. In his only start against San Francisco this season, Jimenez threw a complete-game shutout. Meanwhile, Nationals rookie Stephen Strasburg will have one more chance to impress NL All-Star manager Charlie Manuel when he faces the Mets. Strasburg finally appeared human in his recent outing, allowing three earned runs on six hits and two walks in a loss in Atlanta.

Hittable Hanson

After a dominant rookie campaign in 2009, Braves righthander Tommy Hanson has hit the second rough patch of his sophomore season. In his past two outings (at White Sox, vs. Tigers), Hanson has failed to pitch four innings and has posted a 17.19 ERA. On May 20, Hanson was pounded for eight earned runs in 1 2/3 innings but responded by going 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA in his next five outings (prior to his current struggles). The first-place Braves hope Hanson can regroup and begin another impressive run when he faces the Marlins at Turner Field this afternoon.

Road Reds

Cincinnati’s season-long 11-game road trip—it won’t play at Great American Ball Park again until July 16—will continue this afternoon at Wrigley Field. The NL Central-leading Reds will turn to righthander Johnny Cueto, who has allowed one earned run in his past two starts (15 innings). However, for the second time this season, Cueto failed to record a strikeout in his most recent outing. This series is a homecoming for Reds skipper Dusty Baker, who managed the Cubs from 2003-06 and took the team to the NLCS in ’03.

Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.

What to expect in the major leagues today:

All-Star auditions

Stephen Strasburg gets his last opportunity to prove he's worthy of being an All Star.
Stephen Strasburg gets his last opportunity to prove he’s worthy of being an All Star.

The All-Star rosters will be announced Sunday, but a couple of NL starters will be on the mound today hoping to impress. In Colorado, Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez, the front-runner to start for the NL, can cement his status as he goes for win No. 15 against the Giants. In his only start against San Francisco this season, Jimenez threw a complete-game shutout. Meanwhile, Nationals rookie Stephen Strasburg will have one more chance to impress NL All-Star manager Charlie Manuel when he faces the Mets. Strasburg finally appeared human in his recent outing, allowing three earned runs on six hits and two walks in a loss in Atlanta.

Hittable Hanson

After a dominant rookie campaign in 2009, Braves righthander Tommy Hanson has hit the second rough patch of his sophomore season. In his past two outings (at White Sox, vs. Tigers), Hanson has failed to pitch four innings and has posted a 17.19 ERA. On May 20, Hanson was pounded for eight earned runs in 1 2/3 innings but responded by going 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA in his next five outings (prior to his current struggles). The first-place Braves hope Hanson can regroup and begin another impressive run when he faces the Marlins at Turner Field this afternoon.

Road Reds

Cincinnati’s season-long 11-game road trip—it won’t play at Great American Ball Park again until July 16—will continue this afternoon at Wrigley Field. The NL Central-leading Reds will turn to righthander Johnny Cueto, who has allowed one earned run in his past two starts (15 innings). However, for the second time this season, Cueto failed to record a strikeout in his most recent outing. This series is a homecoming for Reds skipper Dusty Baker, who managed the Cubs from 2003-06 and took the team to the NLCS in ’03.

Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.