Sporting New staff reports
Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano will apologize to his Cubs teammates when he returns from the restricted list, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Cubs bullpen catcher Edgar Tovar, who has been in contact with Zambrano since his infamous blowup in the dugout on June 25, told the newspaper that the righthander is sorry. "He feels bad about everything," Tovar said. "He loves Chicago and he loves playing for the Cubs and wants to stay here."
Manager Lou Piniella expects Zambrano’s teammates to welcome him back, assuming he apologizes. "Time will heal wounds," Piniella said. "It was a very good idea to wait until after the All-Star break before he came in and addressed the team, and two weeks from now things will quiet down a heck of a lot."
Zambrano is expected to go on a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the Cubs as a reliever.
Sporting New staff reports
Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano will apologize to his Cubs teammates when he returns from the restricted list, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Cubs bullpen catcher Edgar Tovar, who has been in contact with Zambrano since his infamous blowup in the dugout on June 25, told the newspaper that the righthander is sorry. "He feels bad about everything," Tovar said. "He loves Chicago and he loves playing for the Cubs and wants to stay here."
Manager Lou Piniella expects Zambrano’s teammates to welcome him back, assuming he apologizes. "Time will heal wounds," Piniella said. "It was a very good idea to wait until after the All-Star break before he came in and addressed the team, and two weeks from now things will quiet down a heck of a lot."
Zambrano is expected to go on a minor league rehab assignment before rejoining the Cubs as a reliever.
Roy Cummings, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 24th in a series of team breakdowns to be published before the start of training camp.
Reporting date: July 30
The Buccaneers are coming off a 3-13 season and are still in the middle phase of a major rebuilding project. Their goals are pretty modest this season. Sure, they’d like to get into the playoff hunt in 2010, but that’s more of a dream than a reality—and they know it.
The Bucs’ objective is to improve on last year’s disturbing finish, and there’s reason to believe they can do it. Unlike last fall, when then-rookie coach Raheem Morris wasn’t sure what kind of offense or defense his team was going to run, the Bucs enter this season with an identity established on both sides of the ball.
Still, the Bucs are going with a younger lineup than they fielded in 2009. So expect some growing pains. If all goes as planned, however, they’ll make a little progress, too.
The Buccaneers hope the ground game will open up the long ball for Josh Freeman.
What’s new
Offense: Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman is the centerpiece of the offense, but the Bucs won’t make him the focal point of their attack. The hope is that by serving up a steady diet of Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham, the Bucs can lure an eighth defender into the box and create opportunities for Freeman downfield.
The new wizard behind the curtain is Greg Olson, who really isn’t new at all. He spent all of 2009 running the offense after Jeff Jagodzinski was fired 10 days before the start of the season. Because he got such a late start, though, Olson never got to implement his own scheme. Now that he has his own game plan in place, look for the Bucs to lean on a power rushing attack as well as Freeman’s ability to strike deep.
To take advantage of Freeman’s big arm, the team could need rookie wideouts Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams to contribute quickly. Though they need some work, Benn and Williams are good enough to push the likes of Michael Clayton, Sammie Stroughter, Maurice Stovall and Reggie Brown.
Defense: When Morris took the defense back from the deposed Jim Bates after 10 games last year, it was the best move he made. Though it was viewed by many as another indication that Morris was in over his head, the decision to abandon Bates’ two-gap, man-coverage scheme and return to a one-gap, zone-coverage system put the defense back on the road to respectability.
The personnel is best suited to play in a one-gap scheme up front and in zone coverage in the back, but don’t be confused: Morris is not running the Tampa 2. He has developed a hybrid system designed to confuse and pressure the quarterback, and he’ll do it by dialing up more blitzes than are usually seen in a cover 2 scheme.
The line was a weakness last year, but the prospects for 2010 are improved because of the addition of first-round pick Gerald McCoy and second-rounder Brian Price. But this unit needs much more than just two potentially dominant tackles. Though McCoy, Price and second-year pro Roy Miller should allow the ends to max out on their skill set, the line still seems a little thin on the outside.
Breakout player
Kyle Moore, DE: He spent the first half of his rookie year recovering from a knee injury, but he bounced back and got regular snaps down the stretch. He proved he is worthy of starting this season. A strong one-gap player with the quickness and speed necessary to get into the backfield—especially after losing 20 pounds in the offseason—Moore will also work inside on occasion. He should finish his first full season with at least five sacks.
"He’s a guy who can really give guards some trouble on third down and give us some pass rush from the left end, because he’s got his explosion back. And what we’re seeing from him there is something we haven’t seen here in a while." —defensive line coach Todd Wash
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Buccaneers)
"Offensively, they’re nothing like they were under (former coach Jon) Gruden. He did the absolute most he could with what he had to work with. Preparing to face his offenses was always a challenge. That doesn’t mean they won’t improve this year, though. I think their young QB (Freeman) has a lot of promise, and he showed a lot of moxie bringing his team back from deficits last year. …
"Defensively, I expect them to improve substantially. They’re obviously making a concerted effort to defend the run better, taking interior linemen early in the draft. Every linebacker loves when his team drafts big talent in front of him. That should free (Barrett) Ruud up to make even more plays, and hopefully he starts getting the credit he deserves. This guy needs to get paid at some point, for God’s sake."
Bottom line
The Buccaneers are entering the second year of a massive rebuilding effort. Some of the foundation’s keystones—Freeman, McCoy and Price—are in place, but there’s still work to be done on both sides of the ball. If the Bucs learn some new schemes, they should improve on the field and in the standings. This team is still a year or two away from being a playoff contender, but doubling last season’s win total is within reach.
Depth chart
Offense
QB Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson
RB Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward
FB Earnest Graham, Chris Pressley
WR Mike Williams, Sammie Stroughter
WR Michael Clayton, Arrelious Benn
TE Kellen Winslow, Jerramy Stevens
LT Donald Penn, Demar Dotson
LG Jeremy Zuttah, Xavier Fulton
C Jeff Faine, Jonathan Compas
RG Davin Joseph, Shawn Murphy
RT Jeremy Trueblood, Demar Dotson
Defense
LE Kyle Moore, Tim Crowder
DT Brian Price, Roy Miller
NT Gerald McCoy, Dre Moore
RE Stylez G. White, Tim Crowder
SLB Quincy Black, Adam Hayward
MLB Barrett Ruud, Rod Wilson
WLB Geno Hayes, Dekoda Watson
LCB Aqib Talib, E.J. Biggers
SS Sabby Piscitelli, Sean Jones
FS Tanard Jackson, Sabby Piscitelli
RCB Ronde Barber, Myron Lewis
Specialists
K Connor Barth
P Brent Bowden
KR Clifton Smith
PR Clifton Smith
LS Andrew Economos
Roy Cummings, Sporting News correspondent
This is the 24th in a series of team breakdowns to be published before the start of training camp.
Reporting date: July 30
The Buccaneers are coming off a 3-13 season and are still in the middle phase of a major rebuilding project. Their goals are pretty modest this season. Sure, they’d like to get into the playoff hunt in 2010, but that’s more of a dream than a reality—and they know it.
The Bucs’ objective is to improve on last year’s disturbing finish, and there’s reason to believe they can do it. Unlike last fall, when then-rookie coach Raheem Morris wasn’t sure what kind of offense or defense his team was going to run, the Bucs enter this season with an identity established on both sides of the ball.
Still, the Bucs are going with a younger lineup than they fielded in 2009. So expect some growing pains. If all goes as planned, however, they’ll make a little progress, too.
The Buccaneers hope the ground game will open up the long ball for Josh Freeman.
What’s new
Offense: Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman is the centerpiece of the offense, but the Bucs won’t make him the focal point of their attack. The hope is that by serving up a steady diet of Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham, the Bucs can lure an eighth defender into the box and create opportunities for Freeman downfield.
The new wizard behind the curtain is Greg Olson, who really isn’t new at all. He spent all of 2009 running the offense after Jeff Jagodzinski was fired 10 days before the start of the season. Because he got such a late start, though, Olson never got to implement his own scheme. Now that he has his own game plan in place, look for the Bucs to lean on a power rushing attack as well as Freeman’s ability to strike deep.
To take advantage of Freeman’s big arm, the team could need rookie wideouts Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams to contribute quickly. Though they need some work, Benn and Williams are good enough to push the likes of Michael Clayton, Sammie Stroughter, Maurice Stovall and Reggie Brown.
Defense: When Morris took the defense back from the deposed Jim Bates after 10 games last year, it was the best move he made. Though it was viewed by many as another indication that Morris was in over his head, the decision to abandon Bates’ two-gap, man-coverage scheme and return to a one-gap, zone-coverage system put the defense back on the road to respectability.
The personnel is best suited to play in a one-gap scheme up front and in zone coverage in the back, but don’t be confused: Morris is not running the Tampa 2. He has developed a hybrid system designed to confuse and pressure the quarterback, and he’ll do it by dialing up more blitzes than are usually seen in a cover 2 scheme.
The line was a weakness last year, but the prospects for 2010 are improved because of the addition of first-round pick Gerald McCoy and second-rounder Brian Price. But this unit needs much more than just two potentially dominant tackles. Though McCoy, Price and second-year pro Roy Miller should allow the ends to max out on their skill set, the line still seems a little thin on the outside.
Breakout player
Kyle Moore, DE: He spent the first half of his rookie year recovering from a knee injury, but he bounced back and got regular snaps down the stretch. He proved he is worthy of starting this season. A strong one-gap player with the quickness and speed necessary to get into the backfield—especially after losing 20 pounds in the offseason—Moore will also work inside on occasion. He should finish his first full season with at least five sacks.
"He’s a guy who can really give guards some trouble on third down and give us some pass rush from the left end, because he’s got his explosion back. And what we’re seeing from him there is something we haven’t seen here in a while." —defensive line coach Todd Wash
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Buccaneers)
"Offensively, they’re nothing like they were under (former coach Jon) Gruden. He did the absolute most he could with what he had to work with. Preparing to face his offenses was always a challenge. That doesn’t mean they won’t improve this year, though. I think their young QB (Freeman) has a lot of promise, and he showed a lot of moxie bringing his team back from deficits last year. …
"Defensively, I expect them to improve substantially. They’re obviously making a concerted effort to defend the run better, taking interior linemen early in the draft. Every linebacker loves when his team drafts big talent in front of him. That should free (Barrett) Ruud up to make even more plays, and hopefully he starts getting the credit he deserves. This guy needs to get paid at some point, for God’s sake."
Bottom line
The Buccaneers are entering the second year of a massive rebuilding effort. Some of the foundation’s keystones—Freeman, McCoy and Price—are in place, but there’s still work to be done on both sides of the ball. If the Bucs learn some new schemes, they should improve on the field and in the standings. This team is still a year or two away from being a playoff contender, but doubling last season’s win total is within reach.
Depth chart
Offense
QB Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson
RB Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward
FB Earnest Graham, Chris Pressley
WR Mike Williams, Sammie Stroughter
WR Michael Clayton, Arrelious Benn
TE Kellen Winslow, Jerramy Stevens
LT Donald Penn, Demar Dotson
LG Jeremy Zuttah, Xavier Fulton
C Jeff Faine, Jonathan Compas
RG Davin Joseph, Shawn Murphy
RT Jeremy Trueblood, Demar Dotson
Defense
LE Kyle Moore, Tim Crowder
DT Brian Price, Roy Miller
NT Gerald McCoy, Dre Moore
RE Stylez G. White, Tim Crowder
SLB Quincy Black, Adam Hayward
MLB Barrett Ruud, Rod Wilson
WLB Geno Hayes, Dekoda Watson
LCB Aqib Talib, E.J. Biggers
SS Sabby Piscitelli, Sean Jones
FS Tanard Jackson, Sabby Piscitelli
RCB Ronde Barber, Myron Lewis
Specialists
K Connor Barth
P Brent Bowden
KR Clifton Smith
PR Clifton Smith
LS Andrew Economos
NFL teams typically hate to admit a mistake. And so they hang on to guys who don’t belong much longer than they should.
Earlier this year, the Raiders realized it was time to cut the cord on quarterback JaMarcus Russell. After the move, many who had loudly criticized the franchise began to wonder whether Oakland might be ready for a resurrection.
What other teams could inspire confidence by making a move that simply needs to be made? Let’s consider seven players.
The Eagles rolled the dice on Mike Vick, but it hasn’t paid off.
Mike Vick
The Eagles need a quality backup for starting quarterback Kevin Kolb. The Eagles don’t need a season-long sideshow from a wildcat gimmick who simply isn’t prepared to serve as Kolb’s understudy.
So the Eagles should seize on the recent controversy involving Vick to close the door on the failed one-year experiment with him.
Even if Vick stays in Philadelphia, the Eagles need a competent veteran backup with experience in the West Coast offense. So they should just dump Vick now, sign Jeff Garcia and move on.
Pride and ego could get in the way. The Eagles went out on a limb last year to sign Vick, and cutting him now amounts to an admission that they never should have signed him in the first place.
By the way, they never should have signed him in the first place.
Reggie Bush
The Saints rely on a multi-headed attack at tailback, and Bush is only a bit player in the offense. But the Saints owe him a base salary of $8 million for 2010.
On one hand, the Saints should have every right in an uncapped year to spend way too much on a locally beloved role player who’ll never live up to the hype. On the other hand, the Saints shouldn’t ignore the connection between Bush’s overcompensation and their inability to sign the franchise’s top running back, Pierre Thomas, to a long-term deal.
Ideally, the Saints would pressure Bush into taking less money. But he’d most likely refuse, and then the Saints would have to decide whether to call his bluff by cutting him.
So they should just cut him now. They won’t, but they should.
Albert Haynesworth
The Redskins have an opportunity to unite their roster under new coach Mike Shanahan by telling the reluctant defensive lineman that, if he doesn’t want to be part of the team, the team doesn’t want him.
Forget trying to trade him for a handful of peanuts and a ’98 Camaro. Make a loud and clear statement by cutting Haynesworth.
If the Redskins are concerned about saving face, they can take solace in the fact that Haynesworth’s decision to blow off mandatory minicamp voids $9 million in guaranteed base salaries for 2010 and 2011. Though cutting Haynesworth now wouldn’t wipe away the misguided decision to pay him a $21 million roster bonus on April 1, making a strong statement about one of the NFL’s most disliked men would have a far greater intangible value to the new regime in D.C.
Deion Branch
Believe it or not, Branch has never had a 1,000-yard receiving season in his eight-year career.
He came close in 2005, his last year in New England, but fell two yards short.
Since Seattle traded a first-round pick for Branch and signed him to a six-year, $39 million contract, his production steadily has dropped, and his salary has increased.
Last year, Branch made more than $100,000 per reception. This year, his salary rises to $5.47 million. It no longer makes sense for the Seahawks to wait for Branch to deliver. He never will.
Roy Williams
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown he’s not afraid to admit a mistake. Last year, he did it twice — with receiver Terrell Owens and cornerback Pacman Jones.
Now, Jones needs to eat a Texas-sized slice of humble pie and part ways with one of the biggest blunders of his tenure with the team. He needs to cut Williams.
Arguably, the handwriting already is on the wall less than two years after the Cowboys gave up a first-round pick, a third-round pick and more for a receiver who’s now averaging $9 million per year. After Miles Austin’s breakout in 2009 and the first-round selection of Dez Bryant in 2010, the Cowboys simply don’t need Williams.
Having Williams around gives the Cowboys leverage against an extended holdout by Bryant. However, once Bryant puts pen to paper, Jones should put shoe to Williams’ rear end.
Bob Sanders
In 2006, the Colts were horrible against the run, prompting concerns that the Chiefs would quickly bounce Indy from the playoffs by using a heavy dose of Larry Johnson.
Then the safety Sanders returned from injury, and Johnson gained 32 yards on 13 carries in a 23-8 loss. Three games later, the Colts hoisted a silver trophy in a South Florida downpour.
Sanders missed nearly all of the 2009 season, but the Colts didn’t miss Sanders. They made it back to the Super Bowl, and they didn’t lose it because of his replacement.
The injury-prone defender packs a wallop when he’s healthy, but he’s healthy too rarely to justify his salary.
So the Colts should make the tough decision to move on.
Cedric Benson
The Bengals routinely are criticized for harboring criminals. They do so not because they hope to change lives, but because they know a bargain when they see one.
Two years ago, they saw a bargain in Benson when the Bears dumped the former fourth-overall draft pick after two arrests in a month. And the Bengals got 1,251 yards out of him in only 13 games last season.
With 2010 being a contract year for Benson, they can expect even more.
But Benson has gotten in trouble again, and Bernard Scott was solid in his rookie season. Scott, who slid in the draft due to his own off-field issues, could become the lead dog for the Bengals.
The Bengals most likely will give Benson another year of their patent-pending second chances. If they do, they’ll probably see someone else offer Benson big money in 2011. That’s all the more reason to make a rare (for the Bengals) example out of Benson. Then, they can get ready to give a few second chances to Scott.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
NFL teams typically hate to admit a mistake. And so they hang on to guys who don’t belong much longer than they should.
Earlier this year, the Raiders realized it was time to cut the cord on quarterback JaMarcus Russell. After the move, many who had loudly criticized the franchise began to wonder whether Oakland might be ready for a resurrection.
What other teams could inspire confidence by making a move that simply needs to be made? Let’s consider seven players.
The Eagles rolled the dice on Mike Vick, but it hasn’t paid off.
Mike Vick
The Eagles need a quality backup for starting quarterback Kevin Kolb. The Eagles don’t need a season-long sideshow from a wildcat gimmick who simply isn’t prepared to serve as Kolb’s understudy.
So the Eagles should seize on the recent controversy involving Vick to close the door on the failed one-year experiment with him.
Even if Vick stays in Philadelphia, the Eagles need a competent veteran backup with experience in the West Coast offense. So they should just dump Vick now, sign Jeff Garcia and move on.
Pride and ego could get in the way. The Eagles went out on a limb last year to sign Vick, and cutting him now amounts to an admission that they never should have signed him in the first place.
By the way, they never should have signed him in the first place.
Reggie Bush
The Saints rely on a multi-headed attack at tailback, and Bush is only a bit player in the offense. But the Saints owe him a base salary of $8 million for 2010.
On one hand, the Saints should have every right in an uncapped year to spend way too much on a locally beloved role player who’ll never live up to the hype. On the other hand, the Saints shouldn’t ignore the connection between Bush’s overcompensation and their inability to sign the franchise’s top running back, Pierre Thomas, to a long-term deal.
Ideally, the Saints would pressure Bush into taking less money. But he’d most likely refuse, and then the Saints would have to decide whether to call his bluff by cutting him.
So they should just cut him now. They won’t, but they should.
Albert Haynesworth
The Redskins have an opportunity to unite their roster under new coach Mike Shanahan by telling the reluctant defensive lineman that, if he doesn’t want to be part of the team, the team doesn’t want him.
Forget trying to trade him for a handful of peanuts and a ’98 Camaro. Make a loud and clear statement by cutting Haynesworth.
If the Redskins are concerned about saving face, they can take solace in the fact that Haynesworth’s decision to blow off mandatory minicamp voids $9 million in guaranteed base salaries for 2010 and 2011. Though cutting Haynesworth now wouldn’t wipe away the misguided decision to pay him a $21 million roster bonus on April 1, making a strong statement about one of the NFL’s most disliked men would have a far greater intangible value to the new regime in D.C.
Deion Branch
Believe it or not, Branch has never had a 1,000-yard receiving season in his eight-year career.
He came close in 2005, his last year in New England, but fell two yards short.
Since Seattle traded a first-round pick for Branch and signed him to a six-year, $39 million contract, his production steadily has dropped, and his salary has increased.
Last year, Branch made more than $100,000 per reception. This year, his salary rises to $5.47 million. It no longer makes sense for the Seahawks to wait for Branch to deliver. He never will.
Roy Williams
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown he’s not afraid to admit a mistake. Last year, he did it twice — with receiver Terrell Owens and cornerback Pacman Jones.
Now, Jones needs to eat a Texas-sized slice of humble pie and part ways with one of the biggest blunders of his tenure with the team. He needs to cut Williams.
Arguably, the handwriting already is on the wall less than two years after the Cowboys gave up a first-round pick, a third-round pick and more for a receiver who’s now averaging $9 million per year. After Miles Austin’s breakout in 2009 and the first-round selection of Dez Bryant in 2010, the Cowboys simply don’t need Williams.
Having Williams around gives the Cowboys leverage against an extended holdout by Bryant. However, once Bryant puts pen to paper, Jones should put shoe to Williams’ rear end.
Bob Sanders
In 2006, the Colts were horrible against the run, prompting concerns that the Chiefs would quickly bounce Indy from the playoffs by using a heavy dose of Larry Johnson.
Then the safety Sanders returned from injury, and Johnson gained 32 yards on 13 carries in a 23-8 loss. Three games later, the Colts hoisted a silver trophy in a South Florida downpour.
Sanders missed nearly all of the 2009 season, but the Colts didn’t miss Sanders. They made it back to the Super Bowl, and they didn’t lose it because of his replacement.
The injury-prone defender packs a wallop when he’s healthy, but he’s healthy too rarely to justify his salary.
So the Colts should make the tough decision to move on.
Cedric Benson
The Bengals routinely are criticized for harboring criminals. They do so not because they hope to change lives, but because they know a bargain when they see one.
Two years ago, they saw a bargain in Benson when the Bears dumped the former fourth-overall draft pick after two arrests in a month. And the Bengals got 1,251 yards out of him in only 13 games last season.
With 2010 being a contract year for Benson, they can expect even more.
But Benson has gotten in trouble again, and Bernard Scott was solid in his rookie season. Scott, who slid in the draft due to his own off-field issues, could become the lead dog for the Bengals.
The Bengals most likely will give Benson another year of their patent-pending second chances. If they do, they’ll probably see someone else offer Benson big money in 2011. That’s all the more reason to make a rare (for the Bengals) example out of Benson. Then, they can get ready to give a few second chances to Scott.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks fired manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Josh Byrnes on Thursday night in a shakeup at the top of a team cemented in last place in the NL West for the second year in a row.
Diamondbacks bench coach and ex-major league slugger Kirk Gibson will take over as interim manager for a ballclub that was 31-48, 15 1/2 games back of San Diego entering Thursday’s games.
Team president Derrick Hall called the dismissals "a first and major step in the re-evaluation of our team."
The 35-year-old Hinch was promoted May 7, 2009. Despite having no managerial experience at any level, he was moved from the front office to manager following the firing of Bob Melvin. Hinch has two years remaining on his contract after this season.
Hinch is the fourth manager to lose his job this season. Florida’s Fredi Gonzalez, Baltimore’s Dave Trembley and Kansas City’s Trey Hillman have also been fired.
Byrnes, once considered a rising star among young baseball executives, has a whopping 5 1/2 years left on a deal that runs through 2015.
Former major league pitcher Jerry DiPoto, vice president for player development, will take over the GM duties on an interim basis.
In a statement issued Thursday night, Arizona managing partner Ken Kendrick called the firings "a significant decision, but one that we find necessary in order to achieve a direction of winning consistently on the field again."
The team scheduled a Friday news conference to discuss the move.
Gibson’s name is as recognizable as Hinch’s was obscure, as much as anything for one of baseball’s most dramatic home runs.
He hit .268 with 255 home runs, 870 RBIs and 284 stolen bases in 17 seasons as a major league outfielder with Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City and Pittsburgh.
He was the Dodgers’ team leader and NL MVP in the 1988 regular season, but injuries to both legs kept him on the bench when the World Series against Oakland began.
In Game 1, barely able to walk, Gibson came to the plate as a pinch hitter in the ninth and hit Dennis Eckersly’s 0-2 pitch into the right field seats of Dodger Stadium to give Los Angeles a 5-4 victory. He limped around the bases, pumping his fist in triumph, as broadcaster Joe Buck Sr. uttered his famous "I don’t believe what I just saw!"
Gibson was the Tigers’ bench coach from 555-5555 and joined Melvin’s staff in the same capacity in 2007.
Byrnes was in his fifth season as general manager after being lured from the Boston Red Sox, where he was assistant to GM Theo Epstein. After the young Diamondbacks finished with the NL’s best record and made it to the NLCS in 2007, Arizona gave him an eight-year extension.
Hinch, who has a degree from Stanford, was vice president for player personnel when he was moved to the manager’s role, even though he had never even been a coach before. At the time, Byrnes touted Hinch’s "organizational advocacy."
The team stumbled on to a last-place finish in the NL West (70-92), but Hinch confidently said "I like this team" coming out of spring training this year. Quickly, though, the Diamondbacks faded. At one time, they lost 10 in a row, including a franchise-worst 0-9 road trip. When the club returned from that awful journey, Hinch acknowledged, "This group hasn’t responded that well to me."
Hinch had an 89-123 record in not quite 14 months as Arizona’s fifth manager.
DiPoto had a 27-24 record with 49 saves and a 4.05 ERA in 390 major league appearances in eight seasons with Cleveland, the New York Mets and Colorado. He worked for the Red Sox scouting department for two years before becoming Colorado’s player personnel director in 2005. He joined the Diamondbacks when Byrnes became general manager in 2006 and was in his second season and vice president/player personnel.
The Diamondbacks open a 10-game home stand Friday night with the first of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team is on pace to shatter the major league record for strikeouts in the season and its bullpen statistically is one of the worst the game has known.
"We have a number of talented players, obviously see great room for improvement," Kendrick said. "This franchise has enjoyed tremendous success over the years and we want to get back to our winning ways. The loyal staff of this organization, as well as all of our fans, hopes for and deserves better results on the field."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks fired manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Josh Byrnes on Thursday night in a shakeup at the top of a team cemented in last place in the NL West for the second year in a row.
Diamondbacks bench coach and ex-major league slugger Kirk Gibson will take over as interim manager for a ballclub that was 31-48, 15 1/2 games back of San Diego entering Thursday’s games.
Team president Derrick Hall called the dismissals "a first and major step in the re-evaluation of our team."
The 35-year-old Hinch was promoted May 7, 2009. Despite having no managerial experience at any level, he was moved from the front office to manager following the firing of Bob Melvin. Hinch has two years remaining on his contract after this season.
Hinch is the fourth manager to lose his job this season. Florida’s Fredi Gonzalez, Baltimore’s Dave Trembley and Kansas City’s Trey Hillman have also been fired.
Byrnes, once considered a rising star among young baseball executives, has a whopping 5 1/2 years left on a deal that runs through 2015.
Former major league pitcher Jerry DiPoto, vice president for player development, will take over the GM duties on an interim basis.
In a statement issued Thursday night, Arizona managing partner Ken Kendrick called the firings "a significant decision, but one that we find necessary in order to achieve a direction of winning consistently on the field again."
The team scheduled a Friday news conference to discuss the move.
Gibson’s name is as recognizable as Hinch’s was obscure, as much as anything for one of baseball’s most dramatic home runs.
He hit .268 with 255 home runs, 870 RBIs and 284 stolen bases in 17 seasons as a major league outfielder with Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City and Pittsburgh.
He was the Dodgers’ team leader and NL MVP in the 1988 regular season, but injuries to both legs kept him on the bench when the World Series against Oakland began.
In Game 1, barely able to walk, Gibson came to the plate as a pinch hitter in the ninth and hit Dennis Eckersly’s 0-2 pitch into the right field seats of Dodger Stadium to give Los Angeles a 5-4 victory. He limped around the bases, pumping his fist in triumph, as broadcaster Joe Buck Sr. uttered his famous "I don’t believe what I just saw!"
Gibson was the Tigers’ bench coach from 555-5555 and joined Melvin’s staff in the same capacity in 2007.
Byrnes was in his fifth season as general manager after being lured from the Boston Red Sox, where he was assistant to GM Theo Epstein. After the young Diamondbacks finished with the NL’s best record and made it to the NLCS in 2007, Arizona gave him an eight-year extension.
Hinch, who has a degree from Stanford, was vice president for player personnel when he was moved to the manager’s role, even though he had never even been a coach before. At the time, Byrnes touted Hinch’s "organizational advocacy."
The team stumbled on to a last-place finish in the NL West (70-92), but Hinch confidently said "I like this team" coming out of spring training this year. Quickly, though, the Diamondbacks faded. At one time, they lost 10 in a row, including a franchise-worst 0-9 road trip. When the club returned from that awful journey, Hinch acknowledged, "This group hasn’t responded that well to me."
Hinch had an 89-123 record in not quite 14 months as Arizona’s fifth manager.
DiPoto had a 27-24 record with 49 saves and a 4.05 ERA in 390 major league appearances in eight seasons with Cleveland, the New York Mets and Colorado. He worked for the Red Sox scouting department for two years before becoming Colorado’s player personnel director in 2005. He joined the Diamondbacks when Byrnes became general manager in 2006 and was in his second season and vice president/player personnel.
The Diamondbacks open a 10-game home stand Friday night with the first of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team is on pace to shatter the major league record for strikeouts in the season and its bullpen statistically is one of the worst the game has known.
"We have a number of talented players, obviously see great room for improvement," Kendrick said. "This franchise has enjoyed tremendous success over the years and we want to get back to our winning ways. The loyal staff of this organization, as well as all of our fans, hopes for and deserves better results on the field."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
More: Stan McNeal’s National League All-Star picks
There are three days until the 2010 All-Star rosters will be announced. You know what that means? Time to pick your team.
Guideline No. 1: It isn’t always about the most deserving players. Because every team must be represented, some deserving players will miss the chance to play in Anaheim on July 13.
Elvis Andrus’ glove should make him an All-Star at shortstop.
Other guidelines:
• Fan voting, which closes tonight on mlb.com, determines the AL’s starting nine and the NL’s starting eight (no DH on the NL ballot).
• Players vote for backups at each position, five starting pitchers and three relievers.
• Managers Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel fill out the rosters, which are comprised of 21 position players and 13 pitchers (including at least three relievers).
• A new wrinkle: Any starting pitcher who works on the Sunday before the game will not be eligible to pitch in the game. He still will be on the team and a replacement will be added to the roster. Add these last-minute pitchers and injury replacements (there will be a bunch this year) and the 34-man rosters could swell closer to 40.
Even with two fewer teams, picking the AL squad is tougher than the NL. Maybe that is what happens when there are more worthy position players and not as many pitchers.
My 34-man AL roster:
First base (4): Justin Morneau went into the last week of fans’ voting needing to hold off Mark Teixeira for the start. Teixeira shouldn’t even make the team considering his numbers and the depth at this position. And nobody should start ahead of Miguel Cabrera, who is hitting .337 with 20 homers and 68 RBIs. Paul Konerko, Kevin Youkilis and Billy Butler all have put up worthy numbers, but Butler loses out because only one Royal makes my team.
Second base (2): Robinson Cano leads the majors in hitting and is a no-brainer to start. Being a Yankee hasn’t hurt him running away with the fans’ vote, either. With Dustin Pedroia (foot) out, there is an open spot. I’ll go with Ty Wigginton to fulfill the Oriole requirement even though he is no more deserving than Nick Markakis or Adam Jones.
Shortstop (2): Elvis Andrus’ offense might never catch up to his defense, but that is because his defense is that good. He has been better than the fans’ favorite, Derek Jeter, so Andrus warrants the start. But considering he is only 21, he should not mind stepping aside for his elder this time.
Third base (3): Evan Longoria has a huge lead in the fans’ voting and was my starter, too, until his June swoon. Adrian Beltre hasn’t slowed down and he steps into the starting spot on my team, with Michael Young right behind. Sorry, Alex Rodriguez. Your slow start cost you.
Catcher (2): Even in a subpar (for him) season, Joe Mauer makes this the easiest position to pick — just like he did last year and just like he will next year and the following year and … you get the point. Picking his backup is a bit more difficult with Victor Martinez (thumb) on the disabled list. Kurt Suzuki gets the nod over John Buck because Suzuki is as close as deserving as anyone on the A’s.
Outfield (7): Josh Hamilton figured to win a spot in the fans’ voting even if he hadn’t hit a major league-best .454 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in 26 June games. Now the only question is whether he hit third or fourth. Carl Crawford leads AL outfielders in runs and is hitting over .300, so he warrants the fans’ support he is receiving. It would be a very unusual season if Ichiro Suzuki wasn’t on pace for 200 hits — and starting in the All-Star Game.
There is a surplus of deserving backups, including two leading candidates for comeback player of the year: Vernon Wells and his former teammate Alex Rios. Torii Hunter gets a spot because he is the face of the host team. He also is hitting .290 and is on pace for 25 homers, 100-plus RBIs and another Gold Glove. David DeJesus edges Butler as my pick from the Royals because his numbers are a bit better. Apologies to rookie Brennan Boesch, Jose Bautista, Shin-Soo Chin and Brett Gardner.
DH (1): Vladimir Guerrero showed the Angels what they are missing when he beat them with a grand slam Wednesday night. He will get another chance to showcase his talent when he is announced as an All-Star starter in his old home stadium. I’d feel worse about leaving off David Ortiz if he hadn’t slumped in June.
Starting pitchers (10): No pitcher has been better than Cliff Lee over the past few weeks, and he deserves to start. If he doesn’t, let Andy Pettitte do so before he retires. He has shown he can pitch in big games. Only a few others are obvious: AL wins and ERA leader David Price, strikeouts leaders Jered Weaver and Jon Lester, who wouldn’t be such an easy selection if Clay Buchholz (hamstring) were healthy.
My second five: CC Sabathia, who seems to be getting stronger while Phil Hughes has faltered; Fausto Carmona, the lone Indian; AL innings leader Felix Hernandez; Ricky Romero, third in innings and seventh in ERA; and Jeff Niemann, because of his season-long consistency and 2.72 ERA.
Relief pitchers (3): Reserve a spot for Mariano Rivera every year until he retires (which should be, what, in another five years?). Jose Valverde is just as automatic this season with one more save and an even better ERA than Rivera (0.53 to 0.92). Rafael Soriano has been the third most effective AL closer and makes this team.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
More: Stan McNeal’s National League All-Star picks
There are three days until the 2010 All-Star rosters will be announced. You know what that means? Time to pick your team.
Guideline No. 1: It isn’t always about the most deserving players. Because every team must be represented, some deserving players will miss the chance to play in Anaheim on July 13.
Elvis Andrus’ glove should make him an All-Star at shortstop.
Other guidelines:
• Fan voting, which closes tonight on mlb.com, determines the AL’s starting nine and the NL’s starting eight (no DH on the NL ballot).
• Players vote for backups at each position, five starting pitchers and three relievers.
• Managers Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel fill out the rosters, which are comprised of 21 position players and 13 pitchers (including at least three relievers).
• A new wrinkle: Any starting pitcher who works on the Sunday before the game will not be eligible to pitch in the game. He still will be on the team and a replacement will be added to the roster. Add these last-minute pitchers and injury replacements (there will be a bunch this year) and the 34-man rosters could swell closer to 40.
Even with two fewer teams, picking the AL squad is tougher than the NL. Maybe that is what happens when there are more worthy position players and not as many pitchers.
My 34-man AL roster:
First base (4): Justin Morneau went into the last week of fans’ voting needing to hold off Mark Teixeira for the start. Teixeira shouldn’t even make the team considering his numbers and the depth at this position. And nobody should start ahead of Miguel Cabrera, who is hitting .337 with 20 homers and 68 RBIs. Paul Konerko, Kevin Youkilis and Billy Butler all have put up worthy numbers, but Butler loses out because only one Royal makes my team.
Second base (2): Robinson Cano leads the majors in hitting and is a no-brainer to start. Being a Yankee hasn’t hurt him running away with the fans’ vote, either. With Dustin Pedroia (foot) out, there is an open spot. I’ll go with Ty Wigginton to fulfill the Oriole requirement even though he is no more deserving than Nick Markakis or Adam Jones.
Shortstop (2): Elvis Andrus’ offense might never catch up to his defense, but that is because his defense is that good. He has been better than the fans’ favorite, Derek Jeter, so Andrus warrants the start. But considering he is only 21, he should not mind stepping aside for his elder this time.
Third base (3): Evan Longoria has a huge lead in the fans’ voting and was my starter, too, until his June swoon. Adrian Beltre hasn’t slowed down and he steps into the starting spot on my team, with Michael Young right behind. Sorry, Alex Rodriguez. Your slow start cost you.
Catcher (2): Even in a subpar (for him) season, Joe Mauer makes this the easiest position to pick — just like he did last year and just like he will next year and the following year and … you get the point. Picking his backup is a bit more difficult with Victor Martinez (thumb) on the disabled list. Kurt Suzuki gets the nod over John Buck because Suzuki is as close as deserving as anyone on the A’s.
Outfield (7): Josh Hamilton figured to win a spot in the fans’ voting even if he hadn’t hit a major league-best .454 with nine homers and 31 RBIs in 26 June games. Now the only question is whether he hit third or fourth. Carl Crawford leads AL outfielders in runs and is hitting over .300, so he warrants the fans’ support he is receiving. It would be a very unusual season if Ichiro Suzuki wasn’t on pace for 200 hits — and starting in the All-Star Game.
There is a surplus of deserving backups, including two leading candidates for comeback player of the year: Vernon Wells and his former teammate Alex Rios. Torii Hunter gets a spot because he is the face of the host team. He also is hitting .290 and is on pace for 25 homers, 100-plus RBIs and another Gold Glove. David DeJesus edges Butler as my pick from the Royals because his numbers are a bit better. Apologies to rookie Brennan Boesch, Jose Bautista, Shin-Soo Chin and Brett Gardner.
DH (1): Vladimir Guerrero showed the Angels what they are missing when he beat them with a grand slam Wednesday night. He will get another chance to showcase his talent when he is announced as an All-Star starter in his old home stadium. I’d feel worse about leaving off David Ortiz if he hadn’t slumped in June.
Starting pitchers (10): No pitcher has been better than Cliff Lee over the past few weeks, and he deserves to start. If he doesn’t, let Andy Pettitte do so before he retires. He has shown he can pitch in big games. Only a few others are obvious: AL wins and ERA leader David Price, strikeouts leaders Jered Weaver and Jon Lester, who wouldn’t be such an easy selection if Clay Buchholz (hamstring) were healthy.
My second five: CC Sabathia, who seems to be getting stronger while Phil Hughes has faltered; Fausto Carmona, the lone Indian; AL innings leader Felix Hernandez; Ricky Romero, third in innings and seventh in ERA; and Jeff Niemann, because of his season-long consistency and 2.72 ERA.
Relief pitchers (3): Reserve a spot for Mariano Rivera every year until he retires (which should be, what, in another five years?). Jose Valverde is just as automatic this season with one more save and an even better ERA than Rivera (0.53 to 0.92). Rafael Soriano has been the third most effective AL closer and makes this team.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will require surgery to repair his injured thumb, according to MLB Network’s Peter Gammons.
Philadelphia could be without Utley for 5-6 weeks.
Utley, the leading vote-getter at second base for this year’s N.L. All-Star team, is hitting .277 with 11 homers and 37 RBIs. He suffered the injury June 28, hasn’t played since and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday.
The Phillies also are awaiting an update on the condition of third baseman Placido Polanco (elbow). Polanco, the N.L.’s leading vote-getter at third base, is scheduled to visit a specialist today. He is hitting .318 with five homers and 27 RBIs and also was placed on the disabled list Wednesday.
Sporting News staff reports
Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will require surgery to repair his injured thumb, according to MLB Network’s Peter Gammons.
Philadelphia could be without Utley for 5-6 weeks.
Utley, the leading vote-getter at second base for this year’s N.L. All-Star team, is hitting .277 with 11 homers and 37 RBIs. He suffered the injury June 28, hasn’t played since and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday.
The Phillies also are awaiting an update on the condition of third baseman Placido Polanco (elbow). Polanco, the N.L.’s leading vote-getter at third base, is scheduled to visit a specialist today. He is hitting .318 with five homers and 27 RBIs and also was placed on the disabled list Wednesday.
More: Stan McNeal’s American League All-Star picks
There are three days until the 2010 All-Star rosters will be announced. You know what that means? Time to pick your team.
Guideline No. 1: It isn’t always about the most deserving players. Because every team must be represented, some deserving players will miss the chance to play in Anaheim on July 13.
Despite tough competition at first base, Joey Votto has earned a place on the All-Star team.
Other guidelines:
• Fan voting, which closes tonight on mlb.com, determines the AL’s starting nine and the NL’s starting eight (no DH on the NL ballot).
• Players vote for backups at each position, five starting pitchers and three relievers.
• Managers Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel fill out the rosters, which are comprised of 21 position players and 13 pitchers (including at least three relievers).
• A new wrinkle: Any starting pitcher who works on the Sunday before the game will not be eligible to pitch in the game. He still will be on the team and a replacement will be added to the roster. Add these last-minute pitchers and injury replacements (there will be a bunch this year) and the 34-man rosters could swell closer to 40.
My 34-man NL roster:
First base (5): So many are having strong seasons at this position that Albert Pujols, the game’s best player, doesn’t deserve to start. He should be behind Adrian Gonzalez and Joey Votto. But with Pujols as the fans’ runaway choice, look for Votto to be the starting DH with the slick-fielding Gonzalez backing up Pujols. Having the DH also allows Braves MVP Troy Glaus and Phillies slugger Ryan Howard to make the team. Sorry, Adam Dunn, James Loney and Prince Fielder. There just isn’t room for eight first baseman/DH types.
Second base (2): With fans’ choice Chase Utley (thumb) injured, Manuel will be able to start the Braves’ Martin Prado, who leads the NL with a .333 average. Brandon Phillips makes the club, too, and Kelly Johnson could if Manuel chooses him as the Diamondbacks’ representative.
Third base (3): David Wright is having a season that will put him in the top five in MVP voting and deserves to be the fans’ choice, though he will need a last-gasp push to pass the injured Placido Polanco (elbow). Scott Rolen and Ryan Zimmerman are worthy backups.
Shortstop (2): Hanley Ramirez has the numbers (if not the hustle) to warrant being the fans’ choice. But Jose Reyes will have more to say about that next year. This year, Reyes at least deserves to be a backup. He ranks in the top 10 in the NL in runs, stolen bases and — this is great to see after last year — smiles. A broken wrist makes Troy Tulowitzki an unfortunate omission.
Outfield (7): This isn’t exactly a position of strength for the NL. Ryan Braun has cooled off since April, and Andre Ethier hasn’t regained his power since returning from a broken pinkie. But if the fans want them, I’ll take them, too. Jason Heyward, second in the fans’ voting, should start a bunch of All-Star Games, but he has had his share of rookie moments (five strikeouts in a game) and his numbers have tailed. Besides, he has said he will go to Anaheim but won’t play because of his thumb injury. Good for him for putting his team first.
Corey Hart, top two in the NL in homers and RBIs, should replace Heyward in the starting lineup. Andrew McCutchen is having a breakout season and is the obvious — and deserving — choice from the Pirates. Marlon Byrd has been a rare bright spot for the Cubs and gets the nod over Carlos Silva and Carlos Marmol as his team’s lone rep. Michael Bourn is the most deserving Astro, which isn’t saying that much (no matter how overrated wins are, it still is difficult to consider a pitcher with a 5-10 record as having an All-Star season. So, sorry, Roy Oswalt).
Choosing a worthy Diamondback is another tough task, but I’ll take Chris Young over Justin Upton in a coin flip. Cases also can be made for Jayson Werth, Matt Kemp and Carlos Gonzalez, but they lose out because of the "every team is represented" rule.
Catcher (2): Yadier Molina had a comfortable lead in the latest fans’ voting and while he isn’t hitting as well as a year ago, his defense has been even better. He is the starter on my team, too. Because of the catcher’s re-entry rule, only one backup makes my squad: Miguel Olivo over Rod Barajas, barely.
Starting pitchers (9): Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Johnson, Roy Halladay, Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, Mike Pelfrey and Tim Hudson are easy. Matt Cain has a better ERA than teammate Tim Lincecum, but Cain’s hard luck continues and he loses out to Lincecum because of the name factor. You probably haven’t heard much about the Padres’ 22-year-old Mat Latos, but he has been the best starter on the NL’s best pitching staff.
No Stephen Strasburg for me. If he had dominated in his last start, maybe. But if there isn’t room for N.L. strikeout leader Yovani Gallardo, there isn’t a spot for Strasburg. If he dominates in his next two starts, however, and is named as a replacement starter, there will be no griping from me. Having him in the game definitely would boost the buzz factor.
Relief pitchers (4): The Padres deserve more than one reliever, but they are so balanced that there is no obvious second choice. I’ll take Luke Gregerson over closer Heath Bell because of Gregerson’s 51-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.60 ERA. Arthur Rhodes went more than two months without allowing a run and has been key in the Reds’ climb to first place. Because this is Billy Wagner’s last season, he is an easy pick for sentimental reasons. Being 16-for-18 in save chances with a .167 batting average allowed and 1.15 ERA makes the choice even easier.
Despite his Sunday night implosion against the Yankees, Jonathan Broxton has established himself as an elite closer and makes my team ahead of his teammate, Hong-Chih Kuo, and fellow closers Brian Wilson, Francisco Cordero and Ryan Franklin.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
More: Stan McNeal’s American League All-Star picks
There are three days until the 2010 All-Star rosters will be announced. You know what that means? Time to pick your team.
Guideline No. 1: It isn’t always about the most deserving players. Because every team must be represented, some deserving players will miss the chance to play in Anaheim on July 13.
Despite tough competition at first base, Joey Votto has earned a place on the All-Star team.
Other guidelines:
• Fan voting, which closes tonight on mlb.com, determines the AL’s starting nine and the NL’s starting eight (no DH on the NL ballot).
• Players vote for backups at each position, five starting pitchers and three relievers.
• Managers Joe Girardi and Charlie Manuel fill out the rosters, which are comprised of 21 position players and 13 pitchers (including at least three relievers).
• A new wrinkle: Any starting pitcher who works on the Sunday before the game will not be eligible to pitch in the game. He still will be on the team and a replacement will be added to the roster. Add these last-minute pitchers and injury replacements (there will be a bunch this year) and the 34-man rosters could swell closer to 40.
My 34-man NL roster:
First base (5): So many are having strong seasons at this position that Albert Pujols, the game’s best player, doesn’t deserve to start. He should be behind Adrian Gonzalez and Joey Votto. But with Pujols as the fans’ runaway choice, look for Votto to be the starting DH with the slick-fielding Gonzalez backing up Pujols. Having the DH also allows Braves MVP Troy Glaus and Phillies slugger Ryan Howard to make the team. Sorry, Adam Dunn, James Loney and Prince Fielder. There just isn’t room for eight first baseman/DH types.
Second base (2): With fans’ choice Chase Utley (thumb) injured, Manuel will be able to start the Braves’ Martin Prado, who leads the NL with a .333 average. Brandon Phillips makes the club, too, and Kelly Johnson could if Manuel chooses him as the Diamondbacks’ representative.
Third base (3): David Wright is having a season that will put him in the top five in MVP voting and deserves to be the fans’ choice, though he will need a last-gasp push to pass the injured Placido Polanco (elbow). Scott Rolen and Ryan Zimmerman are worthy backups.
Shortstop (2): Hanley Ramirez has the numbers (if not the hustle) to warrant being the fans’ choice. But Jose Reyes will have more to say about that next year. This year, Reyes at least deserves to be a backup. He ranks in the top 10 in the NL in runs, stolen bases and — this is great to see after last year — smiles. A broken wrist makes Troy Tulowitzki an unfortunate omission.
Outfield (7): This isn’t exactly a position of strength for the NL. Ryan Braun has cooled off since April, and Andre Ethier hasn’t regained his power since returning from a broken pinkie. But if the fans want them, I’ll take them, too. Jason Heyward, second in the fans’ voting, should start a bunch of All-Star Games, but he has had his share of rookie moments (five strikeouts in a game) and his numbers have tailed. Besides, he has said he will go to Anaheim but won’t play because of his thumb injury. Good for him for putting his team first.
Corey Hart, top two in the NL in homers and RBIs, should replace Heyward in the starting lineup. Andrew McCutchen is having a breakout season and is the obvious — and deserving — choice from the Pirates. Marlon Byrd has been a rare bright spot for the Cubs and gets the nod over Carlos Silva and Carlos Marmol as his team’s lone rep. Michael Bourn is the most deserving Astro, which isn’t saying that much (no matter how overrated wins are, it still is difficult to consider a pitcher with a 5-10 record as having an All-Star season. So, sorry, Roy Oswalt).
Choosing a worthy Diamondback is another tough task, but I’ll take Chris Young over Justin Upton in a coin flip. Cases also can be made for Jayson Werth, Matt Kemp and Carlos Gonzalez, but they lose out because of the "every team is represented" rule.
Catcher (2): Yadier Molina had a comfortable lead in the latest fans’ voting and while he isn’t hitting as well as a year ago, his defense has been even better. He is the starter on my team, too. Because of the catcher’s re-entry rule, only one backup makes my squad: Miguel Olivo over Rod Barajas, barely.
Starting pitchers (9): Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Johnson, Roy Halladay, Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, Mike Pelfrey and Tim Hudson are easy. Matt Cain has a better ERA than teammate Tim Lincecum, but Cain’s hard luck continues and he loses out to Lincecum because of the name factor. You probably haven’t heard much about the Padres’ 22-year-old Mat Latos, but he has been the best starter on the NL’s best pitching staff.
No Stephen Strasburg for me. If he had dominated in his last start, maybe. But if there isn’t room for N.L. strikeout leader Yovani Gallardo, there isn’t a spot for Strasburg. If he dominates in his next two starts, however, and is named as a replacement starter, there will be no griping from me. Having him in the game definitely would boost the buzz factor.
Relief pitchers (4): The Padres deserve more than one reliever, but they are so balanced that there is no obvious second choice. I’ll take Luke Gregerson over closer Heath Bell because of Gregerson’s 51-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.60 ERA. Arthur Rhodes went more than two months without allowing a run and has been key in the Reds’ climb to first place. Because this is Billy Wagner’s last season, he is an easy pick for sentimental reasons. Being 16-for-18 in save chances with a .167 batting average allowed and 1.15 ERA makes the choice even easier.
Despite his Sunday night implosion against the Yankees, Jonathan Broxton has established himself as an elite closer and makes my team ahead of his teammate, Hong-Chih Kuo, and fellow closers Brian Wilson, Francisco Cordero and Ryan Franklin.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
He’s known simply as The Man.
Stan Musial is on the short list of the best players ever to wear a major league uniform, a Hall of Famer who was as quick with his bat as he was with a smile for the fans at Busch Stadium during the 22 seasons he wore a Cardinals uniform.
The Cardinals are leading a movement to have President Obama award Musial the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor a president can bestow. He’s certainly a deserving recipient for his contributions to the country on and off the field. Click here for information on the"Stand for Stan" campaign.
And now, Sporting News readers have an opportunity to ask Stan Musial a question. Anything you’ve ever wanted to know about his career, his teammates, his thoughts on baseball’s evolution, the special bond he shares with current Cardinals legend Albert Pujols or anything else you’d like to know. This baseball legend—our baseball legend—will be featured on the 5 Questions page of an upcoming issue of Sporting News magazine.
As you know, only five questions will make the cut. So be insightful, be nuanced and be thought-provoking with your inquiries. Send your questions to Ryan Fagan (rfagan@sportingnews.com) or Ken Bradley (kbradley@sportingews.com).
Sporting News staff reports
He’s known simply as The Man.
Stan Musial is on the short list of the best players ever to wear a major league uniform, a Hall of Famer who was as quick with his bat as he was with a smile for the fans at Busch Stadium during the 22 seasons he wore a Cardinals uniform.
The Cardinals are leading a movement to have President Obama award Musial the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor a president can bestow. He’s certainly a deserving recipient for his contributions to the country on and off the field. Click here for information on the"Stand for Stan" campaign.
And now, Sporting News readers have an opportunity to ask Stan Musial a question. Anything you’ve ever wanted to know about his career, his teammates, his thoughts on baseball’s evolution, the special bond he shares with current Cardinals legend Albert Pujols or anything else you’d like to know. This baseball legend—our baseball legend—will be featured on the 5 Questions page of an upcoming issue of Sporting News magazine.
As you know, only five questions will make the cut. So be insightful, be nuanced and be thought-provoking with your inquiries. Send your questions to Ryan Fagan (rfagan@sportingnews.com) or Ken Bradley (kbradley@sportingews.com).
By Mike Triplett, Sporting News correspondent
On the morning after he led the New Orleans Saints to the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, sleep-deprived MVP quarterback Drew Brees said, "I think what’s going to be fun is using the term ‘repeat’ all next year."
Pierre Thomas will see a bigger role in the Saints’ offense this season.
But as recent history has shown, that will be much easier said than done. Over the past 11 years, only one team has repeated a Super Bowl win (the 2004 Patriots). None of the other 10 defending champions even reached a conference championship game, and five missed the playoffs altogether.
Still, the Saints have plenty of reason for optimism, as they kept their roster almost intact. The defense should be even better in Year 2 under coordinator Gregg Williams. And, of course, they still have offensive whiz Sean Payton calling the shots for Brees, a master at running the offense.
What’s new
Offense: The Saints used a committee approach at tailback in 2009, with Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Mike Bell splitting the workload. But Thomas emerged as a bona fide No. 1 back in his third season, gaining 1,095 yards from scrimmage in the regular season.
Thomas appears primed to take on a bigger role now that Bell has gone to Philadelphia. Third-year pro Lynell Hamilton seems like a natural fit to replace Bell as the short-yardage specialist and physical pounder, though he has only been used in small doses so far in his career.
With the trade of Jammal Brown to the Redskins, Jermon Bushrod is now cemented at left tackle. With Brown out last season, Bushrod stepped in and did a solid job. He held up well during the playoff run and should be improved after a full year of experience.
Defense: The Saints parted ways with longtime left end Charles Grant, releasing him before the start of free agency. But they replaced him with another proven veteran in former Bears starter Alex Brown, who has the skill set to play the run and rush the passer.
The Saints also lost Scott Fujita, a reliable starter at strongside linebacker who left for Cleveland in free agency. New Orleans is hoping a solid replacement emerges from free-agent pickup Clint Ingram and a group of young candidates that includes Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Jonathan Casillas, Marvin Mitchell and Anthony Waters.
Free safety Darren Sharper, who re-signed with the team after looking at other options, is coming off knee surgery and can’t be expected to intercept nine passes again. The team moved 2009 first-rounder Malcolm Jenkins to safety in case Sharper has more knee troubles.
Breakout player
Robert Meachem: ‘I want to be out there every day.’
Robert Meachem, WR
He has been an annual breakout candidate since the Saints drafted him in the first round in 2007, but last season he finally showed how dynamic he can be. He caught 45 passes for 722 yards and nine TDs. If, after offseason toe surgery, he returns to full speed during training camp, he should be able to pick up where he left off.
"As a competitor, it’s tough (to be out with the toe injury during the offseason program). I want to be out there every day. But the best thing is I’ve still been getting mental reps, getting to learn from the guys, see what they’re doing wrong, see what the coaches are teaching them. So when I get my chance to get out here, I’ll do everything how they want me to do it." — Meachem
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Saints)
"
The trigger man there, Drew Brees, is obviously special. He has a real instinct about him and an awareness, and they take good advantage of that. One of the things that he does really well is work with Sean (Payton) in getting you into personnel groupings that they can take advantage of. They’re great at manipulating you by using motion or some sort of formation and just getting the coverage or personnel matchup they want. …
"Their receivers are all very good, and what makes them so tough is that each one is his own monster. At running back, everyone is going to tell you that Pierre (Thomas) is just a guy, but he’s a workhorse and he’s a powerful runner. And while he may not be real flashy, he’s just flat-out productive.
"On defense, you’re going to have a little bit of a transition away from Charles Grant there up front. Will Smith is still a very good pass-rush guy, but how they play it now after signing Alex (Brown) is hard to know. With the inside guys, a lot of people are still waiting for Sedrick Ellis to kind of snap out of it. I can’t say he’s bad on film; it’s just OK. I don’t think he’s what they expected out of the seventh pick in the draft."
Bottom line
The Saints have what it takes to win another Super Bowl, and there is no clear reason why they should suffer a drop-off in 2010. As long as New Orleans has Payton calling the plays and Brees running the offense, it has a chance to win. And Atlanta appears to be the only serious threat in the NFC South. Even if the Saints don’t make another run at a 16-0 season, they should remain among the top challengers in the NFC.
Projected depth chart
Offense
QB: Drew Brees, Chase Daniel
FB: Heath Evans, Jason McKie
RB: Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush
WR: Marques Colston, Robert Meachem
WR: Devery Henderson, Lance Moore
TE: Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas
LT: Jermon Bushrod, Charles Brown
LG: Carl Nicks, Tim Duckworth
C: Jonathan Goodwin, Nick Leckey
RG: Jahri Evans, Terrence Metcalf
RT: Jon Stinchcomb, Zach Strief
Defense
LE: Alex Brown, Jeff Charleston
DT: Sedrick Ellis, Anthony Hargrove
DT: Remi Ayodele, Al Woods
RE: Will Smith, Jimmy Wilkerson
SLB: Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Clint Ingram
MLB: Jonathan Vilma, Marvin Mitchell
WLB: Scott Shanle, Jonathan Casillas
LCB: Jabari Greer, Randall Gay
SS: Roman Harper, Chris Reis
FS: Darren Sharper, Malcolm Jenkins
RCB: Tracy Porter, Patrick Robinson
Specialists
K: Garrett Hartley
P: Thomas Morstead
KR: Courtney Roby
PR: Reggie Bush
LS: Jason Kyle
By Mike Triplett, Sporting News correspondent
On the morning after he led the New Orleans Saints to the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, sleep-deprived MVP quarterback Drew Brees said, "I think what’s going to be fun is using the term ‘repeat’ all next year."
Pierre Thomas will see a bigger role in the Saints’ offense this season.
But as recent history has shown, that will be much easier said than done. Over the past 11 years, only one team has repeated a Super Bowl win (the 2004 Patriots). None of the other 10 defending champions even reached a conference championship game, and five missed the playoffs altogether.
Still, the Saints have plenty of reason for optimism, as they kept their roster almost intact. The defense should be even better in Year 2 under coordinator Gregg Williams. And, of course, they still have offensive whiz Sean Payton calling the shots for Brees, a master at running the offense.
What’s new
Offense: The Saints used a committee approach at tailback in 2009, with Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Mike Bell splitting the workload. But Thomas emerged as a bona fide No. 1 back in his third season, gaining 1,095 yards from scrimmage in the regular season.
Thomas appears primed to take on a bigger role now that Bell has gone to Philadelphia. Third-year pro Lynell Hamilton seems like a natural fit to replace Bell as the short-yardage specialist and physical pounder, though he has only been used in small doses so far in his career.
With the trade of Jammal Brown to the Redskins, Jermon Bushrod is now cemented at left tackle. With Brown out last season, Bushrod stepped in and did a solid job. He held up well during the playoff run and should be improved after a full year of experience.
Defense: The Saints parted ways with longtime left end Charles Grant, releasing him before the start of free agency. But they replaced him with another proven veteran in former Bears starter Alex Brown, who has the skill set to play the run and rush the passer.
The Saints also lost Scott Fujita, a reliable starter at strongside linebacker who left for Cleveland in free agency. New Orleans is hoping a solid replacement emerges from free-agent pickup Clint Ingram and a group of young candidates that includes Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Jonathan Casillas, Marvin Mitchell and Anthony Waters.
Free safety Darren Sharper, who re-signed with the team after looking at other options, is coming off knee surgery and can’t be expected to intercept nine passes again. The team moved 2009 first-rounder Malcolm Jenkins to safety in case Sharper has more knee troubles.
Breakout player
Robert Meachem: ‘I want to be out there every day.’
Robert Meachem, WR
He has been an annual breakout candidate since the Saints drafted him in the first round in 2007, but last season he finally showed how dynamic he can be. He caught 45 passes for 722 yards and nine TDs. If, after offseason toe surgery, he returns to full speed during training camp, he should be able to pick up where he left off.
"As a competitor, it’s tough (to be out with the toe injury during the offseason program). I want to be out there every day. But the best thing is I’ve still been getting mental reps, getting to learn from the guys, see what they’re doing wrong, see what the coaches are teaching them. So when I get my chance to get out here, I’ll do everything how they want me to do it." — Meachem
Opponent’s view
(An anonymous opponent breaks down the Saints)
"
The trigger man there, Drew Brees, is obviously special. He has a real instinct about him and an awareness, and they take good advantage of that. One of the things that he does really well is work with Sean (Payton) in getting you into personnel groupings that they can take advantage of. They’re great at manipulating you by using motion or some sort of formation and just getting the coverage or personnel matchup they want. …
"Their receivers are all very good, and what makes them so tough is that each one is his own monster. At running back, everyone is going to tell you that Pierre (Thomas) is just a guy, but he’s a workhorse and he’s a powerful runner. And while he may not be real flashy, he’s just flat-out productive.
"On defense, you’re going to have a little bit of a transition away from Charles Grant there up front. Will Smith is still a very good pass-rush guy, but how they play it now after signing Alex (Brown) is hard to know. With the inside guys, a lot of people are still waiting for Sedrick Ellis to kind of snap out of it. I can’t say he’s bad on film; it’s just OK. I don’t think he’s what they expected out of the seventh pick in the draft."
Bottom line
The Saints have what it takes to win another Super Bowl, and there is no clear reason why they should suffer a drop-off in 2010. As long as New Orleans has Payton calling the plays and Brees running the offense, it has a chance to win. And Atlanta appears to be the only serious threat in the NFC South. Even if the Saints don’t make another run at a 16-0 season, they should remain among the top challengers in the NFC.
Projected depth chart
Offense
QB: Drew Brees, Chase Daniel
FB: Heath Evans, Jason McKie
RB: Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush
WR: Marques Colston, Robert Meachem
WR: Devery Henderson, Lance Moore
TE: Jeremy Shockey, David Thomas
LT: Jermon Bushrod, Charles Brown
LG: Carl Nicks, Tim Duckworth
C: Jonathan Goodwin, Nick Leckey
RG: Jahri Evans, Terrence Metcalf
RT: Jon Stinchcomb, Zach Strief
Defense
LE: Alex Brown, Jeff Charleston
DT: Sedrick Ellis, Anthony Hargrove
DT: Remi Ayodele, Al Woods
RE: Will Smith, Jimmy Wilkerson
SLB: Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Clint Ingram
MLB: Jonathan Vilma, Marvin Mitchell
WLB: Scott Shanle, Jonathan Casillas
LCB: Jabari Greer, Randall Gay
SS: Roman Harper, Chris Reis
FS: Darren Sharper, Malcolm Jenkins
RCB: Tracy Porter, Patrick Robinson
Specialists
K: Garrett Hartley
P: Thomas Morstead
KR: Courtney Roby
PR: Reggie Bush
LS: Jason Kyle
