Sporting News staff reports
Russell Branyan is returning to Seattle.
The Mariners acquired the slugging first baseman from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for minor leaguers Ezequiel Carrera and Juan Diaz.
MLB.com reports Cleveland will also pick up the remainder of Branyan’s $2 million salary or send Seattle a player to be named.
Branyan, 34, hit 31 home runs for Seattle last season but was not re-signed in the offseason. He hooked on with Cleveland during spring training but missed the start of the season with a back injury. He batted .263 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs for the Indians this season.
MLB.com reports the trade allows the Indians to recall Matt LaPorta from the minors and make him the club’s everyday first baseman. LaPorta was playing the outfield prior to his demotion.
Sporting News staff reports
Russell Branyan is returning to Seattle.
The Mariners acquired the slugging first baseman from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for minor leaguers Ezequiel Carrera and Juan Diaz.
MLB.com reports Cleveland will also pick up the remainder of Branyan’s $2 million salary or send Seattle a player to be named.
Branyan, 34, hit 31 home runs for Seattle last season but was not re-signed in the offseason. He hooked on with Cleveland during spring training but missed the start of the season with a back injury. He batted .263 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs for the Indians this season.
MLB.com reports the trade allows the Indians to recall Matt LaPorta from the minors and make him the club’s everyday first baseman. LaPorta was playing the outfield prior to his demotion.
Great quarterback–receiver combinations just sound good together, like Manning to Harrison, or Montana to Rice.
A busy NFL offseason has created some new QB–WR combos that could put up prolific numbers. Here are five to watch:
Anquan Boldin should take the heat off Derrick Mason in Baltimore’s offense.
Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin
Why they will click: Boldin is a physical receiver willing to run routes in traffic. Flacco has the arm to throw into tight spaces. The Ravens should throw more, and with more success.
"This is the one that really jumps out at me," NFL analyst and former quarterback Joe Theismann said. "Boldin gives them a presence. I’ve felt the wide receiver position was holding them back, because they’ve never had a complement to Derrick Mason. Now they do."
After making the playoffs as a wild card the past two seasons, the Ravens think Boldin can help them win the AFC North and go farther in the postseason.
"I think Flacco is a due for a breakout year," NFL analyst Mike Mayock said. "To me, the Baltimore Ravens are a team that can win the Super Bowl next year, as long as they can hold up on the corners defensively. The thing I love about Boldin is that he fits the Ravens both on and off the field. He’s so tough, he’s so physical, he brings that veteran presence. You can’t roll everybody at Mason now."
Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall
Why they will click: With a new contract and a new home, Marshall should be poised for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season. And Marshall is just 26 years old, while Henne turns 25 in July. They could have some seasons together.
"Davonne Bess is a good wide receiver, Greg Camarillo is a good wide receiver, Brian Hartline is a good wide receiver," Mayock said. "But they had nobody who could make a play. That’s why they had so many snaps out of the Wildcat, because they were trying to manufacture plays. Now that you have a Brandon Marshall, that changes their whole team, that guy on the edge who can make plays."
Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts believes Marshall will be a huge asset for Henne in the red zone.
"I’ve always liked tall receivers," said Fouts, an analyst for CBS. "You get near that goal line, and you can just throw it up into the corner, or at the crossbar near the back of the end zone, and he can go get it. Marshall is a gifted player, and Henne has a strong arm. Can’t see how they won’t work well together."
Donovan McNabb to Chris Cooley
Why they will click: McNabb loves throwing to tight ends. He made L.J. Smith look better than he was, and Brent Celek enjoyed a breakout year with the Eagles catching passes from McNabb. Cooley had rapport with Jason Campbell, but McNabb is better. Fred Davis gives McNabb another viable tight end target, but Cooley should be a go-to guy.
Tony Romo to Dez Bryant
Why they will click: Joining a loaded offensive team will make it easier for Bryant to have instant impact as a rookie. Plus, Bryant was considered the draft’s best receiver, and only fell to the Cowboys at No. 24 due to concerns about some off-field issues.
"I think Dez is in a perfect situation," Mayock said. "He’s on a veteran team, surrounded by good players. Teams can’t roll coverage to him. I really believe the next two years, he’s going to have highly productive years.
"I look at Aaron Rodgers a few years back. People thought he was a top-five pick, went late first round, ends up playing behind Brett Favre, ends up on a really good football team where he doesn’t have to produce early. I look at DeSean Jackson a couple of years ago with the Eagles. He slipped for similar reasons that Dez did, off-the-field concerns. What kind of work ethic does he have? Is he going to be manageable, show up on time? He slid into the second round and became the most productive rookie receiver in the NFL. A lot of times when kids fall, it ends up working out for the better."
Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes
Why they will click: Holmes has been a Super Bowl MVP and is motivated to prove the Steelers made a mistake by trading him away. After serving a four-game suspension to start the season, Holmes will become Sanchez’s favorite target.
"Holmes has got a little bit of that diva personality, but there’s no question he’ll help that team," Mayock said. "For that team to take another step, they’ve got to get a little more balance. They run the ball and they play great defense. Mark Sanchez has to take another step, and they’ve got to get a little bit better throwing the football. Now you’ve got a guy who can stretch the field a little bit, and along with (Jerricho) Cotchery and (Braylon) Edwards, that’s a pretty good group of guys."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Great quarterback–receiver combinations just sound good together, like Manning to Harrison, or Montana to Rice.
A busy NFL offseason has created some new QB–WR combos that could put up prolific numbers. Here are five to watch:
Anquan Boldin should take the heat off Derrick Mason in Baltimore’s offense.
Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin
Why they will click: Boldin is a physical receiver willing to run routes in traffic. Flacco has the arm to throw into tight spaces. The Ravens should throw more, and with more success.
"This is the one that really jumps out at me," NFL analyst and former quarterback Joe Theismann said. "Boldin gives them a presence. I’ve felt the wide receiver position was holding them back, because they’ve never had a complement to Derrick Mason. Now they do."
After making the playoffs as a wild card the past two seasons, the Ravens think Boldin can help them win the AFC North and go farther in the postseason.
"I think Flacco is a due for a breakout year," NFL analyst Mike Mayock said. "To me, the Baltimore Ravens are a team that can win the Super Bowl next year, as long as they can hold up on the corners defensively. The thing I love about Boldin is that he fits the Ravens both on and off the field. He’s so tough, he’s so physical, he brings that veteran presence. You can’t roll everybody at Mason now."
Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall
Why they will click: With a new contract and a new home, Marshall should be poised for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season. And Marshall is just 26 years old, while Henne turns 25 in July. They could have some seasons together.
"Davonne Bess is a good wide receiver, Greg Camarillo is a good wide receiver, Brian Hartline is a good wide receiver," Mayock said. "But they had nobody who could make a play. That’s why they had so many snaps out of the Wildcat, because they were trying to manufacture plays. Now that you have a Brandon Marshall, that changes their whole team, that guy on the edge who can make plays."
Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts believes Marshall will be a huge asset for Henne in the red zone.
"I’ve always liked tall receivers," said Fouts, an analyst for CBS. "You get near that goal line, and you can just throw it up into the corner, or at the crossbar near the back of the end zone, and he can go get it. Marshall is a gifted player, and Henne has a strong arm. Can’t see how they won’t work well together."
Donovan McNabb to Chris Cooley
Why they will click: McNabb loves throwing to tight ends. He made L.J. Smith look better than he was, and Brent Celek enjoyed a breakout year with the Eagles catching passes from McNabb. Cooley had rapport with Jason Campbell, but McNabb is better. Fred Davis gives McNabb another viable tight end target, but Cooley should be a go-to guy.
Tony Romo to Dez Bryant
Why they will click: Joining a loaded offensive team will make it easier for Bryant to have instant impact as a rookie. Plus, Bryant was considered the draft’s best receiver, and only fell to the Cowboys at No. 24 due to concerns about some off-field issues.
"I think Dez is in a perfect situation," Mayock said. "He’s on a veteran team, surrounded by good players. Teams can’t roll coverage to him. I really believe the next two years, he’s going to have highly productive years.
"I look at Aaron Rodgers a few years back. People thought he was a top-five pick, went late first round, ends up playing behind Brett Favre, ends up on a really good football team where he doesn’t have to produce early. I look at DeSean Jackson a couple of years ago with the Eagles. He slipped for similar reasons that Dez did, off-the-field concerns. What kind of work ethic does he have? Is he going to be manageable, show up on time? He slid into the second round and became the most productive rookie receiver in the NFL. A lot of times when kids fall, it ends up working out for the better."
Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes
Why they will click: Holmes has been a Super Bowl MVP and is motivated to prove the Steelers made a mistake by trading him away. After serving a four-game suspension to start the season, Holmes will become Sanchez’s favorite target.
"Holmes has got a little bit of that diva personality, but there’s no question he’ll help that team," Mayock said. "For that team to take another step, they’ve got to get a little more balance. They run the ball and they play great defense. Mark Sanchez has to take another step, and they’ve got to get a little bit better throwing the football. Now you’ve got a guy who can stretch the field a little bit, and along with (Jerricho) Cotchery and (Braylon) Edwards, that’s a pretty good group of guys."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
RENTON, Wash. — It was a simple zone running play. Jets running back Leon Washington took the handoff and got held up in traffic. Then Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly fell across the back of his right leg, and Washington’s world suddenly became complicated.
Leon Washington’s broken leg is nearly fully healed, but he’s being held out of team drills this week as a precaution.
He heard a pop and thought he had torn his ACL. But when he felt his leg dangling, he suspected he had broken his leg — a diagnosis doctors confirmed in the X-ray room at the Oakland Coliseum last Oct. 25.
"You think about a broken leg and you automatically think about Joe Theismann," Washington said, referring to the former Redskins quarterback whose NFL career ended during a 1985 Monday night game when a sack by Lawrence Taylor resulted in a grotesque compound leg fracture.
Washington suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula. He was rushed to a hospital, where a metal rod was inserted in his leg during surgery that ended about the same time the Jets-Raiders game did. Then he began the long rehab process.
Washington’s story took another twist on April 24, the final day of the NFL draft, when the Jets traded him to Seattle. So in addition to trying to come back from a career-threatening injury, Washington now finds himself three time zones from New York on a new team and in a new conference.
"The positive out of this is I had a chance to sit back and look at football from a different perspective," Washington said Wednesday after the Seahawks concluded a two-day minicamp that wrapped up their offseason. "How fortunate we are to play this game. It’s my fifth year, and I feel like I was just a rookie a few days ago. That’s how fast it goes.
"Also, I feel like I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been in, because I’ve been in a training mode since last October."
Washington’s rehab here has included lifting weights, pushing sleds and running up and down the 45-degree hill that borders the Seahawks’ practice field. Sometimes, he has placed cones on the hill and cut side to side.
Washington caught the attention of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll last season when Carroll watched Mark Sanchez, his former quarterback at USC, play for the Jets.
"I love the way he plays the game," Carroll said of Washington. "I got to see him and thought he was a dynamic player—running, catching, returns. If he’s able to add to our offense, I think that’s a big plus for us."
Although he is only 5-8, Washington is a multiple threat with the ball in his hands. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner in 2008, his third year in the NFL, and led the league in combined yards (2,332) that season.
"Like all good running backs in this league, he can make the first guy miss," CBS analyst Solomon Wilcots said. "He’s been great on special teams and catching the ball out of the backfield, running screens and quick flare-outs. That’s kind of what you want. You don’t really want to use him as an inside runner."
The Seahawks likely will use Washington as a third-down back early this season, then gradually integrate him into the running game with Julius Jones, Justin Forsett and Quinton Ganther. Washington believes he can be a big contributor if he’s utilized right.
"I don’t see myself carrying the ball 30 times a game," he said, "but give me 12 to 15 carries and eight or nine catches, and I can have the same production as a lead back."
With both Jones (renewing his wedding vows) and Forsett (on his honeymoon) missing from this week’s minicamp, it would have been an opportune time for Washington to get some work. But even though X-rays on Tuesday showed his leg has just about completely healed, he was held out of team work and participated only in individual drills.
The Seahawks likely will continue to take a cautious approach with Washington when training camp opens on July 31. "My time will come," Washington said. "And when I get the opportunity, I’ll take advantage of it."
Running game will stay in committee
The Seahawks don’t have a prototypical feature back on their current roster. Unless they trade for one — say, Marshawn Lynch —they’ll operate with a running backs by committee approach in 2010. "We played a lot of running backs the last nine years (at USC)," Seahawks first-year coach Pete Carroll said. "I have no problem with mixing guys and going with who’s hot."
These players could comprise the committee:
Julius Jones. The former Cowboy needs to step up his performance after two mostly disappointing seasons in Seattle.
Justin Forsett. He rushed for 619 yards and four TDs last season—impressive for a former seventh-round draft pick.
Quinton Ganther. Maybe reuniting with running backs coach Sherman Smith, who coached Ganther in Tennessee and Washington, will light a fire for Ganther.
Leon Washington. If he is fully recovered from a broken leg, Washington can be a multi-dimensional back.
Louis Rankin. He has good size (6-1, 205) but not much experience.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
RENTON, Wash. — It was a simple zone running play. Jets running back Leon Washington took the handoff and got held up in traffic. Then Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly fell across the back of his right leg, and Washington’s world suddenly became complicated.
Leon Washington’s broken leg is nearly fully healed, but he’s being held out of team drills this week as a precaution.
He heard a pop and thought he had torn his ACL. But when he felt his leg dangling, he suspected he had broken his leg — a diagnosis doctors confirmed in the X-ray room at the Oakland Coliseum last Oct. 25.
"You think about a broken leg and you automatically think about Joe Theismann," Washington said, referring to the former Redskins quarterback whose NFL career ended during a 1985 Monday night game when a sack by Lawrence Taylor resulted in a grotesque compound leg fracture.
Washington suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula. He was rushed to a hospital, where a metal rod was inserted in his leg during surgery that ended about the same time the Jets-Raiders game did. Then he began the long rehab process.
Washington’s story took another twist on April 24, the final day of the NFL draft, when the Jets traded him to Seattle. So in addition to trying to come back from a career-threatening injury, Washington now finds himself three time zones from New York on a new team and in a new conference.
"The positive out of this is I had a chance to sit back and look at football from a different perspective," Washington said Wednesday after the Seahawks concluded a two-day minicamp that wrapped up their offseason. "How fortunate we are to play this game. It’s my fifth year, and I feel like I was just a rookie a few days ago. That’s how fast it goes.
"Also, I feel like I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been in, because I’ve been in a training mode since last October."
Washington’s rehab here has included lifting weights, pushing sleds and running up and down the 45-degree hill that borders the Seahawks’ practice field. Sometimes, he has placed cones on the hill and cut side to side.
Washington caught the attention of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll last season when Carroll watched Mark Sanchez, his former quarterback at USC, play for the Jets.
"I love the way he plays the game," Carroll said of Washington. "I got to see him and thought he was a dynamic player—running, catching, returns. If he’s able to add to our offense, I think that’s a big plus for us."
Although he is only 5-8, Washington is a multiple threat with the ball in his hands. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner in 2008, his third year in the NFL, and led the league in combined yards (2,332) that season.
"Like all good running backs in this league, he can make the first guy miss," CBS analyst Solomon Wilcots said. "He’s been great on special teams and catching the ball out of the backfield, running screens and quick flare-outs. That’s kind of what you want. You don’t really want to use him as an inside runner."
The Seahawks likely will use Washington as a third-down back early this season, then gradually integrate him into the running game with Julius Jones, Justin Forsett and Quinton Ganther. Washington believes he can be a big contributor if he’s utilized right.
"I don’t see myself carrying the ball 30 times a game," he said, "but give me 12 to 15 carries and eight or nine catches, and I can have the same production as a lead back."
With both Jones (renewing his wedding vows) and Forsett (on his honeymoon) missing from this week’s minicamp, it would have been an opportune time for Washington to get some work. But even though X-rays on Tuesday showed his leg has just about completely healed, he was held out of team work and participated only in individual drills.
The Seahawks likely will continue to take a cautious approach with Washington when training camp opens on July 31. "My time will come," Washington said. "And when I get the opportunity, I’ll take advantage of it."
Running game will stay in committee
The Seahawks don’t have a prototypical feature back on their current roster. Unless they trade for one — say, Marshawn Lynch —they’ll operate with a running backs by committee approach in 2010. "We played a lot of running backs the last nine years (at USC)," Seahawks first-year coach Pete Carroll said. "I have no problem with mixing guys and going with who’s hot."
These players could comprise the committee:
Julius Jones. The former Cowboy needs to step up his performance after two mostly disappointing seasons in Seattle.
Justin Forsett. He rushed for 619 yards and four TDs last season—impressive for a former seventh-round draft pick.
Quinton Ganther. Maybe reuniting with running backs coach Sherman Smith, who coached Ganther in Tennessee and Washington, will light a fire for Ganther.
Leon Washington. If he is fully recovered from a broken leg, Washington can be a multi-dimensional back.
Louis Rankin. He has good size (6-1, 205) but not much experience.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Stan McNeal analyzes three hot topics in Major League Baseball:
STRIKE 1: Pushing all the right buttons
It was the kind of move that leads to manager of the year awards.
All season, the backbone of the Padres’ surprising rise to first place has been the back of their bullpen: Luke Gregerson in the seventh, Mike Adams in the eighth and Heath Bell in the ninth. "If we get through six with the lead, we feel like the game is over," starter Kevin Correia says.
The Padres’ relievers all give much of the credit for their success to manager Bud Black.
The three key members of the Padres’ "PENitentiary" (well, their pitching is better than their nicknaming) all are quick to credit manager Bud Black for the bullpen’s success, in part because he so clearly has defined their roles — and stuck to them. "We all feel like we’re closers but we’re not competing against each other. We’re happy in our roles," Bell says.
After Mat Latos shut out the Rays for seven innings Tuesday night, Black resisted the temptation to turn to Gregerson even though he has been the bullpen’s most consistent performer. Black stuck with routine and turned over a 2-0 eighth-inning lead to Adams.
Adams allowed a run but seemed in control after getting two outs and having just a runner on first. Because Bell had not been called on for more than a three-out save all season, it figured Adams would stay in the game. Not on this night.
Black went with a feeling this time and called on Bell to face the Rays’ best hitter, Evan Longoria. Bell made his manager look smart when he used an 82-mph changeup — a nice weapon when you have an upper-90-mph fastball — to strike out Longoria. An inning later, the 2-1 victory was secured.
Black later said he pulled Adams because he was "a little off, especially with his slider."
"Some of the swings they were taking led me to think that it wasn’t going to turn around," Black said. "I’m a big Mike Adams fan, but I felt for the Padres on this night, we had to do that."
"I didn’t see what Bud saw," Bell said later, "But he saw something and he acted upon it. For the most part all season, he’s been right on."
Indeed. The Padres, widely picked to finish last in the NL West because of their weak offense, own the NL’s best record and a 2 1/2-game lead in the N.L. West. That, of course, also might have something to do with Black emerging as a leading candidate for manager of the year.
STRIKE 2: Thinking All-Star starters
Unlike in the National League, where Ubaldo Jimenez is the obvious candidate to start the July 13 All-Star Game in Anaheim, no clear choice has emerged in the A.L.
Cliff Lee leads the league in ERA but spent time on the disabled list and pitches for a last-place team. Up-and-comers David Price, Clay Buchholz and Phil Hughes all have 10 wins and rank among the ERA leaders. Then there is Andy Pettitte, who certainly is deserving (9-2, 2.48 ERA) and has the advantage of playing for the manager (Joe Girardi) who will make the call.
Pettitte has 238 career wins and an impressive postseason resume but has only made two All-Star teams, the last one in 2001. An All-Star start would be a fitting tribute to a potential Hall of Famer who could be in his final season.
Last season, the Rays’ Joe Maddon chose Roy Halladay over Zack Greinke in large part as a lifetime achievement recognition. This season, Price could be passed over for the same reason. If so, Maddon would have no objections.
"David is worthy and deserving but however it shakes out, we’ll deal with it at that moment," Maddon says. "Whatever happens is fine."
STRIKE 3: Scorching in Texas and Chicago’s South Side What do the Rangers’ 11-game winning streak and the White Sox’s nine-gamer have in common?
First, they demonstrate just how little off-the-field turmoil can impact what happens on the field. The fact the Rangers’ sale hit another roadblock probably isn’t foremost on Vladimir Guerrero’s mind or, really, any of the players’. In Chicago, guys will continue going about their routines no matter what happened or happens in the Kenny Williams-Ozzie Guillen soap opera. The White Sox, in fact, have lost only once since the Williams and Guillen blowup.
A more likely explanation for the winning ways of both clubs: schedules. Both have feasted on some of the NL’s weakest: The Rangers have smacked around the Brewers, Marlins, Astros and Pirates while the White Sox have swept the Pirates, Nationals and Braves. Of those seven clubs, only the Braves have a winning record.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Stan McNeal analyzes three hot topics in Major League Baseball:
STRIKE 1: Pushing all the right buttons
It was the kind of move that leads to manager of the year awards.
All season, the backbone of the Padres’ surprising rise to first place has been the back of their bullpen: Luke Gregerson in the seventh, Mike Adams in the eighth and Heath Bell in the ninth. "If we get through six with the lead, we feel like the game is over," starter Kevin Correia says.
The Padres’ relievers all give much of the credit for their success to manager Bud Black.
The three key members of the Padres’ "PENitentiary" (well, their pitching is better than their nicknaming) all are quick to credit manager Bud Black for the bullpen’s success, in part because he so clearly has defined their roles — and stuck to them. "We all feel like we’re closers but we’re not competing against each other. We’re happy in our roles," Bell says.
After Mat Latos shut out the Rays for seven innings Tuesday night, Black resisted the temptation to turn to Gregerson even though he has been the bullpen’s most consistent performer. Black stuck with routine and turned over a 2-0 eighth-inning lead to Adams.
Adams allowed a run but seemed in control after getting two outs and having just a runner on first. Because Bell had not been called on for more than a three-out save all season, it figured Adams would stay in the game. Not on this night.
Black went with a feeling this time and called on Bell to face the Rays’ best hitter, Evan Longoria. Bell made his manager look smart when he used an 82-mph changeup — a nice weapon when you have an upper-90-mph fastball — to strike out Longoria. An inning later, the 2-1 victory was secured.
Black later said he pulled Adams because he was "a little off, especially with his slider."
"Some of the swings they were taking led me to think that it wasn’t going to turn around," Black said. "I’m a big Mike Adams fan, but I felt for the Padres on this night, we had to do that."
"I didn’t see what Bud saw," Bell said later, "But he saw something and he acted upon it. For the most part all season, he’s been right on."
Indeed. The Padres, widely picked to finish last in the NL West because of their weak offense, own the NL’s best record and a 2 1/2-game lead in the N.L. West. That, of course, also might have something to do with Black emerging as a leading candidate for manager of the year.
STRIKE 2: Thinking All-Star starters
Unlike in the National League, where Ubaldo Jimenez is the obvious candidate to start the July 13 All-Star Game in Anaheim, no clear choice has emerged in the A.L.
Cliff Lee leads the league in ERA but spent time on the disabled list and pitches for a last-place team. Up-and-comers David Price, Clay Buchholz and Phil Hughes all have 10 wins and rank among the ERA leaders. Then there is Andy Pettitte, who certainly is deserving (9-2, 2.48 ERA) and has the advantage of playing for the manager (Joe Girardi) who will make the call.
Pettitte has 238 career wins and an impressive postseason resume but has only made two All-Star teams, the last one in 2001. An All-Star start would be a fitting tribute to a potential Hall of Famer who could be in his final season.
Last season, the Rays’ Joe Maddon chose Roy Halladay over Zack Greinke in large part as a lifetime achievement recognition. This season, Price could be passed over for the same reason. If so, Maddon would have no objections.
"David is worthy and deserving but however it shakes out, we’ll deal with it at that moment," Maddon says. "Whatever happens is fine."
STRIKE 3: Scorching in Texas and Chicago’s South Side What do the Rangers’ 11-game winning streak and the White Sox’s nine-gamer have in common?
First, they demonstrate just how little off-the-field turmoil can impact what happens on the field. The fact the Rangers’ sale hit another roadblock probably isn’t foremost on Vladimir Guerrero’s mind or, really, any of the players’. In Chicago, guys will continue going about their routines no matter what happened or happens in the Kenny Williams-Ozzie Guillen soap opera. The White Sox, in fact, have lost only once since the Williams and Guillen blowup.
A more likely explanation for the winning ways of both clubs: schedules. Both have feasted on some of the NL’s weakest: The Rangers have smacked around the Brewers, Marlins, Astros and Pirates while the White Sox have swept the Pirates, Nationals and Braves. Of those seven clubs, only the Braves have a winning record.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
The surprise arrival of Marc Bulger in Baltimore on Wednesday gave the Ravens a new backup quarterback. More importantly, it gave me an idea for a slow-time column topic.
Backup QB Curtis Painter played in two games for the Colts in 2009.
We know that, every year, injuries will happen. We never know exactly when, where, or (most importantly) to whom they’ll occur. When a starting quarterback takes a knee to the head or a head to the midsection, the most popular guy in town suddenly is forced to pull the iPod buds out of his ears and say, "Did somebody call my name?"
So which teams have the worst and best situations at backup quarterback? Let’s take a look.
The Worst
1. Indianapolis Colts. Aside from Peyton Manning, the Colts have four quarterbacks on the roster. And they’d better hope that none of them ever has to take a snap in a game that counts.
Curtis Painter impressed no one during his garbage-time duty in 2009, and no one expects anything from Tom Brandstater, Drew Willy, and Tim Hiller.
So if Peyton goes down, it’s pretty much over in Indy. Instantly.
2. New Orleans Saints. The same can be said in New Orleans. Mark Brunell became a free agent, and he reportedly plans to sign with the Jets in late July. And the backups currently are Chase Daniel, who has never played in a regular-season game, and Sean Canfield.
But they may have a secret weapon in former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus.
In other words, if Drew Brees goes down, it’s pretty much over for the Saints.
3. Chicago Bears. Behind Jay Cutler, the Bears have no one. They could have had Marc Bulger, but they have opted to stand pat with Caleb Hanie and rookie Dan LeFevour.
Now that Bulger, whose knowledge of offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system could have put the former Rams starter in position to bump Cutler to the bench if the team gets off to a slow start, has picked the Ravens, the Bears are free to sign a veteran backup without facing relentless questions regarding the omission of Bulger from the search process.
The only problem? There really aren’t any available veterans who can get the job done if Cutler can’t — or if something on him breaks.
4. Arizona Cardinals. When Kurt Warner retired, the Cardinals faced a tough choice. Stand pat with Matt Leinart or try to upgrade.
They had a shot at Donovan McNabb, but opted not to make a move. Then, Arizona pounced on the underachieving Derek Anderson to be Leinart’s backup, taking it out of the market for Bulger, once he became available.
Despite denials, the Cards had interest in Bulger. But they never, ever would pay him the same $3.8 million that the Ravens offered — especially after paying Anderson.
5. Philadelphia Eagles. As expected, the Eagles have traded Donovan McNabb. As not expected, they’ve kept Mike Vick. And, amazingly, the Wildcat gimmick currently serves as the primary backup to Kevin Kolb.
The Eagles need more protection behind Kolb. They reportedly aren’t interested in Jeff Garcia, but there’s currently no one else out there who can provide the kind of insurance the Eagles need.
The Best
1. Baltimore Ravens. With Bulger on board, the Ravens now have a solid two-deep depth chart at quarterback. If starter Joe Flacco gets injured, Bulger will enjoy something he didn’t have for his last couple of years in St. Louis — an offensive line actually capable of blocking defenders on a consistent basis.
This latest transaction strengthens the Ravens’ chances for 2010, putting them among the best teams in the AFC. And with several other teams in need of a quality backup, they may be able to give Troy Smith his wish and trade him to a new city.
2. Tennessee Titans. Two years ago, Titans starter Vince Young flamed out in Week 1, and Kerry Collins led the team to a 13-3 record. Now, when Collins found himself yanked for Young after a disastrous start to 2009, Young has shown signs of another potential meltdown, and Collins remains in place, mop and bucket at the ready.
Over the long haul, the Titans may need not only a new backup but also a new starter. For now, though, they’ve still got one of the best No. 2’s in the NFL, and they could need him sooner than anyone realizes.
3. Miami Dolphins. When Chad Pennington suffered yet another shoulder injury last year, it appeared his two-year stint with the Dolphins had ended. After all, why would Pennington want to come back once backup Chad Henne has become the starter?
But Pennington opted to return as the No. 2. And that gives the Dolphins plenty of protection in the event Henne gets injured. With Pat White simply not ready to take over (now or possibly ever), keeping Pennington keeps the Fins in play — unless and until he gets hurt again, too.
4. Washington Redskins. Sure, the ‘Skins made a major play by landing Donovan McNabb via trade. But McNabb has missed at least one game in five of the past six seasons.
So the team needs a quality backup. And though some may not think Rex Grossman is a quality backup, consider a few facts: First, he spent a year in the system the Redskins have adopted, with new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in Houston. Second, Grossman made it to the Super Bowl in Chicago under offensive coordinator Ron Turner, who barely coaxed mediocrity out of Jay Cutler before getting fired after last season. Third, Grossman still possesses a live arm — and the Shanahans know how to refine raw talent.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. During Ben Roethlisberger’s upcoming suspension, the Steelers will have three good-but-not great quarterbacks available to help move the offense in the right direction. And when he comes back, whoever plays while he’s gone will be even better prepared to back him up.
That is, if Roethlisberger automatically is re-installed as the starter. If he isn’t, then the Steelers automatically have one of the best backup quarterbacks in the history of the league.
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.
The surprise arrival of Marc Bulger in Baltimore on Wednesday gave the Ravens a new backup quarterback. More importantly, it gave me an idea for a slow-time column topic.
Backup QB Curtis Painter played in two games for the Colts in 2009.
We know that, every year, injuries will happen. We never know exactly when, where, or (most importantly) to whom they’ll occur. When a starting quarterback takes a knee to the head or a head to the midsection, the most popular guy in town suddenly is forced to pull the iPod buds out of his ears and say, "Did somebody call my name?"
So which teams have the worst and best situations at backup quarterback? Let’s take a look.
The Worst
1. Indianapolis Colts. Aside from Peyton Manning, the Colts have four quarterbacks on the roster. And they’d better hope that none of them ever has to take a snap in a game that counts.
Curtis Painter impressed no one during his garbage-time duty in 2009, and no one expects anything from Tom Brandstater, Drew Willy, and Tim Hiller.
So if Peyton goes down, it’s pretty much over in Indy. Instantly.
2. New Orleans Saints. The same can be said in New Orleans. Mark Brunell became a free agent, and he reportedly plans to sign with the Jets in late July. And the backups currently are Chase Daniel, who has never played in a regular-season game, and Sean Canfield.
But they may have a secret weapon in former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus.
In other words, if Drew Brees goes down, it’s pretty much over for the Saints.
3. Chicago Bears. Behind Jay Cutler, the Bears have no one. They could have had Marc Bulger, but they have opted to stand pat with Caleb Hanie and rookie Dan LeFevour.
Now that Bulger, whose knowledge of offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system could have put the former Rams starter in position to bump Cutler to the bench if the team gets off to a slow start, has picked the Ravens, the Bears are free to sign a veteran backup without facing relentless questions regarding the omission of Bulger from the search process.
The only problem? There really aren’t any available veterans who can get the job done if Cutler can’t — or if something on him breaks.
4. Arizona Cardinals. When Kurt Warner retired, the Cardinals faced a tough choice. Stand pat with Matt Leinart or try to upgrade.
They had a shot at Donovan McNabb, but opted not to make a move. Then, Arizona pounced on the underachieving Derek Anderson to be Leinart’s backup, taking it out of the market for Bulger, once he became available.
Despite denials, the Cards had interest in Bulger. But they never, ever would pay him the same $3.8 million that the Ravens offered — especially after paying Anderson.
5. Philadelphia Eagles. As expected, the Eagles have traded Donovan McNabb. As not expected, they’ve kept Mike Vick. And, amazingly, the Wildcat gimmick currently serves as the primary backup to Kevin Kolb.
The Eagles need more protection behind Kolb. They reportedly aren’t interested in Jeff Garcia, but there’s currently no one else out there who can provide the kind of insurance the Eagles need.
The Best
1. Baltimore Ravens. With Bulger on board, the Ravens now have a solid two-deep depth chart at quarterback. If starter Joe Flacco gets injured, Bulger will enjoy something he didn’t have for his last couple of years in St. Louis — an offensive line actually capable of blocking defenders on a consistent basis.
This latest transaction strengthens the Ravens’ chances for 2010, putting them among the best teams in the AFC. And with several other teams in need of a quality backup, they may be able to give Troy Smith his wish and trade him to a new city.
2. Tennessee Titans. Two years ago, Titans starter Vince Young flamed out in Week 1, and Kerry Collins led the team to a 13-3 record. Now, when Collins found himself yanked for Young after a disastrous start to 2009, Young has shown signs of another potential meltdown, and Collins remains in place, mop and bucket at the ready.
Over the long haul, the Titans may need not only a new backup but also a new starter. For now, though, they’ve still got one of the best No. 2’s in the NFL, and they could need him sooner than anyone realizes.
3. Miami Dolphins. When Chad Pennington suffered yet another shoulder injury last year, it appeared his two-year stint with the Dolphins had ended. After all, why would Pennington want to come back once backup Chad Henne has become the starter?
But Pennington opted to return as the No. 2. And that gives the Dolphins plenty of protection in the event Henne gets injured. With Pat White simply not ready to take over (now or possibly ever), keeping Pennington keeps the Fins in play — unless and until he gets hurt again, too.
4. Washington Redskins. Sure, the ‘Skins made a major play by landing Donovan McNabb via trade. But McNabb has missed at least one game in five of the past six seasons.
So the team needs a quality backup. And though some may not think Rex Grossman is a quality backup, consider a few facts: First, he spent a year in the system the Redskins have adopted, with new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in Houston. Second, Grossman made it to the Super Bowl in Chicago under offensive coordinator Ron Turner, who barely coaxed mediocrity out of Jay Cutler before getting fired after last season. Third, Grossman still possesses a live arm — and the Shanahans know how to refine raw talent.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. During Ben Roethlisberger’s upcoming suspension, the Steelers will have three good-but-not great quarterbacks available to help move the offense in the right direction. And when he comes back, whoever plays while he’s gone will be even better prepared to back him up.
That is, if Roethlisberger automatically is re-installed as the starter. If he isn’t, then the Steelers automatically have one of the best backup quarterbacks in the history of the league.
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.
Sporting News staff reports
The Marlins are expected to offer Bobby Valentine a four-year contract to be their new manager, ESPN reports.
Valentine, an ESPN analyst who has managed the Rangers and Mets, confirmed to the network he will fly to Florida on Friday night to meet with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and other executives.
"Valentine has known Loria for 20 years, and has had informal discussions with Loria over the last eight months about Valentine’s interest in someday managing the Marlins," the ESPN report says.
The Marlins fired manager Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday, replacing him with interim manager Edwin Rodriguez. Later that day, Valentine withdrew his name for consideration as manager of the Orioles.
Sporting News staff reports
The Marlins are expected to offer Bobby Valentine a four-year contract to be their new manager, ESPN reports.
Valentine, an ESPN analyst who has managed the Rangers and Mets, confirmed to the network he will fly to Florida on Friday night to meet with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and other executives.
"Valentine has known Loria for 20 years, and has had informal discussions with Loria over the last eight months about Valentine’s interest in someday managing the Marlins," the ESPN report says.
The Marlins fired manager Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday, replacing him with interim manager Edwin Rodriguez. Later that day, Valentine withdrew his name for consideration as manager of the Orioles.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
With the Wizards’ selection of John Wall, Kentucky joins nine other Division I schools in producing a first overall pick in both the NBA and NFL drafts — after former ‘Cats QB Tim Couch was selected by the Browns in 1999. Here are the others who have pulled off the double:
LSU
NBA: Shaquille O’Neal, C, Magic, 1992
NFL: JaMarcus Russell, QB, Raiders, 2007
Michigan
NBA: Chris Webber, PF, Magic, 1993; Cazzie Russell, G/F, Knicks, 1966
NFL: Jake Long, OT, Dolphins, 2008
Michigan State
NBA: Magic Johnson, G, Lakers, 1979
NFL: Bubba Smith, DE, Colts, 1967
NC State
NBA: David Thompson, G/F, Hawks, 1975
NFL: Mario Williams, DE, Texans, 2006
Notre Dame
NBA: Austin Carr, G, Cavaliers, 1971
NFL: Walt Patulski, DE, Bills, 1972
Ohio State
NBA: Greg Oden, C, Trail Blazers, 2007
NFL: Orlando Pace, OT, Rams, 1997; Dan Wilkinson, DT, Bengals, 2004; Tom Cousineau, LB, Bills, 1979
Oklahoma
NBA: Blake Griffin, PF, Clippers, 2009
NFL: Sam Bradford, QB, Rams, 2010; Billy Sims, RB, Lions, 1980; Lee Roy Selmon, DE, Buccaneers, 1976
UCLA
NBA: Bill Walton, C, Trail Blazers, 1974; Kareem Abdul Jabbar, C, 1969, Bucks
NFL: Troy Aikman, QB, Cowboys, 1989
Utah
NBA: Andrew Bogut, C, Bucks, 2005; Bill McGill, C, Bulls, 1962
NFL: Alex Smith, QB, 49ers, 2005
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
With the Wizards’ selection of John Wall, Kentucky joins nine other Division I schools in producing a first overall pick in both the NBA and NFL drafts — after former ‘Cats QB Tim Couch was selected by the Browns in 1999. Here are the others who have pulled off the double:
LSU
NBA: Shaquille O’Neal, C, Magic, 1992
NFL: JaMarcus Russell, QB, Raiders, 2007
Michigan
NBA: Chris Webber, PF, Magic, 1993; Cazzie Russell, G/F, Knicks, 1966
NFL: Jake Long, OT, Dolphins, 2008
Michigan State
NBA: Magic Johnson, G, Lakers, 1979
NFL: Bubba Smith, DE, Colts, 1967
NC State
NBA: David Thompson, G/F, Hawks, 1975
NFL: Mario Williams, DE, Texans, 2006
Notre Dame
NBA: Austin Carr, G, Cavaliers, 1971
NFL: Walt Patulski, DE, Bills, 1972
Ohio State
NBA: Greg Oden, C, Trail Blazers, 2007
NFL: Orlando Pace, OT, Rams, 1997; Dan Wilkinson, DT, Bengals, 2004; Tom Cousineau, LB, Bills, 1979
Oklahoma
NBA: Blake Griffin, PF, Clippers, 2009
NFL: Sam Bradford, QB, Rams, 2010; Billy Sims, RB, Lions, 1980; Lee Roy Selmon, DE, Buccaneers, 1976
UCLA
NBA: Bill Walton, C, Trail Blazers, 1974; Kareem Abdul Jabbar, C, 1969, Bucks
NFL: Troy Aikman, QB, Cowboys, 1989
Utah
NBA: Andrew Bogut, C, Bucks, 2005; Bill McGill, C, Bulls, 1962
NFL: Alex Smith, QB, 49ers, 2005
The Texas Rangers are the only current major league franchise that never has won a postseason series. They have won one playoff game — ever.
So consider the task Vladimir Guerrero faced when he took a massive pay cut to sign with the Rangers in January. The organization hoped he could change its dubious history. Thus far, Guerrero has done everything anyone could have expected.
Ron Washington convinced Vladimir Guerrero to join the Rangers.
It started about a week before opening day, when "you could see a change in Vlady’s eyes," says Rangers third baseman Michael Young, a six-time All-Star who never has reached the postseason. "He was ready to roll."
The 35-year-old DH hit well in April, but his May was spectacular: a .330 average, 10 home runs and a major league-leading 31 RBIs. As the Rangers moved into first place in the A.L. West, Guerrero sent a loud message to all of baseball. Despite the injuries that contributed to his career-worst performance in 2009 — he hit below .300 and had a sub-.800 OPS for the first time in 13 full major league seasons — Guerrero is still one of the game’s premier middle-of-the-lineup forces.
That is what Rangers manager Ron Washington believed when he traveled to Guerrero’s Southern California home last winter. "We need you," Washington told the eight-time All-Star and 2004 A.L. MVP. "We need you to come and be the difference-maker when we need that difference made."
Guerrero’s view of the Rangers at that time? "Good players. A lot of injuries," he says through an interpreter. Six months later, Guerrero is convinced Texas is the most talented team in the division. "We’re playing good now," he says, "and we’re going to keep playing the same way."
Washington’s visit meant a lot to Guerrero, as did the presence of several of his high-profile Rangers teammates — Young, second baseman Ian Kinsler and left fielder Josh Hamilton — at his introductory press conference. They all have hitched their wagons to the man Eleno Ornelas, the Rangers’ Spanish-language radio play-by-play man, calls El Verdugo ("The Killer").
The Angels, whom Guerrero helped lead to five A.L. West titles from 2004-09, aren’t out of the race without Guerrero, but, with him, the Rangers have more hope than they have had in many years.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
The Texas Rangers are the only current major league franchise that never has won a postseason series. They have won one playoff game — ever.
So consider the task Vladimir Guerrero faced when he took a massive pay cut to sign with the Rangers in January. The organization hoped he could change its dubious history. Thus far, Guerrero has done everything anyone could have expected.
Ron Washington convinced Vladimir Guerrero to join the Rangers.
It started about a week before opening day, when "you could see a change in Vlady’s eyes," says Rangers third baseman Michael Young, a six-time All-Star who never has reached the postseason. "He was ready to roll."
The 35-year-old DH hit well in April, but his May was spectacular: a .330 average, 10 home runs and a major league-leading 31 RBIs. As the Rangers moved into first place in the A.L. West, Guerrero sent a loud message to all of baseball. Despite the injuries that contributed to his career-worst performance in 2009 — he hit below .300 and had a sub-.800 OPS for the first time in 13 full major league seasons — Guerrero is still one of the game’s premier middle-of-the-lineup forces.
That is what Rangers manager Ron Washington believed when he traveled to Guerrero’s Southern California home last winter. "We need you," Washington told the eight-time All-Star and 2004 A.L. MVP. "We need you to come and be the difference-maker when we need that difference made."
Guerrero’s view of the Rangers at that time? "Good players. A lot of injuries," he says through an interpreter. Six months later, Guerrero is convinced Texas is the most talented team in the division. "We’re playing good now," he says, "and we’re going to keep playing the same way."
Washington’s visit meant a lot to Guerrero, as did the presence of several of his high-profile Rangers teammates — Young, second baseman Ian Kinsler and left fielder Josh Hamilton — at his introductory press conference. They all have hitched their wagons to the man Eleno Ornelas, the Rangers’ Spanish-language radio play-by-play man, calls El Verdugo ("The Killer").
The Angels, whom Guerrero helped lead to five A.L. West titles from 2004-09, aren’t out of the race without Guerrero, but, with him, the Rangers have more hope than they have had in many years.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
At least one of Fredi Gonzalez’s former employers stood behind him Wednesday.
Braves manager Bobby Cox used his pregame media session in Chicago to rip Florida owner Jeffrey Loria for firing Gonzalez, who was a coach for four years under Cox before taking the Marlins’ job.
"They’ve gone down to the end [contending for the playoffs] every year, playing their [butts] off," Cox told reporters, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "[Loria] doesn’t appreciate anything. He’s one of those guys that thinks you change [just for the sake of change]. He’s always wanting to fire the coaches. Always. That’s his history. He lost a good one there."
Gonzalez, 46, has long been considered a possible successor to Cox, who is retiring after this season. The speculation is only expected to increase now that Gonzalez is available, though Gonzalez still has a year remaining on his Florida contract, the AJC reported. Gonzalez still has a home in the Atlanta area.
"As I have said from the beginning of the season, we won’t comment on the manager situation till after Bobby has managed his last game with us," Braves general manager Frank Wren told the AJC in an e-mail Wednesday. "As it pertains to Fredi Gonzalez, in light of what happened this morning, we all have high regard for Fredi but we won’t have any further comment."
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who might follow Cox into retirement this year, is a Gonzalez booster.
"I think everybody in here would love to have Fredi back," Jones said. "He coached third base here for a few years, learned a lot from Bobby. He knows how things work around here. All the guys love him. I think he’d be a great fit. In what capacity, that remains to be seen. But some puzzle pieces would certainly fit [if Gonzalez was hired]."
Sporting News staff reports
At least one of Fredi Gonzalez’s former employers stood behind him Wednesday.
Braves manager Bobby Cox used his pregame media session in Chicago to rip Florida owner Jeffrey Loria for firing Gonzalez, who was a coach for four years under Cox before taking the Marlins’ job.
"They’ve gone down to the end [contending for the playoffs] every year, playing their [butts] off," Cox told reporters, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "[Loria] doesn’t appreciate anything. He’s one of those guys that thinks you change [just for the sake of change]. He’s always wanting to fire the coaches. Always. That’s his history. He lost a good one there."
Gonzalez, 46, has long been considered a possible successor to Cox, who is retiring after this season. The speculation is only expected to increase now that Gonzalez is available, though Gonzalez still has a year remaining on his Florida contract, the AJC reported. Gonzalez still has a home in the Atlanta area.
"As I have said from the beginning of the season, we won’t comment on the manager situation till after Bobby has managed his last game with us," Braves general manager Frank Wren told the AJC in an e-mail Wednesday. "As it pertains to Fredi Gonzalez, in light of what happened this morning, we all have high regard for Fredi but we won’t have any further comment."
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who might follow Cox into retirement this year, is a Gonzalez booster.
"I think everybody in here would love to have Fredi back," Jones said. "He coached third base here for a few years, learned a lot from Bobby. He knows how things work around here. All the guys love him. I think he’d be a great fit. In what capacity, that remains to be seen. But some puzzle pieces would certainly fit [if Gonzalez was hired]."
