Sporting News staff reports
Orioles manager Dave Trembley could be managing his final game for Baltimore today at Yankee Stadium. The Baltimore Sun reports the team is expected to fire Trembley before the start of this weekend’s series against the Red Sox.
The Orioles are a disappointing 15-38 this season and began the day 20 1/2 games behind the first-place Rays in the AL East — and with the worst record in the majors.
Trembley took over for Sam Perlozzo in mid-June of 2007 and led the team to a 40-53 record before having the interim tag removed after the season. Since then, however, he is 147-229 (.391 winning percentage).
The Orioles begin a nine-game homestand Friday. Record-low attendance at Camden Yards has been a problem this season, due in part to the team’s 9-14 home record.
Sporting News staff reports
Orioles manager Dave Trembley could be managing his final game for Baltimore today at Yankee Stadium. The Baltimore Sun reports the team is expected to fire Trembley before the start of this weekend’s series against the Red Sox.
The Orioles are a disappointing 15-38 this season and began the day 20 1/2 games behind the first-place Rays in the AL East — and with the worst record in the majors.
Trembley took over for Sam Perlozzo in mid-June of 2007 and led the team to a 40-53 record before having the interim tag removed after the season. Since then, however, he is 147-229 (.391 winning percentage).
The Orioles begin a nine-game homestand Friday. Record-low attendance at Camden Yards has been a problem this season, due in part to the team’s 9-14 home record.
Stan McNeal analyzes three hot topics in Major League Baseball:
Strike 1: Just say no to instant replay
As soon as the first replay aired to confirm that Jim Joyce’s bad call had cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game Wednesday, baseball’s cyberspace was screaming: "Replay! Replay! Replay!"
No, no, no. Please. Three reasons why replay might be an easy topic for the media to puff out its collective chest about but should not be expanded:
Jim Joyce’s blown call has brought out calls for instant replay.
1. There is no ideal system.
Before replay was introduced in 2008 to assist on home run calls, opponents were wary for one reason: Limited replay would lead to more replay. So here we are.
Where would it end? Would it be used on close calls at first, home, every base? To determine trapped catches? What about balls and strikes? Proponents likely would not be satisfied until a robot is calling balls and strikes. After all, if the goal is to get every call right, that is what would be needed.
And who would decide when it would be used? Let’s say some silly system is instituted that would allow managers to challenge a certain number of calls. Say the limit is three. What if Jim Leyland had used up his challenges before the 26th out Wednesday night? Then what?
2. Instant replay it is not.
By the time umpires gather, watch and re-watch a disputed play and make their final decision, instant replay becomes more like three-minute replay. Baseball already has lost countless fans because of its slow pace. Building in another drag to the game is needed about as much as the Yankees could use a larger payroll.
3. Mistakes are part of the game.
Everyone makes them. Bill Buckner, Grady Little, Don Denkinger and, now, Jim Joyce. Players, coaches and managers don’t have the luxury of technology to reverse their errors. Umpires, who are just as much a part of the game as anyone on the field, should not either.
Baseball is a great game, with the emphasis on game. Money already has sapped much of its charm. More replay would take away even more.
Strike 2: Ubaldo for MVP
Ubaldo Jimenez is not only the obvious early choice to win the NL Cy Young Award, he also is an easy call to take home MVP honors. This is one time when a pitcher’s wins say a lot.
After 53 games, the Rockies are three games over .500. In Jimenez’s 11 starts, they are nine games over .500. Every one of his 10 wins is legit, too. The 26-year-old righthander has yet to give up more than two runs and has worked at least six innings in every start.
"Without him, we’d be brutal," says Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd, who is not surprised with Jimenez’s ascension. "You never know when a lightning bolt will turn on. Everyone around him knew he was this capable once he slowed himself down, learned to pitch to contact and stay within his delivery. This is a great kid who doesn’t dream about being good. He has a tremendous desire to be the best, and his work habits are consistent with that."
A veteran scout doesn’t disagree. Asked to name the starter he would most want on the mound for a Game 7, he doesn’t hesitate. "Jimenez. His stuff is far away the best right now. I would choose him over Roy Halladay because his stuff is so good he can afford to make mistakes. Roy’s margin for error is less."
Strike 3: Harper and his future
Seventeen-year-old Bryce Harper is expected to be the first pick in Monday’s draft. Not quite as certain is where he will play. Catching has been his main position, but most project Harper to wind up in right field.
According to one evaluator who has been running his teams’ drafts for more than 20 years, Harper should excel wherever he plays.
"I thought he was a big goon who had power until I saw him," the executive says. "He’s got a great arm and he’s pretty athletic — much more than I thought. I saw him play center field and while he’s not going to play center (in the majors), I can see him playing right field real quick."
If the Nationals, who are picking first, decide to put Harper behind the plate, his time in the minors likely would last longer than if he plays the outfield (think that has anything to do with Scott Boras wanting him there?). "Learning a lot of the stuff catchers have to learn generally takes another year," the executive says. "But he could be an average — or even a hair above average — defensive catcher in the big leagues if he’s willing to grind through the learning process."
Still, this executive expects Harper to end up in right field "unless his club has such a huge, gaping hole behind the plate." And if it’s set at catcher? "You’ve got a helluva power-hitting right fielder that’s pretty athletic."
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: Just say no to instant replay
As soon as the first replay aired to confirm that Jim Joyce’s bad call had cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game Wednesday, baseball’s cyberspace was screaming: "Replay! Replay! Replay!"
No, no, no. Please. Three reasons why replay might be an easy topic for the media to puff out its collective chest about but should not be expanded:
Jim Joyce’s blown call has brought out calls for instant replay.
1. There is no ideal system.
Before replay was introduced in 2008 to assist on home run calls, opponents were wary for one reason: Limited replay would lead to more replay. So here we are.
Where would it end? Would it be used on close calls at first, home, every base? To determine trapped catches? What about balls and strikes? Proponents likely would not be satisfied until a robot is calling balls and strikes. After all, if the goal is to get every call right, that is what would be needed.
And who would decide when it would be used? Let’s say some silly system is instituted that would allow managers to challenge a certain number of calls. Say the limit is three. What if Jim Leyland had used up his challenges before the 26th out Wednesday night? Then what?
2. Instant replay it is not.
By the time umpires gather, watch and re-watch a disputed play and make their final decision, instant replay becomes more like three-minute replay. Baseball already has lost countless fans because of its slow pace. Building in another drag to the game is needed about as much as the Yankees could use a larger payroll.
3. Mistakes are part of the game.
Everyone makes them. Bill Buckner, Grady Little, Don Denkinger and, now, Jim Joyce. Players, coaches and managers don’t have the luxury of technology to reverse their errors. Umpires, who are just as much a part of the game as anyone on the field, should not either.
Baseball is a great game, with the emphasis on game. Money already has sapped much of its charm. More replay would take away even more.
Strike 2: Ubaldo for MVP
Ubaldo Jimenez is not only the obvious early choice to win the NL Cy Young Award, he also is an easy call to take home MVP honors. This is one time when a pitcher’s wins say a lot.
After 53 games, the Rockies are three games over .500. In Jimenez’s 11 starts, they are nine games over .500. Every one of his 10 wins is legit, too. The 26-year-old righthander has yet to give up more than two runs and has worked at least six innings in every start.
"Without him, we’d be brutal," says Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd, who is not surprised with Jimenez’s ascension. "You never know when a lightning bolt will turn on. Everyone around him knew he was this capable once he slowed himself down, learned to pitch to contact and stay within his delivery. This is a great kid who doesn’t dream about being good. He has a tremendous desire to be the best, and his work habits are consistent with that."
A veteran scout doesn’t disagree. Asked to name the starter he would most want on the mound for a Game 7, he doesn’t hesitate. "Jimenez. His stuff is far away the best right now. I would choose him over Roy Halladay because his stuff is so good he can afford to make mistakes. Roy’s margin for error is less."
Strike 3: Harper and his future
Seventeen-year-old Bryce Harper is expected to be the first pick in Monday’s draft. Not quite as certain is where he will play. Catching has been his main position, but most project Harper to wind up in right field.
According to one evaluator who has been running his teams’ drafts for more than 20 years, Harper should excel wherever he plays.
"I thought he was a big goon who had power until I saw him," the executive says. "He’s got a great arm and he’s pretty athletic — much more than I thought. I saw him play center field and while he’s not going to play center (in the majors), I can see him playing right field real quick."
If the Nationals, who are picking first, decide to put Harper behind the plate, his time in the minors likely would last longer than if he plays the outfield (think that has anything to do with Scott Boras wanting him there?). "Learning a lot of the stuff catchers have to learn generally takes another year," the executive says. "But he could be an average — or even a hair above average — defensive catcher in the big leagues if he’s willing to grind through the learning process."
Still, this executive expects Harper to end up in right field "unless his club has such a huge, gaping hole behind the plate." And if it’s set at catcher? "You’ve got a helluva power-hitting right fielder that’s pretty athletic."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Jeff D'Alessio, Sporting News
Thirteen All-Star Game appearances, 10 Gold Gloves, 630 home runs … and zero steroid accusations.
If ever there was a candidate to be baseball’s first unanimous Hall of Fame pick, admirers say, it’s Ken Griffey.
With the 40-year-old Seattle icon announcing his retirement Wednesday, Sporting News surveyed 35 pitchers who gave up at least one Griffey long ball.
Ken Griffey Jr. spent his prime years in an M’s uniform.
Who has the sweetest swing you ever saw?
Griffey 15
Will Clark 8
Tony Gwynn 1 1/2
John Olerud 1 1/2
George Brett 1 1/4
Also receiving votes: Albert Belle, Lance Berkman, Wade Boggs, Barry Bonds, Rod Carew, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Joe Mauer, Rafael Palmeiro, Kirby Puckett, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Robin Ventura, Larry Walker, Ted Williams.
THEY SAID IT
Pat Hentgen: "Griffey is the only American League player of my era that I made sure I was out on the field to watch when he took batting practice."
Erik Hanson: "A tie between Griffey and Ben Hogan."
Bob Tewksbury: "Will Clark’s was pretty good, too."
Michael Wuertz: "Watching Griffey while growing up, that is who you wanted to be — hat on backwards, white tape job on the bat and the waggle."
Which current player reminds you of Griffey in some way?
Torii Hunter 12 1/2
No one 11
Derek Jeter 3
Adam Jones 2
Albert Pujols 2
Also receiving votes: Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Howard, Matt Kemp.
THEY SAID IT
Scott Bailes: "No current player really has the flair that Junior played with."
Heath Murray: "Torii Hunter always has that smile on his face and has fun. Josh Hamilton’s natural talent may be somewhat comparable."
Scott Kamieniecki: "Both Griffey and Derek Jeter play Gold Glove defense, run the bases, hit for average, hit in the clutch, always seem to be in the right place at the right time, have a passion for the game and have fun playing."
The home run(s) he hit off me came mostly on …
Fastballs 22
Sinkers 4
Changeups 4
Also receiving votes: Curveballs, sliders, splitters.
THEY SAID IT
Jim Mecir: "A hanging screwball. It almost decapitated a fan in the right field bleachers."
Erik Hanson: "Both on fastballs. In some strange way, it almost seems like an honor now."
Mike Butcher: "I don’t usually watch home runs but the bomb he hit off my 3-2 fastball was majestic, even in a dome."
To have any shot against Griffey in his prime, you had to …
Mix your pitches 12
Fastball in 7 1/2
Get ahead in count 4 1/2
Pray 4
Also receiving votes: Fastball away, get help from umps, get him to expand zone, keep him off-balance, pitch around him.
THEY SAID IT
Pete Harnisch: "Be an astronaut with a jetpack on so you could catch that thing."
Jeff Nelson: "Get a call from the umpire. He got all the close calls."
Mike Buddie: "Never duplicate locations or pitches. He was phenomenal at making mid-at-bat adjustments."
Any question he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer?
No question 35
Yes 0
THEY SAID IT
Joe Magrane: "Without injuries, I feel he would be the home run champ."
Mike DeJean: "His defense combined with his incredible swing may never be seen again in the game."
Mike Buddie: "I wish today’s younger players could have seen him when he was 20."
Erik Hanson: "I have a question for those that don’t vote for him on the first ballot: How do you sleep at night?"
Jason Jennings: "Amidst all the steroids drama, never once has anyone hinted that Griffey used. That makes you appreciate him even more."
Mark Guthrie: "All things considered, he’s the most dominant player of his era."
This story first appeared in the Dec. 21, 2009 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Jeff D'Alessio, Sporting News
Thirteen All-Star Game appearances, 10 Gold Gloves, 630 home runs … and zero steroid accusations.
If ever there was a candidate to be baseball’s first unanimous Hall of Fame pick, admirers say, it’s Ken Griffey.
With the 40-year-old Seattle icon announcing his retirement Wednesday, Sporting News surveyed 35 pitchers who gave up at least one Griffey long ball.
Ken Griffey Jr. spent his prime years in an M’s uniform.
Who has the sweetest swing you ever saw?
Griffey 15
Will Clark 8
Tony Gwynn 1 1/2
John Olerud 1 1/2
George Brett 1 1/4
Also receiving votes: Albert Belle, Lance Berkman, Wade Boggs, Barry Bonds, Rod Carew, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Joe Mauer, Rafael Palmeiro, Kirby Puckett, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Chase Utley, Robin Ventura, Larry Walker, Ted Williams.
THEY SAID IT
Pat Hentgen: "Griffey is the only American League player of my era that I made sure I was out on the field to watch when he took batting practice."
Erik Hanson: "A tie between Griffey and Ben Hogan."
Bob Tewksbury: "Will Clark’s was pretty good, too."
Michael Wuertz: "Watching Griffey while growing up, that is who you wanted to be — hat on backwards, white tape job on the bat and the waggle."
Which current player reminds you of Griffey in some way?
Torii Hunter 12 1/2
No one 11
Derek Jeter 3
Adam Jones 2
Albert Pujols 2
Also receiving votes: Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Howard, Matt Kemp.
THEY SAID IT
Scott Bailes: "No current player really has the flair that Junior played with."
Heath Murray: "Torii Hunter always has that smile on his face and has fun. Josh Hamilton’s natural talent may be somewhat comparable."
Scott Kamieniecki: "Both Griffey and Derek Jeter play Gold Glove defense, run the bases, hit for average, hit in the clutch, always seem to be in the right place at the right time, have a passion for the game and have fun playing."
The home run(s) he hit off me came mostly on …
Fastballs 22
Sinkers 4
Changeups 4
Also receiving votes: Curveballs, sliders, splitters.
THEY SAID IT
Jim Mecir: "A hanging screwball. It almost decapitated a fan in the right field bleachers."
Erik Hanson: "Both on fastballs. In some strange way, it almost seems like an honor now."
Mike Butcher: "I don’t usually watch home runs but the bomb he hit off my 3-2 fastball was majestic, even in a dome."
To have any shot against Griffey in his prime, you had to …
Mix your pitches 12
Fastball in 7 1/2
Get ahead in count 4 1/2
Pray 4
Also receiving votes: Fastball away, get help from umps, get him to expand zone, keep him off-balance, pitch around him.
THEY SAID IT
Pete Harnisch: "Be an astronaut with a jetpack on so you could catch that thing."
Jeff Nelson: "Get a call from the umpire. He got all the close calls."
Mike Buddie: "Never duplicate locations or pitches. He was phenomenal at making mid-at-bat adjustments."
Any question he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer?
No question 35
Yes 0
THEY SAID IT
Joe Magrane: "Without injuries, I feel he would be the home run champ."
Mike DeJean: "His defense combined with his incredible swing may never be seen again in the game."
Mike Buddie: "I wish today’s younger players could have seen him when he was 20."
Erik Hanson: "I have a question for those that don’t vote for him on the first ballot: How do you sleep at night?"
Jason Jennings: "Amidst all the steroids drama, never once has anyone hinted that Griffey used. That makes you appreciate him even more."
Mark Guthrie: "All things considered, he’s the most dominant player of his era."
This story first appeared in the Dec. 21, 2009 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Sporting News staff reports
The Cubs and Angels might be discussing a deal that would send first baseman Derrek Lee to Los Angeles, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Angels have a need at first base after the potentially season-ending ankle injury suffered by Kendry Morales this past weekend.
The struggling Lee, who is hitting .323 with six homers and 23 RBIs this season, is in the final season of his contract.
The Angels also are rumored to have interest in Cubs outfielder/infielder Xavier Nady. In addition, the Chicago Tribune recently reported White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko also could be among the Angels’ targets. And the Los Angeles Times listed Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyan and Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn as possible replacements for Morales.
Sporting News staff reports
The Cubs and Angels might be discussing a deal that would send first baseman Derrek Lee to Los Angeles, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Angels have a need at first base after the potentially season-ending ankle injury suffered by Kendry Morales this past weekend.
The struggling Lee, who is hitting .323 with six homers and 23 RBIs this season, is in the final season of his contract.
The Angels also are rumored to have interest in Cubs outfielder/infielder Xavier Nady. In addition, the Chicago Tribune recently reported White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko also could be among the Angels’ targets. And the Los Angeles Times listed Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyan and Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn as possible replacements for Morales.
Sporting News staff reports
FoxSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports Armando Galarraga still could have received credit for a no-hitter even though his perfect game went away thanks to umpire Jim Joyce.
The official scorer for Wednesday’s game, Chuck Klonke, had the ability to change his initial call of a base hit for Indians shortstop Jason Donald to an error on Galarraga. Replays indicated Galarrraga may have bobbled the ball before securing it in his glove for what would have been the final out.
Klonke, though, told the Detroit Free Press he saw no reason to change his call after reviewing the video.
"It didn’t appear to me that Galarraga ever lost control of the ball," Klonke told the newspaper. "It was in his glove. I couldn’t say he was juggling it. He closed the glove on it. I don’t think it would warrant calling an error. I don’t think there will be any changes on that."
Morosi notes that Klonke has been an official scorer at Tigers game since 1982.
Sporting News staff reports
FoxSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports Armando Galarraga still could have received credit for a no-hitter even though his perfect game went away thanks to umpire Jim Joyce.
The official scorer for Wednesday’s game, Chuck Klonke, had the ability to change his initial call of a base hit for Indians shortstop Jason Donald to an error on Galarraga. Replays indicated Galarrraga may have bobbled the ball before securing it in his glove for what would have been the final out.
Klonke, though, told the Detroit Free Press he saw no reason to change his call after reviewing the video.
"It didn’t appear to me that Galarraga ever lost control of the ball," Klonke told the newspaper. "It was in his glove. I couldn’t say he was juggling it. He closed the glove on it. I don’t think it would warrant calling an error. I don’t think there will be any changes on that."
Morosi notes that Klonke has been an official scorer at Tigers game since 1982.
When the Redskins spent big money on Albert Haynesworth, they expected big things. Instead, Haynesworth has been a huge disappointment.
He was nowhere close to being a dominant defensive tackle last season, and the Redskins finished 4-12. Now Haynesworth has miffed management, coaches and teammates by staying away from offseason workouts and refusing to embrace the Redskins’ switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.
"I don’t think Albert understands, or cares to understand, the role he could play in the Redskins’ scheme," former Redskins quarterback and longtime TV analyst Joe Theismann said. "He gets a ton of money to play football. I don’t know where in his contract it says, ‘I will only play in a 4-3 defense.’ I think everybody is questioning his commitment to the football team, and rightfully so."
Albert Haynesworth needs to start living up to his large contract.
With a mandatory minicamp (June 16-18) approaching, it’s unclear whether Haynesworth will buy in or try to force his way out of Washington. But as offseason workouts continue, here’s a look at Haynesworth and four other players who need to play more like stars than they did in 2009:
Albert Haynesworth, DT, Redksins. No matter where Haynesworth lines up in the 3-4, the Redskins would be foolish not to give him freedom to use his rare combination of power and agility. That is another reason Haynesworth should have attended minicamps. If he had, he may have found a comfort zone in the new defense by now.
"I think you should buy in and see how it works before you reject something," ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley said. "That’s why you have OTAs and offseason workouts—to get a feel for changes. I think that’s why you’re hearing comments from some of his teammates, wishing he was working out with them. They just want him to give it a shot."
Haynesworth has the talent to play well in any system, but he must also have the right mindset. Re-establishing himself as a dominant defensive player is the best way for Haynesworth to silence critics questioning his desire.
Antonio Cromartie, CB, Jets. In 2007 with the Chargers, Cromartie had 10 interceptions and was one of the league’s top corners. But his play hasn’t approached that level since, and he can’t hide in New York playing opposite Jets star Darrelle Revis.
Nobody picks on Revis, so Cromartie could be busier than a Manhattan traffic cop this season. If he is still an elite corner, Cromartie will have plenty of opportunities to make plays. If he isn’t, he will be picked on.
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears. In 2008 with the Broncos, he led the AFC in passing yards. In 2009 with the Bears, Cutler led the NFL in interceptions. Much of the Bears’ immediate future hinges on Cutler playing like a franchise quarterback.
"If there’s one guy that I’m curious about, he’s the guy," Theismann said. "Of all the 32 starting quarterbacks, this is the year Jay Cutler needs to move into an elite category, a consistent level of play, not the erratic level that we’ve seen."
Cutler has become the project of new Bears coordinator Mike Martz. Though I remain skeptical about the Martz-Cutler marriage, Theismann believes it will work.
Brandon Jacobs might be on the downside of his career after years of punishing running.
"I expect him (Cutler) to have a terrific year," Theismann said. "Mike Martz is very demanding, but he’s also a dynamic play-caller. I think the Bears will be a team that can challenge for the division title."
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants. After averaging 5 yards per carry in ’07 and ’08, Jacobs fell to just 3.7 yards per carry and 835 yards in 2009. Jacobs underwent offseason knee surgery and has vowed to be a 1,000-yard back again. The Giants need him to be. After leading the league in rushing in 2008, when they won the NFC East, they fell to 17th last season and failed to make the playoffs.
Because Jacobs turns 28 in July and has absorbed and delivered a lot of punishing hits, it’s fair to wonder if his best days are already past. The Giants had myriad problems on both sides of the ball in 2009, but a return to star form by Jacobs would improve their chances of returning to the playoffs.
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals. From 2005 through 2007, Palmer was one of the league’s most prolific quarterbacks, completing at least 320 passes and throwing for at least 3,800 yards and 26 touchdowns each season.
Palmer may never reach those numbers again because the Bengals are no longer a pass-happy team. But they need Palmer to play better than he did during last season’s playoff loss to the Jets, when he missed open receivers several times.
Not that Palmer was solely at fault. With Revis all but making Chad Ochocinco disappear, the Jets made it painfully clear that the Bengals needed more weapons.
"If you’re going to throw the football—and you have to at this level—you need receivers," Theismann said. "Have they done enough to help Carson Palmer? I don’t know. When you’re a quarterback who feels he has to make up for inadequacies, you force yourself to do things that create problems."
The Bengals drafted tight end Jermaine Gresham and acquired veteran wide receiver Antonio Bryant, hoping they can take some defensive attention away from Ochocinco. We know Palmer is good. But for the Bengals to win the AFC North again and advance in the playoffs, Palmer will have to be special.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
When the Redskins spent big money on Albert Haynesworth, they expected big things. Instead, Haynesworth has been a huge disappointment.
He was nowhere close to being a dominant defensive tackle last season, and the Redskins finished 4-12. Now Haynesworth has miffed management, coaches and teammates by staying away from offseason workouts and refusing to embrace the Redskins’ switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.
"I don’t think Albert understands, or cares to understand, the role he could play in the Redskins’ scheme," former Redskins quarterback and longtime TV analyst Joe Theismann said. "He gets a ton of money to play football. I don’t know where in his contract it says, ‘I will only play in a 4-3 defense.’ I think everybody is questioning his commitment to the football team, and rightfully so."
Albert Haynesworth needs to start living up to his large contract.
With a mandatory minicamp (June 16-18) approaching, it’s unclear whether Haynesworth will buy in or try to force his way out of Washington. But as offseason workouts continue, here’s a look at Haynesworth and four other players who need to play more like stars than they did in 2009:
Albert Haynesworth, DT, Redksins. No matter where Haynesworth lines up in the 3-4, the Redskins would be foolish not to give him freedom to use his rare combination of power and agility. That is another reason Haynesworth should have attended minicamps. If he had, he may have found a comfort zone in the new defense by now.
"I think you should buy in and see how it works before you reject something," ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley said. "That’s why you have OTAs and offseason workouts—to get a feel for changes. I think that’s why you’re hearing comments from some of his teammates, wishing he was working out with them. They just want him to give it a shot."
Haynesworth has the talent to play well in any system, but he must also have the right mindset. Re-establishing himself as a dominant defensive player is the best way for Haynesworth to silence critics questioning his desire.
Antonio Cromartie, CB, Jets. In 2007 with the Chargers, Cromartie had 10 interceptions and was one of the league’s top corners. But his play hasn’t approached that level since, and he can’t hide in New York playing opposite Jets star Darrelle Revis.
Nobody picks on Revis, so Cromartie could be busier than a Manhattan traffic cop this season. If he is still an elite corner, Cromartie will have plenty of opportunities to make plays. If he isn’t, he will be picked on.
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears. In 2008 with the Broncos, he led the AFC in passing yards. In 2009 with the Bears, Cutler led the NFL in interceptions. Much of the Bears’ immediate future hinges on Cutler playing like a franchise quarterback.
"If there’s one guy that I’m curious about, he’s the guy," Theismann said. "Of all the 32 starting quarterbacks, this is the year Jay Cutler needs to move into an elite category, a consistent level of play, not the erratic level that we’ve seen."
Cutler has become the project of new Bears coordinator Mike Martz. Though I remain skeptical about the Martz-Cutler marriage, Theismann believes it will work.
Brandon Jacobs might be on the downside of his career after years of punishing running.
"I expect him (Cutler) to have a terrific year," Theismann said. "Mike Martz is very demanding, but he’s also a dynamic play-caller. I think the Bears will be a team that can challenge for the division title."
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants. After averaging 5 yards per carry in ’07 and ’08, Jacobs fell to just 3.7 yards per carry and 835 yards in 2009. Jacobs underwent offseason knee surgery and has vowed to be a 1,000-yard back again. The Giants need him to be. After leading the league in rushing in 2008, when they won the NFC East, they fell to 17th last season and failed to make the playoffs.
Because Jacobs turns 28 in July and has absorbed and delivered a lot of punishing hits, it’s fair to wonder if his best days are already past. The Giants had myriad problems on both sides of the ball in 2009, but a return to star form by Jacobs would improve their chances of returning to the playoffs.
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals. From 2005 through 2007, Palmer was one of the league’s most prolific quarterbacks, completing at least 320 passes and throwing for at least 3,800 yards and 26 touchdowns each season.
Palmer may never reach those numbers again because the Bengals are no longer a pass-happy team. But they need Palmer to play better than he did during last season’s playoff loss to the Jets, when he missed open receivers several times.
Not that Palmer was solely at fault. With Revis all but making Chad Ochocinco disappear, the Jets made it painfully clear that the Bengals needed more weapons.
"If you’re going to throw the football—and you have to at this level—you need receivers," Theismann said. "Have they done enough to help Carson Palmer? I don’t know. When you’re a quarterback who feels he has to make up for inadequacies, you force yourself to do things that create problems."
The Bengals drafted tight end Jermaine Gresham and acquired veteran wide receiver Antonio Bryant, hoping they can take some defensive attention away from Ochocinco. We know Palmer is good. But for the Bengals to win the AFC North again and advance in the playoffs, Palmer will have to be special.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
SEATTLE — In his prime, Ken Griffey Jr. was considered the best player in baseball, on pace to rewrite the record books.
Injuries derailed his chance to become the home run king. His spot as one of the game’s all-time greats is without question.
Ken Griffey Jr. is credited with playing a large role in keeping big-league baseball in Seattle.
Now relegated to part-time duty and with little pop left in that perfect swing, Griffey unexpectedly decided Wednesday night to retire after 22 mostly brilliant seasons.
The Kid that once saved baseball in the Pacific Northwest with his backward hat, giddy teenage smile and unrivaled talent, had become a shell of the player who dominated the 1990s.
The 40-year-old Griffey wasn’t at Safeco Field on Wednesday. He simply released a statement through the Seattle Mariners – the franchise he helped saved in the 1990s and returned to for the conclusion of his career – that he was done playing.
Griffey said goodbye before Seattle played the Minnesota Twins after 13 All-Star appearances, 630 homers – fifth on the career list – and 1,836 RBIs. He’s an almost certain first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"While I feel I am still able to make a contribution on the field and nobody in the Mariners front office has asked me to retire, I told the Mariners when I met with them prior to the 2009 season and was invited back that I will never allow myself to become a distraction," Griffey said.
"I feel that without enough occasional starts to be sharper coming off the bench, my continued presence as a player would be an unfair distraction to my teammates and their success as a team is what the ultimate goal should be," he said.
There will be no farewell tour, just as Griffey wanted. He called Mariners’ team president Chuck Armstrong and said he was done playing. Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu called his players together before the start of batting practice to inform them of Griffey’s decision.
"To play with him is a treasure I will keep deep in my heart," Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki said through an interpreter. "I have played 19 years in professional baseball and I can say he was one of my best teammates and my best friend."
Milton Bradley, Griffey’s teammate for only a few months, turned to Mike Sweeney during batting practice and said, "on a day like this, it should rain in Seattle." After Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Minnesota, Bradley was emotional speaking about his former teammate.
"I hit left-handed because of Griffey. I wanted to play baseball, be an outfielder, make diving catches, style on a home run because of Griffey," Bradley said. "Guys like him don’t come around every day. He’s just as magical off the field as on it."
The team put his number 24 in the dirt behind second base and showed a 5-minute video tribute to a standing ovation before the game.
"It’s a sad day for the Mariners, our fans, for all the people in the community that have loved Ken, admired him as a tremendous baseball player and a great human being," Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said. "It’s always tough for great superstars like Ken or anyone else to make a decision to retire. This has been his life for so many years, but he has made his decision and will support it. We will honor him in every way possible."
A star from the time he was the overall No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft, Griffey also played with his hometown Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox. He hit .284 with 1,836 RBIs.
But his greatest seasons, by far, came in Seattle.
Griffey played in 1,685 games with the Mariners and hit .292 with 417 homers, most coming in the homer-friendly Kingdome, and 1,216 RBIs. He won the AL MVP in 1997 and practically saved a franchise that was in danger of relocating when he first came up.
Griffey returned to the Mariners in 2009 and almost single-handedly transformed what had been a fractured, bickering clubhouse with his leadership, energy and constant pranks.
Griffey signed a one-year deal last November for one more season in Seattle after he was carried off the field by his teammates after the final game of 2009. He hit .214 last season with 19 homers as a part-time DH. He was limited by a swollen left knee that required an operation in the offseason.
But the bat never came alive in 2010. Griffey was hitting only .184 with no homers and seven RBIs and recently went a week without playing. There was a report earlier this season – which Griffey denied – that he’d fallen asleep in the clubhouse during a game.
The swing that hit as many as 56 homers in a season had lost its punch and Griffey seemed to understand his time was coming to a close.
"Of course it surprised us. You never know what is in a players mind. They debate things here and there and in this particular case Ken made his decision and there wasn’t anything anybody could say," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "You support him, you’re behind him and again, he’s a legacy in this community and certainly in the game of baseball."
His career is littered with highlights, from homering in eight straight games to tie a major league record in 1993, to furiously rounding third and sliding home safe on Edgar Martinez’s double to beat the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series in 1995. His first major league at-bat was a double and Griffey homered the first time he stepped to the plate at home.
A year after making his big league debut, Griffey enjoyed one of his greatest highlights. Playing with his All-Star dad, Ken Griffey, they hit back-to-back home runs in a game for the Mariners.
And during the Steroids Era, his name was never linked to performance-enhancing drugs, a rarity among his contemporaries such as Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire.
"Junior was one of the finest young men I’ve ever had the opportunity to manage," said Cubs’ manager Lou Piniella. "When we were in Seattle together, I believe he was the best player in baseball and it was truly an honor to be his manager."
Seattle catcher Rob Johnson watched Griffey in his prime while growing up in Montana. He then got a chance to claim a locker just a few feet away from Griffey’s.
"I think it’s pretty easy for me to personally say he’s the greatest player to ever play this game," Johnson said. "He did everything. He wasn’t just a home run hitter. The guy played outfield as good or better than anyone ever played. … To me he is the greatest player to ever live and to get a chance to play with him and to get to sit next to his locker is pretty special."
Griffey also is regarded as the player who helped keep the Mariners in Seattle, a point Armstrong noted during an impromptu gathering just a few steps from the batter’s box at Safeco Field. It was Seattle’s unlikely late season playoff run in 1995, spurred by the return of Griffey from injury, that led to the construction of Safeco Field and the future security of a franchise rumored for years to be on the move.
Once he left Seattle for the Reds, injuries began to take their toll and his production started to decline. Griffey’s final hit, during his lackluster final season, was fittingly a game-winning pinch-hit single against Toronto on May 20.
"He kept the team here. He drew people here because people wanted to see what he could do day to day," Seattle first base coach Lee Tinsley said, a former playing teammate with Griffey. "He was such a special player."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
SEATTLE — In his prime, Ken Griffey Jr. was considered the best player in baseball, on pace to rewrite the record books.
Injuries derailed his chance to become the home run king. His spot as one of the game’s all-time greats is without question.
Ken Griffey Jr. is credited with playing a large role in keeping big-league baseball in Seattle.
Now relegated to part-time duty and with little pop left in that perfect swing, Griffey unexpectedly decided Wednesday night to retire after 22 mostly brilliant seasons.
The Kid that once saved baseball in the Pacific Northwest with his backward hat, giddy teenage smile and unrivaled talent, had become a shell of the player who dominated the 1990s.
The 40-year-old Griffey wasn’t at Safeco Field on Wednesday. He simply released a statement through the Seattle Mariners – the franchise he helped saved in the 1990s and returned to for the conclusion of his career – that he was done playing.
Griffey said goodbye before Seattle played the Minnesota Twins after 13 All-Star appearances, 630 homers – fifth on the career list – and 1,836 RBIs. He’s an almost certain first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"While I feel I am still able to make a contribution on the field and nobody in the Mariners front office has asked me to retire, I told the Mariners when I met with them prior to the 2009 season and was invited back that I will never allow myself to become a distraction," Griffey said.
"I feel that without enough occasional starts to be sharper coming off the bench, my continued presence as a player would be an unfair distraction to my teammates and their success as a team is what the ultimate goal should be," he said.
There will be no farewell tour, just as Griffey wanted. He called Mariners’ team president Chuck Armstrong and said he was done playing. Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu called his players together before the start of batting practice to inform them of Griffey’s decision.
"To play with him is a treasure I will keep deep in my heart," Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki said through an interpreter. "I have played 19 years in professional baseball and I can say he was one of my best teammates and my best friend."
Milton Bradley, Griffey’s teammate for only a few months, turned to Mike Sweeney during batting practice and said, "on a day like this, it should rain in Seattle." After Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Minnesota, Bradley was emotional speaking about his former teammate.
"I hit left-handed because of Griffey. I wanted to play baseball, be an outfielder, make diving catches, style on a home run because of Griffey," Bradley said. "Guys like him don’t come around every day. He’s just as magical off the field as on it."
The team put his number 24 in the dirt behind second base and showed a 5-minute video tribute to a standing ovation before the game.
"It’s a sad day for the Mariners, our fans, for all the people in the community that have loved Ken, admired him as a tremendous baseball player and a great human being," Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said. "It’s always tough for great superstars like Ken or anyone else to make a decision to retire. This has been his life for so many years, but he has made his decision and will support it. We will honor him in every way possible."
A star from the time he was the overall No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft, Griffey also played with his hometown Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago White Sox. He hit .284 with 1,836 RBIs.
But his greatest seasons, by far, came in Seattle.
Griffey played in 1,685 games with the Mariners and hit .292 with 417 homers, most coming in the homer-friendly Kingdome, and 1,216 RBIs. He won the AL MVP in 1997 and practically saved a franchise that was in danger of relocating when he first came up.
Griffey returned to the Mariners in 2009 and almost single-handedly transformed what had been a fractured, bickering clubhouse with his leadership, energy and constant pranks.
Griffey signed a one-year deal last November for one more season in Seattle after he was carried off the field by his teammates after the final game of 2009. He hit .214 last season with 19 homers as a part-time DH. He was limited by a swollen left knee that required an operation in the offseason.
But the bat never came alive in 2010. Griffey was hitting only .184 with no homers and seven RBIs and recently went a week without playing. There was a report earlier this season – which Griffey denied – that he’d fallen asleep in the clubhouse during a game.
The swing that hit as many as 56 homers in a season had lost its punch and Griffey seemed to understand his time was coming to a close.
"Of course it surprised us. You never know what is in a players mind. They debate things here and there and in this particular case Ken made his decision and there wasn’t anything anybody could say," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "You support him, you’re behind him and again, he’s a legacy in this community and certainly in the game of baseball."
His career is littered with highlights, from homering in eight straight games to tie a major league record in 1993, to furiously rounding third and sliding home safe on Edgar Martinez’s double to beat the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series in 1995. His first major league at-bat was a double and Griffey homered the first time he stepped to the plate at home.
A year after making his big league debut, Griffey enjoyed one of his greatest highlights. Playing with his All-Star dad, Ken Griffey, they hit back-to-back home runs in a game for the Mariners.
And during the Steroids Era, his name was never linked to performance-enhancing drugs, a rarity among his contemporaries such as Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire.
"Junior was one of the finest young men I’ve ever had the opportunity to manage," said Cubs’ manager Lou Piniella. "When we were in Seattle together, I believe he was the best player in baseball and it was truly an honor to be his manager."
Seattle catcher Rob Johnson watched Griffey in his prime while growing up in Montana. He then got a chance to claim a locker just a few feet away from Griffey’s.
"I think it’s pretty easy for me to personally say he’s the greatest player to ever play this game," Johnson said. "He did everything. He wasn’t just a home run hitter. The guy played outfield as good or better than anyone ever played. … To me he is the greatest player to ever live and to get a chance to play with him and to get to sit next to his locker is pretty special."
Griffey also is regarded as the player who helped keep the Mariners in Seattle, a point Armstrong noted during an impromptu gathering just a few steps from the batter’s box at Safeco Field. It was Seattle’s unlikely late season playoff run in 1995, spurred by the return of Griffey from injury, that led to the construction of Safeco Field and the future security of a franchise rumored for years to be on the move.
Once he left Seattle for the Reds, injuries began to take their toll and his production started to decline. Griffey’s final hit, during his lackluster final season, was fittingly a game-winning pinch-hit single against Toronto on May 20.
"He kept the team here. He drew people here because people wanted to see what he could do day to day," Seattle first base coach Lee Tinsley said, a former playing teammate with Griffey. "He was such a special player."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sporting News staff reports
Orioles right-hander Kevin Millwood and infielder Ty Wigginton are open to the idea of playing for the Mets if Baltimore decides to trade them before the July 31 deadline.
"I wouldn’t mind pitching in New York," Millwood told the New York Post. "It’s a great city, but it’s not really up to me whether I do or don’t." In fact, Millwood has a limited no-trade clause.
Millwood is 0-5 but has a 3.89 ERA and is averaging close to seven innings a start. He could be a solid mid-rotation starter for the Mets.
Wigginton, who leads the punchless O’s with 13 home runs, would be a potential upgrade over Fernando Tatis as a right-handed hitting utility player. He began his career with the Mets in 2002, then was traded to the Pirates in a July 2004 deadline deal for right-hander Kris Benson
Sporting News staff reports
Orioles right-hander Kevin Millwood and infielder Ty Wigginton are open to the idea of playing for the Mets if Baltimore decides to trade them before the July 31 deadline.
"I wouldn’t mind pitching in New York," Millwood told the New York Post. "It’s a great city, but it’s not really up to me whether I do or don’t." In fact, Millwood has a limited no-trade clause.
Millwood is 0-5 but has a 3.89 ERA and is averaging close to seven innings a start. He could be a solid mid-rotation starter for the Mets.
Wigginton, who leads the punchless O’s with 13 home runs, would be a potential upgrade over Fernando Tatis as a right-handed hitting utility player. He began his career with the Mets in 2002, then was traded to the Pirates in a July 2004 deadline deal for right-hander Kris Benson
Sporting News staff reports
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports the last-place Indians are not yet in sell mode and feel no need to slash their $60 million payroll.
"We are not actively engaged in talks about anyone right now," general manager Mark Shapiro told the newspaper Wednesday. "The season’s natural cycle will dictate when we consider some alternatives. We’re not mandated to make any trades for monetary reasons.
"We’ll look at each trade (possibility) as an opportunity to acquire talent and its budgetary impact. But the acquisition of talent will be the primary driver."
The Indians have a 19-31 record and are in the midst of a rebuilding project. They have players who can be of help to contenders, including No. 1 starter Jake Westbrook, closer Kerry Wood, first baseman Russell Branyan, third baseman Jhonny Peralta, and bench players Mark Grudzielanek, Austin Kearns and Mike Redmond.
Shapiro also said he won’t rush his top minor league prospects, in particular catcher Carlos Santana. Shapiro said Santana’s defense is improving but his throwing still needs work.
Sporting News staff reports
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports the last-place Indians are not yet in sell mode and feel no need to slash their $60 million payroll.
"We are not actively engaged in talks about anyone right now," general manager Mark Shapiro told the newspaper Wednesday. "The season’s natural cycle will dictate when we consider some alternatives. We’re not mandated to make any trades for monetary reasons.
"We’ll look at each trade (possibility) as an opportunity to acquire talent and its budgetary impact. But the acquisition of talent will be the primary driver."
The Indians have a 19-31 record and are in the midst of a rebuilding project. They have players who can be of help to contenders, including No. 1 starter Jake Westbrook, closer Kerry Wood, first baseman Russell Branyan, third baseman Jhonny Peralta, and bench players Mark Grudzielanek, Austin Kearns and Mike Redmond.
Shapiro also said he won’t rush his top minor league prospects, in particular catcher Carlos Santana. Shapiro said Santana’s defense is improving but his throwing still needs work.
