SAN FRANCISCO — Ryan Howard took a good-natured jab at those fickle fans in baseball-crazy Philadelphia.
"Hopefully there’s no riots taking place back in Philly," he joked of his new megadeal.
Ryan Howard (left) and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. discuss Howard’s contract extension before Monday’s game in San Francisco.
Get used to it, City of Brotherly Love. This guy’s going to be around for a while.
The slugging first baseman agreed to a $125 million, five-year contract extension Monday that could keep him with the Phillies until 2017.
Howard preferred securing his future in Philadelphia to testing free agency in two years — and boy, is he getting his payday. He also felt loyal to the franchise that gave him his chance to reach the big leagues, saying, "That wasn’t a very hard decision."
"I tell you what, it’s a great feeling to have that security and know where you’re going to be," Howard said. "I feel what I’ve been doing over the last couple of years, I feel pretty confident that down the road, I’ll be right where I want to be and still doing the same things."
Howard’s teammates wasted no time hitting him up for favors, either.
"Where we going to eat, Ryan?" Ben Francisco asked.
Howard just chuckled.
"He’s going to take all your money," quipped Shane Victorino.
Even general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. got into the fun.
"As part of this deal, he has agreed to buy a second home for me," Amaro joked during a news conference at AT&T Park, where the Phillies opened a three-game series with the Giants.
But in all seriousness, Amaro pulled off a deal that keeps the centerpiece of the Phillies’ offense in place for the long haul.
"We just felt it was good timing for us," Amaro said. "We felt No. 1, he’s one of the elite offensive players in the game. We could have waited another year and a half or so and dealt with it later on, but the fact of the matter is we decided he is that important to our organization and to our club and to our future."
The 30-year-old Howard will make $20 million each in 2012 and 2013 and $25 million annually from 2014-16. The Phillies have a $23 million club option for 2017 with a $10 million buyout. Howard also receives a limited no-trade provision: He can select nine teams each year he can be traded to with his consent.
"This is a very good contract for him," Howard’s agent Casey Close said. "The reason he felt the time was right was he loves his teammates, he loves the city. He wanted to be a part of something special for a long time to come."
Howard flied to deep center in the first inning Monday, with Andres Torres going to the wall to make the tough catch. Howard, a two-time All-Star, led the Phillies to two straight trips to the World Series, winning a championship in 2008.
The $25 million guaranteed average salary in the extension will be baseball’s second-highest behind Alex Rodriguez’s $27.5 million average under a 10-year contract with the Yankees running through 2017.
Howard was happy to land a new deal now and avoid the craziness that would have come once he was eligible for free agency after the 2011 season, when he will be 32.
All-Star right fielder Jayson Werth was thrilled for Howard, but uncertain how this might affect his chances of staying put in Philly beyond this season. He has had preliminary discussions with the team about an extension, but said, "I think they’ve been busy with Ryan."
Werth is making $7 million this year, the final season of his $10 million, two-year contract.
"This is all so fresh. I haven’t given it much thought yet," Werth said. "I think it’s awesome. He definitely deserves it. Look at the type of seasons he’s put together and the player he is. He’s one of the premier players in the game. At the end of the day, I’ve got to go out there and hit. I’m happy for Ryan and the organization. It’s a good thing, a step in the right direction."
Amaro said Howard’s contract is structured to give the club flexibility to keep players like Werth and shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Rollins’ $8.5 million club option for 2011 was exercised in December. The 2007 NL MVP is making $7.5 million this year, the final season originally guaranteed under the $40 million, five-year extension he signed in June 2005.
"Actually we’d like to keep all those guys," Amaro said. "Hopefully we can keep this group together."
After being briefly stuck in the minors while Jim Thome manned first for the Phillies, Howard was the 2005 Rookie of the Year at 25, the same age A-Rod signed his first free-agent deal — $252 million with Texas in 2001.
Howard, the 2006 NL MVP, is earning $19 million this season as part of a $54 million, three-year deal that pays him $20 million in 2011.
He signed that deal in February 2009, avoiding a potentially contentious arbitration hearing.
"This is absolutely great," manager Charlie Manuel said. "We signed Ryan Howard quite a few years ago and that means we’re keeping him. He’s one of our guys, he is a Phillie. It’s big for our team. That’s what you set out for. He’s very worthy of it. He is a great player and he is going to continue to be a great player for a while. Everything about it’s good."
Howard hit .279 with 45 homers and 141 RBIs last season and entered Monday’s game with three homers and 16 RBIs in 80 at-bats this April.
While he has put up monster numbers, averaging 49.5 homers and 143 RBIs over the past four years, he has averaged 191 strikeouts over that span.
In addition, he has committed himself to a rigorous fitness and training routine in recent years. He even reached out to Barry Bonds this winter and ended up working for about a week in Florida with the home run king — "one of my idols growing up."
"Ryan has clearly dedicated himself to being a very complete player," Amaro said. "He’s worked on his defense. He’s worked on his body. He has a special attribute with his power and his run production that not many in the history of this game have been able to accomplish. … The numbers don’t lie. He’s also one of the most durable players we have. Ryan’s basically ready to play 162 games. I think that means a lot."
Howard’s deal could influence Derek Jeter’s next deal with the Yankees and Albert Pujols’ next contract with the Cardinals.
Jeter, who also is represented by Close, is in the final season of a $189 million, 10-year contract.
Pujols is making $16 million this year, and St. Louis has a $16 million option for 2011 with a $5 million buyout. Of the 2011 salary, $4 million would be deferred without interest.
Howard isn’t worried that he could be one-upped by those guys down the road.
"Whatever the other guys get, hey, that’s great, that’s fine, that’s dandy," Howard said. "You don’t play this game for money. You play this game to come out here and win championships. Yeah, we get paid a lot of money to do what we do."
Twins MVP catcher Joe Mauer signed a $184 million, eight-year extension this spring.
"It allowed us to see how the market was shaping up," Close said of 28-year-old Mauer’s deal.
Said Amaro: "He kind of set the market for himself by his performance. It’s something that he deserves."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
SAN FRANCISCO — Ryan Howard took a good-natured jab at those fickle fans in baseball-crazy Philadelphia.
"Hopefully there’s no riots taking place back in Philly," he joked of his new megadeal.
Ryan Howard (left) and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. discuss Howard’s contract extension before Monday’s game in San Francisco.
Get used to it, City of Brotherly Love. This guy’s going to be around for a while.
The slugging first baseman agreed to a $125 million, five-year contract extension Monday that could keep him with the Phillies until 2017.
Howard preferred securing his future in Philadelphia to testing free agency in two years — and boy, is he getting his payday. He also felt loyal to the franchise that gave him his chance to reach the big leagues, saying, "That wasn’t a very hard decision."
"I tell you what, it’s a great feeling to have that security and know where you’re going to be," Howard said. "I feel what I’ve been doing over the last couple of years, I feel pretty confident that down the road, I’ll be right where I want to be and still doing the same things."
Howard’s teammates wasted no time hitting him up for favors, either.
"Where we going to eat, Ryan?" Ben Francisco asked.
Howard just chuckled.
"He’s going to take all your money," quipped Shane Victorino.
Even general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. got into the fun.
"As part of this deal, he has agreed to buy a second home for me," Amaro joked during a news conference at AT&T Park, where the Phillies opened a three-game series with the Giants.
But in all seriousness, Amaro pulled off a deal that keeps the centerpiece of the Phillies’ offense in place for the long haul.
"We just felt it was good timing for us," Amaro said. "We felt No. 1, he’s one of the elite offensive players in the game. We could have waited another year and a half or so and dealt with it later on, but the fact of the matter is we decided he is that important to our organization and to our club and to our future."
The 30-year-old Howard will make $20 million each in 2012 and 2013 and $25 million annually from 2014-16. The Phillies have a $23 million club option for 2017 with a $10 million buyout. Howard also receives a limited no-trade provision: He can select nine teams each year he can be traded to with his consent.
"This is a very good contract for him," Howard’s agent Casey Close said. "The reason he felt the time was right was he loves his teammates, he loves the city. He wanted to be a part of something special for a long time to come."
Howard flied to deep center in the first inning Monday, with Andres Torres going to the wall to make the tough catch. Howard, a two-time All-Star, led the Phillies to two straight trips to the World Series, winning a championship in 2008.
The $25 million guaranteed average salary in the extension will be baseball’s second-highest behind Alex Rodriguez’s $27.5 million average under a 10-year contract with the Yankees running through 2017.
Howard was happy to land a new deal now and avoid the craziness that would have come once he was eligible for free agency after the 2011 season, when he will be 32.
All-Star right fielder Jayson Werth was thrilled for Howard, but uncertain how this might affect his chances of staying put in Philly beyond this season. He has had preliminary discussions with the team about an extension, but said, "I think they’ve been busy with Ryan."
Werth is making $7 million this year, the final season of his $10 million, two-year contract.
"This is all so fresh. I haven’t given it much thought yet," Werth said. "I think it’s awesome. He definitely deserves it. Look at the type of seasons he’s put together and the player he is. He’s one of the premier players in the game. At the end of the day, I’ve got to go out there and hit. I’m happy for Ryan and the organization. It’s a good thing, a step in the right direction."
Amaro said Howard’s contract is structured to give the club flexibility to keep players like Werth and shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Rollins’ $8.5 million club option for 2011 was exercised in December. The 2007 NL MVP is making $7.5 million this year, the final season originally guaranteed under the $40 million, five-year extension he signed in June 2005.
"Actually we’d like to keep all those guys," Amaro said. "Hopefully we can keep this group together."
After being briefly stuck in the minors while Jim Thome manned first for the Phillies, Howard was the 2005 Rookie of the Year at 25, the same age A-Rod signed his first free-agent deal — $252 million with Texas in 2001.
Howard, the 2006 NL MVP, is earning $19 million this season as part of a $54 million, three-year deal that pays him $20 million in 2011.
He signed that deal in February 2009, avoiding a potentially contentious arbitration hearing.
"This is absolutely great," manager Charlie Manuel said. "We signed Ryan Howard quite a few years ago and that means we’re keeping him. He’s one of our guys, he is a Phillie. It’s big for our team. That’s what you set out for. He’s very worthy of it. He is a great player and he is going to continue to be a great player for a while. Everything about it’s good."
Howard hit .279 with 45 homers and 141 RBIs last season and entered Monday’s game with three homers and 16 RBIs in 80 at-bats this April.
While he has put up monster numbers, averaging 49.5 homers and 143 RBIs over the past four years, he has averaged 191 strikeouts over that span.
In addition, he has committed himself to a rigorous fitness and training routine in recent years. He even reached out to Barry Bonds this winter and ended up working for about a week in Florida with the home run king — "one of my idols growing up."
"Ryan has clearly dedicated himself to being a very complete player," Amaro said. "He’s worked on his defense. He’s worked on his body. He has a special attribute with his power and his run production that not many in the history of this game have been able to accomplish. … The numbers don’t lie. He’s also one of the most durable players we have. Ryan’s basically ready to play 162 games. I think that means a lot."
Howard’s deal could influence Derek Jeter’s next deal with the Yankees and Albert Pujols’ next contract with the Cardinals.
Jeter, who also is represented by Close, is in the final season of a $189 million, 10-year contract.
Pujols is making $16 million this year, and St. Louis has a $16 million option for 2011 with a $5 million buyout. Of the 2011 salary, $4 million would be deferred without interest.
Howard isn’t worried that he could be one-upped by those guys down the road.
"Whatever the other guys get, hey, that’s great, that’s fine, that’s dandy," Howard said. "You don’t play this game for money. You play this game to come out here and win championships. Yeah, we get paid a lot of money to do what we do."
Twins MVP catcher Joe Mauer signed a $184 million, eight-year extension this spring.
"It allowed us to see how the market was shaping up," Close said of 28-year-old Mauer’s deal.
Said Amaro: "He kind of set the market for himself by his performance. It’s something that he deserves."
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
In the wake of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension by the NFL after being accused of sexual assault in Georgia, there’s been precious little substantive commentary from those close to him. That’s slowly changing.
Bill Cowher coached Roethlisberger for three seasons, and he joined WFAN in New York with Boomer and Carton to share his opinion on the whole situation. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended by the NFL for at least four games to start the 2010 season.
What does Cowher think about the suspension Roethlisberger received?
Cowher: I think it’s good, in my personal opinion. I think it sends a very strong message that your conduct is something that you’re going to be held accountable for.
It was well documented what took place — obviously, no charges have been filed to this point — but that still does not dismiss any NFL player from the responsibilities that come from their actions when they’re in the public eye. I think Commissioner Goodell has taken a very strong stance in the past and I think he’s doing that right now. I think it got the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Steelers and everybody else. I think right now it’s up to Ben to deal with the punishment that has been handed out, to adhere to whatever these guidelines are that he must adhere to, and to try to make this a four game suspension as opposed to six. That would be in the best interest of the football team and that’s what he owes to his teammates.
That being said, I would think he would do that. They could see something was coming down. They went out and got Byron Leftwich and it’s either going to be him or [Dennis] Dixon, probably, one of the starters when it comes to opening day and the first four weeks before the bye.
Does he think the Steelers will trade Roethlisberger?
Cowher: I do not. I think the message was very loud and clear that they are very disappointed to have to go through this. I think he’s got an opportunity to rekindle his reputation.
He’s a young player, he’s made some very poor judgments in the last few years, and if he’s ever going to learn from something, he’ll learn from this. I think they’re going to give him the opportunity to do that.
Was Roethlisberger well-liked within the organization?
Cowher: I think we like anybody that can help us win football games. I think there’s no question that this guy, on the football field, is tremendously respected by his teammates and he’s respected by opponents. He’s a talent. The guy is an unbelievable competitor. He’s got a great feel for the game, but certainly with some of the things that have been brought on in the last couple of years, it kind of puts a damper on it.
I think again, as you know, the bottom line is trying to win football games. You have young single guys and you have people that have three kids. The dynamics of every locker room are a little bit different. Usually when 4:00 comes or 4:30 comes, everybody goes their separate ways.
The one thing you want to make sure the players do is they don’t do anything to dampen your ability to win football games. What Ben has done is put himself in a situation where he’s going to miss six games. Hopefully, he’ll do the right thing and minimize that to four.
Why will the Steelers hold on to Roethlisberger and not trade him?
Cowher: I think the circumstances are something where there’s no reason to say they wouldn’t, but I would be very surprised. This is a guy that was brought up, and again there’s no way they would condone his actions, but at the same time, this is a behavioral thing. There’s been no drugs involved, there’s been no series of events of that nature.
They made a very big investment in Ben. Again, I think he’s a guy that has proven to be a big commodity on the field and certainly want to get him to be the leader off the field. I think they still believe in him. I think that’s what is the bottom line. If there were a trade to be made, it would show that they really feel like they have exasperated every opportunity to try to change him. I still believe that they feel like he will learn from this and they can move forward with him as their quarterback.
More from SRI
Tim Tebow talks about joining the Denver Broncos
Dez Bryant discusses how he felt about being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
In the wake of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension by the NFL after being accused of sexual assault in Georgia, there’s been precious little substantive commentary from those close to him. That’s slowly changing.
Bill Cowher coached Roethlisberger for three seasons, and he joined WFAN in New York with Boomer and Carton to share his opinion on the whole situation. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended by the NFL for at least four games to start the 2010 season.
What does Cowher think about the suspension Roethlisberger received?
Cowher: I think it’s good, in my personal opinion. I think it sends a very strong message that your conduct is something that you’re going to be held accountable for.
It was well documented what took place — obviously, no charges have been filed to this point — but that still does not dismiss any NFL player from the responsibilities that come from their actions when they’re in the public eye. I think Commissioner Goodell has taken a very strong stance in the past and I think he’s doing that right now. I think it got the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Steelers and everybody else. I think right now it’s up to Ben to deal with the punishment that has been handed out, to adhere to whatever these guidelines are that he must adhere to, and to try to make this a four game suspension as opposed to six. That would be in the best interest of the football team and that’s what he owes to his teammates.
That being said, I would think he would do that. They could see something was coming down. They went out and got Byron Leftwich and it’s either going to be him or [Dennis] Dixon, probably, one of the starters when it comes to opening day and the first four weeks before the bye.
Does he think the Steelers will trade Roethlisberger?
Cowher: I do not. I think the message was very loud and clear that they are very disappointed to have to go through this. I think he’s got an opportunity to rekindle his reputation.
He’s a young player, he’s made some very poor judgments in the last few years, and if he’s ever going to learn from something, he’ll learn from this. I think they’re going to give him the opportunity to do that.
Was Roethlisberger well-liked within the organization?
Cowher: I think we like anybody that can help us win football games. I think there’s no question that this guy, on the football field, is tremendously respected by his teammates and he’s respected by opponents. He’s a talent. The guy is an unbelievable competitor. He’s got a great feel for the game, but certainly with some of the things that have been brought on in the last couple of years, it kind of puts a damper on it.
I think again, as you know, the bottom line is trying to win football games. You have young single guys and you have people that have three kids. The dynamics of every locker room are a little bit different. Usually when 4:00 comes or 4:30 comes, everybody goes their separate ways.
The one thing you want to make sure the players do is they don’t do anything to dampen your ability to win football games. What Ben has done is put himself in a situation where he’s going to miss six games. Hopefully, he’ll do the right thing and minimize that to four.
Why will the Steelers hold on to Roethlisberger and not trade him?
Cowher: I think the circumstances are something where there’s no reason to say they wouldn’t, but I would be very surprised. This is a guy that was brought up, and again there’s no way they would condone his actions, but at the same time, this is a behavioral thing. There’s been no drugs involved, there’s been no series of events of that nature.
They made a very big investment in Ben. Again, I think he’s a guy that has proven to be a big commodity on the field and certainly want to get him to be the leader off the field. I think they still believe in him. I think that’s what is the bottom line. If there were a trade to be made, it would show that they really feel like they have exasperated every opportunity to try to change him. I still believe that they feel like he will learn from this and they can move forward with him as their quarterback.
More from SRI
Tim Tebow talks about joining the Denver Broncos
Dez Bryant discusses how he felt about being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
You know it’s been an eventful season when there’s a no-hitter, a 20-inning marathon, a 20-0 blowout and an Albert Pujols’ slump before there’s a single rainout.
So what’s next? Well, the end of that Pujols’ skid, no surprise. The Cardinals slugger went 3-for-4 with a homer Sunday in the finale of a trip that he started 3 for 20. Slumping or not, Pujols always is worth watching.
Three others to keep a close eye on this week:
Jose Reyes has made an immediate impact since rejoining the Mets lineup.
Rookie Ike Davis is getting the hype and pitching is reason No. 1 the Mets had won seven of 10 before Sunday night (they allowed two or fewer runs in every win). But the return of Reyes has been big, too.
His numbers have been slow to come but look for them to climb as his at-bats mount. "Physically, I’m good," he said last week, "but this is spring training for me."
Reyes reached base in seven games last week and scored in six. He had two triples and three stolen bases without getting caught and Jerry Manuel deemed him ready for the three-hole. Not coincidentally, the Mets reached .500 for the first time since July as they head into a big week with series against the Dodgers and at first-place Philadelphia.
What Reyes would like next is a return to his normal diet. He has been ordered to stay away from his preferred seafood until doctors deem his thyroid levels at a healthy enough level.
"I have to eat a lot of chicken and pasta, and I don’t like pasta," said Reyes, who is examined by doctors weekly. He can’t wait for the visit when he’s told he stop eating something besides poultry.
"Chicken is not bad but when you eat it every day, you get tired of it," he said. Don’t tell him how many ways it can be prepared, either. "Chicken is chicken no matter what way you cook it," he said.
A look at AL ERA leaders is full of surprises. Of the seven with sub-2.00 ERAs, five are lefties. One of the leaders, Andy Pettitte (1.29), wasn’t sure he wanted to pitch this season. Two others, Francisco Liriano (1.29) and the Mariners’ Doug Fister (1.67), had to secure their jobs during spring training.
At least they were assured of having an opportunity. Rangers lefty C.J. Wilson, the club’s most consistent reliever a year ago, practically had to beg for his shot and didn’t find out he would be given one until he reported to Arizona.
"When I showed up, I spoke with our GM (Jon Daniels) and assistant GM (Thad Levine) and they told me I had to pitch really well to get the spot," Wilson replied in an e-mail. "I took that as my official ‘don’t make any mistakes’ chance."
He hasn’t made many, during camp or since. He was the Rangers’ best pitcher in spring and in two of his three regular-season starts, he hasn’t allowed a run. That included a 6 2/3-inning outing at Fenway Park that stopped Texas’ six-game losing streak. His next start comes Tuesday against another lefty, Mark Buehrle, in Arlington.
The A’s second-year closer takes a major league-best streak of 23 consecutive save conversions into Tampa Bay. That could be trouble for a couple of reasons. One: Across the majors, getting the final three outs has been tougher than usual this season. Only 10 closers have been perfect in all of their save chances, compared with 16 at this time last season.
Second: The Rays are the game’s current comeback kings. They already have won three times this season with rallies after the seventh inning and they lead the majors with nine such comebacks since last year’s All-Star Game.
The way the Rays have been playing, Bailey will be fortunate to get a save opportunity. The Rays have outscored the opposition 113-63 in running out to a 14-5 record.
Oakland also is off to a strong start, sitting atop the A.L. West behind the league’s stingiest pitching staff. Bailey has yet to allow a run in six outings, though only two have been in save situations and he has allowed three of four inherited runners to score.
After Bailey, Angels right-hander Fernando Rodney owns the longest active consecutive-saves streak, at 21, including five with his new team. At 18 straight are Jonathan Papelbon and Houston’s Matt Lindstrom, who saved four games last week.
Astros GM Ed Wade was criticized for spending so much to redo his bullpen but Houston relievers have been huge in helping the club turn around after an 0-8 start. They retired 22 consecutive hitters in one stretch and had allowed only one run in their past 14 innings.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
You know it’s been an eventful season when there’s a no-hitter, a 20-inning marathon, a 20-0 blowout and an Albert Pujols’ slump before there’s a single rainout.
So what’s next? Well, the end of that Pujols’ skid, no surprise. The Cardinals slugger went 3-for-4 with a homer Sunday in the finale of a trip that he started 3 for 20. Slumping or not, Pujols always is worth watching.
Three others to keep a close eye on this week:
Jose Reyes has made an immediate impact since rejoining the Mets lineup.
Rookie Ike Davis is getting the hype and pitching is reason No. 1 the Mets had won seven of 10 before Sunday night (they allowed two or fewer runs in every win). But the return of Reyes has been big, too.
His numbers have been slow to come but look for them to climb as his at-bats mount. "Physically, I’m good," he said last week, "but this is spring training for me."
Reyes reached base in seven games last week and scored in six. He had two triples and three stolen bases without getting caught and Jerry Manuel deemed him ready for the three-hole. Not coincidentally, the Mets reached .500 for the first time since July as they head into a big week with series against the Dodgers and at first-place Philadelphia.
What Reyes would like next is a return to his normal diet. He has been ordered to stay away from his preferred seafood until doctors deem his thyroid levels at a healthy enough level.
"I have to eat a lot of chicken and pasta, and I don’t like pasta," said Reyes, who is examined by doctors weekly. He can’t wait for the visit when he’s told he stop eating something besides poultry.
"Chicken is not bad but when you eat it every day, you get tired of it," he said. Don’t tell him how many ways it can be prepared, either. "Chicken is chicken no matter what way you cook it," he said.
A look at AL ERA leaders is full of surprises. Of the seven with sub-2.00 ERAs, five are lefties. One of the leaders, Andy Pettitte (1.29), wasn’t sure he wanted to pitch this season. Two others, Francisco Liriano (1.29) and the Mariners’ Doug Fister (1.67), had to secure their jobs during spring training.
At least they were assured of having an opportunity. Rangers lefty C.J. Wilson, the club’s most consistent reliever a year ago, practically had to beg for his shot and didn’t find out he would be given one until he reported to Arizona.
"When I showed up, I spoke with our GM (Jon Daniels) and assistant GM (Thad Levine) and they told me I had to pitch really well to get the spot," Wilson replied in an e-mail. "I took that as my official ‘don’t make any mistakes’ chance."
He hasn’t made many, during camp or since. He was the Rangers’ best pitcher in spring and in two of his three regular-season starts, he hasn’t allowed a run. That included a 6 2/3-inning outing at Fenway Park that stopped Texas’ six-game losing streak. His next start comes Tuesday against another lefty, Mark Buehrle, in Arlington.
The A’s second-year closer takes a major league-best streak of 23 consecutive save conversions into Tampa Bay. That could be trouble for a couple of reasons. One: Across the majors, getting the final three outs has been tougher than usual this season. Only 10 closers have been perfect in all of their save chances, compared with 16 at this time last season.
Second: The Rays are the game’s current comeback kings. They already have won three times this season with rallies after the seventh inning and they lead the majors with nine such comebacks since last year’s All-Star Game.
The way the Rays have been playing, Bailey will be fortunate to get a save opportunity. The Rays have outscored the opposition 113-63 in running out to a 14-5 record.
Oakland also is off to a strong start, sitting atop the A.L. West behind the league’s stingiest pitching staff. Bailey has yet to allow a run in six outings, though only two have been in save situations and he has allowed three of four inherited runners to score.
After Bailey, Angels right-hander Fernando Rodney owns the longest active consecutive-saves streak, at 21, including five with his new team. At 18 straight are Jonathan Papelbon and Houston’s Matt Lindstrom, who saved four games last week.
Astros GM Ed Wade was criticized for spending so much to redo his bullpen but Houston relievers have been huge in helping the club turn around after an 0-8 start. They retired 22 consecutive hitters in one stretch and had allowed only one run in their past 14 innings.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
The top five reaches in this year’s draft:
1. Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos (Round 1, Pick 25 overall). He is a long way from being an NFL quarterback and unlikely to ever develop into a good passer.
2. Tyson Alualu, DT, Jaguars (Round 1, Pick 10). He is an excellent athlete but is a tackle/end ‘tweener in a 4-3 scheme, so he has no clear home in the Jaguars’ defense.
3. T.J. Ward, S, Browns (Round 2, Pick 38). He is tough and delivers hard hits, but he is a liability in coverage and could struggle to become an every-down player.
4. Javier Arenas, CB, Chiefs (Round 2, Pick 50). He is a good nickel back and return man, but you should be able to get a starter with a second-round pick.
5. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Bengals (Round 2, Pick 54). For pure physical talent, this is a good pick. However, his on-field production was that of a sixth- or seventh-rounder. Plus, he’s a character risk.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
The top five reaches in this year’s draft:
1. Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos (Round 1, Pick 25 overall). He is a long way from being an NFL quarterback and unlikely to ever develop into a good passer.
2. Tyson Alualu, DT, Jaguars (Round 1, Pick 10). He is an excellent athlete but is a tackle/end ‘tweener in a 4-3 scheme, so he has no clear home in the Jaguars’ defense.
3. T.J. Ward, S, Browns (Round 2, Pick 38). He is tough and delivers hard hits, but he is a liability in coverage and could struggle to become an every-down player.
4. Javier Arenas, CB, Chiefs (Round 2, Pick 50). He is a good nickel back and return man, but you should be able to get a starter with a second-round pick.
5. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Bengals (Round 2, Pick 54). For pure physical talent, this is a good pick. However, his on-field production was that of a sixth- or seventh-rounder. Plus, he’s a character risk.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
The NFL’s never-ending news cycle keeps churning. Here are five postdraft questions to ponder as we move toward minicamps:
It seems likely that Jason Campbell will start for the Raiders this season.
1. Does the Jason Campbell trade signal the end for JaMarcus Russell with the Raiders?
Acquiring Campbell from the Redskins puts Russell on notice. He has been a disappointment since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Raiders in 2007 — a quarterback maligned both for his lack of improvement and lack of work ethic.
Campbell has said he expects to start, and he should. Raiders coach Tom Cable did not name Campbell the No. 1 quarterback when speaking with reporters following the trade, but it was clear Cable was delighted to have Campbell.
"We’re going to have a great competition," Cable said. "There will be some decisions made in the next month or so. We feel like adding Jason to this football team was very important. He’s a guy in need of a fresh start. He’s proven that he can do some things and have some success in the NFL."
Asked if there was any way Russell could win the starting job, Cable said, "Sure, if he competes for the job, if he’s doing all those things that your starting quarterback is supposed to do."
To this point, Russell has not done all the things a starting quarterback is supposed to do. He could be released within the week. The Raiders owe him $3 million no matter what they decide, but they would owe him $6.45 million if he makes next season’s roster.
Unless he agrees to a pay cut, Russell can probably kiss Oakland goodbye. And many Raiders would probably say, "Good riddance."
2. Can the Redskins and Albert Haynesworth coexist effectively?
G.M. Bruce Allen denied that the star defensive tackle had been shopped during the draft. Now that Haynesworth is still with the Redskins, will he be the dominant player the Redskins are paying him to be as a nose tackle in coach Mike Shanahan’ 3-4 scheme?
The best-case scenario for the new-look Redskins is that Haynesworth buys into his new role. The worst-case scenario is that Haynesworth does not and becomes a distraction. We will see how willing Haynesworth is to move forward, now that he is still a Redskin.
"We know where Albert stands, and he knows where we stand," Allen said. "We look forward to having him have a productive season"
3. How will the turmoil surrounding Ben Roethlisberger impact him and the Steelers’ season?
The Steelers did not trade their franchise quarterback, so now they must continue to deal with the repercussions of Roethlisberger’s behavior, including his six-game suspension. Director of football operations Kevin Colbert had this response when asked about his franchise quarterback following the draft.
"We can’t defend the behavior or actions, and as an organization we won’t," Colbert said. "But we do defend his opportunity to make right. And that’s the right thing to do. The guy has helped us win two championships and he’s made some mistakes, but he also deserves the opportunity to rectify those mistakes, and I know we stand behind his opportunity to do that."
How the Steelers deal with Roethlisberger’s absence and eventual return will continue to be one of the NFL’s main story lines.
4. How long will it take the Rams to sign Sam Bradford?
The quicker Bradford signs, the better his chances of making a first-year impact. Avoiding a lengthy holdout is a key to any rookie’s season, particularly a quarterback. If Bradford wants to start for the Rams, the sooner he gets into training camp the better.
"I realize that I have a lot of work in front of me," Bradford said. "It’s important to be out there with my teammates, start building chemistry. I’m going to trust my agent. He knows it’s very important to get me into camp as well."
5. Can Jimmy Clausen prove that he should not have dropped to No. 48 in the draft?
It will be interesting to see whether Clausen can challenge Matt Moore for the starting quarterback job with the Panthers. With coach John Fox in the final year of his contract, this will be an intriguing season in Carolina.
"If you’re a head coach in the NFL, you’re on a one-year contract," NFL Network analyst and former Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "I don’t care what the length of your contract is. All that means is you’re going to be paid if you get let go."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
The NFL’s never-ending news cycle keeps churning. Here are five postdraft questions to ponder as we move toward minicamps:
It seems likely that Jason Campbell will start for the Raiders this season.
1. Does the Jason Campbell trade signal the end for JaMarcus Russell with the Raiders?
Acquiring Campbell from the Redskins puts Russell on notice. He has been a disappointment since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Raiders in 2007 — a quarterback maligned both for his lack of improvement and lack of work ethic.
Campbell has said he expects to start, and he should. Raiders coach Tom Cable did not name Campbell the No. 1 quarterback when speaking with reporters following the trade, but it was clear Cable was delighted to have Campbell.
"We’re going to have a great competition," Cable said. "There will be some decisions made in the next month or so. We feel like adding Jason to this football team was very important. He’s a guy in need of a fresh start. He’s proven that he can do some things and have some success in the NFL."
Asked if there was any way Russell could win the starting job, Cable said, "Sure, if he competes for the job, if he’s doing all those things that your starting quarterback is supposed to do."
To this point, Russell has not done all the things a starting quarterback is supposed to do. He could be released within the week. The Raiders owe him $3 million no matter what they decide, but they would owe him $6.45 million if he makes next season’s roster.
Unless he agrees to a pay cut, Russell can probably kiss Oakland goodbye. And many Raiders would probably say, "Good riddance."
2. Can the Redskins and Albert Haynesworth coexist effectively?
G.M. Bruce Allen denied that the star defensive tackle had been shopped during the draft. Now that Haynesworth is still with the Redskins, will he be the dominant player the Redskins are paying him to be as a nose tackle in coach Mike Shanahan’ 3-4 scheme?
The best-case scenario for the new-look Redskins is that Haynesworth buys into his new role. The worst-case scenario is that Haynesworth does not and becomes a distraction. We will see how willing Haynesworth is to move forward, now that he is still a Redskin.
"We know where Albert stands, and he knows where we stand," Allen said. "We look forward to having him have a productive season"
3. How will the turmoil surrounding Ben Roethlisberger impact him and the Steelers’ season?
The Steelers did not trade their franchise quarterback, so now they must continue to deal with the repercussions of Roethlisberger’s behavior, including his six-game suspension. Director of football operations Kevin Colbert had this response when asked about his franchise quarterback following the draft.
"We can’t defend the behavior or actions, and as an organization we won’t," Colbert said. "But we do defend his opportunity to make right. And that’s the right thing to do. The guy has helped us win two championships and he’s made some mistakes, but he also deserves the opportunity to rectify those mistakes, and I know we stand behind his opportunity to do that."
How the Steelers deal with Roethlisberger’s absence and eventual return will continue to be one of the NFL’s main story lines.
4. How long will it take the Rams to sign Sam Bradford?
The quicker Bradford signs, the better his chances of making a first-year impact. Avoiding a lengthy holdout is a key to any rookie’s season, particularly a quarterback. If Bradford wants to start for the Rams, the sooner he gets into training camp the better.
"I realize that I have a lot of work in front of me," Bradford said. "It’s important to be out there with my teammates, start building chemistry. I’m going to trust my agent. He knows it’s very important to get me into camp as well."
5. Can Jimmy Clausen prove that he should not have dropped to No. 48 in the draft?
It will be interesting to see whether Clausen can challenge Matt Moore for the starting quarterback job with the Panthers. With coach John Fox in the final year of his contract, this will be an intriguing season in Carolina.
"If you’re a head coach in the NFL, you’re on a one-year contract," NFL Network analyst and former Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "I don’t care what the length of your contract is. All that means is you’re going to be paid if you get let go."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Four rounds and 157 picks remain in this three-day extravaganza known as the 2010 NFL draft, but we’re not going to let that stop us from declaring some early winners and losers. So let’s go to the scoreboard:
Ndamukong Suh should be key piece to Lions’ rebuild.
Winners
1. The Lions. They picked up two key rebuilding blocks in the first round, taking Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh — perhaps the best player in the draft, period — and Cal running back Jahvid Best.
Add those two to the veteran players Detroit has picked up this offseason, such as guard Rob Sims, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and wide receiver Nate Burleson, and the Lions suddenly look like a team that could be on the rise. Second-year coach Jim Schwartz has something going in the Motor City.
2. Tim Tebow. Many coaches seemed concerned about his throwing mechanics, but Denver’s Josh McDaniels wasn’t one of them. The most overanalyzed player perhaps in the history of the draft, Tebow was the second quarterback off the board as the Broncos took him at No. 25.
With Kyle Orton already in place, the lefthanded Tebow should get the time he needs to develop into an NFL quarterback in Denver.
3. Dez Bryant. The much-maligned wide receiver from Oklahoma State probably couldn’t have landed in a better place than Dallas, which appears poised to make a run at the Super Bowl in 2010. How high are the Cowboys’ expectations for Bryant? High enough to hand him the fabled No. 88 jersey formerly worn by Drew Pearson and Hall of Fame wideout Michael Irvin.
4. The Big 12. Former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford started a conference parade when he was selected by the Rams with the first-overall pick. Four of the next five picks and nine overall in the first round have Big 12 pedigrees.
"It hit me right in the face when I was watching those first five or six picks," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. "It goes to show the type of athleticism and athletic ability that’s out there on the field every weekend. It’s a great conference."
5. Football icons. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees (Saints) and Hall of Fame players Jim Brown (Browns), Dan Marino (Dolphins) and Floyd Little (Broncos) were among the special guests who walked up to the podium at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and announced picks for their former teams in the first two rounds.
Losers
1. Jimmy Clausen. As if it wasn’t frustrating enough to watch his contract hopes sink by the millions when no team selected him in the first round, the former Notre Dame quarterback had to suffer the further indignity of waiting for nearly 90 minutes in the second round until the Panthers took him with the 48th-overall pick.
The draft experience had to be more painful for the former Golden Domer than playing against USC with two torn ligaments in his toe. Teams might have had more questions about Clausen than we thought.
By almost all accounts, Jaguars reached big time for Tyson Alualu.
2. Marshawn Lynch. If the emergence of Fred Jackson (1,062 rushing yards last season) wasn’t a sign that Lynch’s time in Buffalo might be short-lived, the selection of Clemson’s C.J. Spiller with the ninth-overall pick should have been.
Consider Ralph Wilson’s introduction of Spiller Friday to the Buffalo media: "It’s with great honor, C.J., to present you with the No. 1 number because you’re going to be the number one guy that’s going to get us going."
3. The Jaguars. GM Gene Smith can rationalize the selection of Cal defensive tackle Tyson Alualu from now until the start of the 2010 season, but Jacksonville fans aren’t going to buy it. No one — not Mel Kiper, not Mike Mayock, not Russ Lande — projected Alualu to be picked in the first round, much less with the 10th overall selection.
Don’t be surprised if there’s not a run on season tickets in Jacksonville.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Four rounds and 157 picks remain in this three-day extravaganza known as the 2010 NFL draft, but we’re not going to let that stop us from declaring some early winners and losers. So let’s go to the scoreboard:
Ndamukong Suh should be key piece to Lions’ rebuild.
Winners
1. The Lions. They picked up two key rebuilding blocks in the first round, taking Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh — perhaps the best player in the draft, period — and Cal running back Jahvid Best.
Add those two to the veteran players Detroit has picked up this offseason, such as guard Rob Sims, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and wide receiver Nate Burleson, and the Lions suddenly look like a team that could be on the rise. Second-year coach Jim Schwartz has something going in the Motor City.
2. Tim Tebow. Many coaches seemed concerned about his throwing mechanics, but Denver’s Josh McDaniels wasn’t one of them. The most overanalyzed player perhaps in the history of the draft, Tebow was the second quarterback off the board as the Broncos took him at No. 25.
With Kyle Orton already in place, the lefthanded Tebow should get the time he needs to develop into an NFL quarterback in Denver.
3. Dez Bryant. The much-maligned wide receiver from Oklahoma State probably couldn’t have landed in a better place than Dallas, which appears poised to make a run at the Super Bowl in 2010. How high are the Cowboys’ expectations for Bryant? High enough to hand him the fabled No. 88 jersey formerly worn by Drew Pearson and Hall of Fame wideout Michael Irvin.
4. The Big 12. Former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford started a conference parade when he was selected by the Rams with the first-overall pick. Four of the next five picks and nine overall in the first round have Big 12 pedigrees.
"It hit me right in the face when I was watching those first five or six picks," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. "It goes to show the type of athleticism and athletic ability that’s out there on the field every weekend. It’s a great conference."
5. Football icons. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees (Saints) and Hall of Fame players Jim Brown (Browns), Dan Marino (Dolphins) and Floyd Little (Broncos) were among the special guests who walked up to the podium at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and announced picks for their former teams in the first two rounds.
Losers
1. Jimmy Clausen. As if it wasn’t frustrating enough to watch his contract hopes sink by the millions when no team selected him in the first round, the former Notre Dame quarterback had to suffer the further indignity of waiting for nearly 90 minutes in the second round until the Panthers took him with the 48th-overall pick.
The draft experience had to be more painful for the former Golden Domer than playing against USC with two torn ligaments in his toe. Teams might have had more questions about Clausen than we thought.
By almost all accounts, Jaguars reached big time for Tyson Alualu.
2. Marshawn Lynch. If the emergence of Fred Jackson (1,062 rushing yards last season) wasn’t a sign that Lynch’s time in Buffalo might be short-lived, the selection of Clemson’s C.J. Spiller with the ninth-overall pick should have been.
Consider Ralph Wilson’s introduction of Spiller Friday to the Buffalo media: "It’s with great honor, C.J., to present you with the No. 1 number because you’re going to be the number one guy that’s going to get us going."
3. The Jaguars. GM Gene Smith can rationalize the selection of Cal defensive tackle Tyson Alualu from now until the start of the 2010 season, but Jacksonville fans aren’t going to buy it. No one — not Mel Kiper, not Mike Mayock, not Russ Lande — projected Alualu to be picked in the first round, much less with the 10th overall selection.
Don’t be surprised if there’s not a run on season tickets in Jacksonville.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
CHICAGO — Northwestern’s Nov. 20 date with Illinois at Wrigley Field will bring a college football festival to Chicago. But Wildcats officials hope the excitement and the financial benefits continue for more than one afternoon.
"We’re trying to increase our season tickets, absolutely, to leverage our season tickets," athletic director Jim Phillips said Friday.
Fans will need to buy Northwestern season tickets for five games at Ryan Field to get the tickets to the Wrigley game. Northwestern has a 31,000-seat allotment for the Illinois matchup, Wrigley’s first football contest since a Bears-Packers game in 1970. The field’s capacity for football should be around 40,000 fans, Cubs president Crane Kenney said.
As for logistics, the 100-yard playing area will stretch from the third-base line toward right field, and the area will be completely grass, Kenney said. Teams will share a sideline that will cover left and centerfields. Players will dress in locker rooms, though Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said some of his players might dress on campus in Evanston. The Wildcats also might take an elevated train to the game instead of a chartered bus.
Dave Curtis is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at dcurtis@sportingnews.com.
CHICAGO — Northwestern’s Nov. 20 date with Illinois at Wrigley Field will bring a college football festival to Chicago. But Wildcats officials hope the excitement and the financial benefits continue for more than one afternoon.
"We’re trying to increase our season tickets, absolutely, to leverage our season tickets," athletic director Jim Phillips said Friday.
Fans will need to buy Northwestern season tickets for five games at Ryan Field to get the tickets to the Wrigley game. Northwestern has a 31,000-seat allotment for the Illinois matchup, Wrigley’s first football contest since a Bears-Packers game in 1970. The field’s capacity for football should be around 40,000 fans, Cubs president Crane Kenney said.
As for logistics, the 100-yard playing area will stretch from the third-base line toward right field, and the area will be completely grass, Kenney said. Teams will share a sideline that will cover left and centerfields. Players will dress in locker rooms, though Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said some of his players might dress on campus in Evanston. The Wildcats also might take an elevated train to the game instead of a chartered bus.
Dave Curtis is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at dcurtis@sportingnews.com.
New Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has directed many drafts in his career, first as coach of the Oakland Raiders, then with the Denver Broncos. He joined The Score in Denver to talk about drafting quarterbacks and how he’s going about rebuilding the Redskins. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says his job is to put quarterback Donovan McNabb in a position to succeed.
When will Denver’s first round quarterback pick, Tim Tebow, be able to start in the NFL?
Shanahan: Oh, I can’t answer that, but I can say is I would never bet against the kid. He’s one of the most enjoyable people I’ve ever been around. You’re talking about a class guy, and almost too good to be true, and then when you meet him, he’s the real deal. What you see is what you get, and I’m a really big fan of his. I think Josh [McDaniels, the Broncos coach] will do, and I don’t want to speak for Josh, but he can run the offense he’s been running very, very well.
It will take him time to adjust to an NFL system, but along the way he can really keep a defense off balance by implementing some of the things he did in college and obviously him learning the system as time goes on.
What are Shanahan’s thoughts on Jimmy Clausen falling out of the first round?
Shanahan: I actually went and worked Jimmy out when we worked out Sam [Bradford] one day, and I got a chance to work out Jimmy the second day. And he had a heck of a workout.
You really don’t know. You really don’t know what people are thinking, especially in the later rounds. Everybody’s got needs.
He’ll go early here in the 2nd round; I know Kansas City won’t pass him up, obviously, with Weis coaching him before. It will be interesting to see what type of future he has, but it really doesn’t matter where you go. You got to take advantage of the opportunity when someone does pick you, and hopefully he’ll take advantage of it.
What does he expect from Donovan McNabb?
Shanahan: I love the older quarterbacks. You get a guy like Donovan McNabb, obviously he’s been there, he’s got credibility, he’s really a class individual, he’s a natural leader, he’s been there during the big games, and now what I’ve got to do is surround him with a supporting cast so that he can just do his job and doesn’t have to worry about the other things.
But I think we’ve got a system that he’ll really enjoy. He’s hungry right now. He’s kind of like me. Anytime that you get fired or lose your job, you’d like to go out and prove to people that you can still coach or still get the job done. So he’s in a situation where he’s fired up, it’s been neat to be away for a year and to come back, be energized and look forward to just getting back to the competition.
Can Shanahan comment on Albert Haynesworth’s status with the Redskins?
Shanahan: I don’t plan on trading him. Rumors came out, but I don’t really spend a lot of time with them. What I would really like to do is evaluate the people that we have. I’m not going to make moves on anybody until I go through mini-camps, I go through the preseason, and see exactly what I got, and see what type of team players they are. I’ll find out in the next couple of months exactly where our players are at, and find out, after probably our first two preseason games, where we’re at relative to our talent. And if you do make any changes then it’s usually through free agents on other teams.
More from SRI
Rolando McClain talks about being drafted by the Oakland Raiders
Mike Tomlin discusses drafting a center in the first round
New Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has directed many drafts in his career, first as coach of the Oakland Raiders, then with the Denver Broncos. He joined The Score in Denver to talk about drafting quarterbacks and how he’s going about rebuilding the Redskins. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says his job is to put quarterback Donovan McNabb in a position to succeed.
When will Denver’s first round quarterback pick, Tim Tebow, be able to start in the NFL?
Shanahan: Oh, I can’t answer that, but I can say is I would never bet against the kid. He’s one of the most enjoyable people I’ve ever been around. You’re talking about a class guy, and almost too good to be true, and then when you meet him, he’s the real deal. What you see is what you get, and I’m a really big fan of his. I think Josh [McDaniels, the Broncos coach] will do, and I don’t want to speak for Josh, but he can run the offense he’s been running very, very well.
It will take him time to adjust to an NFL system, but along the way he can really keep a defense off balance by implementing some of the things he did in college and obviously him learning the system as time goes on.
What are Shanahan’s thoughts on Jimmy Clausen falling out of the first round?
Shanahan: I actually went and worked Jimmy out when we worked out Sam [Bradford] one day, and I got a chance to work out Jimmy the second day. And he had a heck of a workout.
You really don’t know. You really don’t know what people are thinking, especially in the later rounds. Everybody’s got needs.
He’ll go early here in the 2nd round; I know Kansas City won’t pass him up, obviously, with Weis coaching him before. It will be interesting to see what type of future he has, but it really doesn’t matter where you go. You got to take advantage of the opportunity when someone does pick you, and hopefully he’ll take advantage of it.
What does he expect from Donovan McNabb?
Shanahan: I love the older quarterbacks. You get a guy like Donovan McNabb, obviously he’s been there, he’s got credibility, he’s really a class individual, he’s a natural leader, he’s been there during the big games, and now what I’ve got to do is surround him with a supporting cast so that he can just do his job and doesn’t have to worry about the other things.
But I think we’ve got a system that he’ll really enjoy. He’s hungry right now. He’s kind of like me. Anytime that you get fired or lose your job, you’d like to go out and prove to people that you can still coach or still get the job done. So he’s in a situation where he’s fired up, it’s been neat to be away for a year and to come back, be energized and look forward to just getting back to the competition.
Can Shanahan comment on Albert Haynesworth’s status with the Redskins?
Shanahan: I don’t plan on trading him. Rumors came out, but I don’t really spend a lot of time with them. What I would really like to do is evaluate the people that we have. I’m not going to make moves on anybody until I go through mini-camps, I go through the preseason, and see exactly what I got, and see what type of team players they are. I’ll find out in the next couple of months exactly where our players are at, and find out, after probably our first two preseason games, where we’re at relative to our talent. And if you do make any changes then it’s usually through free agents on other teams.
More from SRI
Rolando McClain talks about being drafted by the Oakland Raiders
Mike Tomlin discusses drafting a center in the first round
MLB: Quote of the day: Mets infielder Alex Cora on Braves rook Jason Heyward: "He’s LeBron James in a baseball uniform."
• Prose of the day: From the Cincinnati.com home page: "Great American Ball Park has given Uncle Phil’s Düsseldorf Mustard its unconditional release. The distinctly spicy condiment has been replaced by a pale imitation from Heinz, which is headquartered in — gasp! — Pittsburgh." It’s worth reading the whole story.
NBA: Stat of the day: Consecutive games in which Michael Jordan scored more than 40: Nine. Times LeBron James has scored 40 or more points in a playoff game: Nine.
Golf: Speaking of Michael Jordan, looks like he’s spending time between Charlotte Bobcats playoff games hitting the links with Tiger Woods.
NFL: Most repeated stat of the day: Mel Kiper had Jimmy Clausen going in the first round of the NFL draft. Todd McShay didn’t. Yep, Kiper, that’s Jay Feely calling you out on Twitter. Ben Volin, the Palm Beach Post‘s Florida Gators beat writer, takes his shot, too: "Listening to Mel Kiper rip the Tebow pick this morning, and continue to try to justify ranking Clausen 4th overall, is great comedy."
NASCAR: Video of the day: Courtesy of the Birmingham News: "We have choices this weekend …" women’s Fed Cup tennis vs. the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega. Uh, OK. In California that might be a choice. Not in Alabama.
MLB: Quote of the day: Mets infielder Alex Cora on Braves rook Jason Heyward: "He’s LeBron James in a baseball uniform."
• Prose of the day: From the Cincinnati.com home page: "Great American Ball Park has given Uncle Phil’s Düsseldorf Mustard its unconditional release. The distinctly spicy condiment has been replaced by a pale imitation from Heinz, which is headquartered in — gasp! — Pittsburgh." It’s worth reading the whole story.
NBA: Stat of the day: Consecutive games in which Michael Jordan scored more than 40: Nine. Times LeBron James has scored 40 or more points in a playoff game: Nine.
Golf: Speaking of Michael Jordan, looks like he’s spending time between Charlotte Bobcats playoff games hitting the links with Tiger Woods.
NFL: Most repeated stat of the day: Mel Kiper had Jimmy Clausen going in the first round of the NFL draft. Todd McShay didn’t. Yep, Kiper, that’s Jay Feely calling you out on Twitter. Ben Volin, the Palm Beach Post‘s Florida Gators beat writer, takes his shot, too: "Listening to Mel Kiper rip the Tebow pick this morning, and continue to try to justify ranking Clausen 4th overall, is great comedy."
NASCAR: Video of the day: Courtesy of the Birmingham News: "We have choices this weekend …" women’s Fed Cup tennis vs. the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega. Uh, OK. In California that might be a choice. Not in Alabama.
NEW YORK — The big buzz in the big city Thursday night centered on Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Oklahoma players at the top and Big 12 players in general.
Trent Williams one of 10 Big 12 players selected on draft’s first day.
Five things that made the first-round of the NFL draft compelling:
1. Bradford goes No. 1. The Rams did what most expected, taking the Oklahoma quarterback with the No. 1 pick, counting on him to help rejuvenate their franchise.
"You dream of hearing your name called on draft day, but to actually have it happen, it’s a feeling that really unexplainable," Bradford said.
2. Tebow goes in Round 1. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels made a likely make-or-break career move in Denver, trading three picks to the Ravens to get the No. 25 pick to select Tebow. Tebow’s wait is over, but the debate about him will continue.
3. The Big 12 has a big night. Five of the top six picks were from the Big 12, and 10 players from that conference went in the first round.
"Great competition, week in and week out," said defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, selected No. 2 by the Lions. "It’s something you can’t take away from that conference."
One of the Big 12 players taken was offensive tackle Trent Williams of Oklahoma, who went No. 4 to the Redskins.
"Trent Williams is a player we targeted who can play not only the left, but the right side as well, and he played the center position," Redskins coach Mike Shahanan told reporters. "We thought he’d fit in very well. Hopefully he can come in here and compete right away."
4. More trades. The 49ers traded up to No. 11 to take Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis. The Chargers traded up to No. 12 for Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews. The Eagles traded up to No. 13 for Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham. And the Cowboys traded up to No. 24 for wide receiver Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State.
Iyer: Recapping the Day 1 trades
5. Surprises. The Jaguars took defensive tackle Tyson Alualu (No. 10), a player that many scouts rated as a second-round player. If Alualu does not have an immediate impact, the pick will be second-guessed. Meanwhile, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was not taken in the first round, nor were Texas defensive end Sergio Kindle, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap, USC offensive tackle Charles Brown, USC safety Taylor Mays and Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate.
More: Revised second round mock draft | Third round
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
NEW YORK — The big buzz in the big city Thursday night centered on Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Oklahoma players at the top and Big 12 players in general.
Trent Williams one of 10 Big 12 players selected on draft’s first day.
Five things that made the first-round of the NFL draft compelling:
1. Bradford goes No. 1. The Rams did what most expected, taking the Oklahoma quarterback with the No. 1 pick, counting on him to help rejuvenate their franchise.
"You dream of hearing your name called on draft day, but to actually have it happen, it’s a feeling that really unexplainable," Bradford said.
2. Tebow goes in Round 1. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels made a likely make-or-break career move in Denver, trading three picks to the Ravens to get the No. 25 pick to select Tebow. Tebow’s wait is over, but the debate about him will continue.
3. The Big 12 has a big night. Five of the top six picks were from the Big 12, and 10 players from that conference went in the first round.
"Great competition, week in and week out," said defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, selected No. 2 by the Lions. "It’s something you can’t take away from that conference."
One of the Big 12 players taken was offensive tackle Trent Williams of Oklahoma, who went No. 4 to the Redskins.
"Trent Williams is a player we targeted who can play not only the left, but the right side as well, and he played the center position," Redskins coach Mike Shahanan told reporters. "We thought he’d fit in very well. Hopefully he can come in here and compete right away."
4. More trades. The 49ers traded up to No. 11 to take Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis. The Chargers traded up to No. 12 for Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews. The Eagles traded up to No. 13 for Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham. And the Cowboys traded up to No. 24 for wide receiver Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State.
Iyer: Recapping the Day 1 trades
5. Surprises. The Jaguars took defensive tackle Tyson Alualu (No. 10), a player that many scouts rated as a second-round player. If Alualu does not have an immediate impact, the pick will be second-guessed. Meanwhile, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was not taken in the first round, nor were Texas defensive end Sergio Kindle, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap, USC offensive tackle Charles Brown, USC safety Taylor Mays and Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate.
More: Revised second round mock draft | Third round
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
