Opening day is about packed houses, traditions and No. 1 starters. Neither CC Sabathia nor Josh Beckett was on Sunday night when the Red Sox outlasted the Yankees 9-7 at Fenway Park.
Three more aces to watch in today’s openers:
Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay. Halladay will start his eighth consecutive opening day when the Phillies visit Washington, but his first for a pennant contender. "There’s a lot more excitement for me going into the season knowing it’s a competitive team," he said, while trying to downplay the hype. He can do that. He’s already followed President Obama to the mound before, at 2009’s All-Star game.
Kansas City’s Zack Greinke. Detroit will start rookies Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore at Kansas City. They could be in for a rude welcome. Greinke, the A.L. Cy Young winner, is making his first opening-day start.
San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum. Don’t be alarmed if Lincecum doesn’t dominate at Houston. He’s a slow starter, having lasted only three innings in last year’s opener. That didn’t hurt him much, though, as he finished the year with his second Cy Young award.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Opening day is about packed houses, traditions and No. 1 starters. Neither CC Sabathia nor Josh Beckett was on Sunday night when the Red Sox outlasted the Yankees 9-7 at Fenway Park.
Three more aces to watch in today’s openers:
Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay. Halladay will start his eighth consecutive opening day when the Phillies visit Washington, but his first for a pennant contender. "There’s a lot more excitement for me going into the season knowing it’s a competitive team," he said, while trying to downplay the hype. He can do that. He’s already followed President Obama to the mound before, at 2009’s All-Star game.
Kansas City’s Zack Greinke. Detroit will start rookies Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore at Kansas City. They could be in for a rude welcome. Greinke, the A.L. Cy Young winner, is making his first opening-day start.
San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum. Don’t be alarmed if Lincecum doesn’t dominate at Houston. He’s a slow starter, having lasted only three innings in last year’s opener. That didn’t hurt him much, though, as he finished the year with his second Cy Young award.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Donovan McNabb made his first career NFL start against the Washington Redskins as a rookie. His next start will be for that very team, nearly 11 years later.
McNabb also was just named to his sixth Pro Bowl since the Eagles drafted him in 1999. That year also marked the last time the Redskins had an all-star passer: Brad Johnson.
Mike Shanahan has a proven vet at quarterback to trigger his offense.
The Raiders had hoped to grab McNabb and change the face of their franchise. Instead, it’s Washington who got the upgrade from Jason Campbell to return to the "QB haves" in the ultra-competitive NFC East.
"He brings instant credibility to a locker room," said form Raiders QB Rich Gannon, now a CBS analyst. "He comes with leadership, toughness and experience."
McNabb will be instrumental as a leader for coach Mike Shanahan’s new offense in Washington. The Redskins have some promising young receivers—Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Fred Davis—who need grooming. Shanahan’s priority in the draft will be rebuilding the line, such as finding a franchise left tackle.
The age on that side of the ball is at the wrong position, as Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker now crowd the backfield.
The least of the challenges will be McNabb grasping the scheme. Shanahan, like Eagles coach Andy Reid, adheres to the West Coast principles of a rhythmic, quick-release passing game, and McNabb’s combination of arm strength and mobility fit the mold.
"I’m eager to work with coach Shanahan," McNabb said in a statement Sunday night. "He’s been a very successful coach with a couple of Super Bowl victories on his resume."
There will be plenty of familiarity for McNabb, not just in how the offense will be run, but also from continuing to play in the high-pressure NFC East. He already is used to dueling with Eli Manning and Tony Romo twice a season and has had a decade to examine the intricacies of the Eagles’ attacking defense.
The Redskins finished 26th in scoring offense last season. They needed an immediate spark, and in the Daniel Snyder era of splashy acquisitions, getting a big-name vet such as McNabb is the norm. Washington is in a win-now situation, thanks to a demanding fan base and even more demanding division where the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys all have had great success in the past half-decade.
After whiffing on most of their previous big moves, which arguably includes breaking the bank to sign defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth last offseason, the Redskins are on to something with the McNabb-Shanahan combination.
"Donovan knows how to win football games," said former Eagles quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski "The Redskins’ confidence level has to be going through the roof right now."
If the goal is a quick turnaround in the modern NFL, nothing beats bringing in a smart offensive coach and an established Pro Bowl quarterback. It seemed to work well in New Orleans.
This story appears in the April 5 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Donovan McNabb made his first career NFL start against the Washington Redskins as a rookie. His next start will be for that very team, nearly 11 years later.
McNabb also was just named to his sixth Pro Bowl since the Eagles drafted him in 1999. That year also marked the last time the Redskins had an all-star passer: Brad Johnson.
Mike Shanahan has a proven vet at quarterback to trigger his offense.
The Raiders had hoped to grab McNabb and change the face of their franchise. Instead, it’s Washington who got the upgrade from Jason Campbell to return to the "QB haves" in the ultra-competitive NFC East.
"He brings instant credibility to a locker room," said form Raiders QB Rich Gannon, now a CBS analyst. "He comes with leadership, toughness and experience."
McNabb will be instrumental as a leader for coach Mike Shanahan’s new offense in Washington. The Redskins have some promising young receivers—Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Fred Davis—who need grooming. Shanahan’s priority in the draft will be rebuilding the line, such as finding a franchise left tackle.
The age on that side of the ball is at the wrong position, as Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker now crowd the backfield.
The least of the challenges will be McNabb grasping the scheme. Shanahan, like Eagles coach Andy Reid, adheres to the West Coast principles of a rhythmic, quick-release passing game, and McNabb’s combination of arm strength and mobility fit the mold.
"I’m eager to work with coach Shanahan," McNabb said in a statement Sunday night. "He’s been a very successful coach with a couple of Super Bowl victories on his resume."
There will be plenty of familiarity for McNabb, not just in how the offense will be run, but also from continuing to play in the high-pressure NFC East. He already is used to dueling with Eli Manning and Tony Romo twice a season and has had a decade to examine the intricacies of the Eagles’ attacking defense.
The Redskins finished 26th in scoring offense last season. They needed an immediate spark, and in the Daniel Snyder era of splashy acquisitions, getting a big-name vet such as McNabb is the norm. Washington is in a win-now situation, thanks to a demanding fan base and even more demanding division where the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys all have had great success in the past half-decade.
After whiffing on most of their previous big moves, which arguably includes breaking the bank to sign defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth last offseason, the Redskins are on to something with the McNabb-Shanahan combination.
"Donovan knows how to win football games," said former Eagles quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski "The Redskins’ confidence level has to be going through the roof right now."
If the goal is a quick turnaround in the modern NFL, nothing beats bringing in a smart offensive coach and an established Pro Bowl quarterback. It seemed to work well in New Orleans.
This story appears in the April 5 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Trading quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins is the biggest gamble ever taken by Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid. Here are five reasons why:
1. McNabb can get quick revenge. Sending McNabb to an NFC East Division rival is a bold decision that could backfire big-time. Imagine the heat Reid will take if McNabb beats the Eagles twice next season or if the Redskins make the playoffs and the Eagles do not.
"That’s what makes this so intriguing," ESPN analyst and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski said Sunday night. "If Donovan had gone to the Raiders, or Buffalo, or St. Louis, he wouldn’t be in position to hurt the Eagles as badly as he can with the Redskins."
The Eagles still have to deal with the Cowboys and Giants, too, and McNabb gives the Redskins a proven starting quarterback. At age 33, McNabb could make the Eagles pay, not only this year, but for seasons to come.
The glare now falls on Kevin Kolb with Donovan McNabb out of Philly.
"He’s going to help the Redskins be a better football team," Reid said on a conference call. "Time will tell on the rest of it. I’m pretty confident that this is the right thing to do."
2. Kevin Kolb might not be ready. Kolb, 25, only has two career starts and will face far more pressure now. The city of Philadelphia can be hard on starting quarterbacks. Just ask McNabb, who never totally won over Eagles fans despite leading the team to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl.
"I was impressed with Kevin’s accuracy last year, but now it’s time to go out and play," Jaworski said. "No matter how many reps you get in the practice and in preseason, your whole world changes when you become the starter. We’ll see if Kevin can handle it. I’m not even sure if Kevin knows, but we’ll find out soon enough."
Not only does Kolb have a tough act to follow in McNabb, but backup Michael Vick is eager to become a starting quarterback again as well.
"I have a heck of a lot of respect for Michael Vick," Reid said. "He’s back in the swing now. Last year was great for him. We’ll see how Michael does as we go on."
If Kolb struggles in preseason, expect a full-blown quarterback controversy in Philadelphia.
3. The Eagles still have holes on defense. Even if Kolb plays well, the Eagles’ defense must improve for Philadelphia to become a Super Bowl contender. The Eagles dealt McNabb for the No. 37 pick in the 2010 draft plus either a third-round or fourth-round pick in 2011. That gives the Eagles 11 picks in this month’s draft, including five of the first 87 picks. With such ammunition, the Eagles could trade up to select a player they covet.
"You kind of sit there and you analyze — do you move up, do you move back, do you stay there, do you trade into next year?" Reid said. "We do need players on this football team. I’m sure we’ll look into maneuvering."
4. The Eagles are in transition. Suddenly they are one of the NFL’s youngest teams. They have unloaded a host of veteran players during the offseason — McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Shawn Andrews, Sheldon Brown, Kevin Curtis, Chris Clemons, Chris Gocong and Darren Howard to name a few.
The Eagles have gotten younger, but it might take a year or two for them to get better.
5. The Eagles had few options. If the Eagles had traded McNabb a month ago — before several teams addressed their quarterback needs — they might have gotten more in return. Instead, the Eagles spent weeks mulling offers for McNabb, Kolb and Vick. Once McNabb’s name surfaced in trade rumors, they almost were forced to deal him.
"It would’ve been very difficult to bring him back once they made it public they were entertaining offers," Jaworski said. "When you dangle your starting quarterback out there, the relationship really gets splintered."
This story appears in the April 5 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Trading quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins is the biggest gamble ever taken by Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid. Here are five reasons why:
1. McNabb can get quick revenge. Sending McNabb to an NFC East Division rival is a bold decision that could backfire big-time. Imagine the heat Reid will take if McNabb beats the Eagles twice next season or if the Redskins make the playoffs and the Eagles do not.
"That’s what makes this so intriguing," ESPN analyst and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski said Sunday night. "If Donovan had gone to the Raiders, or Buffalo, or St. Louis, he wouldn’t be in position to hurt the Eagles as badly as he can with the Redskins."
The Eagles still have to deal with the Cowboys and Giants, too, and McNabb gives the Redskins a proven starting quarterback. At age 33, McNabb could make the Eagles pay, not only this year, but for seasons to come.
The glare now falls on Kevin Kolb with Donovan McNabb out of Philly.
"He’s going to help the Redskins be a better football team," Reid said on a conference call. "Time will tell on the rest of it. I’m pretty confident that this is the right thing to do."
2. Kevin Kolb might not be ready. Kolb, 25, only has two career starts and will face far more pressure now. The city of Philadelphia can be hard on starting quarterbacks. Just ask McNabb, who never totally won over Eagles fans despite leading the team to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl.
"I was impressed with Kevin’s accuracy last year, but now it’s time to go out and play," Jaworski said. "No matter how many reps you get in the practice and in preseason, your whole world changes when you become the starter. We’ll see if Kevin can handle it. I’m not even sure if Kevin knows, but we’ll find out soon enough."
Not only does Kolb have a tough act to follow in McNabb, but backup Michael Vick is eager to become a starting quarterback again as well.
"I have a heck of a lot of respect for Michael Vick," Reid said. "He’s back in the swing now. Last year was great for him. We’ll see how Michael does as we go on."
If Kolb struggles in preseason, expect a full-blown quarterback controversy in Philadelphia.
3. The Eagles still have holes on defense. Even if Kolb plays well, the Eagles’ defense must improve for Philadelphia to become a Super Bowl contender. The Eagles dealt McNabb for the No. 37 pick in the 2010 draft plus either a third-round or fourth-round pick in 2011. That gives the Eagles 11 picks in this month’s draft, including five of the first 87 picks. With such ammunition, the Eagles could trade up to select a player they covet.
"You kind of sit there and you analyze — do you move up, do you move back, do you stay there, do you trade into next year?" Reid said. "We do need players on this football team. I’m sure we’ll look into maneuvering."
4. The Eagles are in transition. Suddenly they are one of the NFL’s youngest teams. They have unloaded a host of veteran players during the offseason — McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Shawn Andrews, Sheldon Brown, Kevin Curtis, Chris Clemons, Chris Gocong and Darren Howard to name a few.
The Eagles have gotten younger, but it might take a year or two for them to get better.
5. The Eagles had few options. If the Eagles had traded McNabb a month ago — before several teams addressed their quarterback needs — they might have gotten more in return. Instead, the Eagles spent weeks mulling offers for McNabb, Kolb and Vick. Once McNabb’s name surfaced in trade rumors, they almost were forced to deal him.
"It would’ve been very difficult to bring him back once they made it public they were entertaining offers," Jaworski said. "When you dangle your starting quarterback out there, the relationship really gets splintered."
This story appears in the April 5 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Stephen Oh, AccuScore analyst
To evaluate Donovan McNabb’s value to the Washington Redskins, AccuScore ran multiple simulations of the 2009 NFL season.
While the real Redskins went 4-12, the re-simulated ‘Skins did better, averaging six wins (though still last in the NFC East). They even made the playoffs in 5.4 percent of simulations.
After adding McNabb and running backs Willie Parker and Larry Johnson, the Redskins improved by an average of 8.7 percentage points per game, which translates to 7.4 wins and a 14.1 percent occurrence of making the playoffs.
| |
WIN |
LOSS |
PCT |
DIV |
PLAYOFF |
PPG |
| Before trade |
6 |
10 |
.375 |
2.20% |
5.40% |
19.5 |
| w/ McNabb at QB |
7.4 |
8.6 |
.463 |
6.80% |
14.10% |
22.4 |
| IMPACT |
1.4 |
-1.4 |
8.8% |
4.60% |
8.70% |
2.9 |
The Redskins have even more reason to believe they can outperform this already optimistic forecast because young receivers Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas and tight end Fred Davis could all show significant improvement if they develop good chemistry with McNabb.
Also, the defense was in the top 10 in rushing yards per attempt and pass yards allowed. Tackle Albert Haynesworth and middle linebacker London Fletcher are fine run stoppers, and they can pressure the QB with Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter, who both had 11 sacks last season. If Washington can add playmakers in the secondary and improve on their 11 interceptions in 2009 to 16 or more, it can improve on its No. 18 rank in points allowed. Forcing more turnovers the Redskins should be at least 8-8.
We also re-simulated the Eagles’ 2009 season to see how they would have done without McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook, who missed a lot of time due to injury.
In real life, QB Kevin Kolb and running back LeSean McCoy had good moments in 2009. Kolb averaged more than 350 passing yards per start and completed more than 65 precent of his passes. Don’t be overly impressed by the passing yardage, however; a majority of QBs average more passing yards in losses than in wins because they are playing from behind and passing the ball 75 percent or more in the fourth quarter, if not the entire second half. Kolb had four TD passes in his two starts but he also threw three interceptions.
In the re-simulations, the Eagles slipped by an average of 0.7 wins per season simulation, just half as much as the improvement by Washington. Given those numbers, the deal seems to make sense for the Eagles. Philadelphia needs to establish Kolb as its starter for the next five-plus years, and the re-simulations indicate it could do so without a huge drop-off in wins.
Still, one could question how wise it is to improve a division rival, and per the re-simulations Philadelphia’s playoff chances dropped by 15 percentage points because of the Redskins’ improvement. If the Eagles had traded McNabb outside the NFC East, they likely would have seen a drop of just seven or eight percentage points.
| |
WIN |
LOSS |
PCT |
DIV |
PLAYOFF |
PPG |
| Before trade |
9.3 |
6.7 |
.581 |
28.90% |
48.50% |
25.4 |
| No McNabb/Westbrook |
8.6 |
7.4 |
.538 |
19.70% |
33.50% |
24.7 |
| IMPACT |
-0.7 |
0.7 |
-4.4% |
-9.20% |
-15.00% |
-0.7 |
One factor that could cause the Eagles to underperform vs. this forecast is the pressure Kolb will have in replacing McNabb. If the Eagles’ schedule is front-loaded with tough opponents, Philly could get off to a rocky start, which could affect Kolb’s confidence. Eagles fans should hope for two early games against sub-par opponents to allow Kolb to build that confidence and gain their full support.
Even if Kolb handles the pressure well, he may end up having a season similar to Aaron Rodgers’ first as the Packers’ starter. Rodgers had tremendous stats but Green Bay finished just 6-10.
The specific impact of the trade may be more or less than what we report here, because this analysis is based on a re-simulation of the 2009 season which not only includes the McNabb trade, but all the other offseason trades and free-agent signings. The actual 2010 forecast will not be ready until well after the draft, training camp and the preseason.
Please visit AccuScore.com to make sure you are up to date with the latest game forecasts, which are updated throughout the week based on injury and weather updates.
Stephen Oh, AccuScore analyst
To evaluate Donovan McNabb’s value to the Washington Redskins, AccuScore ran multiple simulations of the 2009 NFL season.
While the real Redskins went 4-12, the re-simulated ‘Skins did better, averaging six wins (though still last in the NFC East). They even made the playoffs in 5.4 percent of simulations.
After adding McNabb and running backs Willie Parker and Larry Johnson, the Redskins improved by an average of 8.7 percentage points per game, which translates to 7.4 wins and a 14.1 percent occurrence of making the playoffs.
| |
WIN |
LOSS |
PCT |
DIV |
PLAYOFF |
PPG |
| Before trade |
6 |
10 |
.375 |
2.20% |
5.40% |
19.5 |
| w/ McNabb at QB |
7.4 |
8.6 |
.463 |
6.80% |
14.10% |
22.4 |
| IMPACT |
1.4 |
-1.4 |
8.8% |
4.60% |
8.70% |
2.9 |
The Redskins have even more reason to believe they can outperform this already optimistic forecast because young receivers Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas and tight end Fred Davis could all show significant improvement if they develop good chemistry with McNabb.
Also, the defense was in the top 10 in rushing yards per attempt and pass yards allowed. Tackle Albert Haynesworth and middle linebacker London Fletcher are fine run stoppers, and they can pressure the QB with Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter, who both had 11 sacks last season. If Washington can add playmakers in the secondary and improve on their 11 interceptions in 2009 to 16 or more, it can improve on its No. 18 rank in points allowed. Forcing more turnovers the Redskins should be at least 8-8.
We also re-simulated the Eagles’ 2009 season to see how they would have done without McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook, who missed a lot of time due to injury.
In real life, QB Kevin Kolb and running back LeSean McCoy had good moments in 2009. Kolb averaged more than 350 passing yards per start and completed more than 65 precent of his passes. Don’t be overly impressed by the passing yardage, however; a majority of QBs average more passing yards in losses than in wins because they are playing from behind and passing the ball 75 percent or more in the fourth quarter, if not the entire second half. Kolb had four TD passes in his two starts but he also threw three interceptions.
In the re-simulations, the Eagles slipped by an average of 0.7 wins per season simulation, just half as much as the improvement by Washington. Given those numbers, the deal seems to make sense for the Eagles. Philadelphia needs to establish Kolb as its starter for the next five-plus years, and the re-simulations indicate it could do so without a huge drop-off in wins.
Still, one could question how wise it is to improve a division rival, and per the re-simulations Philadelphia’s playoff chances dropped by 15 percentage points because of the Redskins’ improvement. If the Eagles had traded McNabb outside the NFC East, they likely would have seen a drop of just seven or eight percentage points.
| |
WIN |
LOSS |
PCT |
DIV |
PLAYOFF |
PPG |
| Before trade |
9.3 |
6.7 |
.581 |
28.90% |
48.50% |
25.4 |
| No McNabb/Westbrook |
8.6 |
7.4 |
.538 |
19.70% |
33.50% |
24.7 |
| IMPACT |
-0.7 |
0.7 |
-4.4% |
-9.20% |
-15.00% |
-0.7 |
One factor that could cause the Eagles to underperform vs. this forecast is the pressure Kolb will have in replacing McNabb. If the Eagles’ schedule is front-loaded with tough opponents, Philly could get off to a rocky start, which could affect Kolb’s confidence. Eagles fans should hope for two early games against sub-par opponents to allow Kolb to build that confidence and gain their full support.
Even if Kolb handles the pressure well, he may end up having a season similar to Aaron Rodgers’ first as the Packers’ starter. Rodgers had tremendous stats but Green Bay finished just 6-10.
The specific impact of the trade may be more or less than what we report here, because this analysis is based on a re-simulation of the 2009 season which not only includes the McNabb trade, but all the other offseason trades and free-agent signings. The actual 2010 forecast will not be ready until well after the draft, training camp and the preseason.
Please visit AccuScore.com to make sure you are up to date with the latest game forecasts, which are updated throughout the week based on injury and weather updates.
Sporting News staff reports
In their search for an everyday right fielder, the Nationals explored trading for the Cubs’ Kosuke Fukudome, the Brewers’ Corey Hart and the Rays’ B.J. Upton, MASNsports.com reports.
However, none of the talks were particularly substantive, according to the report. Washington and Milwaukee didn’t see eye-to-eye on deal for Hart. The Nats would be unlikely to trade for Fukudome unless the Cubs ate a significant portion of the $26.5 million he’s due over the next two years, and they don’t believe Tampa would part with Upton unless they were out of the AL East race later this summer.
As a result, Washington is likely to use the combination of Willie Harris and Willy Taveras in right. The team hopes their defensive skills can offset their offensive shortcomings, according to the report.
Sporting News staff reports
In their search for an everyday right fielder, the Nationals explored trading for the Cubs’ Kosuke Fukudome, the Brewers’ Corey Hart and the Rays’ B.J. Upton, MASNsports.com reports.
However, none of the talks were particularly substantive, according to the report. Washington and Milwaukee didn’t see eye-to-eye on deal for Hart. The Nats would be unlikely to trade for Fukudome unless the Cubs ate a significant portion of the $26.5 million he’s due over the next two years, and they don’t believe Tampa would part with Upton unless they were out of the AL East race later this summer.
As a result, Washington is likely to use the combination of Willie Harris and Willy Taveras in right. The team hopes their defensive skills can offset their offensive shortcomings, according to the report.
Baseball opens tonight with a bang: Yankees vs. Red Sox at Fenway Park (8:05 ET, ESPN2). Sizing up the rivals:
What’s changed
Yankees: In a nod toward youth, New York replaced aging World Series heroes Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon with DH Nick Johnson and center fielder Curtis Granderson. In an attempt to improve its pitching, the club swapped the roles of its top two young hurlers, with Phil Hughes joining the rotation and Joba Chamberlain heading to the bullpen.
Red Sox: Pitching and defense will be vital after the departure of Jason Bay and the arrival of John Lackey and a trio of plus defenders: center fielder Mike Cameron, third baseman Adrian Beltre and shortstop Marco Scutaro.
What hasn’t changed
Yankees: Their payroll remains No. 1, as does their standing in Sporting News’ power poll.
Red Sox: After splitting 18 games last year, they still are seeking their first season-series victory over the Yankees since 2004.
This story appears in the April 4 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Baseball opens tonight with a bang: Yankees vs. Red Sox at Fenway Park (8:05 ET, ESPN2). Sizing up the rivals:
What’s changed
Yankees: In a nod toward youth, New York replaced aging World Series heroes Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon with DH Nick Johnson and center fielder Curtis Granderson. In an attempt to improve its pitching, the club swapped the roles of its top two young hurlers, with Phil Hughes joining the rotation and Joba Chamberlain heading to the bullpen.
Red Sox: Pitching and defense will be vital after the departure of Jason Bay and the arrival of John Lackey and a trio of plus defenders: center fielder Mike Cameron, third baseman Adrian Beltre and shortstop Marco Scutaro.
What hasn’t changed
Yankees: Their payroll remains No. 1, as does their standing in Sporting News’ power poll.
Red Sox: After splitting 18 games last year, they still are seeking their first season-series victory over the Yankees since 2004.
This story appears in the April 4 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only sports digital daily, sign up today.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
CC Sabathia will start for the defending champion Yankees on opening day.
On Sunday, for the first time since the 2001 regular season, the New York Yankees will take the field at Fenway Park as the defending World Series champions. As the longtime rivals kick off the 2010 major league season and play the first of 18 regular-season games against each other, let’s review their memorable season series in 2009.
The streaks
Boston won the first eight games between the teams in 2009, with seven different pitchers accounting for those eight wins. However, the tide turned in early August, when New York swept a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, shutting out the Red Sox twice and outscoring them 25-8. The Yankees won nine of the final 10 games in the season series, with nine different Red Sox pitchers accounting for those nine losses. In the end, the teams split their 18 games.
The heroes and goats
Red Sox DH David Ortiz homered four times and drove in 16 runs against the Yankees last season, and third baseman Mike Lowell chipped in four homers and 15 RBIs. Catcher Jason Varitek hit just .094, though two of his five hits were homers. In five starts against New York, ace Josh Beckett posted a 5.34 ERA, twice allowing eight earned runs.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez hit .300 with four homers and 13 RBIs against the Red Sox. First baseman Mark Teixeira had six long balls and 13 RBIs. However, in 62 at-bats against Boston, right fielder Nick Swisher had 21 strikeouts. In his first season in pinstripes, ace CC Sabathia was sharp, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts against Boston. A.J. Burnett, however, wasn’t as dominant. He served up six homers and 16 walks in four starts (20 1/3 innings) against the Red Sox, posting an 8.85 ERA.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
CC Sabathia will start for the defending champion Yankees on opening day.
On Sunday, for the first time since the 2001 regular season, the New York Yankees will take the field at Fenway Park as the defending World Series champions. As the longtime rivals kick off the 2010 major league season and play the first of 18 regular-season games against each other, let’s review their memorable season series in 2009.
The streaks
Boston won the first eight games between the teams in 2009, with seven different pitchers accounting for those eight wins. However, the tide turned in early August, when New York swept a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, shutting out the Red Sox twice and outscoring them 25-8. The Yankees won nine of the final 10 games in the season series, with nine different Red Sox pitchers accounting for those nine losses. In the end, the teams split their 18 games.
The heroes and goats
Red Sox DH David Ortiz homered four times and drove in 16 runs against the Yankees last season, and third baseman Mike Lowell chipped in four homers and 15 RBIs. Catcher Jason Varitek hit just .094, though two of his five hits were homers. In five starts against New York, ace Josh Beckett posted a 5.34 ERA, twice allowing eight earned runs.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez hit .300 with four homers and 13 RBIs against the Red Sox. First baseman Mark Teixeira had six long balls and 13 RBIs. However, in 62 at-bats against Boston, right fielder Nick Swisher had 21 strikeouts. In his first season in pinstripes, ace CC Sabathia was sharp, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts against Boston. A.J. Burnett, however, wasn’t as dominant. He served up six homers and 16 walks in four starts (20 1/3 innings) against the Red Sox, posting an 8.85 ERA.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Perrish Cox.
Perrish Cox has the tools to be a solid NFL cornerback.
NFL position: CB
Height: 5-11 3/8
Weight: 195
40 time: 4.51
Current projection: Second-round pick
Athletic ability: Is a good athlete, enabling him to be a highly productive despite shaky technique. Shows quick footwork and excellent agility to plant, drive and close on passes in front of him. Shows loose and smooth hip movements, enabling him to turn and run with receivers despite high and upright backpedal. Shows the speed to run with receivers on deep routes and the burst to recover from a false step. Shows the ball skills, athleticism and body control to reach or cut in front of receivers to break up passes without committing a penalty. Accelerates to full speed quickly as a return man and makes sharp cuts; is strong enough to break tackles. Is a big-play return man. Grade: 7.5
Coverage skills: Has natural coverage skills to be in the right position to play the ball. From "off" and zone coverage, reads the QB and receiver well to maintain proper position. In man-to-man, reads the route well and stays on receivers’ hips and then cuts under to break up or intercept the pass; receivers often have to go through him to get to the ball. Must improve backpedal technique; must learn to sink hips and backpedal in a more compact motion. Grade: 8.5
Run-pass recognition: Shows good instincts; is consistently in the right place at the right time. Gets his head around to play the ball even on "fade" routes. Reads quick receiver screens in a blink, and explodes upfield, avoids blockers and makes hard hits right after the catch. Grade: 8.5
Closing speed: Shows a good closing burst to break up passes. Can plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him, but could improve backpedal to become top-notch in this area. Closes quickly when chasing ballcarriers, consistently chasing down runners. Grade: 7.5
Ball skills: Should intercept a lot of passes in the NFL. Is aggressive but under control when going in front of receivers; rarely is called for a penalty. Is one of the few cornerbacks this decade we have evaluated to break up more passes than he allowed completions. Grade: 8.0
Run support: Shows the ability and willingness to come up quickly to make tackles. Will chase after ballcarriers across the field, too. Does not hesitate to try to tackle running backs, but will at times get a little out of control and miss a tackle. Grade: 7.5
Bottom line: Cox plays the cornerback position with the tough, aggressive and competitive attitude that is hard to find. Throw in his athleticism, instincts and play-making skills, and Cox has everything it takes to become a good pro. Cox is not likely to be drafted as highly as we have him rated, but we are confident that within a few seasons he will establish himself as a productive cornerback and dangerous kickoff returner.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Perrish Cox.
Perrish Cox has the tools to be a solid NFL cornerback.
NFL position: CB
Height: 5-11 3/8
Weight: 195
40 time: 4.51
Current projection: Second-round pick
Athletic ability: Is a good athlete, enabling him to be a highly productive despite shaky technique. Shows quick footwork and excellent agility to plant, drive and close on passes in front of him. Shows loose and smooth hip movements, enabling him to turn and run with receivers despite high and upright backpedal. Shows the speed to run with receivers on deep routes and the burst to recover from a false step. Shows the ball skills, athleticism and body control to reach or cut in front of receivers to break up passes without committing a penalty. Accelerates to full speed quickly as a return man and makes sharp cuts; is strong enough to break tackles. Is a big-play return man. Grade: 7.5
Coverage skills: Has natural coverage skills to be in the right position to play the ball. From "off" and zone coverage, reads the QB and receiver well to maintain proper position. In man-to-man, reads the route well and stays on receivers’ hips and then cuts under to break up or intercept the pass; receivers often have to go through him to get to the ball. Must improve backpedal technique; must learn to sink hips and backpedal in a more compact motion. Grade: 8.5
Run-pass recognition: Shows good instincts; is consistently in the right place at the right time. Gets his head around to play the ball even on "fade" routes. Reads quick receiver screens in a blink, and explodes upfield, avoids blockers and makes hard hits right after the catch. Grade: 8.5
Closing speed: Shows a good closing burst to break up passes. Can plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him, but could improve backpedal to become top-notch in this area. Closes quickly when chasing ballcarriers, consistently chasing down runners. Grade: 7.5
Ball skills: Should intercept a lot of passes in the NFL. Is aggressive but under control when going in front of receivers; rarely is called for a penalty. Is one of the few cornerbacks this decade we have evaluated to break up more passes than he allowed completions. Grade: 8.0
Run support: Shows the ability and willingness to come up quickly to make tackles. Will chase after ballcarriers across the field, too. Does not hesitate to try to tackle running backs, but will at times get a little out of control and miss a tackle. Grade: 7.5
Bottom line: Cox plays the cornerback position with the tough, aggressive and competitive attitude that is hard to find. Throw in his athleticism, instincts and play-making skills, and Cox has everything it takes to become a good pro. Cox is not likely to be drafted as highly as we have him rated, but we are confident that within a few seasons he will establish himself as a productive cornerback and dangerous kickoff returner.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Already without closer Huston Street (shoulder) for the foreseeable future, the Rockies also will begin the season without lefthander Jeff Francis.
Francis, who missed the entire 2009 season after shoulder surgery, was scheduled to start Tuesday in Milwaukee but will be placed on the disabled list, according to The Denver Post. He hasn’t been scheduled for an MRI exam.
After his Cactus League start Thursday — he shut out the Cubs for five innings — Francis began to experience discomfort underneath his left armpit.
"It’s hurting pretty bad, but not like before," Francis told the newspaper. "I don’t know if that’s good news or bad. I threw the ball (Thursday) in a way I hadn’t thrown it in a long time. It was probably taxing on my shoulder and it probably wasn’t ready for it."
Greg Smith will start in place of Francis on Tuesday.
Sporting News staff reports
Already without closer Huston Street (shoulder) for the foreseeable future, the Rockies also will begin the season without lefthander Jeff Francis.
Francis, who missed the entire 2009 season after shoulder surgery, was scheduled to start Tuesday in Milwaukee but will be placed on the disabled list, according to The Denver Post. He hasn’t been scheduled for an MRI exam.
After his Cactus League start Thursday — he shut out the Cubs for five innings — Francis began to experience discomfort underneath his left armpit.
"It’s hurting pretty bad, but not like before," Francis told the newspaper. "I don’t know if that’s good news or bad. I threw the ball (Thursday) in a way I hadn’t thrown it in a long time. It was probably taxing on my shoulder and it probably wasn’t ready for it."
Greg Smith will start in place of Francis on Tuesday.
This past college football season was a tough one for Sam Bradford. He injured his throwing shoulder in Oklahoma’s first game of the season, and eventually had season-ending surgery. Despite concerns about his shoulder, Bradford has impressed enough in his pre-draft workouts to be seriously considered for the number one overall pick in the NFL draft.
Bradford and noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews joined Bernie Miklasz on ESPN 101 in St. Louis to talk about the health of Bradford’s shoulder and the professional football road ahead. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Quarterback Sam Bradford says he’ll be happy to play for whichever team drafts him.
Does Bradford have a preference for which team drafts him?
Bradford: It’s a draft. I believe that you go to whatever team picks you. Obviously, the Rams have the first pick, and if they pick me I would be in St. Louis. It’s that simple. I think it would be a great opportunity.
I have always dreamed of playing in the NFL. If I do happen to be the number one pick and go to St. Louis, I think that’s a great opportunity and something I have looked forward to for a long time now.
What is Dr. Andrews’ opinion of Bradford’s shoulder?
Dr. Andrews: I quit worrying about Sam months ago. He never had any setback or any kind of complaint. He is a very dedicated athlete. There are three quarterbacks that I can go back to with that kind of dedication that Sam has had with his recovery. Recently, one of those quarterbacks was the likes of Drew Brees, for example, and Brett Favre.
Sam has got that maturity and really got himself in super shape in this recovery period. As he will tell you, he is probably stronger than he has ever been. He has put on some 13 pounds of upper-extremity muscle. He is completely recovered, so he is ready to go.
How hard does Bradford work at football?
Bradford: To be successful at the quarterback position, I believe your intangibles have to be as strong, if not stronger than your physical attributes. I feel as though I bring a lot of things to the table as far as intangibles.
I have an extremely hard work ethic. I put more pressure on myself to succeed than anyone could imagine. If I am the number one pick, I guarantee I am going to work as hard as I can to let everyone know that the team that drafted me made the right decision.
I feel like I am very intelligent, that I make quick decisions on the football field. I feel like I have everything that I need to be successful at the quarterback position.
Obviously, I have a lot to learn about the NFL game. I know it’s much different than the college game, but I am willing to put in the time and the effort to make sure that I understand and am prepared to step on that field and help whoever it is that drafts me win football games.
More from SRI
Colt McCoy discusses how his pro day workout went
Tim Tebow talks about his pre-draft experience
This past college football season was a tough one for Sam Bradford. He injured his throwing shoulder in Oklahoma’s first game of the season, and eventually had season-ending surgery. Despite concerns about his shoulder, Bradford has impressed enough in his pre-draft workouts to be seriously considered for the number one overall pick in the NFL draft.
Bradford and noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews joined Bernie Miklasz on ESPN 101 in St. Louis to talk about the health of Bradford’s shoulder and the professional football road ahead. To listen to the interview, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Quarterback Sam Bradford says he’ll be happy to play for whichever team drafts him.
Does Bradford have a preference for which team drafts him?
Bradford: It’s a draft. I believe that you go to whatever team picks you. Obviously, the Rams have the first pick, and if they pick me I would be in St. Louis. It’s that simple. I think it would be a great opportunity.
I have always dreamed of playing in the NFL. If I do happen to be the number one pick and go to St. Louis, I think that’s a great opportunity and something I have looked forward to for a long time now.
What is Dr. Andrews’ opinion of Bradford’s shoulder?
Dr. Andrews: I quit worrying about Sam months ago. He never had any setback or any kind of complaint. He is a very dedicated athlete. There are three quarterbacks that I can go back to with that kind of dedication that Sam has had with his recovery. Recently, one of those quarterbacks was the likes of Drew Brees, for example, and Brett Favre.
Sam has got that maturity and really got himself in super shape in this recovery period. As he will tell you, he is probably stronger than he has ever been. He has put on some 13 pounds of upper-extremity muscle. He is completely recovered, so he is ready to go.
How hard does Bradford work at football?
Bradford: To be successful at the quarterback position, I believe your intangibles have to be as strong, if not stronger than your physical attributes. I feel as though I bring a lot of things to the table as far as intangibles.
I have an extremely hard work ethic. I put more pressure on myself to succeed than anyone could imagine. If I am the number one pick, I guarantee I am going to work as hard as I can to let everyone know that the team that drafted me made the right decision.
I feel like I am very intelligent, that I make quick decisions on the football field. I feel like I have everything that I need to be successful at the quarterback position.
Obviously, I have a lot to learn about the NFL game. I know it’s much different than the college game, but I am willing to put in the time and the effort to make sure that I understand and am prepared to step on that field and help whoever it is that drafts me win football games.
More from SRI
Colt McCoy discusses how his pro day workout went
Tim Tebow talks about his pre-draft experience
