If the Giants ever reach the playoffs, they will be difficult to beat because of their standout pitching. Last season, ace Tim Lincecum won his second consecutive NL Cy Young award, Matt Cain finished 10th in the majors with a 2.89 ERA and Jonathan Sanchez tossed a no-hitter. Closer Brian Wilson had 38 saves. But before they worry about October, the Giants need someone to step up and help Pablo Sandoval pump up the offense.
The Giants know Pablo Sandoval can hit, but where will the rest of the offense come from?
Three questions
1. Do they have enough offense?
The Giants have one of the NL’s best hitters in the "Kung Fu Panda," 23-year-old switch hitter Pablo Sandoval. In 2009, Sandoval hit 13 homers at AT&T Park, the most by a Giant since Barry Bonds hit 16 in 2007. Instead of pursuing Jason Bay or Matt Holliday in free agency, however, the Giants brought in veterans Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff.
In addition to new hitting coach Hensley Meulens, will the newcomers be enough to turn around an offense that took fewer pitches and reached base less than any in the majors last season? "Lack of consistency was what got us in trouble," manager Bruce Bochy said. "That’s why this winter, (GM) Brian Sabean and the organization got some guys who could not just get on base, but be a little more selective at the plate and also drive in runs."
2. Where else are they lacking?
Another reason San Francisco had such a low on-base percentage was because it had no one with the speed to leg out infield hits. And still doesn’t. This could be the majors’ slowest team; not a single regular has plus speed. The Giants’ center fielder is Aaron Rowand, who is known more for his fearlessness than his wheels. Shortstop Edgar Renteria never was a blazer and is going on 35. Catcher Bengie Molina is one of the slowest runners in the game.
The lack of team speed won’t hurt only offensively. The Giants will be hard-pressed to cover their roomy outfield, and except for Freddy Sanchez at second, none of the infielders can be expected to cover a much ground.
3. What about that pitching?
Forget Lincecum’s struggles this spring. It took him awhile to get rolling last year and when he did, he was the best in the NL. Lefthander Barry Zito never will live up to his $126 million contract, but he proved huge in the second half when he put up better numbers than Cain. If Zito can begin 2010 like he finished 2009, the Giants will have the best 1-2-3 starters in the division — and perhaps in the NL. The fourth and fifth starters are less stable, with Sanchez still seeking consistency and Todd Wellemeyer coming off a subpar season. Madison Bumgarner, 20, would give the rotation a third lefty if eventually promoted.
The bullpen, led by Wilson, should continue to be a strength even though it could feature only one lefthander — reliable Jeremy Affeldt.
Projected lineup
1. CF Aaron Rowand: .341 OBP when leading off in ’09; .319 overall.
2. 2B Freddy Sanchez: Will start season on D.L. (shoulder surgery).
3. 3B Pablo Sandoval: .387 OBP, .330 AVG, .943 OPS last season.
4. 1B Aubrey Huff: Career lows in ’09: .241 AVG, .310 OBP.
5. LF Mark DeRosa: 23 HRs despite second-half wrist injury.
6. C Bengie Molina: More HRs (20) than BBs (13) last season.
7. SS Edgar Renteria: Career lows in ’09: .250 AVG, .307 OBP, .328 SLG.
8. RF Nate Schierholtz: 6 HRs in 472 career at-bats.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Tim Lincecum: Past two seasons: 452 1/3 IP, 2.55 ERA.
2. RHP Matt Cain: Tied Lincecum for NL lead with 4 CGs in ’09.
3. LHP Barry Zito: 2.83 ERA in 15 second-half starts; 5.01 in 18 first-half starts.
4. LHP Jonathan Sanchez: 3.83 ERA in 15 second-half starts; 4.69 before break. 5. RHP Todd Wellemeyer: 3.71 ERA for Cardinals in ’08; 5.89 in ’09
Projected lineup
RHP Brian Wilson: Converted 79 of 92 save chances the past 2 seasons.
Grades
Offense: C. The Giants had the fewest walks in the majors last season, so it should be no surprise they also had the lowest on-base percentage (.309). They didn’t have much power, either, as their 122 homers surpassed only the Mets’ 95. DeRosa and Huff should provide Sandoval more support than he had last season.
Pitching: A. It doesn’t get much better than Lincecum and Cain at the front end of the rotation and Wilson coming in for the ninth. There are plenty of quality arms in between, as well, including Zito, Affeldt and righthanded reliever Brandon Medders.
Bench: B. First baseman Travis Ishikawa, outfielder Eugenio Velez and infielder Juan Uribe all return after playing regularly for much of last season. Velez is the rare Giant with speed. Ishikawa will, at the least, be used often as a late-inning defensive replacement at first. It remains to be seen whether the Giants will carry top prospect Buster Posey as a backup catcher/infielder.
Manager: B. Last year’s 16-game improvement gave Bochy his first winning season in San Francisco and helped him secure a two-year extension. In 12 seasons with San Diego before being hired by the Giants, Bochy took the Padres to the playoffs four times.
Sporting News prediction: Even if the offense is improved, the Giants lack the firepower to hang in there with the Rockies and Dodgers over a 162-game season.
Coming Thursday: Padres preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
If the Giants ever reach the playoffs, they will be difficult to beat because of their standout pitching. Last season, ace Tim Lincecum won his second consecutive NL Cy Young award, Matt Cain finished 10th in the majors with a 2.89 ERA and Jonathan Sanchez tossed a no-hitter. Closer Brian Wilson had 38 saves. But before they worry about October, the Giants need someone to step up and help Pablo Sandoval pump up the offense.
The Giants know Pablo Sandoval can hit, but where will the rest of the offense come from?
Three questions
1. Do they have enough offense?
The Giants have one of the NL’s best hitters in the "Kung Fu Panda," 23-year-old switch hitter Pablo Sandoval. In 2009, Sandoval hit 13 homers at AT&T Park, the most by a Giant since Barry Bonds hit 16 in 2007. Instead of pursuing Jason Bay or Matt Holliday in free agency, however, the Giants brought in veterans Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff.
In addition to new hitting coach Hensley Meulens, will the newcomers be enough to turn around an offense that took fewer pitches and reached base less than any in the majors last season? "Lack of consistency was what got us in trouble," manager Bruce Bochy said. "That’s why this winter, (GM) Brian Sabean and the organization got some guys who could not just get on base, but be a little more selective at the plate and also drive in runs."
2. Where else are they lacking?
Another reason San Francisco had such a low on-base percentage was because it had no one with the speed to leg out infield hits. And still doesn’t. This could be the majors’ slowest team; not a single regular has plus speed. The Giants’ center fielder is Aaron Rowand, who is known more for his fearlessness than his wheels. Shortstop Edgar Renteria never was a blazer and is going on 35. Catcher Bengie Molina is one of the slowest runners in the game.
The lack of team speed won’t hurt only offensively. The Giants will be hard-pressed to cover their roomy outfield, and except for Freddy Sanchez at second, none of the infielders can be expected to cover a much ground.
3. What about that pitching?
Forget Lincecum’s struggles this spring. It took him awhile to get rolling last year and when he did, he was the best in the NL. Lefthander Barry Zito never will live up to his $126 million contract, but he proved huge in the second half when he put up better numbers than Cain. If Zito can begin 2010 like he finished 2009, the Giants will have the best 1-2-3 starters in the division — and perhaps in the NL. The fourth and fifth starters are less stable, with Sanchez still seeking consistency and Todd Wellemeyer coming off a subpar season. Madison Bumgarner, 20, would give the rotation a third lefty if eventually promoted.
The bullpen, led by Wilson, should continue to be a strength even though it could feature only one lefthander — reliable Jeremy Affeldt.
Projected lineup
1. CF Aaron Rowand: .341 OBP when leading off in ’09; .319 overall.
2. 2B Freddy Sanchez: Will start season on D.L. (shoulder surgery).
3. 3B Pablo Sandoval: .387 OBP, .330 AVG, .943 OPS last season.
4. 1B Aubrey Huff: Career lows in ’09: .241 AVG, .310 OBP.
5. LF Mark DeRosa: 23 HRs despite second-half wrist injury.
6. C Bengie Molina: More HRs (20) than BBs (13) last season.
7. SS Edgar Renteria: Career lows in ’09: .250 AVG, .307 OBP, .328 SLG.
8. RF Nate Schierholtz: 6 HRs in 472 career at-bats.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Tim Lincecum: Past two seasons: 452 1/3 IP, 2.55 ERA.
2. RHP Matt Cain: Tied Lincecum for NL lead with 4 CGs in ’09.
3. LHP Barry Zito: 2.83 ERA in 15 second-half starts; 5.01 in 18 first-half starts.
4. LHP Jonathan Sanchez: 3.83 ERA in 15 second-half starts; 4.69 before break. 5. RHP Todd Wellemeyer: 3.71 ERA for Cardinals in ’08; 5.89 in ’09
Projected lineup
RHP Brian Wilson: Converted 79 of 92 save chances the past 2 seasons.
Grades
Offense: C. The Giants had the fewest walks in the majors last season, so it should be no surprise they also had the lowest on-base percentage (.309). They didn’t have much power, either, as their 122 homers surpassed only the Mets’ 95. DeRosa and Huff should provide Sandoval more support than he had last season.
Pitching: A. It doesn’t get much better than Lincecum and Cain at the front end of the rotation and Wilson coming in for the ninth. There are plenty of quality arms in between, as well, including Zito, Affeldt and righthanded reliever Brandon Medders.
Bench: B. First baseman Travis Ishikawa, outfielder Eugenio Velez and infielder Juan Uribe all return after playing regularly for much of last season. Velez is the rare Giant with speed. Ishikawa will, at the least, be used often as a late-inning defensive replacement at first. It remains to be seen whether the Giants will carry top prospect Buster Posey as a backup catcher/infielder.
Manager: B. Last year’s 16-game improvement gave Bochy his first winning season in San Francisco and helped him secure a two-year extension. In 12 seasons with San Diego before being hired by the Giants, Bochy took the Padres to the playoffs four times.
Sporting News prediction: Even if the offense is improved, the Giants lack the firepower to hang in there with the Rockies and Dodgers over a 162-game season.
Coming Thursday: Padres preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
With the completed NFL season fading into the rear-view mirror, the offseason wasteland is filled with anticipation for the release of the 2010 schedule.
Sean Payton’s Super Bowl champion Saints will open up the 2010 regular season.
Though the identity and location of the 256 games already is known, the date and time remains a mystery. And so fans wait anxiously to see, for instance, how many Monday night, Sunday night or Thursday night games or back-to-back-to-back road games or games against teams coming off "bye" weeks their favorite teams will play.
And so the early days of April become like the latter days of December, with football fans awaiting the arrival of the schedule as if the Commissioner Roger Goodell were wearing a red suit and commandeering a flying sleigh. Typically, the NFL gives fans a peek at some of the packages in conjunction with the annual meetings, announcing the schedule of prime-time games in Week 1 and the trio of Turkey Day contests.
This year, for reasons still unclear, the league opted not to do so.
So let’s fill that void by suggesting the matchups we’d like to see for each of the games that would have been announced. And then let’s look at a few other preferred dates for several other key games.
For the Sept. 9 season opener, the Saints will be the host. With Steelers president Art Rooney II declaring last week that his team won’t make its once-every-eight-years trip to the Superdome to launch the season, it’s widely believed the opponent will be the Vikings. But a visit from the Falcons also would be compelling.
On Sunday night, an AFC North showdown would be a great way to kick things off, with the Steelers visiting the Ravens. (The delay in the announcement of the prime-time games might have something to do with the tenuous status of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.)
For the first game of Monday night’s doubleheader, what better way to christen the Jets’ portion of the new stadium than to invite the Dolphins to town, a decade after the two teams played a classic game on a Monday night in October? And it makes sense. For the past three years, the league has scheduled games between division rivals for the first Monday night of the season.
The other viable alternative would be the Patriots, but they played on Monday night to start the 2009 season.
For the nightcap, which typically features division rivals from the western edge of the country, Pete Carroll’s return to the NFL would provide a great story line — especially if his Seahawks are traveling to Arizona to face the Cardinals, who presumably will be quarterbacked by one of Carroll’s prized pupils at USC, Matt Leinart.
For Thanksgiving, the reports that the Jets will host a night game means the Patriots will play at Detroit in the early game, given that the Jets and the Patriots were the two candidates to play on Ford Field.
In the second game, the Cowboys can host any of their six NFC opponents. The best game would come from the Saints, but the NFL typically doesn’t waste "good" games for the games that we’ll all watch regardless of how "good" they are. So scratch off the Saints, the Eagles, the Giants, and the Redskins. The Lions are otherwise occupied.
So it leaves the Bears.
The Saints-Cowboys contest would be a great candidate for prime time in November, during the ratings sweeps, even though FOX surely will want it for the back end of a Sunday afternoon doubleheader during that same period. Steelers-Saints is another one that will attract plenty of attention, giving NBC and ESPN a game to covet for evening placement, and for CBS an ideal game for a Sunday afternoon doubleheader of its own.
Other non-division games that merit a high profile include (in no particular order) Colts-Patriots, Cowboys-Colts, Giants-Colts (featuring the Mannings brothers), Chargers-Colts, Jets-Steelers, Vikings-Patriots, Packers-Patriots, Vikings-Jets, Packers-Jets, Texans-Jets, Jets-Steelers, Saints-Ravens, Ravens-Jets, Saints-Bengals, and Falcons-Steelers.
Bottom line? The 2010 slate features plenty of great games. Still, even when we know what’s in Santa’s bag, we still can’t wait for him to show up. The fact that he didn’t let us open a few of the packages early at the league meetings will only make us even more eager for him to arrive.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
With the completed NFL season fading into the rear-view mirror, the offseason wasteland is filled with anticipation for the release of the 2010 schedule.
Sean Payton’s Super Bowl champion Saints will open up the 2010 regular season.
Though the identity and location of the 256 games already is known, the date and time remains a mystery. And so fans wait anxiously to see, for instance, how many Monday night, Sunday night or Thursday night games or back-to-back-to-back road games or games against teams coming off "bye" weeks their favorite teams will play.
And so the early days of April become like the latter days of December, with football fans awaiting the arrival of the schedule as if the Commissioner Roger Goodell were wearing a red suit and commandeering a flying sleigh. Typically, the NFL gives fans a peek at some of the packages in conjunction with the annual meetings, announcing the schedule of prime-time games in Week 1 and the trio of Turkey Day contests.
This year, for reasons still unclear, the league opted not to do so.
So let’s fill that void by suggesting the matchups we’d like to see for each of the games that would have been announced. And then let’s look at a few other preferred dates for several other key games.
For the Sept. 9 season opener, the Saints will be the host. With Steelers president Art Rooney II declaring last week that his team won’t make its once-every-eight-years trip to the Superdome to launch the season, it’s widely believed the opponent will be the Vikings. But a visit from the Falcons also would be compelling.
On Sunday night, an AFC North showdown would be a great way to kick things off, with the Steelers visiting the Ravens. (The delay in the announcement of the prime-time games might have something to do with the tenuous status of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.)
For the first game of Monday night’s doubleheader, what better way to christen the Jets’ portion of the new stadium than to invite the Dolphins to town, a decade after the two teams played a classic game on a Monday night in October? And it makes sense. For the past three years, the league has scheduled games between division rivals for the first Monday night of the season.
The other viable alternative would be the Patriots, but they played on Monday night to start the 2009 season.
For the nightcap, which typically features division rivals from the western edge of the country, Pete Carroll’s return to the NFL would provide a great story line — especially if his Seahawks are traveling to Arizona to face the Cardinals, who presumably will be quarterbacked by one of Carroll’s prized pupils at USC, Matt Leinart.
For Thanksgiving, the reports that the Jets will host a night game means the Patriots will play at Detroit in the early game, given that the Jets and the Patriots were the two candidates to play on Ford Field.
In the second game, the Cowboys can host any of their six NFC opponents. The best game would come from the Saints, but the NFL typically doesn’t waste "good" games for the games that we’ll all watch regardless of how "good" they are. So scratch off the Saints, the Eagles, the Giants, and the Redskins. The Lions are otherwise occupied.
So it leaves the Bears.
The Saints-Cowboys contest would be a great candidate for prime time in November, during the ratings sweeps, even though FOX surely will want it for the back end of a Sunday afternoon doubleheader during that same period. Steelers-Saints is another one that will attract plenty of attention, giving NBC and ESPN a game to covet for evening placement, and for CBS an ideal game for a Sunday afternoon doubleheader of its own.
Other non-division games that merit a high profile include (in no particular order) Colts-Patriots, Cowboys-Colts, Giants-Colts (featuring the Mannings brothers), Chargers-Colts, Jets-Steelers, Vikings-Patriots, Packers-Patriots, Vikings-Jets, Packers-Jets, Texans-Jets, Jets-Steelers, Saints-Ravens, Ravens-Jets, Saints-Bengals, and Falcons-Steelers.
Bottom line? The 2010 slate features plenty of great games. Still, even when we know what’s in Santa’s bag, we still can’t wait for him to show up. The fact that he didn’t let us open a few of the packages early at the league meetings will only make us even more eager for him to arrive.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Although Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen didn’t throw for scouts, he attended Notre Dame’s pro day Tuesday and had individual meetings with representatives of the Redskins and 49ers. Clausen, who has been recovering from January surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his right big toe, will hold his own workout for NFL teams on April 9 in South Bend. He spoke with a group of reporters, including Sporting News’ Dave Curtis, after Tuesday’s event.
Jimmy Clausen has resumed running after surgery on toe ligaments injured in September.
Sporting News: How’s the toe?
Jimmy Clausen: It’s coming along. Yesterday was the first day I’ve been able to run since surgery. Just jogged around the track a little bit. Two laps, and I was pretty winded. But it felt good. It’s not as strong as I want it, coming off of surgery, but it’s getting there.
SN: When did the torn ligaments happen?
JC: They tore in the Michigan State game (Sept. 19). As soon as I got hurt, I heard a pop. Going back and looking at the MRIs, it was definitely torn in that game. I played on it the whole season, so my two sesamoid bones moved a centimeter down. The doctor had to reattach the tendons and then move the sesamoid bones up. It was a pretty intense surgery.
SN: Did you think about having anything done earlier?
JC: The doctor (after the season) said I should’ve had it done the next day. Knowing that, I wouldn’t be in this position right now, but it’s hard to think about that.
SN: Do you feel like you deserved better?
JC: It’s whatever it is. I’m in a great situation right now, and I don’t think I’d be in this situation if I would’ve known I had two torn tendons. If I had known, I probably would have had the surgery the next day.
SN: What have you been doing the last three weeks?
JC: I have been lifting a lot Š my upper body, my left leg, doing core. These past two weeks, I’ve been getting my throwing motion down, getting ready for April 9. Once my toe feels a little better, I can start getting my footwork down. But I’ve just been dropping back, walking, trying to get through my release.
SN: Why did you go to the Combine?
JC: I went for interviews and obviously to get checked out by the doctors. That’s pretty much the only reason I went down.
SN: What kind of questions are you getting from teams?
JC: It ranges (from) why I came to Notre Dame, my leadership ability, some of the off-the-field things to questions like: "Are you a dog or a cat?" I said I was a dog. "If you had to choose, what kind of tree would you be?" Those are some of the questions they asked; it’s pretty funny. But they want to get to know you, your personality.
SN: How do you feel about some of the things that are being said about you in the media?
JC: That’s one of the big things why I wanted to go to the Combine. The coaches could see first-hand who I am as a person, what I’m about, things I like, don’t like, how I am in a meeting situation. They could fire questions at me, have me up at the (chalk)board, try to put me in intense situations and see how I react. That’s just the life of it. That’s why I wanted to go to the Combine. I was real anxious to get the coaches, general managers and owners to get a feel for me.
SN: Do you have anything set up with teams that you’re at liberty to tell us?
JC: I really don’t know. My agent is setting all those meetings up. I know the first meeting I have to go to is Buffalo. That’s the only one I know so far.
SN: How frustrating is it going through this with an injury?
JC: It’s hard not being able to go out there and run a 40, do a shuttle, throw the ball, do all those things. But I’ll be able to go out there on the 9th and I think that’s what coaches want to see.
SN: Why are you here today?
JC: I wanted to show my support for those guys and be there for them. They’re my teammates. It was their day today, and all of them performed really well.
SN: What are you hearing from the guys still with Notre Dame about how things are going with coach (Brian) Kelly?
JC: Great things. That’s all I’ve been hearing, is great things. (They’ve) just been saying they’re real excited to get out there Friday (for the start of spring practice).
This story appears in March 24’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Although Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen didn’t throw for scouts, he attended Notre Dame’s pro day Tuesday and had individual meetings with representatives of the Redskins and 49ers. Clausen, who has been recovering from January surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his right big toe, will hold his own workout for NFL teams on April 9 in South Bend. He spoke with a group of reporters, including Sporting News’ Dave Curtis, after Tuesday’s event.
Jimmy Clausen has resumed running after surgery on toe ligaments injured in September.
Sporting News: How’s the toe?
Jimmy Clausen: It’s coming along. Yesterday was the first day I’ve been able to run since surgery. Just jogged around the track a little bit. Two laps, and I was pretty winded. But it felt good. It’s not as strong as I want it, coming off of surgery, but it’s getting there.
SN: When did the torn ligaments happen?
JC: They tore in the Michigan State game (Sept. 19). As soon as I got hurt, I heard a pop. Going back and looking at the MRIs, it was definitely torn in that game. I played on it the whole season, so my two sesamoid bones moved a centimeter down. The doctor had to reattach the tendons and then move the sesamoid bones up. It was a pretty intense surgery.
SN: Did you think about having anything done earlier?
JC: The doctor (after the season) said I should’ve had it done the next day. Knowing that, I wouldn’t be in this position right now, but it’s hard to think about that.
SN: Do you feel like you deserved better?
JC: It’s whatever it is. I’m in a great situation right now, and I don’t think I’d be in this situation if I would’ve known I had two torn tendons. If I had known, I probably would have had the surgery the next day.
SN: What have you been doing the last three weeks?
JC: I have been lifting a lot Š my upper body, my left leg, doing core. These past two weeks, I’ve been getting my throwing motion down, getting ready for April 9. Once my toe feels a little better, I can start getting my footwork down. But I’ve just been dropping back, walking, trying to get through my release.
SN: Why did you go to the Combine?
JC: I went for interviews and obviously to get checked out by the doctors. That’s pretty much the only reason I went down.
SN: What kind of questions are you getting from teams?
JC: It ranges (from) why I came to Notre Dame, my leadership ability, some of the off-the-field things to questions like: "Are you a dog or a cat?" I said I was a dog. "If you had to choose, what kind of tree would you be?" Those are some of the questions they asked; it’s pretty funny. But they want to get to know you, your personality.
SN: How do you feel about some of the things that are being said about you in the media?
JC: That’s one of the big things why I wanted to go to the Combine. The coaches could see first-hand who I am as a person, what I’m about, things I like, don’t like, how I am in a meeting situation. They could fire questions at me, have me up at the (chalk)board, try to put me in intense situations and see how I react. That’s just the life of it. That’s why I wanted to go to the Combine. I was real anxious to get the coaches, general managers and owners to get a feel for me.
SN: Do you have anything set up with teams that you’re at liberty to tell us?
JC: I really don’t know. My agent is setting all those meetings up. I know the first meeting I have to go to is Buffalo. That’s the only one I know so far.
SN: How frustrating is it going through this with an injury?
JC: It’s hard not being able to go out there and run a 40, do a shuttle, throw the ball, do all those things. But I’ll be able to go out there on the 9th and I think that’s what coaches want to see.
SN: Why are you here today?
JC: I wanted to show my support for those guys and be there for them. They’re my teammates. It was their day today, and all of them performed really well.
SN: What are you hearing from the guys still with Notre Dame about how things are going with coach (Brian) Kelly?
JC: Great things. That’s all I’ve been hearing, is great things. (They’ve) just been saying they’re real excited to get out there Friday (for the start of spring practice).
This story appears in March 24’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
You think safety first when you drive your car, but you don’t in the draft. One safety has been a top-five pick since 2000 — Sean Taylor, chosen fifth by the Washington Redskins in 2004. In the past three drafts, one safety has cracked the top 15 — LaRon Landry, chosen by the Redskins in 2007.
In a league in which a higher value is placed on quarterbacks, left tackles, cornerbacks and pass rushers, even premier safeties like Troy Polamalu (16th overall, 2003), Ed Reed (24th overall, 2002) and Brian Dawkins (61st overall, 1996) were not top-10 picks.
This year’s draft, however, is loaded with good safeties. Tennessee’s Eric Berry and Texas’ Earl Thomas could be top-10 picks. Southern Cal’s Taylor Mays is also expected to go in the first round.
Why is such high value being placed on these three? One, they are extremely talented.Two, the need to contain prolific pass-catching tight ends such as Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark, coupled with offensive formations that spread the field, has raised the value of versatile safeties who can cover, tackle and blitz.
"You’ve got to find guys that can cover — period — whether you classify them as corners or safeties,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. "That helps guys like Eric Berry and Earl Thomas as they try to become top-10, top-15 picks.”
Here’s a look at this year’s top safeties:
What makes him special: Berry has a complete tool box — range, ball skills and the ability to turn interceptions into touchdowns with his running ability. In his first two college seasons, Berry intercepted 12 passes and returned three for TDs. Last season, opposing quarterbacks got the memo. Do not throw in Berry’s direction.
Berry’s defensive coordinator last season at Tennessee was Monte Kiffin — a long-time NFL defensive coordinator with the Buccaneers. Kiffin’s knowledge made Berry even more NFL-ready.
"He (Kiffin) told us exactly why he was calling plays,” Berry said at the Scouting Combine. "He didn’t just call plays and make us run it. He would say, `OK, it’s third and short, and this is why we’re calling this play against this team. This is what you can expect from them.’ You kind of got into the mind of a defensive coordinator.”
What did Kiffin tell Berry about his decision to enter the draft as a junior?
"Monte told me I’d be a fool to come back,” Berry said.
Where Berry might go: The best-case scenario for Berry is going to the Chiefs at No. 5 overall. The first four teams on the board — the Rams, Lions, Buccaneers and Redskins — have other priorities. However, if Berry falls past the Chiefs, it is hard to envision him slipping past the Browns at No. 7.
"As a rule, safeties aren’t often talked about going that high,” Rams general manager Billy Devaney said. "But this guy, I think in everybody’s mind, impacts the game. You try to get impact players, and Berry’s certainly one.”
What makes him special: With eight interceptions in 13 games last season, there are no doubts about Thomas’ playmaking ability. Thomas is another every-down safety who should fit in any system.
"I’m comfortable at corner, safety, nickel — it really doesn’t matter,” Thomas said. "I’m just a ballplayer ready to play.”
Where Thomas might go: The Jaguars (No. 10) have a need and will likely have the opportunity to draft Thomas. If they pass, the Dolphins (No. 12) could provide a landing spot. Though there is a possibility Thomas could fall farther down the board, his body of work and versatility should keep him in the top 20.
What makes him special: He may be the best athlete in the draft — an unusual combination of size (230 pounds) and speed (4.43 in the 40-yard dash). Mays is also a ferocious hitter — the kind of safety who intimidates receivers running routes over the middle.
Where Mays might go: Mays would fit nicely on the Bengals (No. 21), Packers (No. 23) or Jets (No. 29). An impressive showing at the Combine boosted his draft stock. The biggest knock on Mays is that he does not have good ball skills, that he goes for the big hit instead of the interception.
Mays believes his blazing 40 time at the Combine proves he has the ability to cover ground in the secondary and to make more plays than he did in college.
"I’m going to have to be more aware of when the ball is in the air,” he said. "In the NFL, a turnover is a big deal. I know I can do it. It’s just adding that element to my game.”
This story appears in March 24’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
You think safety first when you drive your car, but you don’t in the draft. One safety has been a top-five pick since 2000 — Sean Taylor, chosen fifth by the Washington Redskins in 2004. In the past three drafts, one safety has cracked the top 15 — LaRon Landry, chosen by the Redskins in 2007.
In a league in which a higher value is placed on quarterbacks, left tackles, cornerbacks and pass rushers, even premier safeties like Troy Polamalu (16th overall, 2003), Ed Reed (24th overall, 2002) and Brian Dawkins (61st overall, 1996) were not top-10 picks.
This year’s draft, however, is loaded with good safeties. Tennessee’s Eric Berry and Texas’ Earl Thomas could be top-10 picks. Southern Cal’s Taylor Mays is also expected to go in the first round.
Why is such high value being placed on these three? One, they are extremely talented.Two, the need to contain prolific pass-catching tight ends such as Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark, coupled with offensive formations that spread the field, has raised the value of versatile safeties who can cover, tackle and blitz.
"You’ve got to find guys that can cover — period — whether you classify them as corners or safeties,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. "That helps guys like Eric Berry and Earl Thomas as they try to become top-10, top-15 picks.”
Here’s a look at this year’s top safeties:
What makes him special: Berry has a complete tool box — range, ball skills and the ability to turn interceptions into touchdowns with his running ability. In his first two college seasons, Berry intercepted 12 passes and returned three for TDs. Last season, opposing quarterbacks got the memo. Do not throw in Berry’s direction.
Berry’s defensive coordinator last season at Tennessee was Monte Kiffin — a long-time NFL defensive coordinator with the Buccaneers. Kiffin’s knowledge made Berry even more NFL-ready.
"He (Kiffin) told us exactly why he was calling plays,” Berry said at the Scouting Combine. "He didn’t just call plays and make us run it. He would say, `OK, it’s third and short, and this is why we’re calling this play against this team. This is what you can expect from them.’ You kind of got into the mind of a defensive coordinator.”
What did Kiffin tell Berry about his decision to enter the draft as a junior?
"Monte told me I’d be a fool to come back,” Berry said.
Where Berry might go: The best-case scenario for Berry is going to the Chiefs at No. 5 overall. The first four teams on the board — the Rams, Lions, Buccaneers and Redskins — have other priorities. However, if Berry falls past the Chiefs, it is hard to envision him slipping past the Browns at No. 7.
"As a rule, safeties aren’t often talked about going that high,” Rams general manager Billy Devaney said. "But this guy, I think in everybody’s mind, impacts the game. You try to get impact players, and Berry’s certainly one.”
What makes him special: With eight interceptions in 13 games last season, there are no doubts about Thomas’ playmaking ability. Thomas is another every-down safety who should fit in any system.
"I’m comfortable at corner, safety, nickel — it really doesn’t matter,” Thomas said. "I’m just a ballplayer ready to play.”
Where Thomas might go: The Jaguars (No. 10) have a need and will likely have the opportunity to draft Thomas. If they pass, the Dolphins (No. 12) could provide a landing spot. Though there is a possibility Thomas could fall farther down the board, his body of work and versatility should keep him in the top 20.
What makes him special: He may be the best athlete in the draft — an unusual combination of size (230 pounds) and speed (4.43 in the 40-yard dash). Mays is also a ferocious hitter — the kind of safety who intimidates receivers running routes over the middle.
Where Mays might go: Mays would fit nicely on the Bengals (No. 21), Packers (No. 23) or Jets (No. 29). An impressive showing at the Combine boosted his draft stock. The biggest knock on Mays is that he does not have good ball skills, that he goes for the big hit instead of the interception.
Mays believes his blazing 40 time at the Combine proves he has the ability to cover ground in the secondary and to make more plays than he did in college.
"I’m going to have to be more aware of when the ball is in the air,” he said. "In the NFL, a turnover is a big deal. I know I can do it. It’s just adding that element to my game.”
This story appears in March 24’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
The Rockies are making a habit of dramatic playoff pushes in odd-numbered years — they won 14 of their final 15 games to reach the 2007 postseason, and they won 72 of their final 110 games last season en route to the wild card. They return largely the same roster — with a full season of manager Jim Tracy — as they attempt to make the playoffs in an even-numbered year for the first time in franchise history.
The Rockies aren’t sure what to expect from Jeff Francis.
Three questions
1. What can the Rockies expect from Jeff Francis?
Colorado will be patient. The lefthander’s fastball this spring is in the 89-mph range, which is about right considering he never was a flamethrower. This season, the Rockies don’t need Francis, who missed the entire 2009 season after shoulder surgery, to be the staff ace. Ubaldo Jimenez has assumed that role and has developed into one of the National League’s best starters.
Francis fits into the rotation behind Aaron Cook and Jorge De La Rosa — and maybe even Jason Hammel. Francis has been hit hard (6.92 ERA) in four spring training starts, but the most important thing is that he has been able to make those four starts.
2. What type of carryover can Colorado expect from 2009?
The Rockies blitzed their way into the playoffs last year; their record after June 3 was nine games better than any other team in the NL But what does that mean for 2010?
"Creating the mindset with what took place in 2009 was huge, and now carrying that over to the fact where this is what we have identified ourselves as. Now let’s get busy and have people be aware of the fact that this is what we expect to be from Day 1 of the season and not wait until the middle of June or whatever it was," Tracy said. "We ourselves want to be that way. We want to become a much more consistent baseball team, day in and day out from Day 1 and see where that takes us."
In the back of the minds of most Rockies’ fans, though, rests the memory of a 2008 season that was a huge disappointment after a trip to the 2007 World Series. A quick start to 2010 would go a long way to alleviating fears of an ’08 repeat.
3. How good can the Carlos Gonzalez-Dexter Fowler combination become?
Scary good. Both were highly regarded prospects, and both were catalysts to the Rockies’ stretch run in 2009. Both are 24, and both showed good patience at the plate last season; Gonzalez had a .353 on-base percentage and Fowler was at .363. Both, however, are susceptible to slumps; Gonzalez hit .210 in June and Fowler hit just .243 between May 1 and August 1. More importantly, though, both showed the ability to snap out of those slumps.
Projected lineup
1. LF Carlos Gonzalez: 13 HRs, 16 SBs in just 89 games.
2. CF Dexter Fowler: Speedy switch hitter had 27 SBs.
3. 1B Todd Helton: .325 AVG was his best since 2004.
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki: 101 runs, 32 HRs, 92 RBIs, .930 OPS in ’09.
5. RF Brad Hawpe: First-time All-Star had .240 AVG, 9 HRs after break.
6. C Chris Iannetta: .264 AVG in ’08; .228 AVG in ’09.
7. 3B Ian Stewart: Long-time top prospect hit 25 HRs last season.
8. 2B Clint Barmes: More than doubled career high with 23 HRs in ’09.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez: Improved ERA, K’s, WHIP, BBs last season.
2. RHP Aaron Cook: Past two seasons: 3.75 ERA before break; 4.65 after.
3. LHP Jorge De La Rosa: 16-3, 3.94 ERA after June 1, 2009.
4. LHP Jeff Francis: Former ace hasn’t pitched in majors since Sept. 12, 2008.
5. RHP Jason Hammel: 30 starts in first season with team in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Huston Street: 35 saves in ’09; will start season on D.L.
Grades
Offense: A. The Rockies have speed at the top of the order and power throughout — Nos. 7 and 8 hitters Ian Stewart and Clint Barmes combined for 48 homers. If Chris Iannetta and Stewart can raise their averages a bit and Brad Hawpe can shake off his second-half slump, this offense will be among the league’s elite.
Pitching: B. Jimenez took a giant step forward in 2009, solidifying his status as the team’s stopper. Francis is a question mark, but Cook and Hammel are consistent and De La Rosa showed flashes of brilliance. Huston Street’s sore shoulder is troubling, especially if Manny Corpas doesn’t improve.
Bench: A. Outfielders Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith provide defensive versatility and offensive reliability. Melvin Mora and Jason Giambi are experienced sources of offense, and backup catcher Miguel Olivo hit 23 homers for the Royals last season. Eric Young brings speed off the bench; he can play second or center field.
Manager: B. Tracy gets an A-plus for turning around the team after its horrible start in 2009. But this is his third managerial stop, and the first two weren’t exactly rousing successes. These Rockies fully bought into his philosophies last season; a repeat performance wouldn’t be surprising.
Sporting News prediction: Colorado has productive bats throughout the lineup and has a true ace in Jimenez anchoring a solid rotation. First place is the expectation.
Coming Wednesday: Giants preview
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
The Rockies are making a habit of dramatic playoff pushes in odd-numbered years — they won 14 of their final 15 games to reach the 2007 postseason, and they won 72 of their final 110 games last season en route to the wild card. They return largely the same roster — with a full season of manager Jim Tracy — as they attempt to make the playoffs in an even-numbered year for the first time in franchise history.
The Rockies aren’t sure what to expect from Jeff Francis.
Three questions
1. What can the Rockies expect from Jeff Francis?
Colorado will be patient. The lefthander’s fastball this spring is in the 89-mph range, which is about right considering he never was a flamethrower. This season, the Rockies don’t need Francis, who missed the entire 2009 season after shoulder surgery, to be the staff ace. Ubaldo Jimenez has assumed that role and has developed into one of the National League’s best starters.
Francis fits into the rotation behind Aaron Cook and Jorge De La Rosa — and maybe even Jason Hammel. Francis has been hit hard (6.92 ERA) in four spring training starts, but the most important thing is that he has been able to make those four starts.
2. What type of carryover can Colorado expect from 2009?
The Rockies blitzed their way into the playoffs last year; their record after June 3 was nine games better than any other team in the NL But what does that mean for 2010?
"Creating the mindset with what took place in 2009 was huge, and now carrying that over to the fact where this is what we have identified ourselves as. Now let’s get busy and have people be aware of the fact that this is what we expect to be from Day 1 of the season and not wait until the middle of June or whatever it was," Tracy said. "We ourselves want to be that way. We want to become a much more consistent baseball team, day in and day out from Day 1 and see where that takes us."
In the back of the minds of most Rockies’ fans, though, rests the memory of a 2008 season that was a huge disappointment after a trip to the 2007 World Series. A quick start to 2010 would go a long way to alleviating fears of an ’08 repeat.
3. How good can the Carlos Gonzalez-Dexter Fowler combination become?
Scary good. Both were highly regarded prospects, and both were catalysts to the Rockies’ stretch run in 2009. Both are 24, and both showed good patience at the plate last season; Gonzalez had a .353 on-base percentage and Fowler was at .363. Both, however, are susceptible to slumps; Gonzalez hit .210 in June and Fowler hit just .243 between May 1 and August 1. More importantly, though, both showed the ability to snap out of those slumps.
Projected lineup
1. LF Carlos Gonzalez: 13 HRs, 16 SBs in just 89 games.
2. CF Dexter Fowler: Speedy switch hitter had 27 SBs.
3. 1B Todd Helton: .325 AVG was his best since 2004.
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki: 101 runs, 32 HRs, 92 RBIs, .930 OPS in ’09.
5. RF Brad Hawpe: First-time All-Star had .240 AVG, 9 HRs after break.
6. C Chris Iannetta: .264 AVG in ’08; .228 AVG in ’09.
7. 3B Ian Stewart: Long-time top prospect hit 25 HRs last season.
8. 2B Clint Barmes: More than doubled career high with 23 HRs in ’09.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez: Improved ERA, K’s, WHIP, BBs last season.
2. RHP Aaron Cook: Past two seasons: 3.75 ERA before break; 4.65 after.
3. LHP Jorge De La Rosa: 16-3, 3.94 ERA after June 1, 2009.
4. LHP Jeff Francis: Former ace hasn’t pitched in majors since Sept. 12, 2008.
5. RHP Jason Hammel: 30 starts in first season with team in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Huston Street: 35 saves in ’09; will start season on D.L.
Grades
Offense: A. The Rockies have speed at the top of the order and power throughout — Nos. 7 and 8 hitters Ian Stewart and Clint Barmes combined for 48 homers. If Chris Iannetta and Stewart can raise their averages a bit and Brad Hawpe can shake off his second-half slump, this offense will be among the league’s elite.
Pitching: B. Jimenez took a giant step forward in 2009, solidifying his status as the team’s stopper. Francis is a question mark, but Cook and Hammel are consistent and De La Rosa showed flashes of brilliance. Huston Street’s sore shoulder is troubling, especially if Manny Corpas doesn’t improve.
Bench: A. Outfielders Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith provide defensive versatility and offensive reliability. Melvin Mora and Jason Giambi are experienced sources of offense, and backup catcher Miguel Olivo hit 23 homers for the Royals last season. Eric Young brings speed off the bench; he can play second or center field.
Manager: B. Tracy gets an A-plus for turning around the team after its horrible start in 2009. But this is his third managerial stop, and the first two weren’t exactly rousing successes. These Rockies fully bought into his philosophies last season; a repeat performance wouldn’t be surprising.
Sporting News prediction: Colorado has productive bats throughout the lineup and has a true ace in Jimenez anchoring a solid rotation. First place is the expectation.
Coming Wednesday: Giants preview
Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.
It’s the hot question asked every offseason for the last decade: Will Donovan McNabb be back in Philadelphia?
Before Jay Cutler was traded to the Bears in 2009, McNabb was supposed to eventually play for his hometown team in Chicago. This year, several QB-needy teams, including the Rams, have been rumored to want McNabb.
In a league desperate for viable passers, the Eagles are in the advantageous position of having three intriguing commodities. Yet, while a number of other quarterbacks already have changed addresses this offseason, Philadelphia hasn’t done anything about its surplus.
There’s plenty of time to make a move, but the ultimate decisions regarding McNabb, promising young backup Kevin Kolb and Wildcat wild card Michael Vick will be crucial to the franchise’s future, both for the short- and long-term. All three are in the final years of their contracts.
The Eagles need to put emotion aside and deal No. 5 while his value is high.
So what is the best-case scenario for the Eagles and their quarterbacks? That requires a thorough examination:
Donovan McNabb
The case for him: McNabb, a six-time Pro Bowler, is playing some of the best, most efficient football of his 11-year career. He is 33—eight months younger than Peyton Manning—and has a string of good years left. McNabb’s experience and steady leadership have made the Eagles a consistent playoff team.
The case against him: There’s a perception that McNabb doesn’t carry over regular-season success into the playoffs, backed up by a 9-7 playoff record with 17 interceptions and a so-so 80.0 passer rating. Because the Eagles are 1-4 in NFC championship games, there’s a lingering sense of frustration that comes with just coming up short.
"To their fans, they’re always winning the silver medal with him," ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley said. "After a while, when you can’t win gold, it’s like they would prefer to not be in it at all."
An amicable separation might be in order. McNabb would thrive in a similar offense with a change of scenery where he’s perceived as the savior, and his trade value only will decrease over time.
Kevin Kolb
The case for him: Let’s turn to Exhibits A and B, the two starts Kolb made when McNabb missed Weeks 2 and 3 of the 2009 season with fractured ribs. Kolb made history with back-to-back 300-yard outings, proving he has good grasp of the offense and good chemistry with his receivers.
With Kolb, wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, running back LeSean McCoy and tight end Brent Celek, the Eagles could go forward with a young nucleus—all 25 or younger—that can be successful together for years.
"Kolb is totally ready," NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said.
The case against him: Because of his youth and great potential, another team might decide to throw a can’t-refuse offer of multiple high draft picks at Philadelphia to acquire Kolb. That’s the only way the Eagles should even consider trading Kolb.
Michael Vick
The case for him: Despite seeing limited action in his first season in Philadelphia—mostly as a running threat—Vick carried himself well on and off the field last year, showing some maturity and some of the same skills that made him a superstar in Atlanta.
"You could see the progression of getting back to where he was as an athlete," Wiley said. "It might not be too long before where we see the old explosive Vick."
Barring injuries, it will be tough for Vick to get on the field in Philadelphia as a pure quarterback but he can be much more than an occasional cog if given the chance.
The case against him: The evidence is stacked against Vick in terms of him ever assuming the starting role in Philadelphia.
"He can’t run this offense," Baldinger said. "They should hold onto him as a backup unless other teams overpursue him."
It’s hard to believe there’s no market for Vick, considering the Seahawks just made a big deal to acquire former Chargers backup Charlie Whitehurst, who is 27 and never has thrown an NFL pass. Vick is just two years older with great starting experience.
The Eagles are a playoff-caliber team but still have notable holes—safety, linebacker, defensive end, offensive line—and can’t afford the luxury of keeping Vick when a trade could return a useful part for the 2010 season.
The verdict
As tough as it might be for coach Andy Reid and owner Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles can’t be conservative; instead, they should trade McNabb. Sure, the bold Terrell Owens signing a few years ago didn’t quite work out, but that aggressive move did help the team reach Super Bowl 39.
"Andy Reid has a hard time letting No. 5 go because it was his first pick—and a great pick," Baldinger said. "The hardest thing for a coach is to let a player go whose time has come and gone. There is great emotion involved."
Kolb has the confidence and talent to take the reins. And Vick, with a $5 million price tag in ’09, would be more acceptable as a No. 2 quarterback. In the ideal situation, the Eagles would trade Vick, too, and stock up on draft picks to help rebuild the defense.
This story appears in March 23’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
It’s the hot question asked every offseason for the last decade: Will Donovan McNabb be back in Philadelphia?
Before Jay Cutler was traded to the Bears in 2009, McNabb was supposed to eventually play for his hometown team in Chicago. This year, several QB-needy teams, including the Rams, have been rumored to want McNabb.
In a league desperate for viable passers, the Eagles are in the advantageous position of having three intriguing commodities. Yet, while a number of other quarterbacks already have changed addresses this offseason, Philadelphia hasn’t done anything about its surplus.
There’s plenty of time to make a move, but the ultimate decisions regarding McNabb, promising young backup Kevin Kolb and Wildcat wild card Michael Vick will be crucial to the franchise’s future, both for the short- and long-term. All three are in the final years of their contracts.
The Eagles need to put emotion aside and deal No. 5 while his value is high.
So what is the best-case scenario for the Eagles and their quarterbacks? That requires a thorough examination:
Donovan McNabb
The case for him: McNabb, a six-time Pro Bowler, is playing some of the best, most efficient football of his 11-year career. He is 33—eight months younger than Peyton Manning—and has a string of good years left. McNabb’s experience and steady leadership have made the Eagles a consistent playoff team.
The case against him: There’s a perception that McNabb doesn’t carry over regular-season success into the playoffs, backed up by a 9-7 playoff record with 17 interceptions and a so-so 80.0 passer rating. Because the Eagles are 1-4 in NFC championship games, there’s a lingering sense of frustration that comes with just coming up short.
"To their fans, they’re always winning the silver medal with him," ESPN analyst Marcellus Wiley said. "After a while, when you can’t win gold, it’s like they would prefer to not be in it at all."
An amicable separation might be in order. McNabb would thrive in a similar offense with a change of scenery where he’s perceived as the savior, and his trade value only will decrease over time.
Kevin Kolb
The case for him: Let’s turn to Exhibits A and B, the two starts Kolb made when McNabb missed Weeks 2 and 3 of the 2009 season with fractured ribs. Kolb made history with back-to-back 300-yard outings, proving he has good grasp of the offense and good chemistry with his receivers.
With Kolb, wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, running back LeSean McCoy and tight end Brent Celek, the Eagles could go forward with a young nucleus—all 25 or younger—that can be successful together for years.
"Kolb is totally ready," NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said.
The case against him: Because of his youth and great potential, another team might decide to throw a can’t-refuse offer of multiple high draft picks at Philadelphia to acquire Kolb. That’s the only way the Eagles should even consider trading Kolb.
Michael Vick
The case for him: Despite seeing limited action in his first season in Philadelphia—mostly as a running threat—Vick carried himself well on and off the field last year, showing some maturity and some of the same skills that made him a superstar in Atlanta.
"You could see the progression of getting back to where he was as an athlete," Wiley said. "It might not be too long before where we see the old explosive Vick."
Barring injuries, it will be tough for Vick to get on the field in Philadelphia as a pure quarterback but he can be much more than an occasional cog if given the chance.
The case against him: The evidence is stacked against Vick in terms of him ever assuming the starting role in Philadelphia.
"He can’t run this offense," Baldinger said. "They should hold onto him as a backup unless other teams overpursue him."
It’s hard to believe there’s no market for Vick, considering the Seahawks just made a big deal to acquire former Chargers backup Charlie Whitehurst, who is 27 and never has thrown an NFL pass. Vick is just two years older with great starting experience.
The Eagles are a playoff-caliber team but still have notable holes—safety, linebacker, defensive end, offensive line—and can’t afford the luxury of keeping Vick when a trade could return a useful part for the 2010 season.
The verdict
As tough as it might be for coach Andy Reid and owner Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles can’t be conservative; instead, they should trade McNabb. Sure, the bold Terrell Owens signing a few years ago didn’t quite work out, but that aggressive move did help the team reach Super Bowl 39.
"Andy Reid has a hard time letting No. 5 go because it was his first pick—and a great pick," Baldinger said. "The hardest thing for a coach is to let a player go whose time has come and gone. There is great emotion involved."
Kolb has the confidence and talent to take the reins. And Vick, with a $5 million price tag in ’09, would be more acceptable as a No. 2 quarterback. In the ideal situation, the Eagles would trade Vick, too, and stock up on draft picks to help rebuild the defense.
This story appears in March 23’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Rough springs don’t always turn into tough seasons. Alex Rodriguez’s steroids admission and hip injury dampened the Yankees’ camp last year and they won the World Series. On the flip side, check the Mets: Their injuries started early with Johan Santana’s elbow stiffness and never let up. They still haven’t, in fact.
Any manager will tell you getting out of spring training with a healthy roster is more important than winning, putting up numbers or even figuring out that No. 5 starter.
"You want to be healthy so good players can be productive, that’s the idea," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Monday.
His Red Sox have dealt with their share of nagging issues and a bug that spread through the clubhouse but they seem to be gaining full health just at the right time — in the stretch drive of spring training.
Spring has not been quite so kind to four other contenders.
Rangers
Things seemed to be flowing their way after the ownership change ended with Nolan Ryan where he should be, in charge of the baseball side. But then spring training began. Besides injuries, the Rangers also have had to deal with the biggest drug story of the spring: Manager Ron Washington’s positive test for cocaine last season.
The Rangers have had to deal with revelations of Ron Washington’s 2009 positive drug test.
Give the club credit for giving him a second chance. Give Washington his due for being as up front as one can be about his transgression (well, after he changed his story a bit and admitted he had used other drugs before). He offered to resign and said, "I am not here to make excuses. There are none. I am not here to ask for sympathy. That would be asking too much."
Washington certainly faces more pressure to win if he wants to manage past this season and adding to that challenge is a spate of injuries. Slugger Josh Hamilton, who missed half of last season, banged a shoulder early in camp and was sidelined for more than week. Then he had to deal with an infected tooth. He’s been in the lineup lately, though, and is hitting well. Second baseman Ian Kinsler can’t say the same. He suffered a high ankle sprain early in March, hasn’t returned and might not be ready by opening day. Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was scratched from a game Sunday because of an upper back issue. He already has trying to come back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2009 in August. The Rangers must be concerned because they traded for another catcher, Matt Treanor, on Monday.
Two of the club’s promising starters, Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland, have been slowed or sidelined. Hunter was penciled into the rotation until he came down with an ab injury. Considering he has, shall we say, a lot of core to support, the injury could linger. Holland’s chance to make the rotation went awry when he sprained a knee early in camp and fell behind. Another lefty, C.J. Wilson, however, has made the most of his opportunity to make the rotation and emerged as the favorite for one of two available spots.
Twins
No club has dealt with such a high and a low this spring, and in the same day no less. A day that started with All-Star closer Joe Nathan saying he would have season-ending Tommy John surgery ended with the club announcing MVP Joe Mauer had agreed to an eight-year, $184 million extension that should keep him in Minnesota through 2018.
As great as Mauer staying is for the future of the club — and the game, really — Nathan’s absence could derail the present. The Twins will say little about his replacement, though 6-11 Jon Rauch figures to be the most likely in-house choice.
But don’t be surprised if Francisco Liriano emerges before opening day. Liriano is the club’s former uber-lefty who has not quite been the same since he underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2006 season. Manager Ron Gardenhire, however, was talking up Liriano on Sunday, saying Liriano’s slider is back to 2006 form when he was blowign away the AL after being called up as a 22-year-old. "Those sliders he threw the other day are unhittable," Gardenhire said. "Guys were swinging and missing by a foot. That slider is really snapping. It is a hard slider."
It should be noted that a year ago, Gardenhire was saying much the same. What has changed, however, is improved fastball location and the return of Liriano’s confidence. But Gardenhire is coy when asked if Liriano, no shoo-in for the rotation, could end up working the ninth inning.
"There’s one guy who we all know who can be a closer," Gardenhire said, and he was referring to Liriano. "He’s got all the closing stuff: punch-out pitches, the whole package. Whether it’s the right thing or whether he wants to do it or not, we’ll have to wait and see."
What if Liriano comes to you and volunteer to closes? "We would talk about him, for sure, if he wants to close. Definitely." Gardenhire said.
Cliff Lee has had to deal with an injury and a suspension this spring.
Mariners
Two of their key newcomers have struggled. Lefty Cliff Lee had a foot procedure before spring training that slowed him early and the dreaded abdominal strain — or something akin — struck last week. He will not throw again til the end of the week, likely delaying at least his first start. If injury didn’t threaten his Seattle debut, suspension did. Lee got five games after the commissioner’s office ruled he was throwing at Ariona’s Chris Synder, though he was expected to appeal.
Milton Bradley has avoided suspension but already has been ejected twice for arguing balls and strikes. The Mariners, taking the spring-training view, say they are not concerned. Manager Don Wakamatsu, in fact, called out umpires for a "witch hunt" on his often-troubled player.
"Milton’s here, I’ve been very pleased," Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said last week. "He’s swung the bat very well lately. In the clubhouse, he’s been very engaging. The players like him. Milton likes it here. I don’t care what’s happened in the past. All I care about is what Milton doing right now and I’m very pleased with it."
Rockies
Even true optimist Jim Tracy has to be worried about the end of his bullpen. Its two most important members, Rafael Betancourt and closer Huston Street, are not likely to be 100 percent soon. Street, in fact, might not pitch before May.
The news could have been worse, though. An MRI showed no structural damage on Street’s throwing shoulder so he should pitch sometime sooner than later. How effective he is remains to be determined.
Much like we’ll have to wait and see how bad springs carry over into the regular season.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Rough springs don’t always turn into tough seasons. Alex Rodriguez’s steroids admission and hip injury dampened the Yankees’ camp last year and they won the World Series. On the flip side, check the Mets: Their injuries started early with Johan Santana’s elbow stiffness and never let up. They still haven’t, in fact.
Any manager will tell you getting out of spring training with a healthy roster is more important than winning, putting up numbers or even figuring out that No. 5 starter.
"You want to be healthy so good players can be productive, that’s the idea," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Monday.
His Red Sox have dealt with their share of nagging issues and a bug that spread through the clubhouse but they seem to be gaining full health just at the right time — in the stretch drive of spring training.
Spring has not been quite so kind to four other contenders.
Rangers
Things seemed to be flowing their way after the ownership change ended with Nolan Ryan where he should be, in charge of the baseball side. But then spring training began. Besides injuries, the Rangers also have had to deal with the biggest drug story of the spring: Manager Ron Washington’s positive test for cocaine last season.
The Rangers have had to deal with revelations of Ron Washington’s 2009 positive drug test.
Give the club credit for giving him a second chance. Give Washington his due for being as up front as one can be about his transgression (well, after he changed his story a bit and admitted he had used other drugs before). He offered to resign and said, "I am not here to make excuses. There are none. I am not here to ask for sympathy. That would be asking too much."
Washington certainly faces more pressure to win if he wants to manage past this season and adding to that challenge is a spate of injuries. Slugger Josh Hamilton, who missed half of last season, banged a shoulder early in camp and was sidelined for more than week. Then he had to deal with an infected tooth. He’s been in the lineup lately, though, and is hitting well. Second baseman Ian Kinsler can’t say the same. He suffered a high ankle sprain early in March, hasn’t returned and might not be ready by opening day. Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia was scratched from a game Sunday because of an upper back issue. He already has trying to come back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2009 in August. The Rangers must be concerned because they traded for another catcher, Matt Treanor, on Monday.
Two of the club’s promising starters, Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland, have been slowed or sidelined. Hunter was penciled into the rotation until he came down with an ab injury. Considering he has, shall we say, a lot of core to support, the injury could linger. Holland’s chance to make the rotation went awry when he sprained a knee early in camp and fell behind. Another lefty, C.J. Wilson, however, has made the most of his opportunity to make the rotation and emerged as the favorite for one of two available spots.
Twins
No club has dealt with such a high and a low this spring, and in the same day no less. A day that started with All-Star closer Joe Nathan saying he would have season-ending Tommy John surgery ended with the club announcing MVP Joe Mauer had agreed to an eight-year, $184 million extension that should keep him in Minnesota through 2018.
As great as Mauer staying is for the future of the club — and the game, really — Nathan’s absence could derail the present. The Twins will say little about his replacement, though 6-11 Jon Rauch figures to be the most likely in-house choice.
But don’t be surprised if Francisco Liriano emerges before opening day. Liriano is the club’s former uber-lefty who has not quite been the same since he underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2006 season. Manager Ron Gardenhire, however, was talking up Liriano on Sunday, saying Liriano’s slider is back to 2006 form when he was blowign away the AL after being called up as a 22-year-old. "Those sliders he threw the other day are unhittable," Gardenhire said. "Guys were swinging and missing by a foot. That slider is really snapping. It is a hard slider."
It should be noted that a year ago, Gardenhire was saying much the same. What has changed, however, is improved fastball location and the return of Liriano’s confidence. But Gardenhire is coy when asked if Liriano, no shoo-in for the rotation, could end up working the ninth inning.
"There’s one guy who we all know who can be a closer," Gardenhire said, and he was referring to Liriano. "He’s got all the closing stuff: punch-out pitches, the whole package. Whether it’s the right thing or whether he wants to do it or not, we’ll have to wait and see."
What if Liriano comes to you and volunteer to closes? "We would talk about him, for sure, if he wants to close. Definitely." Gardenhire said.
Cliff Lee has had to deal with an injury and a suspension this spring.
Mariners
Two of their key newcomers have struggled. Lefty Cliff Lee had a foot procedure before spring training that slowed him early and the dreaded abdominal strain — or something akin — struck last week. He will not throw again til the end of the week, likely delaying at least his first start. If injury didn’t threaten his Seattle debut, suspension did. Lee got five games after the commissioner’s office ruled he was throwing at Ariona’s Chris Synder, though he was expected to appeal.
Milton Bradley has avoided suspension but already has been ejected twice for arguing balls and strikes. The Mariners, taking the spring-training view, say they are not concerned. Manager Don Wakamatsu, in fact, called out umpires for a "witch hunt" on his often-troubled player.
"Milton’s here, I’ve been very pleased," Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said last week. "He’s swung the bat very well lately. In the clubhouse, he’s been very engaging. The players like him. Milton likes it here. I don’t care what’s happened in the past. All I care about is what Milton doing right now and I’m very pleased with it."
Rockies
Even true optimist Jim Tracy has to be worried about the end of his bullpen. Its two most important members, Rafael Betancourt and closer Huston Street, are not likely to be 100 percent soon. Street, in fact, might not pitch before May.
The news could have been worse, though. An MRI showed no structural damage on Street’s throwing shoulder so he should pitch sometime sooner than later. How effective he is remains to be determined.
Much like we’ll have to wait and see how bad springs carry over into the regular season.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins helped his draft stock following the East-West Shrine Game.
Virginia’s March 18 pro day turned out to be a mixed bag for Cavaliers draft prospects. OT Will Barker, who was viewed as either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, definitely helped himself.
Barker had an outstanding workout, showing a surprising combination of athleticism, flexibility and quick feet. For a big tackle (6-7 1/8, 317 pounds) to move like he did, it pretty much assures Barker of being drafted.
As for DT Nate Collins (6-2, 279) who had a very good week of practice leading up to the East-West Shrine Game, continued his strong spring with a good all-around workout. For an undersized tackle who once looked like he was undraftable, Collins’ performance was convincing enough to merit late-round consideration.
While Collins and Barker helped themselves, CB Chris Cook (6-2, 212) went in the opposite direction after being one of the spring’s fastest risers. He was good at the Senior Bowl and worked out well at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he really struggled back in Charlottesville.
Cook did not look prepared for his pro day and did not seem to be interested in being his best. Some of those in attendance commented that his performance was a "waste of a day."
• Vanderbilt’s pro day on March 19 was another up-and-down event with some players helping their values while one in particular hurt his.
DE Steve Stone (6-5, 277) looked good and turned in a fine all-around workout, including a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot 9-inch broad jump, a 4.4-second short shuttle, a 7.1-second 3-cone drill and a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. After struggling with injuries during his college career and then flashing NFL talent as a senior, Stone’s performance could wind up getting him drafted.
OT Dwayne Welch also had a solid workout, improving upon his performance at the Combine. For a player who was viewed as an undrafted prospect two months ago, Welch’s performances in Indianapolis and Nashville likely put him in position to be drafted late.
It was not a good day, however, for CB Myron Lewis, considered by many to be a top draft sleeper. After a bad showing, he could end up freefalling down draft boards. He looked stiff throughout his workout and struggled to change directions quickly and fluidly. Nearly as bad was that he seemed to lack intensity and energy during the workout, which makes one wonder if he really wanted to be there.
• As Tulane also held its pro day on the 19th, not much was expected of its prospects after neither WR Jeremy Williams nor RB Andre Anderson shined at the Combine. Those NFL observers in attendance got a pleasant surprise.
Williams greatly improved his 40-yard time by running in the mid 4.4-second range. Also important, he ran good routes and showed great hands when catching the ball. For someone considered a sleeper before his struggles at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Williams needed that kind of pro day to get his name back into the mix as a possible third- or fourth-round pick.
Although Anderson didn’t show the same blazing speed, his overall workout may have been even more impressive. He stayed in the 4.5-second range in the 40, while recording a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump and a 39-inch vertical jump. He also showed great agility with a fine 3-cone drill (6.91 seconds) and some pop in the short shuttle (4.10 seconds).
He also looked strong in position drills, showing off good pass-catching skills and unexpected athleticism. Anderson’s workout was good enough to make him go from going undrafted to a selection as high as the fifth round.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins helped his draft stock following the East-West Shrine Game.
Virginia’s March 18 pro day turned out to be a mixed bag for Cavaliers draft prospects. OT Will Barker, who was viewed as either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, definitely helped himself.
Barker had an outstanding workout, showing a surprising combination of athleticism, flexibility and quick feet. For a big tackle (6-7 1/8, 317 pounds) to move like he did, it pretty much assures Barker of being drafted.
As for DT Nate Collins (6-2, 279) who had a very good week of practice leading up to the East-West Shrine Game, continued his strong spring with a good all-around workout. For an undersized tackle who once looked like he was undraftable, Collins’ performance was convincing enough to merit late-round consideration.
While Collins and Barker helped themselves, CB Chris Cook (6-2, 212) went in the opposite direction after being one of the spring’s fastest risers. He was good at the Senior Bowl and worked out well at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he really struggled back in Charlottesville.
Cook did not look prepared for his pro day and did not seem to be interested in being his best. Some of those in attendance commented that his performance was a "waste of a day."
• Vanderbilt’s pro day on March 19 was another up-and-down event with some players helping their values while one in particular hurt his.
DE Steve Stone (6-5, 277) looked good and turned in a fine all-around workout, including a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot 9-inch broad jump, a 4.4-second short shuttle, a 7.1-second 3-cone drill and a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. After struggling with injuries during his college career and then flashing NFL talent as a senior, Stone’s performance could wind up getting him drafted.
OT Dwayne Welch also had a solid workout, improving upon his performance at the Combine. For a player who was viewed as an undrafted prospect two months ago, Welch’s performances in Indianapolis and Nashville likely put him in position to be drafted late.
It was not a good day, however, for CB Myron Lewis, considered by many to be a top draft sleeper. After a bad showing, he could end up freefalling down draft boards. He looked stiff throughout his workout and struggled to change directions quickly and fluidly. Nearly as bad was that he seemed to lack intensity and energy during the workout, which makes one wonder if he really wanted to be there.
• As Tulane also held its pro day on the 19th, not much was expected of its prospects after neither WR Jeremy Williams nor RB Andre Anderson shined at the Combine. Those NFL observers in attendance got a pleasant surprise.
Williams greatly improved his 40-yard time by running in the mid 4.4-second range. Also important, he ran good routes and showed great hands when catching the ball. For someone considered a sleeper before his struggles at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Williams needed that kind of pro day to get his name back into the mix as a possible third- or fourth-round pick.
Although Anderson didn’t show the same blazing speed, his overall workout may have been even more impressive. He stayed in the 4.5-second range in the 40, while recording a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump and a 39-inch vertical jump. He also showed great agility with a fine 3-cone drill (6.91 seconds) and some pop in the short shuttle (4.10 seconds).
He also looked strong in position drills, showing off good pass-catching skills and unexpected athleticism. Anderson’s workout was good enough to make him go from going undrafted to a selection as high as the fifth round.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Despite a late-season slide that nearly cost them the division — Los Angeles lost seven of its final 11 regular season games — the Dodgers finished with the National League’s best record (95-67) in 2009. However, they once again fell flat against the Phillies in the NLCS. Perhaps a result of their owners’ pending divorce, the Dodgers lost more talent than they acquired this offseason, costing them their designation of NL West favorites.
Manny Ramirez struggled at the plate after returning from his 50-game suspension.
Three questions
1. Which Manny Ramirez will show up?
Ramirez was rolling (.348 average, six homers, 20 RBIs in 27 games) before his shocking 50-game suspension in early May. After returning, he hit .269-13-43 in 77 games. He lost bat speed and confidence, and approaching age 38, there are doubts about whether he can recapture the form that made him an instant sensation/hero upon his arrival in Los Angeles in 2008.
Among the Dodgers’ starting outfielders, Ramirez already was the weakest defensively. Now he enters the season as arguably the third most productive offensively. Andre Ethier (31 homers, 106 RBIs) and Matt Kemp (26 homers, 101 RBIs) both are coming off career years and have yet to peak. "Manny is no different than any other player in that he’s going to have his ups and downs, but I’m not going to change a thing with Manny," hitting coach Don Mattingly said. "Manny is the last player that I’m worried about heading into (this) season."
2. Is the rotation strong enough?
The Dodgers opted not to offer Randy Wolf arbitration and declined their 2010 option on Jon Garland, losing both starters in free agency while getting nothing in return. Wolf led the staff with 34 starts and 214 1/2 innings pitched, while winning 11 games and posting a 3.23 ERA last season. After being acquired from Arizona in late August, Garland went 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six starts.
Because they failed to sign/trade for a No. 1 in the offseason, the responsibility will fall on the 22-year-old left shoulder of Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw’s 2.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts led the rotation in 2009, but it would be advantageous to ease him into the No. 1 role. The ideal No. 1 is Chad Billingsley, who faded badly (5.20 ERA) in the second half last season and has yet to solve his consistency issues. Behind them are the oft-injured Hiroki Kuroda, the temperamental Vicente Padilla and a huge void that could be filled by either Ramon or Russ Ortiz.
3. Should Russell Martin lose 25 pounds?
Frustrated by his declining production, Martin packed on 25 pounds this offseason. Early in camp, he suffered a strained groin muscle, which will sideline for the first couple weeks of the regular season. Martin recently told the Los Angeles Times that his extra bulk in no way contributed to his injury, but he has averaged 150 games played the past three season. While you could question his fading offensive output — from 19 homers and 87 RBIs in 2007 to seven homers and 53 RBIs in 2009 — Martin’s durability never was in doubt. Until now.
Projected lineup
1. SS Rafael Furcal: 12 SBs in ’09 were career-low for full season.
2. CF Matt Kemp: 30-30 season is close (26 HRs, 34 SBs) in ’09.
3. RF Andre Ethier: Fourth in MLB with 19 game-winning RBIs.
4. LF Manny Ramirez: .624 career SLG vs. lefties; slugged .514 vs. lefties in ’09.
5. 1B James Loney: 13 HRs, 90 RBIs in ’08 and ’09.
6. 3B Casey Blake: 9 HRs through May; 9 more rest of ’09.
7. C Russell Martin: SLG (.329) lower than his OBP (.352).
8. 2B Blake DeWitt: .276 career AVG at home; .239 on road.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Clayton Kershaw: Allowed no ERs in 9 of his 30 starts.
2. RHP Chad Billingsley: NL-worst 14 wild pitches last season.
3. RHP Hiroki Kuroda: Injuries limited him to 21 games (3.76 ERA).
4. RHP Vicente Padilla: 4-0, 3.20 ERA in eight games with L.A. in ’09.
5. RHP Ramon Ortiz: Last pitched in MLB in ’07 (5.45 ERA).
PROJECTED CLOSER
RHP Jonathan Broxton: Led MLB relievers with 114 K’s in ’09.
Grades
Offense: B. Despite Ramirez’s woes, the Dodgers finished first in the National League in on-base percentage, in a virtual tie for first in batting average and fourth in runs scored. However, they were 23rd in the majors in homers. A return to form by Ramirez and a little more pop from James Loney would be welcome.
Pitching: B. The Dodgers led the majors with a 3.41 staff ERA, and their rotation ERA (3.12) was nearly a half-run better than the next-best team’s (Oakland at 3.46). Their 3.58 rotation ERA ranked behind only the Braves’ 3.52. Anchored by dominant closer Jonathan Broxton the bullpen will be strong again. However, the rotation is weaker.
Bench: A. Newcomer Jamey Carroll can play all over the diamond. Ronnie Belliard (.351-5-17 after joining the Dodgers last August) moves to a reserve infielder role, and Reed Johnson is the fourth outfielder. It remains to be seen whether the bench will be big enough for Garret Anderson and Doug Mientkiewicz.
Manager: A. Torre has reached the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons but extending that streak to 15 will be challenging. Entering what could be his final season as a manager — there are discussions about a one-year extension that would keep him at the helm through the 2011 season — Torre must be near-flawless in his handling of the pitching staff.
Sporting News prediction: The Dodgers will hang tough in the NL West and NL wild-card races but will fall just short of a third consecutive division title and playoff berth.
Coming Tuesday: Rockies preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Despite a late-season slide that nearly cost them the division — Los Angeles lost seven of its final 11 regular season games — the Dodgers finished with the National League’s best record (95-67) in 2009. However, they once again fell flat against the Phillies in the NLCS. Perhaps a result of their owners’ pending divorce, the Dodgers lost more talent than they acquired this offseason, costing them their designation of NL West favorites.
Manny Ramirez struggled at the plate after returning from his 50-game suspension.
Three questions
1. Which Manny Ramirez will show up?
Ramirez was rolling (.348 average, six homers, 20 RBIs in 27 games) before his shocking 50-game suspension in early May. After returning, he hit .269-13-43 in 77 games. He lost bat speed and confidence, and approaching age 38, there are doubts about whether he can recapture the form that made him an instant sensation/hero upon his arrival in Los Angeles in 2008.
Among the Dodgers’ starting outfielders, Ramirez already was the weakest defensively. Now he enters the season as arguably the third most productive offensively. Andre Ethier (31 homers, 106 RBIs) and Matt Kemp (26 homers, 101 RBIs) both are coming off career years and have yet to peak. "Manny is no different than any other player in that he’s going to have his ups and downs, but I’m not going to change a thing with Manny," hitting coach Don Mattingly said. "Manny is the last player that I’m worried about heading into (this) season."
2. Is the rotation strong enough?
The Dodgers opted not to offer Randy Wolf arbitration and declined their 2010 option on Jon Garland, losing both starters in free agency while getting nothing in return. Wolf led the staff with 34 starts and 214 1/2 innings pitched, while winning 11 games and posting a 3.23 ERA last season. After being acquired from Arizona in late August, Garland went 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six starts.
Because they failed to sign/trade for a No. 1 in the offseason, the responsibility will fall on the 22-year-old left shoulder of Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw’s 2.79 ERA and 185 strikeouts led the rotation in 2009, but it would be advantageous to ease him into the No. 1 role. The ideal No. 1 is Chad Billingsley, who faded badly (5.20 ERA) in the second half last season and has yet to solve his consistency issues. Behind them are the oft-injured Hiroki Kuroda, the temperamental Vicente Padilla and a huge void that could be filled by either Ramon or Russ Ortiz.
3. Should Russell Martin lose 25 pounds?
Frustrated by his declining production, Martin packed on 25 pounds this offseason. Early in camp, he suffered a strained groin muscle, which will sideline for the first couple weeks of the regular season. Martin recently told the Los Angeles Times that his extra bulk in no way contributed to his injury, but he has averaged 150 games played the past three season. While you could question his fading offensive output — from 19 homers and 87 RBIs in 2007 to seven homers and 53 RBIs in 2009 — Martin’s durability never was in doubt. Until now.
Projected lineup
1. SS Rafael Furcal: 12 SBs in ’09 were career-low for full season.
2. CF Matt Kemp: 30-30 season is close (26 HRs, 34 SBs) in ’09.
3. RF Andre Ethier: Fourth in MLB with 19 game-winning RBIs.
4. LF Manny Ramirez: .624 career SLG vs. lefties; slugged .514 vs. lefties in ’09.
5. 1B James Loney: 13 HRs, 90 RBIs in ’08 and ’09.
6. 3B Casey Blake: 9 HRs through May; 9 more rest of ’09.
7. C Russell Martin: SLG (.329) lower than his OBP (.352).
8. 2B Blake DeWitt: .276 career AVG at home; .239 on road.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Clayton Kershaw: Allowed no ERs in 9 of his 30 starts.
2. RHP Chad Billingsley: NL-worst 14 wild pitches last season.
3. RHP Hiroki Kuroda: Injuries limited him to 21 games (3.76 ERA).
4. RHP Vicente Padilla: 4-0, 3.20 ERA in eight games with L.A. in ’09.
5. RHP Ramon Ortiz: Last pitched in MLB in ’07 (5.45 ERA).
PROJECTED CLOSER
RHP Jonathan Broxton: Led MLB relievers with 114 K’s in ’09.
Grades
Offense: B. Despite Ramirez’s woes, the Dodgers finished first in the National League in on-base percentage, in a virtual tie for first in batting average and fourth in runs scored. However, they were 23rd in the majors in homers. A return to form by Ramirez and a little more pop from James Loney would be welcome.
Pitching: B. The Dodgers led the majors with a 3.41 staff ERA, and their rotation ERA (3.12) was nearly a half-run better than the next-best team’s (Oakland at 3.46). Their 3.58 rotation ERA ranked behind only the Braves’ 3.52. Anchored by dominant closer Jonathan Broxton the bullpen will be strong again. However, the rotation is weaker.
Bench: A. Newcomer Jamey Carroll can play all over the diamond. Ronnie Belliard (.351-5-17 after joining the Dodgers last August) moves to a reserve infielder role, and Reed Johnson is the fourth outfielder. It remains to be seen whether the bench will be big enough for Garret Anderson and Doug Mientkiewicz.
Manager: A. Torre has reached the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons but extending that streak to 15 will be challenging. Entering what could be his final season as a manager — there are discussions about a one-year extension that would keep him at the helm through the 2011 season — Torre must be near-flawless in his handling of the pitching staff.
Sporting News prediction: The Dodgers will hang tough in the NL West and NL wild-card races but will fall just short of a third consecutive division title and playoff berth.
Coming Tuesday: Rockies preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Chris Perez, RP, Indians
At one time Chris Perez was the Cardinals’ closer-in-waiting, but at midseason in 2009 St. Louis traded him to Cleveland for Mark DeRosa during a playoff push. Now, with Kerry Wood out 6-8 weeks because of a strained muscle beneath his pitching shoulder, Perez finally gets his chance as a big-league closer.
Perez has a career K/9 ratio of 10.7 that along with a 1.19 WHIP could indicate future success as a closer. Perez’s WHIP was even better than that (1.08) after the trade to Cleveland last year. Wood’s history of arm injuries might make him slow to recover, so Perez could be Cleveland’s closer well into May.
What’s that worth in your fantasy draft? Look at Perez as a possible third closer in standard mixed leagues. Getting quality innings from him early in the season is just the boost owners who wait to draft closers need. However, should Perez falter (he is only 24 after all) keep Jensen Lewis and prospect Josh Judy in mind. They are expected to be next in line in Cleveland.
Chris Perez, RP, Indians
At one time Chris Perez was the Cardinals’ closer-in-waiting, but at midseason in 2009 St. Louis traded him to Cleveland for Mark DeRosa during a playoff push. Now, with Kerry Wood out 6-8 weeks because of a strained muscle beneath his pitching shoulder, Perez finally gets his chance as a big-league closer.
Perez has a career K/9 ratio of 10.7 that along with a 1.19 WHIP could indicate future success as a closer. Perez’s WHIP was even better than that (1.08) after the trade to Cleveland last year. Wood’s history of arm injuries might make him slow to recover, so Perez could be Cleveland’s closer well into May.
What’s that worth in your fantasy draft? Look at Perez as a possible third closer in standard mixed leagues. Getting quality innings from him early in the season is just the boost owners who wait to draft closers need. However, should Perez falter (he is only 24 after all) keep Jensen Lewis and prospect Josh Judy in mind. They are expected to be next in line in Cleveland.
