As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
• During Rutgers’ pro day on March 10, much of the talk was about the Scarlet Knights’ top draft prospect, OT Anthony Davis, not working out because of illness. Among the players who did work out, however, OLB Damaso Munoz did well to improve his standing.
When first evaluating Munoz on film, he looked like a fifth- or sixth-round pick with some potential to grow because of his speed and athleticism. However, he hadn’t been getting much attention and didn’t get invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Munoz changed the perception of his talents with his workout and is no longer an "unknown." Despite an undersized frame at 5-10 5/8, 221, he drew most of the attention by running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds and recording a 35-inch vertical jump.
• Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller received far less hype based on his play in the MAC last season than Central Michigan counterpart Dan LeFevour, but the reality is, based on workouts, Hiller may have passed LeFevour on draft boards.
Hiller’s performance at the Broncos’ pro day on March 9 wasn’t quite good enough to get him into the top three rounds, but excelled at throwing the ball, looking like an NFL-caliber quarterback. That development was surprising, considering his mighty struggles during practices leading up to the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game. At this point, Hiller is worthy of a late fourth-round or early fifth-round pick.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Draft Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room. For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
• During Rutgers’ pro day on March 10, much of the talk was about the Scarlet Knights’ top draft prospect, OT Anthony Davis, not working out because of illness. Among the players who did work out, however, OLB Damaso Munoz did well to improve his standing.
When first evaluating Munoz on film, he looked like a fifth- or sixth-round pick with some potential to grow because of his speed and athleticism. However, he hadn’t been getting much attention and didn’t get invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Munoz changed the perception of his talents with his workout and is no longer an "unknown." Despite an undersized frame at 5-10 5/8, 221, he drew most of the attention by running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds and recording a 35-inch vertical jump.
• Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller received far less hype based on his play in the MAC last season than Central Michigan counterpart Dan LeFevour, but the reality is, based on workouts, Hiller may have passed LeFevour on draft boards.
Hiller’s performance at the Broncos’ pro day on March 9 wasn’t quite good enough to get him into the top three rounds, but excelled at throwing the ball, looking like an NFL-caliber quarterback. That development was surprising, considering his mighty struggles during practices leading up to the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game. At this point, Hiller is worthy of a late fourth-round or early fifth-round pick.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Draft Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room. For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
If the NFL offseason has not excited you yet, stay tuned.
Between the draft and signings or trades involving star players, many important offseason moves have yet to be made. Potential headlines that would further shake up the offseason include:
Sam Bradford goes No. 1 to the Rams
Why it could happen: The Rams need a quarterback, and Bradford is the best one in this draft. Taking Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy would be a safer choice for the Rams, because both defensive tackles are considered can’t-miss. But after passing on Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez in recent drafts, the Rams cannot afford to pass on Bradford unless they are convinced he will not be that good.
"I think it’s more than a 50-50 chance that Bradford winds up going No. 1," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said during a conference call. "It’s (quarterback) their biggest need, it’s the most important position. He has everything you look for when trying to find a quarterback that can be a franchise guy and a very good starter for you, from the accuracy, to the intelligence, to the toughness and intangibles.”
What the Rams do at No. 1 will have a huge impact on an unpredictable draft. The Lions (No. 2) don’t need a quarterback, and will probably take either Suh or McCoy. But the Redskins will have an interesting decision at No. 4. If Bradford is gone, do the Redskins like quarterback Jimmy Clausen enough to take him at No. 4, when they badly need a left tackle like Russell Okung? And will anyone be bold enough to trade up for Clausen or Bradford, the way the Jets traded up for Sanchez last year? No matter how it plays out, the draft will be fascinating, with plenty of second-guessing afterward.
The Eagles trade one of their quarterbacks
Why it could happen: Having Vick as a No. 3 quarterback is a luxury, not a need. I still do not believe Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick all will be with the Eagles by Week 1. Moving Vick is the most likely scenario. Somebody will offer something for Vick that the Eagles have to think hard about, either before the draft, during the draft, or during July and August when injuries start to occur.
Kolb is the Eagles’ quarterback of the future and is probably the least likely to be moved. Next season could be McNabb’s last with the Eagles. But only an overwhelming offer would make the Eagles trade McNabb before he gets a final chance to win a Super Bowl. Vick is the quarterback the Eagles should trade.
Brandon Marshall is traded to the Jets
Why it could happen: The Jets need a wide receiver, they are not afraid to make bold moves, and the Broncos are willing to part with Marshall. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was evasive when asked during a conference call last week whether he and coach Rex Ryan have discussed trading for Marshall.
"He’s under contract with another team," Tannenbaum said. "Rex throws a lot of ideas at me. I throw a lot at him. We talk about a lot of things, but we’re excited about the receivers we have."
Giving up a first-round pick is not too expensive for Marshall, especially for a contender like the Jets. He is a proven NFL playmaker, better than any wide receiver the Jets are going to get in this draft. Marshall turns 26 on Tuesday, meaning he could help his next team for years. Getting Marshall would make Sanchez a better quarterback, and the Jets a better team.
Tim Tebow is drafted no later than the second round
Why it could happen: Teams love his attitude, work ethic and willingness to change his throwing motion. He will spark fan interest and publicity, and the NFL is a quarterback-driven league.
After watching Tebow at the Senior Bowl, I felt that any NFL team that drafted him in the first two rounds was taking a huge gamble. I still feel that way, as do many others, including McShay.
"In the first two rounds, you have to draft players who can start, and hopefully right away, or at least the second year," McShay said. "The team that drafts Tim Tebow and expects him to play in the first two years, that’s just not fair. He’s not ready."
But Tebow is scheduled to visit at least five teams before the draft – the Browns, Bills, Seahawks, Redskins, and Patriots. With so many teams interested, I think somebody will pluck Tebow no later than the second round, and hope he proves to be worth it.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
If the NFL offseason has not excited you yet, stay tuned.
Between the draft and signings or trades involving star players, many important offseason moves have yet to be made. Potential headlines that would further shake up the offseason include:
Sam Bradford goes No. 1 to the Rams
Why it could happen: The Rams need a quarterback, and Bradford is the best one in this draft. Taking Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy would be a safer choice for the Rams, because both defensive tackles are considered can’t-miss. But after passing on Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez in recent drafts, the Rams cannot afford to pass on Bradford unless they are convinced he will not be that good.
"I think it’s more than a 50-50 chance that Bradford winds up going No. 1," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said during a conference call. "It’s (quarterback) their biggest need, it’s the most important position. He has everything you look for when trying to find a quarterback that can be a franchise guy and a very good starter for you, from the accuracy, to the intelligence, to the toughness and intangibles.”
What the Rams do at No. 1 will have a huge impact on an unpredictable draft. The Lions (No. 2) don’t need a quarterback, and will probably take either Suh or McCoy. But the Redskins will have an interesting decision at No. 4. If Bradford is gone, do the Redskins like quarterback Jimmy Clausen enough to take him at No. 4, when they badly need a left tackle like Russell Okung? And will anyone be bold enough to trade up for Clausen or Bradford, the way the Jets traded up for Sanchez last year? No matter how it plays out, the draft will be fascinating, with plenty of second-guessing afterward.
The Eagles trade one of their quarterbacks
Why it could happen: Having Vick as a No. 3 quarterback is a luxury, not a need. I still do not believe Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick all will be with the Eagles by Week 1. Moving Vick is the most likely scenario. Somebody will offer something for Vick that the Eagles have to think hard about, either before the draft, during the draft, or during July and August when injuries start to occur.
Kolb is the Eagles’ quarterback of the future and is probably the least likely to be moved. Next season could be McNabb’s last with the Eagles. But only an overwhelming offer would make the Eagles trade McNabb before he gets a final chance to win a Super Bowl. Vick is the quarterback the Eagles should trade.
Brandon Marshall is traded to the Jets
Why it could happen: The Jets need a wide receiver, they are not afraid to make bold moves, and the Broncos are willing to part with Marshall. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was evasive when asked during a conference call last week whether he and coach Rex Ryan have discussed trading for Marshall.
"He’s under contract with another team," Tannenbaum said. "Rex throws a lot of ideas at me. I throw a lot at him. We talk about a lot of things, but we’re excited about the receivers we have."
Giving up a first-round pick is not too expensive for Marshall, especially for a contender like the Jets. He is a proven NFL playmaker, better than any wide receiver the Jets are going to get in this draft. Marshall turns 26 on Tuesday, meaning he could help his next team for years. Getting Marshall would make Sanchez a better quarterback, and the Jets a better team.
Tim Tebow is drafted no later than the second round
Why it could happen: Teams love his attitude, work ethic and willingness to change his throwing motion. He will spark fan interest and publicity, and the NFL is a quarterback-driven league.
After watching Tebow at the Senior Bowl, I felt that any NFL team that drafted him in the first two rounds was taking a huge gamble. I still feel that way, as do many others, including McShay.
"In the first two rounds, you have to draft players who can start, and hopefully right away, or at least the second year," McShay said. "The team that drafts Tim Tebow and expects him to play in the first two years, that’s just not fair. He’s not ready."
But Tebow is scheduled to visit at least five teams before the draft – the Browns, Bills, Seahawks, Redskins, and Patriots. With so many teams interested, I think somebody will pluck Tebow no later than the second round, and hope he proves to be worth it.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune confirmed the Twins have scouted Padres closer Heath Bell as a possible replacement for Joe Nathan, who could be facing season-ending Tommy John surgery.
The newspaper noted the team likely has compiled a list of possible trade targets to fill its closer void, but it first will focus on in-house candidates. Those include Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier and Jose Mijares.
Nathan was expected to test his elbow with a throwing session this weekend.
Sporting News staff reports
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune confirmed the Twins have scouted Padres closer Heath Bell as a possible replacement for Joe Nathan, who could be facing season-ending Tommy John surgery.
The newspaper noted the team likely has compiled a list of possible trade targets to fill its closer void, but it first will focus on in-house candidates. Those include Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier and Jose Mijares.
Nathan was expected to test his elbow with a throwing session this weekend.
Sporting News staff reports
The Chicago Tribune speculated the Cubs’ window of opportunity could be closing, meaning the team could have a different look in 2011.
Manager Lou Piniella is in the final year of his contract, as are first baseman Derrek Lee and left-hander Ted Lilly. In addition, key core player such as left fielder Alfonso Soriano, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and right-hander Ryan Dempster are in their 30s and coming off injuries in 2009.
"I don’t think you ever think about anything like that," Lee told the newspaper. "You only worry about winning games. All the other stuff takes care of itself."
Sporting News staff reports
The Chicago Tribune speculated the Cubs’ window of opportunity could be closing, meaning the team could have a different look in 2011.
Manager Lou Piniella is in the final year of his contract, as are first baseman Derrek Lee and left-hander Ted Lilly. In addition, key core player such as left fielder Alfonso Soriano, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and right-hander Ryan Dempster are in their 30s and coming off injuries in 2009.
"I don’t think you ever think about anything like that," Lee told the newspaper. "You only worry about winning games. All the other stuff takes care of itself."
Sporting News staff reports
Nationals rookie righthander Stephen Strasburg will begin the season at Class AA Harrisburg, according to team’s website. He was optioned there this morning.
General manager Mike Rizzo told the website that he doesn’t like to rush pitching prospects. In addition, the Nationals want Strasburg to work on holding runners on, fielding bunts and pitch selection.
"I try to get as much information from the coaches and players that I can. It will make me a better ballplayer and help this team win some ballgames," Strasburg told the website Friday. "I’ve been able to make some adjustments working with (pitching coach) Steve McCatty in the bullpen.
"I try to throw as many pitches as I can — starting in the strike zone to force contact and not nibble. I just have been really trying to work hard and I’ve been able to have a little bit of success here so far."
In his final Grapefruit League start Friday, Strasburg allowed two solo homers in the first inning but struck out eight Cardinals over four innings. In three starts this spring, Strasburg posted a 2.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in nine innings.
Rookie reliever Drew Storen, selected No. 10 overall in the 2009 draft, also was optioned to Class AA by Washington on Saturday.
Sporting News staff reports
Nationals rookie righthander Stephen Strasburg will begin the season at Class AA Harrisburg, according to team’s website. He was optioned there this morning.
General manager Mike Rizzo told the website that he doesn’t like to rush pitching prospects. In addition, the Nationals want Strasburg to work on holding runners on, fielding bunts and pitch selection.
"I try to get as much information from the coaches and players that I can. It will make me a better ballplayer and help this team win some ballgames," Strasburg told the website Friday. "I’ve been able to make some adjustments working with (pitching coach) Steve McCatty in the bullpen.
"I try to throw as many pitches as I can — starting in the strike zone to force contact and not nibble. I just have been really trying to work hard and I’ve been able to have a little bit of success here so far."
In his final Grapefruit League start Friday, Strasburg allowed two solo homers in the first inning but struck out eight Cardinals over four innings. In three starts this spring, Strasburg posted a 2.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in nine innings.
Rookie reliever Drew Storen, selected No. 10 overall in the 2009 draft, also was optioned to Class AA by Washington on Saturday.
Sporting News staff reports
Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn is willing to continue contract discussions during the season, but he doesn’t want the talks to go on all summer.
Dunn, who can be a free agent after the season, tells MLB.com there’s no hard deadline to complete an extension. He earlier said he wanted to get a deal done by opening day.
"There is progress being made, but I don’t want any distractions during the season. When (the trade deadline) comes around, my name gets thrown around. I hate that," the Web site quotes Dunn as saying.
"If we are close to getting something done and it drags on for a couple of weeks into the season, OK. But I don’t want it to drag on until the All-Star break or things like that. We’ll just pick it up again (after the season)."
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo tells the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network that he and Dunn’s agent, Greg Genske, have been talking since the start of spring training. Rizzo also is fine with negotiations extending into the season.
"I hate to put any date restrictions on anything, because I don’t want to rush anything. I don’t want him to feel rushed, and we don’t want to feel rushed," Rizzo told the network’s Web site. "If there’s a deal to be done here, we certainly have both sides that are willing participants."
Dunn is in the final season of a two-year, $20 million contract. He is due to make $12 million this year.
Sporting News staff reports
Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn is willing to continue contract discussions during the season, but he doesn’t want the talks to go on all summer.
Dunn, who can be a free agent after the season, tells MLB.com there’s no hard deadline to complete an extension. He earlier said he wanted to get a deal done by opening day.
"There is progress being made, but I don’t want any distractions during the season. When (the trade deadline) comes around, my name gets thrown around. I hate that," the Web site quotes Dunn as saying.
"If we are close to getting something done and it drags on for a couple of weeks into the season, OK. But I don’t want it to drag on until the All-Star break or things like that. We’ll just pick it up again (after the season)."
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo tells the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network that he and Dunn’s agent, Greg Genske, have been talking since the start of spring training. Rizzo also is fine with negotiations extending into the season.
"I hate to put any date restrictions on anything, because I don’t want to rush anything. I don’t want him to feel rushed, and we don’t want to feel rushed," Rizzo told the network’s Web site. "If there’s a deal to be done here, we certainly have both sides that are willing participants."
Dunn is in the final season of a two-year, $20 million contract. He is due to make $12 million this year.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran told the New York Daily News that his surgically repaired knee is improving, but added that the real test will come when he begins baseball-related activity.
Beltran won’t start running until April and won’t do full-time baseball activities until mid-April; therefore, the newspaper speculated, the center fielder won’t return to the Mets’ lineup until at least early May.
Meanwhile, the New York Post reported manager Jerry Manuel asked right fielder Jeff Francoeur to steal more bases last season when he was acquired from the Braves. Francoeur, however, said he didn’t know how because stealing wasn’t a big part of Atlanta’s offensive strategy. In five seasons, he has 15 steals. Manuel wants Francoeur to do more running this season.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran told the New York Daily News that his surgically repaired knee is improving, but added that the real test will come when he begins baseball-related activity.
Beltran won’t start running until April and won’t do full-time baseball activities until mid-April; therefore, the newspaper speculated, the center fielder won’t return to the Mets’ lineup until at least early May.
Meanwhile, the New York Post reported manager Jerry Manuel asked right fielder Jeff Francoeur to steal more bases last season when he was acquired from the Braves. Francoeur, however, said he didn’t know how because stealing wasn’t a big part of Atlanta’s offensive strategy. In five seasons, he has 15 steals. Manuel wants Francoeur to do more running this season.
By Stan McNeal
Sporting News’ Stan McNeal visited Braves and Astros camps Friday:
Heyward does it again
Jason Heyward continues to keep auto insurers busy. In batting practice Friday, the 20-year-old uber-prospect hit another car with one of his mammoth home runs. This was quite a precision shot. Heyward dodged the protective nets in right field and landed this homer smack in the middle of a rearview mirror of Braves’ media relations director Brad Hainje. The mirror was smashed, but no harm was done to the part that contains the mirror.
Heyward — some are calling him the "Say Hey Kid" — has been the hit of spring training, as much for his batting practice shows as for an overall game that is far ahead of most his age. He has walked nine times and struck out only three. He is hitting .440, runs the bases well, plays good defense and goes about his business like a veteran.
So how many more cars will he have to bruise before the Braves announce he will open the season as their right fielder?
"He’s left me some messages," Braves general manager Frank Wren said, "But we haven’t talked yet."
The decision will not hinge on finances, Wren said. "It’s about being competitive," he insisted.
Finances, however, are worth considering. It is about service time. After six seasons, players are eligible to become free agents. If Heyward is in the majors all of 2010, that counts as one season. If the Braves send him to the minors for just a couple of weeks, however, Heyward then would not accrue the 172 days needed for a full season of service time and would have to wait another year to become a free agent.
If you think that is forecasting a bit too far ahead, Wren won’t disagree. "Who’s smart enough to know what’s going to happen in the next six years?" he asked.
Who’s smart enough to know what will happen in the next six weeks? As Wren pointed out, "What if we send him down and he hits .150 because he’s trying so hard to get up here. How would we bring him up then?"
Jair Jurrjens is getting closer
The Braves’ 24-year-old ace says he is "80 percent," no make it "90 percent" ready to start the season. He has made two spring training starts — the first was rained out — since being delayed by shoulder pain in February. The feeling in his shoulder was more than scary. "It was pain," he said. "I couldn’t play catch at 60 feet."
He still feels occasional "tightness" but is not expected to miss any more starts, in spring or the regular season.
Lance Berkman is, too, slowly
Six days after left knee surgery, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman is looking like he is a month away from returning. He was walking gingerly through the Astros’ clubhouse Friday morning — but not limping. Doctors want him to walk normally, even if that means walking very slowly. "I want to pick up the pace and drag it," he said.
The knee remains swollen and he has been limited to a little work on the stationary bike. "Range of motion stuff," he said.
Berkman said the swelling went down noticeably in the first 24 hours after surgery but has not subsided any further in the past three or four days.
He said surgery was the right option because he didn’t want to be limited throughout the season.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
By Stan McNeal
Sporting News’ Stan McNeal visited Braves and Astros camps Friday:
Heyward does it again
Jason Heyward continues to keep auto insurers busy. In batting practice Friday, the 20-year-old uber-prospect hit another car with one of his mammoth home runs. This was quite a precision shot. Heyward dodged the protective nets in right field and landed this homer smack in the middle of a rearview mirror of Braves’ media relations director Brad Hainje. The mirror was smashed, but no harm was done to the part that contains the mirror.
Heyward — some are calling him the "Say Hey Kid" — has been the hit of spring training, as much for his batting practice shows as for an overall game that is far ahead of most his age. He has walked nine times and struck out only three. He is hitting .440, runs the bases well, plays good defense and goes about his business like a veteran.
So how many more cars will he have to bruise before the Braves announce he will open the season as their right fielder?
"He’s left me some messages," Braves general manager Frank Wren said, "But we haven’t talked yet."
The decision will not hinge on finances, Wren said. "It’s about being competitive," he insisted.
Finances, however, are worth considering. It is about service time. After six seasons, players are eligible to become free agents. If Heyward is in the majors all of 2010, that counts as one season. If the Braves send him to the minors for just a couple of weeks, however, Heyward then would not accrue the 172 days needed for a full season of service time and would have to wait another year to become a free agent.
If you think that is forecasting a bit too far ahead, Wren won’t disagree. "Who’s smart enough to know what’s going to happen in the next six years?" he asked.
Who’s smart enough to know what will happen in the next six weeks? As Wren pointed out, "What if we send him down and he hits .150 because he’s trying so hard to get up here. How would we bring him up then?"
Jair Jurrjens is getting closer
The Braves’ 24-year-old ace says he is "80 percent," no make it "90 percent" ready to start the season. He has made two spring training starts — the first was rained out — since being delayed by shoulder pain in February. The feeling in his shoulder was more than scary. "It was pain," he said. "I couldn’t play catch at 60 feet."
He still feels occasional "tightness" but is not expected to miss any more starts, in spring or the regular season.
Lance Berkman is, too, slowly
Six days after left knee surgery, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman is looking like he is a month away from returning. He was walking gingerly through the Astros’ clubhouse Friday morning — but not limping. Doctors want him to walk normally, even if that means walking very slowly. "I want to pick up the pace and drag it," he said.
The knee remains swollen and he has been limited to a little work on the stationary bike. "Range of motion stuff," he said.
Berkman said the swelling went down noticeably in the first 24 hours after surgery but has not subsided any further in the past three or four days.
He said surgery was the right option because he didn’t want to be limited throughout the season.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Once again, the A’s will have the smallest payroll and the biggest young arms in the American League. This offseason, Oakland added veteran Ben Sheets to the rotation and gave up on oft-injured Eric Chavez returning as its starting third baseman. There is depth in the rotation and the outfield, and more talented young players are on the way. The bottom line should be familiar, however: a fourth-place finish in the AL West.
Led by Rajai Davis, the A’s plan to run more this year.
Three questions
1. Where will the offense come from?
Not from the home run. After having success with small ball in the second half last season, the A’s—led by Rajai Davis—will be running from the start of 2010. "We don’t have a ton of power," manager Bob Geren said. "We’ll pay a lot of attention to the little things—moving a runner over, getting a run in with less than two outs." Geren said Oakland got used to competing in low-scoring games last year. "We have to learn how to win those close games," he said.
Oakland also hopes two of its new starters—Coco Crisp in center and Kevin Kouzmanoff at third—will give the club a lift in the speed and power departments, respectively. Neither, however, is an offensive force. Crisp has a career .331 on-base percentage, and Kouzmanoff has only 59 homers over the past three seasons (though Petco Park was his home park).
2. How deep is the rotation?
If Justin Duchscherer is healthy, the A’s will have enough starters to field two four-man rotations. Sheets and Duchscherer are the only 30-somethings in the group. The rest come from all corners of the country but have a couple of things in common: "Youth and talent," Geren said. Brett Anderson, 22, is the lone lock among them after making 30 starts with a 4.06 ERA last season as a rookie.
Dallas Braden, 26, will make the rotation as long as he is recovered from a season-ending foot injury in 2009. Trevor Cahill, 22, posted a 4.63 ERA in 32 starts in 2009. Gio Gonzalez, 24, has looked good in camp and is competing with Vin Mazzaro and Josh Outman. "The depth is going to make a big difference," Geren says. "If somebody has a setback, we have a lot more quality in our organization."
3. What can Chavez contribute?
After all the injuries he has endured, 20 homers and 400 at-bats would be a bonus. After another winter of rehabbing, Chavez reported to spring training as healthy as he has been since having two back and three shoulder surgeries in the past two years. Hoping that reduced playing time will help him last a full season, the A’s plan to use Chavez as a utility player. Chavez has been working at third, first and shortstop.
"Eric feels strong and is open to the idea of being a part-time player and playing other positions," Geren says, adding something he has said more than once regarding Oakland’s longest-tenured player. "We’re optimistic but time will tell how he does."
Projected lineup
1. LF Rajai Davis: .360 OBP, 41 SBs after April arrival.
2. CF Coco Crisp: Coming back from 2 shoulder surgeries.
3. C Kurt Suzuki: Led AL catchers with 83 RBIs in ’09.
4. DH Jack Cust: At least 25 HRs, 93 BBs past 3 seasons.
5. 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff: 9 HRs at Petco last season; 9 on road.
6. RF Ryan Sweeney: .348 OBP but just 6 HRs in ’09.
7. 2B Mark Ellis: .663 OPS at home last season; .751 on road.
8. 1B Daric Barton: Could lose playing time to Chavez.
9. SS Cliff Pennington: Must hold off Adam Rosales for job.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Ben Sheets: Missed all of ’09; has made 30 starts once since ’05.
2. LHP Dallas Braden: BB/9 has improved past two seasons.
3. RHP Justin Duchscherer: Missed ’09 with injuries, depression.
4. LHP Brett Anderson: Allowed .313 AVG vs. lefties in ’09.
5. RHP Trevor Cahill: 27 HRs in 178 2/3 IP last season.
Projected closer
RHP Andrew Bailey: AL rookie of the year had 1.86 ERA, second among AL closers.
Grades
Offense: C. Once the A’s started running last season, they started scoring. Only the Angels, Yankees and Red Sox scored more runs than Oakland in the second half. Crisp brings more speed, but a team-wide lack of power and a pitcher-friendly ballpark likely will result in another average offensive attack.
Pitching: B. Oakland’s staff will earn an "A" if Sheets and Duchscherer are healthy and effective after their season-long layoffs, and if a couple of the young starters continue to develop. The A’s bullpen led the AL with a 3.46 ERA last season and returns intact. As a bonus, reliever Joey Devine should return early in the season from Tommy John surgery.
Bench: B. Chavez, though not an everyday player, still could be the club’s best power threat. Gabe Gross and Travis Buck add depth to the outfield, as Rosales does to the infield. Backup catcher Landon Powell provides a bit of pop.
Manager: B. Geren has yet to have a winning season with 76, 75, and 75 wins in his three seasons as Oakland’s manager. But he does a nice job of bringing along the club’s young talent, of which there is plenty.
Sporting News prediction: Given the youth of their pitching staff last season, the A’s actually overachieved by winning 75 games. They will be improved and could push .500. But Seattle and Texas will be better, too, so another last-place finish is likely.
Coming Monday: Dodgers preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Once again, the A’s will have the smallest payroll and the biggest young arms in the American League. This offseason, Oakland added veteran Ben Sheets to the rotation and gave up on oft-injured Eric Chavez returning as its starting third baseman. There is depth in the rotation and the outfield, and more talented young players are on the way. The bottom line should be familiar, however: a fourth-place finish in the AL West.
Led by Rajai Davis, the A’s plan to run more this year.
Three questions
1. Where will the offense come from?
Not from the home run. After having success with small ball in the second half last season, the A’s—led by Rajai Davis—will be running from the start of 2010. "We don’t have a ton of power," manager Bob Geren said. "We’ll pay a lot of attention to the little things—moving a runner over, getting a run in with less than two outs." Geren said Oakland got used to competing in low-scoring games last year. "We have to learn how to win those close games," he said.
Oakland also hopes two of its new starters—Coco Crisp in center and Kevin Kouzmanoff at third—will give the club a lift in the speed and power departments, respectively. Neither, however, is an offensive force. Crisp has a career .331 on-base percentage, and Kouzmanoff has only 59 homers over the past three seasons (though Petco Park was his home park).
2. How deep is the rotation?
If Justin Duchscherer is healthy, the A’s will have enough starters to field two four-man rotations. Sheets and Duchscherer are the only 30-somethings in the group. The rest come from all corners of the country but have a couple of things in common: "Youth and talent," Geren said. Brett Anderson, 22, is the lone lock among them after making 30 starts with a 4.06 ERA last season as a rookie.
Dallas Braden, 26, will make the rotation as long as he is recovered from a season-ending foot injury in 2009. Trevor Cahill, 22, posted a 4.63 ERA in 32 starts in 2009. Gio Gonzalez, 24, has looked good in camp and is competing with Vin Mazzaro and Josh Outman. "The depth is going to make a big difference," Geren says. "If somebody has a setback, we have a lot more quality in our organization."
3. What can Chavez contribute?
After all the injuries he has endured, 20 homers and 400 at-bats would be a bonus. After another winter of rehabbing, Chavez reported to spring training as healthy as he has been since having two back and three shoulder surgeries in the past two years. Hoping that reduced playing time will help him last a full season, the A’s plan to use Chavez as a utility player. Chavez has been working at third, first and shortstop.
"Eric feels strong and is open to the idea of being a part-time player and playing other positions," Geren says, adding something he has said more than once regarding Oakland’s longest-tenured player. "We’re optimistic but time will tell how he does."
Projected lineup
1. LF Rajai Davis: .360 OBP, 41 SBs after April arrival.
2. CF Coco Crisp: Coming back from 2 shoulder surgeries.
3. C Kurt Suzuki: Led AL catchers with 83 RBIs in ’09.
4. DH Jack Cust: At least 25 HRs, 93 BBs past 3 seasons.
5. 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff: 9 HRs at Petco last season; 9 on road.
6. RF Ryan Sweeney: .348 OBP but just 6 HRs in ’09.
7. 2B Mark Ellis: .663 OPS at home last season; .751 on road.
8. 1B Daric Barton: Could lose playing time to Chavez.
9. SS Cliff Pennington: Must hold off Adam Rosales for job.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Ben Sheets: Missed all of ’09; has made 30 starts once since ’05.
2. LHP Dallas Braden: BB/9 has improved past two seasons.
3. RHP Justin Duchscherer: Missed ’09 with injuries, depression.
4. LHP Brett Anderson: Allowed .313 AVG vs. lefties in ’09.
5. RHP Trevor Cahill: 27 HRs in 178 2/3 IP last season.
Projected closer
RHP Andrew Bailey: AL rookie of the year had 1.86 ERA, second among AL closers.
Grades
Offense: C. Once the A’s started running last season, they started scoring. Only the Angels, Yankees and Red Sox scored more runs than Oakland in the second half. Crisp brings more speed, but a team-wide lack of power and a pitcher-friendly ballpark likely will result in another average offensive attack.
Pitching: B. Oakland’s staff will earn an "A" if Sheets and Duchscherer are healthy and effective after their season-long layoffs, and if a couple of the young starters continue to develop. The A’s bullpen led the AL with a 3.46 ERA last season and returns intact. As a bonus, reliever Joey Devine should return early in the season from Tommy John surgery.
Bench: B. Chavez, though not an everyday player, still could be the club’s best power threat. Gabe Gross and Travis Buck add depth to the outfield, as Rosales does to the infield. Backup catcher Landon Powell provides a bit of pop.
Manager: B. Geren has yet to have a winning season with 76, 75, and 75 wins in his three seasons as Oakland’s manager. But he does a nice job of bringing along the club’s young talent, of which there is plenty.
Sporting News prediction: Given the youth of their pitching staff last season, the A’s actually overachieved by winning 75 games. They will be improved and could push .500. But Seattle and Texas will be better, too, so another last-place finish is likely.
Coming Monday: Dodgers preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Golf: If Tiger Woods is going to agree to a sit-down interview before his appearance at The Masters the week of April 5, then, according to sources cited by the Chicago Sun-Times, the "most likely venue" would be an Easter (April 4) segment on "60 Minutes." One source told the Sun-Times, "The event would assure a ratings bonanza for CBS, it would give the network a three-night run of the NCAA men’s semifinals on Saturday, Tiger on "60 Minutes" and then the NCAA title game on Monday." So yeah, it’s still all about the money for so many people that Tiger will quickly be forgiven of any sins.
• Speaking of Tiger, EA Sports has selected Masters week for the full commercial release of its online version of "Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf," SportsBusiness Journal‘s Eric Fisher reports. The game has been in beta mode.
Baseball: The Yankees will be the next team catcher Joe Mauer plays for, a scout tells the N.Y. Daily News. But other folks are sayin’ catcher is the last place the Pinstripes need to invest.
NFL: More from the NYDN: Jets owner Woody Johnson may have cost New York the 2014 Super Bowl bid by ranting at Roger Goodell about the whole coin-flip thing deciding who gets to open the new Giants/Jets stadium. Fly’s take: Goodell is brilliant and market savvy – pretty sure he won’t let pettiness rule his decisions. Besides, as the story points out, Goodell doesn’t actually have a vote. We’re not sure at all about what will rule the decisions of the owners who do vote.
College football: Don’t go looking for Bobby Bowden at Florida State games this year, Macon.com advises. He’s giving Jimbo Fisher a little space. "Oh I will follow them on television and pull for them, but I want the other guy to have complete free reign," Bowden said of the ‘Noles and Fisher. "I don’t want anyone to think I am looking over his shoulder. I plan to get out of his way and let him go. But I will definitely be pulling for him. I think there is a greater chance that I will be following Terry and Jeffrey at Northern Alabama. It’s just something I have never been able to do, and it will be great to sit in the stands with my wife and watch my kids coach. There is no doubt that I will do that."
Golf: If Tiger Woods is going to agree to a sit-down interview before his appearance at The Masters the week of April 5, then, according to sources cited by the Chicago Sun-Times, the "most likely venue" would be an Easter (April 4) segment on "60 Minutes." One source told the Sun-Times, "The event would assure a ratings bonanza for CBS, it would give the network a three-night run of the NCAA men’s semifinals on Saturday, Tiger on "60 Minutes" and then the NCAA title game on Monday." So yeah, it’s still all about the money for so many people that Tiger will quickly be forgiven of any sins.
• Speaking of Tiger, EA Sports has selected Masters week for the full commercial release of its online version of "Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf," SportsBusiness Journal‘s Eric Fisher reports. The game has been in beta mode.
Baseball: The Yankees will be the next team catcher Joe Mauer plays for, a scout tells the N.Y. Daily News. But other folks are sayin’ catcher is the last place the Pinstripes need to invest.
NFL: More from the NYDN: Jets owner Woody Johnson may have cost New York the 2014 Super Bowl bid by ranting at Roger Goodell about the whole coin-flip thing deciding who gets to open the new Giants/Jets stadium. Fly’s take: Goodell is brilliant and market savvy – pretty sure he won’t let pettiness rule his decisions. Besides, as the story points out, Goodell doesn’t actually have a vote. We’re not sure at all about what will rule the decisions of the owners who do vote.
College football: Don’t go looking for Bobby Bowden at Florida State games this year, Macon.com advises. He’s giving Jimbo Fisher a little space. "Oh I will follow them on television and pull for them, but I want the other guy to have complete free reign," Bowden said of the ‘Noles and Fisher. "I don’t want anyone to think I am looking over his shoulder. I plan to get out of his way and let him go. But I will definitely be pulling for him. I think there is a greater chance that I will be following Terry and Jeffrey at Northern Alabama. It’s just something I have never been able to do, and it will be great to sit in the stands with my wife and watch my kids coach. There is no doubt that I will do that."
