They may have been overshadowed by more notable moves — the Bears’ signing of Julius Peppers, the Ravens’ acquisition of Anquan Boldin or the Jets’ addition of LaDainian Tomlinson — but a bunch of quarterbacks have been on the move this offseason.
With Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn both gone, Panthers castoff Jake Delhomme inherits the job as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
Fifteen teams, nearly half the league, have made changes of one sort or another at QB.
These five players are the most intriguing quarterbacks with new addresses:
Jake Delhomme (signed by the Browns)
His past: Carolina’s starter from 2003 until the 12th game last season, Delhomme led the Panthers to their only Super Bowl appearance (after the 2003 season) and was a Pro Bowl pick in ’05. He imploded in a playoff loss to Arizona after the ’08 season, turning the ball over six times (including five interceptions), and had a career-high 18 picks last season before missing the final five games with a broken finger.
His future: Now that both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn are gone, the Browns will turn to Delhomme, 35, as their No. 1 quarterback and veteran leader. He can start for two or three years, until president Mike Holmgren develops a young QB.
The take: "Mike Holmgren knows quarterbacks," former Seahawks coach Jim Mora said, "and I’m sure this is part of his master plan to drafting the future QB that leads them out of obscurity."
A.J. Feeley (signed by the Rams)
His past: Although he turns 33 in May, Feeley has played in only 23 regular-season games (15 starts). The highlight of his career was when he helped lead the Eagles to four victories in five starts after both Donovan McNabb and Koy Detmer went down with injuries in ’02.
His future: Feeley comes into an unsettled quarterback situation in St. Louis. Neither long-time starter Marc Bulger (still under contract) nor Kyle Boller (unrestricted free agent) is expected back. Feeley could be the starter when the season opens, or a backup and valuable mentor to a young player such as Sam Bradford.
The take: "I see my role as an older quarterback that’s there to help out in any way possible," Feeley said in a conference call with St. Louis reporters.
Derek Anderson (signed by the Cardinals)
His past: Anderson, 26, had a breakout season in ’07 when he was handed the starting job after one week and wound up passing for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns. He then bounced in and out of the starting lineup over the next two seasons as the Browns couldn’t decide between him and Brady Quinn.
His future: That breath Matt Leinart feels on his neck is coming from Anderson. A firstround pick in ’06, Leinart has yet to live up to expectations. Now that Kurt Warner has retired, Leinart will have to beat out Anderson for the starting job.
The take: "He doesn’t have great movement in the pocket but, boy, he can spin the ball," former NFL quarterback and current CBS analyst Rich Gannon said of Anderson. "He’s perfect for that system and what they do there."
Rex Grossman (signed by the Redskins)
His past: After helping the Bears get to Super Bowl 41, Grossman started only eight games over the next two seasons in Chicago and went to Houston as a free agent after the ’08 season. He has had an up-and-down career with middling statistics (54.0 percent completion average, 33 touchdowns, 36 interceptions), but he is no stranger to starting.
His future: Grossman, 29, replaces Todd Collins as the Redskins’ No. 2 quarterback. But if new coach Mike Shanahan becomes disenchanted with Jason Campbell, he could switch to Grossman, who worked last year in Houston with new Redskins coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
The take: "Once again, Mike knows quarterbacks and he has a guy that can, at the very least, manage a game for him," Mora said.
Shaun Hill (traded to the Lions)
His past: He started 16 games over the last three seasons in San Francisco, where he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for almost 3,500 yards, with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
His future: In Detroit, Hill, 30, will back up Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft. But Hill could be a capable starter in a short-term situation. More important, Hill will be a good fit as a mentor to Stafford.
The take: "You’re always concerned about that quarterbacks meeting room and how those players get along — they spend a lot of time together — particularly a young player like Matthew Stafford, who’s still developing," Gannon said. "It’s good to have a veteran behind him who can help him and be another set of eyes. I think they get that with Shaun Hill."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
They may have been overshadowed by more notable moves — the Bears’ signing of Julius Peppers, the Ravens’ acquisition of Anquan Boldin or the Jets’ addition of LaDainian Tomlinson — but a bunch of quarterbacks have been on the move this offseason.
With Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn both gone, Panthers castoff Jake Delhomme inherits the job as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
Fifteen teams, nearly half the league, have made changes of one sort or another at QB.
These five players are the most intriguing quarterbacks with new addresses:
Jake Delhomme (signed by the Browns)
His past: Carolina’s starter from 2003 until the 12th game last season, Delhomme led the Panthers to their only Super Bowl appearance (after the 2003 season) and was a Pro Bowl pick in ’05. He imploded in a playoff loss to Arizona after the ’08 season, turning the ball over six times (including five interceptions), and had a career-high 18 picks last season before missing the final five games with a broken finger.
His future: Now that both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn are gone, the Browns will turn to Delhomme, 35, as their No. 1 quarterback and veteran leader. He can start for two or three years, until president Mike Holmgren develops a young QB.
The take: "Mike Holmgren knows quarterbacks," former Seahawks coach Jim Mora said, "and I’m sure this is part of his master plan to drafting the future QB that leads them out of obscurity."
A.J. Feeley (signed by the Rams)
His past: Although he turns 33 in May, Feeley has played in only 23 regular-season games (15 starts). The highlight of his career was when he helped lead the Eagles to four victories in five starts after both Donovan McNabb and Koy Detmer went down with injuries in ’02.
His future: Feeley comes into an unsettled quarterback situation in St. Louis. Neither long-time starter Marc Bulger (still under contract) nor Kyle Boller (unrestricted free agent) is expected back. Feeley could be the starter when the season opens, or a backup and valuable mentor to a young player such as Sam Bradford.
The take: "I see my role as an older quarterback that’s there to help out in any way possible," Feeley said in a conference call with St. Louis reporters.
Derek Anderson (signed by the Cardinals)
His past: Anderson, 26, had a breakout season in ’07 when he was handed the starting job after one week and wound up passing for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns. He then bounced in and out of the starting lineup over the next two seasons as the Browns couldn’t decide between him and Brady Quinn.
His future: That breath Matt Leinart feels on his neck is coming from Anderson. A firstround pick in ’06, Leinart has yet to live up to expectations. Now that Kurt Warner has retired, Leinart will have to beat out Anderson for the starting job.
The take: "He doesn’t have great movement in the pocket but, boy, he can spin the ball," former NFL quarterback and current CBS analyst Rich Gannon said of Anderson. "He’s perfect for that system and what they do there."
Rex Grossman (signed by the Redskins)
His past: After helping the Bears get to Super Bowl 41, Grossman started only eight games over the next two seasons in Chicago and went to Houston as a free agent after the ’08 season. He has had an up-and-down career with middling statistics (54.0 percent completion average, 33 touchdowns, 36 interceptions), but he is no stranger to starting.
His future: Grossman, 29, replaces Todd Collins as the Redskins’ No. 2 quarterback. But if new coach Mike Shanahan becomes disenchanted with Jason Campbell, he could switch to Grossman, who worked last year in Houston with new Redskins coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
The take: "Once again, Mike knows quarterbacks and he has a guy that can, at the very least, manage a game for him," Mora said.
Shaun Hill (traded to the Lions)
His past: He started 16 games over the last three seasons in San Francisco, where he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for almost 3,500 yards, with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
His future: In Detroit, Hill, 30, will back up Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft. But Hill could be a capable starter in a short-term situation. More important, Hill will be a good fit as a mentor to Stafford.
The take: "You’re always concerned about that quarterbacks meeting room and how those players get along — they spend a lot of time together — particularly a young player like Matthew Stafford, who’s still developing," Gannon said. "It’s good to have a veteran behind him who can help him and be another set of eyes. I think they get that with Shaun Hill."
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
With the draft about five weeks away, several top prospects — particularly quarterbacks — have doubters to convince. Here are five players with questions to answer during their pro days and private workouts:
Sam Bradford won’t be the only one smiling if his pro day workout goes well.
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Pro day: March 29
What’s at stake: Bradford has a chance to be the first player taken. The Rams hold the No. 1 pick and need a quarterback. However, Bradford did not throw at the Scouting Combine, so he needs a strong performance at his pro day to convince interested teams that his surgically repaired throwing shoulder is sound.
If the Rams are not sold on Bradford, they could opt for one of the top two defensive tackles — Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy. But if Bradford has an impressive pro day, interest in him will increase — not only from the Rams but from other teams that might be willing to trade up.
"I like Sam a lot," Browns president Mike Holmgren told reporters Wednesday.
The Browns hold the No. 7 pick. Asked if the team would be willing to trade up for Bradford, Holmgren said, "We haven’t had that discussion yet. We have some areas that we have to address that are as crucial now as the quarterback."
Dez Bryant could plunge in the first round if his speed doesn’t pass muster.
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Pro day: March 30
What’s at stake: Though he is considered the top wide receiver prospect, a hamstring injury prevented Bryant from running at the Combine, so questions about his speed remain. There are also questions about Bryant’s character.
Projected by some to be a top-10 pick, Bryant could fall out of the top 20 if he does not run well. It has been months since scouts have seen Bryant on a football field. The NCAA suspended him the final 10 games of last season for lying about an informal visit he had with former NFL star Deion Sanders at Sanders’ home.
"There hasn’t been a receiver as talented as him since Calvin Johnson," former Sporting News draft analyst Todd McShay said during a Thursday conference call. "Dez Bryant is most likely not going to be a top-five pick, and there’s a real chance he might not be a top-11 pick. I feel badly. He had such an awful upbringing; it’s no wonder he’s dealing with a lot of things. There are reports of him showing up a half-hour before the game. It all stems back to his home situation growing up. NFL teams are concerned about it."
Pro day: April 9
What’s at stake: Clausen’s chances to be picked in the top 10 were hurt by the Seahawks’ decision to trade for quarterback Charlie Whitehurst on Wednesday. The Seahawks are now less likely to choose Clausen with the No. 6 pick. Clausen must convince the Redskins (No. 4 pick), the Browns (No. 7) or the Bills (No. 9) that he can be their franchise quarterback. If Clausen falls past the Bills, he could linger on the board for a while.
Jimmy Clausen must convince teams he’s a top-10 pick; if not, he’ll plummet.
Clausen did not throw at the Combine, either, meaning he must show scouts NFL arm strength and accuracy during his pro day.
"I think he can make every throw," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "I think he’s got a big arm. I think he can drive the ball. My only issue on the field is sometimes, for instance in the USC game, I felt like he anticipated pressure that wasn’t there and got rid of the football early.
But as far as just natural physical ability, he has it."
Pro day: March 31
What’s at stake: Bradford and Clausen are considered better prospects than McCoy, but McCoy can convince teams that he is worthy of a second-round pick with a good pro day. It will be interesting to see which quarterback is drafted first — McCoy or Tim Tebow. Both are proven winners, but people wonder if McCoy’s smallish size (6-1, 217 pounds) by NFL quarterback standards will hurt him. McCoy hopes to follow in the footsteps of Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who has become one of the league’s best quarterbacks at 6-foot even.
"If my name’s mentioned in the same sentence as his, that’s an honor to me," said McCoy, who also did not throw at the Combine because of a shoulder injury. "I’m determined, I have a lot of intangibles. I’m excited about this process, and my shoulder is going to be completely fine."
What’s at stake: Did Robinson do enough at his Thursday pro day to convince teams he should be a first-round pick? We will see. Cornerbacks are coveted in the draft, but there are a lot to choose from at that position. Florida’s Joe Haden, Boise State’s Kyle Wilson and Rutgers’ Devin McCourty could all go in the first round. But Robinson will be in the first-round mix if he convinces teams he can be more consistent — and more physical.
"He’s got the best feet of any corner in the draft," Mayock said. "On tape, he’s inconsistent. One game he looks great; the next game it looks like he doesn’t care. He’s a gifted, gifted kid, but he’s not a trained killer. He will not consistently hit people."
This story appears in March 19’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
With the draft about five weeks away, several top prospects — particularly quarterbacks — have doubters to convince. Here are five players with questions to answer during their pro days and private workouts:
Sam Bradford won’t be the only one smiling if his pro day workout goes well.
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Pro day: March 29
What’s at stake: Bradford has a chance to be the first player taken. The Rams hold the No. 1 pick and need a quarterback. However, Bradford did not throw at the Scouting Combine, so he needs a strong performance at his pro day to convince interested teams that his surgically repaired throwing shoulder is sound.
If the Rams are not sold on Bradford, they could opt for one of the top two defensive tackles — Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy. But if Bradford has an impressive pro day, interest in him will increase — not only from the Rams but from other teams that might be willing to trade up.
"I like Sam a lot," Browns president Mike Holmgren told reporters Wednesday.
The Browns hold the No. 7 pick. Asked if the team would be willing to trade up for Bradford, Holmgren said, "We haven’t had that discussion yet. We have some areas that we have to address that are as crucial now as the quarterback."
Dez Bryant could plunge in the first round if his speed doesn’t pass muster.
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Pro day: March 30
What’s at stake: Though he is considered the top wide receiver prospect, a hamstring injury prevented Bryant from running at the Combine, so questions about his speed remain. There are also questions about Bryant’s character.
Projected by some to be a top-10 pick, Bryant could fall out of the top 20 if he does not run well. It has been months since scouts have seen Bryant on a football field. The NCAA suspended him the final 10 games of last season for lying about an informal visit he had with former NFL star Deion Sanders at Sanders’ home.
"There hasn’t been a receiver as talented as him since Calvin Johnson," former Sporting News draft analyst Todd McShay said during a Thursday conference call. "Dez Bryant is most likely not going to be a top-five pick, and there’s a real chance he might not be a top-11 pick. I feel badly. He had such an awful upbringing; it’s no wonder he’s dealing with a lot of things. There are reports of him showing up a half-hour before the game. It all stems back to his home situation growing up. NFL teams are concerned about it."
Pro day: April 9
What’s at stake: Clausen’s chances to be picked in the top 10 were hurt by the Seahawks’ decision to trade for quarterback Charlie Whitehurst on Wednesday. The Seahawks are now less likely to choose Clausen with the No. 6 pick. Clausen must convince the Redskins (No. 4 pick), the Browns (No. 7) or the Bills (No. 9) that he can be their franchise quarterback. If Clausen falls past the Bills, he could linger on the board for a while.
Jimmy Clausen must convince teams he’s a top-10 pick; if not, he’ll plummet.
Clausen did not throw at the Combine, either, meaning he must show scouts NFL arm strength and accuracy during his pro day.
"I think he can make every throw," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "I think he’s got a big arm. I think he can drive the ball. My only issue on the field is sometimes, for instance in the USC game, I felt like he anticipated pressure that wasn’t there and got rid of the football early.
But as far as just natural physical ability, he has it."
Pro day: March 31
What’s at stake: Bradford and Clausen are considered better prospects than McCoy, but McCoy can convince teams that he is worthy of a second-round pick with a good pro day. It will be interesting to see which quarterback is drafted first — McCoy or Tim Tebow. Both are proven winners, but people wonder if McCoy’s smallish size (6-1, 217 pounds) by NFL quarterback standards will hurt him. McCoy hopes to follow in the footsteps of Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who has become one of the league’s best quarterbacks at 6-foot even.
"If my name’s mentioned in the same sentence as his, that’s an honor to me," said McCoy, who also did not throw at the Combine because of a shoulder injury. "I’m determined, I have a lot of intangibles. I’m excited about this process, and my shoulder is going to be completely fine."
What’s at stake: Did Robinson do enough at his Thursday pro day to convince teams he should be a first-round pick? We will see. Cornerbacks are coveted in the draft, but there are a lot to choose from at that position. Florida’s Joe Haden, Boise State’s Kyle Wilson and Rutgers’ Devin McCourty could all go in the first round. But Robinson will be in the first-round mix if he convinces teams he can be more consistent — and more physical.
"He’s got the best feet of any corner in the draft," Mayock said. "On tape, he’s inconsistent. One game he looks great; the next game it looks like he doesn’t care. He’s a gifted, gifted kid, but he’s not a trained killer. He will not consistently hit people."
This story appears in March 19’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
This week’s updated version of Sporting News‘ mock draft shows one change from last week: the Detroit Lions could go with Trent Williams, whom Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe is a more athletic player than Russell Okung.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams impressed SN’s scouts on film.
Here’s the projected the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. While Ndamukong Suh is the player many have been pencilling in for the Rams since Bradford’s injury, it looks like Bradford’s shoulder is going to check out fine and if it does you can be sure the Rams are going to get their young QB to re-build around.
2. Lions: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. While many believe the Lions will pick Russell Okung, we believe that based on film, Williams is the better player. If the concerns about his weight are not a deal breaker, then the Lions may surprise some by picking Williams ahead of Okung.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Bucs have been trying to upgrade their defensive line in order to get their defense back to playing at a very high level. The last time the Bucs defense was elite they had a top-notch DT named Warren Sapp.
4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. While many expect the Redskins to draft a QB here, I do not believe Jimmy Clausen is Mike Shanahan’s type of QB, so they will grab Okung to take over at left tackle after Chris Samuels’ retirement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. The Chiefs defense needs a lot of help and Berry is an elite athlete who brings the versatility that Scott Pioli learned is so valuable while working under Bill Belichick.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
7. Browns: Gerald McCoy, DE, Oklahoma
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
10. Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
11. Broncos: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
12. Dolphins: DeMaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
14. Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
15. Giants: Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama
16. Titans: Sergio Kindle, DE, Texas
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
This week’s updated version of Sporting News‘ mock draft shows one change from last week: the Detroit Lions could go with Trent Williams, whom Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe is a more athletic player than Russell Okung.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams impressed SN’s scouts on film.
Here’s the projected the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. While Ndamukong Suh is the player many have been pencilling in for the Rams since Bradford’s injury, it looks like Bradford’s shoulder is going to check out fine and if it does you can be sure the Rams are going to get their young QB to re-build around.
2. Lions: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. While many believe the Lions will pick Russell Okung, we believe that based on film, Williams is the better player. If the concerns about his weight are not a deal breaker, then the Lions may surprise some by picking Williams ahead of Okung.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Bucs have been trying to upgrade their defensive line in order to get their defense back to playing at a very high level. The last time the Bucs defense was elite they had a top-notch DT named Warren Sapp.
4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. While many expect the Redskins to draft a QB here, I do not believe Jimmy Clausen is Mike Shanahan’s type of QB, so they will grab Okung to take over at left tackle after Chris Samuels’ retirement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. The Chiefs defense needs a lot of help and Berry is an elite athlete who brings the versatility that Scott Pioli learned is so valuable while working under Bill Belichick.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
7. Browns: Gerald McCoy, DE, Oklahoma
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
10. Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
11. Broncos: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
12. Dolphins: DeMaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
14. Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
15. Giants: Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama
16. Titans: Sergio Kindle, DE, Texas
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
As authorities in Milledgeville, Ga., continue to investigate a claim that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted a 20-year-old college student at a local night club, Roethlisberger’s lawyer has yet to agree to submit Roethlisberger to a comprehensive interview.
Roethlisberger not talking to authorities on advice of attorney Ed Garland.
The U.S. Constitution provides all of us the right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment, we cannot be compelled to testify against ourselves in criminal proceedings. In this case, but for a brief interview at the scene of the alleged crime, Roethlisberger has been taking full advantage of his right to say nothing.
And if freedom remains Roethlisberger’s goal, his lawyer, Ed Garland, apparently believes that silence represents the best way to preserve it.
The decision not to fully cooperate with the investigation could be driven by different factors. First, it’s possible that Roethlisberger is guilty as charged, and that he prefers neither to admit to a crime nor to compound the problem by lying to police. If that’s the case, Garland will force the prosecution to prove its case with no specific cooperation from Roethlisberger. (Of course, if Roethlisberger is guilty, then he deserves to be convicted, and to have a large cellmate who is a Ravens fan. Our system of justice, however, seeks to prevent unjust imprisonments, even if it means periodically — or more often — allowing the guilty to go free.)
It’s also possible that Roethlisberger is innocent, but that Garland believes that his client, well, isn’t very bright. (Garland would have a lot of company.) In that case, talking to the cops could give them ammunition for prosecution and a conviction that they don’t already have, even if it’s merely a case of Roethlisberger getting tied up in knots while he tries to explain himself.
There’s also a chance that, guilty or innocent, Garland wants to defer producing Roethlisberger until Garland has concluded his own investigation. This will allow Garland to funnel to his client the information that has been gathered, so that Roethlisberger will be aware of the potential traps, pitfalls and conflicts in the various accounts that have been given by other witnesses.
Regardless of the reason, Garland’s approach exposes Roethlisberger to extra scrutiny, criticism and doubt. The jurors on the Court of Public Opinion will wonder whether Roethlisberger has something to hide, and thus whether he might be guilty. Put simply, the average person thinks that the wrongfully accused don’t retreat to a shell. They shout their innocence from the rooftops and everywhere else.
Thus, with each passing day during which Roethlisberger hides behind lawyers and agents and Constitutional rights, he risks that more and more members of the general public will conclude that perhaps he did it, and that he’s simply gaming the system in order to become one of the many guilty men who go free. But if the overriding goal is the preservation of liberty, the approach makes sense. Not talking makes it harder for the authorities to persuade a prosecutor to pursue formal charges or a grand jury to indict.
Really, the best outcome for Roethlisberger will be no charges at all. That’s precisely what Garland is attempting to achieve.
Will the approach jeopardize Roethsliberger’s public image? Surely. Steps can be taken later to win the hearts and minds of football fans. The process becomes slightly more challenging if he’s trying to do it after being released from prison.
As authorities in Milledgeville, Ga., continue to investigate a claim that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sexually assaulted a 20-year-old college student at a local night club, Roethlisberger’s lawyer has yet to agree to submit Roethlisberger to a comprehensive interview.
Roethlisberger not talking to authorities on advice of attorney Ed Garland.
The U.S. Constitution provides all of us the right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment, we cannot be compelled to testify against ourselves in criminal proceedings. In this case, but for a brief interview at the scene of the alleged crime, Roethlisberger has been taking full advantage of his right to say nothing.
And if freedom remains Roethlisberger’s goal, his lawyer, Ed Garland, apparently believes that silence represents the best way to preserve it.
The decision not to fully cooperate with the investigation could be driven by different factors. First, it’s possible that Roethlisberger is guilty as charged, and that he prefers neither to admit to a crime nor to compound the problem by lying to police. If that’s the case, Garland will force the prosecution to prove its case with no specific cooperation from Roethlisberger. (Of course, if Roethlisberger is guilty, then he deserves to be convicted, and to have a large cellmate who is a Ravens fan. Our system of justice, however, seeks to prevent unjust imprisonments, even if it means periodically — or more often — allowing the guilty to go free.)
It’s also possible that Roethlisberger is innocent, but that Garland believes that his client, well, isn’t very bright. (Garland would have a lot of company.) In that case, talking to the cops could give them ammunition for prosecution and a conviction that they don’t already have, even if it’s merely a case of Roethlisberger getting tied up in knots while he tries to explain himself.
There’s also a chance that, guilty or innocent, Garland wants to defer producing Roethlisberger until Garland has concluded his own investigation. This will allow Garland to funnel to his client the information that has been gathered, so that Roethlisberger will be aware of the potential traps, pitfalls and conflicts in the various accounts that have been given by other witnesses.
Regardless of the reason, Garland’s approach exposes Roethlisberger to extra scrutiny, criticism and doubt. The jurors on the Court of Public Opinion will wonder whether Roethlisberger has something to hide, and thus whether he might be guilty. Put simply, the average person thinks that the wrongfully accused don’t retreat to a shell. They shout their innocence from the rooftops and everywhere else.
Thus, with each passing day during which Roethlisberger hides behind lawyers and agents and Constitutional rights, he risks that more and more members of the general public will conclude that perhaps he did it, and that he’s simply gaming the system in order to become one of the many guilty men who go free. But if the overriding goal is the preservation of liberty, the approach makes sense. Not talking makes it harder for the authorities to persuade a prosecutor to pursue formal charges or a grand jury to indict.
Really, the best outcome for Roethlisberger will be no charges at all. That’s precisely what Garland is attempting to achieve.
Will the approach jeopardize Roethsliberger’s public image? Surely. Steps can be taken later to win the hearts and minds of football fans. The process becomes slightly more challenging if he’s trying to do it after being released from prison.
This should give you a better appreciation of the Colts’ current league-best run of eight consecutive playoff appearances: Since 2001, in the topsy-turvy, parity-centered world known as the NFL, it has been the norm for fewer than half the teams in a given season’s playoff field to duplicate the feat the following season.
While powers such as Indianapolis and San Diego have consistently kept themselves in the picture, the AFC has seen plenty of back-and-forth leapfrogging in its two toughest divisions — the East and North. In the NFC, consider this: Nine different teams have represented the conference in the past nine Super Bowls.
Here’s a look at five 2009 playoff teams that will have trouble making the Super Bowl tournament in 2010 (in alphabetical order):
Neither Matt Leinart nor Derek Anderson can fill Kurt Warner’s shoes.
Arizona Cardinals. No 2009 playoff qualifier has been hurt more by personnel changes this offseason. Four top performers — Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle — won’t be back.
Warner retired despite playing some of the sharpest football in his career the past two years, a standard that will be difficult for any quarterback — let alone Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson — to match.
You can expect coach Ken Whisenhunt to get some of his younger talent to respond, but he may not have enough to overcome the 49ers in the NFC West. San Francisco (8-8) finished only two games behind Arizona last season and should enter coach Mike Singletary’s second full season with great confidence, having swept the Cardinals in ’09.
The Niners are young with potential to rise. "They’re our biggest rival now. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them," Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell said. "We want some revenge, but they definitely will be better."
Cincinnati Bengals. This team took on the role of Cardiac Cats last season, surviving many close games en route to dethroning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh in the tough AFC North. The Bengals were much-improved—especially on defense—but they struggled down the stretch.
| Trading places |
| Over the past nine seasons, here’s how many of the previous year’s 12 playoff teams returned to the postseason: |
| 2001 — 6 |
| 2002 — 7 |
| 2003 — 4 |
| 2004 — 7 |
| 2005 — 5 |
| 2006 — 5 |
| 2007 — 6 |
| 2008 — 5 |
| 2009 — 6 |
There was a lack of big-play pop on offense, and the defensive front wore down as injuries took their toll. Those problems caught up with them in the wild-card playoff loss to the Jets.
The Bengals should be boosted by the free-agent pickup of wide receiver Antonio Bryant and a return to health. The biggest concern lies in the stout division competition.
The Ravens, armed with Joe Flacco and now Boldin, are built to contend again. The Steelers should come back stronger, assuming that whatever happens with Ben Roethlisberger off the field won’t take him away from what he can do on the field.
To avoid falling out of the playoffs, it will take an MVP-caliber season from quarterback Carson Palmer.
Minnesota Vikings. This team will have a tough time making the playoffs with or without Brett Favre. In the unlikely scenario that he doesn’t return, it will put a lot of pressure on Tarvaris Jackson to deliver — especially in the division series with Green Bay, where the quarterback edge would tilt to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
If Favre returns, you can’t expect a carbon copy of ’09. With every passing year, there are questions about when he might run out of fuel as a passer. He also took a lot of hits in the NFC championship loss to New Orleans, and his play declined. Will other teams try to follow the Saints’ wear-him-down strategy?
It’s not just Favre; age is slowly creeping up on both sides of the line, and top cornerback Antoine Winfield will turn 33 in June. With all of that comes some key durability concerns. When you consider how young the Packers are at most positions, they are a better bet to stay healthy down the stretch. That makes them a more promising pick in the division race.
The window is by no means closing for the Vikings. But if they expect to reach the playoffs and make another deep run, they need some good fortune with the health of their older players.
New England Patriots. Their division opponents have been active in the offseason so far. The Dolphins made the big defensive upgrade by signing Dansby. The Jets have been busy adding a pair of former Chargers, Antonio Cromartie and LaDainian Tomlinson.
After some early noise that the Patriots were going to pursue Julius Peppers, the biggest news out of their camp has been Randy Moss’ statement that he expects 2010 to be his last season with the team.
Miami should be improved, with Chad Henne starting from the beginning of the season and an upgraded defense that should make more big plays. The Jets, of course, return with Rex Ryan’s dominant defense—and Mark Sanchez has the talent and drive to skip the sophomore slump.
It’ll be hard to deny the Brady/Belichick Patriots the playoffs. But the Dolphins and Jets both have recent experience playing spoiler.
Philadelphia Eagles. Most of the NFC’s playoff turnover results from the ultracompetitive play in the East. If the Giants rebound in 2010, they’re more likely to bounce Philly than Dallas from the playoff mix.
The Cowboys have fewer holes to worry about. The Eagles’ defense gave up too many big plays down the stretch, and the team has a recent history (’05, ’07) of missing the playoffs when it looked like a sure thing.
In addition to Dallas, Green Bay and New Orleans look like the soundest 2009 NFC playoff teams going into ’10. Philadelphia falls a little short of that group.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
This should give you a better appreciation of the Colts’ current league-best run of eight consecutive playoff appearances: Since 2001, in the topsy-turvy, parity-centered world known as the NFL, it has been the norm for fewer than half the teams in a given season’s playoff field to duplicate the feat the following season.
While powers such as Indianapolis and San Diego have consistently kept themselves in the picture, the AFC has seen plenty of back-and-forth leapfrogging in its two toughest divisions — the East and North. In the NFC, consider this: Nine different teams have represented the conference in the past nine Super Bowls.
Here’s a look at five 2009 playoff teams that will have trouble making the Super Bowl tournament in 2010 (in alphabetical order):
Neither Matt Leinart nor Derek Anderson can fill Kurt Warner’s shoes.
Arizona Cardinals. No 2009 playoff qualifier has been hurt more by personnel changes this offseason. Four top performers — Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle — won’t be back.
Warner retired despite playing some of the sharpest football in his career the past two years, a standard that will be difficult for any quarterback — let alone Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson — to match.
You can expect coach Ken Whisenhunt to get some of his younger talent to respond, but he may not have enough to overcome the 49ers in the NFC West. San Francisco (8-8) finished only two games behind Arizona last season and should enter coach Mike Singletary’s second full season with great confidence, having swept the Cardinals in ’09.
The Niners are young with potential to rise. "They’re our biggest rival now. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them," Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell said. "We want some revenge, but they definitely will be better."
Cincinnati Bengals. This team took on the role of Cardiac Cats last season, surviving many close games en route to dethroning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh in the tough AFC North. The Bengals were much-improved—especially on defense—but they struggled down the stretch.
| Trading places |
| Over the past nine seasons, here’s how many of the previous year’s 12 playoff teams returned to the postseason: |
| 2001 — 6 |
| 2002 — 7 |
| 2003 — 4 |
| 2004 — 7 |
| 2005 — 5 |
| 2006 — 5 |
| 2007 — 6 |
| 2008 — 5 |
| 2009 — 6 |
There was a lack of big-play pop on offense, and the defensive front wore down as injuries took their toll. Those problems caught up with them in the wild-card playoff loss to the Jets.
The Bengals should be boosted by the free-agent pickup of wide receiver Antonio Bryant and a return to health. The biggest concern lies in the stout division competition.
The Ravens, armed with Joe Flacco and now Boldin, are built to contend again. The Steelers should come back stronger, assuming that whatever happens with Ben Roethlisberger off the field won’t take him away from what he can do on the field.
To avoid falling out of the playoffs, it will take an MVP-caliber season from quarterback Carson Palmer.
Minnesota Vikings. This team will have a tough time making the playoffs with or without Brett Favre. In the unlikely scenario that he doesn’t return, it will put a lot of pressure on Tarvaris Jackson to deliver — especially in the division series with Green Bay, where the quarterback edge would tilt to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
If Favre returns, you can’t expect a carbon copy of ’09. With every passing year, there are questions about when he might run out of fuel as a passer. He also took a lot of hits in the NFC championship loss to New Orleans, and his play declined. Will other teams try to follow the Saints’ wear-him-down strategy?
It’s not just Favre; age is slowly creeping up on both sides of the line, and top cornerback Antoine Winfield will turn 33 in June. With all of that comes some key durability concerns. When you consider how young the Packers are at most positions, they are a better bet to stay healthy down the stretch. That makes them a more promising pick in the division race.
The window is by no means closing for the Vikings. But if they expect to reach the playoffs and make another deep run, they need some good fortune with the health of their older players.
New England Patriots. Their division opponents have been active in the offseason so far. The Dolphins made the big defensive upgrade by signing Dansby. The Jets have been busy adding a pair of former Chargers, Antonio Cromartie and LaDainian Tomlinson.
After some early noise that the Patriots were going to pursue Julius Peppers, the biggest news out of their camp has been Randy Moss’ statement that he expects 2010 to be his last season with the team.
Miami should be improved, with Chad Henne starting from the beginning of the season and an upgraded defense that should make more big plays. The Jets, of course, return with Rex Ryan’s dominant defense—and Mark Sanchez has the talent and drive to skip the sophomore slump.
It’ll be hard to deny the Brady/Belichick Patriots the playoffs. But the Dolphins and Jets both have recent experience playing spoiler.
Philadelphia Eagles. Most of the NFC’s playoff turnover results from the ultracompetitive play in the East. If the Giants rebound in 2010, they’re more likely to bounce Philly than Dallas from the playoff mix.
The Cowboys have fewer holes to worry about. The Eagles’ defense gave up too many big plays down the stretch, and the team has a recent history (’05, ’07) of missing the playoffs when it looked like a sure thing.
In addition to Dallas, Green Bay and New Orleans look like the soundest 2009 NFC playoff teams going into ’10. Philadelphia falls a little short of that group.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
News surfaced Wednesday that Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington had tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season. Team president Nolan Ryan joined ESPN Radio Dallas to talk about Washington’s situation and how the team has handled it.
To listen to Nolan Ryan on ESPN Radio in Dallas, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Texas Rangers team president Nolan Ryan says the organization treated manager Ron Washington’s positive cocaine test as they would any other employee’s.
Why didn’t the Rangers fire Washington immediately upon learning of the news of his cocaine use?
Ryan: We had a lot of discussions about what the appropriate thing to do was, and in the end we decided to treat Ron the way we do the rest of our employees, that if they have a problem we try to give them the benefit of treatment, get them diagnosed. Major League Baseball has a very strong program on that, so we chose to pursue that and have him go through MLB’s program.
We felt like the way that the club was playing and was responding to Ron, and the way he was growing as a manager, we felt like we wanted to give him an opportunity to continue to manage, and he assured us it was a one-time situation.
Was his initial reaction to fire Washington?
Ryan: I obviously was in total shock by it. Thoughts of that nature had never crossed my mind. Then I was angry that the organization was put in that position. Then I was concerned about what type of problem he had.
He was forthright with us. He came forward. He seemed to be very emotional about it, about the mistake he made, the impact it had, and how he had let everyone down. So I felt like that was sincere, and I felt like we, the organization, should give him an opportunity to try to right himself and try to build off of this, and to grow as a team off it.
How did Ryan hear the news?
Ryan: When [Washington] found out he was scheduled for a drug test, he called Major League Baseball and told them that he was going to test positive, explained to them how he had gotten himself into this situation. Then, after a game one night, he told [Rangers GM] Jon Daniels, he called me on the phone. I wasn’t in the clubhouse. He called me on the phone and broke down, was very emotional about it, how he let us down, how disappointed he was that he did what he did and the impact it would have on our organization. Then he offered to resign. So we took all those things into consideration.
Does Ryan still trust Washington?
Ryan: Yeah, I trust him. I’m a trusting person. I take people at their word. He has done everything Major League Baseball has asked him to do in terms of the testing program, and is willing to continue to be tested. And I think he’s been very up front about that.
He knows he made a mistake, and if he can help other people not make those mistakes, he’d be willing to do that. I think our team is supportive of him. They certainly appear that way to me and so I’d like to think as a team and an organization we can grow from this experience.
Is it likely that a man Washington’s age could have just decided to try cocaine once?
Ryan: That’s a question that’s been presented. I don’t know the answer to that. Drugs were never an issue in my life. I never tried them, I didn’t want anything to do with them. I had teammates that dealt in that and had problems with it — and continue to have problems in their lives with it.
So we know what it can do, what it’s done, and we know where it is in our society and the problems that come with it. A lot of those people wish they’d never tried it, the hold it has on their life now. But I can’t answer that because I really don’t know. It seems unusual.
What would he say to angry season ticket holders who don’t want to take their children to watch a team managed by a drug user?
Ryan: Those are obviously thoughts that we’ve had, discussions we’ve had. And obviously, each individual will make their own determination about how they feel about this and what their thoughts are on it. I understand that.
We as an organization, we have a policy in place where when we have employees that have an issue, we try to be supportive of them, try to get them the proper professional help and try to be understanding of these things. So we chose to do that with Ron. And we hope as an organization we help Ron as a person, help him understand the issues that he has and the challenges that he has, and also hope that he’s able to take this experience and help other people, and that his players respond to him and support him. We feel like he’s growing as a manager and is doing a good job for us.
So I understand people are critical of the decision we made, but I felt like we made it for the right reasons. Everybody has issues in their life — how you deal with them and how you handle them has a lot to do with who you are and what you do. So we feel like this was the right decision for us.
How and why did this leak out now, so many months after the fact?
Ryan: How something like this leaks out, you’re not sure. It could be a disgruntled employee.
Because of the confidentiality of the Major League Baseball drug testing program, we did not share it with people. We kept it quiet. But when you deal with as many people as baseball deals with, you don’t know if something like this leaks, where it might leak out from.
We knew it was possible that this might leak out and we would have to deal with it on a later date. And that’s where we are today.
More from SRI
Julius Peppers talks about joining the Chicago Bears
Mike Krzyzewski discusses the NCAA Tournament
News surfaced Wednesday that Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington had tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season. Team president Nolan Ryan joined ESPN Radio Dallas to talk about Washington’s situation and how the team has handled it.
To listen to Nolan Ryan on ESPN Radio in Dallas, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Texas Rangers team president Nolan Ryan says the organization treated manager Ron Washington’s positive cocaine test as they would any other employee’s.
Why didn’t the Rangers fire Washington immediately upon learning of the news of his cocaine use?
Ryan: We had a lot of discussions about what the appropriate thing to do was, and in the end we decided to treat Ron the way we do the rest of our employees, that if they have a problem we try to give them the benefit of treatment, get them diagnosed. Major League Baseball has a very strong program on that, so we chose to pursue that and have him go through MLB’s program.
We felt like the way that the club was playing and was responding to Ron, and the way he was growing as a manager, we felt like we wanted to give him an opportunity to continue to manage, and he assured us it was a one-time situation.
Was his initial reaction to fire Washington?
Ryan: I obviously was in total shock by it. Thoughts of that nature had never crossed my mind. Then I was angry that the organization was put in that position. Then I was concerned about what type of problem he had.
He was forthright with us. He came forward. He seemed to be very emotional about it, about the mistake he made, the impact it had, and how he had let everyone down. So I felt like that was sincere, and I felt like we, the organization, should give him an opportunity to try to right himself and try to build off of this, and to grow as a team off it.
How did Ryan hear the news?
Ryan: When [Washington] found out he was scheduled for a drug test, he called Major League Baseball and told them that he was going to test positive, explained to them how he had gotten himself into this situation. Then, after a game one night, he told [Rangers GM] Jon Daniels, he called me on the phone. I wasn’t in the clubhouse. He called me on the phone and broke down, was very emotional about it, how he let us down, how disappointed he was that he did what he did and the impact it would have on our organization. Then he offered to resign. So we took all those things into consideration.
Does Ryan still trust Washington?
Ryan: Yeah, I trust him. I’m a trusting person. I take people at their word. He has done everything Major League Baseball has asked him to do in terms of the testing program, and is willing to continue to be tested. And I think he’s been very up front about that.
He knows he made a mistake, and if he can help other people not make those mistakes, he’d be willing to do that. I think our team is supportive of him. They certainly appear that way to me and so I’d like to think as a team and an organization we can grow from this experience.
Is it likely that a man Washington’s age could have just decided to try cocaine once?
Ryan: That’s a question that’s been presented. I don’t know the answer to that. Drugs were never an issue in my life. I never tried them, I didn’t want anything to do with them. I had teammates that dealt in that and had problems with it — and continue to have problems in their lives with it.
So we know what it can do, what it’s done, and we know where it is in our society and the problems that come with it. A lot of those people wish they’d never tried it, the hold it has on their life now. But I can’t answer that because I really don’t know. It seems unusual.
What would he say to angry season ticket holders who don’t want to take their children to watch a team managed by a drug user?
Ryan: Those are obviously thoughts that we’ve had, discussions we’ve had. And obviously, each individual will make their own determination about how they feel about this and what their thoughts are on it. I understand that.
We as an organization, we have a policy in place where when we have employees that have an issue, we try to be supportive of them, try to get them the proper professional help and try to be understanding of these things. So we chose to do that with Ron. And we hope as an organization we help Ron as a person, help him understand the issues that he has and the challenges that he has, and also hope that he’s able to take this experience and help other people, and that his players respond to him and support him. We feel like he’s growing as a manager and is doing a good job for us.
So I understand people are critical of the decision we made, but I felt like we made it for the right reasons. Everybody has issues in their life — how you deal with them and how you handle them has a lot to do with who you are and what you do. So we feel like this was the right decision for us.
How and why did this leak out now, so many months after the fact?
Ryan: How something like this leaks out, you’re not sure. It could be a disgruntled employee.
Because of the confidentiality of the Major League Baseball drug testing program, we did not share it with people. We kept it quiet. But when you deal with as many people as baseball deals with, you don’t know if something like this leaks, where it might leak out from.
We knew it was possible that this might leak out and we would have to deal with it on a later date. And that’s where we are today.
More from SRI
Julius Peppers talks about joining the Chicago Bears
Mike Krzyzewski discusses the NCAA Tournament
Signed as a free agent this offseason, new Mariners third baseman/second baseman Chone Figgins recently spoke with Sporting News’ Stan McNeal about his new team:
I’m a routine-type person, so being able to stay on the same side of the country and stay in the same division was a big consideration. So was the direction the Mariners are going. The Angels still have a tough team, but the plan is for us to finish on top.
Having me hit second behind Ichiro will be a perfect fit. When you have a guy capable of hitting .400 every year, he should get up a guaranteed five times a game. I’m more of a taker, so I’ll be able to watch some pitches and let him run.
If the pitcher throws me strikes, next thing you know we’ll have guys on first and third with the big guys coming up. There’s not a lot of room for error with Ichiro leading off and then someone like me — who’s capable of doing so much stuff — going the other way, dropping a bunt, hitting through the hole — in the 2 hole.
I won’t put pressure on myself because of the contract because I put pressure on myself anyway. I’ve never worried about the money side or tried to impress people. I’m a career .291 hitter, but if I hit .280, walk 80 to 90 times, score 100 runs and we win the division, that’s a great season.
This story first appeared in Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Signed as a free agent this offseason, new Mariners third baseman/second baseman Chone Figgins recently spoke with Sporting News’ Stan McNeal about his new team:
I’m a routine-type person, so being able to stay on the same side of the country and stay in the same division was a big consideration. So was the direction the Mariners are going. The Angels still have a tough team, but the plan is for us to finish on top.
Having me hit second behind Ichiro will be a perfect fit. When you have a guy capable of hitting .400 every year, he should get up a guaranteed five times a game. I’m more of a taker, so I’ll be able to watch some pitches and let him run.
If the pitcher throws me strikes, next thing you know we’ll have guys on first and third with the big guys coming up. There’s not a lot of room for error with Ichiro leading off and then someone like me — who’s capable of doing so much stuff — going the other way, dropping a bunt, hitting through the hole — in the 2 hole.
I won’t put pressure on myself because of the contract because I put pressure on myself anyway. I’ve never worried about the money side or tried to impress people. I’m a career .291 hitter, but if I hit .280, walk 80 to 90 times, score 100 runs and we win the division, that’s a great season.
This story first appeared in Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
After a dreadful 101-loss season in 2008, the Mariners were the majors’ most improved team in 2009, jumping from 61 wins to 85 wins. This offseason, Seattle added an All-Star infielder and another ace, raising expectations even higher. The formula this season will be defense, pitching and run prevention, but Seattle will have to score more. "Defense is important. If the other team doesn’t score, you don’t lose," first baseman Casey Kotchman said. "But just like every team, we’re going to have to score some runs to win."
After Cliff Lee (pictured) and Felix Hernandez, do the M’s have enough pitching?
Three questions
1. Is the rotation deep enough after the co-aces?
It is rare that a team adds a bona fide No. 1 starter to a rotation featuring arguably the best young pitcher in the game, yet still must deal with questions about its starting five. Cliff Lee won the AL Cy Young award in 2008 with the Indians, delivered both of the Phillies’ World Series wins in 2009 and should flourish in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field (in a contract year). Felix Hernandez tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season and set career bests with a 2.49 ERA, 217 strikeouts and 238 2/3 innings pitched.
Behind them, however, things get murky. No. 3 starter Ian Snell went 5-2 with a 4.20 ERA in 12 starts for Seattle last season — after posting a 5.36 ERA with the Pirates. Ryan Rowland-Smith (3.74 ERA in 15 starts) and Doug Fister (4.20 ERA in 10 starts) were impressive, but remain unproven over a full season. The wild card is Erik Bedard, who could provide a huge boost once he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected back until at least June.
2. Will there be enough offense?
Seattle finished last in the AL and 28th in the majors in runs scored last season (just four more runs than the 30th-ranked Pirates). However, the team’s offensive deficiency was somewhat masked by its 35-20 record in one-run games. The Mariners finished in the middle of the pack in homers, but they lost their leading home run hitter, Russell Branyan, in free agency. Table setters Ichiro Suzuki (.386 on-base percentage in 2009) and Chone Figgins (.395) will get on base, but will anyone drive them in?
The solution to the Mariners’ problem could be the Cubs’ biggest problem from last season: Milton Bradley. Just two seasons ago as a Ranger, Bradley set career highs with 77 RBIs and 22 homers while leading the AL with a .436 on-base percentage. A healthy season from Ken Griffey Jr. also would be welcome, and continued development from Franklin Gutierrez can be expected.
3. Where will Chone Figgins play?
When signed, Figgins was penciled in at third base. However, he has worked extensively at second this spring, with Jose Lopez getting a look at third. The thinking is that Lopez will do less defensive damage at the hot corner, and Figgins’ versatility could make the change possible.
"We’re very comfortable if we decide to go back (to Lopez at second) at the end, that will be a much easier transition. He’s worked hard, looks good in our workout sessions, hands are good, good throwing arm," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Figgins is very quick, very agile athletic, done some nice things at second. We’ve seen good out of both."
Projected lineup
1. RF Ichiro Suzuki: MLB-record 9 straight 200-hit seasons.
2. 3B Chone Figgins: 4th in MLB in times on base (285) in ’09.
3. LF Milton Bradley: .871 career OPS in AL; .775 in NL.
4. DH Ken Griffey Jr.: Career-worst .214 AVG last season.
5. 2B Jose Lopez: .303 career OBP; led team with 96 RBIs in ’09.
6. CF Franklin Gutierrez: .335 AVG vs. lefties last season.
7. 1B Casey Kotchman: .999 fielding percentage since ’05 leads all MLB 1B.
8. SS Jack Wilson: .214 AVG after June 30 last season.
9. C Rob Johnson: Must hold off Adam Moore for job.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Felix Hernandez: 6-0, 1.52 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09.
2. LHP Cliff Lee: 2-4, 6.13 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09.
3. RHP Ian Snell: Averaged 5.2 BBs per 9 IP last season.
4. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith: 2.70 ERA at home; 5.22 on road last season.
5. RHP Doug Fister: 11 HRS allowed in 61 IP in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP David Aardsma: All 38 career saves came in ’09.
Grades
Offense: C. The need for more power and more run production remains glaring. The team should improve upon its next-to-last finish in the majors in on-base percentage (.314) last season with Figgins and Bradley aboard. But getting on base is much different than crossing home plate.
Pitching: B. Lee and King Felix are arguably the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punch, but the Nos. 3-5 spots remain question marks. The bullpen’s 3.83 ERA ranked third in the AL last season, but David Aardsma must follow up his strong first season as closer.
Bench: A. The bench will be deep, so much so that veteran pinch hitter Mike Sweeney might not make the cut. Ryan Garko can back up at first, and rookie third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has hit well enough this spring to provide another bench bat. Ryan Langerhans is a solid fourth outfielder, and Eric Byrnes also is in outfield mix.
Manager: B. It is tough to argue with a rookie manager who delivers a 24-game improvement, as Don Wakamatsu did last season. After only one season as a major league manager, Wakamatsu has proven to be a strong fit for a team that emphasizes defense, pitching and strong fundamental play.
Sporting News prediction: Seattle will put plenty of pressure on the Angels but will fall just short of a postseason berth, mainly because of their lack of pop.
Coming Friday: A’s preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
After a dreadful 101-loss season in 2008, the Mariners were the majors’ most improved team in 2009, jumping from 61 wins to 85 wins. This offseason, Seattle added an All-Star infielder and another ace, raising expectations even higher. The formula this season will be defense, pitching and run prevention, but Seattle will have to score more. "Defense is important. If the other team doesn’t score, you don’t lose," first baseman Casey Kotchman said. "But just like every team, we’re going to have to score some runs to win."
After Cliff Lee (pictured) and Felix Hernandez, do the M’s have enough pitching?
Three questions
1. Is the rotation deep enough after the co-aces?
It is rare that a team adds a bona fide No. 1 starter to a rotation featuring arguably the best young pitcher in the game, yet still must deal with questions about its starting five. Cliff Lee won the AL Cy Young award in 2008 with the Indians, delivered both of the Phillies’ World Series wins in 2009 and should flourish in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field (in a contract year). Felix Hernandez tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season and set career bests with a 2.49 ERA, 217 strikeouts and 238 2/3 innings pitched.
Behind them, however, things get murky. No. 3 starter Ian Snell went 5-2 with a 4.20 ERA in 12 starts for Seattle last season — after posting a 5.36 ERA with the Pirates. Ryan Rowland-Smith (3.74 ERA in 15 starts) and Doug Fister (4.20 ERA in 10 starts) were impressive, but remain unproven over a full season. The wild card is Erik Bedard, who could provide a huge boost once he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected back until at least June.
2. Will there be enough offense?
Seattle finished last in the AL and 28th in the majors in runs scored last season (just four more runs than the 30th-ranked Pirates). However, the team’s offensive deficiency was somewhat masked by its 35-20 record in one-run games. The Mariners finished in the middle of the pack in homers, but they lost their leading home run hitter, Russell Branyan, in free agency. Table setters Ichiro Suzuki (.386 on-base percentage in 2009) and Chone Figgins (.395) will get on base, but will anyone drive them in?
The solution to the Mariners’ problem could be the Cubs’ biggest problem from last season: Milton Bradley. Just two seasons ago as a Ranger, Bradley set career highs with 77 RBIs and 22 homers while leading the AL with a .436 on-base percentage. A healthy season from Ken Griffey Jr. also would be welcome, and continued development from Franklin Gutierrez can be expected.
3. Where will Chone Figgins play?
When signed, Figgins was penciled in at third base. However, he has worked extensively at second this spring, with Jose Lopez getting a look at third. The thinking is that Lopez will do less defensive damage at the hot corner, and Figgins’ versatility could make the change possible.
"We’re very comfortable if we decide to go back (to Lopez at second) at the end, that will be a much easier transition. He’s worked hard, looks good in our workout sessions, hands are good, good throwing arm," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Figgins is very quick, very agile athletic, done some nice things at second. We’ve seen good out of both."
Projected lineup
1. RF Ichiro Suzuki: MLB-record 9 straight 200-hit seasons.
2. 3B Chone Figgins: 4th in MLB in times on base (285) in ’09.
3. LF Milton Bradley: .871 career OPS in AL; .775 in NL.
4. DH Ken Griffey Jr.: Career-worst .214 AVG last season.
5. 2B Jose Lopez: .303 career OBP; led team with 96 RBIs in ’09.
6. CF Franklin Gutierrez: .335 AVG vs. lefties last season.
7. 1B Casey Kotchman: .999 fielding percentage since ’05 leads all MLB 1B.
8. SS Jack Wilson: .214 AVG after June 30 last season.
9. C Rob Johnson: Must hold off Adam Moore for job.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Felix Hernandez: 6-0, 1.52 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09.
2. LHP Cliff Lee: 2-4, 6.13 ERA in final 7 regular season starts in ’09.
3. RHP Ian Snell: Averaged 5.2 BBs per 9 IP last season.
4. LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith: 2.70 ERA at home; 5.22 on road last season.
5. RHP Doug Fister: 11 HRS allowed in 61 IP in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP David Aardsma: All 38 career saves came in ’09.
Grades
Offense: C. The need for more power and more run production remains glaring. The team should improve upon its next-to-last finish in the majors in on-base percentage (.314) last season with Figgins and Bradley aboard. But getting on base is much different than crossing home plate.
Pitching: B. Lee and King Felix are arguably the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punch, but the Nos. 3-5 spots remain question marks. The bullpen’s 3.83 ERA ranked third in the AL last season, but David Aardsma must follow up his strong first season as closer.
Bench: A. The bench will be deep, so much so that veteran pinch hitter Mike Sweeney might not make the cut. Ryan Garko can back up at first, and rookie third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has hit well enough this spring to provide another bench bat. Ryan Langerhans is a solid fourth outfielder, and Eric Byrnes also is in outfield mix.
Manager: B. It is tough to argue with a rookie manager who delivers a 24-game improvement, as Don Wakamatsu did last season. After only one season as a major league manager, Wakamatsu has proven to be a strong fit for a team that emphasizes defense, pitching and strong fundamental play.
Sporting News prediction: Seattle will put plenty of pressure on the Angels but will fall just short of a postseason berth, mainly because of their lack of pop.
Coming Friday: A’s preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tim Tebow wasn’t the only Florida player working out for NFL scouts Wednesday. Three other players made an impression — good and bad — amid the group at the Gators’ pro day.
CB Joe Haden: After running slow 40 times at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Haden ran a quick 4.39 40 in cool, wet conditions Wednesday.
That number, along with the skills Haden showed both at the Combine and the pro day — fluid hip movement, the ability to turn and run, ball skills — likely makes him a top-10 pick. He clearly is the top cornerback.
DE Carlos Dunlap: The main criticism for Dunlap: his desire to go every play. Dunlap ran two sub-4.6 40s and likely ended any discussion about him falling out of the first round. No matter the character issues or the questions about his intensity, it’s hard for teams to pass on a 6-6, 280-pound end with 40 times of 4.57 and 4.59 on a wet field.
LB Brandon Spikes: One of the college game’s best linebackers the past three seasons, Spikes ran disappointing 40 times of 5.0 and 5.05. There are multiple defensive linemen (see: Dunlap) in the draft who run considerably faster. It could have simply been a bad day or maybe the wet surface, but those times have likely dropped Spikes from the first round‑
and maybe Round 2, too.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has full evaluations on these three players and seven others in the 2010 NFL draft.
Click here for details.
This story appears in March 18’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tim Tebow wasn’t the only Florida player working out for NFL scouts Wednesday. Three other players made an impression — good and bad — amid the group at the Gators’ pro day.
CB Joe Haden: After running slow 40 times at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Haden ran a quick 4.39 40 in cool, wet conditions Wednesday.
That number, along with the skills Haden showed both at the Combine and the pro day — fluid hip movement, the ability to turn and run, ball skills — likely makes him a top-10 pick. He clearly is the top cornerback.
DE Carlos Dunlap: The main criticism for Dunlap: his desire to go every play. Dunlap ran two sub-4.6 40s and likely ended any discussion about him falling out of the first round. No matter the character issues or the questions about his intensity, it’s hard for teams to pass on a 6-6, 280-pound end with 40 times of 4.57 and 4.59 on a wet field.
LB Brandon Spikes: One of the college game’s best linebackers the past three seasons, Spikes ran disappointing 40 times of 5.0 and 5.05. There are multiple defensive linemen (see: Dunlap) in the draft who run considerably faster. It could have simply been a bad day or maybe the wet surface, but those times have likely dropped Spikes from the first round‑
and maybe Round 2, too.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has full evaluations on these three players and seven others in the 2010 NFL draft.
Click here for details.
This story appears in March 18’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The theatrics and circus atmosphere were long over, and the player who changed the face of college football finally was back in his element.
A man and his mission.
"Football is just a way to bring me closer to what’s important for me," Tim Tebow said.
So there was Tebow, minutes after putting on a show for NFL teams during Wednesday’s pro day workout at Florida, throwing a football with wheelchair-bound Alex Ross, a 17-year-old from nearby Jacksonville who was shot in the head in January and lost the use of the left side of his body.
Ross threw a football to Tebow, who caught the ball and summed up the day’s events: "Let’s see (them) come over here and critique that."
Yes, everyone, Timmy Terrific is taking this NFL thing serious. A little advice for the doubters: Don’t bet against him.
Less than two months ago at the Senior Bowl, Tebow was criticized for his poor mechanics and looping throwing motion. He struggled to take snaps from under center and had fumbling issues the entire week of practice.
So he hired former longtime NFL assistant and quarterbacks guru Zeke Bratkowski to help him change his mechanics and throwing motion. He also spoke or worked with former NFL coaches Sam Wyche, Marc Trestman and Jon Gruden in preparation for this very day — this very test.
After working out for a little more than 30 minutes in front of scouts — and a handful of head coaches — from all 32 NFL teams, we have this:
"From the Senior Bowl to now, the improvement is ridiculous," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "I was blown away."
Or this from Panthers coach John Fox: "He had a very good workout. I saw some adjustments he made and thought he executed very well."
Nothing like a little hard work for Tebow to chase the critics away. Or has he?
The greatest player in college football history is now the most scrutinized player in NFL draft history. And wouldn’t you know it, as quickly as he won over some, he had others still wondering where it all ends.
The most perplexing factor of all in the Tebow Question: No one really knows what kind of quarterback he’ll be in the NFL until he’s under center and the proverbial bullets are flying.
Asked if Tebow could be successful in the league, Browns president Mike Holmgren — a guy who has coached legendary NFL stars Joe Montana, Steve Young and Brett Favre — said, "I’m going to steer clear of that one now. I think Tim Tebow is one of those guys that you root for. If he’s on your team, you have a better team. I’ll leave it at that."
But minutes later, after breaking down the specifics of playing the position, Holmgren offered up this: "If you look hard enough at anybody, you can be really picky about stuff. Be careful about losing sight of the big picture and what kind of a player (Tebow) is and winner he is. There’s a lot of good about this young man."
And a lot that has changed. Gone are the looping throwing motion (the ball starts at his ear instead of his waist), the shotgun snaps (his footwork was flawless under center on drops and releases) and the long stride when throwing (he showed a short stride and more compact delivery).
"He didn’t revert to any of his old habits today; he really had a nice day," Bratkowski said. "People are talking about other positions with him. He’s a quarterback. He’s where he should be right now."
Long after a few thousand fans who watched the workout had left Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, after Tebow signed more autographs and shook more hands and spoke with the NFL Network (yep, they were live on site), Tebow stood in a packed room in the bowels of the stadium and talked about his dream of playing in the NFL.
He has five team-specific workouts in the coming weeks — with the Bufalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins — and another five weeks to continue honing his new mechanics before the draft.
"I don’t know if when I dreamed of this process, that I dreamed of this," Tebow said.
That may be the most accurate critique of all.
This story appears in March 18’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The theatrics and circus atmosphere were long over, and the player who changed the face of college football finally was back in his element.
A man and his mission.
"Football is just a way to bring me closer to what’s important for me," Tim Tebow said.
So there was Tebow, minutes after putting on a show for NFL teams during Wednesday’s pro day workout at Florida, throwing a football with wheelchair-bound Alex Ross, a 17-year-old from nearby Jacksonville who was shot in the head in January and lost the use of the left side of his body.
Ross threw a football to Tebow, who caught the ball and summed up the day’s events: "Let’s see (them) come over here and critique that."
Yes, everyone, Timmy Terrific is taking this NFL thing serious. A little advice for the doubters: Don’t bet against him.
Less than two months ago at the Senior Bowl, Tebow was criticized for his poor mechanics and looping throwing motion. He struggled to take snaps from under center and had fumbling issues the entire week of practice.
So he hired former longtime NFL assistant and quarterbacks guru Zeke Bratkowski to help him change his mechanics and throwing motion. He also spoke or worked with former NFL coaches Sam Wyche, Marc Trestman and Jon Gruden in preparation for this very day — this very test.
After working out for a little more than 30 minutes in front of scouts — and a handful of head coaches — from all 32 NFL teams, we have this:
"From the Senior Bowl to now, the improvement is ridiculous," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "I was blown away."
Or this from Panthers coach John Fox: "He had a very good workout. I saw some adjustments he made and thought he executed very well."
Nothing like a little hard work for Tebow to chase the critics away. Or has he?
The greatest player in college football history is now the most scrutinized player in NFL draft history. And wouldn’t you know it, as quickly as he won over some, he had others still wondering where it all ends.
The most perplexing factor of all in the Tebow Question: No one really knows what kind of quarterback he’ll be in the NFL until he’s under center and the proverbial bullets are flying.
Asked if Tebow could be successful in the league, Browns president Mike Holmgren — a guy who has coached legendary NFL stars Joe Montana, Steve Young and Brett Favre — said, "I’m going to steer clear of that one now. I think Tim Tebow is one of those guys that you root for. If he’s on your team, you have a better team. I’ll leave it at that."
But minutes later, after breaking down the specifics of playing the position, Holmgren offered up this: "If you look hard enough at anybody, you can be really picky about stuff. Be careful about losing sight of the big picture and what kind of a player (Tebow) is and winner he is. There’s a lot of good about this young man."
And a lot that has changed. Gone are the looping throwing motion (the ball starts at his ear instead of his waist), the shotgun snaps (his footwork was flawless under center on drops and releases) and the long stride when throwing (he showed a short stride and more compact delivery).
"He didn’t revert to any of his old habits today; he really had a nice day," Bratkowski said. "People are talking about other positions with him. He’s a quarterback. He’s where he should be right now."
Long after a few thousand fans who watched the workout had left Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, after Tebow signed more autographs and shook more hands and spoke with the NFL Network (yep, they were live on site), Tebow stood in a packed room in the bowels of the stadium and talked about his dream of playing in the NFL.
He has five team-specific workouts in the coming weeks — with the Bufalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins — and another five weeks to continue honing his new mechanics before the draft.
"I don’t know if when I dreamed of this process, that I dreamed of this," Tebow said.
That may be the most accurate critique of all.
This story appears in March 18’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
