CLEARWATER, Fla. — Spring training stats can be as deceiving as Tim Lincecum’s changeup and can throw you off like an Adam Wainwright curveball. But they still keep coming at you like Carl Crawford going from first to third.
It isn’t just the limited sample size, either. As the numbers add up, you still can’t be sure what they are worth. Even scouts can be fooled by what they see in spring. The other day, a scout told me that he once followed Brad Penny for an entire spring. For an entire month, Penny’s fastball maxed out right at 85 mph. But as soon as the games started to count, Penny was "91-93 and hitting his spots just like he always is."
Tigers ace Justin Verlander gave up homers to Ryan Howard and prospect Domonic Brown (who cleared the yard with his) in a 3 1/3-inning outing Tuesday and afterward said, "I was really pleased today. My changeup and breaking ball were a lot better and my fastball had more life."
He wasn’t just making excuses, either. Verlander explained Howard’s homer: "I’ve been having trouble getting fastballs in to lefties. I knew this was my last inning and I wanted to take the opportunity to work on getting in to lefties. So I threw a lot of fastballs in to him, and he made the adjustment. He realized what I was doing. He got his foot down and barreled one."
Of course, you know where this is heading: spring training numbers, good and bad. Despite their potential for deception, spring stats are still as good a barometer as any to evaluate performances in the spring. And any position player battling for a job would rather see crooked numbers instead of zeroes beside his name in the box score.
Slow starts
Kevin Millwood has lived up to his reputation as a lousy spring pitcher.
Ben Sheets, SP, A’s
So this is what $10 million gets you: 17 hits and 15 earned runs through 4 1/3 innings (three starts). Yes, Sheets’ health is what is important and he says he feels good. But even Sheets would like some results. After he failed to retire a hitter in his Monday start, he told reporters, "People have had bad springs before, but this is just taking it to a whole new level."
Kevin Millwood, SP, Orioles
Baltimore’s new No. 1 starter is living up to his reputation as a lousy pitcher in spring training. After two starts: 16 hits, 11 runs in 3 1/2 innings. "I use this time to get ready," he said after his first start. "I try to get my pitches to a level where they’re ready for Game 1 (of the regular season). And if I go out and get beat around a little bit working on something, I don’t care. I’m just trying to get better."
To limit his exposure to AL rivals, the Orioles had Millwood pitch to some of their minor leaguers Tuesday. He fared better, throwing four scoreless innings before giving up three runs.
Chone Figgins, 3B/2B, Mariners
He was Seattle’s No. 1 target on the free agent market, and he has one hit in 16 at-bats thus far. He does, however, have eight walks — and his strong on-base percentage is why the Mariners coveted him.
Big beginnings
Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
A prospect often mentioned in the same sentence as Jason Heyward, Stanton wasn’t expected to make Florida’s 25-man roster. After hitting three homers in his first five games, however, the 20-year-old at least is forcing the Marlins’ brass to consider if he is ready.
Domonic Brown, OF, Phillies
If you saw the outfield prospect Tuesday, you know why the Phillies held onto him through the Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay trades. Brown knocked a full-count fastball from Verlander completely out of the Phillies’ spring training park, homered to center off Phil Coke (with the assist of a fan who caught the ball headed for the top of the wall), beat out an infield hit and walked, raising his batting average to .417 and his OBP to .464. His reward: He was sent to minor league camp after the game.
Tyler Colvin is tearing up the Cactus League.
Tyler Colvin, OF Cubs
After beefing up in the offseason, the former first-round pick is gorging on spring training pitchers. Colvin, 24, is 16-for-30 in Cactus League play and is making a strong bid to break spring training as an extra outfielder.
Adam Rosales, IF, A’s
When it acquired him from the Reds, Oakland planned to make Rosales a utility player. But with a .450 batting average after nine games, he is pushing Cliff Pennington (4-for-14) for the starting shortstop spot. That is, of course, if you go by the numbers.
Spring training postscript
At 8 this morning, several dozen fans were lined up outside of the Phillies’ park in Clearwater. A couple of hundred tickets for the afternoon game against the Yankees went on sale at 9. This wasn’t just a Yankees thing, either. A security worker outside said it is like that every day this time of the month. And many of the fans arrived well before 8 for the 1:05 p.m. start.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Spring training stats can be as deceiving as Tim Lincecum’s changeup and can throw you off like an Adam Wainwright curveball. But they still keep coming at you like Carl Crawford going from first to third.
It isn’t just the limited sample size, either. As the numbers add up, you still can’t be sure what they are worth. Even scouts can be fooled by what they see in spring. The other day, a scout told me that he once followed Brad Penny for an entire spring. For an entire month, Penny’s fastball maxed out right at 85 mph. But as soon as the games started to count, Penny was "91-93 and hitting his spots just like he always is."
Tigers ace Justin Verlander gave up homers to Ryan Howard and prospect Domonic Brown (who cleared the yard with his) in a 3 1/3-inning outing Tuesday and afterward said, "I was really pleased today. My changeup and breaking ball were a lot better and my fastball had more life."
He wasn’t just making excuses, either. Verlander explained Howard’s homer: "I’ve been having trouble getting fastballs in to lefties. I knew this was my last inning and I wanted to take the opportunity to work on getting in to lefties. So I threw a lot of fastballs in to him, and he made the adjustment. He realized what I was doing. He got his foot down and barreled one."
Of course, you know where this is heading: spring training numbers, good and bad. Despite their potential for deception, spring stats are still as good a barometer as any to evaluate performances in the spring. And any position player battling for a job would rather see crooked numbers instead of zeroes beside his name in the box score.
Slow starts
Kevin Millwood has lived up to his reputation as a lousy spring pitcher.
Ben Sheets, SP, A’s
So this is what $10 million gets you: 17 hits and 15 earned runs through 4 1/3 innings (three starts). Yes, Sheets’ health is what is important and he says he feels good. But even Sheets would like some results. After he failed to retire a hitter in his Monday start, he told reporters, "People have had bad springs before, but this is just taking it to a whole new level."
Kevin Millwood, SP, Orioles
Baltimore’s new No. 1 starter is living up to his reputation as a lousy pitcher in spring training. After two starts: 16 hits, 11 runs in 3 1/2 innings. "I use this time to get ready," he said after his first start. "I try to get my pitches to a level where they’re ready for Game 1 (of the regular season). And if I go out and get beat around a little bit working on something, I don’t care. I’m just trying to get better."
To limit his exposure to AL rivals, the Orioles had Millwood pitch to some of their minor leaguers Tuesday. He fared better, throwing four scoreless innings before giving up three runs.
Chone Figgins, 3B/2B, Mariners
He was Seattle’s No. 1 target on the free agent market, and he has one hit in 16 at-bats thus far. He does, however, have eight walks — and his strong on-base percentage is why the Mariners coveted him.
Big beginnings
Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
A prospect often mentioned in the same sentence as Jason Heyward, Stanton wasn’t expected to make Florida’s 25-man roster. After hitting three homers in his first five games, however, the 20-year-old at least is forcing the Marlins’ brass to consider if he is ready.
Domonic Brown, OF, Phillies
If you saw the outfield prospect Tuesday, you know why the Phillies held onto him through the Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay trades. Brown knocked a full-count fastball from Verlander completely out of the Phillies’ spring training park, homered to center off Phil Coke (with the assist of a fan who caught the ball headed for the top of the wall), beat out an infield hit and walked, raising his batting average to .417 and his OBP to .464. His reward: He was sent to minor league camp after the game.
Tyler Colvin is tearing up the Cactus League.
Tyler Colvin, OF Cubs
After beefing up in the offseason, the former first-round pick is gorging on spring training pitchers. Colvin, 24, is 16-for-30 in Cactus League play and is making a strong bid to break spring training as an extra outfielder.
Adam Rosales, IF, A’s
When it acquired him from the Reds, Oakland planned to make Rosales a utility player. But with a .450 batting average after nine games, he is pushing Cliff Pennington (4-for-14) for the starting shortstop spot. That is, of course, if you go by the numbers.
Spring training postscript
At 8 this morning, several dozen fans were lined up outside of the Phillies’ park in Clearwater. A couple of hundred tickets for the afternoon game against the Yankees went on sale at 9. This wasn’t just a Yankees thing, either. A security worker outside said it is like that every day this time of the month. And many of the fans arrived well before 8 for the 1:05 p.m. start.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
As a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008, Calais Campbell showed promise as a pass rusher. The promise turned into production in his second year, as the budding star racked up seven sacks as the left end in Arizona’s 3-4 defense. Campbell talked to Sporting News‘ Vinnie Iyer about the team’s offseason losses on defense, the strength of the scheme and the correct pronunciation of his first name:
Defensive end Calais Campbell says the Cardinals will compete in 2010.
Q: How has your team reacted so far to losing some of its key players to free agency and trades?
A: It’s tough, but at the same time we know with success comes constant change. I was a good friend of another former Hurricane, Antrel Rolle, and we’ll also miss him as a player. But you’re happy for him, too, for being rewarded for what he’s done. Hopefully, we will bring in some other guys to help us, and we’ve got some young players — Cody Brown, Will Davis — that will only get better.
Q: What did Karlos Dansby mean to the defense?
A: He was the quarterback of the defense. You could count on him every game because he knew the system so well. He is a very versatile player, and you can’t quite replace him. I think he’s a good fit in Miami. I think he’ll do well and like it there.
Q: So how will your role change as one of the Cardinals’ remaining defensive standouts?
A: We’re fortunate to still have some great guys with experience here. The younger guys can still lean on Adrian Wilson, and on the other side of me, we’ve got Darnell Dockett. I felt more comfortable last season. There’s more confidence that I can be a leader, too. We’ll have a strong core in place.
Q: Defensive end in a 3-4 is usually more of a run-stopping role. What allowed you to have such good success as a pass rusher last season?
A: Our scheme is built to rush the passer. We’re dedicated to stopping the pass. I was more comfortable with our blitz packages and had a better feel for different moves. It’s important to be at a good weight because how me and Darnell Dockett get to the quarterback is with a good, strong technique. We’re set up to be aggressive, getting upfield to make plays and get turnovers.
Q: How is the offense getting along after Kurt Warner decided to retire?
A: Kurt Warner is obviously a big loss. He worked hard for us and just knew how to win. That said, we have confidence in Matt Leinart as a starter. I’m also sure the front office will bring in a veteran behind him (former Brown Derek Anderson was signed Wednesday). Our team is built on competition, to help get the best out of your players. The challenge will be good for Matt. He’s a potential Pro Bowl guy. It’s just about working hard.
Q: What was your reaction to the trade of Anquan Boldin?
A: I think the Ravens are a good place for him. As for our team, we’ve got Steve Breaston ready to step in. He’s made a lot of big plays for us. Everyone also saw what Early Doucet could do the playoffs. We still have a very strong corps of receivers. Anquan is definitely hard to replace, but Early is built like him physically.
Q: There has been a trend toward shorter, more compact pass rushers. How is it different getting after quarterbacks when you’re 6-8?
A: It’s an advantage for me to separate and shed blocks because I’ve got the longer arms. At the same time, when you’re taller, you have less leverage and most offensive lineman have a lower center of gravity. It’s a problem only if you don’t use good technique. For me, it’s natural to use a swim move to get past a blocker. You just need to know your body type well and where you can best make your move athletically.
Q: So what’s the origin of your first name and what is the correct pronunciation?
A: I come from a large family, with five brothers and two sisters, so many of us have unique names. I have a younger brother, Severin, who’s playing defensive end at Montana. My first name gets mispronounced often — even though it’s based on a city in France, the "S" isn’t silent.
Q: Have you ever been to France?
A: I plan on going sometime when I get a break from OTAs. I would love to take my picture under a sign in Calais. Also I would love to get one of those plates you get at a carnival with my name on it — they just don’t have those here.
Q: What’s your goal for this season?
A: Personally, I would like to make it to the Pro Bowl. As a team, just keeping winning our division. We’ve done it back to back, and we have some great players to return to the playoffs again.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
As a second-round pick out of Miami in 2008, Calais Campbell showed promise as a pass rusher. The promise turned into production in his second year, as the budding star racked up seven sacks as the left end in Arizona’s 3-4 defense. Campbell talked to Sporting News‘ Vinnie Iyer about the team’s offseason losses on defense, the strength of the scheme and the correct pronunciation of his first name:
Defensive end Calais Campbell says the Cardinals will compete in 2010.
Q: How has your team reacted so far to losing some of its key players to free agency and trades?
A: It’s tough, but at the same time we know with success comes constant change. I was a good friend of another former Hurricane, Antrel Rolle, and we’ll also miss him as a player. But you’re happy for him, too, for being rewarded for what he’s done. Hopefully, we will bring in some other guys to help us, and we’ve got some young players — Cody Brown, Will Davis — that will only get better.
Q: What did Karlos Dansby mean to the defense?
A: He was the quarterback of the defense. You could count on him every game because he knew the system so well. He is a very versatile player, and you can’t quite replace him. I think he’s a good fit in Miami. I think he’ll do well and like it there.
Q: So how will your role change as one of the Cardinals’ remaining defensive standouts?
A: We’re fortunate to still have some great guys with experience here. The younger guys can still lean on Adrian Wilson, and on the other side of me, we’ve got Darnell Dockett. I felt more comfortable last season. There’s more confidence that I can be a leader, too. We’ll have a strong core in place.
Q: Defensive end in a 3-4 is usually more of a run-stopping role. What allowed you to have such good success as a pass rusher last season?
A: Our scheme is built to rush the passer. We’re dedicated to stopping the pass. I was more comfortable with our blitz packages and had a better feel for different moves. It’s important to be at a good weight because how me and Darnell Dockett get to the quarterback is with a good, strong technique. We’re set up to be aggressive, getting upfield to make plays and get turnovers.
Q: How is the offense getting along after Kurt Warner decided to retire?
A: Kurt Warner is obviously a big loss. He worked hard for us and just knew how to win. That said, we have confidence in Matt Leinart as a starter. I’m also sure the front office will bring in a veteran behind him (former Brown Derek Anderson was signed Wednesday). Our team is built on competition, to help get the best out of your players. The challenge will be good for Matt. He’s a potential Pro Bowl guy. It’s just about working hard.
Q: What was your reaction to the trade of Anquan Boldin?
A: I think the Ravens are a good place for him. As for our team, we’ve got Steve Breaston ready to step in. He’s made a lot of big plays for us. Everyone also saw what Early Doucet could do the playoffs. We still have a very strong corps of receivers. Anquan is definitely hard to replace, but Early is built like him physically.
Q: There has been a trend toward shorter, more compact pass rushers. How is it different getting after quarterbacks when you’re 6-8?
A: It’s an advantage for me to separate and shed blocks because I’ve got the longer arms. At the same time, when you’re taller, you have less leverage and most offensive lineman have a lower center of gravity. It’s a problem only if you don’t use good technique. For me, it’s natural to use a swim move to get past a blocker. You just need to know your body type well and where you can best make your move athletically.
Q: So what’s the origin of your first name and what is the correct pronunciation?
A: I come from a large family, with five brothers and two sisters, so many of us have unique names. I have a younger brother, Severin, who’s playing defensive end at Montana. My first name gets mispronounced often — even though it’s based on a city in France, the "S" isn’t silent.
Q: Have you ever been to France?
A: I plan on going sometime when I get a break from OTAs. I would love to take my picture under a sign in Calais. Also I would love to get one of those plates you get at a carnival with my name on it — they just don’t have those here.
Q: What’s your goal for this season?
A: Personally, I would like to make it to the Pro Bowl. As a team, just keeping winning our division. We’ve done it back to back, and we have some great players to return to the playoffs again.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine in July of 2009. In his first public admission, Washington apologized Wednesday for his behavior, eight months after he told
Washington was subjected to increased drug testing after his positive test. He has passed all of the subsequent tests.
"I made a huge mistake and it almost caused me to lose everything I have worked for all of my life," Washington said at a news conference Wednesday. "I am not here to make excuses. There are none."
Washington said he used cocaine only once and called it "stupid" and "shameful."
Washington reportedly called the commissioner’s office before the test results were revealed and warned MLB officials that the results might come back positive.
Washington’s statement: Read it here | Addition details from Washington’s news conference
MLB managers, coaches and other clubhouse personnel have been subject to drug testing since 2008, when baseball adopted the measure as one of George Mitchell’s recommendations in his report on peformance-enhancing drug use in the sport, according to the SI.com report.
"Any attempt to try to explain it is going to sound like excuses," Washington told the website. "There is no right way to explain something wrong, and I did wrong. Was it tension? Maybe. Anxiety?"
The Rangers accepted his apology when Washington explained that it was a one-time transgression.
"He came forward and said he would resign," Ryan said. "He understood the consequences. We had a lot of discussions and a lot of soul searching on it.
"He stood up to it. We felt like he was sincere and forthright," he said. "We are very disappointed by this. We are upset we were put in this position."
In three seasons as Rangers’ manager, Washington is 241-245. He had his first winning season (87-75) in 2009.
Sporting News staff reports
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine in July of 2009. In his first public admission, Washington apologized Wednesday for his behavior, eight months after he told
Washington was subjected to increased drug testing after his positive test. He has passed all of the subsequent tests.
"I made a huge mistake and it almost caused me to lose everything I have worked for all of my life," Washington said at a news conference Wednesday. "I am not here to make excuses. There are none."
Washington said he used cocaine only once and called it "stupid" and "shameful."
Washington reportedly called the commissioner’s office before the test results were revealed and warned MLB officials that the results might come back positive.
Washington’s statement: Read it here | Addition details from Washington’s news conference
MLB managers, coaches and other clubhouse personnel have been subject to drug testing since 2008, when baseball adopted the measure as one of George Mitchell’s recommendations in his report on peformance-enhancing drug use in the sport, according to the SI.com report.
"Any attempt to try to explain it is going to sound like excuses," Washington told the website. "There is no right way to explain something wrong, and I did wrong. Was it tension? Maybe. Anxiety?"
The Rangers accepted his apology when Washington explained that it was a one-time transgression.
"He came forward and said he would resign," Ryan said. "He understood the consequences. We had a lot of discussions and a lot of soul searching on it.
"He stood up to it. We felt like he was sincere and forthright," he said. "We are very disappointed by this. We are upset we were put in this position."
In three seasons as Rangers’ manager, Washington is 241-245. He had his first winning season (87-75) in 2009.
For the first time since 2004 and just the second time since 1999, the Rangers finished with a winning record last season. But despite being in first place as late as July 10, they still finished 10 games behind the first-place Angels. As is usually the case, pitching, namely the starters, will make or break this team’s chances. After a down year offensively and the loss of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, Texas can’t rely on its bats to deliver 10-8 wins.
Josh Hamilton’s health will be a key question for the Rangers.
Three questions
1. Can Josh Hamilton stay healthy?
In his breakout season in 2008, Hamilton hit .304 with 32 homers and an AL-best 130 RBIs in 156 games. Plagued by back, rib and abdominal injuries last season, Hamilton was limited to 89 games and finished with a .268-10-54 stat line. Though not entirely because of Hamilton’s absence, the Rangers went from being the majors’ highest-scoring team in ’08 (901 runs) to the 10th highest-scoring team (784 runs) in ’09.
This spring, Hamilton missed a good chunk of time because of a shoulder injury. Shortly after returning from that injury Monday, he was hit on the left hand by a pitch. The move from center field to left field should mean less wear and tear, but there is an outfield wall to crash into in left field, too. With an unproven rotation, the Rangers need more production from their offense — something that won’t be possible if their best hitter spends more time on the disabled list than at the plate.
2. Will the rotation be good enough?
Team president Nolan Ryan followed through on his promise to toughen up his starters last season. In 2008, the Rangers’ rotation finished 29th in the majors with a 5.51 ERA and last with 869 1/3 innings pitched. Last season, they improved to 18th in ERA (4.61) and 17th in innings pitched. However, No. 1 starter and workhorse Kevin Millwood, who led the group with 198 2/3 innings pitched last season, was traded to Baltimore.
What’s left is a young and unproven bunch. Seventeen-game winner Scott Feldman broke through in ’09 but had only seven career wins before last season. Offseason acquisition Rich Harden is a veteran No. 2, but he hardly displays the durability Ryan desires. Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter, both 23, were rookies last season, and Colby Lewis pitched in Japan the past two seasons. Among the other candidates is C.J. Wilson, who is hoping to move from the bullpen to the rotation. "If I (struggle) as a starter, then I go right back to doing what I did," he said.
3. How much does Vladimir Guerrero have left?
After years of being abused by Vlad, the Rangers are relieved to have him on their side. In 50 career games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Guerrero has a .394 average, 14 homers and 33 RBIs. Against the Rangers, he hit .396 with 24 homers and 68 RBIs in 102 games. However, much of that production came before he began to break down physically. Because he should serve exclusively as a DH, Guerrero’s chances of staying healthy improve. In a strong lineup and hitter-friendly park, he should approach his numbers from 2008 (.303-27-91).
Projected lineup
1. CF Julio Borbon: 19 SBs, 30 runs, 20 RBIs in 46 games in ’09.
2. 3B Michael Young: .411 OBP at home last season; .337 on road.
3. LF Josh Hamilton: .239 AVG vs. righthanders in ’09; .327 vs. lefties.
4. DH Vladimir Guerrero: Failed to hit 25 HRs for first time since ’97.
5. 2B Ian Kinsler: Career-best 31 HRs last season; career-worst .253 AVG.
6. RF Nelson Cruz: 53 RBIs in first half; 23 after break.
7. 1B Chris Davis: 150 K’s, 24 BBs in 391 at-bats in ’09.
8. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Shoulder concerns linger.
9. SS Elvis Andrus: .791 OPS at home as rookie; .620 on road.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Scott Feldman: 5-4, 4.71 ERA at home last season; 12-4, 3.56 on road.
2. RHP Rich Harden: Has reached 150 IP just once (’04).
3. RHP Colby Lewis: 6.83 ERA with Texas from 2002-04.
4. RHP Tommy Hunter: 2.95 ERA in first 12 starts; 6.28 ERA in final seven.
5. RHP Derek Holland: Allowed 26 HRs in 138 1/3 IP in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Frank Francisco: 2.28 ERA in first half; 5.82 in second half.
Grades
Offense: B. Despite the drop-off in production last season and the loss to top RBI man Marlon Byrd to free agency this past offseason, the Rangers’ lineup has the potential to be among the majors’ best. Texas must improve its on-base percentage (24th last season) and cut down on its strikeouts (third most in 2009).
Pitching: C. The rotation is young and lacks a veteran No. 1, and much will depend on Harden’s durability. However, the bullpen should be strong and deep after the addition of lefthander Darren Oliver and with the continued emergence of Neftali Feliz.
Bench: C. The arrival of Pedro Borbon and the addition of Guerrero left David Murphy without a starting gig. Murphy, who hit a career-high 17 homers last season, can play all three outfield spots. Light-hitting Esteban German is the primary reserve infield, and Taylor Teagarden is 1A at catcher. But he hit just .217 in 2009.
Manager: C. The team’s 87 wins in 2009 were its most since 2004, and it was Ron Washington’s first winning season since taking over in 2007. Washington, who prides himself on fundamentals, must coax more improvement defensively. The Rangers improved to 25th in fielding percentage from 30th in 2008 and committed 26 fewer errors, after leading the majors with 132 miscues in ’08.
Sporting News prediction: In what should be a tight race in the AL West, the Rangers should come close to their 2009 win total — but still finish third.
Coming Thursday: Mariners preview
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
For the first time since 2004 and just the second time since 1999, the Rangers finished with a winning record last season. But despite being in first place as late as July 10, they still finished 10 games behind the first-place Angels. As is usually the case, pitching, namely the starters, will make or break this team’s chances. After a down year offensively and the loss of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, Texas can’t rely on its bats to deliver 10-8 wins.
Josh Hamilton’s health will be a key question for the Rangers.
Three questions
1. Can Josh Hamilton stay healthy?
In his breakout season in 2008, Hamilton hit .304 with 32 homers and an AL-best 130 RBIs in 156 games. Plagued by back, rib and abdominal injuries last season, Hamilton was limited to 89 games and finished with a .268-10-54 stat line. Though not entirely because of Hamilton’s absence, the Rangers went from being the majors’ highest-scoring team in ’08 (901 runs) to the 10th highest-scoring team (784 runs) in ’09.
This spring, Hamilton missed a good chunk of time because of a shoulder injury. Shortly after returning from that injury Monday, he was hit on the left hand by a pitch. The move from center field to left field should mean less wear and tear, but there is an outfield wall to crash into in left field, too. With an unproven rotation, the Rangers need more production from their offense — something that won’t be possible if their best hitter spends more time on the disabled list than at the plate.
2. Will the rotation be good enough?
Team president Nolan Ryan followed through on his promise to toughen up his starters last season. In 2008, the Rangers’ rotation finished 29th in the majors with a 5.51 ERA and last with 869 1/3 innings pitched. Last season, they improved to 18th in ERA (4.61) and 17th in innings pitched. However, No. 1 starter and workhorse Kevin Millwood, who led the group with 198 2/3 innings pitched last season, was traded to Baltimore.
What’s left is a young and unproven bunch. Seventeen-game winner Scott Feldman broke through in ’09 but had only seven career wins before last season. Offseason acquisition Rich Harden is a veteran No. 2, but he hardly displays the durability Ryan desires. Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter, both 23, were rookies last season, and Colby Lewis pitched in Japan the past two seasons. Among the other candidates is C.J. Wilson, who is hoping to move from the bullpen to the rotation. "If I (struggle) as a starter, then I go right back to doing what I did," he said.
3. How much does Vladimir Guerrero have left?
After years of being abused by Vlad, the Rangers are relieved to have him on their side. In 50 career games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Guerrero has a .394 average, 14 homers and 33 RBIs. Against the Rangers, he hit .396 with 24 homers and 68 RBIs in 102 games. However, much of that production came before he began to break down physically. Because he should serve exclusively as a DH, Guerrero’s chances of staying healthy improve. In a strong lineup and hitter-friendly park, he should approach his numbers from 2008 (.303-27-91).
Projected lineup
1. CF Julio Borbon: 19 SBs, 30 runs, 20 RBIs in 46 games in ’09.
2. 3B Michael Young: .411 OBP at home last season; .337 on road.
3. LF Josh Hamilton: .239 AVG vs. righthanders in ’09; .327 vs. lefties.
4. DH Vladimir Guerrero: Failed to hit 25 HRs for first time since ’97.
5. 2B Ian Kinsler: Career-best 31 HRs last season; career-worst .253 AVG.
6. RF Nelson Cruz: 53 RBIs in first half; 23 after break.
7. 1B Chris Davis: 150 K’s, 24 BBs in 391 at-bats in ’09.
8. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Shoulder concerns linger.
9. SS Elvis Andrus: .791 OPS at home as rookie; .620 on road.
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Scott Feldman: 5-4, 4.71 ERA at home last season; 12-4, 3.56 on road.
2. RHP Rich Harden: Has reached 150 IP just once (’04).
3. RHP Colby Lewis: 6.83 ERA with Texas from 2002-04.
4. RHP Tommy Hunter: 2.95 ERA in first 12 starts; 6.28 ERA in final seven.
5. RHP Derek Holland: Allowed 26 HRs in 138 1/3 IP in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Frank Francisco: 2.28 ERA in first half; 5.82 in second half.
Grades
Offense: B. Despite the drop-off in production last season and the loss to top RBI man Marlon Byrd to free agency this past offseason, the Rangers’ lineup has the potential to be among the majors’ best. Texas must improve its on-base percentage (24th last season) and cut down on its strikeouts (third most in 2009).
Pitching: C. The rotation is young and lacks a veteran No. 1, and much will depend on Harden’s durability. However, the bullpen should be strong and deep after the addition of lefthander Darren Oliver and with the continued emergence of Neftali Feliz.
Bench: C. The arrival of Pedro Borbon and the addition of Guerrero left David Murphy without a starting gig. Murphy, who hit a career-high 17 homers last season, can play all three outfield spots. Light-hitting Esteban German is the primary reserve infield, and Taylor Teagarden is 1A at catcher. But he hit just .217 in 2009.
Manager: C. The team’s 87 wins in 2009 were its most since 2004, and it was Ron Washington’s first winning season since taking over in 2007. Washington, who prides himself on fundamentals, must coax more improvement defensively. The Rangers improved to 25th in fielding percentage from 30th in 2008 and committed 26 fewer errors, after leading the majors with 132 miscues in ’08.
Sporting News prediction: In what should be a tight race in the AL West, the Rangers should come close to their 2009 win total — but still finish third.
Coming Thursday: Mariners preview
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
The NFL is a passing league. Naturally, that means a top passer is the highest personnel priority. Not too far behind on the wish list, however, is an elite, consistently disruptive pass rusher.
An elite defensive end is a hot commodity in today’s NFL landscape. Just ask new Detroit Lion Kyle Vanden Bosch.
So it’s no surprise that Julius Peppers was the most hotly pursued — and now most well-paid — free agent on the market, and that sack artists Kyle Vanden Bosch and Aaron Kampman quickly found new homes on the market.
It’s also the reason the Vikings’ Ray Edwards, 25, who had 8 1/2 sacks opposite Jared Allen last season, continues to draw outside interest — even as a restricted free agent.
Because of their skill at reaching the QB, aging stars such as Joey Porter and Jason Taylor remain in the free-agent picture as intriguing commodities.
With the 3-4 front rapidly becoming as common as the 4-3 around the league, there is room for every type of pass rusher — from a bulky end who can stop the run to an undersized outside linebacker who is quick enough to hold up well in coverage.
That has made it more difficult to target — and then acquire or draft — specialized players. Instead, teams are more inclined to tailor the player to suit their needs.
"When several teams are looking at a top prospect at defensive end now, they’re also thinking about how he converts to an outside linebacker," an AFC college personnel evaluator said. "It’s very similar in finding tackles to move to end."
As for established league veterans who have been entrenched at end for several years, it’s difficult to change their habits — even if they seem to have the required athleticism to play linebacker.
Before the free-agent market opened, there was concern about how Peppers might fit in a 3-4 scheme such as New England’s, which would have required him to do much more than fly off the edge. By signing with Chicago, however, he stays in a 4-3 similar to the scheme he played in with the Panthers.
When Kampman was introduced as the newest Jaguar last week, he told reporters that when Green Bay switched to a 3-4 last season, the most difficult part about his transition to outside linebacker was getting down all the little things. That included having to study backs and receivers on top of offensive tackles and adjusting to taking new angles as a pass rusher.
"I’m excited to put my hand back on the ground," Kampman said. "I have the fire burning to do that."
Although most experienced ends who perform well in a position switch are those who become pass-rush specialists, there also are some athletes who are misfits as 4-3 ends.
Calvin Pace successfully made the transition from end to 3-4 outside linebacker with Arizona in 2007, and it has led to him being a key pass rusher with the Jets the past two years. For him, switching positions was less of a challenge, having played in more versatile roles before reaching the league.
"You’ve got to look at a player’s history, and what’s he done, whether he’s played with his hand in the dirt all the time," Pace said of identifying an end capable of the transition. "It’s not necessarily a difficult move to make athletically, but it’s about getting used to the verbiage and coverage responsibilities you now have."
The best scouts, coaches and front-office men have an eye for what type of pass rusher will be an ideal performer in a particular scheme. It’s much easier in that sense to groom a player who’s new to the league than teaching old ends new tricks.
"It can be a hit-or-miss situation," Pace said. "But you can find the right player if you do your homework."
This story appears in March 17’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
The NFL is a passing league. Naturally, that means a top passer is the highest personnel priority. Not too far behind on the wish list, however, is an elite, consistently disruptive pass rusher.
An elite defensive end is a hot commodity in today’s NFL landscape. Just ask new Detroit Lion Kyle Vanden Bosch.
So it’s no surprise that Julius Peppers was the most hotly pursued — and now most well-paid — free agent on the market, and that sack artists Kyle Vanden Bosch and Aaron Kampman quickly found new homes on the market.
It’s also the reason the Vikings’ Ray Edwards, 25, who had 8 1/2 sacks opposite Jared Allen last season, continues to draw outside interest — even as a restricted free agent.
Because of their skill at reaching the QB, aging stars such as Joey Porter and Jason Taylor remain in the free-agent picture as intriguing commodities.
With the 3-4 front rapidly becoming as common as the 4-3 around the league, there is room for every type of pass rusher — from a bulky end who can stop the run to an undersized outside linebacker who is quick enough to hold up well in coverage.
That has made it more difficult to target — and then acquire or draft — specialized players. Instead, teams are more inclined to tailor the player to suit their needs.
"When several teams are looking at a top prospect at defensive end now, they’re also thinking about how he converts to an outside linebacker," an AFC college personnel evaluator said. "It’s very similar in finding tackles to move to end."
As for established league veterans who have been entrenched at end for several years, it’s difficult to change their habits — even if they seem to have the required athleticism to play linebacker.
Before the free-agent market opened, there was concern about how Peppers might fit in a 3-4 scheme such as New England’s, which would have required him to do much more than fly off the edge. By signing with Chicago, however, he stays in a 4-3 similar to the scheme he played in with the Panthers.
When Kampman was introduced as the newest Jaguar last week, he told reporters that when Green Bay switched to a 3-4 last season, the most difficult part about his transition to outside linebacker was getting down all the little things. That included having to study backs and receivers on top of offensive tackles and adjusting to taking new angles as a pass rusher.
"I’m excited to put my hand back on the ground," Kampman said. "I have the fire burning to do that."
Although most experienced ends who perform well in a position switch are those who become pass-rush specialists, there also are some athletes who are misfits as 4-3 ends.
Calvin Pace successfully made the transition from end to 3-4 outside linebacker with Arizona in 2007, and it has led to him being a key pass rusher with the Jets the past two years. For him, switching positions was less of a challenge, having played in more versatile roles before reaching the league.
"You’ve got to look at a player’s history, and what’s he done, whether he’s played with his hand in the dirt all the time," Pace said of identifying an end capable of the transition. "It’s not necessarily a difficult move to make athletically, but it’s about getting used to the verbiage and coverage responsibilities you now have."
The best scouts, coaches and front-office men have an eye for what type of pass rusher will be an ideal performer in a particular scheme. It’s much easier in that sense to groom a player who’s new to the league than teaching old ends new tricks.
"It can be a hit-or-miss situation," Pace said. "But you can find the right player if you do your homework."
This story appears in March 17’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Florida cornerback Joe Haden, a potential top 10 pick in the NFL draft, ran a disappointing 4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine a couple of weeks ago in Indianapolis. He hopes to redeem himself Wednesday at his pro day in Gainesville, Fla. In a conversation with Sporting News’ Dennis Dillon, Haden talked about his football career.
Sporting News: How eager are you to run at your pro day?
Joe Haden: I can’t wait. My back is finally 100 percent, so I can’t wait to go out there and perform. I’m just anxious and ready to do it.
SN: Since the Combine, what have you been working on?
JH: All I’ve been working on is my 40 starts. That’s basically it. I’ve probably run about a thousand 40s.
SN: You ran a 4.57 40 at the Combine. How disappointed were you?
JH: I haven’t run that (slow) since my freshman year in high school, so I was really disappointed. Down in Florida, all I ran were 4.34s or 4.33s. So I’m looking forward to running in the 4.33 range like I always have.
SN: Why was your time in Indianapolis so slow?
JH: I had a back strain while I was working out before the Combine. I didn’t think it was going to affect my time like that. When I was running, it didn’t feel so good.
SN: A lot of players prepare for the Combine at special training centers all over the country. You stayed home in Fort Washington, Md., and worked out with your dad at his gym. What was that like?
JH: It was great, especially being able to sleep in your own bed at home. I have four younger brothers and just being able to spend time with them was special. And then to work out with my dad‹he’s been training me every since I was a little boy‹and to see my mom. Just to be able to come back home and hang out with all of them was a blessing.
SN: Do you feel like you’re the best cornerback in the draft?
JH: I feel like I’m definitely the best corner. What you get from me is what nobody else can give you at corner‹a strong, hard-nosed player who can lock down one side of the field and isn’t afraid to play man, isn’t afraid to blitz and isn’t afraid to tackle.
SN: You arrived at Florida as a quarterback, then moved to wide receiver and finally ended up at cornerback. How difficult was it to make that switch?
JH: It was definitely difficult, not having played the cornerback position before. But I had some good coaches who taught me what I needed to know. I had the ability to do what I needed to do; I just needed the coaching to know what was going on.
SN: You were the first true freshman at Florida to start at cornerback. What did that mean to you?
JH: I didn’t even know that until after the first game, when my dad texted me and congratulated me. That meant a whole lot to me. When I first got there, I was playing a different position. Just to switch over and start, and then be the first (true freshman) to ever start‹knowing how many great players have played at Florida‹was an honor.
SN: After setting several Maryland high school records for passing, you were recruited as a quarterback by several schools. How different would your career have been if you had played quarterback in college?
JH: It would have been a whole lot different. I don’t think I would be in the situation I am now. I know God put me in the best situation for me, and that was to go to Florida and switch over to corner. If I had been a quarterback, I don’t think I’d have left school early and I don’t think I’d be projected to go in the first round of the draft. I’m 5-10 and three-fourths; I don’t think there’s too many of those (quarterbacks) that go in the first round.
SN: Is there an NFL player who you admire or have tried to emulate?
JH: When I was younger, my favorite player was Michael Vick because I played quarterback. Then when I started playing corner, I started watching all the corners‹Nnamdi Asomugha from the Raiders; Charles Woodson‹he won the Heisman at Michigan as a corner; and Champ Bailey. This year, I was busy watching Darrelle Revis because what he did is definitely how I want to play in the NFL.
SN: What do you like about Revis?
JH: He doesn’t really play with a lot of fanfare. He just takes care of his business. He’s out there on an island, and whenever the ball comes over there he makes a play on it every time.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Florida cornerback Joe Haden, a potential top 10 pick in the NFL draft, ran a disappointing 4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine a couple of weeks ago in Indianapolis. He hopes to redeem himself Wednesday at his pro day in Gainesville, Fla. In a conversation with Sporting News’ Dennis Dillon, Haden talked about his football career.
Sporting News: How eager are you to run at your pro day?
Joe Haden: I can’t wait. My back is finally 100 percent, so I can’t wait to go out there and perform. I’m just anxious and ready to do it.
SN: Since the Combine, what have you been working on?
JH: All I’ve been working on is my 40 starts. That’s basically it. I’ve probably run about a thousand 40s.
SN: You ran a 4.57 40 at the Combine. How disappointed were you?
JH: I haven’t run that (slow) since my freshman year in high school, so I was really disappointed. Down in Florida, all I ran were 4.34s or 4.33s. So I’m looking forward to running in the 4.33 range like I always have.
SN: Why was your time in Indianapolis so slow?
JH: I had a back strain while I was working out before the Combine. I didn’t think it was going to affect my time like that. When I was running, it didn’t feel so good.
SN: A lot of players prepare for the Combine at special training centers all over the country. You stayed home in Fort Washington, Md., and worked out with your dad at his gym. What was that like?
JH: It was great, especially being able to sleep in your own bed at home. I have four younger brothers and just being able to spend time with them was special. And then to work out with my dad‹he’s been training me every since I was a little boy‹and to see my mom. Just to be able to come back home and hang out with all of them was a blessing.
SN: Do you feel like you’re the best cornerback in the draft?
JH: I feel like I’m definitely the best corner. What you get from me is what nobody else can give you at corner‹a strong, hard-nosed player who can lock down one side of the field and isn’t afraid to play man, isn’t afraid to blitz and isn’t afraid to tackle.
SN: You arrived at Florida as a quarterback, then moved to wide receiver and finally ended up at cornerback. How difficult was it to make that switch?
JH: It was definitely difficult, not having played the cornerback position before. But I had some good coaches who taught me what I needed to know. I had the ability to do what I needed to do; I just needed the coaching to know what was going on.
SN: You were the first true freshman at Florida to start at cornerback. What did that mean to you?
JH: I didn’t even know that until after the first game, when my dad texted me and congratulated me. That meant a whole lot to me. When I first got there, I was playing a different position. Just to switch over and start, and then be the first (true freshman) to ever start‹knowing how many great players have played at Florida‹was an honor.
SN: After setting several Maryland high school records for passing, you were recruited as a quarterback by several schools. How different would your career have been if you had played quarterback in college?
JH: It would have been a whole lot different. I don’t think I would be in the situation I am now. I know God put me in the best situation for me, and that was to go to Florida and switch over to corner. If I had been a quarterback, I don’t think I’d have left school early and I don’t think I’d be projected to go in the first round of the draft. I’m 5-10 and three-fourths; I don’t think there’s too many of those (quarterbacks) that go in the first round.
SN: Is there an NFL player who you admire or have tried to emulate?
JH: When I was younger, my favorite player was Michael Vick because I played quarterback. Then when I started playing corner, I started watching all the corners‹Nnamdi Asomugha from the Raiders; Charles Woodson‹he won the Heisman at Michigan as a corner; and Champ Bailey. This year, I was busy watching Darrelle Revis because what he did is definitely how I want to play in the NFL.
SN: What do you like about Revis?
JH: He doesn’t really play with a lot of fanfare. He just takes care of his business. He’s out there on an island, and whenever the ball comes over there he makes a play on it every time.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, one of the most eager and earnest draft prospects in NFL history, opted not to work out at the Scouting Combine because he was still working on his new throwing motion.
Tim Tebow looks to impress scouts after disappointing Senior Bowl performance.
Of course, he says he’s not really changing his throwing motion. But he’s changing it enough to have kept him from throwing for scouts in late February.
Now, less than three weeks later, he’ll show what he can do at his pro day session in Gainesville on Wednesday. He promises that no conditions or limitations will apply, and that he’ll do whatever the scouts and coaches want him to do.
So let’s take a look at what they’ll be looking at:
1. The snap.
It’s the most basic and mundane of a quarterback’s duties. Place knuckles of one hand into the nether regions of the center, call for the ball, receive the ball, grasp it with other hand.
For a guy who took the huge majority of his snaps during his college career out of shotgun formation, it’s hardly a basic or mundane task. Especially when he’s asked to do it for the first time in front of a bunch of strangers.
So it’s no surprise Tebow dropped more than a few of the exchanges on his first day of Senior Bowl practices.
When he works out on Wednesday, scouts will surely closely monitor his technique for doing something that most NFL quarterbacks have long since taken for granted.
| Gators expect big crowd |
| Tim Tebow works out for scouts on Wednesday, and there will be more than a few non-scouts in attendance. A league source says the folks at Gainesville are expecting a crowd of more than 10,000.
At many schools, attendance at the Pro Day workout is limited to players, agents, scouts, coaches, and accredited media. We’re not sure how or why the Florida folks are accommodating so many onlookers.
The festivities get rolling at 10 a.m. ET. — Mike Florio |
2. The drop.
Once the quarterback has the ball in his hands, it’s time to begin moving away from the line of scrimmage. It’s not as easy as it looks, this mechanical, second-nature movement of one, three, five or seven steps. The quarterback, while backpedaling sideways, must focus on the development of the play, attempting to decipher the coverage and spot a blitz while at the same time checking to see whether the receivers were able to fight off any contact they encountered at the line of scrimmage.
For shotgun quarterbacks like Tebow, the drop already is accomplished before the ball sails from between the center’s legs. It allows the quarterback to get into passing position more quickly and more easily.
Tebow, who never had to worry about footwork at the college level, suddenly must figure out not only how to do it, but how to do it well.
3. The release.
The most obvious flaw in Tebow’s game comes from his throwing motion, a slow, looping, predictable crank shaft that makes Byron Leftwich look like Dan Marino. Much has been written and said about whether Florida coach Urban Meyer and his staff failed Tebow by not fixing this problem. Some have suggested that Meyer and company tried, unsuccessfully, to shorten Tebow’s release.
Regardless, Tebow is shortening his release. Which is an implicit admission that his release should have been shorter all along.
It definitely will be shorter on Wednesday. Whether it stays that way after he’s drafted remains to be seen.
4. Play-action.
Success in football often arises from successful deception of the opponent. One of the most effective acts of deception comes from the play-action pass.
It’s shorthand for a fake handoff. The best of the best (like former NFL quarterback Steve DeBerg) can put the ball into the gut of the running back and deftly sneak it away, pinning it against his hip while the linebackers — and hopefully the defensive backs — converge on the guy they think must be tackled.
But executing the fake isn’t the hard part. The hard part comes from turning away from the coverage while pretending to hand the ball off. Then, after roughly a full second, the quarterback must regain his bearings, figuring out what has changed — and what hasn’t — during the critical moment when he wasn’t looking.
Who bit on the fake? Who didn’t? Was a blitz called? Is the blitzer taking out the running back’s legs, or is he coming at the quarterback’s head?
More importantly, is a receiver open?
From time to time at Florida, Tebow would take a step forward and crouch a little, as if he were going to hand the ball off, before stepping back, standing up and looking for a receiver. But Tebow never took his eyes off the secondary — so he never had to reacquire the happenings down the field after turning his back to the defense.
It’s arguably the toughest thing Tebow will have to figure out, and little that anyone sees during his pro day workout will tell NFL teams whether he’ll be able to do it.
5. Pressure.
As to each of the above factors, the addition of pressure changes everything. Most importantly, it can cause a quarterback to retreat to his instincts.
In Tebow’s case, it means that he might revert back to his old throwing motion.
As one league source explained it, there’s a belief that, by the time a quarterback gets to the NFL, he has made "a million" throws, and that it will take a lifetime to truly change his motion. More often than not, the old motion will resurface when the quarterback is feeling heat.
So if the pro day workout truly is a no-holds-barred affair, one of the potentially interested teams should bring along a couple of defensive backs and a defensive lineman or two to simulate the one fact that won’t exist when Tebow is playing pitch-and-catch with several of his former teammates at Florida — real, live pressure.
The approach would be unconventional, but it would definitely make the workout far more meaningful.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, one of the most eager and earnest draft prospects in NFL history, opted not to work out at the Scouting Combine because he was still working on his new throwing motion.
Tim Tebow looks to impress scouts after disappointing Senior Bowl performance.
Of course, he says he’s not really changing his throwing motion. But he’s changing it enough to have kept him from throwing for scouts in late February.
Now, less than three weeks later, he’ll show what he can do at his pro day session in Gainesville on Wednesday. He promises that no conditions or limitations will apply, and that he’ll do whatever the scouts and coaches want him to do.
So let’s take a look at what they’ll be looking at:
1. The snap.
It’s the most basic and mundane of a quarterback’s duties. Place knuckles of one hand into the nether regions of the center, call for the ball, receive the ball, grasp it with other hand.
For a guy who took the huge majority of his snaps during his college career out of shotgun formation, it’s hardly a basic or mundane task. Especially when he’s asked to do it for the first time in front of a bunch of strangers.
So it’s no surprise Tebow dropped more than a few of the exchanges on his first day of Senior Bowl practices.
When he works out on Wednesday, scouts will surely closely monitor his technique for doing something that most NFL quarterbacks have long since taken for granted.
| Gators expect big crowd |
| Tim Tebow works out for scouts on Wednesday, and there will be more than a few non-scouts in attendance. A league source says the folks at Gainesville are expecting a crowd of more than 10,000.
At many schools, attendance at the Pro Day workout is limited to players, agents, scouts, coaches, and accredited media. We’re not sure how or why the Florida folks are accommodating so many onlookers.
The festivities get rolling at 10 a.m. ET. — Mike Florio |
2. The drop.
Once the quarterback has the ball in his hands, it’s time to begin moving away from the line of scrimmage. It’s not as easy as it looks, this mechanical, second-nature movement of one, three, five or seven steps. The quarterback, while backpedaling sideways, must focus on the development of the play, attempting to decipher the coverage and spot a blitz while at the same time checking to see whether the receivers were able to fight off any contact they encountered at the line of scrimmage.
For shotgun quarterbacks like Tebow, the drop already is accomplished before the ball sails from between the center’s legs. It allows the quarterback to get into passing position more quickly and more easily.
Tebow, who never had to worry about footwork at the college level, suddenly must figure out not only how to do it, but how to do it well.
3. The release.
The most obvious flaw in Tebow’s game comes from his throwing motion, a slow, looping, predictable crank shaft that makes Byron Leftwich look like Dan Marino. Much has been written and said about whether Florida coach Urban Meyer and his staff failed Tebow by not fixing this problem. Some have suggested that Meyer and company tried, unsuccessfully, to shorten Tebow’s release.
Regardless, Tebow is shortening his release. Which is an implicit admission that his release should have been shorter all along.
It definitely will be shorter on Wednesday. Whether it stays that way after he’s drafted remains to be seen.
4. Play-action.
Success in football often arises from successful deception of the opponent. One of the most effective acts of deception comes from the play-action pass.
It’s shorthand for a fake handoff. The best of the best (like former NFL quarterback Steve DeBerg) can put the ball into the gut of the running back and deftly sneak it away, pinning it against his hip while the linebackers — and hopefully the defensive backs — converge on the guy they think must be tackled.
But executing the fake isn’t the hard part. The hard part comes from turning away from the coverage while pretending to hand the ball off. Then, after roughly a full second, the quarterback must regain his bearings, figuring out what has changed — and what hasn’t — during the critical moment when he wasn’t looking.
Who bit on the fake? Who didn’t? Was a blitz called? Is the blitzer taking out the running back’s legs, or is he coming at the quarterback’s head?
More importantly, is a receiver open?
From time to time at Florida, Tebow would take a step forward and crouch a little, as if he were going to hand the ball off, before stepping back, standing up and looking for a receiver. But Tebow never took his eyes off the secondary — so he never had to reacquire the happenings down the field after turning his back to the defense.
It’s arguably the toughest thing Tebow will have to figure out, and little that anyone sees during his pro day workout will tell NFL teams whether he’ll be able to do it.
5. Pressure.
As to each of the above factors, the addition of pressure changes everything. Most importantly, it can cause a quarterback to retreat to his instincts.
In Tebow’s case, it means that he might revert back to his old throwing motion.
As one league source explained it, there’s a belief that, by the time a quarterback gets to the NFL, he has made "a million" throws, and that it will take a lifetime to truly change his motion. More often than not, the old motion will resurface when the quarterback is feeling heat.
So if the pro day workout truly is a no-holds-barred affair, one of the potentially interested teams should bring along a couple of defensive backs and a defensive lineman or two to simulate the one fact that won’t exist when Tebow is playing pitch-and-catch with several of his former teammates at Florida — real, live pressure.
The approach would be unconventional, but it would definitely make the workout far more meaningful.
Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.
An AL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Q: Which pitcher (if any) will emerge as the Angels’ ace?
Scout says: "I think Joe Saunders has a chance to really solidify himself as one of the premier lefthanded pitchers in the game. He’s a tremendous makeup guy, works extremely hard, has a very strong aptitude for the game. He’s probably the most durable guy in that rotation. To me, Saunders is a complete package and could put himself in that category as one of the top five to 10 lefties in the game."
Q: Which team in the division is the best defensively?
Scout says: "Texas is strong, but their catching is going to be a question mark. Seattle is good; Oakland doesn’t really have a premier guy. But it’s gotta be the Angels, with their pitching and how they play up the middle with Torii Hunter and Erick Aybar. The Angels have got to be considered the best defensive club."
Q: New Rangers DH Vladimir Guerrero has great numbers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington during his career. Will that continue?
Scout says: "Absolutely. One, because he likes to hit in that park. And two, because he’s a tremendous presence in the batter’s box and has a tremendous supporting cast around him. Even if he doesn’t produce exactly what he did for L.A., he’s in a hitter-friendly ballpark geared to the right-center field gap. I think he’s going to be very impactful for that lineup."
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.
An AL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Q: Which pitcher (if any) will emerge as the Angels’ ace?
Scout says: "I think Joe Saunders has a chance to really solidify himself as one of the premier lefthanded pitchers in the game. He’s a tremendous makeup guy, works extremely hard, has a very strong aptitude for the game. He’s probably the most durable guy in that rotation. To me, Saunders is a complete package and could put himself in that category as one of the top five to 10 lefties in the game."
Q: Which team in the division is the best defensively?
Scout says: "Texas is strong, but their catching is going to be a question mark. Seattle is good; Oakland doesn’t really have a premier guy. But it’s gotta be the Angels, with their pitching and how they play up the middle with Torii Hunter and Erick Aybar. The Angels have got to be considered the best defensive club."
Q: New Rangers DH Vladimir Guerrero has great numbers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington during his career. Will that continue?
Scout says: "Absolutely. One, because he likes to hit in that park. And two, because he’s a tremendous presence in the batter’s box and has a tremendous supporting cast around him. Even if he doesn’t produce exactly what he did for L.A., he’s in a hitter-friendly ballpark geared to the right-center field gap. I think he’s going to be very impactful for that lineup."
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The Angels lost four mainstays while the rest of the division was adding players who figure to improve their new teams. But don’t count out the Angels yet. They still have the division’s deepest rotation, a fast-break offense and manager Mike Scioscia. They also have won three consecutive division titles. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said, "You can make a legitimate case for all four teams." But he knows the Angels remain the team to beat.
The Angels added Joel Pineiro in part to make up for the loss of John Lackey.
Three questions
1. Who will replace Chone Figgins?
The Angels lost Figgins, John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver in free agency. Figgins, their All-Star third baseman, will be the most difficult to replace. Figgins said he was ready to return to L.A. but thought the club had other ideas all along. "Brandon Wood has been in their eyes for a while now," Figgins said. "He’s one of those guys who’ve been in the organization awhile."
Wood will take over Figgins’ position in the field, but Erick Aybar will inherit the more difficult task of replacing Figgins in the leadoff role. Aybar, 26, is a speedy switch hitter like Figgins but strikes out less often. However, Aybar will need to walk more to boost his .353 on-base percentage into the neighborhood of Figgins’ .395. The Angels should give Maicer Izturis opportunities in the top spot, too.
2. Who will replace Lackey?
The Angels wanted no part of awarding their No. 1 starter a five-year deal after he spent time on the disabled list with arm trouble in each of the past two seasons. Instead, they signed 31-year-old righthander Joel Pineiro for two years and a lot less money. Pineiro, heeding the advice of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, relied on a sinker to have his best season (214 innings, 3.49 ERA) in 2009.
Although Pineiro will take Lackey’s spot in the rotation, it is uncertain whether someone will assume his ace status. Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders could become 1 and 1A. Weaver, a first-round pick in 2004, is coming off his best season, having finished in the top 10 in the AL in wins (16), innings (211) and ERA (3.75). Saunders went 16-7 but allowed the second-most homers (29) of any AL starter.
3. Who will replace Guerrero?
Guerrero spent six highly productive seasons in Anaheim, hitting .319 and averaging more than least 28 homers per season. He was limited by injuries in 2009 and the Angels — with a new focus on plate discipline — opted not to bring him back.
Instead, they signed World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, who fits their new, disciplined approach. About all Matsui has in common with Guerrero are declining skills in the outfield. Matsui, 35, is almost eight months older than Guerrero and knee injuries have limited him to DH duty. He still can hit, though. He has a career .370 on-base percentage and blasted 28 homers last season.
Projected lineup
1. SS Erick Aybar: Career bests in ’09: .312 AVG, .353 OBP.
2. RF Bobby Abreu: 96 runs were his fewest since ’98.
3. CF Torii Hunter: .299 AVG, .873 OPS were career bests.
4. 1B Kendry Morales: Led team with 34 HRs, 108 RBIs.
5. DH Hideki Matsui: 28 HRs were most since ’04.
6. LF Juan Rivera: Career bests in ’09: 25 HRs, 88 RBIs.
7. 2B Howie Kendrick: Team-best .358 AVG after break.
8. C Mike Napoli: 20 HRs in platoon with Jeff Mathis.
9. 3B Brandon Wood: .192 AVG in parts of 3 MLB seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Jered Weaver: Surpassed 200 IP for first time in ’09.
2. LHP Joe Saunders: 33 wins over past 2 seasons (2nd in AL).
3. RHP Ervin Santana: 5.00-plus ERA in 2 of past 3 seasons.
4. LHP Scott Kazmir: 1.73 ERA in 6 starts after trade to Angels. 5. RHP Joel Pineiro: Led MLB in fewest walks, most grounders per 9 IP.
Projected closer
LHP Brian Fuentes: Career-high 48 saves in ’09; 3.93 ERA was highest since ’04.
Grades
Offense: A. The addition of Abreu last season resulted in a much more patient approach at the plate. After finishing 11th in the AL with a .330 on-base percentage in 2008, Los Angeles was third last season at .350. The Angels led the AL with a .285 batting average and finished second in runs (883). Expect more of the same this season with the continued development of Morales and Aybar.
Pitching: B. The return to health of Scot Shields and the arrival of Fernando Rodney should go a long way in offsetting Oliver’s loss in the bullpen. Kevin Jepsen also brings plenty of heat in relief. The rotation lacks a proven ace, but it is the deepest in the division.
Bench: B. The Angels want Wood to be the regular at third base so they can use Izturis at second, short and third. They are two deep at catcher, and Reggie Willits provides speed as the fourth outfielder.
Manager: A. There are plenty of reasons why Scioscia is the AL’s longest tenured manager. Two of them: The Angels are as well-trained in the fundamentals as any team in the majors, and his players have no doubt about who is in charge.
Sporting News prediction: The rest of the West is catching up, but the Angels’ advantage in starting pitching will be the difference. They will win their sixth division title in the past seven seasons.
Coming Wednesday: Rangers preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
The Angels lost four mainstays while the rest of the division was adding players who figure to improve their new teams. But don’t count out the Angels yet. They still have the division’s deepest rotation, a fast-break offense and manager Mike Scioscia. They also have won three consecutive division titles. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said, "You can make a legitimate case for all four teams." But he knows the Angels remain the team to beat.
The Angels added Joel Pineiro in part to make up for the loss of John Lackey.
Three questions
1. Who will replace Chone Figgins?
The Angels lost Figgins, John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver in free agency. Figgins, their All-Star third baseman, will be the most difficult to replace. Figgins said he was ready to return to L.A. but thought the club had other ideas all along. "Brandon Wood has been in their eyes for a while now," Figgins said. "He’s one of those guys who’ve been in the organization awhile."
Wood will take over Figgins’ position in the field, but Erick Aybar will inherit the more difficult task of replacing Figgins in the leadoff role. Aybar, 26, is a speedy switch hitter like Figgins but strikes out less often. However, Aybar will need to walk more to boost his .353 on-base percentage into the neighborhood of Figgins’ .395. The Angels should give Maicer Izturis opportunities in the top spot, too.
2. Who will replace Lackey?
The Angels wanted no part of awarding their No. 1 starter a five-year deal after he spent time on the disabled list with arm trouble in each of the past two seasons. Instead, they signed 31-year-old righthander Joel Pineiro for two years and a lot less money. Pineiro, heeding the advice of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, relied on a sinker to have his best season (214 innings, 3.49 ERA) in 2009.
Although Pineiro will take Lackey’s spot in the rotation, it is uncertain whether someone will assume his ace status. Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders could become 1 and 1A. Weaver, a first-round pick in 2004, is coming off his best season, having finished in the top 10 in the AL in wins (16), innings (211) and ERA (3.75). Saunders went 16-7 but allowed the second-most homers (29) of any AL starter.
3. Who will replace Guerrero?
Guerrero spent six highly productive seasons in Anaheim, hitting .319 and averaging more than least 28 homers per season. He was limited by injuries in 2009 and the Angels — with a new focus on plate discipline — opted not to bring him back.
Instead, they signed World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, who fits their new, disciplined approach. About all Matsui has in common with Guerrero are declining skills in the outfield. Matsui, 35, is almost eight months older than Guerrero and knee injuries have limited him to DH duty. He still can hit, though. He has a career .370 on-base percentage and blasted 28 homers last season.
Projected lineup
1. SS Erick Aybar: Career bests in ’09: .312 AVG, .353 OBP.
2. RF Bobby Abreu: 96 runs were his fewest since ’98.
3. CF Torii Hunter: .299 AVG, .873 OPS were career bests.
4. 1B Kendry Morales: Led team with 34 HRs, 108 RBIs.
5. DH Hideki Matsui: 28 HRs were most since ’04.
6. LF Juan Rivera: Career bests in ’09: 25 HRs, 88 RBIs.
7. 2B Howie Kendrick: Team-best .358 AVG after break.
8. C Mike Napoli: 20 HRs in platoon with Jeff Mathis.
9. 3B Brandon Wood: .192 AVG in parts of 3 MLB seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Jered Weaver: Surpassed 200 IP for first time in ’09.
2. LHP Joe Saunders: 33 wins over past 2 seasons (2nd in AL).
3. RHP Ervin Santana: 5.00-plus ERA in 2 of past 3 seasons.
4. LHP Scott Kazmir: 1.73 ERA in 6 starts after trade to Angels. 5. RHP Joel Pineiro: Led MLB in fewest walks, most grounders per 9 IP.
Projected closer
LHP Brian Fuentes: Career-high 48 saves in ’09; 3.93 ERA was highest since ’04.
Grades
Offense: A. The addition of Abreu last season resulted in a much more patient approach at the plate. After finishing 11th in the AL with a .330 on-base percentage in 2008, Los Angeles was third last season at .350. The Angels led the AL with a .285 batting average and finished second in runs (883). Expect more of the same this season with the continued development of Morales and Aybar.
Pitching: B. The return to health of Scot Shields and the arrival of Fernando Rodney should go a long way in offsetting Oliver’s loss in the bullpen. Kevin Jepsen also brings plenty of heat in relief. The rotation lacks a proven ace, but it is the deepest in the division.
Bench: B. The Angels want Wood to be the regular at third base so they can use Izturis at second, short and third. They are two deep at catcher, and Reggie Willits provides speed as the fourth outfielder.
Manager: A. There are plenty of reasons why Scioscia is the AL’s longest tenured manager. Two of them: The Angels are as well-trained in the fundamentals as any team in the majors, and his players have no doubt about who is in charge.
Sporting News prediction: The rest of the West is catching up, but the Angels’ advantage in starting pitching will be the difference. They will win their sixth division title in the past seven seasons.
Coming Wednesday: Rangers preview
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
Scouts from the Marlins and other teams watched Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell make his spring training debut Monday, The Miami Herald reports.
Lowell played first base Monday and went 1-for-2 at the plate against the Orioles.
The Herald reports the Marlins may be in the market for a corner infielder, given their uncertainty at first and third base. Rookies Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez are competing at first, but if neither one seizes the opportunity, Florida might shift third baseman Jorge Cantu to first. That would leave a hole at third, which the 36-year-old Lowell could fill.
Any trade would have to include Boston paying most of Lowell’s $12 million salary for 2010. Boston reportedly was prepared to give the Rangers $9 million as part of a Lowell deal.
Lowell, whom the Marlins traded to the Red Sox in 2005 as part of the Josh Beckett deal, star underwent offseason surgery on his thumb and has been hobbled in recent years with a hip ailment. The thumb injury scuttled an offseason trade to the Rangers.
Sporting News staff reports
Scouts from the Marlins and other teams watched Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell make his spring training debut Monday, The Miami Herald reports.
Lowell played first base Monday and went 1-for-2 at the plate against the Orioles.
The Herald reports the Marlins may be in the market for a corner infielder, given their uncertainty at first and third base. Rookies Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez are competing at first, but if neither one seizes the opportunity, Florida might shift third baseman Jorge Cantu to first. That would leave a hole at third, which the 36-year-old Lowell could fill.
Any trade would have to include Boston paying most of Lowell’s $12 million salary for 2010. Boston reportedly was prepared to give the Rangers $9 million as part of a Lowell deal.
Lowell, whom the Marlins traded to the Red Sox in 2005 as part of the Josh Beckett deal, star underwent offseason surgery on his thumb and has been hobbled in recent years with a hip ailment. The thumb injury scuttled an offseason trade to the Rangers.
