Sporting News Pro Football War Room
Russ Lande and his team of former pro scouts evaluate NFL Draft prospects for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room. Here is their evaluation of
Jeff Owens, who SN’s
NFL Mock Draft sees as a first-round pick, at No. 31 to the Indianapolis Colts.
Height: 6-1 1/4
Weight: 304
40 time: 5.05
Strengths: Is thick and well-built, with the strength to be a force at the point of attack. He showed his strength at the Combine, putting up 44 reps in the 225-pound bench press — the most among defensive linemen. Is consistently quick out of his stance and off the ball, which helps him take on run blocks quickly and be strong at the point of attack. Stacks blockers at the point, flashes quick shed ability and makes tackles on inside runs at him. Can jolt and drive opponents backward into the quarterback’s lap. Shows the ability to free himself and pressure the quarterback. Can drive through reach blocks to get into the backfield and blow up plays. Flashes the hands, quickness and agility to beat one-on-one pass blocks with quick moves. Looks bigger and plays stronger than his listed height and weight.
Weaknesses: Is shorter than ideal and looks somewhat soft-bodied, which is not a good combination. Does not consistently shed and get free from blocks as quickly as he is capable of, which allows running backs to run by him on inside runs that he should stop. Does not have the speed to chase down plays outside of the offensive tackles and lacks the closing burst to consistently finish sacks after he beats pass blockers. Lacks explosiveness to shoot gaps and blow up plays in the backfield consistently against straight-up blocking schemes.
Bottom line: Owens was on his way to being one of the first defensive tackles drafted in 2009 before blowing out a knee in Georgia’s 2008 opener. He had surgery and missed the rest of the 2008 season before returning in 2009. Though he was not as consistent last season, he flashed the ability to produce at the same level and still showed the athleticism and competitiveness that made him productive before the injury. Owens is a true two-gap defensive tackle who does not fit every scheme. But if he gets all the way back to his pre-injury form, which he should by 2010, he will be a productive NFL starter.
Sporting News Pro Football War Room
Russ Lande and his team of former pro scouts evaluate NFL Draft prospects for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room. Here is their evaluation of
Jeff Owens, who SN’s
NFL Mock Draft sees as a first-round pick, at No. 31 to the Indianapolis Colts.
Height: 6-1 1/4
Weight: 304
40 time: 5.05
Strengths: Is thick and well-built, with the strength to be a force at the point of attack. He showed his strength at the Combine, putting up 44 reps in the 225-pound bench press — the most among defensive linemen. Is consistently quick out of his stance and off the ball, which helps him take on run blocks quickly and be strong at the point of attack. Stacks blockers at the point, flashes quick shed ability and makes tackles on inside runs at him. Can jolt and drive opponents backward into the quarterback’s lap. Shows the ability to free himself and pressure the quarterback. Can drive through reach blocks to get into the backfield and blow up plays. Flashes the hands, quickness and agility to beat one-on-one pass blocks with quick moves. Looks bigger and plays stronger than his listed height and weight.
Weaknesses: Is shorter than ideal and looks somewhat soft-bodied, which is not a good combination. Does not consistently shed and get free from blocks as quickly as he is capable of, which allows running backs to run by him on inside runs that he should stop. Does not have the speed to chase down plays outside of the offensive tackles and lacks the closing burst to consistently finish sacks after he beats pass blockers. Lacks explosiveness to shoot gaps and blow up plays in the backfield consistently against straight-up blocking schemes.
Bottom line: Owens was on his way to being one of the first defensive tackles drafted in 2009 before blowing out a knee in Georgia’s 2008 opener. He had surgery and missed the rest of the 2008 season before returning in 2009. Though he was not as consistent last season, he flashed the ability to produce at the same level and still showed the athleticism and competitiveness that made him productive before the injury. Owens is a true two-gap defensive tackle who does not fit every scheme. But if he gets all the way back to his pre-injury form, which he should by 2010, he will be a productive NFL starter.
The ripest fruit doesn’t always grow on your neighbor’s tree. Sometimes it’s best to pick from your own vines.
On the opening day of free agency last week, while the Bears signed former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, the Lions corralled former Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Jets traded for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Colts quietly held a news conference to announce the re-signing of middle linebacker Gary Brackett.
In years past, the Colts have allowed their linebackers to leave. Mike Peterson, David Thornton and Cato June all exited as free agents. This time, Indianapolis took care of its own by locking up Brackett with a five-year contract reportedly worth $33 million, of which $12 million was guaranteed.
The NFL has entered into what it likes to call uncharted waters. This is the first year since 1994 that there is no salary cap, which has made this class of free agents (they must have at least six years’ experience to qualify) mostly average.
So it makes a lot of sense for teams to retain their own core players rather than seek out the company of strangers. Or, as former NFL personnel man Bill Kuharich put it: "The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know."
A scrappy 5-11, 235-pound player in the middle of the Colts’ defense, Brackett has been devilish for opponents. He has totaled more than 100 tackles in each of his five seasons as a starter, including a team-leading 149 in ’07.
"He’s built for their defense—a guy who can diagnose, know where to be and run to the ball," Kuharich said.
Brackett is one of the leaders of an underrated defense that usually is overshadowed by Peyton Manning and the offense. He had 13 tackles in Super Bowl 43 and made one of the biggest plays of the game when he and fellow linebacker Clint Session teamed up to stop Saints running back Pierre Thomas at the 1-yard line on a fourth-and-goal play in the second quarter.
The Colts ended up losing that game, which is one reason Brackett wanted to stay in Indianapolis.
"I really felt that we had some unfinished business," he said at his press conference. "We went to the Super Bowl this year, but didn’t get the job done. I feel like we’re right there, we’re very competitive, and next year I think it is the same thing over again."
The Colts were one of several teams that made smart moves with a stay-at-home signing during the first week of free agency. Here are four others:
Kevin Walter has averaged 59 catches and 770 yards over the past three seasons with the Texans.
• Kevin Walter, WR, Texans (five years/$21.5 million/$8 million bonus). Andre Johnson is Houston’s premier wideout, but the 6-3 Walter is more than a sidekick. In the past three seasons, he has quietly averaged 59 catches and 770 receiving yards while scored 14 touchdowns combined.
"He does a great job running routes, is easy to find over the middle and is a great blocker," former Seahawks coach Jim Mora said.
• Ryan Clark, FS, Steelers (four years/$14 million). Although fellow safety Troy Polamalu gets more attention and lines up in myriad places, Clark provides a strong presence in the deep middle of coordinator Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. Clark is an instinctive player and one of the hardest hitters in the game. Just ask former Ravens running back Willis McGahee, who fumbled after getting smashed by Clark in the AFC championship game a year ago.
"The Steelers are a team that prides itself on its toughness, and this guy is tough," Mora said. "He knows the complexities of the system and allows Polamalu to free-lance."
• Chad Clifton, OT, Packers (three years/$19.8 million/$6.375 million bonus). He’ll turn 34 in June and was nicked up a bit last season, but Clifton was as much of a proven commodity as any of the left tackles that were on the market. He has been a longtime pillar for the Packers at one of the most important positions on offense—and one of the key reasons for the rapid development of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"In a left tackle market that was lean in depth and front-line starting options among unrestricted free agents, Clifton was one of the better solutions despite his age," an AFC scout said. "He gives the Packers short-term stability at a critical spot."
• Leonard Weaver, FB, Eagles (one year/$1.75 million). He does a lot more than provide a 6-0, 250-pound fireplug in the backfield. Last season, he carried 70 times for 323 yards and two touchdowns—nearly surpassing his rushing totals for his three seasons in Seattle combined—and caught 15 passes for 140 yards and two more TDs.
"He is a different spin on their offense as a fullback who became more involved as the season went along in receiving and running the ball," Kuharich said.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
The ripest fruit doesn’t always grow on your neighbor’s tree. Sometimes it’s best to pick from your own vines.
On the opening day of free agency last week, while the Bears signed former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, the Lions corralled former Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Jets traded for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Colts quietly held a news conference to announce the re-signing of middle linebacker Gary Brackett.
In years past, the Colts have allowed their linebackers to leave. Mike Peterson, David Thornton and Cato June all exited as free agents. This time, Indianapolis took care of its own by locking up Brackett with a five-year contract reportedly worth $33 million, of which $12 million was guaranteed.
The NFL has entered into what it likes to call uncharted waters. This is the first year since 1994 that there is no salary cap, which has made this class of free agents (they must have at least six years’ experience to qualify) mostly average.
So it makes a lot of sense for teams to retain their own core players rather than seek out the company of strangers. Or, as former NFL personnel man Bill Kuharich put it: "The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know."
A scrappy 5-11, 235-pound player in the middle of the Colts’ defense, Brackett has been devilish for opponents. He has totaled more than 100 tackles in each of his five seasons as a starter, including a team-leading 149 in ’07.
"He’s built for their defense—a guy who can diagnose, know where to be and run to the ball," Kuharich said.
Brackett is one of the leaders of an underrated defense that usually is overshadowed by Peyton Manning and the offense. He had 13 tackles in Super Bowl 43 and made one of the biggest plays of the game when he and fellow linebacker Clint Session teamed up to stop Saints running back Pierre Thomas at the 1-yard line on a fourth-and-goal play in the second quarter.
The Colts ended up losing that game, which is one reason Brackett wanted to stay in Indianapolis.
"I really felt that we had some unfinished business," he said at his press conference. "We went to the Super Bowl this year, but didn’t get the job done. I feel like we’re right there, we’re very competitive, and next year I think it is the same thing over again."
The Colts were one of several teams that made smart moves with a stay-at-home signing during the first week of free agency. Here are four others:
Kevin Walter has averaged 59 catches and 770 yards over the past three seasons with the Texans.
• Kevin Walter, WR, Texans (five years/$21.5 million/$8 million bonus). Andre Johnson is Houston’s premier wideout, but the 6-3 Walter is more than a sidekick. In the past three seasons, he has quietly averaged 59 catches and 770 receiving yards while scored 14 touchdowns combined.
"He does a great job running routes, is easy to find over the middle and is a great blocker," former Seahawks coach Jim Mora said.
• Ryan Clark, FS, Steelers (four years/$14 million). Although fellow safety Troy Polamalu gets more attention and lines up in myriad places, Clark provides a strong presence in the deep middle of coordinator Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. Clark is an instinctive player and one of the hardest hitters in the game. Just ask former Ravens running back Willis McGahee, who fumbled after getting smashed by Clark in the AFC championship game a year ago.
"The Steelers are a team that prides itself on its toughness, and this guy is tough," Mora said. "He knows the complexities of the system and allows Polamalu to free-lance."
• Chad Clifton, OT, Packers (three years/$19.8 million/$6.375 million bonus). He’ll turn 34 in June and was nicked up a bit last season, but Clifton was as much of a proven commodity as any of the left tackles that were on the market. He has been a longtime pillar for the Packers at one of the most important positions on offense—and one of the key reasons for the rapid development of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"In a left tackle market that was lean in depth and front-line starting options among unrestricted free agents, Clifton was one of the better solutions despite his age," an AFC scout said. "He gives the Packers short-term stability at a critical spot."
• Leonard Weaver, FB, Eagles (one year/$1.75 million). He does a lot more than provide a 6-0, 250-pound fireplug in the backfield. Last season, he carried 70 times for 323 yards and two touchdowns—nearly surpassing his rushing totals for his three seasons in Seattle combined—and caught 15 passes for 140 yards and two more TDs.
"He is a different spin on their offense as a fullback who became more involved as the season went along in receiving and running the ball," Kuharich said.
Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.
Jamie Dukes, a former NFL offensive lineman who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, played for the Falcons, Packers and Cardinals in a 10-year career (1986-95). Now working as an analyst for the NFL Network, Dukes is passionate about an issue that affects him and many other retired players—battling obesity and the major health issues it can cause. Dukes, 45, talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer about the problem, the solution he found for himself and how he’s spreading the word about this issue.
Sporting News: How does obesity develop into a problem for retired NFL linemen?
Jamie Dukes: As a lineman, you’re trained to maintain body mass, so you gorge yourself to stay at 290 or more pounds over the course of your career. When you’re retired, not working out as much as you used to, taking on responsibilities like being a father, you realize your weight is getting progressively worse. There are no six and seven hours in the gym anymore. For me, 12 years after I finished playing, I was a biscuit away from 400 pounds.
SN: How did you overcome the problem?
JD: I had some teammates who passed away—Reggie White from sleep apnea, Ricky Bryan from a heart attack—that were directly related to being overweight. I tried all the diets, and I would lose 15 pounds here and there, but then would come a family vacation and I put it all back on again. I then heard about the gastric band procedure, and since July 16, 2008, it’s helped me lose 110 pounds.
SN: How does the gastric band work?
JD: It’s a numbers game, really. The procedure sets up a silicone band around the stomach, so it closes up more quickly. I used to consume 10-12 ounce portions, and now they’re much smaller. It sends a sensation to your brain that you’re full, so you’re unable to consume large quantities. You can still eat all the foods you like, just less of them. You don’t have issues with feeling hungry. It’s just a 30-minute procedure, and I’ve had no medical issues.
SN: How have you spread the word about your success?
JD: Many former players contacted me after watching me on television, melting away the pounds right in front of their eyes. There’s a lot of disability that comes with being obese, and a lot of guys have knee or other joint replacements. Literally, they want help taking off the weight that their lower body is carrying.
SN: Is there something players can do to prevent this during their active career?
JD: We all make a deal to play this game. It’s not when they’re playing or right when guys retire—that’s when they’re most physically fit. It’s after that when those muscles turn into fat.
SN: Have a good story on how you’ve inspired another former player?
JD: I was at the Super Bowl, and the Saints were honoring one of their great former linebackers, Rickey Jackson. New Orleans is about to celebrate this victory, and he asked me "Tell me, what you done to lose all that weight?" It speaks volumes. It was so stunning to me, with his team right there, winning a championship, that was the first thing we talked about.
SN: Do you consider yourself the leader of this cause?
JD: I’m not the first player to recognize this problem. I’m just trying to do my part. With my Put Up Your Dukes foundation, it’s there to help those who haven’t connected the dots that a lot of what they’re going through comes from what I call a disease of excess.
SN: So is it more wishful thinking with other weight-loss solutions?
JD: It’s all about going from supersized consumption to eating in moderation. There are different ways to go about just shutting it off and keep from being overweight.
SN: How about fighting this problem from a young age?
JD: Childhood obesity is big issue, and through the NFL’s Play 60 program, we’re trying to get kids more involved in getting in enough physical activity every day. It’s not good that P.E. is being pulled out of a lot of schools. With Xbox and other video games, more kids are on the couch moreoften. We’ve got to work to get them back outside.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Jamie Dukes, a former NFL offensive lineman who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, played for the Falcons, Packers and Cardinals in a 10-year career (1986-95). Now working as an analyst for the NFL Network, Dukes is passionate about an issue that affects him and many other retired players—battling obesity and the major health issues it can cause. Dukes, 45, talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer about the problem, the solution he found for himself and how he’s spreading the word about this issue.
Sporting News: How does obesity develop into a problem for retired NFL linemen?
Jamie Dukes: As a lineman, you’re trained to maintain body mass, so you gorge yourself to stay at 290 or more pounds over the course of your career. When you’re retired, not working out as much as you used to, taking on responsibilities like being a father, you realize your weight is getting progressively worse. There are no six and seven hours in the gym anymore. For me, 12 years after I finished playing, I was a biscuit away from 400 pounds.
SN: How did you overcome the problem?
JD: I had some teammates who passed away—Reggie White from sleep apnea, Ricky Bryan from a heart attack—that were directly related to being overweight. I tried all the diets, and I would lose 15 pounds here and there, but then would come a family vacation and I put it all back on again. I then heard about the gastric band procedure, and since July 16, 2008, it’s helped me lose 110 pounds.
SN: How does the gastric band work?
JD: It’s a numbers game, really. The procedure sets up a silicone band around the stomach, so it closes up more quickly. I used to consume 10-12 ounce portions, and now they’re much smaller. It sends a sensation to your brain that you’re full, so you’re unable to consume large quantities. You can still eat all the foods you like, just less of them. You don’t have issues with feeling hungry. It’s just a 30-minute procedure, and I’ve had no medical issues.
SN: How have you spread the word about your success?
JD: Many former players contacted me after watching me on television, melting away the pounds right in front of their eyes. There’s a lot of disability that comes with being obese, and a lot of guys have knee or other joint replacements. Literally, they want help taking off the weight that their lower body is carrying.
SN: Is there something players can do to prevent this during their active career?
JD: We all make a deal to play this game. It’s not when they’re playing or right when guys retire—that’s when they’re most physically fit. It’s after that when those muscles turn into fat.
SN: Have a good story on how you’ve inspired another former player?
JD: I was at the Super Bowl, and the Saints were honoring one of their great former linebackers, Rickey Jackson. New Orleans is about to celebrate this victory, and he asked me "Tell me, what you done to lose all that weight?" It speaks volumes. It was so stunning to me, with his team right there, winning a championship, that was the first thing we talked about.
SN: Do you consider yourself the leader of this cause?
JD: I’m not the first player to recognize this problem. I’m just trying to do my part. With my Put Up Your Dukes foundation, it’s there to help those who haven’t connected the dots that a lot of what they’re going through comes from what I call a disease of excess.
SN: So is it more wishful thinking with other weight-loss solutions?
JD: It’s all about going from supersized consumption to eating in moderation. There are different ways to go about just shutting it off and keep from being overweight.
SN: How about fighting this problem from a young age?
JD: Childhood obesity is big issue, and through the NFL’s Play 60 program, we’re trying to get kids more involved in getting in enough physical activity every day. It’s not good that P.E. is being pulled out of a lot of schools. With Xbox and other video games, more kids are on the couch moreoften. We’ve got to work to get them back outside.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros’ spring training opener.
Berkman’s knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is confident the injury won’t be a lingering problem.
"We certainly don’t encourage players to have surgery, but if this is an easy fix, it removes the uncertainty that it could occur again," Wade said. "We think that once it gets addressed, that it’s a dead issue and we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
Wade said the initial bruise ruled out the option of surgery earlier.
"He had a strawberry on that knee, and Dr. Lintner told us that even if surgery had been prescribed, they wouldn’t have been able to do it until that strawberry healed because of the concern for an infection," Wade said. "So we’ll address it now, get him moving in a straight line and, hopefully, not have to worry about it for the rest of the season."
Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in 1999. He missed 18 games last year with a strained left calf and hit .274, a career low for a full season. He is entering the final season of an $85 million, six-year contract extension.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros’ spring training opener.
Berkman’s knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is confident the injury won’t be a lingering problem.
"We certainly don’t encourage players to have surgery, but if this is an easy fix, it removes the uncertainty that it could occur again," Wade said. "We think that once it gets addressed, that it’s a dead issue and we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
Wade said the initial bruise ruled out the option of surgery earlier.
"He had a strawberry on that knee, and Dr. Lintner told us that even if surgery had been prescribed, they wouldn’t have been able to do it until that strawberry healed because of the concern for an infection," Wade said. "So we’ll address it now, get him moving in a straight line and, hopefully, not have to worry about it for the rest of the season."
Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in 1999. He missed 18 games last year with a strained left calf and hit .274, a career low for a full season. He is entering the final season of an $85 million, six-year contract extension.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
From 2005-08, the Astros’ .557 second-half winning percentage was tied for sixth-best in the majors. But instead of making a late-season run and vaulting into postseason contention last season, the Astros went 30-44 (.405) after the All-Star break — a slide that cost manager Cecil Cooper his job in late September. Enter Brad Mills, a managerial rookie who served as Red Sox bench coach the past six seasons. Mills inherits a 74-win squad that finished in fifth place in the NL Central.
Three quesions
Can Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman contribute like they have in the past?
1. Is Roy Oswalt still an ace?
For the first time in his career, Oswalt failed to achieve a double-digit win total in 2009. He finished 8-6 with a career-worst 4.12 ERA in 30 starts. It was the sixth consecutive season he made at least 30 starts, but the first time since 2003 that he failed to pitch at least 200 innings. Oswalt also battled back problems, leading to whispers that the 32-year-old is breaking down as a result of the wear and tear from his years of shouldering a heavy workload.
Because Wandy Rodriguez was the only other Astros starter with an ERA under 4.50 last season, the team needs Oswalt to return to pre-2009 form — or as close to it as possible. Newcomer Brett Myers is a question mark at No. 3, and the final two spots in the rotation are up for grabs, with Brian Moehler, Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino the top candidates.
2. Will this be Lance Berkman’s final season in Houston?
The last remaining Killer B is under contract through the 2011 season, but the Astros hold a $15 million option for next season. Berkman recently said he would be inclined to sign elsewhere if the Astros don’t exercise that option and allow him to become a free agent. His future could depend on whether he is able to bounce back from what statistically was the worst season of his career.
Limited to 136 games because of biceps and calf injuries, Berkman hit .274 with 25 homers and 80 RBIs in 2009. Not terrible numbers, but not up to par with his usual production. In 2006, Berkman hit .315 and established new career highs with 45 homers and 136 RBIs. At one point last season, Berkman had a 33-game homerless drought.
3. Will there be enough offense?
Houston finished 27th in the majors in runs scored and 25th in OPS last season, and it lost its second-best RBI man from last season when Miguel Tejada signed with the Orioles in the offseason. In addition to Berkman’s down season, Carlos Lee’s homer total dropped for a second consecutive year. As a result, leadoff man Michael Bourn failed to score 100 runs despite his career-best .354 on-base percentage and an NL-leading 61 steals.
Taking over for Tejada at shortstop will be defense-first Tommy Manzella, whose five career major league at-bats came late in 2009. "(Manzella has) done a great job through the minor leagues, and he’s been exceptional on the defensive end," Mills said.
Projected lineup
1. CF Michael Bourn: Must cut down on K’s (140 in ’09).
2. 2B Kaz Matsui: Just a .302 OBP last season.
3. 1B Lance Berkman: Switch hitter hit .231 vs. lefties.
4. LF Carlos Lee: .831 OPS was lowest since ’05.
5. RF Hunter Pence: .298 AVG, 11 HRs before break; .263 AVG, 14 HRs after.
6. 3B Pedro Feliz: .301 AVG, 18 RBIs in 25 career games at Minute Maid Park.
7. SS Tommy Manzella: 52 SBs, 19 triples in 5 minor league season.
8. C J.R. Towles: .188 AVG in 84 MLB games the past 3 seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Roy Oswalt: 4.12 ERA at home and on road in ’09.
2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez: 9-3, 2.08 ERA at home; 5-9, 4.05 on road.
3. RHP Brett Myers: 6.43 ERA as RP after returning from hip surgery last season.
4. RHP Felipe Paulino: 4-12, 5.74 ERA in 20 career starts.
5. RHP Bud Norris: 3-0, 1.57 ERA in final 4 starts of ’09.
PROJECTED CLOSER
RHP Brandon Lyon: 2.86 ERA in setup role with Tigers last season.
Grades
Offense: D. Despite playing in one of the majors’ most hitter-friendly parks, Houston was outscored by every NL team except the Pirates and Padres last season. And Houston finished 25th in homers. At least the Astros make contact; only the Mets finished with fewer strikeouts.
Pitching: D. Only six major league teams had a staff ERA worse than Houston’s 4.54 last season. The back end of the rotation has holes, and the bullpen lost closer Jose Valverde (25 saves, 2.33 ERA last season) and setup man LaTroy Hawkins (2.13 ERA). The bright spot is Rodriguez, an emerging ace.
Bench: C. With the addition of Pedro Feliz, Geoff Blum will return to a reserve role and add a powerful bat to the bench. Jeff Keppinger, who had a career-high seven homers in 2009, will serve as the middle-infield backup. Jason Michaels, a .228 hitter the past two seasons, is the fourth outfielder.
Manager: C. An incomplete might be more accurate, given that Mills’ has yet to manager his first major league game. Although he won’t have the talent he did while serving as Boston’s bench coach, Mills will have plenty of veterans to lean on in Houston. It remains to be seen, however, whether those veterans are in decline.
Sporting News prediction: With lingering questions about both the offense and the pitching staff, Houston is unlikely to improve upon its fifth-place finish from last season.
Coming Monday: Pirates preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
From 2005-08, the Astros’ .557 second-half winning percentage was tied for sixth-best in the majors. But instead of making a late-season run and vaulting into postseason contention last season, the Astros went 30-44 (.405) after the All-Star break — a slide that cost manager Cecil Cooper his job in late September. Enter Brad Mills, a managerial rookie who served as Red Sox bench coach the past six seasons. Mills inherits a 74-win squad that finished in fifth place in the NL Central.
Three quesions
Can Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman contribute like they have in the past?
1. Is Roy Oswalt still an ace?
For the first time in his career, Oswalt failed to achieve a double-digit win total in 2009. He finished 8-6 with a career-worst 4.12 ERA in 30 starts. It was the sixth consecutive season he made at least 30 starts, but the first time since 2003 that he failed to pitch at least 200 innings. Oswalt also battled back problems, leading to whispers that the 32-year-old is breaking down as a result of the wear and tear from his years of shouldering a heavy workload.
Because Wandy Rodriguez was the only other Astros starter with an ERA under 4.50 last season, the team needs Oswalt to return to pre-2009 form — or as close to it as possible. Newcomer Brett Myers is a question mark at No. 3, and the final two spots in the rotation are up for grabs, with Brian Moehler, Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino the top candidates.
2. Will this be Lance Berkman’s final season in Houston?
The last remaining Killer B is under contract through the 2011 season, but the Astros hold a $15 million option for next season. Berkman recently said he would be inclined to sign elsewhere if the Astros don’t exercise that option and allow him to become a free agent. His future could depend on whether he is able to bounce back from what statistically was the worst season of his career.
Limited to 136 games because of biceps and calf injuries, Berkman hit .274 with 25 homers and 80 RBIs in 2009. Not terrible numbers, but not up to par with his usual production. In 2006, Berkman hit .315 and established new career highs with 45 homers and 136 RBIs. At one point last season, Berkman had a 33-game homerless drought.
3. Will there be enough offense?
Houston finished 27th in the majors in runs scored and 25th in OPS last season, and it lost its second-best RBI man from last season when Miguel Tejada signed with the Orioles in the offseason. In addition to Berkman’s down season, Carlos Lee’s homer total dropped for a second consecutive year. As a result, leadoff man Michael Bourn failed to score 100 runs despite his career-best .354 on-base percentage and an NL-leading 61 steals.
Taking over for Tejada at shortstop will be defense-first Tommy Manzella, whose five career major league at-bats came late in 2009. "(Manzella has) done a great job through the minor leagues, and he’s been exceptional on the defensive end," Mills said.
Projected lineup
1. CF Michael Bourn: Must cut down on K’s (140 in ’09).
2. 2B Kaz Matsui: Just a .302 OBP last season.
3. 1B Lance Berkman: Switch hitter hit .231 vs. lefties.
4. LF Carlos Lee: .831 OPS was lowest since ’05.
5. RF Hunter Pence: .298 AVG, 11 HRs before break; .263 AVG, 14 HRs after.
6. 3B Pedro Feliz: .301 AVG, 18 RBIs in 25 career games at Minute Maid Park.
7. SS Tommy Manzella: 52 SBs, 19 triples in 5 minor league season.
8. C J.R. Towles: .188 AVG in 84 MLB games the past 3 seasons.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Roy Oswalt: 4.12 ERA at home and on road in ’09.
2. LHP Wandy Rodriguez: 9-3, 2.08 ERA at home; 5-9, 4.05 on road.
3. RHP Brett Myers: 6.43 ERA as RP after returning from hip surgery last season.
4. RHP Felipe Paulino: 4-12, 5.74 ERA in 20 career starts.
5. RHP Bud Norris: 3-0, 1.57 ERA in final 4 starts of ’09.
PROJECTED CLOSER
RHP Brandon Lyon: 2.86 ERA in setup role with Tigers last season.
Grades
Offense: D. Despite playing in one of the majors’ most hitter-friendly parks, Houston was outscored by every NL team except the Pirates and Padres last season. And Houston finished 25th in homers. At least the Astros make contact; only the Mets finished with fewer strikeouts.
Pitching: D. Only six major league teams had a staff ERA worse than Houston’s 4.54 last season. The back end of the rotation has holes, and the bullpen lost closer Jose Valverde (25 saves, 2.33 ERA last season) and setup man LaTroy Hawkins (2.13 ERA). The bright spot is Rodriguez, an emerging ace.
Bench: C. With the addition of Pedro Feliz, Geoff Blum will return to a reserve role and add a powerful bat to the bench. Jeff Keppinger, who had a career-high seven homers in 2009, will serve as the middle-infield backup. Jason Michaels, a .228 hitter the past two seasons, is the fourth outfielder.
Manager: C. An incomplete might be more accurate, given that Mills’ has yet to manager his first major league game. Although he won’t have the talent he did while serving as Boston’s bench coach, Mills will have plenty of veterans to lean on in Houston. It remains to be seen, however, whether those veterans are in decline.
Sporting News prediction: With lingering questions about both the offense and the pitching staff, Houston is unlikely to improve upon its fifth-place finish from last season.
Coming Monday: Pirates preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be facing a serious dilemma, and soon. If quarterback Ben Roethlisbeger is charged with sexual assault in Georgia, the team might need to make alternative plans at the position for 2010 — and possibly beyond.
Even if Roethlisberger isn’t charged, one more false move could prompt the Steelers to pull the plug on a franchise quarterback who has given the franchise a few too many headaches.
So what would the Steelers do if they suddenly didn’t have Roethlisberger at their disposal? Let’s consider the possibilities.
Dennis Dixon could get his shot at starting if the Steelers need to replace Ben Roethlisberger.
1. Dennis Dixon
The 2007 Heisman candidate, who played during his senior year with a torn ACL, saw his draft stock plunge. But his loss was Pittsburgh’s gain: The Steelers scooped Dixon up in round five of the 2008 draft.
Like so many great college players who find themselves thrust into the anonymity of the lower tiers of an NFL depth chart, Dixon was largely forgotten — until he received an opportunity to replace Roethlisberger at Baltimore during the 2009 season, putting together a performance that prompted comparisons to a young Randall Cunningham.
Widely regarded as a favorite of coach Mike Tomlin, Dixon would get the first crack at stepping up.
If he stumbles, that’s when things could get interesting.
2. Charlie Batch
In 2002, the former Lions starter turned unwanted free agent came home to Pittsburgh to assume a backup role. Eight years later, Batch has started only four games — and he has won two Super Bowl rings.
He’s currently an unrestricted free agent, but if Roethlisberger’s legal entanglement results in a suspension or worse, the Steelers likely would consider bringing Batch back for at least another year, if for no other reason than to assist with the week-in, week-out process of preparing Dixon to play.
And to be ready to play if Dixon is injured.
3. Byron Leftwich
When Batch broke a collarbone during the 2008 preseason, Leftwich quickly was added to the team. He was solid in limited duty throughout the season, winning a Super Bowl ring and making himself attractive to the Buccaneers as a free agent.
Currently languishing on the Tampa depth chart, Leftwich likely could be had for a late-round pick. It might be wise for the Steelers to try to get the deal done now, before the Bucs acquire even more leverage via Big Ben doing a perp walk.
4. Daunte Culpepper
After the Batch injury in August 2008, the Steelers brought in both Leftwich and Culpepper for a look-see, and the team was contemplating signing both of them. If they now can’t pry Leftwich away from the Bucs, Culpepper could be a viable fallback.
And to the extent teams look at what a player did against them in making decisions in this regard, consider the fact that Culpepper helped the Lions give the Steelers everything they could handle in October, with Pittsburgh winning at Ford Field by only eight points. Against Pittsburgh’s otherwise stout defense, Culpepper completed 23 of 37 passes for 282 yards.
Given that the class of 2010 quarterback free agents is weak, Culpepper is one of the best available. Though plenty of teams might not agree with that assessment, the Steelers’ might come to a different conclusion, given what they saw from Culpepper during the 2009 season.
5. Mike Vick
Coach Mike Tomlin, a native of eastern Virginia, has an affinity for players who are from that area. Mike Vick is from that area.
In the past, Tomlin has spoken of Vick in positive terms. So if Tomlin were forced to move forward without Roethlisberger, would Tomlin be interested in bringing the Eagles’ third-stringer to the other side of Pennsylvania?
It’s highly unlikely, given the circumstances that franchise is facing with Roethlisberger. Whether Ben stays or goes, the franchise has a P.R. problem that wouldn’t be improved with the addition of Vick. Though the protests against him during his first season back in the league generally weren’t as bad as most believed they would be, the scene at the recent Ed Block Courage Awards dinner provided a reminder of the animosity that still lingers regarding a man who admitted not only to dogfighting but also to killing dogs deemed unfit to fight.
6. Tim Tebow
Two years after picking up in the fifth round a Heisman contender whose draft stock fell due to injury, the Steelers could be in position to snag a Heisman winner whose draft stock is plunging due to multiple mechanical flaws.
And while many are troubled by the fact that Tebow has a release slower than Byron Leftwich’s, Leftwich did well with the Steelers. Indeed, the Steelers generally have been able to "coach up" their quarterbacks successfully, finding ways to get the most out of a player’s skills while also minimizing his weaknesses.
Though Tebow lacks the downfield burst that will make him another Steve Young or Mike Vick, Tebow is sufficiently mobile to buy more time horizontally, like Roethlisberger does. Then there’s the fact that the coaching staff and front office will likely be in place long enough for the payoff, if/when Tebow finally becomes a solid NFL quarterback.
Given the headaches that Roethlisberger has caused for the franchise, Tebow would be an anti-Ben — a guy who says and does all the right things, and who never would be accused of anything other than being a little bit too blatant about his benevolence.
Still, we’ll take allegations of self-righteousness over allegations of sexual assault any day. The Steelers undoubtedly would agree.
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.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be facing a serious dilemma, and soon. If quarterback Ben Roethlisbeger is charged with sexual assault in Georgia, the team might need to make alternative plans at the position for 2010 — and possibly beyond.
Even if Roethlisberger isn’t charged, one more false move could prompt the Steelers to pull the plug on a franchise quarterback who has given the franchise a few too many headaches.
So what would the Steelers do if they suddenly didn’t have Roethlisberger at their disposal? Let’s consider the possibilities.
Dennis Dixon could get his shot at starting if the Steelers need to replace Ben Roethlisberger.
1. Dennis Dixon
The 2007 Heisman candidate, who played during his senior year with a torn ACL, saw his draft stock plunge. But his loss was Pittsburgh’s gain: The Steelers scooped Dixon up in round five of the 2008 draft.
Like so many great college players who find themselves thrust into the anonymity of the lower tiers of an NFL depth chart, Dixon was largely forgotten — until he received an opportunity to replace Roethlisberger at Baltimore during the 2009 season, putting together a performance that prompted comparisons to a young Randall Cunningham.
Widely regarded as a favorite of coach Mike Tomlin, Dixon would get the first crack at stepping up.
If he stumbles, that’s when things could get interesting.
2. Charlie Batch
In 2002, the former Lions starter turned unwanted free agent came home to Pittsburgh to assume a backup role. Eight years later, Batch has started only four games — and he has won two Super Bowl rings.
He’s currently an unrestricted free agent, but if Roethlisberger’s legal entanglement results in a suspension or worse, the Steelers likely would consider bringing Batch back for at least another year, if for no other reason than to assist with the week-in, week-out process of preparing Dixon to play.
And to be ready to play if Dixon is injured.
3. Byron Leftwich
When Batch broke a collarbone during the 2008 preseason, Leftwich quickly was added to the team. He was solid in limited duty throughout the season, winning a Super Bowl ring and making himself attractive to the Buccaneers as a free agent.
Currently languishing on the Tampa depth chart, Leftwich likely could be had for a late-round pick. It might be wise for the Steelers to try to get the deal done now, before the Bucs acquire even more leverage via Big Ben doing a perp walk.
4. Daunte Culpepper
After the Batch injury in August 2008, the Steelers brought in both Leftwich and Culpepper for a look-see, and the team was contemplating signing both of them. If they now can’t pry Leftwich away from the Bucs, Culpepper could be a viable fallback.
And to the extent teams look at what a player did against them in making decisions in this regard, consider the fact that Culpepper helped the Lions give the Steelers everything they could handle in October, with Pittsburgh winning at Ford Field by only eight points. Against Pittsburgh’s otherwise stout defense, Culpepper completed 23 of 37 passes for 282 yards.
Given that the class of 2010 quarterback free agents is weak, Culpepper is one of the best available. Though plenty of teams might not agree with that assessment, the Steelers’ might come to a different conclusion, given what they saw from Culpepper during the 2009 season.
5. Mike Vick
Coach Mike Tomlin, a native of eastern Virginia, has an affinity for players who are from that area. Mike Vick is from that area.
In the past, Tomlin has spoken of Vick in positive terms. So if Tomlin were forced to move forward without Roethlisberger, would Tomlin be interested in bringing the Eagles’ third-stringer to the other side of Pennsylvania?
It’s highly unlikely, given the circumstances that franchise is facing with Roethlisberger. Whether Ben stays or goes, the franchise has a P.R. problem that wouldn’t be improved with the addition of Vick. Though the protests against him during his first season back in the league generally weren’t as bad as most believed they would be, the scene at the recent Ed Block Courage Awards dinner provided a reminder of the animosity that still lingers regarding a man who admitted not only to dogfighting but also to killing dogs deemed unfit to fight.
6. Tim Tebow
Two years after picking up in the fifth round a Heisman contender whose draft stock fell due to injury, the Steelers could be in position to snag a Heisman winner whose draft stock is plunging due to multiple mechanical flaws.
And while many are troubled by the fact that Tebow has a release slower than Byron Leftwich’s, Leftwich did well with the Steelers. Indeed, the Steelers generally have been able to "coach up" their quarterbacks successfully, finding ways to get the most out of a player’s skills while also minimizing his weaknesses.
Though Tebow lacks the downfield burst that will make him another Steve Young or Mike Vick, Tebow is sufficiently mobile to buy more time horizontally, like Roethlisberger does. Then there’s the fact that the coaching staff and front office will likely be in place long enough for the payoff, if/when Tebow finally becomes a solid NFL quarterback.
Given the headaches that Roethlisberger has caused for the franchise, Tebow would be an anti-Ben — a guy who says and does all the right things, and who never would be accused of anything other than being a little bit too blatant about his benevolence.
Still, we’ll take allegations of self-righteousness over allegations of sexual assault any day. The Steelers undoubtedly would agree.
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.
The NFL has been blessed with the addition of explosive young backs over the past few seasons, most notably the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson and the Tennessee Titans’ Chris Johnson, the latest 2,000-yard rusher.
Before the league welcomes more playmaking backs in the draft, here’s a look at five second- and third-year ball carriers who are good bets to have breakout seasons.
With his speed and versatility, Jamaal Charles is the Chiefs’ big-play threat.
1. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
The team recently had great success with Priest Holmes, an unheralded former Texas Longhorn. So why not another? If you didn’t watch Kansas City over the second half of last season, you missed out on why Charles leads this list.
In the final eight games, Charles rushed for 968 yards on 161 carries, an average of more than six yards per attempt. He also showed his versatility by scoring on a reception and a 97-yard kick return.
One of Charles’ biggest assets is his suddenness in the open field. "He’s super-quick, and he can be gone instantly, whether he’s getting the ball handed off to him or on a screen," said Raiders middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, currently a restricted free agent. "He’s a guy who can make a big play once a game."
Although the Chiefs signed former Jet Thomas Jones this week, coach Todd Haley intends to keep Charles as the star of the show. With Jones taking on some of the physical work between the tackles, Charles’ legs will be fresher to explode as a return specialist and in passing situations.
Whereas Jones’ addition will help Charles and the Chiefs, the Jets’ decision to let Jones go was made easier by Greene’s terrific playoff performances. In New York’s upset wins over Cincinnati and San Diego, Greene turned 44 carries into 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Now the Jets’ feature back, Shonn Greene could challenge for the rushing title.
Greene is more compact and runs with more power than Charles. As the new lead back on a team that led the league in rushing last season, Greene is in good position to challenge for the league’s rushing crown.
After starring against tough SEC defenses for Georgia, Moreno had a challenging rookie season. His health was affected by an early knee sprain, followed by shoulder, arm and wrist woes. His running style also wasn’t a perfect fit in Denver’s traditional zone-blocking scheme.
Although he was limited to 3.8 yards per carry and didn’t have a 100-yard rushing game, he managed to grind out 1,160 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs.
"He did a good job of overcoming injuries and showing his toughness," Morrison said. "He kind of found himself at the end of the season."
To help Moreno’s strengths as an inside runner in 2010, the Broncos are scrapping their old scheme and inserting bigger interior linemen who will rely more on power than athleticism to create holes.
Just staying healthy for most of 2009 was a big development for Jones, who was rewarded with double-digit touches down the stretch. With his speed and playmaking ability, he was a major factor in the Cowboys’ strong regular-season finish — and he kept it up in the playoffs against Philadelphia and Minnesota.
Staying healthy is key for Darren McFadden, whose carries will increase.
Jones has explosive skills similar to Charles’. But at 6-0, 218, Jones is an inch taller, 19 pounds heavier and capable of taking on a bigger load. With more opportunities — Marion Barber and Tashard Choice are also in the mix — Jones can take the same kind of star turn.
Like Jones, his former running mate at Arkansas, McFadden should get more opportunities this season. That’s largely because of the Raiders’ recent decision to release Justin Fargas. With McFadden and Michael Bush, the Raiders have the one-two punch to lift their rushing attack to where it was three seasons ago with Fargas and LaMont Jordan in those roles.
Health issues are the only thing keeping McFadden from achieving greatness. He battled turf toe problems as a rookie in 2008 and had knee surgery last season.
"It’s just a matter of staying healthy," Morrison said. "He can be that dynamic all-around back, a power runner who also has great hands."
This story appears in March 12’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 has been blessed with the addition of explosive young backs over the past few seasons, most notably the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson and the Tennessee Titans’ Chris Johnson, the latest 2,000-yard rusher.
Before the league welcomes more playmaking backs in the draft, here’s a look at five second- and third-year ball carriers who are good bets to have breakout seasons.
With his speed and versatility, Jamaal Charles is the Chiefs’ big-play threat.
1. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
The team recently had great success with Priest Holmes, an unheralded former Texas Longhorn. So why not another? If you didn’t watch Kansas City over the second half of last season, you missed out on why Charles leads this list.
In the final eight games, Charles rushed for 968 yards on 161 carries, an average of more than six yards per attempt. He also showed his versatility by scoring on a reception and a 97-yard kick return.
One of Charles’ biggest assets is his suddenness in the open field. "He’s super-quick, and he can be gone instantly, whether he’s getting the ball handed off to him or on a screen," said Raiders middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, currently a restricted free agent. "He’s a guy who can make a big play once a game."
Although the Chiefs signed former Jet Thomas Jones this week, coach Todd Haley intends to keep Charles as the star of the show. With Jones taking on some of the physical work between the tackles, Charles’ legs will be fresher to explode as a return specialist and in passing situations.
Whereas Jones’ addition will help Charles and the Chiefs, the Jets’ decision to let Jones go was made easier by Greene’s terrific playoff performances. In New York’s upset wins over Cincinnati and San Diego, Greene turned 44 carries into 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Now the Jets’ feature back, Shonn Greene could challenge for the rushing title.
Greene is more compact and runs with more power than Charles. As the new lead back on a team that led the league in rushing last season, Greene is in good position to challenge for the league’s rushing crown.
After starring against tough SEC defenses for Georgia, Moreno had a challenging rookie season. His health was affected by an early knee sprain, followed by shoulder, arm and wrist woes. His running style also wasn’t a perfect fit in Denver’s traditional zone-blocking scheme.
Although he was limited to 3.8 yards per carry and didn’t have a 100-yard rushing game, he managed to grind out 1,160 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs.
"He did a good job of overcoming injuries and showing his toughness," Morrison said. "He kind of found himself at the end of the season."
To help Moreno’s strengths as an inside runner in 2010, the Broncos are scrapping their old scheme and inserting bigger interior linemen who will rely more on power than athleticism to create holes.
Just staying healthy for most of 2009 was a big development for Jones, who was rewarded with double-digit touches down the stretch. With his speed and playmaking ability, he was a major factor in the Cowboys’ strong regular-season finish — and he kept it up in the playoffs against Philadelphia and Minnesota.
Staying healthy is key for Darren McFadden, whose carries will increase.
Jones has explosive skills similar to Charles’. But at 6-0, 218, Jones is an inch taller, 19 pounds heavier and capable of taking on a bigger load. With more opportunities — Marion Barber and Tashard Choice are also in the mix — Jones can take the same kind of star turn.
Like Jones, his former running mate at Arkansas, McFadden should get more opportunities this season. That’s largely because of the Raiders’ recent decision to release Justin Fargas. With McFadden and Michael Bush, the Raiders have the one-two punch to lift their rushing attack to where it was three seasons ago with Fargas and LaMont Jordan in those roles.
Health issues are the only thing keeping McFadden from achieving greatness. He battled turf toe problems as a rookie in 2008 and had knee surgery last season.
"It’s just a matter of staying healthy," Morrison said. "He can be that dynamic all-around back, a power runner who also has great hands."
This story appears in March 12’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
Ben Roethlisberger’s legal trouble has captured much of the sports world’s attention the past week. There still isn’t much information about what happened leading up to a woman accusing Roethlisberger of assault, so media outlets are scrambling to find anyone who can shed more light on the situation.
Enter Kaylie Reeves, a server at a Milledgeville, GA, bar where Roethlisberger stopped before going to the establishment where the alleged assault took place. Reeves joined Joe Bendel on 970 The Fox in Pittsburgh to talk about what it’s been like in Milledgeville since then, and what she saw that night.
To listen to Kaylie Reeves talk about the Ben Roethlisberger incident, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Ben Roethlisberger was recently accused of assaulting a woman in Milledgeville, GA.
What has been going on in Milledgeville since last Thursday?
Reeves:There have been news cameras all over the place. That’s been interesting for our very small town, but other than that, not much has changed.
Did Reeves notice anything about Ben Roethlisberger’s behavior during the time she saw him in her establishment?
Reeves: Well, he came in between 10:30 and 11:00. It was the early hours, when there were, maybe, ten patrons in the bar at that time. He walked in with seven other guys. They all got drinks. They sat at a table and watched the basketball game. They were here for maybe 15 to 20 minutes, finished their drinks, then they were on their way – before anyone had become aware that he was in town.
Then, once people became aware — there are large windows in front of our establishment — you could see the people rushing to the bar that he was at.
Did she notice whether or not Roethlisberger was traveling with fellow Steelers players?
Reeves: They were all really large guys. You could tell they were probably athletes. People recognized who he was in the bar, then somebody said one of his linebackers was with him, but I don’t know anything about professional football players except they’re very large.
Is the town shaken up over this? Will the community struggle to rebound from the alleged incident?
Reeves: A lot of people thought it was actually comical, laughing about how Milledgeville has become this big deal just because of this one little incident.
I don’t think people are upset. We have been busier in our restaurant than we were previously, before the incident. So that’s helped our business. That’s been a plus side of it.
More from SRI
Jamie Moyer says young starting pitchers today are babied
Shawne Merriman says he wants to remain a Charger
Ben Roethlisberger’s legal trouble has captured much of the sports world’s attention the past week. There still isn’t much information about what happened leading up to a woman accusing Roethlisberger of assault, so media outlets are scrambling to find anyone who can shed more light on the situation.
Enter Kaylie Reeves, a server at a Milledgeville, GA, bar where Roethlisberger stopped before going to the establishment where the alleged assault took place. Reeves joined Joe Bendel on 970 The Fox in Pittsburgh to talk about what it’s been like in Milledgeville since then, and what she saw that night.
To listen to Kaylie Reeves talk about the Ben Roethlisberger incident, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Ben Roethlisberger was recently accused of assaulting a woman in Milledgeville, GA.
What has been going on in Milledgeville since last Thursday?
Reeves:There have been news cameras all over the place. That’s been interesting for our very small town, but other than that, not much has changed.
Did Reeves notice anything about Ben Roethlisberger’s behavior during the time she saw him in her establishment?
Reeves: Well, he came in between 10:30 and 11:00. It was the early hours, when there were, maybe, ten patrons in the bar at that time. He walked in with seven other guys. They all got drinks. They sat at a table and watched the basketball game. They were here for maybe 15 to 20 minutes, finished their drinks, then they were on their way – before anyone had become aware that he was in town.
Then, once people became aware — there are large windows in front of our establishment — you could see the people rushing to the bar that he was at.
Did she notice whether or not Roethlisberger was traveling with fellow Steelers players?
Reeves: They were all really large guys. You could tell they were probably athletes. People recognized who he was in the bar, then somebody said one of his linebackers was with him, but I don’t know anything about professional football players except they’re very large.
Is the town shaken up over this? Will the community struggle to rebound from the alleged incident?
Reeves: A lot of people thought it was actually comical, laughing about how Milledgeville has become this big deal just because of this one little incident.
I don’t think people are upset. We have been busier in our restaurant than we were previously, before the incident. So that’s helped our business. That’s been a plus side of it.
More from SRI
Jamie Moyer says young starting pitchers today are babied
Shawne Merriman says he wants to remain a Charger
Sporting News staff reports
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team, according to The Denver Post.
The newspaper speculated the contract will allow Helton to retire with the organization that drafted him eighth overall in 1995.
Helton, a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner and the 2000 N.L. batting champion, hit .325 with 15 homers, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage in 151 games with Colorado last season.
In his 13-season major league career, Helton has a .328 batting average, 325 homers and 1,202 RBIs. His career .427 on-base percentage is the best among active players.
Sporting News staff reports
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team, according to The Denver Post.
The newspaper speculated the contract will allow Helton to retire with the organization that drafted him eighth overall in 1995.
Helton, a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner and the 2000 N.L. batting champion, hit .325 with 15 homers, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage in 151 games with Colorado last season.
In his 13-season major league career, Helton has a .328 batting average, 325 homers and 1,202 RBIs. His career .427 on-base percentage is the best among active players.
