There isn’t an "under new management" sign hanging at Wrigley Field, but the Cubs finally have a new owner in place in Tom Ricketts. Ricketts has big plans for stadium improvements, with the clubhouse apparently first on the list in terms of upgrades. Players no longer will have to walk on eggshells now that the brief Milton Bradley era is history. The biggest question about the Cubs, of course, remains the same: Is this the year?
P Carlos Zambrano is one of two high-profile Cubs who shed weight in the offseason.
Three questions
1. Who will hit leadoff?
For the first time since 2007, it won’t be Alfonso Soriano, at least according to manager Lou Piniella. Miscast as the table-setter for several seasons — often out of necessity because of the team’s lack of alternatives — Soriano was dropped in the order during the 2009 season and now is penciled into the sixth spot. Soriano’s knee problems will limit the stolen-base ability that once made him attractive atop the order, and his power will result in better run production in the heart of the order.
One thing is clear: The team needs improvement from the 1-hole. Last season, Cubs leadoff hitters finished 27th in the majors with a .249 batting average and 21st with a .335 on-base percentage. Ryan Theriot is the front-runner for the job because, unlike Kosuke Fukudome, he will be an everyday fixture in the lineup. Theriot did a nice job — .283 average, .354 on-base percentage — in 194 plate appearances as the Cubs’ leadoff man in 2009.
2. Will less mean more?
Each trying to bounce back from a forgettable season, ace Carlos Zambrano and catcher Geovany Soto, the 2008 NL rookie of the year, worked hard to get into better shape over the offseason. Soto dropped close to 40 pounds, after dropping 67 points from his batting average last season. Zambrano, whose nine wins in 2009 were a career low for a full season, lost about 15 pounds.
Fitting into their skinny jeans is a nice payoff, but the main thing to glean here is the players’ dedication to improvement. Especially in the case of Zambrano, whose stuff and ability have been questioned far less than his drive. "I can tell you he’s got a lot of pride and he took to heart what happened last season," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. As for Soto, he might not hit 23 homers (as he did in 2008), but his .381 slugging percentage is bound to tick upward.
3. Is the ninth inning in safe hands?
The Cubs ended the Kevin Gregg experiment by mid-August last season, following his sixth blown save. Carlos Marmol assumed the ninth-inning duties at that point and went 11-for-11 in save opportunities to finish the season. However, he wasn’t always squeaky-clean in the process. The knock on Marmol — and perhaps the reason he didn’t begin the 2009 season in the closer role — is his questionable control. During his impressive end-of-season run, he walked 13 batters in 17 2/3 innings. For the season, he issued 65 free passes in 74 innings.
Not only does the recent shoulder injury to setup man Angel Guzman significantly weaken the team’s eighth-inning situation, it eliminates a potential Plan B if Marmol should struggle.
Projected lineup
1. SS Ryan Theriot: Averaged 24 SBs past three seasons.
2. RF Kosuke Fukudome: .164 AVG vs. lefties; .270 vs. righties.
3. 1B Derrek Lee: Career-high 111 RBIs in ’09; in contract year.
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez: Career-best .389 OBP in injury-marred ’09.
5. CF Marlon Byrd: Led Rangers with 89 RBIs last season.
6. LF Alfonso Soriano: Career-worst .726 OPS in ’09.
7. C Geovany Soto: Hit into 19 double plays (second among Cs).
8. 2B Mike Fontenot: .246 OBP vs. lefties.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Carlos Zambrano: 1.37 WHIP worst among Cubs’ 09 SPs.
2. RHP Ryan Dempster: 4.09 ERA in first half; 3.15 after break.
3. RHP Randy Wells: Rookie’s 3.05 ERA was rotation’s best in ’09.
4. LHP Tom Gorzelanny:5.19 ERA after trade to Cubs last season.
5. RHP Jeff Samardzija: 10.80 ERA in 2 starts in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Carlos Marmol: Held hitters to a .170 AVG
Grades
Offense: B. The Cubs went from second to 22nd in runs scored and from third to 16th in OBP last season. If Soriano and Aramis Ramirez are healthy, the lineup compares favorably to any in the NL, especially after the offseason addition of Marlon Byrd. But those are big "ifs," as is the production at the bottom and top of the order.
Pitching: C. The big concern is Ted Lilly, who is expected to begin the season on the disabled list after offseason shoulder surgery and knee problems this spring. But the developing late-inning drama also is a worry.
Bench: A. Xavier Nady was signed as the fourth outfielder but should be no worse than a platoon player in right field (and perhaps the starter). On the infield, Jeff Baker is in a similar situation, as he could overtake Mike Fontenot for the starting job at second. Micah Hoffpauir provides pop and can play first base as well as the corner outfield spots.
Manager: B. Lou Piniella has guided the team to the postseason twice in his three seasons at the helm, but has no playoff wins to show for it. This could be his final season in a Cubs uniform, and he has enough talent – and doesn’t have the Bradley headache — for another postseason run.
Sporting News prediction: After winning back-to-back NL Central titles in 2007-08, the Cubs are destined for a second consecutive second-place finish. But they should be squarely in the mix for the NL wild card.
Coming Wednesday: Brewers preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
There isn’t an "under new management" sign hanging at Wrigley Field, but the Cubs finally have a new owner in place in Tom Ricketts. Ricketts has big plans for stadium improvements, with the clubhouse apparently first on the list in terms of upgrades. Players no longer will have to walk on eggshells now that the brief Milton Bradley era is history. The biggest question about the Cubs, of course, remains the same: Is this the year?
P Carlos Zambrano is one of two high-profile Cubs who shed weight in the offseason.
Three questions
1. Who will hit leadoff?
For the first time since 2007, it won’t be Alfonso Soriano, at least according to manager Lou Piniella. Miscast as the table-setter for several seasons — often out of necessity because of the team’s lack of alternatives — Soriano was dropped in the order during the 2009 season and now is penciled into the sixth spot. Soriano’s knee problems will limit the stolen-base ability that once made him attractive atop the order, and his power will result in better run production in the heart of the order.
One thing is clear: The team needs improvement from the 1-hole. Last season, Cubs leadoff hitters finished 27th in the majors with a .249 batting average and 21st with a .335 on-base percentage. Ryan Theriot is the front-runner for the job because, unlike Kosuke Fukudome, he will be an everyday fixture in the lineup. Theriot did a nice job — .283 average, .354 on-base percentage — in 194 plate appearances as the Cubs’ leadoff man in 2009.
2. Will less mean more?
Each trying to bounce back from a forgettable season, ace Carlos Zambrano and catcher Geovany Soto, the 2008 NL rookie of the year, worked hard to get into better shape over the offseason. Soto dropped close to 40 pounds, after dropping 67 points from his batting average last season. Zambrano, whose nine wins in 2009 were a career low for a full season, lost about 15 pounds.
Fitting into their skinny jeans is a nice payoff, but the main thing to glean here is the players’ dedication to improvement. Especially in the case of Zambrano, whose stuff and ability have been questioned far less than his drive. "I can tell you he’s got a lot of pride and he took to heart what happened last season," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. As for Soto, he might not hit 23 homers (as he did in 2008), but his .381 slugging percentage is bound to tick upward.
3. Is the ninth inning in safe hands?
The Cubs ended the Kevin Gregg experiment by mid-August last season, following his sixth blown save. Carlos Marmol assumed the ninth-inning duties at that point and went 11-for-11 in save opportunities to finish the season. However, he wasn’t always squeaky-clean in the process. The knock on Marmol — and perhaps the reason he didn’t begin the 2009 season in the closer role — is his questionable control. During his impressive end-of-season run, he walked 13 batters in 17 2/3 innings. For the season, he issued 65 free passes in 74 innings.
Not only does the recent shoulder injury to setup man Angel Guzman significantly weaken the team’s eighth-inning situation, it eliminates a potential Plan B if Marmol should struggle.
Projected lineup
1. SS Ryan Theriot: Averaged 24 SBs past three seasons.
2. RF Kosuke Fukudome: .164 AVG vs. lefties; .270 vs. righties.
3. 1B Derrek Lee: Career-high 111 RBIs in ’09; in contract year.
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez: Career-best .389 OBP in injury-marred ’09.
5. CF Marlon Byrd: Led Rangers with 89 RBIs last season.
6. LF Alfonso Soriano: Career-worst .726 OPS in ’09.
7. C Geovany Soto: Hit into 19 double plays (second among Cs).
8. 2B Mike Fontenot: .246 OBP vs. lefties.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Carlos Zambrano: 1.37 WHIP worst among Cubs’ 09 SPs.
2. RHP Ryan Dempster: 4.09 ERA in first half; 3.15 after break.
3. RHP Randy Wells: Rookie’s 3.05 ERA was rotation’s best in ’09.
4. LHP Tom Gorzelanny:5.19 ERA after trade to Cubs last season.
5. RHP Jeff Samardzija: 10.80 ERA in 2 starts in ’09.
Projected closer
RHP Carlos Marmol: Held hitters to a .170 AVG
Grades
Offense: B. The Cubs went from second to 22nd in runs scored and from third to 16th in OBP last season. If Soriano and Aramis Ramirez are healthy, the lineup compares favorably to any in the NL, especially after the offseason addition of Marlon Byrd. But those are big "ifs," as is the production at the bottom and top of the order.
Pitching: C. The big concern is Ted Lilly, who is expected to begin the season on the disabled list after offseason shoulder surgery and knee problems this spring. But the developing late-inning drama also is a worry.
Bench: A. Xavier Nady was signed as the fourth outfielder but should be no worse than a platoon player in right field (and perhaps the starter). On the infield, Jeff Baker is in a similar situation, as he could overtake Mike Fontenot for the starting job at second. Micah Hoffpauir provides pop and can play first base as well as the corner outfield spots.
Manager: B. Lou Piniella has guided the team to the postseason twice in his three seasons at the helm, but has no playoff wins to show for it. This could be his final season in a Cubs uniform, and he has enough talent – and doesn’t have the Bradley headache — for another postseason run.
Sporting News prediction: After winning back-to-back NL Central titles in 2007-08, the Cubs are destined for a second consecutive second-place finish. But they should be squarely in the mix for the NL wild card.
Coming Wednesday: Brewers preview.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Ndamukong Suh is the best player in the draft, but he could slip to No. 3 because franchise quarterbacks are tough to find, and because of some maneuvers in free agency. Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts project the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Bradford’s shoulder is expected to check out just fine. If it does, the Rams shouldn’t pass on the only franchise QB in the 2010 draft.
2. Lions: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Passing on Suh would be tough, but the defensive line is solid after trading for tackle Corey Williams and signing end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The better move would be to grab QB Matthew Stafford’s blindside protector.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Bucs officials will consider trading up, but if Bradford’s shoulder is OK it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Suh drop to No. 3.
4. Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. New coach Mike Shanahan would prefer a QB here but will have to settle for retired left tackle Chris Samuels’ replacement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy would be tempting, but he doesn’t fit their scheme. GM Scott Pioli instead should nab the athletic and versatile Berry.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
7. Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
10. Jaguars: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
11. Broncos: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
12. Dolphins: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14. Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
15. Giants: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
A version of this story appears in March 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Ndamukong Suh is the best player in the draft, but he could slip to No. 3 because franchise quarterbacks are tough to find, and because of some maneuvers in free agency. Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts project the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Bradford’s shoulder is expected to check out just fine. If it does, the Rams shouldn’t pass on the only franchise QB in the 2010 draft.
2. Lions: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Passing on Suh would be tough, but the defensive line is solid after trading for tackle Corey Williams and signing end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The better move would be to grab QB Matthew Stafford’s blindside protector.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Bucs officials will consider trading up, but if Bradford’s shoulder is OK it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Suh drop to No. 3.
4. Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. New coach Mike Shanahan would prefer a QB here but will have to settle for retired left tackle Chris Samuels’ replacement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy would be tempting, but he doesn’t fit their scheme. GM Scott Pioli instead should nab the athletic and versatile Berry.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
7. Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
10. Jaguars: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
11. Broncos: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
12. Dolphins: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14. Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
15. Giants: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
A version of this story appears in March 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
This year’s NFL Draft features a bit of intrigue near the top. Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is the consensus number one pick for the St. Louis Rams, but there’s still a chance fellow defensive lineman Gerald McCoy might be picked first, or that quarterback Sam Bradford might sneak into the discussion. However, the most anticipated selection might be one made after the first round, when Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is picked.
After a fabulous career in Gainesville, Tebow has been ranked by draftniks anywhere from a top-three quarterback, to a non-prospect, to a position change project. Though no one denies his work ethic or his athleticism, he’s been working with multiple coaches to rebuild his throwing motion into something approaching pro caliber.
Tebow joined Lamm at Large on WJXL in Jacksonville to discuss Urban Meyer, his throwing motion, the possibility of playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and parents proposing to him on behalf of their daughters.
Listen to Tim Tebow on WJXL in Jacksonville on Sports Radio Interviews.
Tim Tebow says he would like to play for his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars.
What are Tebow’s thoughts on the pre-draft process?
Tebow: It’s been a lot of what I expected. I had a lot of people giving me advice leading up to the hype, and the combine, and everything that’s going on, so I kind of knew what to expect. But it still has been a whirlwind. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed. It really hasn’t been something I stressed out over or overwhelmed me. It’s been a whirlwind, but a lot of fun.
What changes has Tebow made to his throwing motion?
Tebow: I think it’s just being as quick as possible and taking out as much slack in my release as possible. Instead of kind of having a little drop in my throwing motion, it’s really trying to eliminate that drop in my motion like I have done pretty efficiently. It’s something I’ve worked on a lot and feel really good about.
Sometimes it’s half a second, and sometimes it could be quarter of a second. It’s not a lot of time, but that little bit could be the difference between a touchdown or a fumble or the ball getting batted down. It does make a difference and is something I feel I can get better at and have gotten better at.
Would Tebow like to play in Jacksonville?
Tebow: I would. It’s here at home and I would enjoy that. I have been a Jaguar fan my whole life. I have enjoyed being here in my hometown and watching the Jaguars play. Getting an opportunity to play for them would be a blessing for me and a privilege for me to be able to stay in my hometown and play here.
What does Tebow think of Urban Meyer’s leave of absence from the Florida football program?
Tebow: He needs to keep resting and being with his family. He’s enjoying it. He’s had a little time to get away, and we’re still talking pretty much every day. He’s doing great and feeling better. He’s going to get back and have a great season and Florida is going to dominate. They’re going to do great.
I’m just happy that he’s feeling better, and that he’s there for his family, and that he’s been able to just relax and let his stress levels die down a little bit. He’ll absolutely be back and he’ll be involved. He’s going to be hands-on working with the guys. He’ll be there for a lot of the stuff in the spring and in the summer. Florida should have a great year.
How many marriage proposals has Tebow received?
Tebow: We’ve gotten quite a handful of marriage proposals. Mostly from parents, though.
More from SRI
Nate Burleson talks about joining the Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy discusses the upcoming draft and where he might be picked
This year’s NFL Draft features a bit of intrigue near the top. Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is the consensus number one pick for the St. Louis Rams, but there’s still a chance fellow defensive lineman Gerald McCoy might be picked first, or that quarterback Sam Bradford might sneak into the discussion. However, the most anticipated selection might be one made after the first round, when Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is picked.
After a fabulous career in Gainesville, Tebow has been ranked by draftniks anywhere from a top-three quarterback, to a non-prospect, to a position change project. Though no one denies his work ethic or his athleticism, he’s been working with multiple coaches to rebuild his throwing motion into something approaching pro caliber.
Tebow joined Lamm at Large on WJXL in Jacksonville to discuss Urban Meyer, his throwing motion, the possibility of playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and parents proposing to him on behalf of their daughters.
Listen to Tim Tebow on WJXL in Jacksonville on Sports Radio Interviews.
Tim Tebow says he would like to play for his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars.
What are Tebow’s thoughts on the pre-draft process?
Tebow: It’s been a lot of what I expected. I had a lot of people giving me advice leading up to the hype, and the combine, and everything that’s going on, so I kind of knew what to expect. But it still has been a whirlwind. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed. It really hasn’t been something I stressed out over or overwhelmed me. It’s been a whirlwind, but a lot of fun.
What changes has Tebow made to his throwing motion?
Tebow: I think it’s just being as quick as possible and taking out as much slack in my release as possible. Instead of kind of having a little drop in my throwing motion, it’s really trying to eliminate that drop in my motion like I have done pretty efficiently. It’s something I’ve worked on a lot and feel really good about.
Sometimes it’s half a second, and sometimes it could be quarter of a second. It’s not a lot of time, but that little bit could be the difference between a touchdown or a fumble or the ball getting batted down. It does make a difference and is something I feel I can get better at and have gotten better at.
Would Tebow like to play in Jacksonville?
Tebow: I would. It’s here at home and I would enjoy that. I have been a Jaguar fan my whole life. I have enjoyed being here in my hometown and watching the Jaguars play. Getting an opportunity to play for them would be a blessing for me and a privilege for me to be able to stay in my hometown and play here.
What does Tebow think of Urban Meyer’s leave of absence from the Florida football program?
Tebow: He needs to keep resting and being with his family. He’s enjoying it. He’s had a little time to get away, and we’re still talking pretty much every day. He’s doing great and feeling better. He’s going to get back and have a great season and Florida is going to dominate. They’re going to do great.
I’m just happy that he’s feeling better, and that he’s there for his family, and that he’s been able to just relax and let his stress levels die down a little bit. He’ll absolutely be back and he’ll be involved. He’s going to be hands-on working with the guys. He’ll be there for a lot of the stuff in the spring and in the summer. Florida should have a great year.
How many marriage proposals has Tebow received?
Tebow: We’ve gotten quite a handful of marriage proposals. Mostly from parents, though.
More from SRI
Nate Burleson talks about joining the Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy discusses the upcoming draft and where he might be picked
The Jackie Robinson Foundation will honor Selig at its awards banquet tonight in New York with a Robie Award, given to "individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson." Selig, a self-described American history buff who calls Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947 "one of the most important moments of the 20th century," recently spoke about the honor — and its namesake — with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan.
Bud Selig has been baseball commissioner since 1992.
Sporting New: How big of an honor is this for you?
Bud Selig: I’ve often said that I think baseball’s proudest, most meaningful moment was April 15, 1947. When I think what Branch Rickey did, who I have deep admiration for, after all, think about this: He did it before the Civil Rights movement, per se, he did it before Harry Truman desegregated the United States Army, he did it before the famed Brown vs. the Board of Education decision. It’s remarkable.
And Jackie, under incredible pressure, pressure that — I’ve talked to a lot of people about this over the years — was just stunning. And he made it, and it was just a remarkable chapter in baseball history.
So here, a man that I admire so much and to get their historic lifetime achievement award, given how I feel, I must tell you, is a wonderful honor. And I’m really deeply touched by it.
SN: Baseball retired Robinson’s number in 1997. Where does that rank on the list of accomplishments during your time as commissioner?
BS: Very high. I’m very proud of the wild card and revenue sharing the interleague play and the whole restructuring of the game, and our Internet company and our channel. But the favorite part of my career, which is 45 years old now, is what I call the sociological part.
The impact that this sport has in society is remarkable, absolutely remarkable. Its history is revered like no other history. Here’s the whole Jackie Robinson situation, which I don’t think had been really properly honored. So that was a decision, when you look back on it, you wonder why there was ever any hesitation. I’m obviously very proud of it.
‘It was remarkable what a great athlete he (Jackie Robinson) was,’ Selig says.
SN: What’s the first thing that pops into your mind about Jackie Robinson?
BS: Courage. I did something way back when in my career; I talked to a lot of people who played with him, played against him or had roles in either a negative sense or who had been sorry for what they had done. I wanted to hear from people who witnessed the abuse that he took, witnessed the pressures.
I don’t think he’d mind if I tell you, but Dixie Walker, who was with the Milwaukee Braves in the ’60s when I was just breaking in — I got to know Dixie real well. I used to talk to him about that because I was fascinated back then about Jackie Robinson. I was fortunate to see him here, and in Brooklyn, I went to some games in the late ’40s, and I saw him play in Chicago. I saw him play in Wrigley Field in 1947, the first trip in. A friend of mine went down to the game, as we often did.
I must tell you, one thing I say about (Jackie), and against the Braves, even against the great players like (Warren) Spahn and (Lew) Burdette … he was the most electrifying player I’ve ever seen. He wasn’t the greatest player I’ve ever seen, but certainly a Hall of Famer. And think about this, what a great athlete he was. Didn’t get his chance in the big leagues until I believe he was 28. But in football, there were people who said he was better than Kenny Washington. Think about that. Kenny Washington was a great player, and he was just … it was remarkable what a great athlete he was.
SN: What else comes to mind?
BS: He took a lot of abuse, even in the service. You read the stories — and I’ve read every book on Jackie Robinson, and I’ve talked to (his wife) Rachel about it — about the trip in ’46 when he first went to get ready for the International League season, and how they had to ride buses and they were rejected out of homes they had to live in.
But think of the pressure on him, and because he made it, there was a Hank Aaron, who happens to be a very close friend of mine as you probably know, and Willie Mays and Bob Gibson and Willie Stargell and on and on and on. He really changed America in so many ways. To get an honor like this from the Jackie Robinson Foundation is very, very meaningful.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation will honor Selig at its awards banquet tonight in New York with a Robie Award, given to "individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson." Selig, a self-described American history buff who calls Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947 "one of the most important moments of the 20th century," recently spoke about the honor — and its namesake — with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan.
Bud Selig has been baseball commissioner since 1992.
Sporting New: How big of an honor is this for you?
Bud Selig: I’ve often said that I think baseball’s proudest, most meaningful moment was April 15, 1947. When I think what Branch Rickey did, who I have deep admiration for, after all, think about this: He did it before the Civil Rights movement, per se, he did it before Harry Truman desegregated the United States Army, he did it before the famed Brown vs. the Board of Education decision. It’s remarkable.
And Jackie, under incredible pressure, pressure that — I’ve talked to a lot of people about this over the years — was just stunning. And he made it, and it was just a remarkable chapter in baseball history.
So here, a man that I admire so much and to get their historic lifetime achievement award, given how I feel, I must tell you, is a wonderful honor. And I’m really deeply touched by it.
SN: Baseball retired Robinson’s number in 1997. Where does that rank on the list of accomplishments during your time as commissioner?
BS: Very high. I’m very proud of the wild card and revenue sharing the interleague play and the whole restructuring of the game, and our Internet company and our channel. But the favorite part of my career, which is 45 years old now, is what I call the sociological part.
The impact that this sport has in society is remarkable, absolutely remarkable. Its history is revered like no other history. Here’s the whole Jackie Robinson situation, which I don’t think had been really properly honored. So that was a decision, when you look back on it, you wonder why there was ever any hesitation. I’m obviously very proud of it.
‘It was remarkable what a great athlete he (Jackie Robinson) was,’ Selig says.
SN: What’s the first thing that pops into your mind about Jackie Robinson?
BS: Courage. I did something way back when in my career; I talked to a lot of people who played with him, played against him or had roles in either a negative sense or who had been sorry for what they had done. I wanted to hear from people who witnessed the abuse that he took, witnessed the pressures.
I don’t think he’d mind if I tell you, but Dixie Walker, who was with the Milwaukee Braves in the ’60s when I was just breaking in — I got to know Dixie real well. I used to talk to him about that because I was fascinated back then about Jackie Robinson. I was fortunate to see him here, and in Brooklyn, I went to some games in the late ’40s, and I saw him play in Chicago. I saw him play in Wrigley Field in 1947, the first trip in. A friend of mine went down to the game, as we often did.
I must tell you, one thing I say about (Jackie), and against the Braves, even against the great players like (Warren) Spahn and (Lew) Burdette … he was the most electrifying player I’ve ever seen. He wasn’t the greatest player I’ve ever seen, but certainly a Hall of Famer. And think about this, what a great athlete he was. Didn’t get his chance in the big leagues until I believe he was 28. But in football, there were people who said he was better than Kenny Washington. Think about that. Kenny Washington was a great player, and he was just … it was remarkable what a great athlete he was.
SN: What else comes to mind?
BS: He took a lot of abuse, even in the service. You read the stories — and I’ve read every book on Jackie Robinson, and I’ve talked to (his wife) Rachel about it — about the trip in ’46 when he first went to get ready for the International League season, and how they had to ride buses and they were rejected out of homes they had to live in.
But think of the pressure on him, and because he made it, there was a Hank Aaron, who happens to be a very close friend of mine as you probably know, and Willie Mays and Bob Gibson and Willie Stargell and on and on and on. He really changed America in so many ways. To get an honor like this from the Jackie Robinson Foundation is very, very meaningful.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio weighs in on the biggest story lines of the free-agency period:
1. Where have all the Cowboys gone?
It was long presumed that, with the disappearance of the salary cap, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would behave like Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, spending as much money as necessary to ensure the purchase of a berth in a Super Bowl that will be hosted at Jones’ brand-new stadium in 2011.
Jerry Jones and his Cowboys have been quiet players in the free-agency market so far.
Even though the Cowboys fall within the confines of the "Final Eight Plan," they can still blow the budget for one unrestricted free agent, as long as his first-year salary exceeds $5.8 million.
But they haven’t, and by all appearances they won’t. The Cowboys have shown no interest in any of the available players. They’ve also shown no interest in locking up one of their own, receiver Miles Austin.
Though Austin, a restricted free agent, has been limited by the highest possible tender, which would require compensation in the amount of first- and third-round picks in the 2010 draft, the Cowboys’ decision not to lock him up for the long term leaves him exposed. It’s a risk the Cowboys shouldn’t have to take in the absence of a salary cap.
So what’s going on? The Cowboys already have lined up significant cash commitments for ’10, because of contracts signed in the recent past based on the assumption that the salary cap will go away. Also, Jones still has that brand-new stadium to pay for, and the thinking is he simply doesn’t have the cash on hand to spend like everyone thought he would.
2. Optimism returns to Chicago, again
Last year, a trade that brought to Chicago the team’s first franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman triggered a flood of euphoria.
Then, the season started.
In the wake of expectations that the organization failed to manage and the team failed to meet, the front office and the coaching staff found themselves in a situation so poisonous that offensive and defensive coordinator candidates with other options consistently opted to go elsewhere. A strong sense of gloom and despair developed.
In one day, the dark cloud was moved away. Hope has returned to Halas Hall with the arrival of defensive end Julius Peppers, tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and running back Chester Taylor.
But winning the offseason press conferences won’t be enough this time around, and that’s why general manager Jerry Angelo followed up last year’s "all in" move by throwing the deed to his house and his car keys into the middle of the table.
The cards will be turned over come September, but is there any reason to think the moves will make the Bears any better?
The focal points remains the ability of Mike Martz to get the most out of Jay Cutler. If Martz can coax Cutler into playing like he did in Denver, then Angelo & Co. will have a chance to remain gainfully employed. If not, Cutler, Peppers, Manumaleuna, Taylor and every other player on the roster will be someone else’s problem come 2011.
3. Dockett shouldn’t be upset about Arizona exodus
In roughly a month, the Arizona Cardinals have lost a large chunk of their nucleus. Quarterback Kurt Warner has retired. Then, in one fell swoop, linebacker Karlos Dansby, safety Antrel Rolle and receiver Anquan Boldin were gone.
Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, never shy about making his feelings known via Twitter, has been venting about the developments.
He shouldn’t be upset. After all, the departures mean more money will be available for him.
Currently, Dockett is signed through 2011 at base salaries of $3.75 million and $4 million. He has wanted a new deal for a while, and the Cardinals now have the money to give him one.
Of course, without a salary floor in place, they have no need to do anything other than squat on Dockett’s rights. Besides, if they were willing to pay big money, Dansby and/or Rolle and/or Boldin would still be on the team.
So maybe Dockett’s anger comes from the fact he’s heading for the same outcome as the others — to get paid, he’ll have to leave Arizona.
4. Vikings have wiggle room; Colts don’t
With the salary cap disappearing, the NFL’s labor agreement places strict limitations on the ability of the best teams from 2009 to sign unrestricted free agents.
The "Final Eight Plan," applicable to the teams that played in the divisional round of the playoffs, places even tighter limits on the final four teams — the Saints, Colts, Vikings and Jets. Put simply, these franchises cannot sign an unrestricted free agent from another team until one of their own unrestricted free agents leaves.
For the Colts, who have only two unrestricted free agents and who already have re-signed one of them (linebacker Gary Brackett), the "Final Eight Plan" represents a set of Super Bowl loser handcuffs. They can sign no unrestricted free agent until kicker Matt Stover, who was unsigned throughout the entire 2009 offseason and into the regular season, inks a new deal. Even then, the Colts would be able to pay any new unrestricted free agent the same first-year salary that Stover receives.
For the Vikings, greater flexibility applies, thanks to the free-agent departures of running back Chester Taylor and offensive lineman Artis Hicks. Minnesota now can sign two unrestricted free agents from other teams, with first-year salaries matching those paid to Hicks and Taylor — and 30-percent growth moving forward.
By now, Redskins owner Dan Snyder would have made some player an instant millionaire. That hasn’t happened yet during this free-agency period.
But the Vikings aren’t rushing to spend that money; through the first weekend of free agency, they have arranged a visit only with kicker Rhys Lloyd — and they have been linked to only one other player, Colts restricted free agent Marlin Jackson.
5. Redskins change their ways, dramatically
If the Cowboys were going to mimic the Yankees in the uncapped year, the Redskins were poised to make like the Red Sox.
But then came general manager Bruce Allen, who has been charged in part with the task of protecting owner Daniel Snyder from himself. To date, Allen has persuaded Snyder not to overspend. They’ve hosted a couple of offensive linemen, like Chad Clifton and Tony Pashos. Unlike past years, they didn’t make them instant multi-millionaires.
Indeed, the only new player they’ve signed is a backup from Minnesota who hardly received a market-busting deal.
It’s a stunning change in philosophy for the Redskins, and it came at the right time. If the uncapped year had unfolded in any other offseason, Snyder would have already spent $200 million.
6. Seahawks should pull an end run around the Broncos
With the Seattle Seahawks flirting with Brandon Marshall, the Broncos are getting the word out, loud and clear: If the Seahawks want Marshall, they need to sign him to an offer sheet and be prepared to give up the No. 6-overall pick in the draft.
The position is more than a little donkey-headed, given that the Seahawks also hold the 14th-overall pick, which Denver sent to them in ’08 for a second-round pick. With the Broncos essentially begging someone to sign Marshall to an offer sheet by tendering the restricted free agent at the first-round level only, the Broncos should be happy with any first-round pick they can get.
So here’s what the Seahawks should do. They should communicate to a team like the Saints or the Colts or anyone who picks below No. 14 the terms they’d be comfortable paying to Marshall, and the Seahawks should offer to those teams the 14th-overall pick for Marshall’s contract. Then, one of the teams picking below No. 14 should sign Marshall to an offer sheet.
It would be a lot easier for the Broncos just to take the 14th-overall pick and send Marshall to Seattle. But if they refuse to relent, then the Seahawks should give some other team an easy chance to upgrade to No. 14 — and to stick the Broncos with a pick a lot lower than No. 6.
7. Rolle’s arrival raises questions about Phillips’ return
New Giants safety Antrel Rolle has said he looks forward to playing with Giants safety Kenny Phillips, a good friend who like Rolle played college football at Miami.
Rolle apparently hasn’t considered the possibility that he’ll be Phillips’ replacement.
Rolle and Phillips share an agent, and Drew Rosenhaus recently told Sirius NFL Radio that Phillips will be making a complete recovery from a knee condition that has caused more than a few whispers that he’ll never play again.
Either way, the Giants decided it would be wise to pay a guy who isn’t regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL as if he were, and it would be foolish to not at least consider the possibility that Rolle’s unspoken leverage was the uncertain status of his good friend’s knee.
8. Bengals could be taking yet another risk
For the past several years, the Cincinnati Bengals have been more than willing to take risks when it comes to acquiring players with checkered pasts. In 2009, the gambles paid off, creating a team that surprised the rest of the league by making it to top of the AFC North.
Now, the Bengals could be rolling the dice yet again. But not with a player who has had one or more arrests, for a change.
Receiver Terrell Owens never has gotten himself in trouble with the law. However, he has left in his wake a slew of quarterbacks who became the targets of his insults and/or finger pointing.
Receiver Chad Ochocinco wants T.O. to join him in Cincinnati. It appeared for a while that management would not be interested. It now appears, however, that the Bengals could be making a run at him.
With quarterback Carson Palmer making his desire to embrace the enigmatic Owens publicly known, it might only be a matter of time before the Bengals become the next stop on the T.O. tour.
It could turn out well, and it could turn out poorly. The only sure thing is that it will not be boring.
9. Chargers benefit the most from the rules of the uncapped year
Whenever the appropriate time comes to determine the winners and losers in free agency, the Chargers will be among the winners, even if they don’t sign a single player.
The system propelled them to victory. With the disappearance of the salary cap, and the service time required for unrestricted free agency increasing from four years to six, the Chargers automatically were able to retain the rights to five key players who otherwise would have been able to walk away.
If the salary cap had survived the stroke of midnight on March 5, linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill, receiver Vincent Jackson, receiver Malcom Floyd and running back Darren Sproles would have been unrestricted free agents. The Chargers could have used the franchise tag on only one of them; the rest would have been free to leave.
With the salary cap gone, the Chargers applied the highest possible restricted free agency tender to each of them, guaranteeing that their rights will be retained, at least for a year.
Though things could get very interesting for the Chargers come 2011, the system is smiling on them right now.
10. Falcons’ draft needs suddenly changed
Before Friday, everyone assumed Atlanta would target a cornerback with its first-round pick in the 2010 draft.
But now that they have signed former Texan Dunta Robinson, they don’t need a cornerback in Round 1.
So why does anyone bother to talk about a team’s draft needs before free agency? Every year, the signings made (and not made) have a huge impact on draft-day decisions.
Then again, reality and practicality rarely invade the ever-burgeoning cottage industry that the NFL draft has spawned.
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.
ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio weighs in on the biggest story lines of the free-agency period:
1. Where have all the Cowboys gone?
It was long presumed that, with the disappearance of the salary cap, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would behave like Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, spending as much money as necessary to ensure the purchase of a berth in a Super Bowl that will be hosted at Jones’ brand-new stadium in 2011.
Jerry Jones and his Cowboys have been quiet players in the free-agency market so far.
Even though the Cowboys fall within the confines of the "Final Eight Plan," they can still blow the budget for one unrestricted free agent, as long as his first-year salary exceeds $5.8 million.
But they haven’t, and by all appearances they won’t. The Cowboys have shown no interest in any of the available players. They’ve also shown no interest in locking up one of their own, receiver Miles Austin.
Though Austin, a restricted free agent, has been limited by the highest possible tender, which would require compensation in the amount of first- and third-round picks in the 2010 draft, the Cowboys’ decision not to lock him up for the long term leaves him exposed. It’s a risk the Cowboys shouldn’t have to take in the absence of a salary cap.
So what’s going on? The Cowboys already have lined up significant cash commitments for ’10, because of contracts signed in the recent past based on the assumption that the salary cap will go away. Also, Jones still has that brand-new stadium to pay for, and the thinking is he simply doesn’t have the cash on hand to spend like everyone thought he would.
2. Optimism returns to Chicago, again
Last year, a trade that brought to Chicago the team’s first franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman triggered a flood of euphoria.
Then, the season started.
In the wake of expectations that the organization failed to manage and the team failed to meet, the front office and the coaching staff found themselves in a situation so poisonous that offensive and defensive coordinator candidates with other options consistently opted to go elsewhere. A strong sense of gloom and despair developed.
In one day, the dark cloud was moved away. Hope has returned to Halas Hall with the arrival of defensive end Julius Peppers, tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and running back Chester Taylor.
But winning the offseason press conferences won’t be enough this time around, and that’s why general manager Jerry Angelo followed up last year’s "all in" move by throwing the deed to his house and his car keys into the middle of the table.
The cards will be turned over come September, but is there any reason to think the moves will make the Bears any better?
The focal points remains the ability of Mike Martz to get the most out of Jay Cutler. If Martz can coax Cutler into playing like he did in Denver, then Angelo & Co. will have a chance to remain gainfully employed. If not, Cutler, Peppers, Manumaleuna, Taylor and every other player on the roster will be someone else’s problem come 2011.
3. Dockett shouldn’t be upset about Arizona exodus
In roughly a month, the Arizona Cardinals have lost a large chunk of their nucleus. Quarterback Kurt Warner has retired. Then, in one fell swoop, linebacker Karlos Dansby, safety Antrel Rolle and receiver Anquan Boldin were gone.
Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, never shy about making his feelings known via Twitter, has been venting about the developments.
He shouldn’t be upset. After all, the departures mean more money will be available for him.
Currently, Dockett is signed through 2011 at base salaries of $3.75 million and $4 million. He has wanted a new deal for a while, and the Cardinals now have the money to give him one.
Of course, without a salary floor in place, they have no need to do anything other than squat on Dockett’s rights. Besides, if they were willing to pay big money, Dansby and/or Rolle and/or Boldin would still be on the team.
So maybe Dockett’s anger comes from the fact he’s heading for the same outcome as the others — to get paid, he’ll have to leave Arizona.
4. Vikings have wiggle room; Colts don’t
With the salary cap disappearing, the NFL’s labor agreement places strict limitations on the ability of the best teams from 2009 to sign unrestricted free agents.
The "Final Eight Plan," applicable to the teams that played in the divisional round of the playoffs, places even tighter limits on the final four teams — the Saints, Colts, Vikings and Jets. Put simply, these franchises cannot sign an unrestricted free agent from another team until one of their own unrestricted free agents leaves.
For the Colts, who have only two unrestricted free agents and who already have re-signed one of them (linebacker Gary Brackett), the "Final Eight Plan" represents a set of Super Bowl loser handcuffs. They can sign no unrestricted free agent until kicker Matt Stover, who was unsigned throughout the entire 2009 offseason and into the regular season, inks a new deal. Even then, the Colts would be able to pay any new unrestricted free agent the same first-year salary that Stover receives.
For the Vikings, greater flexibility applies, thanks to the free-agent departures of running back Chester Taylor and offensive lineman Artis Hicks. Minnesota now can sign two unrestricted free agents from other teams, with first-year salaries matching those paid to Hicks and Taylor — and 30-percent growth moving forward.
By now, Redskins owner Dan Snyder would have made some player an instant millionaire. That hasn’t happened yet during this free-agency period.
But the Vikings aren’t rushing to spend that money; through the first weekend of free agency, they have arranged a visit only with kicker Rhys Lloyd — and they have been linked to only one other player, Colts restricted free agent Marlin Jackson.
5. Redskins change their ways, dramatically
If the Cowboys were going to mimic the Yankees in the uncapped year, the Redskins were poised to make like the Red Sox.
But then came general manager Bruce Allen, who has been charged in part with the task of protecting owner Daniel Snyder from himself. To date, Allen has persuaded Snyder not to overspend. They’ve hosted a couple of offensive linemen, like Chad Clifton and Tony Pashos. Unlike past years, they didn’t make them instant multi-millionaires.
Indeed, the only new player they’ve signed is a backup from Minnesota who hardly received a market-busting deal.
It’s a stunning change in philosophy for the Redskins, and it came at the right time. If the uncapped year had unfolded in any other offseason, Snyder would have already spent $200 million.
6. Seahawks should pull an end run around the Broncos
With the Seattle Seahawks flirting with Brandon Marshall, the Broncos are getting the word out, loud and clear: If the Seahawks want Marshall, they need to sign him to an offer sheet and be prepared to give up the No. 6-overall pick in the draft.
The position is more than a little donkey-headed, given that the Seahawks also hold the 14th-overall pick, which Denver sent to them in ’08 for a second-round pick. With the Broncos essentially begging someone to sign Marshall to an offer sheet by tendering the restricted free agent at the first-round level only, the Broncos should be happy with any first-round pick they can get.
So here’s what the Seahawks should do. They should communicate to a team like the Saints or the Colts or anyone who picks below No. 14 the terms they’d be comfortable paying to Marshall, and the Seahawks should offer to those teams the 14th-overall pick for Marshall’s contract. Then, one of the teams picking below No. 14 should sign Marshall to an offer sheet.
It would be a lot easier for the Broncos just to take the 14th-overall pick and send Marshall to Seattle. But if they refuse to relent, then the Seahawks should give some other team an easy chance to upgrade to No. 14 — and to stick the Broncos with a pick a lot lower than No. 6.
7. Rolle’s arrival raises questions about Phillips’ return
New Giants safety Antrel Rolle has said he looks forward to playing with Giants safety Kenny Phillips, a good friend who like Rolle played college football at Miami.
Rolle apparently hasn’t considered the possibility that he’ll be Phillips’ replacement.
Rolle and Phillips share an agent, and Drew Rosenhaus recently told Sirius NFL Radio that Phillips will be making a complete recovery from a knee condition that has caused more than a few whispers that he’ll never play again.
Either way, the Giants decided it would be wise to pay a guy who isn’t regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL as if he were, and it would be foolish to not at least consider the possibility that Rolle’s unspoken leverage was the uncertain status of his good friend’s knee.
8. Bengals could be taking yet another risk
For the past several years, the Cincinnati Bengals have been more than willing to take risks when it comes to acquiring players with checkered pasts. In 2009, the gambles paid off, creating a team that surprised the rest of the league by making it to top of the AFC North.
Now, the Bengals could be rolling the dice yet again. But not with a player who has had one or more arrests, for a change.
Receiver Terrell Owens never has gotten himself in trouble with the law. However, he has left in his wake a slew of quarterbacks who became the targets of his insults and/or finger pointing.
Receiver Chad Ochocinco wants T.O. to join him in Cincinnati. It appeared for a while that management would not be interested. It now appears, however, that the Bengals could be making a run at him.
With quarterback Carson Palmer making his desire to embrace the enigmatic Owens publicly known, it might only be a matter of time before the Bengals become the next stop on the T.O. tour.
It could turn out well, and it could turn out poorly. The only sure thing is that it will not be boring.
9. Chargers benefit the most from the rules of the uncapped year
Whenever the appropriate time comes to determine the winners and losers in free agency, the Chargers will be among the winners, even if they don’t sign a single player.
The system propelled them to victory. With the disappearance of the salary cap, and the service time required for unrestricted free agency increasing from four years to six, the Chargers automatically were able to retain the rights to five key players who otherwise would have been able to walk away.
If the salary cap had survived the stroke of midnight on March 5, linebacker Shawne Merriman, left tackle Marcus McNeill, receiver Vincent Jackson, receiver Malcom Floyd and running back Darren Sproles would have been unrestricted free agents. The Chargers could have used the franchise tag on only one of them; the rest would have been free to leave.
With the salary cap gone, the Chargers applied the highest possible restricted free agency tender to each of them, guaranteeing that their rights will be retained, at least for a year.
Though things could get very interesting for the Chargers come 2011, the system is smiling on them right now.
10. Falcons’ draft needs suddenly changed
Before Friday, everyone assumed Atlanta would target a cornerback with its first-round pick in the 2010 draft.
But now that they have signed former Texan Dunta Robinson, they don’t need a cornerback in Round 1.
So why does anyone bother to talk about a team’s draft needs before free agency? Every year, the signings made (and not made) have a huge impact on draft-day decisions.
Then again, reality and practicality rarely invade the ever-burgeoning cottage industry that the NFL draft has spawned.
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 Cardinals weren’t projected to be the class of the NL Central last season when they won the division by 7 1/2 games before fizzling in the postseason. But after they spent $120 million on Matt Holliday to keep their lineup virtually intact, it will be a surprise if they finish anywhere but first this season. Even manager Tony La Russa, not one for hype, said, "We will be one of those clubs that has a chance. I like our core."
Chris Carpenter finished second in NL Cy Young voting in 2009.
Three questions
1. Where are the problem areas?
You have to look beneath the surface to find any weaknesses. Consider: The Cardinals have the game’s best player in Albert Pujols. They have the National League’s best catcher in Yadier Molina. They have what is arguably the NL’s best 1-2 rotation punch in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. They have a future Hall of Fame manager in La Russa.
If all that isn’t enough, they also have a top slugger in Holliday, an All-Star closer in Ryan Franklin and the resources to spend money for improvements during the season.
So what don’t they have? They lack experience at third base and depth in the outfield, and their bullpen isn’t as formidable as that of the Phillies — the only NL club that looks to be superior to St. Louis.
2. Who’s on third base?
This is the only position where the Cardinals won’t return their regular from the end of last season. Rookie David Freese is the front-runner. La Russa, however, doesn’t like to hand out jobs, especially to rookies. Freese’s main competition will come from a couple of other youngsters, Tyler Greene and Joe Mather, though the Cardinals could give utilityman Felipe Lopez a shot.
Freese was the projected starter at third when spring training ended last year, but he struggled early — partially because of injuries — and spent most of his season at Class AAA. He impressed enough in a brief late-season call-up to be deemed the favorite after the Cardinals opted not to re-sign Mark DeRosa or bring in another veteran.
3. Will the hitting coach be a distraction?
There will be times when Mark McGwire has to address the past again, such as when the Cardinals visit New York (July 27-29) and like he did recently when a book written by his brother rehashed the steroids issue. For the most part, however, McGwire has been able to focus on his new job during spring training.
When La Russa pushed Cardinals ownership to hire McGwire last fall, he admitted part of the reason was to get McGwire back in the game. La Russa, however, asserted that the main reason he wanted McGwire was because he believes the former slugger has the makeup and knowledge to be an effective hitting coach. Early signs out of Cardinals camp are that La Russa is correct. McGwire has gone about his job without a lot of fanfare.
Projected lineup
1. 2B Skip Schumaker: .307 AVG over past 3 seasons.
2. CF Colby Rasmus: .251 AVG, 16 HRs as rookie in ’09.
3. 1B Albert Pujols: As bonus, led club with 16 SBs.
4. LF Matt Holliday: Team-best .353 AVG, 55 RBIs, .604 SLG after arrival.
5. RF Ryan Ludwick: ’08: 37 HRs, .966 OPS; ’09: 22 HRs, .775 OPS.
6. C Yadier Molina: .366 OBP, 50 BBs, 39 K’s.
7. 3B David Freese: .323 AVG in 31 MLB at-bats last season.
8. SS Brendan Ryan: 23 of 37 RBIs came after break in breakout season.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Chris Carpenter: 17-4 with NL-best 2.24 ERA.
2. RHP Adam Wainwright: 19-8, 2.63 ERA, NL-best 233 IP.
3. RHP Kyle Lohse: Injuries a factor as ERA rose nearly a run from ’08.
4. RHP Brad Penny: 5.61 ERA in 24 starts with Red Sox; 2.59 in 5 starts with Giants.
5. RHP Kyle McClellan: 3.38 ERA as RP last season.
Projected closer
RHP Ryan Franklin: 1.05 ERA pre-September; finished at 1.92.
Grades
Offense: B. Pujols and Holliday give the Cardinals one of the majors’ top 3-4 tandems and Molina improves every season, but they aren’t that special elsewhere. St. Louis finished ninth in the NL in runs scored after the All-Star break last season. In 2010, the production of Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker and Colby Rasmus will be key.
Pitching: A. Wainwright and Carpenter were the best 1-2 rotation punch in the game last season. Franklin leads a balanced bullpen that includes a couple of hard throwers in Mitchell Boggs and Blake Hawksworth. Brad Penny has the ingredients to be pitching coach Dave Duncan’s next success story.
Bench: B. Recent acquisition Felipe Lopez was second to Chase Utley in runs scored by NL second basemen last season, and he can play all over the infield. Julio Lugo also brings plenty of experience to the middle infield. There isn’t much experience in the outfield, however.
Manager: A. All of those pitching changes might rile some fans, but opposing managers consistently praise La Russa’s consistent approach and for never being caught off-guard. His players always are prepared to play, and you rarely (if ever) see an undisciplined player on the Cardinals.
Sporting News prediction: Any team with Pujols is a contender. Any team with Pujols, Holliday, Carpenter and Wainwright — as long as they’re healthy — is a clear choice to win the division. Beating Philadelphia, however, is another matter.
COMING TUESDAY: Cubs preview.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
The Cardinals weren’t projected to be the class of the NL Central last season when they won the division by 7 1/2 games before fizzling in the postseason. But after they spent $120 million on Matt Holliday to keep their lineup virtually intact, it will be a surprise if they finish anywhere but first this season. Even manager Tony La Russa, not one for hype, said, "We will be one of those clubs that has a chance. I like our core."
Chris Carpenter finished second in NL Cy Young voting in 2009.
Three questions
1. Where are the problem areas?
You have to look beneath the surface to find any weaknesses. Consider: The Cardinals have the game’s best player in Albert Pujols. They have the National League’s best catcher in Yadier Molina. They have what is arguably the NL’s best 1-2 rotation punch in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. They have a future Hall of Fame manager in La Russa.
If all that isn’t enough, they also have a top slugger in Holliday, an All-Star closer in Ryan Franklin and the resources to spend money for improvements during the season.
So what don’t they have? They lack experience at third base and depth in the outfield, and their bullpen isn’t as formidable as that of the Phillies — the only NL club that looks to be superior to St. Louis.
2. Who’s on third base?
This is the only position where the Cardinals won’t return their regular from the end of last season. Rookie David Freese is the front-runner. La Russa, however, doesn’t like to hand out jobs, especially to rookies. Freese’s main competition will come from a couple of other youngsters, Tyler Greene and Joe Mather, though the Cardinals could give utilityman Felipe Lopez a shot.
Freese was the projected starter at third when spring training ended last year, but he struggled early — partially because of injuries — and spent most of his season at Class AAA. He impressed enough in a brief late-season call-up to be deemed the favorite after the Cardinals opted not to re-sign Mark DeRosa or bring in another veteran.
3. Will the hitting coach be a distraction?
There will be times when Mark McGwire has to address the past again, such as when the Cardinals visit New York (July 27-29) and like he did recently when a book written by his brother rehashed the steroids issue. For the most part, however, McGwire has been able to focus on his new job during spring training.
When La Russa pushed Cardinals ownership to hire McGwire last fall, he admitted part of the reason was to get McGwire back in the game. La Russa, however, asserted that the main reason he wanted McGwire was because he believes the former slugger has the makeup and knowledge to be an effective hitting coach. Early signs out of Cardinals camp are that La Russa is correct. McGwire has gone about his job without a lot of fanfare.
Projected lineup
1. 2B Skip Schumaker: .307 AVG over past 3 seasons.
2. CF Colby Rasmus: .251 AVG, 16 HRs as rookie in ’09.
3. 1B Albert Pujols: As bonus, led club with 16 SBs.
4. LF Matt Holliday: Team-best .353 AVG, 55 RBIs, .604 SLG after arrival.
5. RF Ryan Ludwick: ’08: 37 HRs, .966 OPS; ’09: 22 HRs, .775 OPS.
6. C Yadier Molina: .366 OBP, 50 BBs, 39 K’s.
7. 3B David Freese: .323 AVG in 31 MLB at-bats last season.
8. SS Brendan Ryan: 23 of 37 RBIs came after break in breakout season.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Chris Carpenter: 17-4 with NL-best 2.24 ERA.
2. RHP Adam Wainwright: 19-8, 2.63 ERA, NL-best 233 IP.
3. RHP Kyle Lohse: Injuries a factor as ERA rose nearly a run from ’08.
4. RHP Brad Penny: 5.61 ERA in 24 starts with Red Sox; 2.59 in 5 starts with Giants.
5. RHP Kyle McClellan: 3.38 ERA as RP last season.
Projected closer
RHP Ryan Franklin: 1.05 ERA pre-September; finished at 1.92.
Grades
Offense: B. Pujols and Holliday give the Cardinals one of the majors’ top 3-4 tandems and Molina improves every season, but they aren’t that special elsewhere. St. Louis finished ninth in the NL in runs scored after the All-Star break last season. In 2010, the production of Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker and Colby Rasmus will be key.
Pitching: A. Wainwright and Carpenter were the best 1-2 rotation punch in the game last season. Franklin leads a balanced bullpen that includes a couple of hard throwers in Mitchell Boggs and Blake Hawksworth. Brad Penny has the ingredients to be pitching coach Dave Duncan’s next success story.
Bench: B. Recent acquisition Felipe Lopez was second to Chase Utley in runs scored by NL second basemen last season, and he can play all over the infield. Julio Lugo also brings plenty of experience to the middle infield. There isn’t much experience in the outfield, however.
Manager: A. All of those pitching changes might rile some fans, but opposing managers consistently praise La Russa’s consistent approach and for never being caught off-guard. His players always are prepared to play, and you rarely (if ever) see an undisciplined player on the Cardinals.
Sporting News prediction: Any team with Pujols is a contender. Any team with Pujols, Holliday, Carpenter and Wainwright — as long as they’re healthy — is a clear choice to win the division. Beating Philadelphia, however, is another matter.
COMING TUESDAY: Cubs preview.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
