The 2010 NFL free agency period kicks off at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday with a slew of new rules thanks to the lack of a new collective bargaining agreement. In short, nearly half the free agents and a quarter of the teams will be restricted in their signing and spending.
The money and player movement won’t match years past because of such limitations, and the expected shopping frenzy of an uncapped year is unlikely to come to fruition.
"You’ll see a smaller number of players receiving the bigger contracts," said agent Tom Condon, who represents free agents Shawne Merriman and LaDainian Tomlinson. "Because there’s no floor on salary, some teams will spend lavishly but the same number may not participate."
Five big questions as the market opens:
1. Who are the best unrestricted free agents?
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby are the headliners.
"They will command a substantial market because there are fewer options," Condon said.
Older players such as Darren Sharper, Joey Porter and Terrell Owens can provide short-term impact on teams with one missing piece.
2. How does the lack of a new CBA affect the players?
Unsigned fourth- and fifth-year players in their prime are restricted free agents, like third-year guys. Their current teams have the upper hand in tendering bargain one-year offers. Top talents affected include Merriman and three Pro Bowl wide receivers: San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, Dallas’ Miles Austin and Denver’s Brandon Marshall.
3. Will there be more interest in restricted free agents?
With more attractive players in this group and fewer unrestricted options, one would think teams would be aggressive in the restricted market.Any deal is a long shot.
It’s rumored that Chicago and other teams are interested in acquiring Marshall, but let’s consider that situation. The Broncos have given Marshall a first-round tender, putting the Bears in a position where they can’t even sign him to a lucrative offer sheet and make Denver match it — because they don’t have a first-round pick. The Broncos already own it, from the Jay Cutler trade.
The degree of difficulty gets only harder with Jackson, who comes with the first- and third-round tender. Before even considering the cost in picks, it will likely take more than $10 million to hope the Chargers can’t match.
4. Who is most likely to be traded?
Teams looking for a No. 1 receiver will make their best offer for the Cardinals’ Anquan Boldin, and the Eagles likely will deal QB Donovan McNabb and/or Michael Vick.
The Dolphins, in need of a No. 1 receiver, might go after Boldin, a Miami-area native. The Rams have been attached to potential Philadelphia trade partners when it comes to McNabb and Vick.
5. What’s this thing called the "Final Eight Plan"?
That’s how teams are affected by the lack of CBA. More specifically, those are the eight teams — Cardinals, Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, Jets, Vikings, Ravens, Saints — who were still alive in the division playoffs.
For the teams that advanced to the division championship games — Colts, Jets, Vikings and Saints — they are initially limited to re-signing their own free agents. Only after they start losing players to other teams can they sign outside free agents.
It’s really a much better situation for the Cardinals, Chargers, Cowboys and Ravens. Each of those teams is allowed to go after one player it can sign for $5.8 million or more for 2010, and any player it can sign for $3.9 million or less. It means all of them are still potential suitors for the best of the market.
The 2010 NFL free agency period kicks off at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday with a slew of new rules thanks to the lack of a new collective bargaining agreement. In short, nearly half the free agents and a quarter of the teams will be restricted in their signing and spending.
The money and player movement won’t match years past because of such limitations, and the expected shopping frenzy of an uncapped year is unlikely to come to fruition.
"You’ll see a smaller number of players receiving the bigger contracts," said agent Tom Condon, who represents free agents Shawne Merriman and LaDainian Tomlinson. "Because there’s no floor on salary, some teams will spend lavishly but the same number may not participate."
Five big questions as the market opens:
1. Who are the best unrestricted free agents?
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby are the headliners.
"They will command a substantial market because there are fewer options," Condon said.
Older players such as Darren Sharper, Joey Porter and Terrell Owens can provide short-term impact on teams with one missing piece.
2. How does the lack of a new CBA affect the players?
Unsigned fourth- and fifth-year players in their prime are restricted free agents, like third-year guys. Their current teams have the upper hand in tendering bargain one-year offers. Top talents affected include Merriman and three Pro Bowl wide receivers: San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, Dallas’ Miles Austin and Denver’s Brandon Marshall.
3. Will there be more interest in restricted free agents?
With more attractive players in this group and fewer unrestricted options, one would think teams would be aggressive in the restricted market.Any deal is a long shot.
It’s rumored that Chicago and other teams are interested in acquiring Marshall, but let’s consider that situation. The Broncos have given Marshall a first-round tender, putting the Bears in a position where they can’t even sign him to a lucrative offer sheet and make Denver match it — because they don’t have a first-round pick. The Broncos already own it, from the Jay Cutler trade.
The degree of difficulty gets only harder with Jackson, who comes with the first- and third-round tender. Before even considering the cost in picks, it will likely take more than $10 million to hope the Chargers can’t match.
4. Who is most likely to be traded?
Teams looking for a No. 1 receiver will make their best offer for the Cardinals’ Anquan Boldin, and the Eagles likely will deal QB Donovan McNabb and/or Michael Vick.
The Dolphins, in need of a No. 1 receiver, might go after Boldin, a Miami-area native. The Rams have been attached to potential Philadelphia trade partners when it comes to McNabb and Vick.
5. What’s this thing called the "Final Eight Plan"?
That’s how teams are affected by the lack of CBA. More specifically, those are the eight teams — Cardinals, Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, Jets, Vikings, Ravens, Saints — who were still alive in the division playoffs.
For the teams that advanced to the division championship games — Colts, Jets, Vikings and Saints — they are initially limited to re-signing their own free agents. Only after they start losing players to other teams can they sign outside free agents.
It’s really a much better situation for the Cardinals, Chargers, Cowboys and Ravens. Each of those teams is allowed to go after one player it can sign for $5.8 million or more for 2010, and any player it can sign for $3.9 million or less. It means all of them are still potential suitors for the best of the market.
Sporting News staff reports
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he isn’t counting on shortstop Brendan Ryan (wrist surgery) being ready for the season opener. In fact, La Russa said the team would be willing to play without Ryan for the entire month of April if it means having him healthy for the other five months of the season.
"You don’t know how strong his wrist is going to be," La Russa told the newspaper. "Once he gets it strong and ready, then he’s got to take enough at-bats where he’s got timing. He can’t rush in there, take four days and say, ‘Hey, I’m ready,’ then all of a sudden he hits .210 and somebody else is playing instead of him."
La Russa did not say who would fill in for Ryan, but the Cardinals have Julio Lugo and Felipe Lopez on the roster. The Post-Dispatch, however, speculates Lugo could be expendable after the Cardinals’ recent signing of Lopez.
Sporting News staff reports
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he isn’t counting on shortstop Brendan Ryan (wrist surgery) being ready for the season opener. In fact, La Russa said the team would be willing to play without Ryan for the entire month of April if it means having him healthy for the other five months of the season.
"You don’t know how strong his wrist is going to be," La Russa told the newspaper. "Once he gets it strong and ready, then he’s got to take enough at-bats where he’s got timing. He can’t rush in there, take four days and say, ‘Hey, I’m ready,’ then all of a sudden he hits .210 and somebody else is playing instead of him."
La Russa did not say who would fill in for Ryan, but the Cardinals have Julio Lugo and Felipe Lopez on the roster. The Post-Dispatch, however, speculates Lugo could be expendable after the Cardinals’ recent signing of Lopez.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran and shortstop Jose Reyes told the New York Daily News that the FBI’s investigation into Canadian sports physician Tony Galea is focused on HGH.
Beltran and Reyes are among the players the FBI already spoke with or plans to speak with about Galea. Both Mets stars claim they weren’t involved with the banned substance.
According to the Daily News, Galea has been charged in Canada with several crimes, including conspiring to smuggle HGH and the drug Actovegin into the U.S. In addition to Beltran and Reyes, the FBI also plans to speak with Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Rockies closer Huston Street.
Sporting News staff reports
Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran and shortstop Jose Reyes told the New York Daily News that the FBI’s investigation into Canadian sports physician Tony Galea is focused on HGH.
Beltran and Reyes are among the players the FBI already spoke with or plans to speak with about Galea. Both Mets stars claim they weren’t involved with the banned substance.
According to the Daily News, Galea has been charged in Canada with several crimes, including conspiring to smuggle HGH and the drug Actovegin into the U.S. In addition to Beltran and Reyes, the FBI also plans to speak with Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Rockies closer Huston Street.
Sporting News staff reports
Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn, who is entering the final year of his contract, told The Washington Post that he has no desire to become a full-time DH.
"I like playing the field," Dunn said. "DH-ing is awesome during interleague, because it gives you a little break. But I couldn’t do it full time. I won’t do it full time. You can write that out right now."
Dunn added that he would like to sign an extension with Washington before the end of spring training.
In December, Nationals president Stan Kasten told Dunn in a radio interview that he needed to improve his defense at first base or accept going to the AL and becoming a DH.
Sporting News staff reports
Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn, who is entering the final year of his contract, told The Washington Post that he has no desire to become a full-time DH.
"I like playing the field," Dunn said. "DH-ing is awesome during interleague, because it gives you a little break. But I couldn’t do it full time. I won’t do it full time. You can write that out right now."
Dunn added that he would like to sign an extension with Washington before the end of spring training.
In December, Nationals president Stan Kasten told Dunn in a radio interview that he needed to improve his defense at first base or accept going to the AL and becoming a DH.
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is growing weary of the recent rumors linking his team to Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Those rumors have involved a trade package anchored by White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham.
"That’s all a TV thing," Guillen told the newspaper. "Gordon, (Gavin) Floyd and (John) Danks … those names are going to come up. And we have to deal with that every time they talk about the White Sox trying to make a deal."
Guillen added that the team currently has no plans to make a deal for Gonzalez.
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is growing weary of the recent rumors linking his team to Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Those rumors have involved a trade package anchored by White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham.
"That’s all a TV thing," Guillen told the newspaper. "Gordon, (Gavin) Floyd and (John) Danks … those names are going to come up. And we have to deal with that every time they talk about the White Sox trying to make a deal."
Guillen added that the team currently has no plans to make a deal for Gonzalez.
Sporting News staff reports
‘I really believe that our team can win the World Series,’ Jake Peavy says.
Dealt to the White Sox just before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline last season, Peavy didn’t make his Chicago debut until Sept. 19 because of ankle and elbow injuries. The ace recently spoke with Sporting News’ Dave Curtis and other reporters about his outlook for 2010.
Question: This pitching staff is something else. How excited are you?
Jake Peavy: I didn’t know what this team was made of until I got over here and became a part. Getting to see John Danks in person, Gavin Floyd. I’m super-excited. You know what we bring to the table night in and night out with the starting staff. And I love what (general manager Ken Williams) has done with the bullpen. To have J.J. Putz to go along with a great closer in Bobby (Jenks) and Matt Thornton, you play five- to six-inning ballgames. … With J.J. Putz, (Scott) Linebrink maybe rebounding, Tony Pena, those are your sixth- and seventh-inning guys giving the ball to Matt Thornton and Bobby Jenks. You’ve got to feel good.
Q: What’s your mindset this year now that you’ve been around a little bit?
JP: I really believe that our team can win the World Series from Day 1. I’m sure Kenny will tweak and make moves throughout the season, which he’s always done. But I believe this team assembled right now has a chance and is very capable and should win the A.L. Central. And I believe once we get in (the postseason), we’re as talented as anybody and can compete on a nightly basis with the Yankees, with the top-tier teams in baseball.
Q: How is your health?
JP: I feel as healthy as I’ve ever been. I told a lot of people last year, "When you saw me, I wasn’t in fighting shape." I just wasn’t ready to go. I was coming out of an eight-week cast. I wasn’t able to work out or do anything else. I was about 10 to 15 pounds heavier when you guys saw me last year. … It was a challenge just to get back and pitch those last three games.
Q: How much of an advantage is it going to be for you to be healthy from the start?
JP: It’s going to be a blessing. Last year was a struggle for me to come into a new environment to pitch and to encounter all the setbacks and not be in shape. … When you get out there, you want to do well. You just got traded, four players for one. So you want to do what you’re capable of doing. Fortunately, I was able to go out and show my teammates, You know what, I’m capable of being a good part of this team. To come into spring training healthy, it’s just like a normal year.
Q: Who do you think has the advantage when you move to a new league: the hitters you haven’t seen, or you, because the hitters haven’t seen you?
JP: It can go either way. I can promise you this: I haven’t faced a lot of these American League guys, (but) when I go into my (first) start … I’ll know everything about those hitters and their tendencies and what they’re going to do and should do and what they ate for breakfast that morning.
Q: Do you think you’re going to be an emotional leader for this team?
JP: I’m not going to go out there and be a hothead or let things get out of hand. But I’m passionate, and I want to win. That’s the bottom line. And when I take the field, whenever that is, I want to win. And I expect the eight other guys taking the field with me to lay it on the line. If that’s being a role model, I don’t know. Guys go about it in different ways. I’ll try to bring that on the day I pitch and be in the dugout on the days I’m not pitching, to encourage guys and try to keep them motivated.
SN: Ken Williams said it’s important for the young pitchers to know how a No. 1 works. How much do you think you can influence the team’s young pitchers?
JP: Well, I’m certainly going to try to be a leader. … Mark Buehrle has done a great job since he’s been here of mentoring these kids. When I got over here, I was amazed at these guys’ work ethic and the way they went about preparing and taking every fifth day seriously. I’m going to jump right in. We’re all already buddies. We’re going to become closer over the next couple of years.
I’m going to try to throw things at them that might make them better, and I certainly believe they’re going to do the same to me. Any time you’re around someone who does what you do for a craft — I don’t care how long you’ve been doing it or what you’ve been doing — you can always talk and make each other better.
Q: Are you a goal-oriented guy, as far as putting numbers down in your mind?
JP: No. For myself or for my team. I’ve got no numbers. I’ll just tell you I’ll pour every bit of my energy into my opening start. I imagine it will be against Cleveland. Then, I go to the next one. My goal is to give everything I have on that night and walk away from it knowing that I came there and pitched that night. There are too many ups and downs.
Q: Is the relationship between a pitcher and a catcher overblown? How important is it that A.J. Pierzynski gets to know what you like to throw in which situations?
JP: I think it’s very important that we got to work three games together last year. … It’s not overblown by any means. When you have confidence in each other to do certain things, you get in a rhythm. If you’re going good and you get out of that rhythm, it can kind of knock you off your game a little bit. If you struggle to get into that rhythm, you know, it can be a long night.
Sporting News staff reports
‘I really believe that our team can win the World Series,’ Jake Peavy says.
Dealt to the White Sox just before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline last season, Peavy didn’t make his Chicago debut until Sept. 19 because of ankle and elbow injuries. The ace recently spoke with Sporting News’ Dave Curtis and other reporters about his outlook for 2010.
Question: This pitching staff is something else. How excited are you?
Jake Peavy: I didn’t know what this team was made of until I got over here and became a part. Getting to see John Danks in person, Gavin Floyd. I’m super-excited. You know what we bring to the table night in and night out with the starting staff. And I love what (general manager Ken Williams) has done with the bullpen. To have J.J. Putz to go along with a great closer in Bobby (Jenks) and Matt Thornton, you play five- to six-inning ballgames. … With J.J. Putz, (Scott) Linebrink maybe rebounding, Tony Pena, those are your sixth- and seventh-inning guys giving the ball to Matt Thornton and Bobby Jenks. You’ve got to feel good.
Q: What’s your mindset this year now that you’ve been around a little bit?
JP: I really believe that our team can win the World Series from Day 1. I’m sure Kenny will tweak and make moves throughout the season, which he’s always done. But I believe this team assembled right now has a chance and is very capable and should win the A.L. Central. And I believe once we get in (the postseason), we’re as talented as anybody and can compete on a nightly basis with the Yankees, with the top-tier teams in baseball.
Q: How is your health?
JP: I feel as healthy as I’ve ever been. I told a lot of people last year, "When you saw me, I wasn’t in fighting shape." I just wasn’t ready to go. I was coming out of an eight-week cast. I wasn’t able to work out or do anything else. I was about 10 to 15 pounds heavier when you guys saw me last year. … It was a challenge just to get back and pitch those last three games.
Q: How much of an advantage is it going to be for you to be healthy from the start?
JP: It’s going to be a blessing. Last year was a struggle for me to come into a new environment to pitch and to encounter all the setbacks and not be in shape. … When you get out there, you want to do well. You just got traded, four players for one. So you want to do what you’re capable of doing. Fortunately, I was able to go out and show my teammates, You know what, I’m capable of being a good part of this team. To come into spring training healthy, it’s just like a normal year.
Q: Who do you think has the advantage when you move to a new league: the hitters you haven’t seen, or you, because the hitters haven’t seen you?
JP: It can go either way. I can promise you this: I haven’t faced a lot of these American League guys, (but) when I go into my (first) start … I’ll know everything about those hitters and their tendencies and what they’re going to do and should do and what they ate for breakfast that morning.
Q: Do you think you’re going to be an emotional leader for this team?
JP: I’m not going to go out there and be a hothead or let things get out of hand. But I’m passionate, and I want to win. That’s the bottom line. And when I take the field, whenever that is, I want to win. And I expect the eight other guys taking the field with me to lay it on the line. If that’s being a role model, I don’t know. Guys go about it in different ways. I’ll try to bring that on the day I pitch and be in the dugout on the days I’m not pitching, to encourage guys and try to keep them motivated.
SN: Ken Williams said it’s important for the young pitchers to know how a No. 1 works. How much do you think you can influence the team’s young pitchers?
JP: Well, I’m certainly going to try to be a leader. … Mark Buehrle has done a great job since he’s been here of mentoring these kids. When I got over here, I was amazed at these guys’ work ethic and the way they went about preparing and taking every fifth day seriously. I’m going to jump right in. We’re all already buddies. We’re going to become closer over the next couple of years.
I’m going to try to throw things at them that might make them better, and I certainly believe they’re going to do the same to me. Any time you’re around someone who does what you do for a craft — I don’t care how long you’ve been doing it or what you’ve been doing — you can always talk and make each other better.
Q: Are you a goal-oriented guy, as far as putting numbers down in your mind?
JP: No. For myself or for my team. I’ve got no numbers. I’ll just tell you I’ll pour every bit of my energy into my opening start. I imagine it will be against Cleveland. Then, I go to the next one. My goal is to give everything I have on that night and walk away from it knowing that I came there and pitched that night. There are too many ups and downs.
Q: Is the relationship between a pitcher and a catcher overblown? How important is it that A.J. Pierzynski gets to know what you like to throw in which situations?
JP: I think it’s very important that we got to work three games together last year. … It’s not overblown by any means. When you have confidence in each other to do certain things, you get in a rhythm. If you’re going good and you get out of that rhythm, it can kind of knock you off your game a little bit. If you struggle to get into that rhythm, you know, it can be a long night.
Spring training wasn’t a week old before manager Ozzie Guillen raised the ire of general manager Kenny Williams. Guillen created a Twitter account. The GM doesn’t want his manager sharing White Sox matters in cyberspace. Guillen says he won’t; he just wants to have fun. With the AL Central’s deepest rotation and a retooled offense, the White Sox have a team that could make their manager’s job more enjoyable than firing off 140-character wisecracks.
Three questions
Juan Pierre will hit leadoff for the White Sox, but he doesn’t provide the power the team needs.
1. Where’s the power?
Since their days together with the Marlins, Guillen has wanted Juan Pierre on his side. Why? Pierre is an ideal top-of-the-order hitter in the go-go attack Guillen prefers. Pierre not only can steal bases, but he doesn’t strike out much and has a respectable .348 on-base percentage for his career.
The White Sox won’t be all about small ball, though. Chicago still has three players in its staring lineup — first baseman Paul Konerko, right fielder Carlos Quentin and slimmed-down DH Andruw Jones — with at least one season with 30-plus homers on their resumes. But with Pierre, center fielder Alex Rios, third baseman Mark Teahen, second baseman Gordon Beckham and shortstop Alexei Ramirez, Guillen’s lineup also is loaded with players who have the potential to reach double figures in steals as well as homers.
2. Who’s the DH?
Well, it isn’t Jim Thome. He will continue his push toward 600 homers with the Twins after the White Sox decided not to bring him back. Williams would have liked the steady power potential, but Guillen didn’t think he could get Thome enough at-bats. After years of having Frank Thomas and Thome as exclusive designated hitters, Guillen wants to use the position as a way to rotate and rest players.
Jones figures to be the No. 1 choice, though he sometimes will sit against righthanders in favor of the lefthanded-hitting Mark Kotsay. When Guillen wants to get Jones a start in the outfield, he can give Quentin or Rios a day off from defense. "From the manager’s point, it’s easier when you have a guy you don’t have to use as a DH," Guillen said.
3. Can Rios rebound?
He’d better. The Sox are on the hook for nearly $60 million over five seasons after claiming the 29-year-old off waivers last August. Rios’ first 41 games with the club couldn’t have gone much worse: He hit .199 with a .530 OPS, only three homers and nine RBIs. What happened? "Everything," Guillen said. "It was not easy for him. Playing in Chicago when you’re in the pennant race is kind of tough. He put a lot of pressure on himself. He struggled to me more mentally because he tried to do too much."
The White Sox are hoping Rios will play better after spending a camp with the club and knowing that he will be the everyday center fielder.
Projected lineup
1. LF Juan Pierre: .301 AVG in 10-year career.
2. 2B Gordon Beckham: SN’s top AL rookie in ’09.
3. RF Carlos Quentin: 21 HRs in ’09 but health is issue.
4. 1B Paul Konerko: 197 HRs since ’04 are 3rd-most in AL
5. CF Alex Rios: Only 63 runs scored in 149 games in ’09.
6. C A.J. Pierzynski: Leads AL catchers in games since ’05.
7. DH Andruw Jones: ’08: 3 HRs, .158 AVG; ’09: 17 HRs, .214 AVG.
8. SS Alexei Ramirez: 18 BBs in ’08; 49 in ’09.
9. 3B Mark Teahen: 123 K’s, 37 BBs with Royals in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Mark Buehrle: 2-7, 4.78 ERA after perfect game July 23.
2. RHP Jake Peavy: No runs allowed in final 17 IP in ’09.
3. LHP John Danks: 3.77 ERA: 3rd-best among AL lefties.
4. RHP Gavin Floyd: ERA, K’s up, but BBs down ’09.
5. RHP Freddy Garcia: Just 23 MLB starts since ’07.
Projected closer
RHP Bobby Jenks. ERA jumped from 2.63 in ’08 to 3.71 in ’09.
Grades
Offense: C. The White Sox plan to use a different approach. Relying on the homer didn’t prove effective last season when they hit 184, their lowest total in 10 years and 51 fewer than 2008’s major league-leading total. Not coincidentally, they finished 12th in the AL in runs.
Pitching: A. The rotation finished second in the AL with a 4.20 ERA last season and should be even better with a healthy Jake Peavy from the start of the season. In the bullpen, closer Bobby Jenks could be a concern; his .250 batting average allowed was second-highest among AL closers.
Bench: B. Omar Vizquel turns 43 in April but remains a plus defender at second and short. Whoever doesn’t DH between Jones and Kotsay should make a dangerous pinch hitter. Chicago needs a boost in that department after its pinch hitters finished last in the majors with a .106 average.
Manager: A. That grade isn’t only for Guillen’s entertainment value, either. He has won a ring as a manager and a coach in past seven seasons. Not that he cares, but Guillen will be under more pressure this season after Williams gave him a lineup the manager wanted more than the GM.
Sporting News prediction: The White Sox will bounce back from their 79-win season and stay in the division chase all season. But they have too many questions on offense to outlast the Twins.
Coming Thursday: Indians preview.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Spring training wasn’t a week old before manager Ozzie Guillen raised the ire of general manager Kenny Williams. Guillen created a Twitter account. The GM doesn’t want his manager sharing White Sox matters in cyberspace. Guillen says he won’t; he just wants to have fun. With the AL Central’s deepest rotation and a retooled offense, the White Sox have a team that could make their manager’s job more enjoyable than firing off 140-character wisecracks.
Three questions
Juan Pierre will hit leadoff for the White Sox, but he doesn’t provide the power the team needs.
1. Where’s the power?
Since their days together with the Marlins, Guillen has wanted Juan Pierre on his side. Why? Pierre is an ideal top-of-the-order hitter in the go-go attack Guillen prefers. Pierre not only can steal bases, but he doesn’t strike out much and has a respectable .348 on-base percentage for his career.
The White Sox won’t be all about small ball, though. Chicago still has three players in its staring lineup — first baseman Paul Konerko, right fielder Carlos Quentin and slimmed-down DH Andruw Jones — with at least one season with 30-plus homers on their resumes. But with Pierre, center fielder Alex Rios, third baseman Mark Teahen, second baseman Gordon Beckham and shortstop Alexei Ramirez, Guillen’s lineup also is loaded with players who have the potential to reach double figures in steals as well as homers.
2. Who’s the DH?
Well, it isn’t Jim Thome. He will continue his push toward 600 homers with the Twins after the White Sox decided not to bring him back. Williams would have liked the steady power potential, but Guillen didn’t think he could get Thome enough at-bats. After years of having Frank Thomas and Thome as exclusive designated hitters, Guillen wants to use the position as a way to rotate and rest players.
Jones figures to be the No. 1 choice, though he sometimes will sit against righthanders in favor of the lefthanded-hitting Mark Kotsay. When Guillen wants to get Jones a start in the outfield, he can give Quentin or Rios a day off from defense. "From the manager’s point, it’s easier when you have a guy you don’t have to use as a DH," Guillen said.
3. Can Rios rebound?
He’d better. The Sox are on the hook for nearly $60 million over five seasons after claiming the 29-year-old off waivers last August. Rios’ first 41 games with the club couldn’t have gone much worse: He hit .199 with a .530 OPS, only three homers and nine RBIs. What happened? "Everything," Guillen said. "It was not easy for him. Playing in Chicago when you’re in the pennant race is kind of tough. He put a lot of pressure on himself. He struggled to me more mentally because he tried to do too much."
The White Sox are hoping Rios will play better after spending a camp with the club and knowing that he will be the everyday center fielder.
Projected lineup
1. LF Juan Pierre: .301 AVG in 10-year career.
2. 2B Gordon Beckham: SN’s top AL rookie in ’09.
3. RF Carlos Quentin: 21 HRs in ’09 but health is issue.
4. 1B Paul Konerko: 197 HRs since ’04 are 3rd-most in AL
5. CF Alex Rios: Only 63 runs scored in 149 games in ’09.
6. C A.J. Pierzynski: Leads AL catchers in games since ’05.
7. DH Andruw Jones: ’08: 3 HRs, .158 AVG; ’09: 17 HRs, .214 AVG.
8. SS Alexei Ramirez: 18 BBs in ’08; 49 in ’09.
9. 3B Mark Teahen: 123 K’s, 37 BBs with Royals in ’09.
Projected rotation
1. LHP Mark Buehrle: 2-7, 4.78 ERA after perfect game July 23.
2. RHP Jake Peavy: No runs allowed in final 17 IP in ’09.
3. LHP John Danks: 3.77 ERA: 3rd-best among AL lefties.
4. RHP Gavin Floyd: ERA, K’s up, but BBs down ’09.
5. RHP Freddy Garcia: Just 23 MLB starts since ’07.
Projected closer
RHP Bobby Jenks. ERA jumped from 2.63 in ’08 to 3.71 in ’09.
Grades
Offense: C. The White Sox plan to use a different approach. Relying on the homer didn’t prove effective last season when they hit 184, their lowest total in 10 years and 51 fewer than 2008’s major league-leading total. Not coincidentally, they finished 12th in the AL in runs.
Pitching: A. The rotation finished second in the AL with a 4.20 ERA last season and should be even better with a healthy Jake Peavy from the start of the season. In the bullpen, closer Bobby Jenks could be a concern; his .250 batting average allowed was second-highest among AL closers.
Bench: B. Omar Vizquel turns 43 in April but remains a plus defender at second and short. Whoever doesn’t DH between Jones and Kotsay should make a dangerous pinch hitter. Chicago needs a boost in that department after its pinch hitters finished last in the majors with a .106 average.
Manager: A. That grade isn’t only for Guillen’s entertainment value, either. He has won a ring as a manager and a coach in past seven seasons. Not that he cares, but Guillen will be under more pressure this season after Williams gave him a lineup the manager wanted more than the GM.
Sporting News prediction: The White Sox will bounce back from their 79-win season and stay in the division chase all season. But they have too many questions on offense to outlast the Twins.
Coming Thursday: Indians preview.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
After the Saints scored a field goal to cap the opening drive of overtime in the NFC championship game, my mother-in-law called the house and wanted to know why the Vikings didn’t get a chance to match the three points.
Casual fans wondered why NFC title game ended on Garrett Hartley’s kick.
That was the moment when it became more clear than ever that the NFL’s overtime rules need to change.
Casual NFL fans assume, on a fundamental level, that the rules of the game are fair. Casual NFL fans who also are ardent college football fans (like my mother-in-law) have an even greater reason to assume that fairness in overtime includes each team getting a crack at the ball.
And if a Super Bowl ever were won on the first drive of overtime, millions of once-a-year NFL fans would feel like all of those baseball fans felt the morning after the All-Star Game ended in a tie.
The good news is that NFL finally has broached the subject of overtime reform, (but for the playoffs only), which could mean that change is inevitable (for the playoffs, at least).
So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of various options:
1. The current proposal.
Reportedly, the proposal the NFL is considering would hinge overtime victory to scoring a touchdown. But if the receiving team doesn’t score, any score by the team that kicks off to start overtime would be sufficient.
The biggest benefit comes from the elimination of the 30-yard kick return plus a couple of first downs leading to a 40-yard field goal for the win. But it still doesn’t guarantee that each team will have a possession.
That said, this alternative bolsters the "just play defense" argument, which the status quo crowd currently uses to shout down those of us who clamor for change. And requiring the team that kicks off to defend its end zone instead of its goal post represents an improvement.
Still, the overtime debate took on new life in the 2008 playoffs, when the Chargers kept Peyton Manning on the sidelines as they worked over the Colts’ defense en route to a one-drive win. Under the new proposal the league is considering, however, Manning still wouldn’t have re-entered the field of play because the Chargers scored a touchdown on their opening drive.
2. Right to match, then sudden death.
My preference entails an opportunity for the kicking team to match or beat the outcome of the first drive of overtime. If the game is still tied after each team has had a possession, the game then converts to sudden death.
The system achieves genuine fairness; each team gets a crack at the ball. Though eventually the sudden-death concept applies, the kicking team can’t complain as much. Unless the receiving team scores a touchdown and successfully converts a two-point conversion, the kicking team has a chance to win before the first-to-score rule is activated.
The downside? The game is extended, and if the league ever applied such a rule in the regular season, there would be more occasions involving sisters getting kissed and/or Eagles quarterbacks getting confused, because there would be less time remaining after each team has had the ball.
3. The college rule.
The approach involving each team getting the ball at its opponents’ 25-yard line with alternating possessions represents a completely fair outcome, with one team always having a chance to match or best the score generated by the opponent. But since it’s the system used by the NCAA, the NFL might not wish to adopt it for that reason alone.
Also, there’s a concern that the 25-yard box concept bastardizes the sport, taking the return game out of play and making overtime more like a high-stakes, short-field scrimmage.
But if fairness is the goal, fairness is achieved.
It’s just not really football.
4. Modified college rule — football’s version of the shootout
If the league is inclined to consider the college rule, and if the goal is to achieve fairness while at the same time limiting extra reps, why not craft the football version of a hockey shootout?
First-and-goal from the 10.
And instead of deferring the mandatory two-point try until the third overtime as they do in college, the requirement to try to put the ball in the end zone from the extra-point line would apply from the outset of overtime.
In theory, a game could be resolved in eight snaps or fewer. In most cases, the overtime ultimately wouldn’t last very long — and it would be far more thrilling.
In fact, the more I think about this option, the more I like it. Sure, the old-school types would have to warm up to it — which could take about 30 years — but it could produce some memorable moments in meaningful games.
Most important, no one could claim they didn’t get a fair shake to win. And the overriding goal here is to bring fairness to overtime, before an unfair outcome occurs in the most important game of the year.
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.
After the Saints scored a field goal to cap the opening drive of overtime in the NFC championship game, my mother-in-law called the house and wanted to know why the Vikings didn’t get a chance to match the three points.
Casual fans wondered why NFC title game ended on Garrett Hartley’s kick.
That was the moment when it became more clear than ever that the NFL’s overtime rules need to change.
Casual NFL fans assume, on a fundamental level, that the rules of the game are fair. Casual NFL fans who also are ardent college football fans (like my mother-in-law) have an even greater reason to assume that fairness in overtime includes each team getting a crack at the ball.
And if a Super Bowl ever were won on the first drive of overtime, millions of once-a-year NFL fans would feel like all of those baseball fans felt the morning after the All-Star Game ended in a tie.
The good news is that NFL finally has broached the subject of overtime reform, (but for the playoffs only), which could mean that change is inevitable (for the playoffs, at least).
So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of various options:
1. The current proposal.
Reportedly, the proposal the NFL is considering would hinge overtime victory to scoring a touchdown. But if the receiving team doesn’t score, any score by the team that kicks off to start overtime would be sufficient.
The biggest benefit comes from the elimination of the 30-yard kick return plus a couple of first downs leading to a 40-yard field goal for the win. But it still doesn’t guarantee that each team will have a possession.
That said, this alternative bolsters the "just play defense" argument, which the status quo crowd currently uses to shout down those of us who clamor for change. And requiring the team that kicks off to defend its end zone instead of its goal post represents an improvement.
Still, the overtime debate took on new life in the 2008 playoffs, when the Chargers kept Peyton Manning on the sidelines as they worked over the Colts’ defense en route to a one-drive win. Under the new proposal the league is considering, however, Manning still wouldn’t have re-entered the field of play because the Chargers scored a touchdown on their opening drive.
2. Right to match, then sudden death.
My preference entails an opportunity for the kicking team to match or beat the outcome of the first drive of overtime. If the game is still tied after each team has had a possession, the game then converts to sudden death.
The system achieves genuine fairness; each team gets a crack at the ball. Though eventually the sudden-death concept applies, the kicking team can’t complain as much. Unless the receiving team scores a touchdown and successfully converts a two-point conversion, the kicking team has a chance to win before the first-to-score rule is activated.
The downside? The game is extended, and if the league ever applied such a rule in the regular season, there would be more occasions involving sisters getting kissed and/or Eagles quarterbacks getting confused, because there would be less time remaining after each team has had the ball.
3. The college rule.
The approach involving each team getting the ball at its opponents’ 25-yard line with alternating possessions represents a completely fair outcome, with one team always having a chance to match or best the score generated by the opponent. But since it’s the system used by the NCAA, the NFL might not wish to adopt it for that reason alone.
Also, there’s a concern that the 25-yard box concept bastardizes the sport, taking the return game out of play and making overtime more like a high-stakes, short-field scrimmage.
But if fairness is the goal, fairness is achieved.
It’s just not really football.
4. Modified college rule — football’s version of the shootout
If the league is inclined to consider the college rule, and if the goal is to achieve fairness while at the same time limiting extra reps, why not craft the football version of a hockey shootout?
First-and-goal from the 10.
And instead of deferring the mandatory two-point try until the third overtime as they do in college, the requirement to try to put the ball in the end zone from the extra-point line would apply from the outset of overtime.
In theory, a game could be resolved in eight snaps or fewer. In most cases, the overtime ultimately wouldn’t last very long — and it would be far more thrilling.
In fact, the more I think about this option, the more I like it. Sure, the old-school types would have to warm up to it — which could take about 30 years — but it could produce some memorable moments in meaningful games.
Most important, no one could claim they didn’t get a fair shake to win. And the overriding goal here is to bring fairness to overtime, before an unfair outcome occurs in the most important game of the year.
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.
Sporting News staff reports
The agent for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez tells the San Diego Union-Tribune he doesn’t "see any signs" that a long-term extension can be worked out.
John Boggs says talks with the Padres quickly stalled when he used Mark Teixeira’s eight-year, $180 million contract as a starting point.
"You always shoot high and adjust to the marketplace," Boggs says.
Club owner Jeff Moorad said last month that, based on initial demands, the Padres were unlikely to afford Gonzalez. General manager Jed Hoyer was less forthcoming on Monday.
"We are not going to comment on player negotiations," Hoyer told the newspaper in an e-mail. "Adrian is under contract for two more seasons with the Padres and ongoing dialogue about the status of extension discussions can only serve as a distraction to the team and to the player."
Gonzalez has one year and $4.75 million, plus a $5.5 club option, remaining on his current contract. That club-friendly deal, plus his age (27) and production (40 home runs last season), makes him a highly attracive trade target. The Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners and Mets have all been linked to Gonzalez in recent rumors.
"This is a premium ballplayer," Boggs tells the paper. "If you think you can get it done, he’s obviously somebody who’s moveable …"
Sporting News staff reports
The agent for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez tells the San Diego Union-Tribune he doesn’t "see any signs" that a long-term extension can be worked out.
John Boggs says talks with the Padres quickly stalled when he used Mark Teixeira’s eight-year, $180 million contract as a starting point.
"You always shoot high and adjust to the marketplace," Boggs says.
Club owner Jeff Moorad said last month that, based on initial demands, the Padres were unlikely to afford Gonzalez. General manager Jed Hoyer was less forthcoming on Monday.
"We are not going to comment on player negotiations," Hoyer told the newspaper in an e-mail. "Adrian is under contract for two more seasons with the Padres and ongoing dialogue about the status of extension discussions can only serve as a distraction to the team and to the player."
Gonzalez has one year and $4.75 million, plus a $5.5 club option, remaining on his current contract. That club-friendly deal, plus his age (27) and production (40 home runs last season), makes him a highly attracive trade target. The Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners and Mets have all been linked to Gonzalez in recent rumors.
"This is a premium ballplayer," Boggs tells the paper. "If you think you can get it done, he’s obviously somebody who’s moveable …"
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An analytical look atthe defensive players whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine most dramatically affected their stock:
Winners
Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa. Previously considered a stiff and limited athlete, Angerer ran much better than expected and looked quicker and more athletic in drills. He came to the Combine as a late-round possibility but left with a fourth- or fifth-round grade.
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia. Personnel men were impressed with him at the Senior Bowl. And after he looked bigger than expected and bench-pressed 225 pounds a surprising 34 times and showed great athleticism in drills Monday, he is a second-round lock who could sneak into the bottom of the first round.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. He already was a top prospect on most every team’s draft board, but his display of elite athleticism, body control and coordination likely pushed him into the top five of the draft.
Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State. Personnel men and coaches wanted to see if the explosiveness and athleticism he showed playing defensive end in college could translate to playing outside linebacker in the NFL. He answered those questions at the Combine, looking explosive, quick, agile and athletic in
all drills. More than a few scouts said he looked like he had been playing linebacker his whole life. He will go in the first round to a team using a 3-4 scheme.
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas. He can play anywhere, be it outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3 system. He showed the elite explosiveness and speed to be a pass-rush demon from either alignment. His Combine performance should lock up a top-15 pick.
Taylor Mays, S, USC. Hestruggled as a senior—showing questionable athleticism and coverage skills—and then was inconsistent during Senior Bowl practices. At Lucas Oil Stadium, he looked like his did in ’08, showing good all-around athleticism for a big safety. Most NFL teams will place his final grade somewhere between his great play as a junior and his inconsistent senior season, which should get him drafted in the middle-to-late first round.
Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona. He jumped onto NFL radars with strong East-West Shrine Game practices. Still, personnel men wanted to see if he could repeat those flashes of elite quickness and athleticism. On Monday, he ran an excellent 40-yard dash (in the low 4.8-second range) and showed good athleticism in all the drills. Now, there are no doubts he has NFL size, strength and athleticism and could go as high as the third round.
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. He looked great on film in ’09, but personnel men wanted to see his size and athleticism up close. He impressed by weighing in at 266 pounds with long arms and displaying great quickness, burst and athleticism throughout his workout Monday. Morgan and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul likely will battle it out to be the first defensive end drafted April 22, perhaps both in the top 10.
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State. He came to Indy viewed as a solid athlete who was productive mostly because of his smarts, technique and effort. On Monday, he showed surprising quickness, agility, flexibility and athleticism and put himself into the discussion as to who is the third-best defensive tackle, behind Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy.
Jeff Owens, NT, Georgia. After the season, Owens was viewed as a solid third- or fourth-round prospect, but he then dominated at the Senior Bowl and moved into second-round consideration. At the Combine, he no doubt looked better than the other top nose tackles—Tennessee’s Dan Williams and Alabama’s Terrence Cody—and could slip into the bottom of the first round.
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. Weatherspoon had a disappointing senior season, playing heavier than he did in ’08. At the Senior Bowl, he showed up in much better shape and looked quick and athletic all week in practice. Then at Combine, he displayed the athleticism NFL coaches covet and has personnel men convinced he can be productive in a 4-3 scheme (middle or weakside linebacker) or in a 3-4 (inside linebacker). He should be a late-first- or early-second-round pick.
Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech. Scouts weren’t quite sure where he fit best, the primary reason he was viewed as a fourth-round prospect before the Combine. On Monday, he proved he is a top-level athlete and pretty much locked up a spot in the third round and could move up even further with a strong on-campus workout March 18.
Losers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida. He was the nearly unanimous No. 1 cornerback heading into the Combine, but some surely will question that after his 4.57-second 40-yard dash Tuesday. He showed poor technique Tuesday but looks faster and more athletic on film, and our opinion of him won’t change. That said, general managers drafting in the top 10 might be scared off by Tuesday’s poor performance. The pressure is surely on to show marked improvement at his on-campus workout March 17.
One cautionary note: Brandon Flowers had been a top-15 prospect in ’08 before a poor 40 at the Combine sank his draft stock. The Chiefs stole him in the second round, 35th overall, and Flowers now is one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks. Haden is unlikely to fall that far, but he very well could slide on draft day.
Kendrick Lewis, S, Ole Miss. Scouts around the league have been glowing about Lewis since the start of the ’09 season, and many NFL evaluators have given him second-round grades. He struggled Tuesday at the Combine, and his stock could really suffer. Safeties who run the 40 in more than 4.7 seconds historically become late-round picks regardless of their on-field play.
Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke. Some scouts had tagged him as a "sleeper" because of his size, athleticism and intelligence, but after a disappointing Combine he no longer holds that tag. He looked slow in all drills Monday, lacking speed and quickness and burst. He likely will fall into the late rounds.
This story appears in March 3’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An analytical look atthe defensive players whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine most dramatically affected their stock:
Winners
Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa. Previously considered a stiff and limited athlete, Angerer ran much better than expected and looked quicker and more athletic in drills. He came to the Combine as a late-round possibility but left with a fourth- or fifth-round grade.
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia. Personnel men were impressed with him at the Senior Bowl. And after he looked bigger than expected and bench-pressed 225 pounds a surprising 34 times and showed great athleticism in drills Monday, he is a second-round lock who could sneak into the bottom of the first round.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. He already was a top prospect on most every team’s draft board, but his display of elite athleticism, body control and coordination likely pushed him into the top five of the draft.
Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State. Personnel men and coaches wanted to see if the explosiveness and athleticism he showed playing defensive end in college could translate to playing outside linebacker in the NFL. He answered those questions at the Combine, looking explosive, quick, agile and athletic in
all drills. More than a few scouts said he looked like he had been playing linebacker his whole life. He will go in the first round to a team using a 3-4 scheme.
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas. He can play anywhere, be it outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3 system. He showed the elite explosiveness and speed to be a pass-rush demon from either alignment. His Combine performance should lock up a top-15 pick.
Taylor Mays, S, USC. Hestruggled as a senior—showing questionable athleticism and coverage skills—and then was inconsistent during Senior Bowl practices. At Lucas Oil Stadium, he looked like his did in ’08, showing good all-around athleticism for a big safety. Most NFL teams will place his final grade somewhere between his great play as a junior and his inconsistent senior season, which should get him drafted in the middle-to-late first round.
Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona. He jumped onto NFL radars with strong East-West Shrine Game practices. Still, personnel men wanted to see if he could repeat those flashes of elite quickness and athleticism. On Monday, he ran an excellent 40-yard dash (in the low 4.8-second range) and showed good athleticism in all the drills. Now, there are no doubts he has NFL size, strength and athleticism and could go as high as the third round.
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. He looked great on film in ’09, but personnel men wanted to see his size and athleticism up close. He impressed by weighing in at 266 pounds with long arms and displaying great quickness, burst and athleticism throughout his workout Monday. Morgan and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul likely will battle it out to be the first defensive end drafted April 22, perhaps both in the top 10.
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State. He came to Indy viewed as a solid athlete who was productive mostly because of his smarts, technique and effort. On Monday, he showed surprising quickness, agility, flexibility and athleticism and put himself into the discussion as to who is the third-best defensive tackle, behind Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy.
Jeff Owens, NT, Georgia. After the season, Owens was viewed as a solid third- or fourth-round prospect, but he then dominated at the Senior Bowl and moved into second-round consideration. At the Combine, he no doubt looked better than the other top nose tackles—Tennessee’s Dan Williams and Alabama’s Terrence Cody—and could slip into the bottom of the first round.
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. Weatherspoon had a disappointing senior season, playing heavier than he did in ’08. At the Senior Bowl, he showed up in much better shape and looked quick and athletic all week in practice. Then at Combine, he displayed the athleticism NFL coaches covet and has personnel men convinced he can be productive in a 4-3 scheme (middle or weakside linebacker) or in a 3-4 (inside linebacker). He should be a late-first- or early-second-round pick.
Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech. Scouts weren’t quite sure where he fit best, the primary reason he was viewed as a fourth-round prospect before the Combine. On Monday, he proved he is a top-level athlete and pretty much locked up a spot in the third round and could move up even further with a strong on-campus workout March 18.
Losers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida. He was the nearly unanimous No. 1 cornerback heading into the Combine, but some surely will question that after his 4.57-second 40-yard dash Tuesday. He showed poor technique Tuesday but looks faster and more athletic on film, and our opinion of him won’t change. That said, general managers drafting in the top 10 might be scared off by Tuesday’s poor performance. The pressure is surely on to show marked improvement at his on-campus workout March 17.
One cautionary note: Brandon Flowers had been a top-15 prospect in ’08 before a poor 40 at the Combine sank his draft stock. The Chiefs stole him in the second round, 35th overall, and Flowers now is one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks. Haden is unlikely to fall that far, but he very well could slide on draft day.
Kendrick Lewis, S, Ole Miss. Scouts around the league have been glowing about Lewis since the start of the ’09 season, and many NFL evaluators have given him second-round grades. He struggled Tuesday at the Combine, and his stock could really suffer. Safeties who run the 40 in more than 4.7 seconds historically become late-round picks regardless of their on-field play.
Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke. Some scouts had tagged him as a "sleeper" because of his size, athleticism and intelligence, but after a disappointing Combine he no longer holds that tag. He looked slow in all drills Monday, lacking speed and quickness and burst. He likely will fall into the late rounds.
This story appears in March 3’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
