We like to think these NFL personnel guys have it all figured out, poring over game tape and statistics and numbers, and finding gems in the annual NFL draft.
Then we’re reminded of JaMarcus Russell. Or Vernon Gholston. Or Charles Rogers. Or, yes, Ryan Leaf.
Look for former Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty to outperform expectations.
Three years ago, when everyone was gaga over Russell and his freakish physical nature, I tried to point out that one factor superseded all others: Russell was 7-4 as a starter in games against ranked teams, with 13 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in those games.
You and I aren’t breaking down tape, but we can certainly watch players and see that Gholston has one move and doesn’t go hard every play. Or that Russell has a tendency to make bad decisions. Or that a guy with the off-field problems Rogers had at Michigan State eventually would have off-field problems as an NFL player.
The NFL Combine begins later this month, and in the spirit of the most overvalued event in all of sports, here’s my annual overrated/underrated list of draft prospects.
Quarterback
Overrated: Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee. He was lost in all of 2008 and the first month of 2009, yet now is the No. 2 quarterback on Sporting News’ War Room list. Crompton had as many touchdowns as interceptions (nine) prior to this season, and he has never completed better than 58 percent of his passes.
Underrated: Colt McCoy, Texas. The negatives: spent his career in shotgun offense. The positives: can make all the throws, is ridiculously accurate and is a winner.
Running back
Overrated: Jahvid Best. California. I get it — the NFL loves speed. But while Best was a terrific college tailback, he’s 5-9 and weighs less than 200 pounds. He’ll get pinballed weekly in the NFL.
Underrated: Montario Hardesty, Tennessee. He’s a big, bruising back who has developed nice cutback ability. NFL criticism: He’s quick, not fast. Seriously, what in the world does that mean?
Wide receiver
Overrated: Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech. Reason No. 2,145 why the draft isn’t the science they’d like you to believe: McCoy and Tim Tebow and others are knocked for playing in a "system," but Thomas is a top 10 pick despite the fact he ran two routes — curl, go — in Tech’s option offense.
Underrated: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas. It’s always about speed at this position, when it should be all about getting separation. Briscoe will be a terrific pro because he gets open and is physical after the catch.
Tight end
Overrated: Rob Gronkowski, Arizona. Only in the NFL: Gronkowski, a good guy dealt a bad hand, has a history of back problems and missed all of 2009. Let me say that again: back problems.
Underrated: Ed Dickson, Oregon. He has wide receiver ability at the tight end position but has been criticized for his inability to sustain blocks. Is Dallas Clark the best blocker in the NFL? He sure can catch the ball.
Offensive line
Overrated: Anthony Davis, Rutgers. This is based purely on the NFL’s computer measurables: a workout warrior who fits the mold but doesn’t necessarily show up every play.
Underrated: Mike Johnson, Alabama. He’s a physical, nasty grinder. Too often, the NFL looks for weight room freaks they can "mold" into football players. More times than not, it doesn’t work.
Defensive line
Overrated: Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida. One season in Division I football resulted in 45 tackles and 6.5 sacks. And he could be the first end taken because he runs a 4.6 40 and has "upside." See the lunacy yet?
Underrated: Linval Joseph, East Carolina. He had a back injury in the spring of 2008 because of excess weight (375 pounds), but instead of gaining more weight from inactivity, he lost 70 pounds. That shows commitment. Game tape, meanwhile, shows a dominating interior lineman.
Linebacker
Overrated: Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri. He’s a terrific athlete who ran around and made plays — but never dominated games. Weatherspoon never had to be specifically accounted for. That’s a red flag.
USC’s Taylor Mays never developed pass coverage skills.
Underrated: Reggie Carter, UCLA. He doesn’t fit the computer mold (he’s barely 6-feet tall) but played at a high level (against the run and pass) for four years in a pro-style league.
Cornerback
Overrated: Patrick Robinson, Florida State. When I watch cornerbacks, I look for two things: break on the ball and the ability to limit yards after the catch. When the NFL watches, it looks for one thing: speed.
Underrated: Kyle Wilson, Boise State. The NFL likes to talk about the ability to chase and closing speed and fluid hips. No one in this draft breaks on the ball better than Wilson.
Safety
Overrated: Taylor Mays, USC. The draft’s elite physical specimen got too caught up in big hits the past two seasons and never developed in pass coverage.
Underrated: Earl Thomas, Texas. Weight (195 pounds) is a big concern, but he hits like a linebacker and does something many better athletes don’t: wraps up on tackles.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
We like to think these NFL personnel guys have it all figured out, poring over game tape and statistics and numbers, and finding gems in the annual NFL draft.
Then we’re reminded of JaMarcus Russell. Or Vernon Gholston. Or Charles Rogers. Or, yes, Ryan Leaf.
Look for former Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty to outperform expectations.
Three years ago, when everyone was gaga over Russell and his freakish physical nature, I tried to point out that one factor superseded all others: Russell was 7-4 as a starter in games against ranked teams, with 13 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in those games.
You and I aren’t breaking down tape, but we can certainly watch players and see that Gholston has one move and doesn’t go hard every play. Or that Russell has a tendency to make bad decisions. Or that a guy with the off-field problems Rogers had at Michigan State eventually would have off-field problems as an NFL player.
The NFL Combine begins later this month, and in the spirit of the most overvalued event in all of sports, here’s my annual overrated/underrated list of draft prospects.
Quarterback
Overrated: Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee. He was lost in all of 2008 and the first month of 2009, yet now is the No. 2 quarterback on Sporting News’ War Room list. Crompton had as many touchdowns as interceptions (nine) prior to this season, and he has never completed better than 58 percent of his passes.
Underrated: Colt McCoy, Texas. The negatives: spent his career in shotgun offense. The positives: can make all the throws, is ridiculously accurate and is a winner.
Running back
Overrated: Jahvid Best. California. I get it — the NFL loves speed. But while Best was a terrific college tailback, he’s 5-9 and weighs less than 200 pounds. He’ll get pinballed weekly in the NFL.
Underrated: Montario Hardesty, Tennessee. He’s a big, bruising back who has developed nice cutback ability. NFL criticism: He’s quick, not fast. Seriously, what in the world does that mean?
Wide receiver
Overrated: Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech. Reason No. 2,145 why the draft isn’t the science they’d like you to believe: McCoy and Tim Tebow and others are knocked for playing in a "system," but Thomas is a top 10 pick despite the fact he ran two routes — curl, go — in Tech’s option offense.
Underrated: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas. It’s always about speed at this position, when it should be all about getting separation. Briscoe will be a terrific pro because he gets open and is physical after the catch.
Tight end
Overrated: Rob Gronkowski, Arizona. Only in the NFL: Gronkowski, a good guy dealt a bad hand, has a history of back problems and missed all of 2009. Let me say that again: back problems.
Underrated: Ed Dickson, Oregon. He has wide receiver ability at the tight end position but has been criticized for his inability to sustain blocks. Is Dallas Clark the best blocker in the NFL? He sure can catch the ball.
Offensive line
Overrated: Anthony Davis, Rutgers. This is based purely on the NFL’s computer measurables: a workout warrior who fits the mold but doesn’t necessarily show up every play.
Underrated: Mike Johnson, Alabama. He’s a physical, nasty grinder. Too often, the NFL looks for weight room freaks they can "mold" into football players. More times than not, it doesn’t work.
Defensive line
Overrated: Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida. One season in Division I football resulted in 45 tackles and 6.5 sacks. And he could be the first end taken because he runs a 4.6 40 and has "upside." See the lunacy yet?
Underrated: Linval Joseph, East Carolina. He had a back injury in the spring of 2008 because of excess weight (375 pounds), but instead of gaining more weight from inactivity, he lost 70 pounds. That shows commitment. Game tape, meanwhile, shows a dominating interior lineman.
Linebacker
Overrated: Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri. He’s a terrific athlete who ran around and made plays — but never dominated games. Weatherspoon never had to be specifically accounted for. That’s a red flag.
USC’s Taylor Mays never developed pass coverage skills.
Underrated: Reggie Carter, UCLA. He doesn’t fit the computer mold (he’s barely 6-feet tall) but played at a high level (against the run and pass) for four years in a pro-style league.
Cornerback
Overrated: Patrick Robinson, Florida State. When I watch cornerbacks, I look for two things: break on the ball and the ability to limit yards after the catch. When the NFL watches, it looks for one thing: speed.
Underrated: Kyle Wilson, Boise State. The NFL likes to talk about the ability to chase and closing speed and fluid hips. No one in this draft breaks on the ball better than Wilson.
Safety
Overrated: Taylor Mays, USC. The draft’s elite physical specimen got too caught up in big hits the past two seasons and never developed in pass coverage.
Underrated: Earl Thomas, Texas. Weight (195 pounds) is a big concern, but he hits like a linebacker and does something many better athletes don’t: wraps up on tackles.
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
Fantasy Source’s top 10 kickers for 2010:
1. Nate Kaeding, Chargers
2. David Akers, Eagles
3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
4. Ryan Longwell, Vikings
5. Mason Crosby, Packers
6. Rob Bironas, Titans
7. Lawrence Tynes, Giants
8. Garrett Hartley, Saints
9. Matt Prater, Broncos
10. Jeff Reed, Steelers
For the full ranking of kickers and much more, visit Fantasy Source.
Fantasy Source’s top 10 kickers for 2010:
1. Nate Kaeding, Chargers
2. David Akers, Eagles
3. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
4. Ryan Longwell, Vikings
5. Mason Crosby, Packers
6. Rob Bironas, Titans
7. Lawrence Tynes, Giants
8. Garrett Hartley, Saints
9. Matt Prater, Broncos
10. Jeff Reed, Steelers
For the full ranking of kickers and much more, visit Fantasy Source.
Fantasy Source’s top 10 defenses for 2010:
1. Ravens
2. Jets
3. Steelers
4. Packers
5. 49ers
6. Cowboys
7. Vikings
8. Eagles
9. Patriots
10. Bengals
For the full ranking of defenses and much more, visit Fantasy Source.
Fantasy Source’s top 10 defenses for 2010:
1. Ravens
2. Jets
3. Steelers
4. Packers
5. 49ers
6. Cowboys
7. Vikings
8. Eagles
9. Patriots
10. Bengals
For the full ranking of defenses and much more, visit Fantasy Source.
Since it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next fantasy football season, we asked Bill Bender from Fantasy Source to pay us a visit and offer his post-Super Bowl rankings for 2010. Here’s a look at defenses and kickers:
2010 fantasy Defenses: Check out the top 10 for free
Jets CB Darrelle Revis had six interceptions in 2009.
Franchise: N.Y. Jets (No. 2). This unit has more than just all-world cornerback Darrelle Revis. David Harris is an elite linebacker, and Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis are outstanding role players. Kris Jenkins’ return, the draft and another year in Rex Ryan’s system will make the league’s No. 1 unit even better. By "better," I mean "elite."
Bounce-back: Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 3). Steelers fans used the "no Troy Polamalu" excuse in tonnage last year, and it had merit. The Steelers have ranked in the top three in run defense four years in a row, but they struggled against the pass without the safety. That’s the sign of a bounce-back attack, provided Polamalu is healthy.
Sleeper: Houston Texans (No. 16). The Texans allowed more than 20 points only twice after Week 8, and those were excusable efforts against the Colts and Patriots. This unit will improve around Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams.
Bust: Miami Dolphins (No. 17). This aging group couldn’t stop the pass, gave up too many points and struggled against the run toward the end of last season. Can Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano fix all of that against a brutal schedule that features six road games against playoff teams? It’s doubtful.
2010 fantasy Ks: Check out the top 10 for free
Franchise: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (No. 3). He’s the only kicker with more than 400 points since ’07 (410), and he has connected on 87.3 percent of his field goals in that span.
Bounce-back: Nate Kaeding, Chargers (No. 1). So what if he can’t hit in the postseason? Kaeding averaged 9.1 ppg and led the league in scoring in 2009. Make him the top kicker in ’10.
Sleeper: Dan Carpenter, Dolphins: This accurate kicker will creep into the top-10 next season. Do you know where Carpenter played his college ball? Five … four … it was Montana. Sorry, I couldn’t wait.
Bust: Shayne Graham, Bengals (No. 23). So what if he can’t hit in the postseason? Well, in this case, it could cost him a job.
Rookie: Brett Swenson, Michigan State. Swenson isn’t the next Morten Andersen, but he will compete for a starting job somewhere.
Also see: 2010 fantasy RBs | Fantasy QBs | Fantasy WRs | Fantasy TEs
Bill Bender writes for Fantasy Source Football. For more coverage, visit Fantasy Source Football today.
Since it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next fantasy football season, we asked Bill Bender from Fantasy Source to pay us a visit and offer his post-Super Bowl rankings for 2010. Here’s a look at defenses and kickers:
2010 fantasy Defenses: Check out the top 10 for free
Jets CB Darrelle Revis had six interceptions in 2009.
Franchise: N.Y. Jets (No. 2). This unit has more than just all-world cornerback Darrelle Revis. David Harris is an elite linebacker, and Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis are outstanding role players. Kris Jenkins’ return, the draft and another year in Rex Ryan’s system will make the league’s No. 1 unit even better. By "better," I mean "elite."
Bounce-back: Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 3). Steelers fans used the "no Troy Polamalu" excuse in tonnage last year, and it had merit. The Steelers have ranked in the top three in run defense four years in a row, but they struggled against the pass without the safety. That’s the sign of a bounce-back attack, provided Polamalu is healthy.
Sleeper: Houston Texans (No. 16). The Texans allowed more than 20 points only twice after Week 8, and those were excusable efforts against the Colts and Patriots. This unit will improve around Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams.
Bust: Miami Dolphins (No. 17). This aging group couldn’t stop the pass, gave up too many points and struggled against the run toward the end of last season. Can Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano fix all of that against a brutal schedule that features six road games against playoff teams? It’s doubtful.
2010 fantasy Ks: Check out the top 10 for free
Franchise: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (No. 3). He’s the only kicker with more than 400 points since ’07 (410), and he has connected on 87.3 percent of his field goals in that span.
Bounce-back: Nate Kaeding, Chargers (No. 1). So what if he can’t hit in the postseason? Kaeding averaged 9.1 ppg and led the league in scoring in 2009. Make him the top kicker in ’10.
Sleeper: Dan Carpenter, Dolphins: This accurate kicker will creep into the top-10 next season. Do you know where Carpenter played his college ball? Five … four … it was Montana. Sorry, I couldn’t wait.
Bust: Shayne Graham, Bengals (No. 23). So what if he can’t hit in the postseason? Well, in this case, it could cost him a job.
Rookie: Brett Swenson, Michigan State. Swenson isn’t the next Morten Andersen, but he will compete for a starting job somewhere.
Also see: 2010 fantasy RBs | Fantasy QBs | Fantasy WRs | Fantasy TEs
Bill Bender writes for Fantasy Source Football. For more coverage, visit Fantasy Source Football today.
Sporting News staff reports
The Miami Herald reported that the Marlins expect to land the 2015 All-Star Game for their new stadium, which will open in 2012.
"If you thought we would host the All-Star Game in 2015, you would probably not be misleading yourself,” team president David Samson told fans at Saturday’s FanFest at Sun Life Stadium.
Samson said that, while the Marlins haven’t been assured of the 2015 game, "we’re pretty confident that will be the year."
Sporting News staff reports
The Miami Herald reported that the Marlins expect to land the 2015 All-Star Game for their new stadium, which will open in 2012.
"If you thought we would host the All-Star Game in 2015, you would probably not be misleading yourself,” team president David Samson told fans at Saturday’s FanFest at Sun Life Stadium.
Samson said that, while the Marlins haven’t been assured of the 2015 game, "we’re pretty confident that will be the year."
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Seattle Times, Ichiro watching makes for riveting television in Japan. So riveting that when every one of Ichiro Suzuki’s 2,030 major league hits—over his nine-year career with the Mariners—were broadcast in his native country from midnight to 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the show was declared a ratings success.
"I was already asleep," Ichiro told the newspaper, laughing. "That’s the kind of attention I strive for. As a player, you have to be of the mindset that your purpose is trying to give people a compelling reason to maintain their interest in your performance every season.
"We’re behooved as professional baseball players to do that. The fact that I was able to fulfill that quest to the extent that one network thought it made for compelling programming makes me very happy."
Sporting News staff reports
According to the Seattle Times, Ichiro watching makes for riveting television in Japan. So riveting that when every one of Ichiro Suzuki’s 2,030 major league hits—over his nine-year career with the Mariners—were broadcast in his native country from midnight to 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the show was declared a ratings success.
"I was already asleep," Ichiro told the newspaper, laughing. "That’s the kind of attention I strive for. As a player, you have to be of the mindset that your purpose is trying to give people a compelling reason to maintain their interest in your performance every season.
"We’re behooved as professional baseball players to do that. The fact that I was able to fulfill that quest to the extent that one network thought it made for compelling programming makes me very happy."
Sporting News staff reports
How do you repair a strained relationship? Daisuke Matsuzaka, who admitted hiding a groin strain from Boston trainers and officials last season, apparently is doing his best to work his way back into the Red Sox’s good graces.
Matsuzaka reported early to the team’s spring training camp in Fort Myers, Fla., and appears to be in much better condition than last season, when he made only 12 starts because of shoulder problems that apparently evolved from the groin strain.
The talented right-hander has been working out since Thursday at the team’s Fort Myers complex after spending time this winter at the Athletes’ Performance training center in Arizona.
"He worked hard this winter, that’s evident," general manager Theo Epstein told the Boston Globe. "He has lost weight."
Matsuzaka agreed to recommit himself to conditioning after last season and so far has done everything the Red Sox expected him to do in preparation for a comeback season.
"Obviously we want to see him pitch well, but everything has gone the way we hoped," Epstein told the newspaper. "Daisuke is important to us."
According to the Globe, the Red Sox are counting on Matsuzaka, who is entering the fourth year of a six-year contract, to be the fourth or fifth starter behind rotation stalwarts Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and John Lackey.
Sporting News staff reports
How do you repair a strained relationship? Daisuke Matsuzaka, who admitted hiding a groin strain from Boston trainers and officials last season, apparently is doing his best to work his way back into the Red Sox’s good graces.
Matsuzaka reported early to the team’s spring training camp in Fort Myers, Fla., and appears to be in much better condition than last season, when he made only 12 starts because of shoulder problems that apparently evolved from the groin strain.
The talented right-hander has been working out since Thursday at the team’s Fort Myers complex after spending time this winter at the Athletes’ Performance training center in Arizona.
"He worked hard this winter, that’s evident," general manager Theo Epstein told the Boston Globe. "He has lost weight."
Matsuzaka agreed to recommit himself to conditioning after last season and so far has done everything the Red Sox expected him to do in preparation for a comeback season.
"Obviously we want to see him pitch well, but everything has gone the way we hoped," Epstein told the newspaper. "Daisuke is important to us."
According to the Globe, the Red Sox are counting on Matsuzaka, who is entering the fourth year of a six-year contract, to be the fourth or fifth starter behind rotation stalwarts Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and John Lackey.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Shawnbrey McNeal:
Height: 5-10
Weight: 190
40 time: 4.55
Current projection: Fourth-round pick
Strengths: Shows excellent instincts, cutback vision and elusiveness, especially in the open field. Has outstanding speed, quickness, lateral agility, explosiveness, acceleration and gear change. Has soft hands and runs excellent routes out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Adjusts well to the ball in the air and runs well after the catch. Has the skills to be a quality return man.
Weaknesses: Has an undersized frame with limited potential to develop into an every-down NFL running back. Played in a run-and-shoot college offense with a one-back formation. Has merely above-average strength on contact. Is a marginal pass blocker due to his lack of size, strength and effort. Had only one productive season in college. Has limited experience as a return man.
Bottom line: McNeal was SMU’s starting running back for one year after transferring from Miami, where he had two undistinguished seasons. He is a strong third-down back prospect who ideally will serve in a "Reggie Bush" role. He deserves fourth-round consideration by a team like the Eagles, whose offense utilizes running backs in the passing game more than most teams.
For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Shawnbrey McNeal:
Height: 5-10
Weight: 190
40 time: 4.55
Current projection: Fourth-round pick
Strengths: Shows excellent instincts, cutback vision and elusiveness, especially in the open field. Has outstanding speed, quickness, lateral agility, explosiveness, acceleration and gear change. Has soft hands and runs excellent routes out of the backfield and as a slot receiver. Adjusts well to the ball in the air and runs well after the catch. Has the skills to be a quality return man.
Weaknesses: Has an undersized frame with limited potential to develop into an every-down NFL running back. Played in a run-and-shoot college offense with a one-back formation. Has merely above-average strength on contact. Is a marginal pass blocker due to his lack of size, strength and effort. Had only one productive season in college. Has limited experience as a return man.
Bottom line: McNeal was SMU’s starting running back for one year after transferring from Miami, where he had two undistinguished seasons. He is a strong third-down back prospect who ideally will serve in a "Reggie Bush" role. He deserves fourth-round consideration by a team like the Eagles, whose offense utilizes running backs in the passing game more than most teams.
For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports the Cardinals are prepared to acquire a player after the start of spring training if the need arises.
According to the Web site, St. Louis has up to $7 million of "wiggle room" in its payroll. It might spend some of that cash if it beieves one of the team’s young players can’t fill a hole.
"As we move forward and get into spring, we should have a better idea of what that [greatest need] might be. It may be nothing. But it usually is always something and more than something," general manager John Mozeliak tells reporter Matthew Leach.
St. Louis’ biggest offseason move has been re-signing left fielder Matt Holliday. The Redbirds have also added pitcher Brad Penny to replace Joel Pineiro in the rotation. There still are question marks at third base, on the bench and in the bullpen.
Sporting News staff reports
MLB.com reports the Cardinals are prepared to acquire a player after the start of spring training if the need arises.
According to the Web site, St. Louis has up to $7 million of "wiggle room" in its payroll. It might spend some of that cash if it beieves one of the team’s young players can’t fill a hole.
"As we move forward and get into spring, we should have a better idea of what that [greatest need] might be. It may be nothing. But it usually is always something and more than something," general manager John Mozeliak tells reporter Matthew Leach.
St. Louis’ biggest offseason move has been re-signing left fielder Matt Holliday. The Redbirds have also added pitcher Brad Penny to replace Joel Pineiro in the rotation. There still are question marks at third base, on the bench and in the bullpen.
Sporting News staff reports
Speaking to The Denver Post, Rockies manager Jim Tracy said left-hander Jeff Francis will enter spring training with no limitations.
Francis missed all of last season after shoulder surgery last February.
Tracy added that right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez likely will be his opening day starter. Francis, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Hammel will follow Jimenez, though Francis and De La Rosa could swap spots.
As for the Rockies’ bench, Tracy said he likely would keep five hitters, and the newspaper speculated they could be Seth Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, Jason Giambi, Melvin Mora and the backup catcher. The latter likely will be the loser of the Chris Iannetta-Miguel Olivo spring competition.
Sporting News staff reports
Speaking to The Denver Post, Rockies manager Jim Tracy said left-hander Jeff Francis will enter spring training with no limitations.
Francis missed all of last season after shoulder surgery last February.
Tracy added that right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez likely will be his opening day starter. Francis, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa and Jason Hammel will follow Jimenez, though Francis and De La Rosa could swap spots.
As for the Rockies’ bench, Tracy said he likely would keep five hitters, and the newspaper speculated they could be Seth Smith, Ryan Spilborghs, Jason Giambi, Melvin Mora and the backup catcher. The latter likely will be the loser of the Chris Iannetta-Miguel Olivo spring competition.
