Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: 49ers' Offseason Preview -- They Weren't Kidding!!...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: 49ers' Offseason Preview -- They Weren't Kidding!!...: "Just as I was about to sit down and punch out another post about what I think the 49ers should do in this shorten offseason, they have alrea..."
49ers' Offseason Preview -- They Weren't Kidding!! Things Are Moving Fast!!
Just as I was about to sit down and punch out another post about what I think the 49ers should do in this shorten offseason, they have already re-signed QB Alex Smith to a one-year, $5 million contract, and it was announced that ILB Takeo Spikes will not be returning to the 49ers and instead is expected to sign a deal with the San Diego Chargers, following the footsteps of 49ers' former defensive coordinator, Greg Manusky. So for starters, I'll hit on these two moves first and then go into what I think the 49ers should do with the rest of their free agents. But I better do so quickly, as they weren't kidding. Things are moving fast!
Alex Smith, QB -- While most 49ers fans may be furious and wondering why in the hell we would ever give him another chance to be our starting QB, you can't honestly say that this wasn't coming. When the lockout was temporary lifted and players and coaches were allowed to meet for a brief period of time, Smith met with new 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh to discuss his future with the team. Apparently, the meeting went well, as Smith left the meeting with playbook in hand, and the zeal to organize player run mini-camps during the lockout. I, for one, like this move and can live with Alex Smith (82.1 RAT, 2,370 YRD, 14 TDS last season) being our starting QB going into the season. I have always been an Alex Smith apologist and believe that he has been given a raw deal. Seven season and seven different offensive coordinator can't be the easiest of learn situations. He also had the misfortune of having to play for maybe the two worst offensive minded coaches in NFL history (Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary) for his entire NFL career, and the one decent season he did have in which he showed some signs of progress, it was when he had QB guru Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator. I'm hoping that Harbuagh, also considered by many as another QB guru, can help turn Smith's career around. Not since the Battle of the Little Bighorn has there been a stand like the one Alex Smith is fighting for. Let's see if he can prevail.
Takeo Spikes, ILB -- I thought for sure that the 49ers would re-sign Takeo Spikes. Despite his age (34 years old), Spikes (109 TACK, 82 SOLO last season) has been a productive player and team leader for the 49ers, and offers intangibles that can be more value than his seemingly declining play. He helps shed blockers away from Patrick Willis and frees him up to roam the field and make the spectacular plays that we have grown accustom to seeing Willis make. However, I understand why the 49ers chose not to re-sign him. It's time to take the training wheels off of Patrick Willis and let him take control of this defense and team. Willis has it in him to be that emotional team leader that Spikes was, and over the years, I'm sure Spikes taught him well. NaVarro Bowman will likely be asked to assume Spikes' position and it is also time to see what he can do on the field as well. He provides much more speed than Spikes, but is smaller in stature.
Current notable 49ers Free Agents --
David Baas, C -- He was their starting C all last season and the open market on C's aren't screaming at me. The 49ers have little depth at C and with Eric Heitmann coming off of a season-ending neck injury last season, he can't be counted on to replace Bass if he leaves. And while Tony Wragge is a serviceable back-up, he is just that, serviceable. If there is a must-sign free agent on the 49ers, it's Baas.
Demetric Evans, DL -- He is a veteran DL who can be a back-up filler at all 3 down positions. Depending on what the 49ers ultimately decide to do with Aubrayo Franklin, they may re-sign him. Yet 15 tackles and 0 sacks doesn't jump off the stat sheet as well. I would rather re-sign Ray McDonald and look for a replacement for Evans on the open market.
Aubrayo Franklin, DT -- The 49ers had the luxury of placing the franchise tag on him last year, much too his displeasure, but they decided against that same course of action this offseason. Franklin (39 TACK, 38 SOLO, 0 SACK) ended up still having a productive season and remains one of the true DT in the league. The 49ers may be tempted to let Franklin walk and hand over the reigns to Ray-Jean Francois, but with the lost of Takeo Spikes, I think Franklin now becomes a must re-sign. He, along with Spikes, were the two main reason why Willis was able to run freely on the field and clean up tackles. Franklin and Spikes were great at taking on the blockers and shielding them away from Willis. If Spikes and Franklin both walk, that could be a big blow to Willis' production. Franklin is due for a big pay-day, and hopefully the 49ers will use some of their cap room to match any offer.
Dashon Goldson, FS -- Despite having great depth at safety and after spending a second round pick in last year's draft on USB's eerrr....USC's Taylor Mays, I think the 49ers should re-sign Goldson. He is great against the run (80 TACK, 62 SOLO last season), and isn't afraid to make a big hit. Two-years ago, he had 94 TACK's with 4 INT's. Dude is a tackling machine. The problem may be that he may command too much money on the open market and the 49ers may have to let him go.
Travis LaBoy, OLB -- For some reason, Mike Singletary was in love with Travis LaBoy (28 TACK, 21 SOLO, 5 SACK). He is a third-down pass rushing specialist who can't stay healthy. The 49ers drafted Aldon Smith with their first round pick this draft so he may be expendable. But, he may be more relevant to the 49ers now that they are moving NaVarro Bowman to ILB, but it's 50-50 that he stays or goes, and I'm 50-50 on the "do I care" meter.
Manny Lawson, OLB -- The only reason why I want the 49ers to re-sign Manny Lawson (59 TACK, 48 SOLO, 2.5 SACK) is because I know that if he leaves, he will get swooped up by a team like the New England Patroits or the New York Jets, and finally become the dominating LB everyone thought his potential could be. Lawson has all the skill sets to be a very good OLB. He has developed into a good LB against the run despite originally being a pass rush specialist. He is tall, athletic, and has great size. I know the 49ers drafted Aldon Smith with their first round pick this offseason and he plays the same position as Lawson, but I would rather see the 49ers move either Lawson or Smith to the other side and have them dump Parys Harrison or move him to a down lineman position. I don't think I'm going to get my wish, and I think Lawson finds comfort with a contender. We'll watch from a far Manny.
Ray McDonald, DL -- Eventually, you have to make a decision and re-sign some of your DL. Also, depth at the DL position and having a good DL rotation is vastly important to any good defense. McDonald (19 TACK, 0 SACK) is a prime candidate to come back. You can re-sign him to a decent contract and his skill set is still raw enough to were there is growth potential with him. If the 49ers are going to let Franklin walk, McDonald becomes a must re-sign. He can fill-in at DT as well as move to an end position.
Troy Smith, QB -- Really now?! Take your Heisman and autographed Ohio State jerseys back to Columbus. An NCAA investigator will be waiting for you there.
Brian Westbrook, RB -- Everyone got really excited about Westbrook signing with the 49ers, as the Gore-Westbrook, Thunder and Lightening combo would rule the NFC West. Unfortunately, the creative, offensive side of the coaching brain of Mike Singletary was non-operational, and Westbrook was seldom used. He will definitely not be back in a 49er uniform, nor would he want to be.
Tony Wragge, C -- There is always a spot on a team for guys like Wragge. He can play all interior offensive linemen positions and is a serviceable back-up at all of them. Guys like this always find their way onto an NFL roster and do have an impact during the season at some point. If they can re-sign him on the cheap, I would bring Wragge back.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Alex Smith, QB -- While most 49ers fans may be furious and wondering why in the hell we would ever give him another chance to be our starting QB, you can't honestly say that this wasn't coming. When the lockout was temporary lifted and players and coaches were allowed to meet for a brief period of time, Smith met with new 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh to discuss his future with the team. Apparently, the meeting went well, as Smith left the meeting with playbook in hand, and the zeal to organize player run mini-camps during the lockout. I, for one, like this move and can live with Alex Smith (82.1 RAT, 2,370 YRD, 14 TDS last season) being our starting QB going into the season. I have always been an Alex Smith apologist and believe that he has been given a raw deal. Seven season and seven different offensive coordinator can't be the easiest of learn situations. He also had the misfortune of having to play for maybe the two worst offensive minded coaches in NFL history (Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary) for his entire NFL career, and the one decent season he did have in which he showed some signs of progress, it was when he had QB guru Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator. I'm hoping that Harbuagh, also considered by many as another QB guru, can help turn Smith's career around. Not since the Battle of the Little Bighorn has there been a stand like the one Alex Smith is fighting for. Let's see if he can prevail.
Takeo Spikes, ILB -- I thought for sure that the 49ers would re-sign Takeo Spikes. Despite his age (34 years old), Spikes (109 TACK, 82 SOLO last season) has been a productive player and team leader for the 49ers, and offers intangibles that can be more value than his seemingly declining play. He helps shed blockers away from Patrick Willis and frees him up to roam the field and make the spectacular plays that we have grown accustom to seeing Willis make. However, I understand why the 49ers chose not to re-sign him. It's time to take the training wheels off of Patrick Willis and let him take control of this defense and team. Willis has it in him to be that emotional team leader that Spikes was, and over the years, I'm sure Spikes taught him well. NaVarro Bowman will likely be asked to assume Spikes' position and it is also time to see what he can do on the field as well. He provides much more speed than Spikes, but is smaller in stature.
Current notable 49ers Free Agents --
David Baas, C -- He was their starting C all last season and the open market on C's aren't screaming at me. The 49ers have little depth at C and with Eric Heitmann coming off of a season-ending neck injury last season, he can't be counted on to replace Bass if he leaves. And while Tony Wragge is a serviceable back-up, he is just that, serviceable. If there is a must-sign free agent on the 49ers, it's Baas.
Demetric Evans, DL -- He is a veteran DL who can be a back-up filler at all 3 down positions. Depending on what the 49ers ultimately decide to do with Aubrayo Franklin, they may re-sign him. Yet 15 tackles and 0 sacks doesn't jump off the stat sheet as well. I would rather re-sign Ray McDonald and look for a replacement for Evans on the open market.
Aubrayo Franklin, DT -- The 49ers had the luxury of placing the franchise tag on him last year, much too his displeasure, but they decided against that same course of action this offseason. Franklin (39 TACK, 38 SOLO, 0 SACK) ended up still having a productive season and remains one of the true DT in the league. The 49ers may be tempted to let Franklin walk and hand over the reigns to Ray-Jean Francois, but with the lost of Takeo Spikes, I think Franklin now becomes a must re-sign. He, along with Spikes, were the two main reason why Willis was able to run freely on the field and clean up tackles. Franklin and Spikes were great at taking on the blockers and shielding them away from Willis. If Spikes and Franklin both walk, that could be a big blow to Willis' production. Franklin is due for a big pay-day, and hopefully the 49ers will use some of their cap room to match any offer.
Dashon Goldson, FS -- Despite having great depth at safety and after spending a second round pick in last year's draft on USB's eerrr....USC's Taylor Mays, I think the 49ers should re-sign Goldson. He is great against the run (80 TACK, 62 SOLO last season), and isn't afraid to make a big hit. Two-years ago, he had 94 TACK's with 4 INT's. Dude is a tackling machine. The problem may be that he may command too much money on the open market and the 49ers may have to let him go.
Travis LaBoy, OLB -- For some reason, Mike Singletary was in love with Travis LaBoy (28 TACK, 21 SOLO, 5 SACK). He is a third-down pass rushing specialist who can't stay healthy. The 49ers drafted Aldon Smith with their first round pick this draft so he may be expendable. But, he may be more relevant to the 49ers now that they are moving NaVarro Bowman to ILB, but it's 50-50 that he stays or goes, and I'm 50-50 on the "do I care" meter.
Manny Lawson, OLB -- The only reason why I want the 49ers to re-sign Manny Lawson (59 TACK, 48 SOLO, 2.5 SACK) is because I know that if he leaves, he will get swooped up by a team like the New England Patroits or the New York Jets, and finally become the dominating LB everyone thought his potential could be. Lawson has all the skill sets to be a very good OLB. He has developed into a good LB against the run despite originally being a pass rush specialist. He is tall, athletic, and has great size. I know the 49ers drafted Aldon Smith with their first round pick this offseason and he plays the same position as Lawson, but I would rather see the 49ers move either Lawson or Smith to the other side and have them dump Parys Harrison or move him to a down lineman position. I don't think I'm going to get my wish, and I think Lawson finds comfort with a contender. We'll watch from a far Manny.
Ray McDonald, DL -- Eventually, you have to make a decision and re-sign some of your DL. Also, depth at the DL position and having a good DL rotation is vastly important to any good defense. McDonald (19 TACK, 0 SACK) is a prime candidate to come back. You can re-sign him to a decent contract and his skill set is still raw enough to were there is growth potential with him. If the 49ers are going to let Franklin walk, McDonald becomes a must re-sign. He can fill-in at DT as well as move to an end position.
Troy Smith, QB -- Really now?! Take your Heisman and autographed Ohio State jerseys back to Columbus. An NCAA investigator will be waiting for you there.
Brian Westbrook, RB -- Everyone got really excited about Westbrook signing with the 49ers, as the Gore-Westbrook, Thunder and Lightening combo would rule the NFC West. Unfortunately, the creative, offensive side of the coaching brain of Mike Singletary was non-operational, and Westbrook was seldom used. He will definitely not be back in a 49er uniform, nor would he want to be.
Tony Wragge, C -- There is always a spot on a team for guys like Wragge. He can play all interior offensive linemen positions and is a serviceable back-up at all of them. Guys like this always find their way onto an NFL roster and do have an impact during the season at some point. If they can re-sign him on the cheap, I would bring Wragge back.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: There Is A God!!! And He Heard Our Prayers!!! --...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: There Is A God!!! And He Heard Our Prayers!!! --...: "Football is back!!! Today, after a weekend of deliberating and hammering out final - final details, the NFLPA (NFL Players Association) vot..."
There Is A God!!! And He Heard Our Prayers!!! -- Are You Ready For Some Football???
Football is back!!! Today, after a weekend of deliberating and hammering out final - final details, the NFLPA (NFL Players Association) voted unanimously to approve the new 10-year collective bargaining agreement that was approved late last week by the NFL owners. In an early post, I outlined the main points of the proposed, now final, CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) and gave my opinion on them, so I won't bore you with that again. But I will very quickly hit on some hidden points that went unnoticed in the new CBA.
At the request of my great friend, Chris Carlson, better known as "Teach" to the 8 people who read this blog; he forwarded me an article from NBC Sports titled, "Seven things you may have missed in the new CBA" and had asked for my opinion. Below are the seven points and my take on them.
1. There won’t be hitting for the first three days of training camp this year. (That includes arrival day and two days of practices.)
Take - No big deal. While I'm sure there is plenty of rust on these players, and the rookies will be excited to get on the field to earn roster spots and learn plays, word has it that a lot of older veterans rather enjoyed the lengthy because it gave them additional time to rest their bodies.
2. Teams have 17 days to sign restricted free agents from other teams to offer sheets after the league year starts. In practice, we don’t expect much RFA movement this year, if any.
Take - Restricted free agents are hardly ever signed away from their original teams anyways. Teams who try to sign restricted free agents general have to over compensate for a restricted free agent in order to prevent the team of origin to match the offer. If anything, I like this because it means more quick action, player movement. NFL Network ratings are shooting up the roof as we speak.
3. Teams have until September 20 to sign their franchise players to long-term deals. This timeline has obviously been pushed back quite a bit by the lockout.
Take - Not sure who this effects more: the players who are labeled with the franchise tag or the teams.
4. While the CBA ends after the 2020 season, the 2021 draft is included in the deal. That’s the same setup we had this year; the draft wasn’t affected by the lack of an agreement.
Take - I'm happy about this, as I am a draft honk and would hate for there not to be a draft because of another lockout. The draft this year, despite the lockout, was still just as exciting as it always is.
5. Minimum salaries are going up $50,000, and will continue to increase. This is a huge gain for a lot of players. Almost half the league has a minimum salary.
Take - I'm really happy about this. I'm mostly pro player in all labor and contract disputes, especially for NFL players. Of the three major sports, NFL players are the least compensated and paid for the amount of "work" they are asked to perform.
6. The franchise tag will be calculated differently. NFL legal counsel Jeff Pash indicated the tags will be calculated as a percentage of the salary cap, rather than the average of top ten players. We’re looking to find out exactly how this works.
Take - Not sure how this will work as well. Is it a percentage of the teams overall salary cap or a percentage of how much a team is under the salary cap?? Confusing. Not a math major here.
7. There will be no judicial oversight of the CBA. “Neutral arbitrators jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA will resolve disputes as appropriate.”
Take - This is a much better process. Taking disputes out of the hands of the judicial process and into arbitrators will help streamline the process.
Now that I touched on the hidden aspects of the new CBA, it's time to talk some real, pure, unadulterated NFL Football. I've been waiting all summer for this!!! And this will undoubtedly be the most exciting and unprecedented free agent offseason in the history of NFL Football. Let it begin.
I anticipate a lot of player movement, as the free agent window is very small and time is short. While the free agent class starts and ends with Nnamdi Asomugha, the player movement will be fast and furious, which will make for a great month of free agent signings. First, teams will have to scramble to sign their drafted rookies to contracts, as well as sign up some undrafted rookies to free agent contracts. Then teams will have to meet the new salary cap minimum that their payroll must be above, so teams will be looking to make quality offers to high-priced free agents who they are targeting. To give you an example, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now $50+ million under the new salary cap and have to use that money on players to meet the minimum, instead of pocketing for profit. They will definitely be a front-runner in the Nnamdi Asomugha race. They are so far down that they could probably sign Nnamdi as well as another couple mid-tier free agents, and really improve on their already playoff caliber roster.
And as always, there will definitely be cap causality players for those teams well over the new salary cap. While cap causalities aren't new to the NFL offseason, this is much different. Players and coaches weren't allowed to meet and or hold organized training camps together during the lockout, so coaches and front offices are having to judge their roster talent blindly. If a team is over the salary cap and has to make roster cuts, it will make for some interesting and maybe surprising roster moves. The Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, for example, are two teams that are $14+ million over the new salary cap and will most definitely have to make some roster cuts to get below that figure. They will also have to make additional cuts to get even further below the salary cap if they plan on signing their own free agents or any other teams' free agents.
If one thing was proved certain today, it was this: THERE IS A GOD!!! AND HE HEARD OUR PRAYERS!!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???
Mr. Armchair Speaking
At the request of my great friend, Chris Carlson, better known as "Teach" to the 8 people who read this blog; he forwarded me an article from NBC Sports titled, "Seven things you may have missed in the new CBA" and had asked for my opinion. Below are the seven points and my take on them.
1. There won’t be hitting for the first three days of training camp this year. (That includes arrival day and two days of practices.)
Take - No big deal. While I'm sure there is plenty of rust on these players, and the rookies will be excited to get on the field to earn roster spots and learn plays, word has it that a lot of older veterans rather enjoyed the lengthy because it gave them additional time to rest their bodies.
2. Teams have 17 days to sign restricted free agents from other teams to offer sheets after the league year starts. In practice, we don’t expect much RFA movement this year, if any.
Take - Restricted free agents are hardly ever signed away from their original teams anyways. Teams who try to sign restricted free agents general have to over compensate for a restricted free agent in order to prevent the team of origin to match the offer. If anything, I like this because it means more quick action, player movement. NFL Network ratings are shooting up the roof as we speak.
3. Teams have until September 20 to sign their franchise players to long-term deals. This timeline has obviously been pushed back quite a bit by the lockout.
Take - Not sure who this effects more: the players who are labeled with the franchise tag or the teams.
4. While the CBA ends after the 2020 season, the 2021 draft is included in the deal. That’s the same setup we had this year; the draft wasn’t affected by the lack of an agreement.
Take - I'm happy about this, as I am a draft honk and would hate for there not to be a draft because of another lockout. The draft this year, despite the lockout, was still just as exciting as it always is.
5. Minimum salaries are going up $50,000, and will continue to increase. This is a huge gain for a lot of players. Almost half the league has a minimum salary.
Take - I'm really happy about this. I'm mostly pro player in all labor and contract disputes, especially for NFL players. Of the three major sports, NFL players are the least compensated and paid for the amount of "work" they are asked to perform.
6. The franchise tag will be calculated differently. NFL legal counsel Jeff Pash indicated the tags will be calculated as a percentage of the salary cap, rather than the average of top ten players. We’re looking to find out exactly how this works.
Take - Not sure how this will work as well. Is it a percentage of the teams overall salary cap or a percentage of how much a team is under the salary cap?? Confusing. Not a math major here.
7. There will be no judicial oversight of the CBA. “Neutral arbitrators jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA will resolve disputes as appropriate.”
Take - This is a much better process. Taking disputes out of the hands of the judicial process and into arbitrators will help streamline the process.
Now that I touched on the hidden aspects of the new CBA, it's time to talk some real, pure, unadulterated NFL Football. I've been waiting all summer for this!!! And this will undoubtedly be the most exciting and unprecedented free agent offseason in the history of NFL Football. Let it begin.
I anticipate a lot of player movement, as the free agent window is very small and time is short. While the free agent class starts and ends with Nnamdi Asomugha, the player movement will be fast and furious, which will make for a great month of free agent signings. First, teams will have to scramble to sign their drafted rookies to contracts, as well as sign up some undrafted rookies to free agent contracts. Then teams will have to meet the new salary cap minimum that their payroll must be above, so teams will be looking to make quality offers to high-priced free agents who they are targeting. To give you an example, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now $50+ million under the new salary cap and have to use that money on players to meet the minimum, instead of pocketing for profit. They will definitely be a front-runner in the Nnamdi Asomugha race. They are so far down that they could probably sign Nnamdi as well as another couple mid-tier free agents, and really improve on their already playoff caliber roster.
And as always, there will definitely be cap causality players for those teams well over the new salary cap. While cap causalities aren't new to the NFL offseason, this is much different. Players and coaches weren't allowed to meet and or hold organized training camps together during the lockout, so coaches and front offices are having to judge their roster talent blindly. If a team is over the salary cap and has to make roster cuts, it will make for some interesting and maybe surprising roster moves. The Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, for example, are two teams that are $14+ million over the new salary cap and will most definitely have to make some roster cuts to get below that figure. They will also have to make additional cuts to get even further below the salary cap if they plan on signing their own free agents or any other teams' free agents.
If one thing was proved certain today, it was this: THERE IS A GOD!!! AND HE HEARD OUR PRAYERS!!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: I Want Football!!! And I Want It Now!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaks: I Want Football!!! And I Want It Now!!!: "Today was supposed to be the end. I’s were being dotted and T’s were being crossed. Football was coming back. The NFL lockout has been..."
I Want Football!!! And I Want It Now!!!
Today was supposed to be the end. I’s were being dotted and T’s were being crossed. Football was coming back. The NFL lockout has been in effect now since March, 11th, 127 days, and it has been missed. Football is probably the only sport (maybe baseball and spring training), where the fans care just as much about the offseason OTA's and training camps as they do about the regular and post season. People care so much about the NFL offseason that ESPN’s NFL Live is the only sports specific analytic show that runs on the network for the entire year. And today, today was suppose to be our Renaissance. It was suppose to be the death of the dreaded lockout and a rebirth of a new NFL. It looks like we will have to wait at least one more day, as the NFL Players Association has decided to hold off on voting for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Tomorrow may come and we may see the lockout end, but it can't come soon enough.
Below is a brief breakdown of the new CBA, as provided to us by ESPN.com. Most would like to chop it simply as millionaires fighting with billionaires, but I see it a little differently. I have always been pro-player in most of these disputes, but this new CBA seems very fair for both parties, and them signing a 10-year agreement proves that both sides seem to have gotten what they set out to accomplish with this holdout. For me, the three main things that needed to be change in the NFL that the new CBA addresses were: Rookie wage scale, teams using most of their salary cap, and no 18 game season. Rookies were getting paid WAY too much once drafted and everyone agreed that needed to be changed. Teams required to spend most of the salary cap helps with the competitive balance in the NFL and will prevent some teams from doing what some MLB (Major League Baseball) teams do in pocketing revenue for profit and not putting it back into the team. And lastly, an 18 game season is this ridiculous. Players are already killing themselves out on the field during a 16 game season, imagine the amount of injuries that would occur during an 18 game season. Check out the rest of the points below.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, John Clayton and Adam Schefter, the proposed collective bargaining agreement includes the following details:
• Players get 48 percent of "all revenue," without extra $1-billion-plus off top that previously had been requested by owners.
• Players' share will never dip below 46.5 percent, under new formula being negotiated.
• Teams required to spend close to 100 percent of the salary cap.
• Rookie wage scale part of deal but still being "tweaked."
• Four years needed for unrestricted free-agent status. Certain tags will be retained, but still being discussed.
• 18-game regular season designated only as negotiable item and at no point is mandated in deal.
• New 16-game Thursday night TV package beginning in 2012.
• Owners still will get some expense credits that will allow funding for new stadiums.
• Retirees to benefit from improved health care, pension benefits as revenue projected to double to $18 million by 2016.
Both owners and players have agreed to add three additional provisions to the new CBA, a league source told ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio. Those three points are:
• Enhanced injury protection benefit -- In addition to a player's salary in the season he is injured, the player would get up to $1 million for the first year after the injury, and up to $500,000 in the second year.
• Players get to stay in the league-sponsored player medical plan for life, if they so choose.
• An annual increase in minimum salaries for players -- 10 percent increase for rookies, 12 percent for second-year players and the increases will continue throughout the life of the proposed 10-year CBA. That would mean a 10 percent increase in rookie salary for 2011 over the 2010 salary and then a 10 percent increase for rookies in 2012 salary over 2011 salary. Approximately 1,000 of the 1,890 NFL players in 2010 were minimum-salary players, according to the league.
In a normal year, dead-hard fans (present blogger included) would be fully immersed in two-a-days and closely watching the offseason player movement via free agency and cuts. We would be engaging in discussions on whether or not our team should resign a holdout or anxiously awaiting a player to except the franchise tag our team placed on him. We would also be monitoring our team’s rookies and new free agent acquisitions to see how they are adopting to the system and grasping the playbook. But for the last 127 days, all we have been able to do is sit, and wait, and watch court room litigation drama and mediation. As exciting as that may be to some people, the majority of use want helmets cracking and shoulder pads smashing. I want football!!! And I want it now!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Below is a brief breakdown of the new CBA, as provided to us by ESPN.com. Most would like to chop it simply as millionaires fighting with billionaires, but I see it a little differently. I have always been pro-player in most of these disputes, but this new CBA seems very fair for both parties, and them signing a 10-year agreement proves that both sides seem to have gotten what they set out to accomplish with this holdout. For me, the three main things that needed to be change in the NFL that the new CBA addresses were: Rookie wage scale, teams using most of their salary cap, and no 18 game season. Rookies were getting paid WAY too much once drafted and everyone agreed that needed to be changed. Teams required to spend most of the salary cap helps with the competitive balance in the NFL and will prevent some teams from doing what some MLB (Major League Baseball) teams do in pocketing revenue for profit and not putting it back into the team. And lastly, an 18 game season is this ridiculous. Players are already killing themselves out on the field during a 16 game season, imagine the amount of injuries that would occur during an 18 game season. Check out the rest of the points below.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, John Clayton and Adam Schefter, the proposed collective bargaining agreement includes the following details:
• Players get 48 percent of "all revenue," without extra $1-billion-plus off top that previously had been requested by owners.
• Players' share will never dip below 46.5 percent, under new formula being negotiated.
• Teams required to spend close to 100 percent of the salary cap.
• Rookie wage scale part of deal but still being "tweaked."
• Four years needed for unrestricted free-agent status. Certain tags will be retained, but still being discussed.
• 18-game regular season designated only as negotiable item and at no point is mandated in deal.
• New 16-game Thursday night TV package beginning in 2012.
• Owners still will get some expense credits that will allow funding for new stadiums.
• Retirees to benefit from improved health care, pension benefits as revenue projected to double to $18 million by 2016.
Both owners and players have agreed to add three additional provisions to the new CBA, a league source told ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio. Those three points are:
• Enhanced injury protection benefit -- In addition to a player's salary in the season he is injured, the player would get up to $1 million for the first year after the injury, and up to $500,000 in the second year.
• Players get to stay in the league-sponsored player medical plan for life, if they so choose.
• An annual increase in minimum salaries for players -- 10 percent increase for rookies, 12 percent for second-year players and the increases will continue throughout the life of the proposed 10-year CBA. That would mean a 10 percent increase in rookie salary for 2011 over the 2010 salary and then a 10 percent increase for rookies in 2012 salary over 2011 salary. Approximately 1,000 of the 1,890 NFL players in 2010 were minimum-salary players, according to the league.
In a normal year, dead-hard fans (present blogger included) would be fully immersed in two-a-days and closely watching the offseason player movement via free agency and cuts. We would be engaging in discussions on whether or not our team should resign a holdout or anxiously awaiting a player to except the franchise tag our team placed on him. We would also be monitoring our team’s rookies and new free agent acquisitions to see how they are adopting to the system and grasping the playbook. But for the last 127 days, all we have been able to do is sit, and wait, and watch court room litigation drama and mediation. As exciting as that may be to some people, the majority of use want helmets cracking and shoulder pads smashing. I want football!!! And I want it now!!!
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Monday, July 18, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: I Don’t Want To Be Mean, But That Was A Choke Job!...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: I Don’t Want To Be Mean, But That Was A Choke Job!...: "I couldn’t believe what I was doing yesterday afternoon. First, I was sitting down and watching a women’s soccer game. Second, I was get..."
I Don’t Want To Be Mean, But That Was A Choke Job!!!
I couldn’t believe what I was doing yesterday afternoon. First, I was sitting down and watching a women’s soccer game. Second, I was getting into said game and cheering and rooting hard for the ladies, coaching them from my armchair. And third, I was actually making it known to people that I was watching the game via status updates on Facebook. And the thing is I know I wasn’t alone; just look at the twitter records.
The game I am referring to was the Women's World Cup Championship game featuring our ladies of the USA vs. the ladies of Japan. Believe it or not, women’s soccer captivated a nation yesterday. Whether you were watching because you are a fan of anything US of A., fan of anything soccer, or if you are a genuine women’s soccer fan, you were in front of your TV yesterday at 11:30 a.m. to watch the Women’s World Cup Championship game. Our ladies of the United States virtually dominated the entire game, but would eventually give up their lead at the end of regulation; and after recapturing the lead back in overtime, they give it up again. Once in PK’s (penalty kicks, showing off my soccer lingo), the US women’s team faltered missing their first three kicks, the second souring high over the cross bar. Japan on the other hand, after fighting hard to keep themselves in the game and never giving up, kept finding the back of the soccer goal. They keep in rolling in PK's and would eventually defeat our ladies of the USA. Hard fought, tough defend, agony!!
Overall, the game was exciting, nobody can tell me otherwise. Our initial reaction is to commend our women and congratulate them on a well-played, hard fought, championship game. And while we do so, we also have to acknowledge that this was a game that our ladies of the USA should have won, and ultimately gave away to Japan. The US women's team were the more physically dominating team on the field yesterday. They were faster, stronger, and having their way with the Japanese team. While soccer isn’t our game here in the United States and seen more as the world's game to dominate over the US, we were the favorites going into the World Cup and we should have been the favorites at the end of the game. The fact is our ladies let that championship game get away from them. The equalizing goal that Japan scored in the 78th minute was a gift-wrapped ball by the USA's backline failed to clear out. The first rule of soccer is that you never try to clear out the ball toward the middle of the field at your own end. The US women did, and Japan was right there to steal the ball away and put it in the back of the net. That was the play that really started to get the ball rolling down the hill of disaster. In overtime, Abby Wambach again heads a ball in to give the USA the lead; but all is for not as the US again couldn’t control and clear out a corner kick by Japan, and after a deflection, the ball found its way into the back of the net, tying the game again. Then in PK’s, more disaster happens as our ladies of the USA missed fired on the first three kicks, and failed to score. Japan on the other hand was able to put the ball in the back of the net, and eventually won the World Cup championship in PK’s.
I’m not here to bash the performance of our ladies of the USA, they played their hearts out. I will not say that their performance in yesterday’s game was half-hearted and that they didn’t want it bad enough. Nor do I want to take away from the accomplishment of the ladies from Japan and I congratulate them on their win. But I will say that the USA should have won that game yesterday very handily, and that the end result should be seen as a major disappointment, rather than brushed aside due to their effort. We want to look at the positive and remain upbeat for them in this time of disappointment, but it’s ok to be angry and critical of them also. It's ok to be frustrated at their miscues of not clearing out and defending balls properly, or even simply putting goals in the back of the net, especially in PK's. The ladies on our national soccer team are professional athletes and professionals at their craft, and like any baseball, football, or basketball players who have disappointing performances in big games and are criticized for them, our women’s soccer team shouldn’t be exempted. They do not receive a free pass. So with that said, I don’t want to be mean, but that was a choke job.
The game I am referring to was the Women's World Cup Championship game featuring our ladies of the USA vs. the ladies of Japan. Believe it or not, women’s soccer captivated a nation yesterday. Whether you were watching because you are a fan of anything US of A., fan of anything soccer, or if you are a genuine women’s soccer fan, you were in front of your TV yesterday at 11:30 a.m. to watch the Women’s World Cup Championship game. Our ladies of the United States virtually dominated the entire game, but would eventually give up their lead at the end of regulation; and after recapturing the lead back in overtime, they give it up again. Once in PK’s (penalty kicks, showing off my soccer lingo), the US women’s team faltered missing their first three kicks, the second souring high over the cross bar. Japan on the other hand, after fighting hard to keep themselves in the game and never giving up, kept finding the back of the soccer goal. They keep in rolling in PK's and would eventually defeat our ladies of the USA. Hard fought, tough defend, agony!!
Overall, the game was exciting, nobody can tell me otherwise. Our initial reaction is to commend our women and congratulate them on a well-played, hard fought, championship game. And while we do so, we also have to acknowledge that this was a game that our ladies of the USA should have won, and ultimately gave away to Japan. The US women's team were the more physically dominating team on the field yesterday. They were faster, stronger, and having their way with the Japanese team. While soccer isn’t our game here in the United States and seen more as the world's game to dominate over the US, we were the favorites going into the World Cup and we should have been the favorites at the end of the game. The fact is our ladies let that championship game get away from them. The equalizing goal that Japan scored in the 78th minute was a gift-wrapped ball by the USA's backline failed to clear out. The first rule of soccer is that you never try to clear out the ball toward the middle of the field at your own end. The US women did, and Japan was right there to steal the ball away and put it in the back of the net. That was the play that really started to get the ball rolling down the hill of disaster. In overtime, Abby Wambach again heads a ball in to give the USA the lead; but all is for not as the US again couldn’t control and clear out a corner kick by Japan, and after a deflection, the ball found its way into the back of the net, tying the game again. Then in PK’s, more disaster happens as our ladies of the USA missed fired on the first three kicks, and failed to score. Japan on the other hand was able to put the ball in the back of the net, and eventually won the World Cup championship in PK’s.
I’m not here to bash the performance of our ladies of the USA, they played their hearts out. I will not say that their performance in yesterday’s game was half-hearted and that they didn’t want it bad enough. Nor do I want to take away from the accomplishment of the ladies from Japan and I congratulate them on their win. But I will say that the USA should have won that game yesterday very handily, and that the end result should be seen as a major disappointment, rather than brushed aside due to their effort. We want to look at the positive and remain upbeat for them in this time of disappointment, but it’s ok to be angry and critical of them also. It's ok to be frustrated at their miscues of not clearing out and defending balls properly, or even simply putting goals in the back of the net, especially in PK's. The ladies on our national soccer team are professional athletes and professionals at their craft, and like any baseball, football, or basketball players who have disappointing performances in big games and are criticized for them, our women’s soccer team shouldn’t be exempted. They do not receive a free pass. So with that said, I don’t want to be mean, but that was a choke job.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Coming Down the Home Stretch – Do We Have Enough?
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Coming Down the Home Stretch – Do We Have Enough?: "Of all the major sports (I’m including hockey in that phrase as I’ve since been called out in the past for not including the sport in previo..."
Coming Down the Home Stretch – Do We Have Enough?
Of all the major sports (I’m including hockey in that phrase as I’ve since been called out in the past for not including the sport in previous blog post generalization), Major League Baseball (MLB) has the most active trade deadline and player movement. It is because of this that the MLB trade deadline produces more rumors and potential deals than any other sport, and with the deadline fast approaching, those rumors are now starting to surface and experts are making their predictions of potential trades. Some are head scratchers, some make total sense. As of now, everyone just has their theories on what moves teams should make or are going to make, yours truly included.
Today, I was asked by my great friend and hash-tag master, one Adam Slavin, if I have heard of any rumors or potential deals involving our beloved San Francisco Giants. Many, including yours truly, feel that a potential move is coming, just not sure at what position and or which players will be included. It’s pretty evident that some players on the Giants aren’t having the statistical season we had hoped for and even though the San Francisco Giants are 52-40, 3 games up in the division, and ahead of where this same team was at this point in time last season; there is still doubt among us fans if they have enough to make another magical run like last season.
In regards to our beloved San Francisco Giants; a lot of talk is out there circling around the Giants potentially moving Jonathan Sanchez. The logic is with the emergence of Ryan Vogelsong and the immovable contract that is Barry Zito, Sanchez seems to be the odd man out of the starting rotation. Sanchez is set to become a free agent after the season and it will be hard for the Giants to retain his services. However, the reemergence of Barry Zito has caused some out there in the Baseball World to believe that some playoff contending teams may be interested in his services, but personally I highly doubt they would take on any part of his contract. Lastly, the Giants farm system isn’t flooded with top-notch, major league ready prospects that they are willing to part with, so moving prospects for veterans may not be an option as well.
Giants management has been on record as saying that they would not include starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez in any trade deadline deal. But with Ryan Vogelsong pitching lights out and now Barry Zito is healthy and pitching well, rotation spots are limited. Supposedly, Giants General Manager, Brian Sabean, has softened on his stance and has reached out to other teams and or taken calls regarding trades involving Sanchez. Moreover, the Giants ownership group / managing partnership have also softened on their stance to not increase the teams’ payroll and have told Sabean that if there is a move out there that he feels is necessary to help the team get back to the World Series, they will increase the payroll (the payroll at the start of this season is up more than $20 million from last season and management has had a hard line to not increase that figure). I still see Jonathan Sanchez as being the prime candidate to be moved and I think several teams would line-up for his services. It will be interesting to see the rumors come out as the deadline nears if indeed Sanchez is on the block.
In terms of players the Giants are trying to go after, Carlos Beltran’s name has surface in recent weeks. Beltran is set to make $20 million this season, is 34 years old, and is due to become a free agent at the end of the season. He is still putting up a good average and solid power numbers, but his legs are shot; and he is no longer capable of playing center field, his position of origin (he is currently playing right field for the New York Mets). He was recently quoted as saying that he would waive his no-trade clause to come play for the Giants if he was traded to them, and people in the baseball world are speculating that the only reason Bruce Bochy picked Carlos Beltran to make the NL All-Star team and decided to put him in tonight’s starting line-up for the NL was to lobby him to waive his no-trade clause and sell him on becoming a Giant. If this is so, what would the Giants have to give up too acquire a player of the quality of a Carlos Beltran? The Giants have chips to play with, but not many.
As of now, all is speculation. I haven’t heard any rumors or trade proposals that actually name individual players or include player-for-player movement. In my personal opinion, the Giants wouldn’t trade Jonathan Sanchez for Carlos Beltran straight up because Sanchez is much more valuable and can garner a better caliber player than Beltran. Plus, Beltran is a free agent after this season and would be a rental player in essence for the Giants, who wouldn’t resign him after the season. The Giants can also low ball the Mets a little if Beltran is indeed the player they want because eventually, the Mets will need to go into salary dump mode and Beltran is a prime candidate to fall victim too that. If the Giants do trade for Beltran, it will most likely be for a prospect or two, with one close to being major league ready, but not a top-tier prospect, so Brandon Belt and Zach Wheeler are safe. The Mets may also be asked to pay for some of Beltran’s remaining salary for this season.
My question is: where do the Giants play Beltran? Right now, you can’t bench Nate Schierholtz, the Giants current right fielder. He’s swinging a hot bat, is finally hitting for power, and plays a great defensive right field. I, for one, truly believe Schierholtz can be the Giants’ right fielder for the next 5-7 years. So right field is out of the question for Beltran. You can move him to left field, but then what do the Giants do with Cody Ross when he comes back from the disable list? Ross wasn’t exactly lighting up the world when he was healthy, but he was hitting for a decent average and also plays good defense. One option may be to move Ross to center field, play Beltran in left, and keep Schierholtz in right. But then the Giants have Ross playing a position that he is not accustomed to playing, and he can’t move as well as Andres Torres, so you lose some ground defensively with this potential outfield.
I’m hesitant on a deal for Carlos Beltran. If the deal forces the Giants to decrease the playing time of Nate Schierholtz, than I wouldn’t make the deal. I’ve always been a huge Schierholtz fan for years and have always though Bochy gave him a raw deal. The guy just does everything right and plays the game well. I think a lot of Giants fans feel the same way about Schieholtz, which makes his play of late even more special and exciting. If they make the deal and play Beltran in center, I’m not thrilled, but I can live with it. Andres Torres is good defensively in center field and his style of play provides a stark, but I’m not sure if he is an everyday center fielder and leadoff hitter. If the Giants do deal for Beltran or another outfielder, I can see Torres being the odd man out and assuming the same role Schierholtz had last year; coming into games late as a defensive replacement.
Other chatter involving the Giants and potential trades involves the unlikeliest of players. The re-emergence of Barry Zito has caused some to think that there may be some playoff contending teams, or teams that will likely make the playoffs and are looking for a veteran starting pitcher to help solidify their starting rotation, that could use his services. Can anyone say New York Yankees here? It may be still too tough to move Zito with his huge contract and track record despite his recent good performances of late, and expect to get much in return. But I guess its always worth a phone call.
Pundents think that the Giants should also look into acquiring a starting shortstop or second baseman, see Jose Reye. I disagree on the shortstop portion. I’ve actually been impressed with the play of Brandon Crawford as of late and feel that he has been taking much better at-bats. And we all know that he can play defensively at the big league level. I would like to see him play a little bit more in the second half before making that trade call. I do agree however that I don’t see what Bruce Bochy is trying to do with playing Miguel Tejada at second base and feel that he is not the answer there. If Emmanuel Burris could ever learn to swing the bat for contact and put the ball on the ground, I still have faith in his potential and think the kid could play.
I would really like to see the Giants trade for a true leadoff hitter and or center fielder, someone like BJ Upton (does both) or Colby Rasmus (not a leadoff hitter, but plays center). I would gladly trade Jonathan Sanchez for either player as well if that's what it took to acquire them. These guys are still young and have talent, but are under-performing in their current situations and could use a change of scenery. I think Upton in particular would be a great fit for the Giants. Young, fast, defensive sound center fielder, who could bat leadoff. If he ever finds his swing, he will be lethal. A true five-tool player. Rasmus also plays a good center field and also hits for power from the 2 spot in the lineup. Or if the Giants can find a leadoff hitter who plays second base, I’m not opposed too that as well. If Chone Figgins is availble for cheap, and I mean really cheap, I would consider taking a flier on him. He is someone who really needs a change of scenery, as he has been nothing but terrible since joining the Seattle Mariners.
It’s a tough call, but I agree that the Giants need to add a bat to the lineup that helps generate some runs for their awesome pitching staff. Giants fan don't want to see management part with any contributing member of last years team, but it has to happen. It’s hard because us fans can't separate our emotional attachment with these players because we’ve grown an affinity with most of them. We want the Giants to repeat with the same players, same team, but the more and more we watch them this season, the more we are slowly coming to the realization that that may not be possible. So coming down the home stretch - do we have enough?
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Monday, July 11, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: How Much Cooler Can This Guy Get??
Mr. Armchair Speaks: How Much Cooler Can This Guy Get??: "On a majestic solo home run to left field, DE-REK JE-TER, number #2 (deep Bob Sheppard voice), became the 28th player in Major League Baseba..."
How Much Cooler Can This Guy Get??
On a majestic solo home run to left field, DE-REK JE-TER, number #2 (deep Bob Sheppard voice), became the 28th player in Major League Baseball history to hit for 3,000 career hits. Know for slapping single and doubles to the gaps and a master at going the opposite away with pitches, he became just the second player of all-time (Wade Boggs being the first) to have his 3,000th hit be a home run. And to top it off, he is the only New York Yankee player ever to hit for 3,000 hits. Not Lou Gehrig, not Joe DiMaggio, not Micky Mantle, or not even Babe Ruth have hit for 3,000 hits. Love the New York Yankees or not, you have to marvel at the accomplishment, and the way DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, got his 3,000 hit. For Mr. Cool, it was the coolest way. The script couldn't have been written any better.
For the record, and I think I've mentioned this before, but I root for the Yankees. I admire their history and tradition, and hold no animosity toward the way they do business. They single handily keep 4-5 teams in Major League Baseball afloat every year through revenue sharing, and that may be low-balling it. But the main reason why I root for the Yankees is because of one, DER-KE JE-TER, number #2. He is one of my favorite players of all-time and I admire the hell out of the cat. He's done everything right in his career, being a perfect ambassador for the game of baseball.
What else can you say about the career of one DE-REK JE-TER, number #2? Check out this career line: 12 All-Star appearances, 5 World Series Championships, 1996 AL Rookie of the Year, 5 gold gloves, career .313 batting average, 3,000 hits, and one Minka Kelly. He is an instant hall-of-famer the minute he retires, top 3 all-time shortstop to ever play the game, and the statute is already chiseled for when the Yankees retire his number and induct him into monument park. He was named the Yankee Captain, rightfully so, and its been a title that he has upheld proudly and honorably.
Their was a time when DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, was thought of as the third best shortstop in the American League, behind Seattle's Alex Rodriguez and Boston's NO-MMMARRR Garciaparra. So called experts would debate between the three on who was the better hitter, fielder, most important to the team, longer lasting career. Everyone had a horse in the race. After Saturday however, I think we all know now, which player won that derby. NO-MMMAAARRR's career fizzled after being traded away from Boston and is now occupying a chair in Bristol, Connecticut analysing baseball games. And A-Rod, arguably the best all-around player in baseball prior and up to when he first joined the Yankees, was told that he had to vacate the position he had grown accustomed to playing his whole career and had won gold gloves at, and was told to move one spot to the left, and become a third baseman. While A-Rod is still playing third for the Yankees and may eventually end his career with better all-around numbers than DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, he'll do so as a third baseman, thanks to one DE-REK JE-TER, number #2.
Their are always people in this world who you just wonder how life turned out so good for them. It's storybook-like; and you can either be bitter about how the story and how it ends, or marvel at the story and become a listener in ah. For the story of DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, everyone should be mouth agape, and in ah at what he has been able to accomplish in his career. The hits, the rings, the bravado. How much cooler can this guy get?
Mr. Armchair Speaking
For the record, and I think I've mentioned this before, but I root for the Yankees. I admire their history and tradition, and hold no animosity toward the way they do business. They single handily keep 4-5 teams in Major League Baseball afloat every year through revenue sharing, and that may be low-balling it. But the main reason why I root for the Yankees is because of one, DER-KE JE-TER, number #2. He is one of my favorite players of all-time and I admire the hell out of the cat. He's done everything right in his career, being a perfect ambassador for the game of baseball.
What else can you say about the career of one DE-REK JE-TER, number #2? Check out this career line: 12 All-Star appearances, 5 World Series Championships, 1996 AL Rookie of the Year, 5 gold gloves, career .313 batting average, 3,000 hits, and one Minka Kelly. He is an instant hall-of-famer the minute he retires, top 3 all-time shortstop to ever play the game, and the statute is already chiseled for when the Yankees retire his number and induct him into monument park. He was named the Yankee Captain, rightfully so, and its been a title that he has upheld proudly and honorably.
Their was a time when DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, was thought of as the third best shortstop in the American League, behind Seattle's Alex Rodriguez and Boston's NO-MMMARRR Garciaparra. So called experts would debate between the three on who was the better hitter, fielder, most important to the team, longer lasting career. Everyone had a horse in the race. After Saturday however, I think we all know now, which player won that derby. NO-MMMAAARRR's career fizzled after being traded away from Boston and is now occupying a chair in Bristol, Connecticut analysing baseball games. And A-Rod, arguably the best all-around player in baseball prior and up to when he first joined the Yankees, was told that he had to vacate the position he had grown accustomed to playing his whole career and had won gold gloves at, and was told to move one spot to the left, and become a third baseman. While A-Rod is still playing third for the Yankees and may eventually end his career with better all-around numbers than DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, he'll do so as a third baseman, thanks to one DE-REK JE-TER, number #2.
Their are always people in this world who you just wonder how life turned out so good for them. It's storybook-like; and you can either be bitter about how the story and how it ends, or marvel at the story and become a listener in ah. For the story of DE-REK JE-TER, number #2, everyone should be mouth agape, and in ah at what he has been able to accomplish in his career. The hits, the rings, the bravado. How much cooler can this guy get?
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Oh What a Year Makes
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Oh What a Year Makes: "It will be one year ago tomorrow that LeBron James sat down with Jim Gray at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut, and made his..."
Oh What a Year Makes
It will be one year ago tomorrow that LeBron James sat down with Jim Gray at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut, and made his infamous "decision" to leave his semi-home town of Cleveland, Ohio (he actually hometown is Akron) and continue playing for the Cavaliers, and "take his talents" to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat. He was joining his two best friends in the NBA in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form a trio that would rival such trios as The Three Stooges, The Bee Gees, and depending on who you ask - The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. The Nielsen Co. estimated that a total of 9.95 million people, and this blogger, all became "witnesses" to one of the greatest decision ever announced on national television.
Not since Richard Nixon resigning from the office of the Presidency, the United States declaring war on terror, or the O.J. Simpson verdict, has a decision ever been so publicly watched. I remember that day very distinctly. It was one of our (Mrs. Loveseat and myself) last days in our quaint little apartment, and we had minimal furniture and belongs. I purposely stalled and delayed moving the tv into our new house, as it was announced a one day prior that LeBron would be making his "decision" on national television and on ESPN. The day of the "decision," I rushed home from work to assure that I was in front of the tv in time so that I could be one of the many "witnesses" to LeBron's "decision." Even Mrs. Loveseat joined me on the couch to watch the "decision" as we ate dinner. After it was over, she turns to me and says, "all this for a stupid announcement on where he is going to be playing next season?" At the time, I looked at her as if she was crazy to ask such a question and tried to explain the logic behind the circus. Now, she may have made a good point.
The hype and phenomena that surrounded the "decision" now seems so trivial, as just over a month ago, we saw that the Miami Heat were indeed human, as they fell to the Dallas Mavericks in 6 games for the NBA Championship. It is a safe assumption to make that unless you live in Miami, you were most likely rooting for the Dallas Mavericks to win, based on the sheer hatred for LeBron and the Miami Heat, depriving from his "decision." But did we help fuel it? Did we (along with ESPN) help fuel the ego of LeBron? Are we at fault for our known hatred of LeBron?
The only reason ESPN even televised the whole LeBron "decision" was because execs knew that enough people across the country would care to watch it, myself included. It was worth their wide to stage the "decision" and put LeBron on that pedestal. It's unclear, depending on who you ask, who originated the "decision." Some say LeBron went to ESPN, other say the reverse. But either way, we help create this massacre. And now, a year ago tomorrow, LeBron went from being one of the most beloved and humble athletes in professional sports; to now one of the most hated and vilified.
I don't fault LeBron for wanting to go play for the Miami Heat and surround himself with his best friends in D-Wade and Chris Bosh. He was a free agent and it is his right to go play wherever he so pleases. But I am disappointed in what he (LeBron) has become and what he let his self-image come too. I'm also disappointed in us fans for helping fuel all this, as we allowed ourselves to become so enamoured with where LeBron would go play basketball (I included myself in this). Ultimately, everyone is at fault here. In a matter of a year, the most popular and liked athlete in professional sports single handily destroyed his image and likability, and we helped his cause. Oh what a year makes.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Not since Richard Nixon resigning from the office of the Presidency, the United States declaring war on terror, or the O.J. Simpson verdict, has a decision ever been so publicly watched. I remember that day very distinctly. It was one of our (Mrs. Loveseat and myself) last days in our quaint little apartment, and we had minimal furniture and belongs. I purposely stalled and delayed moving the tv into our new house, as it was announced a one day prior that LeBron would be making his "decision" on national television and on ESPN. The day of the "decision," I rushed home from work to assure that I was in front of the tv in time so that I could be one of the many "witnesses" to LeBron's "decision." Even Mrs. Loveseat joined me on the couch to watch the "decision" as we ate dinner. After it was over, she turns to me and says, "all this for a stupid announcement on where he is going to be playing next season?" At the time, I looked at her as if she was crazy to ask such a question and tried to explain the logic behind the circus. Now, she may have made a good point.
The hype and phenomena that surrounded the "decision" now seems so trivial, as just over a month ago, we saw that the Miami Heat were indeed human, as they fell to the Dallas Mavericks in 6 games for the NBA Championship. It is a safe assumption to make that unless you live in Miami, you were most likely rooting for the Dallas Mavericks to win, based on the sheer hatred for LeBron and the Miami Heat, depriving from his "decision." But did we help fuel it? Did we (along with ESPN) help fuel the ego of LeBron? Are we at fault for our known hatred of LeBron?
The only reason ESPN even televised the whole LeBron "decision" was because execs knew that enough people across the country would care to watch it, myself included. It was worth their wide to stage the "decision" and put LeBron on that pedestal. It's unclear, depending on who you ask, who originated the "decision." Some say LeBron went to ESPN, other say the reverse. But either way, we help create this massacre. And now, a year ago tomorrow, LeBron went from being one of the most beloved and humble athletes in professional sports; to now one of the most hated and vilified.
I don't fault LeBron for wanting to go play for the Miami Heat and surround himself with his best friends in D-Wade and Chris Bosh. He was a free agent and it is his right to go play wherever he so pleases. But I am disappointed in what he (LeBron) has become and what he let his self-image come too. I'm also disappointed in us fans for helping fuel all this, as we allowed ourselves to become so enamoured with where LeBron would go play basketball (I included myself in this). Ultimately, everyone is at fault here. In a matter of a year, the most popular and liked athlete in professional sports single handily destroyed his image and likability, and we helped his cause. Oh what a year makes.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: My All-Star Rosters -- Post Dated
Mr. Armchair Speaks: My All-Star Rosters -- Post Dated: "So I had this all tee'd up and ready to go before the actual announcement of the National and American League All-Star teams. Unfortunately..."
My All-Star Rosters -- Post Dated
So I had this all tee'd up and ready to go before the actual announcement of the National and American League All-Star teams. Unfortunately, due to schedule conflicts, I wasn't able to get this up in time. I kept everything true to form and didn't change anything upon seeing the actual roster results.
With the start of summer comes the Major League Baseball All-Star game. Of the three major sports, this is the one All-Star game that people actually take an interest in and has withstand the test of time. With much anticipation, kids and baseball enthusiast types wait to see if there favorite players will make the team. I gave my best shot at predicting each league All-Star teams. I adhered to the rules of Major League Baseball the best I could. Fans vote for each leagues starters, the players and coaches then vote for the starters' back-ups, and the managers of each leagues team picks the reserves and pitchers.
The players that I had earmarked as my All-Star starters were the leading vote getters at their positions as of Thursday, June 30th. According to MLB rules, if a starting player is injured and unable to play in the All-Star game, the next leading vote getter is named the starter. There are rules pertaining to pitchers pitching in the All-Star game that I didn't take into account. MLB rules states, if a pitcher pitches on the Sunday prior to the All-Star game, he is not allowed to pitch in the All-Star game and will be replaced on the roster. However, he is still recognized as an All-Star and is in attendance at the game. For this post, I just picked the pitchers who I thought should make the team. I also didn't take into account the fans voting in the last player to fill the final roster spot.
In all, 34 players (at least one player representing each team) are picked for each All-Star team. Here is my best shot.
National League Roster
Catcher
Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves (Starter)
Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks
First Base
Albert Pujlos, St. Louis Cardinals (Starter) (Injured)
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers (Starter)
Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
Gaby Sanchez, Florida Marlins
Michael Morse, Washington Nationals
Second Base
Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers (Starter)
Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
Third Base
Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies (Starter)
Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
Shortstop
Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies (Starter)
Jose Reyes, New York Mets
Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
Outfield
Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers (Starter)
Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals (Starter)
Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals (Starter)
Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers
Hunter Pence, Houston Astros
Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
Shane Victorino, Philadelphia Phillies
Pitchers
Jari Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves (Starter)
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies
Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves
Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Joel Hanrahan, Pittsburgh Pirates
Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
Houston Street, Colorado Rockies
American League Roster
Catcher
Russell Martin, New York Yankees (Starter)
Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers
Victor Martinez , Detroit Tigers
First Base
Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox (Starter)
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox
Second Base
Robinson Cano, New York Yankees (Starter)
Howard Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels
Third Base
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (Starter)
Michael Young, Texas Rangers
Shortstop
Derek Jeter, New York Yankees (Starter)
Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians
Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers
Designated Hitter
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (Starter)
Outfield
Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays (Starter)
Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees (Starter)
Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers (Starter)
Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles
Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins
Pitchers
Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers (Starter)
Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels
Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox
James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays
C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees
Gio Gonzalez, Oakland A's
Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners
Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
Brandon League, Seattle Mariners
Kyle Fransworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Mr. Armchair Speaking
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