The title pretty much says it all. Lets starting mocking...
1)Detroit Lions: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
-If an OT really impresses at the combine, I can see the Lions taking him in a move similar to the Texans taking Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. For now, Stafford seems like the best choice for the winless Lions.
2)St. Louis Rams: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
-Again, an OT could be the pick here but not until after the combine. Crabtree is widely considered to be the most talented player in this draft and the Rams have needs everywhere. Perhaps trading Torry Holt makes the selection more of a no-brainer.
3)Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry-LB-Wake Forest
-Curry is a beast but is he worth the 3rd pick? Mark Sanchez could be considered here but I think the Chiefs would rather take their chances with Tyler Thigpen. A DE could be the pick considering the need but it'd be a reach at this point in time. Curry isn't a bad player to build a defense around.
4)Seattle Seahawks-Andre Smith-OT-Alabama
-With Michael Crabtree off the board, grabbing Walter Jones' future replacement isn't a bad alternative. Smith lines up at RT next year for the Seahawks and slides over to the left side when Jones leaves.
5)Cleveland Browns-Malcolm Jenkins-CB-Ohio State
-The Browns desperately need help on defense and Jenkins will provide that help. There may not be a safer player in this draft but that doesn't mean he isn't darn good. Jenkins could very well be one of the top 3-5 CBs in the league very soon.
6)Cincinnati Bengals-Michael Oher-OT-Ole Miss
-The Bengals are living the dream as 3 of the 4 top OTs fall to them. Protecting Carson Palmer should be of the utmost concern to Cincy and adding Oher addresses that.
7)Oakland Raiders-Eugene Monroe-OT-Virginia
-Jeremy Maclin could be Al Davis' pick here but building a strong offensive line to help JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden should be a bigger priority.
8)Jacksonville Jaguars-Jason Smith-OT-Baylor
A third straight offensive tackles come off the board as the Jags fill a major hole with the BPA in Smith. A good speedy reciever like Maclin could be an option if the OTs don't fall as I plan, but with Smith on the board they can't pass him up.
9)Green Bay Packers-Brian Orakpo-DE-Texas
Not only is Orakpo the BPA at this point, he also fills a need for the Packers. Orakpo will lineup opposite Aaron Campman in Dom Caper's 3-4 defense. With Ryan Pickett in the middle, the d-line of the Packers appears set.
10)San Francisco 49ers-Everette Brown-DE-Florida State
Mike Singletary decides to go with his boy Shaun Hill at QB and starts to build a menacing defense as he adds Brown to Patrick Willis. Mark Sanchez is the obvious alternative pick here.
Before I move on I just want to say that I had a couple of sentences written out for each pick and when I submitted the post it all got deleted so forgive me for not re-writing it all but I'm rather pissed right now. Anyways....
11) Buffalo Bills: Rey Maulauga-LB-USC
12) Denver Broncos: BJ Raji -DT-Boston College
13) Washington Redskins: Aaron Maybin-DE-Penn State
14) New Orleans Saints: Vontae Davis-S-Illinois
15) Houston Texans: Peria Jerry-DT-Ole Miss
16) San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells-RB-Ohio State
17) New York Jets: Mark Sanchez-QB-USC
18) Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin-WR-Mizzou
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia
20) Detroit Lions: Eben Britton-OT-Arizona
21) Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew-TE-Oklahoma State
22) Minnesota Vikings: Darrius Heyward-Bay-WR-Maryland
23) New England Patriots: DJ Moore-CB-Vanderbilt
24) Atlanta Falcons: Duke Robinson-G-Oklahoma
25) Miami Dolphins: James Lauaranitis-LB-Ohio State
26) Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin-WR-Florida
27) Indianapolis Colts: Ron Brace-DT-Florida State
28) Philadelphia Eagles: William Moore-S-Mizzou
29) New York Giants: Brian Cushing-LB-USC
30) Tennessee Titans: Hakeem Nicks-WR-North Carolina
31) Arizona Cardinals: LeSean McCoy-RB-Pittsburgh
32) Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack-C-California
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Remaining Free Agent Starting Pitchers
It is January 20th and the MLB free agent market still features several quality starting pitchers. Many believe a struggling economy mixed with high salary demands is keeping these pitchers from signing.
Here is a look at who is available, what makes them so attractive and/or unattractive and a prediction on where they will end up.
-Sheets is undoubtedly the most talented pitcher without a contract. He combines an explosive repertoire of pitches with all star results. However, injury concerns play a large role in Sheets' inability to find a contract to his liking. He made it through most of last season injury free but suffered a tear in his elbow during September that caused him to miss the postseason. Along with the injury problems is the fact that any team that signs Sheets will have to forfeit a 1st round draft pick due to his Type A status.
A team in desperate need of a front of the rotation starter to help complete a possible contender should be intrigued by Sheets. Anyone looking for a back of the rotation innings eater will likely look elsewhere.
Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers - 2 years, 18 million with 3rd year option at 13 million
Oliver Perez:
10-7, 4.22 ERA, 194 INN, 167 H, 105 BB, 180 K, 100 ERA+
-Not many pitchers have gone through the ups and downs that Oliver Perez has the past few years. For the past two seasons things have been up for Oliver. Because of this, he is asking for the moon and expecting nothing less. Concerns about control and stamina mixed with being a Type A free agent have lead to little interest in the 27 year old lefty. Perez is a risky signing for any club, I guess except the Yankees, because it is possible that he lets his control problems get the best of him and reverts back to his 2005-2006 form. Although there is as good a chance he throws enough strikes to be a solid #2-3 starter.
I can't see Perez escaping from New York after the Mets lost out on Derek Lowe. The Mets need one more starter to complete their rotation and they already have some good, reliable arms in Santana, Pelfrey and Maine. The risky Perez shouldn't scare them too much. A signing could take longer to develop now that Derek Lowe signed for big bucks. Perez is going to want his demands met, too. Not sure if that will happen.
Prediction: New York Mets - 3 years, 31.5 million with 4th year option at 12.5 million
Jon Garland:
14-8, 4.90 ERA, 192 INN, 237 H, 59 BB, 90 K, 91 ERA+
-One of the more unexciting pitchers in the game, Garland gets hitters out by getting ahead early and inducing weak contact. Because of this, he has been one of the most durable starters in the game. Last year, though, was the first time since 2003 that Garland didn't top 200 innings. However, it wasn't because of injury. Garland made 32 starts. It was because he had a rough season posting the worst ERA and ERA+ and lowest K total(in a full season) of his big league career. Perhaps a switch to the National League could help Garland out a lot.
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk about Garland. I'm going to guess he still thinks he can get 3 years at about 8-10 per. In the end, I think he caves and goes the Kyle Lohse route.
Prediction: Washington Nationals - 1 year, 6.5 million with about 2-3 million in incentives
Randy Wolf:
12-12, 4.30 ERA, 190.1 INN, 191 H, 71 BB, 162 K, 93 ERA+
-Wolf is a poor man's Ben Sheets. He is a good middle to back of the rotation pitcher that can toss a good amount of quality starts. Like Sheets, though, injuries are a problem. In 2008, Wolf made 30+ starts for the first time since 2003. Tommy John surgery and shoulder surgery have kept him on the DL for much of 2004 to 2007. His strong comeback in 2008 dismisses the thought that the surgeries have drained Wolf of his ability to be an impact starter in the majors. Also, he is just a Type B free agent so his new team will not have to forfeit a draft pick.
Still, a team looking for a sure bet to get 190+ innings may feel more comfortable with Garland or Pettitte.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers - 2 years, 14 million
Andy Pettitte:
14-14, 4.54 ERA, 204 INN, 233 H, 19 HR, 55 BB, 158 K, 98 ERA+
-Pettitte might have been one of the more underrated pitchers in free agency this winter. At least among the fans. He isn't the dominating stud he was in Houston in 2005(not really sure where that season came from) but he is almost a lock to pitch 200 innings with solid results. On the road last season, Pettitte posted a 3.78 ERA compared to a 5.28 ERA in Yankee Stadium. So perhaps getting out of the Bronx will be a good move for the 37 year old lefty. (Of course where I have him going might not be any better.)
Pettitte already turned down the Yankees 10 mil offer but that doesn't mean he will get more elsewhere. Not many teams have 10+ million lying around. I believe Pettitte was just pulling a Joe Torre and felt a massive paycut was a slap in the face. Pettitte has a worse case than Torre does, though. He is a good #3-4 starter, but he is seeking the money of a #1-2 starter. He won't find it.
Prediction: Texas Rangers - 2 years, 18.5 million
Braden Looper:
12-14, 4.16 ERA, 199 INN, 216 H, 25 HR, 45 BB, 108 K, 102 ERA+
-It wasn't long ago that Looper was closing out ballgames at Shea Stadium. It also wasn't long ago that he was getting booed off the field at Shea Stadium. Thanks to Dave Duncan, Looper has found a nice home in the starting rotation the past two seasons. Looper has surprisingly become a quality back of the rotation arm. Although the improvement he showed from his first year of starting to the second could carry over to year three and turn him into more of an impact starter. I doubt any GM is banking on that and I'm sure several GMs are worried about the durability of a 34 year old pitcher that is just two years removed from pitching in relief for 9 straight years.
For now, innings eating and strike throwing as well as providing a good amount of quality starts help boost Looper's attractiveness. Long term contracts probably aren't in his future but I could see several suitors giving him a call if he decides to accept a shorter deal.
Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals - 1 year, 6 million with 2nd year option at 8 million
Here is a look at who is available, what makes them so attractive and/or unattractive and a prediction on where they will end up.
Ben Sheets:
13-9, 3.09 ERA, 198.1 INN, 181 H, 17 HR, 47 BB, 158 K, 139 ERA+-Sheets is undoubtedly the most talented pitcher without a contract. He combines an explosive repertoire of pitches with all star results. However, injury concerns play a large role in Sheets' inability to find a contract to his liking. He made it through most of last season injury free but suffered a tear in his elbow during September that caused him to miss the postseason. Along with the injury problems is the fact that any team that signs Sheets will have to forfeit a 1st round draft pick due to his Type A status.
A team in desperate need of a front of the rotation starter to help complete a possible contender should be intrigued by Sheets. Anyone looking for a back of the rotation innings eater will likely look elsewhere.
Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers - 2 years, 18 million with 3rd year option at 13 million
Oliver Perez:
10-7, 4.22 ERA, 194 INN, 167 H, 105 BB, 180 K, 100 ERA+
-Not many pitchers have gone through the ups and downs that Oliver Perez has the past few years. For the past two seasons things have been up for Oliver. Because of this, he is asking for the moon and expecting nothing less. Concerns about control and stamina mixed with being a Type A free agent have lead to little interest in the 27 year old lefty. Perez is a risky signing for any club, I guess except the Yankees, because it is possible that he lets his control problems get the best of him and reverts back to his 2005-2006 form. Although there is as good a chance he throws enough strikes to be a solid #2-3 starter.
I can't see Perez escaping from New York after the Mets lost out on Derek Lowe. The Mets need one more starter to complete their rotation and they already have some good, reliable arms in Santana, Pelfrey and Maine. The risky Perez shouldn't scare them too much. A signing could take longer to develop now that Derek Lowe signed for big bucks. Perez is going to want his demands met, too. Not sure if that will happen.
Prediction: New York Mets - 3 years, 31.5 million with 4th year option at 12.5 million
Jon Garland:
14-8, 4.90 ERA, 192 INN, 237 H, 59 BB, 90 K, 91 ERA+
-One of the more unexciting pitchers in the game, Garland gets hitters out by getting ahead early and inducing weak contact. Because of this, he has been one of the most durable starters in the game. Last year, though, was the first time since 2003 that Garland didn't top 200 innings. However, it wasn't because of injury. Garland made 32 starts. It was because he had a rough season posting the worst ERA and ERA+ and lowest K total(in a full season) of his big league career. Perhaps a switch to the National League could help Garland out a lot.
There hasn't been a whole lot of talk about Garland. I'm going to guess he still thinks he can get 3 years at about 8-10 per. In the end, I think he caves and goes the Kyle Lohse route.
Prediction: Washington Nationals - 1 year, 6.5 million with about 2-3 million in incentives
Randy Wolf:
12-12, 4.30 ERA, 190.1 INN, 191 H, 71 BB, 162 K, 93 ERA+
-Wolf is a poor man's Ben Sheets. He is a good middle to back of the rotation pitcher that can toss a good amount of quality starts. Like Sheets, though, injuries are a problem. In 2008, Wolf made 30+ starts for the first time since 2003. Tommy John surgery and shoulder surgery have kept him on the DL for much of 2004 to 2007. His strong comeback in 2008 dismisses the thought that the surgeries have drained Wolf of his ability to be an impact starter in the majors. Also, he is just a Type B free agent so his new team will not have to forfeit a draft pick.
Still, a team looking for a sure bet to get 190+ innings may feel more comfortable with Garland or Pettitte.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers - 2 years, 14 million
Andy Pettitte:
14-14, 4.54 ERA, 204 INN, 233 H, 19 HR, 55 BB, 158 K, 98 ERA+
-Pettitte might have been one of the more underrated pitchers in free agency this winter. At least among the fans. He isn't the dominating stud he was in Houston in 2005(not really sure where that season came from) but he is almost a lock to pitch 200 innings with solid results. On the road last season, Pettitte posted a 3.78 ERA compared to a 5.28 ERA in Yankee Stadium. So perhaps getting out of the Bronx will be a good move for the 37 year old lefty. (Of course where I have him going might not be any better.)
Pettitte already turned down the Yankees 10 mil offer but that doesn't mean he will get more elsewhere. Not many teams have 10+ million lying around. I believe Pettitte was just pulling a Joe Torre and felt a massive paycut was a slap in the face. Pettitte has a worse case than Torre does, though. He is a good #3-4 starter, but he is seeking the money of a #1-2 starter. He won't find it.
Prediction: Texas Rangers - 2 years, 18.5 million
Braden Looper:
12-14, 4.16 ERA, 199 INN, 216 H, 25 HR, 45 BB, 108 K, 102 ERA+
-It wasn't long ago that Looper was closing out ballgames at Shea Stadium. It also wasn't long ago that he was getting booed off the field at Shea Stadium. Thanks to Dave Duncan, Looper has found a nice home in the starting rotation the past two seasons. Looper has surprisingly become a quality back of the rotation arm. Although the improvement he showed from his first year of starting to the second could carry over to year three and turn him into more of an impact starter. I doubt any GM is banking on that and I'm sure several GMs are worried about the durability of a 34 year old pitcher that is just two years removed from pitching in relief for 9 straight years.
For now, innings eating and strike throwing as well as providing a good amount of quality starts help boost Looper's attractiveness. Long term contracts probably aren't in his future but I could see several suitors giving him a call if he decides to accept a shorter deal.
Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals - 1 year, 6 million with 2nd year option at 8 million
And Here We Go
Hello all,
Welcome to The Sports Rag. I'm Buck and I'll be your captain for this exciting journey. Alright, that is quite enough of that.
If you couldn't guess by the title, this blog will mostly be about sports. Namely baseball, both pro and college. If sports is your cup of tea then I suggest you keep coming back. If it isn't well just come on back anyways. I enjoy the company.
If you are a St. Louis Cardinals fan, check out my blog on the Cardinals titled "Holding all the Cardinals."
That is pretty much all I've got for now. I'll be back shortly to discuss some sports.
Welcome to The Sports Rag. I'm Buck and I'll be your captain for this exciting journey. Alright, that is quite enough of that.
If you couldn't guess by the title, this blog will mostly be about sports. Namely baseball, both pro and college. If sports is your cup of tea then I suggest you keep coming back. If it isn't well just come on back anyways. I enjoy the company.
If you are a St. Louis Cardinals fan, check out my blog on the Cardinals titled "Holding all the Cardinals."
That is pretty much all I've got for now. I'll be back shortly to discuss some sports.
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