It's only just started getting cold, but don't tell that to GM's around the major leagues. Deals have already started being made, and big ones too, before the Winter Meetings. The Boston Red Sox got P Josh Beckett and 3B Mike Lowell from the Marlins for prospects, the Mets got 1B Carlos Delgado from the Marlins for prospects too. The White Sox and Phillies swapped Major Leaguers, prospects, and of course money in their deal. The White Sox get 1B Jim Thome, and the Phillies get CF Aaron Rowand. I like all three trades, but two of them better than the third.
Nothing bad can be said about the trade to bring Josh Beckett to Boston. Yes, Lowell got forced in on it but oh well. The Red Sox get a fireballing pitcher who was the World Series MVP a few years ago. Oh and he's only 25 years old. (Im 25 years old!!! I don't have a World Series ring or MVP trophy. You win this round Beckett.) There are some concerns in Boston about the trade though. Mostly being the fact Beckett has never thrown 200 innings, and has blister problems. There's also the fact they gave up prized SS prospect Hanley Ramirez in the deal. Blisters can be dealt with, and losing Ramirez is not that big a deal really. I mean you just signed Edgar Renteria to a big 4 year contract last season. It's not like you have a need at shortstop. You do have a need in your rotation though. Curt Schilling cannot be counted on, Matt Clement got roughed up after the All Star break, and Jon Papelbon has only thrown 35 ML innings. It's not everyday you get to add a Cy Young caliber starter for some prospects. Plus if Lowell's bat comes back to life in Fenway it's just an added bonus. Nobody expects much from him anyway, so if he does nothing, oh well. If he hits .265 with 25 HR and maybe 70 RBI's, awesome. I only wish I knew who made this trade for the Red Sox. Was it Theo? One of his "students?" Larry Lucchino? Whoever it was deserves a pat on the back.
The White Sox and Phillies I think both come out winners in their deal. The White Sox get one thing their World Championship team desperately lacked last season, left handed thunder. While the Phillies could afford to dump Thome thanks to the emergence of Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard. Plus now Philly gets a terrific Centerfielder in Rowand. Rowands somewhat modest numbers in Chicago this season (AVG .270 HR 13 RBI 69) could turn into huge numbers in Citizens Bank Park. I'm somewhat confident I could pop 20-25 out in that park. Another huge aspect of the deal is that the Phillies are paying 22 million of the money left on Thome's contract. This allows the White Sox enough room to keep Paul Konerko on the South Side. GM Ken Williams promised Konerko he would find protection for him in the White Sox lineup, and he kept his promise. The ball is in Konerko's court now, and if he goes somewhere else bringing in Thome at least provides insurance for the offense. GM Ken Williams has made it clear he would like to know Konerko's intentions by the end of the Winter Meetings on December 8th. I have a feeling Konerko will re-sign with the Sox, and they can move on to arbitration for players like P Jon Garland and 3B Joe Crede.
The Mets are the final team I'm going to talk about. They also dealt with the Marlins and picked up a power hitting lefty 1B of their own in Carlos Delgado. Don't get me wrong, getting Delgado is a good thing for the Mets, but they just gave up too much. I mean the Marlins are in the middle of a full blown firesale. Anybody who makes money can be had by anybody for virtually nothing. Mets GM Omar Minaya only had to say "We'll take Delgado off your hands, and in return you can have a couple guys off of this list." Then offer some mid range prospects. The Marlins can't say no. They have no leverage. Minaya has made some good moves bringing in players like Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran, and now Carlos Delgado. The problem is he's just giving up too much for these players and I think it will catch up to the Mets in the long run.
With the Marlins firesale only beginning there's no way of knowing who will go where by next spring. I know Juan Pierre is available, and that the Chicago Cubs are lookin at him. In my opinion the Cubs would be better off seeing what it costs for 2B Luis Castillo. He would fit the leadoff spot in the lineup the Cubs desperately need. Also this would enable the Cubs to trade Todd Walker and free up some money. Also it could save them from overpaying for Rafeal Furcal (whom I believe is only using the Cubs to drive up his price before he returns to Atlanta.) or Juan Pierre. Of course this only solves one problem that the Cubs have, but I think Brian Giles makes sense for them too. They need an outfield, and Giles could be amazing in the 2 spot of that lineup. Think of it, Castillo leading off, followed by Giles, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirez. Cap that off with Carlos Zambrano, a healthy Mark Prior, and anything from the bullpen and the Cubs might do something this year. I don't know if it will be enough to save Dusty Baker's job, but I also don't know that Baker deserves saving. Also I know that with the White Sox winning the World Series this year there is an added pressure on the Cubs to win in the city of Chicago. Who knows if Wrigley Field, the warm sun, and a cold beer will be enough to bring in the masses anymore on the North Side? A lot of Cub fans had to see their enemies celebrate like never before, and it could cause a little less tolerance for losing.
It's still early in the 2005/2006 offseason, and there are sure to be a lot more deals being made. The Red Sox, White Sox, and Mets all filled needs for this season. Other teams are going to have to follow suit, and do it soon. Either way the Hot Stove League always seems to be just as fun as the actual season, and that's the way I see it.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Vindication for Paterno and the Nittany Lions
Saturday November 19th brought a very frustrating few seasons in Happy Valley, PA. full circle. With a 31-22 victory in East Lansing, Michigan over the Michigan State Spartans the Nittany Lions won their first Big Ten Title since 1994. There was a lot more to this victory than would meet the eye though.
What about the last few seasons in which the Penn State Nittany Lions were only able to notch 3 conference wins in 2 seasons? What about the fact that most industry insiders had picked PSU to finish about sixth in the conference this year? Most importantly what about all those Penn State fans, students and alumni who had spent the last few years calling for Paterno to be fired? He had lost it they all said. I myself had begun to wonder. As a long time fan of Penn State (Penn State and Notre Dame are the only 2 college football teams I can claim to be a fan of.) I thought maybe it was time for JoePa to go too. I never thought he should be fired, but I kind of hoped he may retire. Turns out we were the ones who had lost it. We had lost faith in the man that made Penn State football what it is. Of course Joe Paterno being Joe Paterno he didn't say "I told you so." or boast. Nope he just ran off the field victorius for the 353rd time in his career. Why no celebration?
"You know, I've had a lot of good football teams," Paterno said "The kids are the ones that are fired up. They're the ones who went through those losing seasons and everyone doubting them."
You know he had to be jumping for joy inside though. Penn State went about this game the same way they always have under Paterno, and this season. They didn't steamroll the Spartans, or dominate them. They just played their game, and let the Spartans make mistakes. When they did, the Nittany Lions capitalized on them. Nobody capitalized on the mistakes of Michigan State more than cornerback Alan Zemaitis. He personally was on the receiving end of three of the four interceptions the Nittany Lion Defense made during the game.
Quarterback Michael Robinson continued his exceptional season also for the PSU offense. He only threw for 105 yards and one touchdown, but he also led the Lion offense in rushing yards with 90. The longest of which was a 33 yard run for a Nittany Lion touchdown. Running Back Tony Hunt also contributed with 20 carries for 89 yards and a score.
What about the last few seasons in which the Penn State Nittany Lions were only able to notch 3 conference wins in 2 seasons? What about the fact that most industry insiders had picked PSU to finish about sixth in the conference this year? Most importantly what about all those Penn State fans, students and alumni who had spent the last few years calling for Paterno to be fired? He had lost it they all said. I myself had begun to wonder. As a long time fan of Penn State (Penn State and Notre Dame are the only 2 college football teams I can claim to be a fan of.) I thought maybe it was time for JoePa to go too. I never thought he should be fired, but I kind of hoped he may retire. Turns out we were the ones who had lost it. We had lost faith in the man that made Penn State football what it is. Of course Joe Paterno being Joe Paterno he didn't say "I told you so." or boast. Nope he just ran off the field victorius for the 353rd time in his career. Why no celebration?
"You know, I've had a lot of good football teams," Paterno said "The kids are the ones that are fired up. They're the ones who went through those losing seasons and everyone doubting them."
You know he had to be jumping for joy inside though. Penn State went about this game the same way they always have under Paterno, and this season. They didn't steamroll the Spartans, or dominate them. They just played their game, and let the Spartans make mistakes. When they did, the Nittany Lions capitalized on them. Nobody capitalized on the mistakes of Michigan State more than cornerback Alan Zemaitis. He personally was on the receiving end of three of the four interceptions the Nittany Lion Defense made during the game.
Quarterback Michael Robinson continued his exceptional season also for the PSU offense. He only threw for 105 yards and one touchdown, but he also led the Lion offense in rushing yards with 90. The longest of which was a 33 yard run for a Nittany Lion touchdown. Running Back Tony Hunt also contributed with 20 carries for 89 yards and a score.
Robinson knew what this win meant. "It's a sense of accomplishment and relief. There were a lot of people doubting us, a lot of people doubting Joe Paterno, a lot of people doubting this team, but I'm so happy now."
So whats next for the Nittany Lions? The newly released BCS standing now have PSU in third behind USC and Texas. What that means is that a loss by either of those two teams would likely end up with Penn State going to the Rose Bowl (Like they normally would winning the Big Ten, but not this year since the Rose Bowl is the Championship game.) to play for a national championship. Could you imagine how great an end to this storyline that would be?
Most likely though it looks like the Lions are destined for another BCS bowl. The Fiesta Bowl where they would likely go against Notre Dame. Talk about a conflict of interest for this College Football fan. Either way nothing can take away what a wonderful season this has been in Happy Valley for the Nittany Lions and their fans. In my opinion there is no man in college football who deserves it more than Joe Paterno either, and that's the way I see it.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Gimme An O!!!!
Apparently whenever the Carolina Panthers score a touchdown isn't the only time that their cheerleaders get excited. Two Panther cheerleaders (TopCats) were arrested this weekend. Why? Well this is where it gets fun. Angela Keathley and Renee Thomas were arrested following an incident at Banana Joe's, in Tampa's Channelside district. That incident being having sex in the bathroom stall with each other.
The Culprits
Angela Keathley
Renee Thomas
Apparently patrons of the bar grew rather upset waiting to get inside the bathroom and Keathley even attacked one of them. Both girls were very intoxicated according to police and eye witness reports. What does this incident have to do with football or sports in general? Not a damn thing, I just wanted to write about this.
Personally I'm all for this type of behavior. Cheerleaders need to support each other and stick together. They are of vital importance to any sports team, and it's hard to stay so cheery throughout the long grind of a NFL season. These kinds of measures are needed to keep that chipper disposition.
I just love the fact that this is a national story. It's nothing different from events I would see on a Tuesday night during my time in Champaign, Illinois. Now if two Carolina Panther PLAYERS got arrested for having sex in a bathroom stall, THAT would be a story. Since when do cheerleaders matter? I thought they were just there for the star quarterback to take his frustration out on after a loss. Oh well, guess I was wrong, and that's the way I see it.
The Culprits
Angela Keathley
Renee Thomas
Apparently patrons of the bar grew rather upset waiting to get inside the bathroom and Keathley even attacked one of them. Both girls were very intoxicated according to police and eye witness reports. What does this incident have to do with football or sports in general? Not a damn thing, I just wanted to write about this.
Personally I'm all for this type of behavior. Cheerleaders need to support each other and stick together. They are of vital importance to any sports team, and it's hard to stay so cheery throughout the long grind of a NFL season. These kinds of measures are needed to keep that chipper disposition.
I just love the fact that this is a national story. It's nothing different from events I would see on a Tuesday night during my time in Champaign, Illinois. Now if two Carolina Panther PLAYERS got arrested for having sex in a bathroom stall, THAT would be a story. Since when do cheerleaders matter? I thought they were just there for the star quarterback to take his frustration out on after a loss. Oh well, guess I was wrong, and that's the way I see it.
T.O. Get's K.O.'d By Eagles
Terrell Owens what would the sportswriting public do without you? In a week where the "Game of the Year" is being played in New England as I write this you have managed to steal the headlines yet again.
The Eagles suspended their star wide receiver today for the rest of the season without pay for statements he made in an interview with ESPN. Head coach Andy Reid also said that the suspension is not a result of only that interview but many antics Owens has partaken in. Let's look at a timeline here.
Last season Owens is signed by the Eagles after an ugly end to his life in San Francisco. Owens goes on to talk about how happy he is to be teamed with a real quarterback like Donovan McNabb and everybody is happy. Well until Philadelphia loses it's first game and Owens is seen yelling at McNabb on the sideline. A week later the two are again seen on the sidelines during a victory making fun of the much publisized spat. How cute, everything is hunky dory again. A few weeks after Owens breaks his leg. He is out for the remainder of the season, but the Eagles finally make it to the Super Bowl without him. Being the amazing physical specimen he is Owens actually makes it back to play in the Super Bowl despite what doctors had thought about his leg. He goes onto have a great performance and is really the Eagles lone bright spot in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Owens then goes on to take cheap shots at Donovan McNabb in the offseason, coming just short of openly saying he was the reason the Eagles lost Super Bowl 39.
Fast forward to this preseason when Owens holds out with his new super agent Drew Rosenhaus looking for a new contract, even though he just signed one the season before. As much as I hate when players do this I must admit Owens had a point. NFL teams don't have to honor these contracts and can cut any player at any time they choose, so why can't the players have the same priviledge? After a long holdout Owens returns to the Eagles without a new contract, and still bitter. He continually takes shots at McNabb and the organization through the media.
Now we come to a few days ago when Owens said in an ESPN interview that if Brett Favre were the Eagles QB they would be undefeated. He was also upset that the Eagles did not acknowledge his 100th career TD reception after he made it. Apparently this was the final straw, as now Owens will not be playing the rest of this season, and probably more important to him, he won't be getting paid either.
Terrell Owens celebrates his 100th TD Catch
In my opinion Terrell Owens is an idiot. Don't get me wrong when you put him out on that football field there is no better competitor at his position. He may be the NFL's premier Wide Receiver. The problems start off the field. How much money has he cost himself in this? If he just keeps his mouth shut and plays football and helps the Eagles win a Super Bowl they HAVE to pay him. Instead he just chooses to be a distraction, and a team cancer. Yes a football team will sign Owens next season. Unfortunately in the NFL talent trumps character all too often. No owner will give him anything but a 1 year deal though, and it will probably be incentive laden, with little guaranteed. He had problems in San Francisco, and now he's having problems in Philadelphia. Maybe now is the time for T.O. to finally go through with the threats he made years ago in San Francisco and start that basketball career he talked about, and thats the way I see it.
The Eagles suspended their star wide receiver today for the rest of the season without pay for statements he made in an interview with ESPN. Head coach Andy Reid also said that the suspension is not a result of only that interview but many antics Owens has partaken in. Let's look at a timeline here.
Last season Owens is signed by the Eagles after an ugly end to his life in San Francisco. Owens goes on to talk about how happy he is to be teamed with a real quarterback like Donovan McNabb and everybody is happy. Well until Philadelphia loses it's first game and Owens is seen yelling at McNabb on the sideline. A week later the two are again seen on the sidelines during a victory making fun of the much publisized spat. How cute, everything is hunky dory again. A few weeks after Owens breaks his leg. He is out for the remainder of the season, but the Eagles finally make it to the Super Bowl without him. Being the amazing physical specimen he is Owens actually makes it back to play in the Super Bowl despite what doctors had thought about his leg. He goes onto have a great performance and is really the Eagles lone bright spot in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Owens then goes on to take cheap shots at Donovan McNabb in the offseason, coming just short of openly saying he was the reason the Eagles lost Super Bowl 39.
Fast forward to this preseason when Owens holds out with his new super agent Drew Rosenhaus looking for a new contract, even though he just signed one the season before. As much as I hate when players do this I must admit Owens had a point. NFL teams don't have to honor these contracts and can cut any player at any time they choose, so why can't the players have the same priviledge? After a long holdout Owens returns to the Eagles without a new contract, and still bitter. He continually takes shots at McNabb and the organization through the media.
Now we come to a few days ago when Owens said in an ESPN interview that if Brett Favre were the Eagles QB they would be undefeated. He was also upset that the Eagles did not acknowledge his 100th career TD reception after he made it. Apparently this was the final straw, as now Owens will not be playing the rest of this season, and probably more important to him, he won't be getting paid either.
Terrell Owens celebrates his 100th TD Catch
In my opinion Terrell Owens is an idiot. Don't get me wrong when you put him out on that football field there is no better competitor at his position. He may be the NFL's premier Wide Receiver. The problems start off the field. How much money has he cost himself in this? If he just keeps his mouth shut and plays football and helps the Eagles win a Super Bowl they HAVE to pay him. Instead he just chooses to be a distraction, and a team cancer. Yes a football team will sign Owens next season. Unfortunately in the NFL talent trumps character all too often. No owner will give him anything but a 1 year deal though, and it will probably be incentive laden, with little guaranteed. He had problems in San Francisco, and now he's having problems in Philadelphia. Maybe now is the time for T.O. to finally go through with the threats he made years ago in San Francisco and start that basketball career he talked about, and thats the way I see it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Follow by Email
