Saints were great in the Superbowl. Now that that's over let's return to reality and their probable 8-8 season. Drew Brees led teams have on many occasions, had some issues, since he's been a starter. Let's look at them starting with the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2005. That record and quarterback rating is 8-8/76.9; 2-9/67.5; 11-4/104.8; 9-7/89.2. With the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to his Superbowl party in 2009, he's been 10-6/89.2 ;7-9/96.2; 8-8/89.4 and 13-2/96.2. There are a few good spots,
Now, let's take a peek at the quarterback that took over for Brees, Phillip Rivers. Since 2006 he's been 14-2/92 ; 11-5/82.4; 8-8/105.5 and 13-3/104.4 I'd say that's considerable better. Wouldn't you agree?
The Saints have at running back an electric if erratic Reggie Bush 5th yr, of the Heisman trouble fame. They also have a steady Pierre Thomas 4th yr. Good, not great backs both, and teams will be geared to stopped the pass. They're not going let Brees and company beat them through the air with wide receivers Marques Colston 5th yr, Devery Henderson 7th yr ,Robert Meachem 4th yr, Lance Moore 5th yr and played in only 7 games in 2009. Finally tight end Jeremy Shockey 9th yr. Their offensive line is LT Jermon Bushrod 4th yr, LG Carl Nicks 3rd yr, C Jonathan Goodwin 9th yr, RG Jahri Evans 5th yr, RT Jon Stinchcomb 8th yr.
Not a bad team but not great either. The Saints offense is predicated on being able to move the ball in the air to soften up those running lanes.In 2009 the Saints had 34 receiving touchdowns as opposed to 21 rushing touchdowns. Further Brees had two of those. The saints are going to have to find someway to generate rushing touchdowns This team will be lucky to get to 8-8. I give them that because the defense was strong and opportunistic last year and I expect them to be in the same mode this year. Last year they had 26 interceptions with five run back for touchdowns and 35 sacks. They forced 15 fumbles with 13 recovered and 3 run back for touchdowns.
Yeah I hear you. This offensive attack was good enough to get to the "show" last year. Yes that may be true but teams had a year to prepare for it. It's going to be ugly for the Saints.
The NFC East is going to be a struggle.
The Dallas Cowboys will find a way to implode this year as they have every year since 1998. Yes I said 1998 a wild card loss to the Cardinals. They are a very talented group from Tony Romo to their offensive line. They have Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Add in talented rookie Dez Bryant, Tight Ends Martellus Bennett and Jason Witten and there is no shortage of offensive weapons. All this talent almost makes you forget Roy Williams the very talented but ineffective receiver on their roster. This is as opposed to miles Austin their actual effective receiver. Wade Phillips is an underrated coach and their only real weakness may be their kicker Dave Buehler.Their defense is solid with amongst others, Ends Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky and Linebacker DeMarcus Ware. However as has been the case lately, they will find a way to slip in the standings. Predictions-3rd in the NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles need a quarterback. They had one, but let Donovan McNabb, go for a hot dog and a bag of marbles. There new quarterback, Kevin Kolb 4th yr, seems to have some trouble relaxing in the pocket. Never forget they do have Michael Vick as the primary backup quarterback. That should make Eagle fans feel better. Kolb's offensive line may make him nervous as it is allowing defensive lineman in with regularity. Philadelphia has some of it's former cogs such as Left Tackle Jason Peters, Tight End Brent Celek 4th yr and Wide Receiver Hank Baskett 5th yr. Prediction 4th in NFC EAST.
The New York Giants fresh off a humiliating year in which their defense couldn't stop a high school team will rebound. Eli manning was the11th best rated quarterback in the league and the running game is in place with Danny Ware, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Eli was able to do this with an unproven receiver corps of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks The offensive line is steady. If the switch in defensive coordinator to Perry Fewell bares fruit, this could be a banner year. The Giants are two years removed from their Superbowl victory and were embarrassed lat year. They have a lot to prove. Prediction 1st in NFC EAST
The Washington Redskins need a quarterback and they got one. Donovan McNabb has stepped in and will lead this team back to past glory. They have a proven and driven coach in Mike Shanahan Their one sore spot is Albert Haynesworth. An extremely talented but troubled defensive tackle. If they can get him in the fold it should be a very productive year. Washington still has Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley and Santana Moss at the ready. Prediction 2nd in NFC EAST.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
If Reggie Bush Doesn't Deserve His Heisman Why Does the Crooked Pete Rose Deserve THE Hall of Fame
Pete Rose Bet on baseball. Do what you will with that statement. It is a fact. Rose admitted it years after he was banned. The ban was expected. The evidence was overwhelming. You can check these sources at your leisure. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/5 ©2009 ESPN Internet Ventures http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2004-01-05-rose_x.htm Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
The only question is did he bet on the Cincinnati reds to win. I think normally he did. Sometimes to get the juices flowing he might not have. It doesn't matter.The fact he bet and bet on baseball begs the question. As manager of the Reds when he bet he gives the impression that he "could have been" influenced, to control the game in ways not conducive to the best interests of the team. Whether the betting itself was illegal is between him and the justice system. The fact that it might have influenced his decisions on the field. Well, that's between him and every sports fan in the world.
He managed the Reds from 1984 to 1989.He played baseball from 1963 until 1986. He claims he bet on baseball as a manager of the Reds. I "bet" he did it while he was playing.
Now Reggie Bush while a top flight hybrid back with the University of Southern California (USC) took money and gifts from boosters and other sources, for himself and his family. The NCAA has a problem with this type of deportment. I have a way to solve these problems and you can read "NCAA MEANS Not Competent At All" and "Pay College Students-Athletes? Let's Define OUR Terms" to find out what they are. Bush played for USC from 2003 to 2005. He won the Heisman trophy in 2005.
The problem is that after some obfuscation by Reggie and or USC, the NCAA had a "smoking gun" in the guise of sports agent Lloyd Lake. He agreed to cooperate with the NCAA to implicate Reggie in the gift receiving. The NCAA which doesn't take these things lightly, fined USC, took away games in regular season and bowls. It also took away scholarships and made them bowl ineligible for 2010 and 2011. Further it forced them to disassociate themselves from Reggie Bush. One more thing. it made Reggie Bush ineligible to play NCAA football from 2004. That last thing made Reggie's Heisman null and void.
Listen I have no opinion on the Heisman fiasco. Let the Downtown Athletic Club or the Heisman Trophy Trust take the trophy back it they want it. This situation should never have happened. There were too many ways to avoid it. However the only rules Reggie broke were the unnecessary ones imposed by the NCAA. I doon't see how Reggie did anything on the field to taint USC. He also did nothing off the field, except take money and gifts, before, according to the NCAA, he had actually EARNED them.
Returning to Pete for a moment. I think he did indeed do things off the field that should have led to great shame. Yet the same people calling Reggie Bush's actions insidious, seem to have no problem with letting bygones-be-bygones for Rose. They want Rose forgiven and allowed into the Hall of Fame. After all what did he do? He simply bet on baseball. Lied for years about it. Said it did not affect his decisions on the field.
Hey what not let it go?
You don't let it go because the second there is the hint that every thing in a sporting event is not one hundred percent proper, it invalidates the event itself. If people can not trust that there is no bias against the team from the player, then all sports fall out of favor. People need to believe that players and the system are above board. Pete Rose does not show that. He in fact is the poster child for the exact opposite.
Bush on the other hand, is the poster child for greed. Yet that greed in no way affected his performance. People never doubted his "veracity" for the team and fans. He appeared to give his all. He never was reported as a problem on campus at that time and hasn't had any problems since he left..... Except for that NCAA sanctions thing, which now affects anything he touched while he played football from 2004 to 2005 for USC. His greed hung all the players, coaches and fans "out to dry"at this college.
So knowing this, I guarantee "you" still want Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame. "You" also still want Reggie Bush put in some penitent state and made to read mea culpa. What Reggie did affects an institution. What Pete did affects the institution of sports.
So tell me again why you want Pete in the Hall of Fame? After you finish please call the NCAA and tell them to "lay off" Reggie and USC.
The only question is did he bet on the Cincinnati reds to win. I think normally he did. Sometimes to get the juices flowing he might not have. It doesn't matter.The fact he bet and bet on baseball begs the question. As manager of the Reds when he bet he gives the impression that he "could have been" influenced, to control the game in ways not conducive to the best interests of the team. Whether the betting itself was illegal is between him and the justice system. The fact that it might have influenced his decisions on the field. Well, that's between him and every sports fan in the world.
He managed the Reds from 1984 to 1989.He played baseball from 1963 until 1986. He claims he bet on baseball as a manager of the Reds. I "bet" he did it while he was playing.
Now Reggie Bush while a top flight hybrid back with the University of Southern California (USC) took money and gifts from boosters and other sources, for himself and his family. The NCAA has a problem with this type of deportment. I have a way to solve these problems and you can read "NCAA MEANS Not Competent At All" and "Pay College Students-Athletes? Let's Define OUR Terms" to find out what they are. Bush played for USC from 2003 to 2005. He won the Heisman trophy in 2005.
The problem is that after some obfuscation by Reggie and or USC, the NCAA had a "smoking gun" in the guise of sports agent Lloyd Lake. He agreed to cooperate with the NCAA to implicate Reggie in the gift receiving. The NCAA which doesn't take these things lightly, fined USC, took away games in regular season and bowls. It also took away scholarships and made them bowl ineligible for 2010 and 2011. Further it forced them to disassociate themselves from Reggie Bush. One more thing. it made Reggie Bush ineligible to play NCAA football from 2004. That last thing made Reggie's Heisman null and void.
Listen I have no opinion on the Heisman fiasco. Let the Downtown Athletic Club or the Heisman Trophy Trust take the trophy back it they want it. This situation should never have happened. There were too many ways to avoid it. However the only rules Reggie broke were the unnecessary ones imposed by the NCAA. I doon't see how Reggie did anything on the field to taint USC. He also did nothing off the field, except take money and gifts, before, according to the NCAA, he had actually EARNED them.
Returning to Pete for a moment. I think he did indeed do things off the field that should have led to great shame. Yet the same people calling Reggie Bush's actions insidious, seem to have no problem with letting bygones-be-bygones for Rose. They want Rose forgiven and allowed into the Hall of Fame. After all what did he do? He simply bet on baseball. Lied for years about it. Said it did not affect his decisions on the field.
Hey what not let it go?
You don't let it go because the second there is the hint that every thing in a sporting event is not one hundred percent proper, it invalidates the event itself. If people can not trust that there is no bias against the team from the player, then all sports fall out of favor. People need to believe that players and the system are above board. Pete Rose does not show that. He in fact is the poster child for the exact opposite.
Bush on the other hand, is the poster child for greed. Yet that greed in no way affected his performance. People never doubted his "veracity" for the team and fans. He appeared to give his all. He never was reported as a problem on campus at that time and hasn't had any problems since he left..... Except for that NCAA sanctions thing, which now affects anything he touched while he played football from 2004 to 2005 for USC. His greed hung all the players, coaches and fans "out to dry"at this college.
So knowing this, I guarantee "you" still want Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame. "You" also still want Reggie Bush put in some penitent state and made to read mea culpa. What Reggie did affects an institution. What Pete did affects the institution of sports.
So tell me again why you want Pete in the Hall of Fame? After you finish please call the NCAA and tell them to "lay off" Reggie and USC.
There Is Only One "Sugar" and His Name Is Robinson
I've heard the name "Sugar" used increasingly in the fight world by people of late. I contend the only Sugar was "Sugar" Ray Robinson. Let's look at a few contenders to the throne.
First there was Ray Leonard. Next Shane Mosely. Finally MMA (Mixed Martial Artist) Rashad Evans.
Let's dispense of Evans immediately. I have no problem with MMA and I'm sure the sport will continue to grow in popularity. But Evans hasn't had enough fights to even be in this discussion. Evans began as a heavyweight and has since dropped to a light heavyweight. He has had a total of 17 fights in seven years. He seems to have the skills and drive to become a great fighter, but let's look in on him in a few years. Even after that I sincerely doubt he'll be in the original "Sugar's" range. However I do admit these fighters take at least as much abuse in the cage as "Sugar" did when he fought in the ring http://espn.go.com/mma/fighter/_/id/274/rashad-evans ©2010 ESPN Internet Ventures
Next of course we have the omnipresent Mosley. This young man will not go away. That, if nothing else about him, does remind me of the original "Sugar". Shane Mosley has also been a (light) middleweight and welterweight during his career like the "sugar" of old. However "Sugar" fought in an era when middleweight was just that with no distinctions.
Mosley has had 53 fights since he began his professional career in 1993. To his credit he has had 46 wins against only six defeats. He also had a no contest (NC) because of accidental head butts to former IBF light middleweight champion Rauel Marques. He was undefeated as a light weight champion. He has also been champion as a welterweight (super welterweight) and light middleweight. http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=4952&cat=boxer © BoxRec (Per site's disclaimer -Gen data may have inaccuracies). Http://boxing.about.com/od/records/a/mosley.htm ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company
It's a fact that he is very nice and his career is not over. However he is no Sugar. We can leave the steroid incident out of the conversation. Yes he admitted to the use of EPO when he fought and beat the "Golden boy" Oscar De La Hoya in 2003. He unified the light middleweight titles at that time. However he lost quality fights to Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Angel Cotto, Ronald (Winky) Wright twice and Vernon Forest twice. A quality win for him was against De La Hoya in 2000. That was the year of their first meeting.
The quality of his opponents, though not bad, and Mosley's own speed and strength work against him. If he had stayed a light weight maybe this assessment would be different. Not that he would be in "Sugar's" class but he would show better.
He has 39 knockouts but 32 coming during his light weight era . That would be roughly 1993 to 2000 and marked by his TKO of Willy Wise, a light welterweight. Proceeding that fight he faced De La Hoya for the first time. However, after the De La Hoya fight, he had 6 TKO's and one KO, when he fought consistently at the heavier weight. Not a "Sugar" showing for sure.
Next there is Ray Leonard. He fought professionally from 1977 to 1991. A crafty and extremely quick welterweight. He dazzled the masses with his antics, showmanship and quick wit. He spoke eloquently and boldly. He had the skill and nerve to back up his words. Leonard fought 40 times with 25 KO. Of these 40 fights he lost 3 times with a draw. Ray Leonard won championships as WBC Welterweight Championship twice; WBA Champion; WBC Middleweight Champion; WBC Super Middleweight and WBC Light Heavyweight. Leonard defeated Donny LaLonde for light Heavy. LaLonde was not a quality opponent.
A Quality win, was against Roberto Duran. Two other quality wins were against Thomas "the Hitman" Hearns and "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler. I have issues with both wins. He put Hearns off for many years before he finally faced him. Hagler he did not beat physically but out thought him and ran in the ring. Putting my personal feelings aside. Leornard beat both men on the record. Additionally some other wins of note were against Wilfredo Benitez, Armando Muniz and Floyd Mayweather SR.
To give Leonard more standing he did fight in different weight classes and had quality showings in each. His movement from light weight for Duran to middleweight for Hagler is impressive. However the multiple weight divisions work against him. There are simply not enough fights in Ray Leonard's dossier or quality opponents for him to approach "Sugar". He was quick and strong but in quality fights, though he won, his mind not his body, was more a weapon than his skills in the ring. I do not fault the man for using his mind. It is not called the "sweet science" for nothing, but it does lower him on the scale when he never directly confronts in exchanges. I do, however,give him credit, for out thinking two great fighters like Haglar and Duran. I may not respect how he did it but I do respect the fact that he got it done. http://boxing.about.com/od/records/a/leonard.htm
©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=269&cat=boxer © BoxRec
The multitude of divisions and and multiple sanctioning bodies also works against the almost "Sugars". There were only two sanctioning bodies during Robinson's time. They were World boxing Association (WBA) formerly the International Boxing Association (IBA). Next there was the World Boxing council (WBC), which was formed in 1963 near "Sugars" end. There are 17 weight divisions now, as opposed to the six to eight of Sugars's time. Also gloves were different. I'm aware they only give the hands better protection not someone's body. However a distinct help is a distinct help.
Sugar Ray Robinson fought from 1940 to 1965. He had193 fights of which he won 173. Of those 173, 108 were won by KO or TKO. He lost 19 and he was listed as KO once. He also had one draw. He was World Middleweight Champion six times. He was also an undefeated welterweight champion. His quality opponents are endless. To name a few there are Jake LaMotta, Randy Turpin, Rocky Graziano, Bobo Olsen, Gene Fullmer, (California) Jackie Wilson, Paul Pender, Joey Archer; Denny Moyer and Carmen Basilio. "Sugar" fought LaMotta six times beating him five out of the six while giving up a distinct advantage in weight to the "Bull".
I am not going to make this an "adoration piece". There is no need. All other pretenders to the crown had a piece of the world crown(s). They fought opponents but there weren't many quality opponents beaten. They didn't sustain their careers with enough opponents or fights to reach the original sugar. They also had the opportunity to win crowns from multiple sanctioning bodies, that could sanction less than quality opponents.
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=009625&cat=boxer&pageID=3 © BoxRec
1.) This is regarding boxing in general http://www.solarnavigator.net/sport/boxing.htm This website is Copyright © 1999 & 2006 NJK Boxing site
2.) Weight classes http://www.ringsidebygus.com/boxing-weight-classes.html Copyright © 2006 to 2010 Ringsidebygus.com. All rights reserved
3.) Weight classes http://www.wazzupmanila.com/boxing-weight-classes/560/ Copyright © 2010 Wazzupmanila.com
First there was Ray Leonard. Next Shane Mosely. Finally MMA (Mixed Martial Artist) Rashad Evans.
Let's dispense of Evans immediately. I have no problem with MMA and I'm sure the sport will continue to grow in popularity. But Evans hasn't had enough fights to even be in this discussion. Evans began as a heavyweight and has since dropped to a light heavyweight. He has had a total of 17 fights in seven years. He seems to have the skills and drive to become a great fighter, but let's look in on him in a few years. Even after that I sincerely doubt he'll be in the original "Sugar's" range. However I do admit these fighters take at least as much abuse in the cage as "Sugar" did when he fought in the ring http://espn.go.com/mma/fighter/_/id/274/rashad-evans ©2010 ESPN Internet Ventures
Next of course we have the omnipresent Mosley. This young man will not go away. That, if nothing else about him, does remind me of the original "Sugar". Shane Mosley has also been a (light) middleweight and welterweight during his career like the "sugar" of old. However "Sugar" fought in an era when middleweight was just that with no distinctions.
Mosley has had 53 fights since he began his professional career in 1993. To his credit he has had 46 wins against only six defeats. He also had a no contest (NC) because of accidental head butts to former IBF light middleweight champion Rauel Marques. He was undefeated as a light weight champion. He has also been champion as a welterweight (super welterweight) and light middleweight. http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=4952&cat=boxer © BoxRec (Per site's disclaimer -Gen data may have inaccuracies). Http://boxing.about.com/od/records/a/mosley.htm ©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company
It's a fact that he is very nice and his career is not over. However he is no Sugar. We can leave the steroid incident out of the conversation. Yes he admitted to the use of EPO when he fought and beat the "Golden boy" Oscar De La Hoya in 2003. He unified the light middleweight titles at that time. However he lost quality fights to Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Angel Cotto, Ronald (Winky) Wright twice and Vernon Forest twice. A quality win for him was against De La Hoya in 2000. That was the year of their first meeting.
The quality of his opponents, though not bad, and Mosley's own speed and strength work against him. If he had stayed a light weight maybe this assessment would be different. Not that he would be in "Sugar's" class but he would show better.
He has 39 knockouts but 32 coming during his light weight era . That would be roughly 1993 to 2000 and marked by his TKO of Willy Wise, a light welterweight. Proceeding that fight he faced De La Hoya for the first time. However, after the De La Hoya fight, he had 6 TKO's and one KO, when he fought consistently at the heavier weight. Not a "Sugar" showing for sure.
Next there is Ray Leonard. He fought professionally from 1977 to 1991. A crafty and extremely quick welterweight. He dazzled the masses with his antics, showmanship and quick wit. He spoke eloquently and boldly. He had the skill and nerve to back up his words. Leonard fought 40 times with 25 KO. Of these 40 fights he lost 3 times with a draw. Ray Leonard won championships as WBC Welterweight Championship twice; WBA Champion; WBC Middleweight Champion; WBC Super Middleweight and WBC Light Heavyweight. Leonard defeated Donny LaLonde for light Heavy. LaLonde was not a quality opponent.
A Quality win, was against Roberto Duran. Two other quality wins were against Thomas "the Hitman" Hearns and "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler. I have issues with both wins. He put Hearns off for many years before he finally faced him. Hagler he did not beat physically but out thought him and ran in the ring. Putting my personal feelings aside. Leornard beat both men on the record. Additionally some other wins of note were against Wilfredo Benitez, Armando Muniz and Floyd Mayweather SR.
To give Leonard more standing he did fight in different weight classes and had quality showings in each. His movement from light weight for Duran to middleweight for Hagler is impressive. However the multiple weight divisions work against him. There are simply not enough fights in Ray Leonard's dossier or quality opponents for him to approach "Sugar". He was quick and strong but in quality fights, though he won, his mind not his body, was more a weapon than his skills in the ring. I do not fault the man for using his mind. It is not called the "sweet science" for nothing, but it does lower him on the scale when he never directly confronts in exchanges. I do, however,give him credit, for out thinking two great fighters like Haglar and Duran. I may not respect how he did it but I do respect the fact that he got it done. http://boxing.about.com/od/records/a/leonard.htm
©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=269&cat=boxer © BoxRec
The multitude of divisions and and multiple sanctioning bodies also works against the almost "Sugars". There were only two sanctioning bodies during Robinson's time. They were World boxing Association (WBA) formerly the International Boxing Association (IBA). Next there was the World Boxing council (WBC), which was formed in 1963 near "Sugars" end. There are 17 weight divisions now, as opposed to the six to eight of Sugars's time. Also gloves were different. I'm aware they only give the hands better protection not someone's body. However a distinct help is a distinct help.
Sugar Ray Robinson fought from 1940 to 1965. He had193 fights of which he won 173. Of those 173, 108 were won by KO or TKO. He lost 19 and he was listed as KO once. He also had one draw. He was World Middleweight Champion six times. He was also an undefeated welterweight champion. His quality opponents are endless. To name a few there are Jake LaMotta, Randy Turpin, Rocky Graziano, Bobo Olsen, Gene Fullmer, (California) Jackie Wilson, Paul Pender, Joey Archer; Denny Moyer and Carmen Basilio. "Sugar" fought LaMotta six times beating him five out of the six while giving up a distinct advantage in weight to the "Bull".
I am not going to make this an "adoration piece". There is no need. All other pretenders to the crown had a piece of the world crown(s). They fought opponents but there weren't many quality opponents beaten. They didn't sustain their careers with enough opponents or fights to reach the original sugar. They also had the opportunity to win crowns from multiple sanctioning bodies, that could sanction less than quality opponents.
http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=009625&cat=boxer&pageID=3 © BoxRec
1.) This is regarding boxing in general http://www.solarnavigator.net/sport/boxing.htm This website is Copyright © 1999 & 2006 NJK Boxing site
2.) Weight classes http://www.ringsidebygus.com/boxing-weight-classes.html Copyright © 2006 to 2010 Ringsidebygus.com. All rights reserved
3.) Weight classes http://www.wazzupmanila.com/boxing-weight-classes/560/ Copyright © 2010 Wazzupmanila.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I Am NOT a Long Suffering Mets FAN-Mets Lose 9-2 To Atlanta To Lose Another Series
Box Score :
AUG 31
METS : 2 Runs; 7 Hits: 1 Error Pitcher: John Niese 3rd Year Leftie Record: 65-67
Braves: 9 Runs 12 Hits 1 Error Pitcher: Mike Minor Rookie Leftie Record: 77-55
September 1st
Presently losing 0-2 in the second inning at the time of this writing .Here are records and standings in an interactive form. Mets are losing again. http://es.pn/b8wYYW
The Mets were the first professional team I can remember following. There was no logical reason for that to happen. All my friends and family were Yankee or Knicks fans. To build upon that, my first love was always basketball, with football a close second. It stands to reason I should have followed the Knicks or Nets or Giants or Jets first. But that was not the case.
I came of age during the Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Wally Backman, Keith Hernandez and Davey Johnson era. I was in college arguing with the locals as the Mets dueled with the Astros in the NLCS and sent them home 4-2.It was epic.
During the World Series I am ashamed to say, as Ray Knight came to bat and my hopes seemed all but dashed, I turned off the television and went to bed despondent. I subsequently missed one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Ray Knight and Mookie Wilson came through and I unaware until the next morning, moped alone in silence. I have never turned off the television or left a pivotal game since that time...I never will.
The seventh game was a foregone conclusion and I went to NY from my college town and celebrated until I was literally sick
We never made it back to the Series that decade. I still feel we choked in 1988, regardless of the David Cone story that he "ghost wrote". LA Dodgers however claimed it gave them the impetus to win. I
n any case, following the 1980s I must admit, we had some lean years. I believe this was mostly because of Managers Dallas Green and Art Howe. And yes we even made it back to the "Show" in 2000 losing (I say choking.. but hey..) to the Yankees.
I will only casually mention the breaking up my 1980's team. That of course includes the firing of Davey Johnson. I'm also not going to do more than gloss over the fact that Doc and Darryl had some issues and were let go. They eventually joined the Yankees and, Oh Yeah, broke my heart. These things happen and not my point. Also, just a side note. I still think the trade of Kevin Mitchell for Kevin McReynolds in 1987 was the beginning of the end for the "Bad Guys", but let's move along shall we?
My point is, I never really knew the Mets during a prolonged down period. This time now, is about as long as it has been for me. I' m sure we actually got it right after the Art Howe *slight shudder* debacle, when we hired Willie Randolph. That was at the end 2004 season for 2005. Things looked really good and I knew we were headed back to being more than just competitive. We were going to be the "Bad Guys" of baseball once again. Well, with Willie, CONTROLLED "Bad Guys". That, for me ,would be fine.
Willie began to work his magic and we were on our way. We were 83-79 his first year. We won the NL East the following year and were nipped in the NLCS. We fell back to earth in 2007 with an 88-74 record and missed the playoffs. We started slowly in 2008, but we seemed to begin to turn a corner, when Willie was literally fired in the middle of the night ,by Omar Minaya, after a road win.
We haven't made the playoffs since 2006. I will not take the time to blame Omar or his manager Jerry Manuel. Please don't bother to point out Willie had a 34-35 record while Jerry had a 55-38 closing record in 2008. I'm aware. Remember, I noted earlier that the team had finally turned the corner. I additionally contend, that if Willie had the reins "we" would have made the playoffs then ...and now.
With all this said, please follow me. I and anyone who came of age with me is not a long suffering Mets fan. We don't understand what in the world is happening. We see the miscues and errors in the field. The batters taking huge cuts and swinging at first pitches. We remember the Phillies spouting how they were the "Beasts of the East" and then proved it by whipping the Mets in 2008-09 . We, as stated, don't understand this and need some changes.
Beg Willie's forgiveness. Get Bobby Valentine back in the fold. Get a new GM or keep Omar and direct and control him. I refuse to become a long suffering Mets fan. The groundswell is building and when it unleashes your revenue will dip so low your new stadium will become an Albatross instead of the jewel you want it to be. Make smart decisions and return us to where we belong. The most feared team in the East and contenders for the Series.
Eventually we'll want more.
For now...That'll do.
NOTE : I'm aware there are many, many more Mets from those 1980's teams worth mentioning.
NOTE : David Cones's ghost written column's results http://bit.ly/bzdDiu
NOTE : The Bad guys won http://bit.ly/brLEUf HarperCollins.
-Disclaimer-I am not advertising the book. This is a reference regarding the use of the term "Bad Guys" and to give reference on those "Guys"
NOTE : I am aware the Mets choked in 2007 allowing the Phillies to come from 7 back in 17 games. I think that if nothing else this illustrates something Willie knew and we as fans eventually discovered. That was the lack of self directed discipline and killer instinct in these Mets. Willie brought a tough hand to these Mets and it seems it was needed.
AUG 31
METS : 2 Runs; 7 Hits: 1 Error Pitcher: John Niese 3rd Year Leftie Record: 65-67
Braves: 9 Runs 12 Hits 1 Error Pitcher: Mike Minor Rookie Leftie Record: 77-55
September 1st
Presently losing 0-2 in the second inning at the time of this writing .Here are records and standings in an interactive form. Mets are losing again. http://es.pn/b8wYYW
The Mets were the first professional team I can remember following. There was no logical reason for that to happen. All my friends and family were Yankee or Knicks fans. To build upon that, my first love was always basketball, with football a close second. It stands to reason I should have followed the Knicks or Nets or Giants or Jets first. But that was not the case.
I came of age during the Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Wally Backman, Keith Hernandez and Davey Johnson era. I was in college arguing with the locals as the Mets dueled with the Astros in the NLCS and sent them home 4-2.It was epic.
During the World Series I am ashamed to say, as Ray Knight came to bat and my hopes seemed all but dashed, I turned off the television and went to bed despondent. I subsequently missed one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Ray Knight and Mookie Wilson came through and I unaware until the next morning, moped alone in silence. I have never turned off the television or left a pivotal game since that time...I never will.
The seventh game was a foregone conclusion and I went to NY from my college town and celebrated until I was literally sick
We never made it back to the Series that decade. I still feel we choked in 1988, regardless of the David Cone story that he "ghost wrote". LA Dodgers however claimed it gave them the impetus to win. I
n any case, following the 1980s I must admit, we had some lean years. I believe this was mostly because of Managers Dallas Green and Art Howe. And yes we even made it back to the "Show" in 2000 losing (I say choking.. but hey..) to the Yankees.
I will only casually mention the breaking up my 1980's team. That of course includes the firing of Davey Johnson. I'm also not going to do more than gloss over the fact that Doc and Darryl had some issues and were let go. They eventually joined the Yankees and, Oh Yeah, broke my heart. These things happen and not my point. Also, just a side note. I still think the trade of Kevin Mitchell for Kevin McReynolds in 1987 was the beginning of the end for the "Bad Guys", but let's move along shall we?
My point is, I never really knew the Mets during a prolonged down period. This time now, is about as long as it has been for me. I' m sure we actually got it right after the Art Howe *slight shudder* debacle, when we hired Willie Randolph. That was at the end 2004 season for 2005. Things looked really good and I knew we were headed back to being more than just competitive. We were going to be the "Bad Guys" of baseball once again. Well, with Willie, CONTROLLED "Bad Guys". That, for me ,would be fine.
Willie began to work his magic and we were on our way. We were 83-79 his first year. We won the NL East the following year and were nipped in the NLCS. We fell back to earth in 2007 with an 88-74 record and missed the playoffs. We started slowly in 2008, but we seemed to begin to turn a corner, when Willie was literally fired in the middle of the night ,by Omar Minaya, after a road win.
We haven't made the playoffs since 2006. I will not take the time to blame Omar or his manager Jerry Manuel. Please don't bother to point out Willie had a 34-35 record while Jerry had a 55-38 closing record in 2008. I'm aware. Remember, I noted earlier that the team had finally turned the corner. I additionally contend, that if Willie had the reins "we" would have made the playoffs then ...and now.
With all this said, please follow me. I and anyone who came of age with me is not a long suffering Mets fan. We don't understand what in the world is happening. We see the miscues and errors in the field. The batters taking huge cuts and swinging at first pitches. We remember the Phillies spouting how they were the "Beasts of the East" and then proved it by whipping the Mets in 2008-09 . We, as stated, don't understand this and need some changes.
Beg Willie's forgiveness. Get Bobby Valentine back in the fold. Get a new GM or keep Omar and direct and control him. I refuse to become a long suffering Mets fan. The groundswell is building and when it unleashes your revenue will dip so low your new stadium will become an Albatross instead of the jewel you want it to be. Make smart decisions and return us to where we belong. The most feared team in the East and contenders for the Series.
Eventually we'll want more.
For now...That'll do.
NOTE : I'm aware there are many, many more Mets from those 1980's teams worth mentioning.
NOTE : David Cones's ghost written column's results http://bit.ly/bzdDiu
NOTE : The Bad guys won http://bit.ly/brLEUf HarperCollins.
-Disclaimer-I am not advertising the book. This is a reference regarding the use of the term "Bad Guys" and to give reference on those "Guys"
NOTE : I am aware the Mets choked in 2007 allowing the Phillies to come from 7 back in 17 games. I think that if nothing else this illustrates something Willie knew and we as fans eventually discovered. That was the lack of self directed discipline and killer instinct in these Mets. Willie brought a tough hand to these Mets and it seems it was needed.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Without Scottie Pippen, Mikey J is Just a Bigger Jerry West
First stop with the sputtering. YOU have no IDEA how GOOD Jerry West was. He isn't the image for the NBA statue for fun! Uhmm sorry for the yelling.
This icon played from 1960 to 1974. He was 6.2 and 175 pounds. He averaged 27.00 point per game; 6.7 assists per game; .474 shooting percentage per game and 5.8 total rebounds. He played 39.2 minutes per game. This guy was a ball player. My ultimate compliment. If you have some time, and believe me, it's going to take some time, read about his accolades. It can be found at the bottom of the web site provided in the notes of this page. The one knock. He won, only one Championship.That was in 1972.
The first thing people mention when comparing eras in football and basketball is how much bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic this modern group is to the their older version. The first thing I tell these wise keepers of the facts is that the rules were different and "no blood no foul" wasn't just a saying. In football's case no broken bones no foul. Since football is not my point, this is my last mention of that sport. To continue, these individuals were playing to support their family and absolutely took no prisoners. The pay at that time was not quite as lucrative as now and many needed the playoff money.
The second thing I mention is that there were no "nights off" at that time. Every game played, either someone was as good as you, or mean enough to make up the gap. Their league was small and was made up of two divisions. This lasted during West's career, from 1960 until 1970. In addition, in1960 there were a total of 8 teams which was was expanded to 9 the following year. It remained a nine team league until 1966 when it expanded to 10. In 1967 it was at 12 and then went to 14 until 1969. Now in 1970, we are entering the more modern era of sports with four divisions and 17 teams. West's career ended in 1974 and this now four division league, added one more team to the 17, for a grand total of 18 teams. Today there are four divisions and 30 teams. I'm pretty sure players of a higher caliber get "nights off".
The homework is done now so let's move directly to the good stuff. Scottie Pippen is the glue that held the six championships together for Michael Jordan. Scottie always played the other team's best defender and was able to do any thing on the court necessary to fill the gap for Jordan. Scottie was the ultimate wing man Anything needed he could provide. He easily could have scored more but deferred to Michael and was a facilitator. Jordan left to "play baseball" in 1993 and Scottie decided to average 22 ppg; 2.9 stls; 5.6 assts.; 8.7 trb and .08 blks. Jordan returns in 1994 for 17 games and Pippen still averages 21 ppg; 2.9 stls; 5.2 assts; 8.1 trbs and 1.1 blks. Not Mikey's scoring numbers but Scottie didn't need them to be. With those 1993 numbers he came ,within one blown call, of taking his team to the NBA championship against Hakeem Olajuwon and the the Houston Rockets. Pippen could run this Chicago team just fine without Michael but Mikey J. never would have gotten to the the ultimate game without Scottie P.
Mike was a scorer that learned to be a facilitator later in his career. Yes, he had decent assist numbers but he only passed when forced. Later in his career he learned to trust. Yes, yes I know he won defensive awards. People, please, he was a great off the ball defender. He was never put on any one's primary scorer or a great dribbler. Further, if Mike went into a slump, Scottie could be counted on to bridge the gap. Dude was lucky he had someone around that did what was necessary to keep the game in hand until it was "Jordan time". That of course meant he scored at will, while Scottie slowed the other teams primary dribbler, allowing the trap defense to work effectively. Plain and simple, if Scottie had left Chicago, Jordan's legacy would have left with him. But he stayed and the six championships are now lore.
There is, however, one caveat . Michael Jordan had the will of a champion. Normally it's not something you learn. It's something, with which you're born. Scottie didn't seem to have it before he met Mike. If Mike didn't teach it to Scottie, then he brought it to the forefront of Pippen's personality. About that I do not know. But I am sure, that as great as Scottie became, I must attribute the will to win as a direct result of playing with Jordan. So to that point of view, maybe Mike did create his "path". But be that as it may, if Pippen had not been part of Jordan's "path", both he and the "statue", would both be known as great players who just couldn't seem to win championships. I'm sure, just as West did, Jordan would have gotten as least one. Albeit late in his career.
NOTE : Jerry West stats http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westje01.html Copyright © 2000-2010 Sports Reference LLC.
NOTE : Salaries for some elite athletes. There are various dates and one comment that disputes Jerry West's salary. But the point is made. These are the salaries for the elites of their era. Adjust down greatly for the average salary. http://www.nesn.com/2010/05/sports-legends-salaries-may-surprise-you.html © 2010 New England Sports Network.
NOTE : A must read -ASSOCIATION FOR PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL RESEARCH FAQ http://www.apbr.org/apbr-faq.html Copyright © Association for Professional Basketball Research. All rights reserved.Revised: November 01, 2001.
NOTE : I am aware that Jerry W. ran into the Celtic buzz saw during his career. However C's won the NBA Championship 1960-1966,1967-1968 and 1974. In between those championships were the Philadelphia 76ers 1966; New York knicks 1969 and 1972 and Milwaukee Bucks 1970. Other teams won championships during West's time.
This icon played from 1960 to 1974. He was 6.2 and 175 pounds. He averaged 27.00 point per game; 6.7 assists per game; .474 shooting percentage per game and 5.8 total rebounds. He played 39.2 minutes per game. This guy was a ball player. My ultimate compliment. If you have some time, and believe me, it's going to take some time, read about his accolades. It can be found at the bottom of the web site provided in the notes of this page. The one knock. He won, only one Championship.That was in 1972.
The first thing people mention when comparing eras in football and basketball is how much bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic this modern group is to the their older version. The first thing I tell these wise keepers of the facts is that the rules were different and "no blood no foul" wasn't just a saying. In football's case no broken bones no foul. Since football is not my point, this is my last mention of that sport. To continue, these individuals were playing to support their family and absolutely took no prisoners. The pay at that time was not quite as lucrative as now and many needed the playoff money.
The second thing I mention is that there were no "nights off" at that time. Every game played, either someone was as good as you, or mean enough to make up the gap. Their league was small and was made up of two divisions. This lasted during West's career, from 1960 until 1970. In addition, in1960 there were a total of 8 teams which was was expanded to 9 the following year. It remained a nine team league until 1966 when it expanded to 10. In 1967 it was at 12 and then went to 14 until 1969. Now in 1970, we are entering the more modern era of sports with four divisions and 17 teams. West's career ended in 1974 and this now four division league, added one more team to the 17, for a grand total of 18 teams. Today there are four divisions and 30 teams. I'm pretty sure players of a higher caliber get "nights off".
The homework is done now so let's move directly to the good stuff. Scottie Pippen is the glue that held the six championships together for Michael Jordan. Scottie always played the other team's best defender and was able to do any thing on the court necessary to fill the gap for Jordan. Scottie was the ultimate wing man Anything needed he could provide. He easily could have scored more but deferred to Michael and was a facilitator. Jordan left to "play baseball" in 1993 and Scottie decided to average 22 ppg; 2.9 stls; 5.6 assts.; 8.7 trb and .08 blks. Jordan returns in 1994 for 17 games and Pippen still averages 21 ppg; 2.9 stls; 5.2 assts; 8.1 trbs and 1.1 blks. Not Mikey's scoring numbers but Scottie didn't need them to be. With those 1993 numbers he came ,within one blown call, of taking his team to the NBA championship against Hakeem Olajuwon and the the Houston Rockets. Pippen could run this Chicago team just fine without Michael but Mikey J. never would have gotten to the the ultimate game without Scottie P.
Mike was a scorer that learned to be a facilitator later in his career. Yes, he had decent assist numbers but he only passed when forced. Later in his career he learned to trust. Yes, yes I know he won defensive awards. People, please, he was a great off the ball defender. He was never put on any one's primary scorer or a great dribbler. Further, if Mike went into a slump, Scottie could be counted on to bridge the gap. Dude was lucky he had someone around that did what was necessary to keep the game in hand until it was "Jordan time". That of course meant he scored at will, while Scottie slowed the other teams primary dribbler, allowing the trap defense to work effectively. Plain and simple, if Scottie had left Chicago, Jordan's legacy would have left with him. But he stayed and the six championships are now lore.
There is, however, one caveat . Michael Jordan had the will of a champion. Normally it's not something you learn. It's something, with which you're born. Scottie didn't seem to have it before he met Mike. If Mike didn't teach it to Scottie, then he brought it to the forefront of Pippen's personality. About that I do not know. But I am sure, that as great as Scottie became, I must attribute the will to win as a direct result of playing with Jordan. So to that point of view, maybe Mike did create his "path". But be that as it may, if Pippen had not been part of Jordan's "path", both he and the "statue", would both be known as great players who just couldn't seem to win championships. I'm sure, just as West did, Jordan would have gotten as least one. Albeit late in his career.
NOTE : Jerry West stats http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westje01.html Copyright © 2000-2010 Sports Reference LLC.
NOTE : Salaries for some elite athletes. There are various dates and one comment that disputes Jerry West's salary. But the point is made. These are the salaries for the elites of their era. Adjust down greatly for the average salary. http://www.nesn.com/2010/05/sports-legends-salaries-may-surprise-you.html © 2010 New England Sports Network.
NOTE : A must read -ASSOCIATION FOR PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL RESEARCH FAQ http://www.apbr.org/apbr-faq.html Copyright © Association for Professional Basketball Research. All rights reserved.Revised: November 01, 2001.
NOTE : I am aware that Jerry W. ran into the Celtic buzz saw during his career. However C's won the NBA Championship 1960-1966,1967-1968 and 1974. In between those championships were the Philadelphia 76ers 1966; New York knicks 1969 and 1972 and Milwaukee Bucks 1970. Other teams won championships during West's time.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Open letter to Martin Brodeur Goalie Of the New Jersey Devils
Martin , dude.., buddy.. listen. I think it's time we talked. You've played 1076 games and you've won 602 of them. You're goals against average is 2.21 and you've had 110 shutouts.Your save percentage is a whopping .914. You've had 23 postseason shutouts. Nice I say, and I doubt anyone would disagree.
Here's the thing. Since Scott Stevens has retired we haven't won any Stanley Cups. Hey, hey now, don't take it that way. Not saying we CAN'T win a cup without #4 Scott *moment of silence* Stevens. No, what I'm saying is after winning three of Lord Stanley's Cups and being a still very serviceable 38 years of age ..maybe it's time you rested a little during the regular season.
My friend..I hope I can call you that, since I've watched you, your entire 18 year career. During the 1993-1994 playoffs you asserted yourself and our former goalie Chris Terreri would quietly fade away. Marty you have averaged 60 games a year. If you remove the first three years of your career in which you split duties it goes up to 66 games over 15 years. True the 1994-95 season was more about the lock-out than Terreri but we'll still threw it out. Marty you were hurt in the 2008-09 season. When I remove that year you jump to a 68 games a year average. From the 1997-1998 season you have played 70 games or better except for your injury shortened year mentioned above. This excludes all playoff games.
Let's be frank..Yeah you're a heckuva goaltender. You may be chasing some individual stats. Can't blame you for that. You deserve them. However I would love ..yes love to have Lord Stanley's showpiece in the Prudential Center and let it gleam as it rode down Broad Street in Newark. So for us; for you; for the Devils; for Newark could you possible take off 20 to 30 games of the 82 game schedule. You'd be surprised what that rest will do for your butterfly saves and reactions, off stick side. I realize the low or high side of these missed games depends on how we're doing in the standings. Our team is good enough to win at least half of those missed starts whether our back-up goalie is average or a bit worst. It will also give us the opportunity to develop some goalies. Martin, my man, you won't play forever.
So ..glad we could have this talk!-Have a great 2010-11 year and let's get another Cup or two. 'Cause a legacy is just as much about post season success as regular season excellence. Okay..see ya in a few months.
Owen
Here's the thing. Since Scott Stevens has retired we haven't won any Stanley Cups. Hey, hey now, don't take it that way. Not saying we CAN'T win a cup without #4 Scott *moment of silence* Stevens. No, what I'm saying is after winning three of Lord Stanley's Cups and being a still very serviceable 38 years of age ..maybe it's time you rested a little during the regular season.
My friend..I hope I can call you that, since I've watched you, your entire 18 year career. During the 1993-1994 playoffs you asserted yourself and our former goalie Chris Terreri would quietly fade away. Marty you have averaged 60 games a year. If you remove the first three years of your career in which you split duties it goes up to 66 games over 15 years. True the 1994-95 season was more about the lock-out than Terreri but we'll still threw it out. Marty you were hurt in the 2008-09 season. When I remove that year you jump to a 68 games a year average. From the 1997-1998 season you have played 70 games or better except for your injury shortened year mentioned above. This excludes all playoff games.
Let's be frank..Yeah you're a heckuva goaltender. You may be chasing some individual stats. Can't blame you for that. You deserve them. However I would love ..yes love to have Lord Stanley's showpiece in the Prudential Center and let it gleam as it rode down Broad Street in Newark. So for us; for you; for the Devils; for Newark could you possible take off 20 to 30 games of the 82 game schedule. You'd be surprised what that rest will do for your butterfly saves and reactions, off stick side. I realize the low or high side of these missed games depends on how we're doing in the standings. Our team is good enough to win at least half of those missed starts whether our back-up goalie is average or a bit worst. It will also give us the opportunity to develop some goalies. Martin, my man, you won't play forever.
So ..glad we could have this talk!-Have a great 2010-11 year and let's get another Cup or two. 'Cause a legacy is just as much about post season success as regular season excellence. Okay..see ya in a few months.
Owen
Albert Haynesworth Question
Ok, let's get to the meat of the issue. Albert Haynesworth is listed as a 6-6 335 pound defensive tackle. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2002 and played seven years for that worthy organization. He now plays for the Washington Redskins which acquired the talent of Donovan McNabb this 2010 off season. In total Albert has been in the NFL for eight years and this 2010-2011 season would be his ninth. He has accumulated 229 solo tackles ;80 assisted tackles and 28 sacks. Those relate to 185 yards lost by opponents. Haynesworth has played in 16 games only once in his career and that was his 2002-03 rookie year. Since then he has appeared in as many as 14 games only twice. those years are 2005-06 and 2008-09 and only 12 last year. He had 4 sacks, 29 solo tackles and five quarterback pressures last year.
The guy was the 15th player selected in the NFL draft and has been to two pro-bowls. Those years 2007 and 2008. Big dude had some trouble with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell when he on October 1st tried to stomp a "mud-hole" into the head of Andre Gurode, the center of the Dallas Cowboys. He received a five game suspension. To his credit he refused to appeal this, although the NFL Players' association pleaded fervently for him to do just that.
In 2009 he hit the jackpot when Washington gave him a $100,000, 7 year contract. Big money had been outspoken regarding the defensive schemes in which he has had to play in 2009. It seems he knew more than his defensive coordinator Greg Blache. He also has had some issues this pre-season, allegedly with a muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis or what his head coach Mike Shanahan calls "headaches". He and his coach are not playing nice in the media and seem to be on different pages.
Sorry the homework done I NOW can get to the point. This guy is getting paid for what he did in the past. He seems to be a pain in the butt in the present. HOWEVER there is no mistaking that he probably has a little gas left in the tank. Is he worth keeping or do the "Skins" trade this guy for whatever they can get?
The guy was the 15th player selected in the NFL draft and has been to two pro-bowls. Those years 2007 and 2008. Big dude had some trouble with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell when he on October 1st tried to stomp a "mud-hole" into the head of Andre Gurode, the center of the Dallas Cowboys. He received a five game suspension. To his credit he refused to appeal this, although the NFL Players' association pleaded fervently for him to do just that.
In 2009 he hit the jackpot when Washington gave him a $100,000, 7 year contract. Big money had been outspoken regarding the defensive schemes in which he has had to play in 2009. It seems he knew more than his defensive coordinator Greg Blache. He also has had some issues this pre-season, allegedly with a muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis or what his head coach Mike Shanahan calls "headaches". He and his coach are not playing nice in the media and seem to be on different pages.
Sorry the homework done I NOW can get to the point. This guy is getting paid for what he did in the past. He seems to be a pain in the butt in the present. HOWEVER there is no mistaking that he probably has a little gas left in the tank. Is he worth keeping or do the "Skins" trade this guy for whatever they can get?
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