In 2005, the Milwaukee Brewers were 81-81 and we thought it was an accomplishment. The 2007 Brewers, freshly eliminated from playoff contention, are a Chris Young and a Jake Peavy victory, respectively from being 81-81. That's not an accomplishment, it's a joke. To quote the genius Ned Yost, "A really bad joke."
Quite honestly, Ned Yost has not done a single thing to warrant another year at the helm of Brewers. He has had this team treading water, going absolutely nowhere for the past three years now. If anyone can explain how a .500 record, at best, is deserving of yet another year to demonstrate his inability to manage a baseball game, time upon time again, I'd seriously like to hear it.
As fun as this season was, this would have had its season ended two weeks ago if were in any other division than the NL Central. It sucks, but it's true.
There's a lot of moves that need to be made at the end of the year, but we'll get to those later. I need a day to let the depression out of my system. In the meantime, the Green Bay Packers can save this weekend with a W and an Uncle Brett tudder. Doug Melvin can start the work week off in a fantastic manner by firing Ned Yost on Monday morning.
Friday, September 28, 2007
3 and 2
Still 2 games behind the Cubs with 3 to play. To say the window is closing is an understatement. As much as I love Brauny, he looked clueless in the field yesterday. The team had 5 errors. He had 3. No team will win a game with 5 errors. If the Cubs win tonight, it's truthfully, do or die. In fact, they have left themselves zero room for error now.
How 'Bout a Blue Out?
How great would Miller Park look if everyone wore their Brewers blue? You don't see that very often in baseball. Closest I've ever seen is in St. Louis.
How 'Bout a Blue Out?
How great would Miller Park look if everyone wore their Brewers blue? You don't see that very often in baseball. Closest I've ever seen is in St. Louis.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
La Russa and Cuzzi: Douche and Douchier
No, Phil Cuzzi wasn't working home plate tonight, but he let it get to this last night by lofting his gayard friend Tony La Russa a softball 'warning.' It's tough to challenge La Russa's credentials as a MLB manager, but he sure is a douche bag. Face the facts, La Russa has Cuzzi in his back pocket and by constantly being able to drill Brewers hitters and be issued warnings, the Brewers were unable to retaliate without saving their pitcher automatically head to the showers.
Sad but true, Dale Sveum is officially a dumber manager than Ned Yost. No matter where you stand on the decision to plunk Pujols with a McClung heater, Turnbow made matters worse and then they turned to Shouse against two righties. Sveum could have (and should have) hooked Turnbow immediately after there were runners on first and second, or at the least, when he walked the bases full, but he left him in and let Pujols score.
Nobody would be bitching about if plunking a guy to put a runner on base was boneheaded or not had Sveum used whatever brain he has left and gone to Cordero for the final out or two of the 8th inning.
Sigh, what little hope was left is all but done now. As usual, Tom Haurdicourt of the JS has some great blog entries with plenty of banter for you to read here.
Sad but true, Dale Sveum is officially a dumber manager than Ned Yost. No matter where you stand on the decision to plunk Pujols with a McClung heater, Turnbow made matters worse and then they turned to Shouse against two righties. Sveum could have (and should have) hooked Turnbow immediately after there were runners on first and second, or at the least, when he walked the bases full, but he left him in and let Pujols score.
Nobody would be bitching about if plunking a guy to put a runner on base was boneheaded or not had Sveum used whatever brain he has left and gone to Cordero for the final out or two of the 8th inning.
Sigh, what little hope was left is all but done now. As usual, Tom Haurdicourt of the JS has some great blog entries with plenty of banter for you to read here.
Princey
This is exactly what MVP candidates are supposed to do. Prince Fielder is literally trying to single handedly club the Brewers into the postseason. Since returning home to Miller Park, Princey has clobbered three dingers. A three-run moonshot on Monday, and two, two-run blasts on Tuesday.
He became suddenly vocal about bettering a number of his father's numbers so it shuts his dad (Cecil) up. The Brewers remain quite a long shot to bypass the Cubs in the standings, but they certainly aren't going away quietly at home. Playing the Cardinals certainly has something to do with it, but they can ill afford to slip tonight and drop a very winnable game.
He became suddenly vocal about bettering a number of his father's numbers so it shuts his dad (Cecil) up. The Brewers remain quite a long shot to bypass the Cubs in the standings, but they certainly aren't going away quietly at home. Playing the Cardinals certainly has something to do with it, but they can ill afford to slip tonight and drop a very winnable game.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wild Card?
I realize the Brewers are 5 games behind in the Wild Card standings, but the Phillies and Padres are knotted at the top and the Padres barely have a team any more. If the Phils lose some games and the Brewers take care of the Pads at Miller Park it's a possibility. The Crew closes the regular season with 4 games against San Diego....let's continue the trend of Wisconsin professional sports teams besting those from San Diego this week....just a thought.
Monday, September 24, 2007
So here we are
Bear with us BCB fans (all two of you), as we try for the umpteenth time to manage an up to date, accurate, state of Wisconsin sports blog. We're hopefully adding some writers to the site to give it a fresh prospective. Hopefully that helps in actually posting more than once every month. Only time will tell.
It's a funny time here in Wisconsin. Typically, devoting nearly all of my attention to the Packers in September wouldn't be funny, it'd be the norm, even when the Pack was 4-12 in 2005. But this year, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Brewers, were in the thick of a pennant chase in the NL Central. That's right, were in the thick of a pennant chase. Sitting 3.5 games behind the Cubs with 7 games left, there's technically enough time to wipe the deficeit away, but it's next to impossible. The Cubs magic number sits at 4. Unless the Cubs tank it in proportions that would be epic even for their sorry franchise, Ned Yost will have masterminded one of the worst fades over the months of July, August and September. I can't be the only one who felt as though the Central would be taken by the Cubs even when the Crew had a 5.5 game lead in mid-July. It's a real shame as the Brewers have as much talent as almost any team in the NL. I remain convinced that had Yost not been the manager this version of the Brewers would already have the division locked up.
The only thing I can think of that would be worse at this moment is if the Brewers don't fire Yost in the offseason and get themselves a manager who doesn't almost single handedly blow 10 games a year with bone head moves. Bringing Yost back for next season would be a major league buzzkill going into the season.
And that's what makes this funny...the Green Bay Packers are 3-0 and atop the NFC North. No one would have picked them to be 3-0 at this point without being horribly ridiculed. Consider September 23, 2007 the official "changing of the guard" in this state, as Uncle Brett Favre is poised to shatter Dan Marino's all time NFL TD record in the HumpMe Dome, or the worst standing venue in professional sports. Crazy, we'll keep you up to snuff with insight from here on forward (at least that's what we're telling ourselves).
It's a funny time here in Wisconsin. Typically, devoting nearly all of my attention to the Packers in September wouldn't be funny, it'd be the norm, even when the Pack was 4-12 in 2005. But this year, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Brewers, were in the thick of a pennant chase in the NL Central. That's right, were in the thick of a pennant chase. Sitting 3.5 games behind the Cubs with 7 games left, there's technically enough time to wipe the deficeit away, but it's next to impossible. The Cubs magic number sits at 4. Unless the Cubs tank it in proportions that would be epic even for their sorry franchise, Ned Yost will have masterminded one of the worst fades over the months of July, August and September. I can't be the only one who felt as though the Central would be taken by the Cubs even when the Crew had a 5.5 game lead in mid-July. It's a real shame as the Brewers have as much talent as almost any team in the NL. I remain convinced that had Yost not been the manager this version of the Brewers would already have the division locked up.
The only thing I can think of that would be worse at this moment is if the Brewers don't fire Yost in the offseason and get themselves a manager who doesn't almost single handedly blow 10 games a year with bone head moves. Bringing Yost back for next season would be a major league buzzkill going into the season.
And that's what makes this funny...the Green Bay Packers are 3-0 and atop the NFC North. No one would have picked them to be 3-0 at this point without being horribly ridiculed. Consider September 23, 2007 the official "changing of the guard" in this state, as Uncle Brett Favre is poised to shatter Dan Marino's all time NFL TD record in the HumpMe Dome, or the worst standing venue in professional sports. Crazy, we'll keep you up to snuff with insight from here on forward (at least that's what we're telling ourselves).
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Going on a Sabbatical
You win Ned. You have driven me to not watch or pay attention in any form to your baseball team until this road trip is over. I remain convinced that you'll get swept by Colorado and as I post this your team blew a 3-0 lead in one inning. ONE INNING AND IT TURNED INTO A 5-3 HOLE! I realize a lot of Brewers fans who glance at the standings will say that Yost is doing just fine, the Crew is in first place.
No matter what the personnel on the field is, Yost does the following better than any other manager in the league since he took the reigns of the Brewers in 2003.
1. Stumble into the All-Star break.
2. Play awful baseball in July.
3. Challenge every bottom dwelling team for worst second half of the season record.
In 2004, he actually bested any other team or manager in history, but overseeing the worst second half of a season in the history of the game. So ta ta for a bit Yost. I still maintain you're winning one, count it, one game on the road this trip. And quite honestly, the way your team is playing as of late with you overseeing it, I'm stunned if you're .500 at the end of September. This team will go no better than 8-17 on the road for the remainder of the season. That should be more than enough to dump us below .500 yet again. Boy do I ever hope I'm proved wrong. I REALLY want to be proved wrong.
No matter what the personnel on the field is, Yost does the following better than any other manager in the league since he took the reigns of the Brewers in 2003.
1. Stumble into the All-Star break.
2. Play awful baseball in July.
3. Challenge every bottom dwelling team for worst second half of the season record.
In 2004, he actually bested any other team or manager in history, but overseeing the worst second half of a season in the history of the game. So ta ta for a bit Yost. I still maintain you're winning one, count it, one game on the road this trip. And quite honestly, the way your team is playing as of late with you overseeing it, I'm stunned if you're .500 at the end of September. This team will go no better than 8-17 on the road for the remainder of the season. That should be more than enough to dump us below .500 yet again. Boy do I ever hope I'm proved wrong. I REALLY want to be proved wrong.
Monday, August 06, 2007
61-57
That's what I expect the Brewers record to be upon returning home to the only place Ned Yost believes in winning baseball games after this weekend. Yeah Ned, I think your team will get swept by the Rockies and slug one out vs. the Astros. If history is any indication, it will be the first game of the series vs. that Astros that you win. Then on Saturday you'll build a 5-1 lead and lose 6-5. Sunday you'll trot out your JV team and get pummeled. Prove me wrong Yost, have more than 61 wins upon returning home. I dare you.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Urgent, Urgent
The trade deadline is roughly 330 minutes away and it's become painfully evident that the Brewers have many holes to fill. The aquisition of Scott Linebrink last week would have been very helpful, if it weren't for the fact that much like every other reliever in Milwaukee's bullpen, Linebrink is suffering from a tired arm. I have no doubt he'll be good for them once the playoffs roll around (assuming they get there) but in the meantime, they need more calvary.
The Brewers have three holes they need to fill. Bullpen help, left field, and second base.
The bullpen was already touched on, and quite frankly what team doesn't need bullpen help during a stretch drive. Go out and get Eric Gagne for god's sake. The only thing that worries me about pursuing him though, is what will it cost? Look what it set them back to get Linebrink. You can't tell me though that come playoff time Linebrink, Gagne and Coco wouldn't be lights out for the 7th - 9th.
Rickie Weeks is killing them. While I'm not ready to give up on him yet, I am ready to give up on him for the remainder of the season. Add a veteran second baseman/utility infielder much lik you have with Graffanino and Counsell, and shut Weeks down for the rest of the season. Some of the guys I'd like to see them pursue: Mark Loretta, Jeff Cirillo, Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Ellis and Rob Mackowiak.
The platoon of Jenkins and Mench is doing absolutely nothing. See if there are any takers for Mench, preferably a Mench for middle infielder deal. They need another bat. Jenkins i'm fine with keeping. At this point in his career he's a good 4th outfielder and defensive replacement. Ryan Braun has been the only guy providing anything offensively the last month plus, so they need to get help elsewhere. Prince and JJ have disappeared and are sorely missed. The need an offensive bat in the outfield. Some guys that are probably available that I wouldn't mind seeing: Jermaine Dye (he'll cost too much though), Reggie Sanders (again, he'll probably cost too much because the Royals notoriously shoot for the moon in trade proposals), Dave Roberts or Randy Wynn. Idealy I'd like Robets or Wynn and slide them to center, moving Hall to left. They need run production, but in the playoffs you also need to be able to manufacture runs, and Corey Hart isn't doing that anymore.
The Brewers have had the misfortune of having a tired bullpen, Fielder and Hardy both slumping, and Hart no longer manufacturing runs at the top of the order, all at the same time. Thats killed them and lead to this slide. Something needs to be done...
The Brewers have three holes they need to fill. Bullpen help, left field, and second base.
The bullpen was already touched on, and quite frankly what team doesn't need bullpen help during a stretch drive. Go out and get Eric Gagne for god's sake. The only thing that worries me about pursuing him though, is what will it cost? Look what it set them back to get Linebrink. You can't tell me though that come playoff time Linebrink, Gagne and Coco wouldn't be lights out for the 7th - 9th.
Rickie Weeks is killing them. While I'm not ready to give up on him yet, I am ready to give up on him for the remainder of the season. Add a veteran second baseman/utility infielder much lik you have with Graffanino and Counsell, and shut Weeks down for the rest of the season. Some of the guys I'd like to see them pursue: Mark Loretta, Jeff Cirillo, Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Ellis and Rob Mackowiak.
The platoon of Jenkins and Mench is doing absolutely nothing. See if there are any takers for Mench, preferably a Mench for middle infielder deal. They need another bat. Jenkins i'm fine with keeping. At this point in his career he's a good 4th outfielder and defensive replacement. Ryan Braun has been the only guy providing anything offensively the last month plus, so they need to get help elsewhere. Prince and JJ have disappeared and are sorely missed. The need an offensive bat in the outfield. Some guys that are probably available that I wouldn't mind seeing: Jermaine Dye (he'll cost too much though), Reggie Sanders (again, he'll probably cost too much because the Royals notoriously shoot for the moon in trade proposals), Dave Roberts or Randy Wynn. Idealy I'd like Robets or Wynn and slide them to center, moving Hall to left. They need run production, but in the playoffs you also need to be able to manufacture runs, and Corey Hart isn't doing that anymore.
The Brewers have had the misfortune of having a tired bullpen, Fielder and Hardy both slumping, and Hart no longer manufacturing runs at the top of the order, all at the same time. Thats killed them and lead to this slide. Something needs to be done...
Friday, July 27, 2007
Another Road Series Clunker
I swear, Ned Yost just doesn't believe in winning on the road. I'm convinced he goes home at night and tells himself that a team just doesn't need to show up in opposing stadiums. I've struggled to pinpoint how a team with one of the best records in the National League can be so futile on the road. I honestly believe it starts with management. The Brewers haven't been able to do anything in stadiums not named Miller Park for the past two or three years. It quite honestly could be their unraveling come mid-September.
With 28 home games left on the docket opposed to 32 road games, this statistic might loom larger than any other as the Brewers attempt to make the post season. Unfortunately, unless they find out a way to turn it around in a hurry (20-29 on the road going into the St. Louis series), it's a stat that could haunt them and cost them dearly.
With 28 home games left on the docket opposed to 32 road games, this statistic might loom larger than any other as the Brewers attempt to make the post season. Unfortunately, unless they find out a way to turn it around in a hurry (20-29 on the road going into the St. Louis series), it's a stat that could haunt them and cost them dearly.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Please, Brian, Please
Brian Anderson, I like you. For now. But can you please nip the jinxing the team crap ala Darron Sutton now before it's August which will become September and (hopefully) October? Exhibit number one, talking about how Yovani Gallardo has a scoreless inning streak of 18 2/3 going prior to taking the hill in the bottom of the seventh with a pitch count at 94. You can't tell me you were surprised when he gave up a run in the seventh tonight.
Then because of this unwitty banter, it triggers Bill Schroeder to plug how well Turnbow looked last night and needed very few pitches to retire the Reds in order, which of course led to a lead-off single by Brandon Phillips. Brandon Phillips, Brewers announce team, is the number one Brewers slayer, in case you missed the memo. When he comes up to bat, at any point during a game, you should say, "Brandon Phillips is up and he's good."
Then, with Phillips on first, you two start talking about how Turnbow is a power pitcher vs. a power hitter in Adam Dunn and he strikes out a lot. Why not just gift wrap that dinger he ripped of D-Bow?
The Crew hung on for the victory tonight, evening this extremely pivotal (in my mind) series with the Reds at 1-1. Soup takes the hill tomorrow vs. Lohse. The Reds pen is pretty taxed after tonight, something to keep in mind if the bats can actually recall how to make contact with the ball in the early innings.
Some other quick food for thought. After some quick research utilizing my media guide, in 2004, Manny Parra was the 4th best prospect and top pitching prospect in the Brewers minor league system according to Baseball America. He was behind (in order) Dick Weeks, Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy.
Then because of this unwitty banter, it triggers Bill Schroeder to plug how well Turnbow looked last night and needed very few pitches to retire the Reds in order, which of course led to a lead-off single by Brandon Phillips. Brandon Phillips, Brewers announce team, is the number one Brewers slayer, in case you missed the memo. When he comes up to bat, at any point during a game, you should say, "Brandon Phillips is up and he's good."
Then, with Phillips on first, you two start talking about how Turnbow is a power pitcher vs. a power hitter in Adam Dunn and he strikes out a lot. Why not just gift wrap that dinger he ripped of D-Bow?
The Crew hung on for the victory tonight, evening this extremely pivotal (in my mind) series with the Reds at 1-1. Soup takes the hill tomorrow vs. Lohse. The Reds pen is pretty taxed after tonight, something to keep in mind if the bats can actually recall how to make contact with the ball in the early innings.
Some other quick food for thought. After some quick research utilizing my media guide, in 2004, Manny Parra was the 4th best prospect and top pitching prospect in the Brewers minor league system according to Baseball America. He was behind (in order) Dick Weeks, Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy.
Monday, July 23, 2007
What I'd like to see...
Sorry for the delays on the posts wrapping up the home stand, I was a tad busy with Festa Italiana. Instead of rehashing the details of how Jimmy and I (and Trikes) once again put the screws to an opponent via a Sunday home game W, I thought I'd start a short list of things I'd like to see at Miller Park this season:
1. Less Grant Balfour - I didn't know you spelled Balfour HENDRICKSON. Put him on waivers as I'm sure he'll never pitch in a Brewers uniform ever again, so why waste the time and effort?
2. Fans standing for the entire top of the 9th when the Crew has the lead - All the fans get up on their feet after the second out is recorded. I'd love to see the entire stadium stand when CoCo enters from the bullpen and remain standing until he records the final out.
3. More novelty tees in the parking lots - We're working on this one. My personal favorite so far this season? "Bill Hall Wins Games."
4. More Manny Parra - I think this kids the real deal. What's not to like about him thus far? We'll find out a lot more about him after he most likely gets the start in the nightcap of the double header vs. the Cardinals this weekend.
5. An occasional curtain call - The Brewers are one dinger behind the Reds in total home runs this season. While it's no Great American Ballpark in which lazy fly balls land in the bleachers, Miller Park is definitely a hitter's haven. I'd love to see guys like Braun, Prince and Hart pop back out of the dugout to tip the cap.
Three games left in the Reds series, all of them winnable. A road series win would be much appreciated right now, even though Ned doesn't believe in winning on the road.
1. Less Grant Balfour - I didn't know you spelled Balfour HENDRICKSON. Put him on waivers as I'm sure he'll never pitch in a Brewers uniform ever again, so why waste the time and effort?
2. Fans standing for the entire top of the 9th when the Crew has the lead - All the fans get up on their feet after the second out is recorded. I'd love to see the entire stadium stand when CoCo enters from the bullpen and remain standing until he records the final out.
3. More novelty tees in the parking lots - We're working on this one. My personal favorite so far this season? "Bill Hall Wins Games."
4. More Manny Parra - I think this kids the real deal. What's not to like about him thus far? We'll find out a lot more about him after he most likely gets the start in the nightcap of the double header vs. the Cardinals this weekend.
5. An occasional curtain call - The Brewers are one dinger behind the Reds in total home runs this season. While it's no Great American Ballpark in which lazy fly balls land in the bleachers, Miller Park is definitely a hitter's haven. I'd love to see guys like Braun, Prince and Hart pop back out of the dugout to tip the cap.
Three games left in the Reds series, all of them winnable. A road series win would be much appreciated right now, even though Ned doesn't believe in winning on the road.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Don't mess with the Big Three
For the first time this season, myself, The Mayor and Papi all hit up the Crew game. Yes, we were all part of a slightly larger group on Opening Day Fest (ODF), but it's the first time it was just three of us at a game and we responded.
A great game and even better series was enjoyed, beating the Rockies 4-3 and taking the series, 2-1. Go Crew! More importantly, Soup looked sharp and so did the bullpen in a tightly contested game.
It was a sellout at Miller Park, which is always great, and Jimmy scored us free tix (if only he remembered how). Papi purchased Ryan Braun t's for the entire group which was not only awesome as much as it was outstanding, and we also came away with some media guides and yearbooks. A great Sunday and a pivotal, much needed victory. Stay tuned, let's hope the Crew can put the screws to the D'backs.
A great game and even better series was enjoyed, beating the Rockies 4-3 and taking the series, 2-1. Go Crew! More importantly, Soup looked sharp and so did the bullpen in a tightly contested game.
It was a sellout at Miller Park, which is always great, and Jimmy scored us free tix (if only he remembered how). Papi purchased Ryan Braun t's for the entire group which was not only awesome as much as it was outstanding, and we also came away with some media guides and yearbooks. A great Sunday and a pivotal, much needed victory. Stay tuned, let's hope the Crew can put the screws to the D'backs.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I'm Terrified
Brewers fans were greeted to a 10-6 drubbing by the Colorado Rockies to open the second half of the season. Worse yet, the Cubs won, 6-0 over the Houston Astros, shrinking the Crew's quickly melting lead in the division to 3.5 games. The starting pitching of this team is flat out no longer an assest. The team is 0-9 in Capuano's last 9 starts and his ERA after last night has ballooned to over 5.00.
Coupled with Ned Yost's penchant for managing a team that plays terribly in July, I honestly would not be surprised to see the Brewers looking up at the Cubs by the time the trading deadline rolls around. I have little to zero faith in Ned Yost's ability to manage a game and now without a reliable pitching staff, I'm even more worried. Yost is awful in handling pitchers, leaving them in way too long and rarely, what I would call, "feeling the game." Look no further than the final game before the All-Star break against Washington, leaving Cappy in after being on the bases in the 97-degree heat and then walking the first batter he saw (.049 batting average). Instead of hooking him because the combination of the heat, humidity and pitch count had obviously got to him, he waited until the Brewers 2-1 lead turned into a 7-2 deficit.
I'll say this right now. Yovani Gallardo needs to get back into the starting rotation NOW! I realize they are limitiing his innings so he doesn't have a huge total come the end of the season. Well you know what? They need to get to the playoffs first and the way the starters are pitching of late, they need a major dose of something to turn it around. Get him back into the rotation before this season goes down the tubes.
Sheets takes the ball tonight so it's the best chance the Crew has to get back to 10 W's over .500. Here's hoping for a nice game from Sheeter.
Coupled with Ned Yost's penchant for managing a team that plays terribly in July, I honestly would not be surprised to see the Brewers looking up at the Cubs by the time the trading deadline rolls around. I have little to zero faith in Ned Yost's ability to manage a game and now without a reliable pitching staff, I'm even more worried. Yost is awful in handling pitchers, leaving them in way too long and rarely, what I would call, "feeling the game." Look no further than the final game before the All-Star break against Washington, leaving Cappy in after being on the bases in the 97-degree heat and then walking the first batter he saw (.049 batting average). Instead of hooking him because the combination of the heat, humidity and pitch count had obviously got to him, he waited until the Brewers 2-1 lead turned into a 7-2 deficit.
I'll say this right now. Yovani Gallardo needs to get back into the starting rotation NOW! I realize they are limitiing his innings so he doesn't have a huge total come the end of the season. Well you know what? They need to get to the playoffs first and the way the starters are pitching of late, they need a major dose of something to turn it around. Get him back into the rotation before this season goes down the tubes.
Sheets takes the ball tonight so it's the best chance the Crew has to get back to 10 W's over .500. Here's hoping for a nice game from Sheeter.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
On the eve of the second half
Been more than awhile since we've posted on here, but the time is nigh to focus on the Brew Crew, who sit 10 games above .500 and hold a 4.5 game lead on the surging Chicago Cubs at the All-Star break. Despite the Cubs absurd spending in the offseason to get to one game over .500 at the half way point, they remain the biggest threat to the Brew Crew's chances of winning the NL Central crown. That being said, the Brewers as a whole, are a better team. The following are some issues/areas that should be watched carefully as the Crew attempts to reach the postseason for the first time since 1982:
Starting Pitching
Don't look now, but the$42 million dollar man has an ERA of 5.00 with a record of 8-8. Claudio Vargas is 6-2, which has been a most pleasant surprise, but his ERA sits at 4.52 and Chris Capuano is 5-6 with a 4.78 ERA. Everyone's (myself included) goat of the staff in the first half, Dave Bush's ERA is nothing special, 4.86, but it's dropping. Everyone else is heading in the wrong direction. There has been much hub bub about the Brewers having "too many" starting pitchers on the staff which everyone seems to think is a "good problem to have." Unless your last name is Sheets (10-4, 3.41) there's nothing sexy about the first half they put together and when ERA's are rising, Ned and Doug best figure out which pitchers are best suited to be taking the ball every five days if they expect to win the Central. Yovani Gallardo and Carlos Villaneuva both have starter stuff and are in the bullpen, waiting. Manny Parra is a left hander who hits 92-93 on the radar gun and is downright dominating AAA, having already tossed a perfect game.
Part of me agrees that having an overstock of arms at this point of the season is good, because many teams will ship off the organizations top prospects all in the name of renting a starting pitcher to help them reach the post season. The Brewers simply don't need to do that, but they also need to figure out which five pitchers give them the best chance to win every five days. Conventional Wisdom tells you to not mess with a good thing, but how many poor starts are you going to absorb from the likes of Suppan, Bush and Cappy while Gallardo and Villanueva remained sheathed in the pen?
Rickie Weeks
It has become painfully obvious to me that Rickie "Dick" Weeks just ain't right. Either his wrist is a much, much larger problem than apparently anyone is willing to admit or he is quite plainly, a bust. If his wrist is indeed not healed yet, there's no reason he should be playing everyday. A trip to the 60-day DL is what the doctor ordered. If he is healthy, then he simply shouldn't be playing everyday any longer. He has no plate discipline, cannot drive in runners and is comically bad at even attempting to hit a curve ball. Even batting in the 8 hole, he is costing the team and I'd really like to know what he has done in his career as a Brewer to warrant so many chances when the team is in the thick of a playoff push. He's a career .249 hitter with warning track power as a player. He has already cost the team in key situations with his ineptitude at the plate and he has shown no reason to believe he will turn it around. Graffanino and Counsell should be getting the reps at 2B.
Ryan Braun
Can he keep up his torrid pace? Here's one resounding yes. Hitting between two All-Stars makes it difficult for opposing pitchers to avoid him. The Brewers top 4 is as nasty as any in baseball since Braun was called up. One can't help but wonder how many more W's the Crew would have at this point if they hadn't waited until late May to call him up from Nashville.
Ned's Customary Awful Second Half
Remember in 2004 when the Brewers were actually 4 games above .500 at the break? Ned oversaw the worst second half record in all of baseball which put the team in all too familar territory of 70-some wins. They got to .500 in 2005, but needed 161 games to do so. Last year was a wash and I realize injuries had a lot to do with it. Historically, July hasn't been the kindest month for the Brewers and that has me quite scared. The good news is that they open the second half at Miller Park, where they own the best home record in baseball and the Cubs start at Wrigley where they apparently play worse than on the road, maybe that's because the building looks like it's about to fall down.
See you in the newly re-paved Giants Lot, Go Crew!
Starting Pitching
Don't look now, but the$42 million dollar man has an ERA of 5.00 with a record of 8-8. Claudio Vargas is 6-2, which has been a most pleasant surprise, but his ERA sits at 4.52 and Chris Capuano is 5-6 with a 4.78 ERA. Everyone's (myself included) goat of the staff in the first half, Dave Bush's ERA is nothing special, 4.86, but it's dropping. Everyone else is heading in the wrong direction. There has been much hub bub about the Brewers having "too many" starting pitchers on the staff which everyone seems to think is a "good problem to have." Unless your last name is Sheets (10-4, 3.41) there's nothing sexy about the first half they put together and when ERA's are rising, Ned and Doug best figure out which pitchers are best suited to be taking the ball every five days if they expect to win the Central. Yovani Gallardo and Carlos Villaneuva both have starter stuff and are in the bullpen, waiting. Manny Parra is a left hander who hits 92-93 on the radar gun and is downright dominating AAA, having already tossed a perfect game.
Part of me agrees that having an overstock of arms at this point of the season is good, because many teams will ship off the organizations top prospects all in the name of renting a starting pitcher to help them reach the post season. The Brewers simply don't need to do that, but they also need to figure out which five pitchers give them the best chance to win every five days. Conventional Wisdom tells you to not mess with a good thing, but how many poor starts are you going to absorb from the likes of Suppan, Bush and Cappy while Gallardo and Villanueva remained sheathed in the pen?
Rickie Weeks
It has become painfully obvious to me that Rickie "Dick" Weeks just ain't right. Either his wrist is a much, much larger problem than apparently anyone is willing to admit or he is quite plainly, a bust. If his wrist is indeed not healed yet, there's no reason he should be playing everyday. A trip to the 60-day DL is what the doctor ordered. If he is healthy, then he simply shouldn't be playing everyday any longer. He has no plate discipline, cannot drive in runners and is comically bad at even attempting to hit a curve ball. Even batting in the 8 hole, he is costing the team and I'd really like to know what he has done in his career as a Brewer to warrant so many chances when the team is in the thick of a playoff push. He's a career .249 hitter with warning track power as a player. He has already cost the team in key situations with his ineptitude at the plate and he has shown no reason to believe he will turn it around. Graffanino and Counsell should be getting the reps at 2B.
Ryan Braun
Can he keep up his torrid pace? Here's one resounding yes. Hitting between two All-Stars makes it difficult for opposing pitchers to avoid him. The Brewers top 4 is as nasty as any in baseball since Braun was called up. One can't help but wonder how many more W's the Crew would have at this point if they hadn't waited until late May to call him up from Nashville.
Ned's Customary Awful Second Half
Remember in 2004 when the Brewers were actually 4 games above .500 at the break? Ned oversaw the worst second half record in all of baseball which put the team in all too familar territory of 70-some wins. They got to .500 in 2005, but needed 161 games to do so. Last year was a wash and I realize injuries had a lot to do with it. Historically, July hasn't been the kindest month for the Brewers and that has me quite scared. The good news is that they open the second half at Miller Park, where they own the best home record in baseball and the Cubs start at Wrigley where they apparently play worse than on the road, maybe that's because the building looks like it's about to fall down.
See you in the newly re-paved Giants Lot, Go Crew!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Top 10 Musical Montages
10. If You Leave - Nada Surf - Season One when Anna leaves Newport for Pittsburgh.
9. Something Pretty - Patrick Park - Season One when Cohen professes his 'like' for Summer on the coffee cart.
8. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - Season One Finale with Cohen sailing away because Kid Chino returned to Chino.
7. Blue Light (Remixed) - Bloc Party - Season Three premier when Marissa gets Trey to admit Ryan didn't try to kill him, then leaves via bus and Ryan is embraced by Sandy as Trey leaves.
6. Wonderwall - Ryan Adams - Season one - Seth and Summer have a Come To Jesus Meeting about sex while Ryan tells Marissa he can't trust her any longer post Oliver.
5. Fix You - Coldplay - Season two - Seth gets to Summer at the Prom, Ryan shows up to find Marissa just in time, Caleb has a heart attack and Julie dives into the pool in attempt to save him.
4. Champagne Supernova - Matt Pond PA - Season two - End of the best episode in OC history, when everything went right, including the Spidey kiss.
3. Dice - William Orbit - Season one New Years episode when Ryan made the party with about one second to spare.
2. Hide and Seek - Season two finale - Trey gets capped.
1. Life's a song - Patrick Park - Series finale, finale scene in OC history.
9. Something Pretty - Patrick Park - Season One when Cohen professes his 'like' for Summer on the coffee cart.
8. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley - Season One Finale with Cohen sailing away because Kid Chino returned to Chino.
7. Blue Light (Remixed) - Bloc Party - Season Three premier when Marissa gets Trey to admit Ryan didn't try to kill him, then leaves via bus and Ryan is embraced by Sandy as Trey leaves.
6. Wonderwall - Ryan Adams - Season one - Seth and Summer have a Come To Jesus Meeting about sex while Ryan tells Marissa he can't trust her any longer post Oliver.
5. Fix You - Coldplay - Season two - Seth gets to Summer at the Prom, Ryan shows up to find Marissa just in time, Caleb has a heart attack and Julie dives into the pool in attempt to save him.
4. Champagne Supernova - Matt Pond PA - Season two - End of the best episode in OC history, when everything went right, including the Spidey kiss.
3. Dice - William Orbit - Season one New Years episode when Ryan made the party with about one second to spare.
2. Hide and Seek - Season two finale - Trey gets capped.
1. Life's a song - Patrick Park - Series finale, finale scene in OC history.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The Series Finale'pisode
To Summer Roberts, Ryan Atwood, Sandy Cohen, Seth Cohen, Kirsten Cohen, Julie Cooper, Marissa Cooper, Kaitlyn Cooper, Jimmy Cooper, Caleb Nicol, Hailey Nicol, Taylor Townsend, Anna Stern, Luke Ward, The Bullet and you too Josh Schwartz....Thank you very kindly, one hell of a ride.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
2007 NFL Mock Draft CrossBlog Spectacular
In what we hope evolves into at least a bi-monthly feature until the draft (if not weekly)and eventually involves all four memebers of both sites (Our Turn Next and The Brew City Beat), Gaddis and I have completed the first "CrossBlog Mock Draft". Representing the Brew City Beat, I selected the odds, Our Turn Next rep Gaddis took the evens. Without further any further ado...
1 .Oakland Raiders – Joe Thomas – OT - Wisconsin
I’m just assuming Thomas will have a monster combine and workout showing. The Raiders line was awful last year, by selecting Thomas they would have two nice young tackles (Robert Gallery). Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell aren’t considered can’t miss prospects, so I don’t see either QB going number one here. Russell has more upside, but Quinn is more polished, neither seem like the type of QB a number one pick should be though. They may also opt to go after Calvin Johnson here, but Thomas makes the most sense.
2. Detroit Lions- Brady Quinn – QB - Notre Dame
I think the Lions would be heart broken if Thomas was taken first. They do need a QB for Martz's system so this pick will come down to Russell and Quinn. I think the accurate Quinn will trump the strong-armed Russell. I think the best player on the board here is Calvin Johnson, but Matt Millen can't take another WR. Who knows though, maybe he wants the title of "Craziest GM" back from Isaiah Thomas.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers *(coin flip) – Calvin Johnson – WR – Georgia Tech
The Bucs offense is anemic. Joey Galloway is old and Michael Clayton mailed it in last season and can officially be labeled a disappointment. Johnson is the best player in this draft and will make an immediate impact on the offense. Absolute no brainer.
4. Cleveland Browns *(coin flip) - Alan Branch – DT - Michigan
The surprise of the draft will be Russell falling past Cleveland. Crennel will win the the fight in the war room and get an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. Branch, who started his college career at Defensive End, has great athletic ability and a non-stop motor. He was the most dominant player on the best defense in the Big Ten. Cleveland has an aging line and Branch is a perfect tackle in the 3-4 because of his pass rushing ability.
5. Arizona Cardinals – Gaines Adams – DE – Clemson
The Cardinals need help on the offensive line, and on defense. No lineman other than Thomas warrants a top 10 selection, so they’ll go for a pass rusher here. Adams and Bertrand Berry will give the Cardinals two good rush ends, which should help their porous secondary.
6. Washington Redskins - Jamaal Anderson – DE - Arkansas
The third straight defensive lineman and some have Anderson rated the highest DL on the board. The Redskins didn't get the production out of free agent Andre Carter last year and need a pass rushing presence. The Redskins will have a hard time passing on Russell because of his talent, but Jason Campbell was a first round pick.
7. Minnesota Vikings – JaMarcus Russell – QB – LSU
Perhaps the luckiest team in the draft, Russell falls right into the Vikings lap. To say Brad Johnson is old and on the brink of being ineffective is an understatement, and Tarvarious Jackson looked god awful and nowhere near ready in limited action last season. How fitting that Russell gets drafted to replace the void left by the departure of the quarterback he is most compared to.
8. Houston Texans - LaRon Landry – S - LSU
The Texans will once again pass on a local guy, Adrian Peterson, to draft the more pressing need. If they are sticking to their plan they will continue to improve the defense for a team that plays in the same division as the Colts. They have safties that nobody has heard of Landry is a big time hitter with good speed. Reggie Nelson is more of the ball hawk, but Landry has more of an NFL body.
9. Miami Dolphins – Darrelle Revis – CB – Pitt
The Dolphins secondary was just awful last season, and needs a lot of help. In fairness, they still haven’t recovered from the losses of Sam Madison and Pat Surtain. Revis is a physical corner and very fast. The only knock is he’s a tad undersized.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Ted Ginn Jr - WR - The Ohio State University
They need some more weapons for Vick or Schaub and Ginn has the speed to really stretch a defense. They will debate between Ginn and Dwayne Jarrett, who is a more polished route runner. The new coach, Bobby Patreno, will look for a weapon that he can add to exciting offense.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett – WR – USC
Jarrett is more polished and arguably more skilled than Mike Williams when he came out. He has ideal size, good speed, and excellent hands. Alex Smith, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Dwayne Jarrett is a very good young nucleus to build the offense around for years to come.
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall – CB - Michigan
Last year the Bills took a reach on a saftey in Donte Whitmer and this year they will go after a DB again. With Nate Clements ready to leave for more money, Buffalo will need another starting CB. Some people have Hall as the top cover corner and a disappointing Senior Bowl makes him the second corner taken, but he is ready to be a starter right away.
13. St Louis Rams – Reggie Nelson – S – Florida
Nelson is an athletic freak, a playmaker, and smart enough to be the quarterback of the defense. The Rams defense has huge holes in the secondary, so he’ll be a welcome addition. He’ll also get the benefit of playing next to one of the smartest safeties in the league in Corey Chavous and will undoubtedly benefit from that. He’ll be a Pro Bowler for years to come, and they’ll have one of the best safety tandems in the league until Chavous hangs em up.
14. Carolina Panthers - Lawrence Timmons – LB - Florida St
There true need is a middle linebacker with Dan Morgan's future uncertain. They could also use a WR, but once the top three are gone there is a bit of a drop off. They will take Timmons who is a very good athlete but short on playing time at Florida St. He played behind some good linebackers and only started one year. With Timmons at one outside linebacker and Thomas Davis at the other they have great speed on the outside.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Adrian Peterson – RB – Oklahoma
Although their record wouldn’t indicate it, the Steelers don’t really have a lot of holes on their roster, so they’ll go for the best talent on the board. They like what Willie Parker can do for them, but they like him a lot better as a change of pace used in tandem with another back. New head coach Mike Tomlin may want to use the pick on the defensive side, but Peterson is too talented to pass up. Questions regarding his durability are the likely reason for his slide, but they won’t be an issue since he’ll be used in tandem with Parker.
16. Green Bay Packers - Amobi Okoye – DT - Louisville
They need some help at WR and RB, but the talent on this kid is too much to pass up. He is only 20 years old and started playing D1 football at 16. DT is not the number one need on defense, but Okoye in the middle with bring some pass rushing ability and also allow the linebackers to play in some space. Okoye, Kapman, and Pickett gives the Packers a good front 4 for a few years to come.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Griffin – S/CB – Texas
They are an average team in a lot of areas. They don’t really have any weaknesses, but they don’t really have many strengths other than overall defense. Griffin is the best defensive player on the board, and Donovan Darius is getting older and seems to be breaking down more and more, not to mention he’s a free agent. Other than he and Rashean Mathis, there’s little to be desired in their secondary.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Greg Olsen – TE – DA U
The Bengals top two needs are a lawyer and somebody to stay out of trouble. A good TE makes this offense even more dangerous and Olsen can stretch the field down the middle. This opens up even more on outside for Ohco Cinco and TJ. They have some very average positions on defense, but their TE position is horrible. Another plus of taking Olsen is that he is used to playing next to criminals.
19. Tennessee Titans – Marshawn Lynch – RB – Cal
They might go O-line, just to ensure Vince Young is protected, but I doubt it. Their best running back last season was Young. LenDale White was taken in the second round last year, but was a major disappointment. Lynch is good at catching the ball out of the backfield, and at times looks like a poor mans Reggie Bush. Every young quarterback needs a tight end and a running back with hands. Young will now have both and only continue to get better.
20. New York Gaints - Levi Brown – T - Penn State
The Giants will be scrambling here because they were hoping that Lynch would fall to them. They will be stuck trying to see if Jacobs can be an every down back. They realize though that the only way Eli Manning will have a chance is if they can protect him. With Luke Petitgot getting old, they will take the massive tackle out of Penn St. This could be a reach for Brown and they do need some help at corner, but they will to look make the offensive line a strength of this team.
21. Denver Broncos – Marcus McCauley – CB – Fresno State
The Broncos are another team that doesn’t really have any pressing needs, so they’ll use this pick on a corner, which I guess you can now call a need after the senseless and tragic death of Pro Bowler in the making Darrent Williams.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Dwayne Bowe – WR - LSU
You can call this pick TO Insurance. I assume either Norv Turner or Jason Garrett will be the head coach of this team. They will look the pass the ball more with those coaches and Romo will need another weapon. Who knows about the future of TO and Glenn while still being productive is getting older. They need a saftey, but Bowe has the most upside of anyone left on the board.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Blalock – OT/G – Texas
The Chiefs would have loved Dwayne Bowe here, but the left side of their line could use some help as well. Will Shields will be entering his 15th season, if he returns, and Kyle Turley was a liability at times last season. Herm Edwards builds his teams on defense and a running game, so the line will be vital. Blalock could slide into the left guard spot if Shields retires, or replace Turley as the starter at tackle.
24. New England Patriots - Paul Posluszny (from Seattle) – LB - Penn State
Their linebacking core is starting to age and Polsuszny fits the Patriots mold. He is a hard nosed football player, with decent speed, and a sure tackler. He played outside in college, but he could probably handle the inside in a 3-4 defense. The Patriots could also good cornerback or saftey, but I think they will take the player who fits the Bruschi mold.
25. New York Jets – LaMarr Woodley – LB/DE – Michigan
Fits the Mangini/Belichik mold. He could stand for adding more bulk to his frame and play end, but as it is now he’ll probably be a outside rush specialist. He was one of the best pure pass rushers I saw last year and could serve as the “Willie McGinnest” of the Jets defense.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Sidney Rice – WR - South Carolina
They really could use a saftey here, but they don't want to reach on Weddle from Utah or Merriweather from Miami. Rice has a lot of talent and has really never had the advantage of playing with a good QB. His height helps to win jump balls in the end zone. He still has to develop his route running, but he will be a great slot WR for the Philly offense.
27. New Orleans Saints – Daymeion Hughes – CB - Cal
The Saints need help on defense and especially in the secondary. If you watched the NFC Championship game, you saw the Bears blatantly pick on Fred Thomas. Thomas is at best a nickel back, but forced to start due to the lack of talent in the secondary. Hughes has better height and speed than Texas’ Aaron Ross, so the Saints will opt for him.
28. New England Patriots - Aaron Ross – CB - Texas
The second New England pick this round and the second defensive player. With Troy Brown considering retirement, they need to add more depth at defensive back. They would have liked to see Sidney Rice drop to this spot, but instead they have address one of their other important needs. They will consider Jarvis Moss because of their ties to Florida, but instead pick Thorpe winner Ross, the second DB from Texas to go in the first round. Ross might not have top flight speed or be the biggest CB, but he is a playmaker.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Tony Ugoh – T – Arkansas
Jonathon Ogden is mulling retirement, and Tony Pashos is the started at right tackle. I’d say they could use some help. Depending on who you ask, Ugoh is rated as high as the second best tackle prospect and a top 15 pick, so the Ravens potentially land a steal here.
30. San Diego Chargers - Robert Meachem – WR - Tennesse
A need pick over the best value pick. There are still some good DEs on the board, but they need someone to stretch to field and open the middle for Gates and the edges for LDT. Meachem has a history of knee problems but he still has 4.4 speed and is rather big at 6-3, 210 pounds. He will eventually be able to replace the aging Keenan McCardell.
31. Indianapolis Colts – Quinn Pitcock – DT – The Ohio State University
The Colts run defense is just awful, but for some reason they’re actually playing with pride in the playoffs. Pitcock is stout against the run, and can provide some pass rushing skills. He should step in and make an immediate impact on the defense, something that’s not too common for the second to last pick of the first round.
32. Chicago Bears - Zach Miller – TE - Arizona State
The Bears, despite being Superbowl Champs, have a lot of needs to fill. Lance Briggs could leave via free agency, Defensive Tackle depth looked bad with Tommy Harris out (they do have Dusty Dvorckek on IR), and their offensive line is looking old. They will not pass on a TE this year like they have done in previous years. Miller, who is the younger brother of Pittsburgh TE Heath Miller, will give them a solid option down the middle of the field. The Bears shown this year when there offense is going good they throw to the TE. Desmond Clark is more of a blocking TE and Miller will bring some pass catching ability.
1 .Oakland Raiders – Joe Thomas – OT - Wisconsin
I’m just assuming Thomas will have a monster combine and workout showing. The Raiders line was awful last year, by selecting Thomas they would have two nice young tackles (Robert Gallery). Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell aren’t considered can’t miss prospects, so I don’t see either QB going number one here. Russell has more upside, but Quinn is more polished, neither seem like the type of QB a number one pick should be though. They may also opt to go after Calvin Johnson here, but Thomas makes the most sense.
2. Detroit Lions- Brady Quinn – QB - Notre Dame
I think the Lions would be heart broken if Thomas was taken first. They do need a QB for Martz's system so this pick will come down to Russell and Quinn. I think the accurate Quinn will trump the strong-armed Russell. I think the best player on the board here is Calvin Johnson, but Matt Millen can't take another WR. Who knows though, maybe he wants the title of "Craziest GM" back from Isaiah Thomas.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers *(coin flip) – Calvin Johnson – WR – Georgia Tech
The Bucs offense is anemic. Joey Galloway is old and Michael Clayton mailed it in last season and can officially be labeled a disappointment. Johnson is the best player in this draft and will make an immediate impact on the offense. Absolute no brainer.
4. Cleveland Browns *(coin flip) - Alan Branch – DT - Michigan
The surprise of the draft will be Russell falling past Cleveland. Crennel will win the the fight in the war room and get an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. Branch, who started his college career at Defensive End, has great athletic ability and a non-stop motor. He was the most dominant player on the best defense in the Big Ten. Cleveland has an aging line and Branch is a perfect tackle in the 3-4 because of his pass rushing ability.
5. Arizona Cardinals – Gaines Adams – DE – Clemson
The Cardinals need help on the offensive line, and on defense. No lineman other than Thomas warrants a top 10 selection, so they’ll go for a pass rusher here. Adams and Bertrand Berry will give the Cardinals two good rush ends, which should help their porous secondary.
6. Washington Redskins - Jamaal Anderson – DE - Arkansas
The third straight defensive lineman and some have Anderson rated the highest DL on the board. The Redskins didn't get the production out of free agent Andre Carter last year and need a pass rushing presence. The Redskins will have a hard time passing on Russell because of his talent, but Jason Campbell was a first round pick.
7. Minnesota Vikings – JaMarcus Russell – QB – LSU
Perhaps the luckiest team in the draft, Russell falls right into the Vikings lap. To say Brad Johnson is old and on the brink of being ineffective is an understatement, and Tarvarious Jackson looked god awful and nowhere near ready in limited action last season. How fitting that Russell gets drafted to replace the void left by the departure of the quarterback he is most compared to.
8. Houston Texans - LaRon Landry – S - LSU
The Texans will once again pass on a local guy, Adrian Peterson, to draft the more pressing need. If they are sticking to their plan they will continue to improve the defense for a team that plays in the same division as the Colts. They have safties that nobody has heard of Landry is a big time hitter with good speed. Reggie Nelson is more of the ball hawk, but Landry has more of an NFL body.
9. Miami Dolphins – Darrelle Revis – CB – Pitt
The Dolphins secondary was just awful last season, and needs a lot of help. In fairness, they still haven’t recovered from the losses of Sam Madison and Pat Surtain. Revis is a physical corner and very fast. The only knock is he’s a tad undersized.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Ted Ginn Jr - WR - The Ohio State University
They need some more weapons for Vick or Schaub and Ginn has the speed to really stretch a defense. They will debate between Ginn and Dwayne Jarrett, who is a more polished route runner. The new coach, Bobby Patreno, will look for a weapon that he can add to exciting offense.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett – WR – USC
Jarrett is more polished and arguably more skilled than Mike Williams when he came out. He has ideal size, good speed, and excellent hands. Alex Smith, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Dwayne Jarrett is a very good young nucleus to build the offense around for years to come.
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall – CB - Michigan
Last year the Bills took a reach on a saftey in Donte Whitmer and this year they will go after a DB again. With Nate Clements ready to leave for more money, Buffalo will need another starting CB. Some people have Hall as the top cover corner and a disappointing Senior Bowl makes him the second corner taken, but he is ready to be a starter right away.
13. St Louis Rams – Reggie Nelson – S – Florida
Nelson is an athletic freak, a playmaker, and smart enough to be the quarterback of the defense. The Rams defense has huge holes in the secondary, so he’ll be a welcome addition. He’ll also get the benefit of playing next to one of the smartest safeties in the league in Corey Chavous and will undoubtedly benefit from that. He’ll be a Pro Bowler for years to come, and they’ll have one of the best safety tandems in the league until Chavous hangs em up.
14. Carolina Panthers - Lawrence Timmons – LB - Florida St
There true need is a middle linebacker with Dan Morgan's future uncertain. They could also use a WR, but once the top three are gone there is a bit of a drop off. They will take Timmons who is a very good athlete but short on playing time at Florida St. He played behind some good linebackers and only started one year. With Timmons at one outside linebacker and Thomas Davis at the other they have great speed on the outside.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Adrian Peterson – RB – Oklahoma
Although their record wouldn’t indicate it, the Steelers don’t really have a lot of holes on their roster, so they’ll go for the best talent on the board. They like what Willie Parker can do for them, but they like him a lot better as a change of pace used in tandem with another back. New head coach Mike Tomlin may want to use the pick on the defensive side, but Peterson is too talented to pass up. Questions regarding his durability are the likely reason for his slide, but they won’t be an issue since he’ll be used in tandem with Parker.
16. Green Bay Packers - Amobi Okoye – DT - Louisville
They need some help at WR and RB, but the talent on this kid is too much to pass up. He is only 20 years old and started playing D1 football at 16. DT is not the number one need on defense, but Okoye in the middle with bring some pass rushing ability and also allow the linebackers to play in some space. Okoye, Kapman, and Pickett gives the Packers a good front 4 for a few years to come.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Griffin – S/CB – Texas
They are an average team in a lot of areas. They don’t really have any weaknesses, but they don’t really have many strengths other than overall defense. Griffin is the best defensive player on the board, and Donovan Darius is getting older and seems to be breaking down more and more, not to mention he’s a free agent. Other than he and Rashean Mathis, there’s little to be desired in their secondary.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Greg Olsen – TE – DA U
The Bengals top two needs are a lawyer and somebody to stay out of trouble. A good TE makes this offense even more dangerous and Olsen can stretch the field down the middle. This opens up even more on outside for Ohco Cinco and TJ. They have some very average positions on defense, but their TE position is horrible. Another plus of taking Olsen is that he is used to playing next to criminals.
19. Tennessee Titans – Marshawn Lynch – RB – Cal
They might go O-line, just to ensure Vince Young is protected, but I doubt it. Their best running back last season was Young. LenDale White was taken in the second round last year, but was a major disappointment. Lynch is good at catching the ball out of the backfield, and at times looks like a poor mans Reggie Bush. Every young quarterback needs a tight end and a running back with hands. Young will now have both and only continue to get better.
20. New York Gaints - Levi Brown – T - Penn State
The Giants will be scrambling here because they were hoping that Lynch would fall to them. They will be stuck trying to see if Jacobs can be an every down back. They realize though that the only way Eli Manning will have a chance is if they can protect him. With Luke Petitgot getting old, they will take the massive tackle out of Penn St. This could be a reach for Brown and they do need some help at corner, but they will to look make the offensive line a strength of this team.
21. Denver Broncos – Marcus McCauley – CB – Fresno State
The Broncos are another team that doesn’t really have any pressing needs, so they’ll use this pick on a corner, which I guess you can now call a need after the senseless and tragic death of Pro Bowler in the making Darrent Williams.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Dwayne Bowe – WR - LSU
You can call this pick TO Insurance. I assume either Norv Turner or Jason Garrett will be the head coach of this team. They will look the pass the ball more with those coaches and Romo will need another weapon. Who knows about the future of TO and Glenn while still being productive is getting older. They need a saftey, but Bowe has the most upside of anyone left on the board.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Blalock – OT/G – Texas
The Chiefs would have loved Dwayne Bowe here, but the left side of their line could use some help as well. Will Shields will be entering his 15th season, if he returns, and Kyle Turley was a liability at times last season. Herm Edwards builds his teams on defense and a running game, so the line will be vital. Blalock could slide into the left guard spot if Shields retires, or replace Turley as the starter at tackle.
24. New England Patriots - Paul Posluszny (from Seattle) – LB - Penn State
Their linebacking core is starting to age and Polsuszny fits the Patriots mold. He is a hard nosed football player, with decent speed, and a sure tackler. He played outside in college, but he could probably handle the inside in a 3-4 defense. The Patriots could also good cornerback or saftey, but I think they will take the player who fits the Bruschi mold.
25. New York Jets – LaMarr Woodley – LB/DE – Michigan
Fits the Mangini/Belichik mold. He could stand for adding more bulk to his frame and play end, but as it is now he’ll probably be a outside rush specialist. He was one of the best pure pass rushers I saw last year and could serve as the “Willie McGinnest” of the Jets defense.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Sidney Rice – WR - South Carolina
They really could use a saftey here, but they don't want to reach on Weddle from Utah or Merriweather from Miami. Rice has a lot of talent and has really never had the advantage of playing with a good QB. His height helps to win jump balls in the end zone. He still has to develop his route running, but he will be a great slot WR for the Philly offense.
27. New Orleans Saints – Daymeion Hughes – CB - Cal
The Saints need help on defense and especially in the secondary. If you watched the NFC Championship game, you saw the Bears blatantly pick on Fred Thomas. Thomas is at best a nickel back, but forced to start due to the lack of talent in the secondary. Hughes has better height and speed than Texas’ Aaron Ross, so the Saints will opt for him.
28. New England Patriots - Aaron Ross – CB - Texas
The second New England pick this round and the second defensive player. With Troy Brown considering retirement, they need to add more depth at defensive back. They would have liked to see Sidney Rice drop to this spot, but instead they have address one of their other important needs. They will consider Jarvis Moss because of their ties to Florida, but instead pick Thorpe winner Ross, the second DB from Texas to go in the first round. Ross might not have top flight speed or be the biggest CB, but he is a playmaker.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Tony Ugoh – T – Arkansas
Jonathon Ogden is mulling retirement, and Tony Pashos is the started at right tackle. I’d say they could use some help. Depending on who you ask, Ugoh is rated as high as the second best tackle prospect and a top 15 pick, so the Ravens potentially land a steal here.
30. San Diego Chargers - Robert Meachem – WR - Tennesse
A need pick over the best value pick. There are still some good DEs on the board, but they need someone to stretch to field and open the middle for Gates and the edges for LDT. Meachem has a history of knee problems but he still has 4.4 speed and is rather big at 6-3, 210 pounds. He will eventually be able to replace the aging Keenan McCardell.
31. Indianapolis Colts – Quinn Pitcock – DT – The Ohio State University
The Colts run defense is just awful, but for some reason they’re actually playing with pride in the playoffs. Pitcock is stout against the run, and can provide some pass rushing skills. He should step in and make an immediate impact on the defense, something that’s not too common for the second to last pick of the first round.
32. Chicago Bears - Zach Miller – TE - Arizona State
The Bears, despite being Superbowl Champs, have a lot of needs to fill. Lance Briggs could leave via free agency, Defensive Tackle depth looked bad with Tommy Harris out (they do have Dusty Dvorckek on IR), and their offensive line is looking old. They will not pass on a TE this year like they have done in previous years. Miller, who is the younger brother of Pittsburgh TE Heath Miller, will give them a solid option down the middle of the field. The Bears shown this year when there offense is going good they throw to the TE. Desmond Clark is more of a blocking TE and Miller will bring some pass catching ability.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Initial Mock Draft
Round two is already in the works....It worked like this, JG drafted for the even numbered teams, myself for the odd. We greatly like the end product. We'll be posting several more mocks as the Senior Bowl and Combine are completed.
1. Oakland Raiders - Brady Quinn - QB - Notre Dame
While I truly feel that JaMarcus Russell is the best QB available this year, I think with Kiffin at the helm, Oakland will go with the system QB of the Matt Leinart breed. I really wanted the Raiders to settle on someone ridiculous like Troy Smith, but Quinn's the pick at this point....but not until after they called USC to attempt to get John David Booty to
declare.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas - OT - Wisconsin
JaMarcus Russell and Calvin Johnson are both on the board, and will be tough to pass up, but even Matt Millen knows he can't justify making those picks. The Lions have become a finesse team and need to change that. They need to protect John Kitna and open up holes for Kevin Jones. Thomas is a physical mauler who's also athletic and versatile enough to play guard in a pinch. He'll be a Pro Bowler for years to come. The Lions have not been settled at either tackle position since Lomas Brown was anchoring the line..at the Silverdome. Matt Millen finally hits one out of the park.
3t. (Coin Flip) Cleveland Browns - JaMarcus Russell - QB - LSU
This is the coin flip and for the time being, we're going in alphabetical order...we have a 50/50 chance of being correct anyway. Should Tampa Bay acquire this pick via the flip, we'll adjust accordingly. The Browns have as many holes on their feeble roster as any but it is headlined by not having a signal caller with a future. Charlie Frye doesn't look like he's their QB of the future and Romeo Crennel is one bad season away from getting the ax. Russell falls to them at three. With Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, they are starting to build a solid offensive nucleus.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gaines Adams - DE - Clemson
Tampa has always been built around defense and always just made due on the offensive side, so why start now. While they are thin at reciever and Calvin Johnson is the best reciever out there, they also need to retool the defense. Simeon Rice is on way out, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber are getting a bit long in the tooth, and Booger McFarland and Warren Sapp are long gone. Gaines Adams is the pick here to boost the D-line.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Alan Branch - DT-Michigan
Royally PF'd with both Joe Thomas and Gaines Adams off the board. Calvin Johnson, a legit first pick of the draft talent is still there, but they have no need for him or one of the big backs. They are in desperate need of an offensive lineman, but after Thomas, no one garners consideration in the top 10. Strapped, they look to shore up their run defense which was amongst the worst in the league. Calvin Johnson is on the phone with Georgia Tech inquiring about fall class enrollment.
6. Washington Redskins - Calvin Johnson - WR - Georgia Tech
Yes, the Redskins stockpiled receivers last offseason (Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd) but all three of their primary weapons are under six feet. Lloyd has been a major disappointment and Randle El is best used in the slot. Idealy the Skins would have loved to get Gaines Adams here, but they'll settle for possibly the best talent in the draft.
7. Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson - RB - Oklahoma
The Vikes have had a revolving door of running backs the past few years: Onterrio Smith, Michael Bennett, Mewelde Moore and recently, Chester Taylor. Taylor had a good year, but he's most certainly not their long term answer. AP gives Minnesota their franchise RB for the next 10 years and will instantly legitimize their offense. Peterson is without a doubt the best talent on the board right now. The big question is if he can shake his "injury prone" tag.
8. Houston Texans - Reggie Nelson - S - Florida
Nelson is this years shooting star prospect. He has all of the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and can step in and help immediately. The Texans would ideally love Adrian Peterson, or Marshawn Lynch, but it's too early to draft Lynch and Nelson has too much potential to pass up, especially for a team with an awful secondary.
9. Miami Dolphins - Quenton Moses - DE - Georgia
A bit of a reach, but I'm banking on Moses having great workouts. The Fins are a QB away from being a legit playoff team, but they have to give Culpepper one more year, plus there is no QB worth drafting in this position. They go with Moses as the eventual successor to Jason Taylor, who although is as dominant as ever, is not getting any younger. He is of the same slightly undersized, but not a pure speed rusher DE as Taylor.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Dwayne Jarrett - WR - USC
The Falcons have a solid running game, and are stable at the quarterback position with Matt Schaub at the helm. The only upgrade needed on offense is at wide out. Jarrett is the best available receiver. While Ted Gin is the homerun threat that can stretch the field, he's really just a one trick pony. Jarrett is more polished, has soft hands and is an excellent route runner. The Falcons may also opt for LSU's LaRon Landry here as their defense was a big disappointment last season.
11. San Francisco 49ers - Daymeion Hughes - CB -Cal
The Niners D was horrible last season and with a defensive minded coach like Nolan, that needs to change in a hurry. They would have loved to have plucked Jarrett to give them a legit WR threat to complement Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, but they pluck the drafts top CB out of their backyard. He's been one of the Senior Bowls top performers and will take quantum leaps in front of Leon Hall as the best CB this year. They consider Landry, but no way do two safeties get drafted before a CB. Hughes won't even have to move out of his college frat house.
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall - CB - Michigan
The Bills will protect themselves for Nate Clements inevitable
departure. Ashton Youboty was a bit of a disappointment last season,
and Terrence McGee is more of a return man than safety, so even if
somehow they manage to resign Clements, they could use the insurance.
13. St. Louis Rams - Ted Ginn, Jr. - WR -The Ohio State University
This pick makes as much sense as any. Isaac Bruce is old bones, there are heavy rumors that Kevin Curtis will depart via free agency and while Torry Holt is still a premier WR, he isn't getting any younger or straighter. (couldn't resist) Ginn will cause teams fits playing on the carpet of the Edward Jones Dome. Remember how explosive he was on an outdoor surface? He's perfect for the Rams.
14. Carolina Panthers - LaMarr Woodley - DE/LB - Michigan
The Panthers real pressing need is linebacker. Dan Morgan can never
stay healthy, Thomas Davis still hasn't settled in yet, and for god
sakes they had to turn to N'ail Diggs for extended reps last season.
Woodley is a bit undersized, and isn't too good in coverage but he can
get after the quarterback.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jamaal Anderson - DE - Arkansas
Pittsburgh has no glaring holes despite a sub par season. They've always been a defense first type of team and with a former D coordinator running the show, that won't change. Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are both set to become free agents after the 2007 and Anderson is a slam dunk pick for the middle of the draft. He could go much, much higher, so the Steelers protect themselves for the loss of a defensive playmaker or two with this hustlin'DE.
16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch - RB - Cal
Ahman Green is getting old, and is a free agent. The Packers liked what they saw in Morency, but don't fancy him as an every down back. Lynch is just too good to pass up here. While the secondary does have some concerns, I don't see Thompson giving up on Marquand Manuel after one year. Don't be surprised however if this isn't Pitt's Darrelle Revis, or Fresno State's Marcus McCauley. Harris and Woodson are both in their 30's and Harris may force Thompson's hand by taking a McKenzie/Walker stance of boycotting camp and demanding a trade.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Darrelle Revis - CB - Pitt
A no brainer pick. They could lose both Leon Hall and Donovin Darius to free agency and they signed Ahmad 'snitch-snitch' Carroll as secondary help. Real help for the secondary is on the way in the form of Revis.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - LaRon Landry - S - LSU
Landry suffers possibly the biggest slide of the day. He's a big hitter
and an extremely intelligent player who will fit in nicely with the
Bengals roughneck defense. The only knock is his lack of an arrest
record, something he'll have to address if he wants to be a member of
Marvin Lewis' team.
19. Tennessee Titans - Levi Brown - OL - Penn State
VY is in place. Now they protect his blind side with a bookend tackle.
20. New York Giants - Amobi Okoye - DT - Louisville
The Giants are thrilled he's still on the board. The entire line has undergone some cosmetic changes with the addition of Matthias Kiwanuka and Umenyiora, now it's time they address the interior of the line. Fred Robbins aint' getting any younger, and they have very little to no depth on the line as it is.
21. Denver Broncos - Dwayne Bowe - WR - LSU
They have an obvious need at CB with the tragic passing of Darrent Williams, but no one on the board warrants being drafted in the first round any longer. Instead, they start to add the tools to the offense so Jay Cutler has more than one guy to throw to. Bowe looks like a guy who will be vaulting up teams boards after his initial Senior Bowl workouts. He's a monster and will make for one, big, steady target.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Justin Blalock - OT/OG - Texas
The Cowboys offensive line was awful last season. Drew Bledsoe had no time under center, and Tony Romo only masked the problems with his mobility. Blalock can play guard or tackle, which are both needs for this team. Marco Rivera is getting close to the wrong side of 30, Flozell Adams is in his 30's, and Marc Columbo and Kyle Kosier only start because they're the best options the Cowboys have.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Robert Meacham - WR - Tennessee
This team has been in dire need of a #1 wide out for years, getting by on offense with Tony Gonzalez and the likes of Eddie Kennison. They've never had a legit top wide receiver option. Meacham is the big, fast WR they need who made a ton of highlight reel catches at UT and has a big upside.
24. New England (from Seattle) - Paul Posloszny - LB - Penn State
The Patriots are in dire need of help at linebacker. Junior Seau will likely retire, and the rumor is that Teddy Bruschi won't be back. That just leaves them with an aging Mike Vrabel, Tully Banta-Cain, and Rosevelt Colvin. Posluszny fits the New England scheme and is a smart player. They'll go for him over the more athletic Patrick Willis.
25. New York Jets - Marcus McCauley - CB - Fresno State
The Jets had the biggest turn around from last season in the AFC, and look to shore up their secondary with Justin Miller in the doghouse. Kerry Rhodes has already emerged as one of the best safeties in the league, but their cornerbacks are all aging guys on the downside of their careers. They greatly consider Kenny Irons as they need a true 25-carry a game back, but ultimately go with a CB. As they say, you can never have enough competent CBs.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Lawrence Timmons - LB - Florida State
He fits nicely in the Eagles defensive scheme. He's quick and aggressive. Not the greatest in coverage, but he brings the lumber and is especially good at the blitz, a Jim Johnson staple. The Eagles have no real needs to fill, other than possibly QB, but this is way too early for Troy Smith.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Jarvis Moss - DE - Florida
They desperately need offensive help, most notably a QB, but neither Troy Smith nor Drew Stanton are the answer. They took a QB late in the first round already and he's currently rotting on their bench, they won't do it again. They could grab Kenny Irons as well, but instead protect themselves should Adalius Thomas bolt in free agency. Moss is a smallish DE and would fit perfectly into their scheme as he can play both DE or OLB. Look for this guy to become a real hellraiser in the league while playing for the defensive jaugernaut of our time. His stock was solidified at the championship game, dusting past OSU lineman all game long.
28. San Diego Chargers - Michael Griffin - S/CB - Texas
The Chargers secondary is awful. Quentin Jammer is not the lock down corner San Diego thought they were getting, and they have little else behind him. At 28, Griffin could end up being the steal of the draft. He may very well be just as gifted and athletic as Florida's Reggie Nelson, but just with less fanfare.
29. New Orleans Saints - Patrick Willis - LB - Ole Miss
Michael Griffin nearly fell into their laps as the Saints need help in nearly every facet of defense, but with San Diego PFing them, they look to Willis to give them instant help. Willis could wind-up being the best LB in this draft and will give New Orleans a major upgrade within their LB corps.Look for him to be a starter from the onset of training camp.
30. New England Patriots - HB Blades - LB - Pitt
The Patriots get to really address their need at linebacker in this draft. If you watched the AFC Championship, you saw the Colts exploit the Patriot linebackers in the second half. Blades is a polished linebacker having stayed till his senior year, played under a former NFL head coach (sort of) at Pitt, and has an NFL pedigree being related to Brain and Bennie Blades. He also fits the New England defense quite well. The Patriots get two young interior linebackers which will allow them to move Mike Vrabel back to the outside.
31. Chicago Bears - Sidney Rice - WR - South Carolina
The Bears are elated one of the big, fast receivers is still on the board. Muhammad is nothing special and Berrian looks to be a great deep threat, but little else. Rice is young, but gives Chicago a playmaker on offense, which they have lacked for the past several years. Now, if only they had a QB who could make a forward pass...
32. Indianapolis Colts - Quinn Pitcock - DT - THE Ohio State University
Indy's defense was just awful this past season (although you woulnd't
know it if you only watched the Playoffs.) The root of their problem
was the run defense. Pitcock is stout against the run and is a
serviceable pass rusher. He should make an immediate impact on this
defense.
1. Oakland Raiders - Brady Quinn - QB - Notre Dame
While I truly feel that JaMarcus Russell is the best QB available this year, I think with Kiffin at the helm, Oakland will go with the system QB of the Matt Leinart breed. I really wanted the Raiders to settle on someone ridiculous like Troy Smith, but Quinn's the pick at this point....but not until after they called USC to attempt to get John David Booty to
declare.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas - OT - Wisconsin
JaMarcus Russell and Calvin Johnson are both on the board, and will be tough to pass up, but even Matt Millen knows he can't justify making those picks. The Lions have become a finesse team and need to change that. They need to protect John Kitna and open up holes for Kevin Jones. Thomas is a physical mauler who's also athletic and versatile enough to play guard in a pinch. He'll be a Pro Bowler for years to come. The Lions have not been settled at either tackle position since Lomas Brown was anchoring the line..at the Silverdome. Matt Millen finally hits one out of the park.
3t. (Coin Flip) Cleveland Browns - JaMarcus Russell - QB - LSU
This is the coin flip and for the time being, we're going in alphabetical order...we have a 50/50 chance of being correct anyway. Should Tampa Bay acquire this pick via the flip, we'll adjust accordingly. The Browns have as many holes on their feeble roster as any but it is headlined by not having a signal caller with a future. Charlie Frye doesn't look like he's their QB of the future and Romeo Crennel is one bad season away from getting the ax. Russell falls to them at three. With Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, they are starting to build a solid offensive nucleus.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gaines Adams - DE - Clemson
Tampa has always been built around defense and always just made due on the offensive side, so why start now. While they are thin at reciever and Calvin Johnson is the best reciever out there, they also need to retool the defense. Simeon Rice is on way out, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber are getting a bit long in the tooth, and Booger McFarland and Warren Sapp are long gone. Gaines Adams is the pick here to boost the D-line.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Alan Branch - DT-Michigan
Royally PF'd with both Joe Thomas and Gaines Adams off the board. Calvin Johnson, a legit first pick of the draft talent is still there, but they have no need for him or one of the big backs. They are in desperate need of an offensive lineman, but after Thomas, no one garners consideration in the top 10. Strapped, they look to shore up their run defense which was amongst the worst in the league. Calvin Johnson is on the phone with Georgia Tech inquiring about fall class enrollment.
6. Washington Redskins - Calvin Johnson - WR - Georgia Tech
Yes, the Redskins stockpiled receivers last offseason (Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd) but all three of their primary weapons are under six feet. Lloyd has been a major disappointment and Randle El is best used in the slot. Idealy the Skins would have loved to get Gaines Adams here, but they'll settle for possibly the best talent in the draft.
7. Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson - RB - Oklahoma
The Vikes have had a revolving door of running backs the past few years: Onterrio Smith, Michael Bennett, Mewelde Moore and recently, Chester Taylor. Taylor had a good year, but he's most certainly not their long term answer. AP gives Minnesota their franchise RB for the next 10 years and will instantly legitimize their offense. Peterson is without a doubt the best talent on the board right now. The big question is if he can shake his "injury prone" tag.
8. Houston Texans - Reggie Nelson - S - Florida
Nelson is this years shooting star prospect. He has all of the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and can step in and help immediately. The Texans would ideally love Adrian Peterson, or Marshawn Lynch, but it's too early to draft Lynch and Nelson has too much potential to pass up, especially for a team with an awful secondary.
9. Miami Dolphins - Quenton Moses - DE - Georgia
A bit of a reach, but I'm banking on Moses having great workouts. The Fins are a QB away from being a legit playoff team, but they have to give Culpepper one more year, plus there is no QB worth drafting in this position. They go with Moses as the eventual successor to Jason Taylor, who although is as dominant as ever, is not getting any younger. He is of the same slightly undersized, but not a pure speed rusher DE as Taylor.
10. Atlanta Falcons - Dwayne Jarrett - WR - USC
The Falcons have a solid running game, and are stable at the quarterback position with Matt Schaub at the helm. The only upgrade needed on offense is at wide out. Jarrett is the best available receiver. While Ted Gin is the homerun threat that can stretch the field, he's really just a one trick pony. Jarrett is more polished, has soft hands and is an excellent route runner. The Falcons may also opt for LSU's LaRon Landry here as their defense was a big disappointment last season.
11. San Francisco 49ers - Daymeion Hughes - CB -Cal
The Niners D was horrible last season and with a defensive minded coach like Nolan, that needs to change in a hurry. They would have loved to have plucked Jarrett to give them a legit WR threat to complement Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, but they pluck the drafts top CB out of their backyard. He's been one of the Senior Bowls top performers and will take quantum leaps in front of Leon Hall as the best CB this year. They consider Landry, but no way do two safeties get drafted before a CB. Hughes won't even have to move out of his college frat house.
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall - CB - Michigan
The Bills will protect themselves for Nate Clements inevitable
departure. Ashton Youboty was a bit of a disappointment last season,
and Terrence McGee is more of a return man than safety, so even if
somehow they manage to resign Clements, they could use the insurance.
13. St. Louis Rams - Ted Ginn, Jr. - WR -The Ohio State University
This pick makes as much sense as any. Isaac Bruce is old bones, there are heavy rumors that Kevin Curtis will depart via free agency and while Torry Holt is still a premier WR, he isn't getting any younger or straighter. (couldn't resist) Ginn will cause teams fits playing on the carpet of the Edward Jones Dome. Remember how explosive he was on an outdoor surface? He's perfect for the Rams.
14. Carolina Panthers - LaMarr Woodley - DE/LB - Michigan
The Panthers real pressing need is linebacker. Dan Morgan can never
stay healthy, Thomas Davis still hasn't settled in yet, and for god
sakes they had to turn to N'ail Diggs for extended reps last season.
Woodley is a bit undersized, and isn't too good in coverage but he can
get after the quarterback.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jamaal Anderson - DE - Arkansas
Pittsburgh has no glaring holes despite a sub par season. They've always been a defense first type of team and with a former D coordinator running the show, that won't change. Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are both set to become free agents after the 2007 and Anderson is a slam dunk pick for the middle of the draft. He could go much, much higher, so the Steelers protect themselves for the loss of a defensive playmaker or two with this hustlin'DE.
16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch - RB - Cal
Ahman Green is getting old, and is a free agent. The Packers liked what they saw in Morency, but don't fancy him as an every down back. Lynch is just too good to pass up here. While the secondary does have some concerns, I don't see Thompson giving up on Marquand Manuel after one year. Don't be surprised however if this isn't Pitt's Darrelle Revis, or Fresno State's Marcus McCauley. Harris and Woodson are both in their 30's and Harris may force Thompson's hand by taking a McKenzie/Walker stance of boycotting camp and demanding a trade.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Darrelle Revis - CB - Pitt
A no brainer pick. They could lose both Leon Hall and Donovin Darius to free agency and they signed Ahmad 'snitch-snitch' Carroll as secondary help. Real help for the secondary is on the way in the form of Revis.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - LaRon Landry - S - LSU
Landry suffers possibly the biggest slide of the day. He's a big hitter
and an extremely intelligent player who will fit in nicely with the
Bengals roughneck defense. The only knock is his lack of an arrest
record, something he'll have to address if he wants to be a member of
Marvin Lewis' team.
19. Tennessee Titans - Levi Brown - OL - Penn State
VY is in place. Now they protect his blind side with a bookend tackle.
20. New York Giants - Amobi Okoye - DT - Louisville
The Giants are thrilled he's still on the board. The entire line has undergone some cosmetic changes with the addition of Matthias Kiwanuka and Umenyiora, now it's time they address the interior of the line. Fred Robbins aint' getting any younger, and they have very little to no depth on the line as it is.
21. Denver Broncos - Dwayne Bowe - WR - LSU
They have an obvious need at CB with the tragic passing of Darrent Williams, but no one on the board warrants being drafted in the first round any longer. Instead, they start to add the tools to the offense so Jay Cutler has more than one guy to throw to. Bowe looks like a guy who will be vaulting up teams boards after his initial Senior Bowl workouts. He's a monster and will make for one, big, steady target.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Justin Blalock - OT/OG - Texas
The Cowboys offensive line was awful last season. Drew Bledsoe had no time under center, and Tony Romo only masked the problems with his mobility. Blalock can play guard or tackle, which are both needs for this team. Marco Rivera is getting close to the wrong side of 30, Flozell Adams is in his 30's, and Marc Columbo and Kyle Kosier only start because they're the best options the Cowboys have.
23. Kansas City Chiefs - Robert Meacham - WR - Tennessee
This team has been in dire need of a #1 wide out for years, getting by on offense with Tony Gonzalez and the likes of Eddie Kennison. They've never had a legit top wide receiver option. Meacham is the big, fast WR they need who made a ton of highlight reel catches at UT and has a big upside.
24. New England (from Seattle) - Paul Posloszny - LB - Penn State
The Patriots are in dire need of help at linebacker. Junior Seau will likely retire, and the rumor is that Teddy Bruschi won't be back. That just leaves them with an aging Mike Vrabel, Tully Banta-Cain, and Rosevelt Colvin. Posluszny fits the New England scheme and is a smart player. They'll go for him over the more athletic Patrick Willis.
25. New York Jets - Marcus McCauley - CB - Fresno State
The Jets had the biggest turn around from last season in the AFC, and look to shore up their secondary with Justin Miller in the doghouse. Kerry Rhodes has already emerged as one of the best safeties in the league, but their cornerbacks are all aging guys on the downside of their careers. They greatly consider Kenny Irons as they need a true 25-carry a game back, but ultimately go with a CB. As they say, you can never have enough competent CBs.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Lawrence Timmons - LB - Florida State
He fits nicely in the Eagles defensive scheme. He's quick and aggressive. Not the greatest in coverage, but he brings the lumber and is especially good at the blitz, a Jim Johnson staple. The Eagles have no real needs to fill, other than possibly QB, but this is way too early for Troy Smith.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Jarvis Moss - DE - Florida
They desperately need offensive help, most notably a QB, but neither Troy Smith nor Drew Stanton are the answer. They took a QB late in the first round already and he's currently rotting on their bench, they won't do it again. They could grab Kenny Irons as well, but instead protect themselves should Adalius Thomas bolt in free agency. Moss is a smallish DE and would fit perfectly into their scheme as he can play both DE or OLB. Look for this guy to become a real hellraiser in the league while playing for the defensive jaugernaut of our time. His stock was solidified at the championship game, dusting past OSU lineman all game long.
28. San Diego Chargers - Michael Griffin - S/CB - Texas
The Chargers secondary is awful. Quentin Jammer is not the lock down corner San Diego thought they were getting, and they have little else behind him. At 28, Griffin could end up being the steal of the draft. He may very well be just as gifted and athletic as Florida's Reggie Nelson, but just with less fanfare.
29. New Orleans Saints - Patrick Willis - LB - Ole Miss
Michael Griffin nearly fell into their laps as the Saints need help in nearly every facet of defense, but with San Diego PFing them, they look to Willis to give them instant help. Willis could wind-up being the best LB in this draft and will give New Orleans a major upgrade within their LB corps.Look for him to be a starter from the onset of training camp.
30. New England Patriots - HB Blades - LB - Pitt
The Patriots get to really address their need at linebacker in this draft. If you watched the AFC Championship, you saw the Colts exploit the Patriot linebackers in the second half. Blades is a polished linebacker having stayed till his senior year, played under a former NFL head coach (sort of) at Pitt, and has an NFL pedigree being related to Brain and Bennie Blades. He also fits the New England defense quite well. The Patriots get two young interior linebackers which will allow them to move Mike Vrabel back to the outside.
31. Chicago Bears - Sidney Rice - WR - South Carolina
The Bears are elated one of the big, fast receivers is still on the board. Muhammad is nothing special and Berrian looks to be a great deep threat, but little else. Rice is young, but gives Chicago a playmaker on offense, which they have lacked for the past several years. Now, if only they had a QB who could make a forward pass...
32. Indianapolis Colts - Quinn Pitcock - DT - THE Ohio State University
Indy's defense was just awful this past season (although you woulnd't
know it if you only watched the Playoffs.) The root of their problem
was the run defense. Pitcock is stout against the run and is a
serviceable pass rusher. He should make an immediate impact on this
defense.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
It Most Certainly Could Not Be Worse
So let me get this straight Fabos, you're trying to concoct scenarios to support your belief that this years Super Bowl is not the worst possible Super Bowl that could have happened for Packer fans?
You do realize this is like gee I don't know, Rex Grossman trying to spin a tail on why a 0.0 quarterback rating is not his fault.
The absolute worst possible case for a Super Bowl. The only matchup that would have been worse would have been if the Bears would be playing the Vikings, and that's not possible.
So with that in mind, here is your list of worst possible Super Bowl matchups. Of course, only in the eyes of Packer fans, and well...god.
5. Vikings v. Colts
We can all relax because this one will never happen. But lets just say it did. Who do you root for? Peyton Manning? The freaking Vikings? Tough call.
Why It Won't Happen
No former Porn Star has ever gone on to coach in a Super Bowl (sorry Brad Childress).
4. Seahawks v. Broncos
The only way this becomes truely awful is if the Walrus defeats Mike Shannahan in this one. Mike Holgren gets a ring with the Seahawks or Javon Walker gets his first? Oh god, I think I'm going to vomit just thinking of that.
Why It Won't Happen
As we've recently found out, both coaches are terribly overrated and have major flaws. Holmgren out-awful-coached Lovie Smith in the Divisional round this year, and has really looked bad in every playoff game he's been in since he had Brett Favre. Mike Shannahan looks like a rat, and has since lost his O-line guru in Alex Gibbs and his right hand man, Gary Kubiak.
3. Vikings v. Broncos
Ohh boy, I need a bag. I think I'm going to vomit, and I haven't even looked at the Vikings uniforms yet. Quick rundown of the despised in this one. Javon Walker? Check. Darren Sharper? Check. Mike Shannahan? Check. Bob Slowik? Check. The only thing that could make this worse is Shannon Sharpe, Terrell Davis, John Elway, Chris Carter, Robert Smith and John Randle all coming out of retirement to play in this game. Oh, and Chris Hovan rejoins the Vikings.
Why It Won't Happen
Shannon Sharpe, Terrell Davis, John Elway, Chris Carter, Robert Smith and John Randle are not coming out of retirement.
2. Bears v. Colts
So I have to pick between the Bears or Peyton Manning to win a Super Bowl? At the risk of sounding completely over the line, I'll save my original analogy and use this one instead, do I want to lose my right arm or my left?
Why It Won't Happen
Son of a Bitch
1. Bears v. Broncos
Oh god, I've officially had it. I can't even go on with this one, I'm afriad if I do it will happen next year.
Why It Won't Happen
God can't hate me that much can he? He would really do this to me two years in a row, or just twice in one lifetime?
So, maybe it turns out you were right Fabos, but barely. Let's just forget this column ever even happened, shall we?
You do realize this is like gee I don't know, Rex Grossman trying to spin a tail on why a 0.0 quarterback rating is not his fault.
The absolute worst possible case for a Super Bowl. The only matchup that would have been worse would have been if the Bears would be playing the Vikings, and that's not possible.
So with that in mind, here is your list of worst possible Super Bowl matchups. Of course, only in the eyes of Packer fans, and well...god.
5. Vikings v. Colts
We can all relax because this one will never happen. But lets just say it did. Who do you root for? Peyton Manning? The freaking Vikings? Tough call.
Why It Won't Happen
No former Porn Star has ever gone on to coach in a Super Bowl (sorry Brad Childress).
4. Seahawks v. Broncos
The only way this becomes truely awful is if the Walrus defeats Mike Shannahan in this one. Mike Holgren gets a ring with the Seahawks or Javon Walker gets his first? Oh god, I think I'm going to vomit just thinking of that.
Why It Won't Happen
As we've recently found out, both coaches are terribly overrated and have major flaws. Holmgren out-awful-coached Lovie Smith in the Divisional round this year, and has really looked bad in every playoff game he's been in since he had Brett Favre. Mike Shannahan looks like a rat, and has since lost his O-line guru in Alex Gibbs and his right hand man, Gary Kubiak.
3. Vikings v. Broncos
Ohh boy, I need a bag. I think I'm going to vomit, and I haven't even looked at the Vikings uniforms yet. Quick rundown of the despised in this one. Javon Walker? Check. Darren Sharper? Check. Mike Shannahan? Check. Bob Slowik? Check. The only thing that could make this worse is Shannon Sharpe, Terrell Davis, John Elway, Chris Carter, Robert Smith and John Randle all coming out of retirement to play in this game. Oh, and Chris Hovan rejoins the Vikings.
Why It Won't Happen
Shannon Sharpe, Terrell Davis, John Elway, Chris Carter, Robert Smith and John Randle are not coming out of retirement.
2. Bears v. Colts
So I have to pick between the Bears or Peyton Manning to win a Super Bowl? At the risk of sounding completely over the line, I'll save my original analogy and use this one instead, do I want to lose my right arm or my left?
Why It Won't Happen
Son of a Bitch
1. Bears v. Broncos
Oh god, I've officially had it. I can't even go on with this one, I'm afriad if I do it will happen next year.
Why It Won't Happen
God can't hate me that much can he? He would really do this to me two years in a row, or just twice in one lifetime?
So, maybe it turns out you were right Fabos, but barely. Let's just forget this column ever even happened, shall we?
Monday, January 22, 2007
It Could Be Worse
Albeit not much worse, considering the football Gods are frowning upon us by serving up a Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl. So either the hated Bears get rings or the whining, daddy's boy, Peyton Manning gets one. Yuck. Why even watch? Here's how it could be worse:
1. The Vikings could be playing the Colts
2. Eli Manning could be playing the Colts
Here's a short list, a reach, I know, why the big game is still worth watching:
1. If the Bears win, Peyton is denied that ring of his.
2. If the Colts win, Chicago is faced with that horrible 'we were so close,' feeling.
3. Urlacher could end Manning's consecutive starts streak with one, bone-crushing hit...oh wait, he doesn't believe in sacking the QB.
4. The Bears vaunted D could give up 40 points.
5. There will probably be at least three decent commercials.
6. Prince might play 1999 at halftime.
Ouch, let it be known that I'm convinced Super Bowl XLI will be the worst in my lifetime. When do Brewers opening day tickets go on sale?
1. The Vikings could be playing the Colts
2. Eli Manning could be playing the Colts
Here's a short list, a reach, I know, why the big game is still worth watching:
1. If the Bears win, Peyton is denied that ring of his.
2. If the Colts win, Chicago is faced with that horrible 'we were so close,' feeling.
3. Urlacher could end Manning's consecutive starts streak with one, bone-crushing hit...oh wait, he doesn't believe in sacking the QB.
4. The Bears vaunted D could give up 40 points.
5. There will probably be at least three decent commercials.
6. Prince might play 1999 at halftime.
Ouch, let it be known that I'm convinced Super Bowl XLI will be the worst in my lifetime. When do Brewers opening day tickets go on sale?
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Draft
We're back. I apologize to Filzen for the lack of Hangover material. I moved out and first got an internet connection again two days ago. Count, them, two days ago. But I plan the finish the show (single tear) strong.
But onto my favorite non-competition sporting event of the year; the NFL draft. Papi and myself take the draft pretty seriously, having watched every last tick of the first day two years in a row. This year's draft is brewing up to be one of the strongest, with the most firepower in years, thanks to every junior worth his salt not named Brian Brohm declaring eligible.
This is delicious news to Packers fans, as GB owns the 16th pick in the draft. After an uninspiring, yet encouraging 8-8 finish to the 2006 season, landing a legit playmaker could put the team back into the thick of the playoffs in the NFC.*
(*denotes Uncle Brett has another year left in him)
Here's the most encouraging thing, the junior class alone has the Packers in position to land a stud. It's our purpose to simply start in pretty raw form of just listing top prospects to give everyone a clearer idea of the caliber of player GB has a chance of landing. These guys are listed in no particular order save for their position.
JUNIORS
QB-JaMarcus Russell-LSU
RB-Marshawn Lynch-Cal
RB-Adrian Peterson-Oklahoma
RB-Michael Bush-Louisville
RB-Michael Pittman-OSU
WR-Calvin Johnson-Georgia Tech
WR-Sidney Rice-S. Carolina
WR-Dwayne Jarrett-USC
WR-Ted Ginn, Jr.-OSU
WR-Robert Meacham-Tennessee
S- Reggie Nelson-Florida
DT-Alan Branch-Michigan
CB-Darrelle Revis-Pitt
CB-C.J. Gaddis-Clemson
LB-Lawrence Timmons-FSU
For those of you counting at home, that's 15 players listed. Now, not all of them are expected to be top 15 picks, but most of them clearly have the talent to be, and it doesn't even include some of the top senior prospects:
S-LaRon Landry-LSU
QB-Brady Quinn-Notre Dame
OT-Joe Thomas-Wisconsin
DE-Gaines Adams-Clemson
CB-Leon Hall-Michigan
DT-Quinn Pitcock-OSU
DE/LB-LaMarr Woodley-Michigan
OT-Levi Brown-Penn State
LB-Paul Posluzney-Penn State
Coupled with the above senior prospects, and we've almost got enough names to form a first round mock draft. Keep in mind today's date. The NFL season isn't even done yet...the combine hasn't happened yet. I've done basically zero research on players eligible, just tossing out names that are known to be legit first round prospects. Did anyone really think Mario Williams and Vernon Davis would be top six picks prior to the combine last year? Did anyone predict Matt Jones being a first round pick two years ago before the combine? Case in point, there will be plenty of more top tier guys to throw into the first round discussion in the near future.
Geaux Saints....
But onto my favorite non-competition sporting event of the year; the NFL draft. Papi and myself take the draft pretty seriously, having watched every last tick of the first day two years in a row. This year's draft is brewing up to be one of the strongest, with the most firepower in years, thanks to every junior worth his salt not named Brian Brohm declaring eligible.
This is delicious news to Packers fans, as GB owns the 16th pick in the draft. After an uninspiring, yet encouraging 8-8 finish to the 2006 season, landing a legit playmaker could put the team back into the thick of the playoffs in the NFC.*
(*denotes Uncle Brett has another year left in him)
Here's the most encouraging thing, the junior class alone has the Packers in position to land a stud. It's our purpose to simply start in pretty raw form of just listing top prospects to give everyone a clearer idea of the caliber of player GB has a chance of landing. These guys are listed in no particular order save for their position.
JUNIORS
QB-JaMarcus Russell-LSU
RB-Marshawn Lynch-Cal
RB-Adrian Peterson-Oklahoma
RB-Michael Bush-Louisville
RB-Michael Pittman-OSU
WR-Calvin Johnson-Georgia Tech
WR-Sidney Rice-S. Carolina
WR-Dwayne Jarrett-USC
WR-Ted Ginn, Jr.-OSU
WR-Robert Meacham-Tennessee
S- Reggie Nelson-Florida
DT-Alan Branch-Michigan
CB-Darrelle Revis-Pitt
CB-C.J. Gaddis-Clemson
LB-Lawrence Timmons-FSU
For those of you counting at home, that's 15 players listed. Now, not all of them are expected to be top 15 picks, but most of them clearly have the talent to be, and it doesn't even include some of the top senior prospects:
S-LaRon Landry-LSU
QB-Brady Quinn-Notre Dame
OT-Joe Thomas-Wisconsin
DE-Gaines Adams-Clemson
CB-Leon Hall-Michigan
DT-Quinn Pitcock-OSU
DE/LB-LaMarr Woodley-Michigan
OT-Levi Brown-Penn State
LB-Paul Posluzney-Penn State
Coupled with the above senior prospects, and we've almost got enough names to form a first round mock draft. Keep in mind today's date. The NFL season isn't even done yet...the combine hasn't happened yet. I've done basically zero research on players eligible, just tossing out names that are known to be legit first round prospects. Did anyone really think Mario Williams and Vernon Davis would be top six picks prior to the combine last year? Did anyone predict Matt Jones being a first round pick two years ago before the combine? Case in point, there will be plenty of more top tier guys to throw into the first round discussion in the near future.
Geaux Saints....
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