In the second installment of FF Running Backs, I'll delve into the players I feel will break through in 2008. The following RBs will be enter the "Top 12" status:
Ryan Grant. Assuming he signs a contract, Ryan Grant will prove the 2nd half of 2007 was no fluke, as he ran for nearly 1000 yards in less than 10 games, plus a 200 yard game in the playoffs against Seattle. Grant will easily top the 1000 yard barrier this year as the full time starter.
Marshawn Lynch. This is not a surprse for most folks. What IS news over the last week is the news that the NFL will not punish Lynch for his hit-and-run accident a few months ago. With no suspension to worry about, expect Lynch to post a 1400 yard season.
Reggie Bush. I know the arguments - too small, quick but not nec fast, more a slot reciever, etc. To me, he looks a lot like Brian Westbrook. And this year, he may play special teams as well. If your league rewards for receiving, definitely consider him a first rounder.
While I didn't list him among the top 12, I would consider Laurence Maroney as a first round back as well. Maroney proved his worth to Belicheck as the season went on, and I think he'll continue where he left off from the second half of 2007. Most magazines have him pegged as a #2 RB. Draft him as one and reap the rewards of getting a 1st round steal. Again, you heard it here first.
My second 12 is as follows:
13.Maroney
14.Jonathan Stewart
15.Matt Forte
16.Willie Parker
17.Michael Turner
18.Darren McFadden
19.Kevin Smith
20.Rudi Johnson
21.Julius Jones
22.Earnest Graham
23.Thomas Jones
24.LenDale White
In addition to Maroney, I'm bullish on 4 rookies: Stewart, Forte, McFadden, and Smith. (If Willie Parker is injured, add Rashad Mendenhall as rookie #5). In addition, keep an eye on Denver's Ryan Torain and Arizona's Tim Hightower. Both rookies need only a bit of luck (or in Torain's case, the usual Denver shananigans) and they could be deep sleepers that give a "Top 24" value. As stated before, this is a good year to grab a rookie RB!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
We're moving!
We're moving!
Esther has accepted an offer to teach 6th Grade Science in Culpeper, VA. So we are leaving Da Burgh as of August 1st.
I'll update the blog as more details emerge....
Esther has accepted an offer to teach 6th Grade Science in Culpeper, VA. So we are leaving Da Burgh as of August 1st.
I'll update the blog as more details emerge....
Friday, July 18, 2008
Fantasy Football - Running Backs, Pt 1
This week's FF column I will cover running backs - a position so important I've devoted two parts to it.
First off, use your 1st round pick on a RB. This is not negotiable. You'll probably read in various magazines about picking a QB or WR first given the increase in the passing game.
Based on 2007, the QB most mags will point to is Tom Brady, and the season he had. Well, if you've read my first FF column, you know what I think of Brady. And at this time last year you could have had him in the 3rd or 4th round! The QB I think will be the best this year in Carson Palmer is also going around rounds 3 or 4.
What about WR? You could arguably make a case for Randy Moss going in the first round. BAck when he played for Minnesota, he was regularly a 1st round WR. Frankly he's the only one I'd make that exception for, and depending on how your league scores points, he may not be as much of a difference maker as you would think. In fact, if your league scores points for receptions, he might not even beat out his own teammate in Wes Welker!
More than any other position, RBs provide the best security. It's much easier to predict how a RB will fare than a QB or WR. Remember at this time last year no one had guessed how successful Brady was going to be. Had you picked Brady in the 3rd or 4th round after picking a top 10 RB you probably won your league.
In general, here is how I would slot the top 12 picks, regardless of position:
1. LaDainlian Tomlinson 2. Adrian Peterson 3. Steven Jackson 4. Brian Westbrook 5. Joseph Addai 6. Frank Gore 7. Larry Johnson 8. Marshawn Lynch (assuming no suspension) 9. Clinton Portis 10.Willis McGahee 11.Ryan Grant 12.Reggie Bush
After McGahee, I'd consider a WR or even a QB (if you think Peyton Manning is your guy.). Note though, after McGahee you are dealing with RBs that have more potential than production, so if you had picked a non RB in the first 8-9 picks, you'd be dealing with more "question marks" than anything else.
The next column will be featuring which RBs will rise to "top 12" and "top 24" status this year.
First off, use your 1st round pick on a RB. This is not negotiable. You'll probably read in various magazines about picking a QB or WR first given the increase in the passing game.
Based on 2007, the QB most mags will point to is Tom Brady, and the season he had. Well, if you've read my first FF column, you know what I think of Brady. And at this time last year you could have had him in the 3rd or 4th round! The QB I think will be the best this year in Carson Palmer is also going around rounds 3 or 4.
What about WR? You could arguably make a case for Randy Moss going in the first round. BAck when he played for Minnesota, he was regularly a 1st round WR. Frankly he's the only one I'd make that exception for, and depending on how your league scores points, he may not be as much of a difference maker as you would think. In fact, if your league scores points for receptions, he might not even beat out his own teammate in Wes Welker!
More than any other position, RBs provide the best security. It's much easier to predict how a RB will fare than a QB or WR. Remember at this time last year no one had guessed how successful Brady was going to be. Had you picked Brady in the 3rd or 4th round after picking a top 10 RB you probably won your league.
In general, here is how I would slot the top 12 picks, regardless of position:
1. LaDainlian Tomlinson 2. Adrian Peterson 3. Steven Jackson 4. Brian Westbrook 5. Joseph Addai 6. Frank Gore 7. Larry Johnson 8. Marshawn Lynch (assuming no suspension) 9. Clinton Portis 10.Willis McGahee 11.Ryan Grant 12.Reggie Bush
After McGahee, I'd consider a WR or even a QB (if you think Peyton Manning is your guy.). Note though, after McGahee you are dealing with RBs that have more potential than production, so if you had picked a non RB in the first 8-9 picks, you'd be dealing with more "question marks" than anything else.
The next column will be featuring which RBs will rise to "top 12" and "top 24" status this year.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Passionate Spirituality - Introduction
One of the foundations of the church we go to is the concept of Passionate Spirituality.
In a nutshell, this is not so much a pursuit of divine experiences as it is an outward expression of people who have been pursued and found by God. Ideally, one lives in such a way that our lives cannot be explained apart from God. Committed to being full of Jesus and full of life, the desire is to no longer be seen as ordinary, but as extraordinary—no longer seen as passive or indifferent but fervent about the cause of Christ.
Rob Bell also uses this in Velvet Elvis:
"My understanding is that as to be a Christian is to do whatever it is that you do with great passion and devotion. We throw ourselves into our work because everything is sacred."
Rob references Colossians in this passage: "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."
When a person pursues this passion for all it's worth, one can't help but be attracted to it. You see this all the time in sports (Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, etc.). You also see it in music (Miles Davis, Beethoven, the Beatles, Mozart, Stevie Wonder, U2 - just to name a few). This excellence has a draw all it's own, but there's also a magnetism attached to those who are constantly pursuing excellence simply due to their passion for their chosen field.
When one channels this passion with the love of Jesus Christ, the end result is nothing short of miraculous in how it draws others to conclude it can't be anything other than Jesus. When one is commited to living a life extroardinary - no longer seen as passive or indifferent but fervent about the cause of Christ - this can lead to God being able to do amazing things.
As a musician, I've been fortunate to be able to live this life. I've pursued my passion for music and have been blessed with both opportunities and relationships. In finding and developing my passion, I live my life as an extension of a church where the believers are on fire, living prayerfully committed lives with joyful and enthusiastic faith.
Doesn't that sound like a church you'd want to be part of?
I'll be posting more thoughts about this next week.
In a nutshell, this is not so much a pursuit of divine experiences as it is an outward expression of people who have been pursued and found by God. Ideally, one lives in such a way that our lives cannot be explained apart from God. Committed to being full of Jesus and full of life, the desire is to no longer be seen as ordinary, but as extraordinary—no longer seen as passive or indifferent but fervent about the cause of Christ.
Rob Bell also uses this in Velvet Elvis:
"My understanding is that as to be a Christian is to do whatever it is that you do with great passion and devotion. We throw ourselves into our work because everything is sacred."
Rob references Colossians in this passage: "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."
When a person pursues this passion for all it's worth, one can't help but be attracted to it. You see this all the time in sports (Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, etc.). You also see it in music (Miles Davis, Beethoven, the Beatles, Mozart, Stevie Wonder, U2 - just to name a few). This excellence has a draw all it's own, but there's also a magnetism attached to those who are constantly pursuing excellence simply due to their passion for their chosen field.
When one channels this passion with the love of Jesus Christ, the end result is nothing short of miraculous in how it draws others to conclude it can't be anything other than Jesus. When one is commited to living a life extroardinary - no longer seen as passive or indifferent but fervent about the cause of Christ - this can lead to God being able to do amazing things.
As a musician, I've been fortunate to be able to live this life. I've pursued my passion for music and have been blessed with both opportunities and relationships. In finding and developing my passion, I live my life as an extension of a church where the believers are on fire, living prayerfully committed lives with joyful and enthusiastic faith.
Doesn't that sound like a church you'd want to be part of?
I'll be posting more thoughts about this next week.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Chinese Ghetto
This seriously has to be the funniest thing I've ever heard...
Many of you may have heard about the "Chinatown Buses". These buses are chinese-owned operations that take people from Chinatown to Chinatown, all across the Eastern Seaboard. It's a cheap option if you want to go from, say New York City to Philadelphia (a trip Esther and I have done).
Anyway, like any chinese line of businesses (such as Chinese Restaurants) the competition between the bus companies are ridiculously cutthroat. Each of them lower prices consistently. At some point one wonders how a company can even make a profit, the prices are so cheap!
Well wonder no more. This past weekend, Esther's siblings were in town, and Shaunia, her sister in law, was telling about a time when Esther's brother Harry was visiting Shauna when Harry lived in DC and Shauna lived in NY.
At the very time Harry was supposed to leave, he called Shauna and said he's taking Amtrak instead. Shauna asked, weren't you supposed to take the Chinatown bus?
Harry's response was that everyone was asked to leave the bus before it left. Why?
It was being re-po'd!
GHETTO!!!!
Many of you may have heard about the "Chinatown Buses". These buses are chinese-owned operations that take people from Chinatown to Chinatown, all across the Eastern Seaboard. It's a cheap option if you want to go from, say New York City to Philadelphia (a trip Esther and I have done).
Anyway, like any chinese line of businesses (such as Chinese Restaurants) the competition between the bus companies are ridiculously cutthroat. Each of them lower prices consistently. At some point one wonders how a company can even make a profit, the prices are so cheap!
Well wonder no more. This past weekend, Esther's siblings were in town, and Shaunia, her sister in law, was telling about a time when Esther's brother Harry was visiting Shauna when Harry lived in DC and Shauna lived in NY.
At the very time Harry was supposed to leave, he called Shauna and said he's taking Amtrak instead. Shauna asked, weren't you supposed to take the Chinatown bus?
Harry's response was that everyone was asked to leave the bus before it left. Why?
It was being re-po'd!
GHETTO!!!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Fantasy Football - Rising WRs?
Now that I've posted a formula for QBs, can I make the same statement for WRs?
One that you probably won't find in most FF rags?
Sort of. A big indicator is if a WR who was a rookie or second year player is named the starter after spending the previous season(s) on the bench. Terrell Owens in 1997, Santana Moss in 2003 and TJ Houshmenzada in 2004 come to mind.
Another indicator is how they do in training camp, particularly if they are a rookie. Take Marques Colston. Drafted in the last round of the 2006 NFL draft, he fought his way up to be a starter and has had 1000 yards receiving in each of his first 2 seasons. He was also named a starter at the end of the 2006 training camp.
Now there ARE exceptions to this rule: Dwayne Bowe missed most of training camp last year and still had nearly 1000 yards receiving as a rookie. Still, who are the prospects to watch for?
Ted Ginn Jr. Drafted #9 to be the next Devin Hester, Ted found his first year to be a struggle, from typical rookie issues to a lack of QB (and team) stability. Yet a light came on for Ted at the end of 2007, and he found himself as the slot man by the end of the year.
This year, he moves up to the starting lineup where the increased opportunities alone will give him more chances. Add to that his special teams value (if your league counts points for that) and you have a huge sleeper for 2008.
Derek Hagen. Like Ted, he will be a starter for the first time, and he has had two years of NFL experience. He has shown promise at the NFL level from day one, and in a rebuilding year for the Fins could be a stud in the making.
The only thing that has kept him from taking the next level is his propensity to drop the ball. This was his kryptonite leading to his days at Arizona State.
Derek is someone to watch in training camp. If his "dropsies" seem to cured, grab him!
Devin Hester. Speaking of Devin, he is just learning how to play the WR position. Unlike everyone else on this list, Devin was a cornerback in college and so his learning curve is a lot steeper.
Already the best special teams player in the NFL, the Bears have been frantically figuring out how to maximize his talents as much as possible. Thinking they could have the next Steve Smith, the Bears have started to play him at WR last year.
So far, coaches are raving at how quickly he's come along. The current Bears WR corp is certainly nothing special so it's not out of the realm of possibility to see him start.
Maurice Stovall. Stovall is the classic "3rd Year WR" who is poised to break out in 2008. He is one to closely watch during training camp. If he progresses to the point where he is named starter you definitely could have the next Marques Colsten. Best of all, there's not much ahead of him that he couldn't start - it's not like he has to beat out Randy Moss and Wes Welker, after all.
I'd be wary however; Jon Gruden is typically unforgiving with younger players, so watch him closely!
Chad Jackson. Speaking of Patriot WRs, there is now an opening with Donte Stallworth gone. Jackson, a fellow 3rd year wideout could take this spot.
Granted, with Moss and Welker occupying the starting positions, Jackson at best probably wouln't crack 1000 yards receiving. And he does have to compete against Jabar Gaffney (who has a good rapport with Brady) and Kelly Washington. But this is the Pats, so you never know. And with teams scheming against Moss and Welker, you know Jackson will draw minimun coverage - if not the 3rd cornerback.
Anthony Gonzalez. Drafted to be the slot receiver for the Colts, Gonzalez has proven he can play at a high level and has earned Manning's trust. When Marvin Harrison was injured for parts of 2007, Gonzalez stepped into the starting lineup seamlessly.
Unfortunately his outlook for taking the next step in 2008 has nothing to do with him. Harrison is getting up in age, and the situation with his gun in Philadelphia may (emphasis is MAY) wind up costing him playing time.
Monitor Harrison's situation closely in training camp, and not Gonzalez. If Harrison is out for any length of 2008, Gonzalez rises to the top of this list. In fact, if Harrison misses all of 2008, Gonzales will become an automatic stud.
Whoever wins the slot position in Cincinnati. What really made the Bengals offense hum was when Chris Henry was healthy. Henry, who was talented enough to start on any other team, thrived from the lack of coverage with defenses doubling on Chad Johnson and Houshmenzada.
Right now the Bengals have a lot of in house candidates, all of whom are very talented. Especially the 3 WRs they drafted this past year.
As you can see, WRs are a dime a dozen. You can afford to "wait" on these sleepers until rounds 8 on, after grabbing your starters.
Sort of. A big indicator is if a WR who was a rookie or second year player is named the starter after spending the previous season(s) on the bench. Terrell Owens in 1997, Santana Moss in 2003 and TJ Houshmenzada in 2004 come to mind.
Another indicator is how they do in training camp, particularly if they are a rookie. Take Marques Colston. Drafted in the last round of the 2006 NFL draft, he fought his way up to be a starter and has had 1000 yards receiving in each of his first 2 seasons. He was also named a starter at the end of the 2006 training camp.
Now there ARE exceptions to this rule: Dwayne Bowe missed most of training camp last year and still had nearly 1000 yards receiving as a rookie. Still, who are the prospects to watch for?
Ted Ginn Jr. Drafted #9 to be the next Devin Hester, Ted found his first year to be a struggle, from typical rookie issues to a lack of QB (and team) stability. Yet a light came on for Ted at the end of 2007, and he found himself as the slot man by the end of the year.
This year, he moves up to the starting lineup where the increased opportunities alone will give him more chances. Add to that his special teams value (if your league counts points for that) and you have a huge sleeper for 2008.
Derek Hagen. Like Ted, he will be a starter for the first time, and he has had two years of NFL experience. He has shown promise at the NFL level from day one, and in a rebuilding year for the Fins could be a stud in the making.
The only thing that has kept him from taking the next level is his propensity to drop the ball. This was his kryptonite leading to his days at Arizona State.
Derek is someone to watch in training camp. If his "dropsies" seem to cured, grab him!
Devin Hester. Speaking of Devin, he is just learning how to play the WR position. Unlike everyone else on this list, Devin was a cornerback in college and so his learning curve is a lot steeper.
Already the best special teams player in the NFL, the Bears have been frantically figuring out how to maximize his talents as much as possible. Thinking they could have the next Steve Smith, the Bears have started to play him at WR last year.
So far, coaches are raving at how quickly he's come along. The current Bears WR corp is certainly nothing special so it's not out of the realm of possibility to see him start.
Maurice Stovall. Stovall is the classic "3rd Year WR" who is poised to break out in 2008. He is one to closely watch during training camp. If he progresses to the point where he is named starter you definitely could have the next Marques Colsten. Best of all, there's not much ahead of him that he couldn't start - it's not like he has to beat out Randy Moss and Wes Welker, after all.
I'd be wary however; Jon Gruden is typically unforgiving with younger players, so watch him closely!
Chad Jackson. Speaking of Patriot WRs, there is now an opening with Donte Stallworth gone. Jackson, a fellow 3rd year wideout could take this spot.
Granted, with Moss and Welker occupying the starting positions, Jackson at best probably wouln't crack 1000 yards receiving. And he does have to compete against Jabar Gaffney (who has a good rapport with Brady) and Kelly Washington. But this is the Pats, so you never know. And with teams scheming against Moss and Welker, you know Jackson will draw minimun coverage - if not the 3rd cornerback.
Anthony Gonzalez. Drafted to be the slot receiver for the Colts, Gonzalez has proven he can play at a high level and has earned Manning's trust. When Marvin Harrison was injured for parts of 2007, Gonzalez stepped into the starting lineup seamlessly.
Unfortunately his outlook for taking the next step in 2008 has nothing to do with him. Harrison is getting up in age, and the situation with his gun in Philadelphia may (emphasis is MAY) wind up costing him playing time.
Monitor Harrison's situation closely in training camp, and not Gonzalez. If Harrison is out for any length of 2008, Gonzalez rises to the top of this list. In fact, if Harrison misses all of 2008, Gonzales will become an automatic stud.
Whoever wins the slot position in Cincinnati. What really made the Bengals offense hum was when Chris Henry was healthy. Henry, who was talented enough to start on any other team, thrived from the lack of coverage with defenses doubling on Chad Johnson and Houshmenzada.
Right now the Bengals have a lot of in house candidates, all of whom are very talented. Especially the 3 WRs they drafted this past year.
As you can see, WRs are a dime a dozen. You can afford to "wait" on these sleepers until rounds 8 on, after grabbing your starters.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Iraq - We Have Our Answer
One of the themes of this election - one that was carried over from 2004 - is the idea of getting out of Iraq. Is there a timeline?
Both Obama and McCain have stated various ideas, in either agreement or disagreement with the Bush Administration.
Well now comes this from the news: The Iraqi government is requesting a timeline, a specific date out. The US, meanwhile, is hemming and hawing.
What?
Let me get this straight - we invade a country with no logical ties to al-Qaida, by announcing the war on TV beforehand we invade we gave Saddam Hussein time to cover up any links to WMDs, we had no consensus or allied support beyond England, we get a new government in place and when this government asks us to leave - we don't???
My father, the biggest conservative I know, was against the war to begin with. Even he had said - what right does the US have to determine who can rule and who can't? After all, isn't the purpose of the UN to be the world's police?
Isn't the purpose of this government to speak for the Iraqi people? In ways that they couldn't under Saddam?
Both Obama and McCain have stated various ideas, in either agreement or disagreement with the Bush Administration.
Well now comes this from the news: The Iraqi government is requesting a timeline, a specific date out. The US, meanwhile, is hemming and hawing.
What?
Let me get this straight - we invade a country with no logical ties to al-Qaida, by announcing the war on TV beforehand we invade we gave Saddam Hussein time to cover up any links to WMDs, we had no consensus or allied support beyond England, we get a new government in place and when this government asks us to leave - we don't???
My father, the biggest conservative I know, was against the war to begin with. Even he had said - what right does the US have to determine who can rule and who can't? After all, isn't the purpose of the UN to be the world's police?
Isn't the purpose of this government to speak for the Iraqi people? In ways that they couldn't under Saddam?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Fantasy Football - Formula for Quarterbacks
Most people in my league knows I love running backs. The more the better.
This does NOT mean I ignore other positions however. Far from it, I do scout other positions - particularly the QB position.
In particular, I developed a formula years ago. This has allowed me to pick Kurt Warner off of FA in 1999; Jeff Garcia the following year; Carson Palmer in 2005; and a suggestion to a friend to get Brady Quinn last year (right team; wrong QB).
What is this formula? Essentially, it's the following:
1. A deep corp of WRs
2. A running game to at least keep the defense honest
3. An offensive head-coach/coordinator that likes to pass the ball
4. Success at the position/team during the last half of the previous year
5. Horrible defense
Some cases you have 4 of the 5 (Warner & Quinn had no experience beforehand; Palmer had a decent defense in 2005), but when you have all 5, grab that QB!
In 2007, two QBs stand out with all 5. Denver's Jay Cutler and Arizona's Matt Leinart will in all likelihood ascend to the "stud" tier of QBs next year. Feel free to wait until mid rounds to grab one of them!
In addition, sometimes the system is so good the backup QBs can succeed. Warner and Derek Anderson were the primary examples. Look for Warner this year, as well as Brady Quinn.
One special case is Green Bay. Favre had a renaissance year last year by "playing the system" and taking advantage of his deep recieving corp. Whether Favre comes back or Aaron Rodgers takes the throne in 2008, it doesn't matter - either QB will be a stud as well.
This does NOT mean I ignore other positions however. Far from it, I do scout other positions - particularly the QB position.
In particular, I developed a formula years ago. This has allowed me to pick Kurt Warner off of FA in 1999; Jeff Garcia the following year; Carson Palmer in 2005; and a suggestion to a friend to get Brady Quinn last year (right team; wrong QB).
What is this formula? Essentially, it's the following:
1. A deep corp of WRs
2. A running game to at least keep the defense honest
3. An offensive head-coach/coordinator that likes to pass the ball
4. Success at the position/team during the last half of the previous year
5. Horrible defense
Some cases you have 4 of the 5 (Warner & Quinn had no experience beforehand; Palmer had a decent defense in 2005), but when you have all 5, grab that QB!
In 2007, two QBs stand out with all 5. Denver's Jay Cutler and Arizona's Matt Leinart will in all likelihood ascend to the "stud" tier of QBs next year. Feel free to wait until mid rounds to grab one of them!
In addition, sometimes the system is so good the backup QBs can succeed. Warner and Derek Anderson were the primary examples. Look for Warner this year, as well as Brady Quinn.
One special case is Green Bay. Favre had a renaissance year last year by "playing the system" and taking advantage of his deep recieving corp. Whether Favre comes back or Aaron Rodgers takes the throne in 2008, it doesn't matter - either QB will be a stud as well.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sports thoughts
Here are some various observations on the sports world (at least according to John):
Could Baron Davis save the Knicks? As many of you know by now, Baron Davis shocked the NBA by opting out of his contract with Golden State and then turning around 24 hours later to sign with the Clippers.
What does that have to do with the Knicks?
Interestingly enough, the media in the Bay Area have proposed an interesting solution: the Warriors offer Al Harrington (his contract expires in 2010) and a protected future No. 1 pick for Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph?. If I were the Knicks, I'd jump ont this!
Harrington alone would be fine. Add a potential first round pick? Done and done!
Hossa.... what? When the Pens pulled the trigger on Hossa, everyone assumed this was a "go-for-it-now" trade, a deal to get the Pens the cup, and 2009 be damned. If the Pens could resign him great, but if they could not afford it, the trade would be worth it if they could get closer to the cup with him than without.
And that would make sense if Hossa signed a deal way more than the 7 million the Pens were offering in a 5 year deal.
But a 1 year, 7.45 mil deal with Detroit?
It makes no sense. Yes, the Red Wings are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Yes they could repeat next year. And yes, Hossa did say he thought the Wings were closest to the cup.
But the same logic could be applied to the Pens?
I've heard various theories, the most palpable one being that he wanted to wait a year and try his luck next year when the salary cap could rise (the last two offseasons have resulted in higher caps than expected) or try his luck with the new super=league in Russia who has more money apparently than Bill Gates. But if he was going to sign a 1 year deal, why not back with the Pens?
Say the Pens have a rotten year next year. You don't think the Pens wouldn't trade Hossa just like Atlanta did last year? Or any team?
As I am typing this, I see that the Pens have resigned Fleury. This after re-signing Malkin and Orphik yesterday. They have all the core players now resigned. All they need is a #1 winger. Hmmm, who would THAT be?
Brett - please retire. And I'm not saying this b.c I have Aaron Rodgers on my fantasy team.
You had the best season of your career last year since your MVP days. You were an intercepted pass away from the Super Bowl. You left as a hero in Green Bay. And - you have your health and body intact.There is no reason to come back.
You already have your ring. You don't need to leave like Mike Strahan or Jerome Bettis from two years ago. You have nothing left to accomplish.
Assuming you chose to retire for the right reasons, then stay retired. Please.
Could Baron Davis save the Knicks? As many of you know by now, Baron Davis shocked the NBA by opting out of his contract with Golden State and then turning around 24 hours later to sign with the Clippers.
What does that have to do with the Knicks?
Interestingly enough, the media in the Bay Area have proposed an interesting solution: the Warriors offer Al Harrington (his contract expires in 2010) and a protected future No. 1 pick for Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph?. If I were the Knicks, I'd jump ont this!
Harrington alone would be fine. Add a potential first round pick? Done and done!
Hossa.... what? When the Pens pulled the trigger on Hossa, everyone assumed this was a "go-for-it-now" trade, a deal to get the Pens the cup, and 2009 be damned. If the Pens could resign him great, but if they could not afford it, the trade would be worth it if they could get closer to the cup with him than without.
And that would make sense if Hossa signed a deal way more than the 7 million the Pens were offering in a 5 year deal.
But a 1 year, 7.45 mil deal with Detroit?
It makes no sense. Yes, the Red Wings are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Yes they could repeat next year. And yes, Hossa did say he thought the Wings were closest to the cup.
But the same logic could be applied to the Pens?
I've heard various theories, the most palpable one being that he wanted to wait a year and try his luck next year when the salary cap could rise (the last two offseasons have resulted in higher caps than expected) or try his luck with the new super=league in Russia who has more money apparently than Bill Gates. But if he was going to sign a 1 year deal, why not back with the Pens?
Say the Pens have a rotten year next year. You don't think the Pens wouldn't trade Hossa just like Atlanta did last year? Or any team?
As I am typing this, I see that the Pens have resigned Fleury. This after re-signing Malkin and Orphik yesterday. They have all the core players now resigned. All they need is a #1 winger. Hmmm, who would THAT be?
Brett - please retire. And I'm not saying this b.c I have Aaron Rodgers on my fantasy team.
You had the best season of your career last year since your MVP days. You were an intercepted pass away from the Super Bowl. You left as a hero in Green Bay. And - you have your health and body intact.There is no reason to come back.
You already have your ring. You don't need to leave like Mike Strahan or Jerome Bettis from two years ago. You have nothing left to accomplish.
Assuming you chose to retire for the right reasons, then stay retired. Please.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Fantasy Football Part 2
In this week's installment of my Fantasy Football column, I'll tackle some questions some of you may have been thinking about in the offseason:
Has Eli Manning arrived? Starting in the final week of the regular season (which ironically is the end of most FF seasons) Peyton's younger brother went on an absolute tear. In his 4th season, Eli put the team on his shoulders and led the G-men to come from behind wins against the Pats and the Pack, while composing impressive wins against the Cowboys and Bucs.
So, has Eli become an elite FF quarterback?
Eli's run reminded me a lot of John Elway. Like Eli, he was facing unreal expectations of being a #1 pick in a quarterback-rich draft. Elway's 4th season was in 1986, where "the Drive" killed the hearts of Cleveland and took the Broncos to the SB.
As great of a season Elway had, it took him a few more years to be an elite FF quarterback - almost 8 more to be exact. He needed a head coach in Mike Shanahan to really take advantage of his skills.
Eli is in the same boat. Kevin Gilbride's offenses are known for a power running game and plenty of play-action passes. And the Giants led the league in rushing last year. I expect more of the same in 2008 - of course, with a lot less grief from the press.
Has Larry Johnson hit the wall?After a 2006 season where he set the season record of carries, Larry Johnson was heading up a lot of lists of RBs to take a fall. Sure enough, he was injured against GB and killed many a FF season (mine included). Has LJ started his decline?
No. For starters, the injury, a horse-collar pull, was a freak injury. The same injury happened to Adrian Peterson in Oklahoma, as well as Terrell Owens in 2004. Both came back just fine. Also, the injury (which actually was his foot) allowed him to heal completely as opposed to take a beating over a year.
Plus, LJ despite his age and recent usage, does not have a lot of carries on his body. He has only played 2 full seasons as a starter, and in college he played very little save his senior year at Penn State (note: Rashard Mendenhall has the same history. Draft him!). Michael Turner was lauded as a RB with little wear and tear during the offseason. LJ is also the same.
Add to that the addition to the offensive line, and I would look for a bounceback season by LJ. He may not post the back to back 1700 seasons of 2005-6, but I'd say 1400 is within reach, making him a top 7 RB.
Will any of the quarterbacks drafted this year make any noise? Unless Aaron Rodgers flops, no. Rookie QBs have historically struggled; the transition from college to the NFL is a huge one. Plus the teams that draft them tend to be bad teams.
Only Brian Brohm could break this trend with a young team in GB that made the NFC championship last year. Brohm is a very polished college QB who was deemed the most NFL ready as it was. But he was drafted as insurance for Rodgers who not only played well against Dallas, but has taken all the steps to be a leader this year.
Even the rookie QBs that play well (Trent Edwards last year, Ben Rothlesbuger last year) tend to not put up a lot of FF points anyway; their teams play conservatively. Expect the same for all of them, Brohm included.
Does Mike Martz = Fantasy fireworks?We know his history. Martz turned St Louis into the Greatest Show On Turf. What he did in Detroit may have been even more impressive as journeyman QB John Kitna averaged 4000 yards passing and Mike Furrey (who?) had 98 catches in 2006.
Can he do the same in SF? It's possible. Martz raves about Alex Smith, whos intelligence and athleticism makes him an ideal fit to run Martz offense. Martz also promises Frank Gore and Vernon Davis will be "cornerstones" in the offense.
However, SF's receivers are not the caliber of a Roy Williams/CAlvin Williams or Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce. And the RB has never been a huge point producer (unless they can catch the ball ala Marshall Faulk).
I'd consider Gore as a FF stud; the others I would take a "buy low" approach.
Could the STEELERS be the next FF juggernaut? This is not as crazy as it sounds.
Last year, running Bruce Arians spread offense for the first time, Big Ben set a team record with 32 touchdowns. Willie Parker was leading the league in rushing until he was injured for the year. And Santonio Holmes was a good half away from 1000 yards, averaging a whopping 18 yards per reception.
This year, the Steelers are running the offense for the second year. Holmes is entering his 3rd year in the league - the magical year for WRs. The Steelers lucked out in getting Mendenhall and Limas Sweed. Mendenhall could be a stud anywhere else; he'll split the carries with Fast Willie this year (When Parker went down, the running game went with it.). Sweed provides a huge target at 6'4" and allows Hines Ward to play in the slot, which he is more suited for - Ward's best seasons were when he played alongside 6'5" Plaxico Burress.
Look to Pittsburgh early and often in your FF draft.
Has Eli Manning arrived? Starting in the final week of the regular season (which ironically is the end of most FF seasons) Peyton's younger brother went on an absolute tear. In his 4th season, Eli put the team on his shoulders and led the G-men to come from behind wins against the Pats and the Pack, while composing impressive wins against the Cowboys and Bucs.
So, has Eli become an elite FF quarterback?
Eli's run reminded me a lot of John Elway. Like Eli, he was facing unreal expectations of being a #1 pick in a quarterback-rich draft. Elway's 4th season was in 1986, where "the Drive" killed the hearts of Cleveland and took the Broncos to the SB.
As great of a season Elway had, it took him a few more years to be an elite FF quarterback - almost 8 more to be exact. He needed a head coach in Mike Shanahan to really take advantage of his skills.
Eli is in the same boat. Kevin Gilbride's offenses are known for a power running game and plenty of play-action passes. And the Giants led the league in rushing last year. I expect more of the same in 2008 - of course, with a lot less grief from the press.
Has Larry Johnson hit the wall?After a 2006 season where he set the season record of carries, Larry Johnson was heading up a lot of lists of RBs to take a fall. Sure enough, he was injured against GB and killed many a FF season (mine included). Has LJ started his decline?
No. For starters, the injury, a horse-collar pull, was a freak injury. The same injury happened to Adrian Peterson in Oklahoma, as well as Terrell Owens in 2004. Both came back just fine. Also, the injury (which actually was his foot) allowed him to heal completely as opposed to take a beating over a year.
Plus, LJ despite his age and recent usage, does not have a lot of carries on his body. He has only played 2 full seasons as a starter, and in college he played very little save his senior year at Penn State (note: Rashard Mendenhall has the same history. Draft him!). Michael Turner was lauded as a RB with little wear and tear during the offseason. LJ is also the same.
Add to that the addition to the offensive line, and I would look for a bounceback season by LJ. He may not post the back to back 1700 seasons of 2005-6, but I'd say 1400 is within reach, making him a top 7 RB.
Will any of the quarterbacks drafted this year make any noise? Unless Aaron Rodgers flops, no. Rookie QBs have historically struggled; the transition from college to the NFL is a huge one. Plus the teams that draft them tend to be bad teams.
Only Brian Brohm could break this trend with a young team in GB that made the NFC championship last year. Brohm is a very polished college QB who was deemed the most NFL ready as it was. But he was drafted as insurance for Rodgers who not only played well against Dallas, but has taken all the steps to be a leader this year.
Even the rookie QBs that play well (Trent Edwards last year, Ben Rothlesbuger last year) tend to not put up a lot of FF points anyway; their teams play conservatively. Expect the same for all of them, Brohm included.
Does Mike Martz = Fantasy fireworks?We know his history. Martz turned St Louis into the Greatest Show On Turf. What he did in Detroit may have been even more impressive as journeyman QB John Kitna averaged 4000 yards passing and Mike Furrey (who?) had 98 catches in 2006.
Can he do the same in SF? It's possible. Martz raves about Alex Smith, whos intelligence and athleticism makes him an ideal fit to run Martz offense. Martz also promises Frank Gore and Vernon Davis will be "cornerstones" in the offense.
However, SF's receivers are not the caliber of a Roy Williams/CAlvin Williams or Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce. And the RB has never been a huge point producer (unless they can catch the ball ala Marshall Faulk).
I'd consider Gore as a FF stud; the others I would take a "buy low" approach.
Could the STEELERS be the next FF juggernaut? This is not as crazy as it sounds.
Last year, running Bruce Arians spread offense for the first time, Big Ben set a team record with 32 touchdowns. Willie Parker was leading the league in rushing until he was injured for the year. And Santonio Holmes was a good half away from 1000 yards, averaging a whopping 18 yards per reception.
This year, the Steelers are running the offense for the second year. Holmes is entering his 3rd year in the league - the magical year for WRs. The Steelers lucked out in getting Mendenhall and Limas Sweed. Mendenhall could be a stud anywhere else; he'll split the carries with Fast Willie this year (When Parker went down, the running game went with it.). Sweed provides a huge target at 6'4" and allows Hines Ward to play in the slot, which he is more suited for - Ward's best seasons were when he played alongside 6'5" Plaxico Burress.
Look to Pittsburgh early and often in your FF draft.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
NBA Draft
Well, the draft came and went. And for the Knicks, all I have to say is this:
I sure as heck hope the Knicks know what they are doing.
Danilo Gallinari, the 6'9" small forward who at 19 has yet to scratch the surface, is heading to NY. The question is, will Gallinari be the next Dirk - or will he be the next Darko?
In my previous post regarding the Knicks I had said that they needed to get pick DJ Augustin, which they did not. Jerrod Bayless, a tweener guard who is not a pure point at this stage but is in the mold of Chauncey Billups, was also available. That's a lot of talent to pass up.
I had also said the Knicks should try to swing a deal for Shawn Marion. Supposedly, Danilo has a similar game. Let's hope!
Meanwhile, in all the wheeling and dealing, how could the Knicks not trade off any of their players? Teams like Miami are in an obvious "Win-now" mode - they could easily use Eddy Curry or Zach Randolph (don't tell me Riley doesn't want to take on head cases if he picked Beasley as opposed to Mayo!). Supposedly Minny was looking to deal as well, particularly with the hope of giving Al Jefferson some post help. Now that KG is gone, they definitely have the cap room.
Look at the Nets. They moved quickly and decisively, first dealing Kidd during the season, then trading Richard Jefferson hours before the draft. And the picks they made, from Brooks Lopez at 10 to Chris Douglas Roberts in the second round not only fit needs - they were absolute steals.
I really really REALLY hope the Knicks know what they are doing....
I sure as heck hope the Knicks know what they are doing.
Danilo Gallinari, the 6'9" small forward who at 19 has yet to scratch the surface, is heading to NY. The question is, will Gallinari be the next Dirk - or will he be the next Darko?
In my previous post regarding the Knicks I had said that they needed to get pick DJ Augustin, which they did not. Jerrod Bayless, a tweener guard who is not a pure point at this stage but is in the mold of Chauncey Billups, was also available. That's a lot of talent to pass up.
I had also said the Knicks should try to swing a deal for Shawn Marion. Supposedly, Danilo has a similar game. Let's hope!
Meanwhile, in all the wheeling and dealing, how could the Knicks not trade off any of their players? Teams like Miami are in an obvious "Win-now" mode - they could easily use Eddy Curry or Zach Randolph (don't tell me Riley doesn't want to take on head cases if he picked Beasley as opposed to Mayo!). Supposedly Minny was looking to deal as well, particularly with the hope of giving Al Jefferson some post help. Now that KG is gone, they definitely have the cap room.
Look at the Nets. They moved quickly and decisively, first dealing Kidd during the season, then trading Richard Jefferson hours before the draft. And the picks they made, from Brooks Lopez at 10 to Chris Douglas Roberts in the second round not only fit needs - they were absolute steals.
I really really REALLY hope the Knicks know what they are doing....
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
James Dobson does NOT speak for me!!
This website speaks for itself:
http://www.jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com/
http://www.jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com/
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