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Monday, February 28, 2011
Biggest Names on the Block End Up
The NFL doesn’t get quite the trade buzz that the NBA and MLB usually get, but this offseason is much different.Here are the top ten biggest names that are on the block.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Red Sox would have money for Pujols
The Red Sox, with Adrian Gonzalez at first base, could use Pujols as designated hitter if they were to part with Ortiz.
"Given that he will be turning 36 in November, there is a strong likelihood that the Big Papi era in Boston will be coming to a close," the report says.
The Red Sox seemingly have replacements in place for the other players they could lose, with $95.6 million in payroll commitments for 2012.
"The starting rotation is set for the next four years, which leaves a ton of money left over to invest in another big bat," the report says.
The Cardinals declined Wednesday to reveal their offer, though it was believed to be somewhere around $200 million for eight years, possibly with an opportunity for Pujols to obtain an ownership stake in the franchise when his playing days are complete.
Pujols laughed off the speculation.
"You guys don't have any clue," Pujols said. "You guys are way off on the numbers that you are throwing out there."
"Given that he will be turning 36 in November, there is a strong likelihood that the Big Papi era in Boston will be coming to a close," the report says.
The Red Sox seemingly have replacements in place for the other players they could lose, with $95.6 million in payroll commitments for 2012.
"The starting rotation is set for the next four years, which leaves a ton of money left over to invest in another big bat," the report says.
The Cardinals declined Wednesday to reveal their offer, though it was believed to be somewhere around $200 million for eight years, possibly with an opportunity for Pujols to obtain an ownership stake in the franchise when his playing days are complete.
Pujols laughed off the speculation.
"You guys don't have any clue," Pujols said. "You guys are way off on the numbers that you are throwing out there."
Do the Heat have the chips to pull off a significant trade?
Nene. Chauncey Billups. Another center. A point guard who defends.
There has been plenty of chatter of where the Heat stand and whom they might be pursuing heading into next Thursday’s NBA trading deadline.
But there also needs to be a sobering reality, or two.
Namely, there is not much the Heat have to offer.
In many ways, March 1, not the Feb. 24 trading deadline, might stand as the most significant personnel deadline for Pat Riley’s team, with March 1 when players must be waived in order to be available for another team’s playoff roster.
That’s when Chauncey Billups and/or Troy Murphy could become available, based on what the Nets and Nuggets do or don’t do.
As far as actual trades, you essentially can cast aside three-quarters of the Heat roster, either because of minimal salaries or because several of the players on one-year deals or one-year deals with options cannot be traded without their consent.
What the Heat, who mortgaged their position in the first round of the draft for almost the entire next decade, have to offer essentially is this:
And, yes, like most of the rest league, the Heat are waiting on a puff of smoke to emanate from Carmelo’s camp to see how the NBA landscape might be reset.
But when it comes to pushing chips to the middle of the table, be aware that the Heat have precious few after cashing in last summer
There has been plenty of chatter of where the Heat stand and whom they might be pursuing heading into next Thursday’s NBA trading deadline.
But there also needs to be a sobering reality, or two.
Namely, there is not much the Heat have to offer.
While Nuggets center Nene (left) and Denver point guard Chauncey Billups have been linked to Heat interest, such machinations could prove too complex.
That’s when Chauncey Billups and/or Troy Murphy could become available, based on what the Nets and Nuggets do or don’t do.
As far as actual trades, you essentially can cast aside three-quarters of the Heat roster, either because of minimal salaries or because several of the players on one-year deals or one-year deals with options cannot be traded without their consent.
What the Heat, who mortgaged their position in the first round of the draft for almost the entire next decade, have to offer essentially is this:
- The contract of forward Udonis Haslem, who earns $3.5 million this season. In this case, you’re talking about a player who currently is not exactly ambulatory, following November foot surgery. Plus, could Pat Riley be as cold to ship a player who turned down nearly twice the contract from the Nuggets in the offseason to Denver now? That basically would have Haslem playing in Denver for the discount he offered as a means to stay in South Florida. It would be one of the most callous moves ever by an NBA front office.
- The contract of forward Mike Miller, who earns $5 million this season. In this case, you’re talking about a player whose concussion history has raised significant concerns in recent weeks. Plus Miller, like Haslem, has four more years left, on his $29 million deal. And, remember, this is a player LeBron James sought at the start of free agency as a future running mate, be it in South Florida or elsewhere. Like Haslem, Miller also turned down more elsewhere to play for the Heat.
- The 2011 second-round pick gained from the Timberwolves in the Michael Beasley trade. While many were shocked that the Heat did not obtain at least one first-round pick from Minnesota, or at least the right to swap future first-round draft slots with the ‘Wolves, this actually is a significant trade chip, since it will come at the top of the second round, but without the need to offer a guaranteed contract. This also could be a draft slot the Heat utilize to obtain an upgrade at point guard, considering Mario Chalmers was a No. 34 pick in 2008.
And, yes, like most of the rest league, the Heat are waiting on a puff of smoke to emanate from Carmelo’s camp to see how the NBA landscape might be reset.
But when it comes to pushing chips to the middle of the table, be aware that the Heat have precious few after cashing in last summer
Yankees' Colon in hurry to lose 25 pounds
Bartolo Colon admitted Friday he might not have enough time to shed the 25 pounds he wants to lose while attempting to making the Yankees starting rotation.
“I would like to go down 25 pounds,’’ said the 37-year-old, who admitted to weighing 267. “But that will be hard to do.’’
Colon, who hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2009 due to shoulder problems, threw this offseason in the Dominican Winter League and said he was pleased with the experience.
“I feel really happy. I don’t throw as hard like I used to but I am throwing a lot of strikes,’’ said Colon, whose minor-league contract is for $900,000 if he makes the team.
“I would like to go down 25 pounds,’’ said the 37-year-old, who admitted to weighing 267. “But that will be hard to do.’’
Colon, who hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2009 due to shoulder problems, threw this offseason in the Dominican Winter League and said he was pleased with the experience.
“I feel really happy. I don’t throw as hard like I used to but I am throwing a lot of strikes,’’ said Colon, whose minor-league contract is for $900,000 if he makes the team.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
David Ortiz promises to show patience at the bargaining table
David Ortiz has been around long enough to know that whether it’s his batting approach or the bargaining table, patience is the key.
There were no salvos fired at Red Sox management Thursday at his 20-minute press conference on the bench outside the clubhouse – only promises to be focused on the 2011 season and leading the team back to the World Series for the first time since winning it all in 2007.
“I’m just going to focus on playing baseball right now,” Ortiz said during a 20-minute session with reporters. “Whatever happens, happens later on but right now my goal have a great start and make sure we win another World Series this year. I’m very excited. I can’t wait for the season to start.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I haven’t thought about it. It’s another year, a lot of expectations, happy to be here and excited about what’s coming up. There’s a lot of new players coming to the club. It’s my first day here and have a lot of questions asked already from those guys. I’m happy to let those guys know how things go around here and make sure our fans get another good year from us.”
For all the good intentions, Ortiz admitted there was little he could do when the team decided to pick up the $12.5 million option for this season instead of extending the 35-year-old designated hitter with a long-term deal.
“That’s something that I can’t really control,” added Ortiz, who signed a four-year deal prior to 2007, with a club option for this season. “I want to stick around but that’s what they had on the table for me at the time and nothing, we just move on. Nothing just another year and happy to be here. I think things went fine. [Red Sox management] did what they were capable to do at the time. We all agreed. New year, new expectations and hopefully injuries will stay away from the team.”
Ortiz raised his average 32 points last season to .270 with 32 homers and 102 RBIs in 145 games.
Looking bigger and stronger than ever, Ortiz reported to the Red Sox spring training facility on Thursday, one day before the first full-squad workouts.
After joyfully greeting new and old teammates alike in the clubhouse, Ortiz took his first swings in the batting cages.
Ortiz is in the final year of his contract, which will pay him $12.5 million in 2011. He signed a five-year deal worth $64.5 million prior to the 2007 season.
WEEI
There were no salvos fired at Red Sox management Thursday at his 20-minute press conference on the bench outside the clubhouse – only promises to be focused on the 2011 season and leading the team back to the World Series for the first time since winning it all in 2007.
“I’m just going to focus on playing baseball right now,” Ortiz said during a 20-minute session with reporters. “Whatever happens, happens later on but right now my goal have a great start and make sure we win another World Series this year. I’m very excited. I can’t wait for the season to start.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I haven’t thought about it. It’s another year, a lot of expectations, happy to be here and excited about what’s coming up. There’s a lot of new players coming to the club. It’s my first day here and have a lot of questions asked already from those guys. I’m happy to let those guys know how things go around here and make sure our fans get another good year from us.”
For all the good intentions, Ortiz admitted there was little he could do when the team decided to pick up the $12.5 million option for this season instead of extending the 35-year-old designated hitter with a long-term deal.
“That’s something that I can’t really control,” added Ortiz, who signed a four-year deal prior to 2007, with a club option for this season. “I want to stick around but that’s what they had on the table for me at the time and nothing, we just move on. Nothing just another year and happy to be here. I think things went fine. [Red Sox management] did what they were capable to do at the time. We all agreed. New year, new expectations and hopefully injuries will stay away from the team.”
Ortiz raised his average 32 points last season to .270 with 32 homers and 102 RBIs in 145 games.
Looking bigger and stronger than ever, Ortiz reported to the Red Sox spring training facility on Thursday, one day before the first full-squad workouts.
After joyfully greeting new and old teammates alike in the clubhouse, Ortiz took his first swings in the batting cages.
Ortiz is in the final year of his contract, which will pay him $12.5 million in 2011. He signed a five-year deal worth $64.5 million prior to the 2007 season.
WEEI
Breaking down the Caps' trade possibilities at second-line center
Breaking down the Caps' trade possibilities at second-line center
By Katie Carrera
To go along with the story on the Capitals' need for a second-line center, below is another look at the players who could be possibilities.
(Keep in mind that it is difficult to know precisely which players General Manager George McPhee might target for a number of reasons, including whether he believes any of Washington's young centers or prospects might be ready for primetime in the coming years, or what the return cost of any of these players might be.)
Jason Arnott, 36, New Jersey
Stats: 56 GP, 13 G, 11 A, 24 P, minus-9
Contract: In final year of a deal with a $4.5 million cap hit this season and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Arnott is a proven two-way center with 17 years and 1,155 NHL games of experience to his credit, along with several lengthy playoff runs and a Stanley Cup ring. The addition of veteran savvy and possibly some more leadership, not unlike that provided by Sergei Fedorov in years past, could be quite a valuable commodity.
Arnott has a no-movement clause in his current contract, though, so it is ultimately up to the veteran center to decide if he wants to leave the Devils. Should he be willing to waive it, it's likely New Jersey would like the chance to restock with draft picks and young players.
General Manager Lou Lamoriello "never approached me and asked me" to waive the no-trade clause, Arnott told The Record. "I think we both knew the time would probably come if we didn't start winning. That was my goal. I want to play in the playoffs. I don't have many years left, so I want to try to win another Stanley Cup."
Tim Connolly, 29, Buffalo
Stats: 41 GP, 8 G, 17 A, 25 P, minus-10
Contract: In final year of a deal with a $4.5 million cap hit and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Sabres are only two points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. How much they're willing deal likely depends on how well they do before the Feb. 28 deadline and if they believe they will reach the postseason.
That said, there is new ownership in place in Buffalo and it's not beyond the realm of possibility to think they might want to try to get something for Connolly, who has been up and down during his time with the Sabres. But when not bothered by injuries, like a groin problem earlier this season, he can be a dependable playmaker.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES
When opening up to consider players who won't be rentals by virtue of an expiring contract at the end of this season, the picture gets murkier. But based on which teams likely won't make the playoffs, there are some that could be sellers. This is by no means an exhaustive list:
Stephen Weiss, 27 , Florida
Stats: 55 GP, 15 G, 22 A, 37 P, minus-7
Contract: Signed through 2012-13 with a cap hit of $3.1 million per season.
The Panthers are trying to rebuild back to relevancy once again, and on Feb. 5 General Manager Dale Tallon told NHL.com he would at least listen to any offers: ""Yeah, why not?" Tallon said. "This team hasn't done anything in 10 years, so why wouldn't I? It's not like we're a championship team. We've got to get better in every area."
Weiss is a considerable asset for the Panthers, who drafted him in 2001, but Tallon has already sent another player viewed as a building block away when he traded goaltending prospect Andrew Salak with Michael Frolik to Chicago for three players that include a former first-round pick and a prospect. Another wrinkle, though, is that Weiss has a no-move clause that kicked in this season, so he would have to approve of a trade.
Derick Brassard, 23, Columbus
Stats: 57 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 P, minus-1
Contract: Signed through 2013-14 with a cap hit of $3.2 million per season.
The young centerman has already set new career best marks for points and goals this season but much like Antoine Vermette, who is listed below, any possible move here would likely be predicated on the Blue Jackets' success leading up to the trade deadline and the return cost. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are in need of mobile defensemen.
All that said, Brassard took a slap shot to the left hand in last night's loss to the Kings. Tom Reed of the Dispatch reports that Brassard said he's been told he'll miss "a couple weeks."
Antoine Vermette, 28, Columbus
Stats: 57 GP, 13 G, 18 A, 31 P, plus-2
Contract: Signed through 2014-15 with a cap hit of $3.75 million per season.
Dubbed the center of the future to play alongside Blue Jackets star Rick Nash when he was acquired at the 2009 trade deadline, Vermette has underwhelmed in Columbus this year and Brassard has spent quite a bit of time on the top line with Nash. That said, the price tag for Vermette would likely be high as it would be with Brassard.
(Keep in mind that it is difficult to know precisely which players General Manager George McPhee might target for a number of reasons, including whether he believes any of Washington's young centers or prospects might be ready for primetime in the coming years, or what the return cost of any of these players might be.)
Jason Arnott, 36, New JerseyStats: 56 GP, 13 G, 11 A, 24 P, minus-9
Contract: In final year of a deal with a $4.5 million cap hit this season and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Arnott is a proven two-way center with 17 years and 1,155 NHL games of experience to his credit, along with several lengthy playoff runs and a Stanley Cup ring. The addition of veteran savvy and possibly some more leadership, not unlike that provided by Sergei Fedorov in years past, could be quite a valuable commodity.
Arnott has a no-movement clause in his current contract, though, so it is ultimately up to the veteran center to decide if he wants to leave the Devils. Should he be willing to waive it, it's likely New Jersey would like the chance to restock with draft picks and young players.
General Manager Lou Lamoriello "never approached me and asked me" to waive the no-trade clause, Arnott told The Record. "I think we both knew the time would probably come if we didn't start winning. That was my goal. I want to play in the playoffs. I don't have many years left, so I want to try to win another Stanley Cup."
Tim Connolly, 29, BuffaloStats: 41 GP, 8 G, 17 A, 25 P, minus-10
Contract: In final year of a deal with a $4.5 million cap hit and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Sabres are only two points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. How much they're willing deal likely depends on how well they do before the Feb. 28 deadline and if they believe they will reach the postseason.
That said, there is new ownership in place in Buffalo and it's not beyond the realm of possibility to think they might want to try to get something for Connolly, who has been up and down during his time with the Sabres. But when not bothered by injuries, like a groin problem earlier this season, he can be a dependable playmaker.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES
When opening up to consider players who won't be rentals by virtue of an expiring contract at the end of this season, the picture gets murkier. But based on which teams likely won't make the playoffs, there are some that could be sellers. This is by no means an exhaustive list:
Stephen Weiss, 27 , FloridaStats: 55 GP, 15 G, 22 A, 37 P, minus-7
Contract: Signed through 2012-13 with a cap hit of $3.1 million per season.
The Panthers are trying to rebuild back to relevancy once again, and on Feb. 5 General Manager Dale Tallon told NHL.com he would at least listen to any offers: ""Yeah, why not?" Tallon said. "This team hasn't done anything in 10 years, so why wouldn't I? It's not like we're a championship team. We've got to get better in every area."
Weiss is a considerable asset for the Panthers, who drafted him in 2001, but Tallon has already sent another player viewed as a building block away when he traded goaltending prospect Andrew Salak with Michael Frolik to Chicago for three players that include a former first-round pick and a prospect. Another wrinkle, though, is that Weiss has a no-move clause that kicked in this season, so he would have to approve of a trade.
Derick Brassard, 23, ColumbusStats: 57 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 P, minus-1
Contract: Signed through 2013-14 with a cap hit of $3.2 million per season.
The young centerman has already set new career best marks for points and goals this season but much like Antoine Vermette, who is listed below, any possible move here would likely be predicated on the Blue Jackets' success leading up to the trade deadline and the return cost. According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are in need of mobile defensemen.
All that said, Brassard took a slap shot to the left hand in last night's loss to the Kings. Tom Reed of the Dispatch reports that Brassard said he's been told he'll miss "a couple weeks."
Antoine Vermette, 28, ColumbusStats: 57 GP, 13 G, 18 A, 31 P, plus-2
Contract: Signed through 2014-15 with a cap hit of $3.75 million per season.
Dubbed the center of the future to play alongside Blue Jackets star Rick Nash when he was acquired at the 2009 trade deadline, Vermette has underwhelmed in Columbus this year and Brassard has spent quite a bit of time on the top line with Nash. That said, the price tag for Vermette would likely be high as it would be with Brassard.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Rock Still A Big Ratings Draw
Ted Linhart, the USA Network's VP of Program Research, has posted some preliminary viewership data from Monday's RAW on Twitter (@TedOnTV) and it looks like The Rock is still a big ratings draw.
The 20-minute over-run segment featuring The Rock's return to WWE television averaged 5.7 million viewers.
Breaking down the demographics, that 20-minute segment drew 3.1 million adults 18-49, 2.9 million adults 25-54, and 1.4 million adults 18-34.
The 20-minute over-run segment featuring The Rock's return to WWE television averaged 5.7 million viewers.
Breaking down the demographics, that 20-minute segment drew 3.1 million adults 18-49, 2.9 million adults 25-54, and 1.4 million adults 18-34.
Redskins Donovan McNabb to Vikings?
The Vikings, who are expected to sign a veteran starting quarterback, will have formidable competition from Arizona, Cleveland and San Francisco if they’re serious about Philadelphia backup Kevin Kolb. It still looks like Donovan McNabb could be calling signals in Minnesota next season, mostly because he knows the West Coast offense well and wouldn’t’ cost much. — Pioneer Press
Player rep Light paints dark picture for optimists
Patriots player representative Matt Light had at some points during 2010 been far more hopeful that a lockout would be avoided. Tuesday night, for the first time, Light all but guaranteed an agreement will not be reached before the current collective bargaining agreement between the owners and players expires next month. "I never assume anything, but I think everybody feels as though there's not going to be a deal done by [midnight March 3], so I don't see it happening," said Light. ... "I just hope I'm wrong."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Red Sox minor leaguer suspended 50 games
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Boston Red Sox have taken considerable pride in the fact that only one player in their minor league system has ever tested positive for using performance enhancing substances. That was relief pitcher Felix Romero, who was suspended 15 games for testing positive while playing for the Wilmington (N.C.) Blue Rocks in 2005. Romero spent last season with the San Francisco Giants.
Tuesday, a second player in the Sox organization was suspended after testing positive for a PED, Major League Baseball announced.
William Abreu, a pitcher who is listed on the roster of the team’s Dominican Summer League entry, was suspended 50 games after testing positive for Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid also known as Deca-Durabolin. Abreu’s suspension will be effective at the start of the 2011 season.
“We fully support MLB’s testing program and will continue to educate our players on the risks associated with PEDs,’’ Ben Cherington, the Red Sox' senior vice president and assistant general manager, wrote in an e-mail.
Tuesday, a second player in the Sox organization was suspended after testing positive for a PED, Major League Baseball announced.
William Abreu, a pitcher who is listed on the roster of the team’s Dominican Summer League entry, was suspended 50 games after testing positive for Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid also known as Deca-Durabolin. Abreu’s suspension will be effective at the start of the 2011 season.
“We fully support MLB’s testing program and will continue to educate our players on the risks associated with PEDs,’’ Ben Cherington, the Red Sox' senior vice president and assistant general manager, wrote in an e-mail.
Twitter over capacity lastnight due WWE the Rock?
On Monday evening, many Twitter users may have found the hugely popular microblogging site to be “over capacity.” We likely have pro wrestling fans to blame for that. Last night on WWE Monday Night Raw, film star and former professional wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made an unexpected return to WWE television programming on USA network after seven years away from the sport that made him famous. Shortly after 11:00 pm EST the social media world exploded with talk of Dwayne Johnson returning to WWE. But Johnson himself was largely responsible for whipping up the social media frenzy. For the first time in WWE programming history, a superstar’s personal Facebook page was promoted live during the broadcast. For Johnson, the social media plug brought his WWE return full circle. On Monday afternoon, the WWE legend himself teased his return with a cryptic Facebook post that told WWE fans to “get ready.”
O.J. Simpson brutally beaten in prison attack, afraid to leave his cell
Disgraced gridiron great O.J. Simpson was beaten unconscious in a brutal prison yard attack, The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively. Inmates cheered as a muscular young skinhead knocked him to the ground, punching and kicking him to a bloody pulp and inflicting injuries so severe he secretly spent nearly three weeks in the infirmary before he recovered. The humiliating beating left 63-year-old Simpson in agony – and threw him into a spiral of depression so deep that he’s now afraid to venture out of his cell, divulge sources. Embarrassed by the fact that their most famous inmate was battered while in their custody, prison authorities have done their best to keep the incident secret. But The ENQUIRER has obtained the full, shocking details of the vicious pounding. The battle erupted at Nevada’s Lovelock Correctional Center, where Simpson is serving at least nine years for his role in an armed confrontation with sports memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas in September 2007. Unknown to the former NFL star, The Juice has been a marked man behind bars ever since white supremacists overheard him brag about his sexual conquests of beautiful white women.
Giants first World Series in 56 years clinching baseball kept in candy jar?
Brian Wilson has the baseball he fired past Texas’ Nelson Cruz to end the World Series, and anyone who knows the Giants closer cannot be surprised to learn where he keeps it. “I don’t have a huge case for it,” Wilson said. “To be honest with you, I put it in a Halloween candy jar. It was a delicious treat winning the World Series. I pick it up once in a while, play catch with it and toss it around.”
$100 million NFL star being investigated for sexually assaulting waitress
D.C. police are investigating an allegation that Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth sexually assaulted a waitress in a D.C. hotel over the weekend, a source within the department said Monday. Haynesworth’s agent, Chad Speck, confirmed that his client was the subject of the complaint but denied the 29-year-old defensive tackle is guilty of any wrongdoing. “There seems to be no truth to these allegations,” Speck said in an e-mail. “We are currently evaluating facts and considering our own legal action against those involved.
Clay Buchholz sees Jon Lester's contract with the Red Sox as a "base model"
Clay Buchholz sees Jon Lester's contract with the Red Sox as a "base model" for a potential long-term deal.
Lester signed a five-year, $30 million contract with a club option for a sixth year before the 2009 season. "I think that would definitely be a base model for it — numbers-wise, security reasons, I think every player with less than three years of service time, that’s what they strive for," said Buchholz. "I’m not saying I’m as good as Lester or I deserve what he got, but just from the other guys who signed their deal in the past year or so with the same service, I think that’s definitely a good starting point if there ever was one." Buchholz, 26, will be arbitration-eligible for the first time following the 2011 season. The two sides have not yet discussed a long-term contract.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Patriots designated LG Logan Mankins as their franchise player.
Patriots designated LG Logan Mankins as their franchise player.
The value is projected to be roughly $10.1 million. Though Mankins expressed displeasure should he receive the tag earlier this offseason, the Pats were never going to let him leave without compensation. A Pro Bowler in three of the last four seasons, Mankins was deservedly a first-team All-Pro in 2010 despite holding out until the eighth game of the season. Owner Bob Kraft has indicated that he wants to lock Mankins up long term.
Rookies, agents won't boycott NFL Combine
Profootballtalk.com reports that incoming rookies and agents have decided against boycotting the Scouting Combine.
It was just an empty threat. There's still speculation of an NFL Draft boycott due to the lack of a new CBA (and the owners' stubbornness at the negotiating table), but draft-eligibles only would've hurt their standing in the league by skipping the Combine. Expect personnel types to look particularly unkindly on players that don't go through full workouts in Indy this year.
Sabathia won't rule out using opt-out clause
In an interview with Joel Sherman of the New York Post, CC Sabathia didn't rule out the possibility that he could opt out of his contract after this season.
"Anything is possible in a contract," said Sabathia. The big left-hander is entering the third year of his seven-year, $161 million contract with the Yankees, but can exercise an opt-out clause after 2011. It may sound unlikely on the surface, but keep in mind that Cliff Lee's $25 million annual salary currently trumps Sabathia's $23 million annual salary. Considering that Sabathia is two years younger, he shouldn't close the door on anything.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Leaving no stone unturned
While the signing of 17-year-old New Zealand fast-pitch softball player Te Wera Bishop may ultimately go down as little more than a curiosity — the odds, after all, are against him — his signing is still a fascinating example of the lengths to which the Red Sox will go to acquire talent.
The team’s Pacific Rim scouting coordinator, Jon Deeble, checked in last night via e-mail with the story of how the team found Bishop, and it’s an interesting one. Here’s what Deeble wrote:
The team’s Pacific Rim scouting coordinator, Jon Deeble, checked in last night via e-mail with the story of how the team found Bishop, and it’s an interesting one. Here’s what Deeble wrote:
“We have been following Te Wera (Beau) for a while now mainly through video and two weeks ago I was in New Zealand managing the under-17 Australian (baseball) team in a world championship qualifier. It was my intention to work him out whilst I was over there.While softball remains more popular than baseball in New Zealand, the two sports have talked about joining forces to develop talent. Bishop could end up being a face of this movement, should he have some success in the Red Sox system.
“I was halfway thru a game when I went to the bathroom and saw this kid throwing in the park adjacent to the field. I was walking towards these two kids throwing the baseball and as I was walking I was saying to myself, ‘Wow, that kid has a great arm.’ It was so smooth and throwing over a long distance. I said to myself, ‘No that couldn’t be him could it?’ So I went up to him and asked him his name. He told me Beau Bishop. I said, ‘You’re the kid I’m looking for.’
“I was at a junior softball tournament the week before and had heard a lot about this kid but he wasn’t playing. His younger brother was.
“I worked him out and although raw, he should the tools we look for in signing a player – he had a good arm, strong with carry, he is a catcher, he threw the ball well to second and he showed a very good ability to catch and frame the ball behind the plate. Although his swing was built to hit a softball he showed good raw power and hit some balls out of the park during batting practice.
“He showed me three tools we look for and although this will be a very hard adjustment for him, he showed aptitude and made some good adjustments. We need to be patient with him as he will take some time, he is a big strong kid who has never lifted a weight.
“He will go to spring training and extended spring. He will then go home to New Zealand for two weeks before attending the MLB Australian Academy, where he will get 40-plus games and at least 150 at-bats. He needs experience in hitting a baseball and also catching it. It’s amazing how he catches softballs at great speeds over 40 feet. Hopefully he can make the adjustments over 60 feet with a baseball.”
Arlington officials prevented Cowboys from assuming risk of incomplete seats
As bad as the Super Bowl ticket fiasco ended up being for the NFL, it could have been much, much worse. Documents released by the City of Arlington on Friday indicate a concern by at least one Arlington official that the Cowboys were willing to roll the dice and take their chances that seats not cleared by the local officials wouldn't, you know, collapse.According to a thorough chronicle of the events created by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Arlington building official Ed Dryden wrote in an e-mail to his boss, Jim Parajon, “I think that the Cowboys are not going to correct certain items and assume the risk. This is not a good situation!”
Parajon told Dryden not to budge. “Bottom line is if it is not right, don’t approve it,” Parajon wrote in response.
Parajon told Dryden not to budge. “Bottom line is if it is not right, don’t approve it,” Parajon wrote in response.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Colts headed toward franchising Manning
While no one believes Peyton Manning would sign elsewhere, NFL labor issues may affect any negotiation. If a long-term contract can't be arranged before the collective bargaining agreement expires March 3, the Colts will exercise the "franchise" tag, which can be used starting today and must be issued no later than Feb. 22. The one-year contract would pay Manning approximately $23 million for 2011, and the "exclusive" variety of the tag would keep him from testing his value on the open market. ... Since the franchise or transition tag can be used only once an offseason, the Colts likely will wait until later this month to exercise it. If the team and Manning can agree on a multiyear deal, the team would at least have the option of tagging another player.
Blaine Gabbert's stock now slipping
According to ESPN's Mel Kiper, Mizzou QB Blaine Gabbert's draft stock has begun "slipping" heading into the Scouting Combine.
According to Kiper, Gabbert's fall has occurred after NFL teams did "more film work" on the underclassman's junior year. It's true that Gabbert did not dominate his competition in 2010, throwing for 16 touchdowns compared to nine picks and averaging an unimpressive 6.71 yards per attempt. Gabbert was much better as a sophomore. The Combine starts on February 24.
Matt Holliday
Matt Holliday said Friday on ESPN Radio that he would be willing to defer some of his contract in order to help the Cardinals retain Albert Pujols.
Holliday inked a massive seven-year, $120 million deal with the Cardinals last offseason. "I deferred $2 million a year for the whole contract," the outfielder said Friday morning. "I would be willing, if they came to me and said, 'Hey, this is what it's going to take to get Albert done, would you do it again or do more?' Scott [Boras, Holliday's agent] probably wouldn't like me to stay that, but if that's what it took, I would be willing to do that." It's a nice gesture, but also doubtful to happen or in any way shape the course of negotiations between the Cardinals and Pujols' representatives.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
EXCLUSIVE: Top WWE Diva Rumored To Be Turning Heel
WrestleZone has learned that WWE creative has been discussing the idea of turning Smackdown Diva Kelly Kelly heel in the near future.
Kelly, who is said to be Vince McMahon's favorite Diva right now, has been working an angle with Edge, Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler on Smackdown and was recently "fired" from the show.
While no time table has been given for Kelly's turn, it's being said that Vince wants the Diva to make a dramatic "first heel turn" in the company as he currently views her as a the most marketable female in WWE
Kelly, who is said to be Vince McMahon's favorite Diva right now, has been working an angle with Edge, Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler on Smackdown and was recently "fired" from the show.
While no time table has been given for Kelly's turn, it's being said that Vince wants the Diva to make a dramatic "first heel turn" in the company as he currently views her as a the most marketable female in WWE
WWE Officially Announces WrestleMania 28 Location
During a WWE press conference this afternoon, it was officially announced that next year's WrestleMania 28 event will be held at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. The event will take place on April 1st, 2012. WWE Stars John Cena, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, Mark Henry and Eve joined Vince McMahon and Miami Dade officials to make the announcement. Former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino was also on hand for the press conference.
Jerry Sloan is expected to resign
Jerry Sloan is expected to resign as head coach of the Jazz Thursday, sources tell the Deseret News.
Something smells fishy here. Sloan just signed a one-year contract extension on Monday and is in his 23rd year as Utah's head coach. Although the Jazz have lost 10 of their last 14 games, they are still 31-23 overall and in the thick of the playoff chase. But a 30-minute closed door meeting Wednesday night after an emotional loss to the Bulls seems to have changed all that. We'll know more after this afternoon's press conference
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Fans Sue NFL Over Super Bowl Seat Saga
The Super Bowl headache continues for the NFL, as about 1,000 fans have filed a lawsuit against the league over the seating mess that put the cap on a highly-criticized Super Bowl XLV experience.
The lawsuit, worth $5 million in actual damages for the plaintiffs and unspecified punitive damages, alleges breach of contract, fraud and deceptive sales practices. Fans claim they didn't receive seats for tickets they purchased, or received inadequate seats.
Temporary seating meant to be built on time for the game wasn't completed, leaving approximately 1,250 fans without a seat. The league found other seating for about 850 of those, but the rest had to watch on monitors in the stadium. Some of the displaced fans have railed against the NFL's treatment of them in the wake of the confusion. The NFL was aware of the seating issues the week before the game.
"We think that this is a pretty straightforward matter," said Michael Avenatti of Eagan Avenatti, which is representing the fans. "People did not obtain what they were told they were going to get."
The league has offered two options to all impacted fans which include tickets to a future Super Bowl. The NFL said it is working with the Packers, Steelers and Cowboys to track down all of the affected fan
The lawsuit, worth $5 million in actual damages for the plaintiffs and unspecified punitive damages, alleges breach of contract, fraud and deceptive sales practices. Fans claim they didn't receive seats for tickets they purchased, or received inadequate seats.
Temporary seating meant to be built on time for the game wasn't completed, leaving approximately 1,250 fans without a seat. The league found other seating for about 850 of those, but the rest had to watch on monitors in the stadium. Some of the displaced fans have railed against the NFL's treatment of them in the wake of the confusion. The NFL was aware of the seating issues the week before the game.
"We think that this is a pretty straightforward matter," said Michael Avenatti of Eagan Avenatti, which is representing the fans. "People did not obtain what they were told they were going to get."
The league has offered two options to all impacted fans which include tickets to a future Super Bowl. The NFL said it is working with the Packers, Steelers and Cowboys to track down all of the affected fan
The Somewhat Romantic Story Of Mark Sanchez And A 17-Year-Old Girl
The girl — the "E.K." of attorney Richard Kendall's letter to us — first reached out to writer Barry Petchesky three weeks ago. Her email:
A threatening email was sent to me from someone by the name [name redacted] who claims to be doing research for you, it regards Mark Sanchez picking up a girl in a club around new years. The tip was originally sent from a [name redacted]. If you could explain what is going on here I would greatly appreciate it because so far I am being threatened w media exposure regarding false accusations and slander.For the record, we weren't working on any story and do not know who [name redacted] is.
E.K, fearful of the potential backlash and tabloid infamy that might ensue, decided it would be best to tell her version of the story so there would be no misunderstandings. We spoke on the phone soon after, and here's what she told me: This New Year's Eve, E.K. and some of her friends were at the Manhattan nightclub Lavo, doing whatever underage girls do at Manhattan nightclubs on New Year's Eve. As noted in this New York Post item, Sanchez made a cameo there, along with tight end Dustin Keller. He was there long enough to chat up our young protagonist. E.K. told me that Sanchez sidled up to her, and the two talked for a while. She gave him her BlackBerry number and flirted a bit. "You know I'm 17, right?" she remembers saying. Sanchez kept his cool. "Well, we can still talk, but I can't see you until you're 18," he said. "Actually," E.K. replied, "17 is legal in New York." Poise all around.
Not long after, Sanchez reached out to our E.K. She, of course, went all-caps-teenybopper on Facebook when he came a-courtin'. Click the image to enlarge.After they connected again, E.K. said Sanchez provided her and her friend with tickets to the Bills-Jets regular-season finale. Sanchez played only briefly that game but that was inconsequential to E.K. They set up a date for later that week. They had a lovely dinner at Nobu in Midtown; they talked; she was impressed, she told me several times, at how "genuine" a person the Sanchize was. "Even though," she said, "he's a really popular, good-looking quarterback."
A Big Storm, She Said
And then came the somewhat-awkward moment when I asked E.K. if she hooked up with him."Yeah," she said, somewhat reluctantly. "We went back to his place in Jersey after dinner. He lives on a golf course. There was a big storm."
Thundersnow, I suspect. I told her I'd make sure it's legal in Jersey for a girl her age to hook up with a 24-year-old man.
"It is. It's 16," she said. "I checked."
"He's a really nice guy, you know?" E.K. went on. Was she smitten?
"I can say that he's one of the kindest people, and he's a genuine person," she said. "I know he's a guy, whatever, like, it's not that. Not that it matters to me at all."
She paused.
"It scares me a little bit," she allowed.
Mark texted her from time to time. "He would send me a text at 2 a.m. on a Wednesday asking if I was out that night," she said, "but I'd be like, I have school tomorrow." High school.
E.K. said she didn't want this to end up to be an Ashton Kutcher situation. I wasn't familiar with the Ashton Kutcher situation.
"You know, that girl who said all those things about an affair she had with him or whatever."
Oh.
"I don't want that image."
I asked her the last time Mark had reached out to her. She said he texted her around 2 a.m. on Jan. 24, a Monday. He'd just gotten back in town from Pittsburgh, where the Jets had lost in the AFC Championship game. He wanted to know if she was going out. She was not.
Here's Proof, She Said
Legal romances blossom all the time between young adult males and high school girls. Take Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa. Or Jerry Seinfeld's romance with Shoshanna Lonstein when she was in high school. There's nothing inherently wrong with a man falling headlong into a teenage girl's arms so long as the girl and state law consent to it. That said, when you embark on a romance with a very popular quarterback, your life becomes more fraught than usual at 17. E.K. knows this. She's familiar with upper-crust New York. How to get there. How to stay there. Most people who end up in the background of a Patrick McMullan party photo do. And for a while, she was OK with her story getting out. She just didn't want to be the one talking about it. She didn't want to jeopardize her budding relationship with Mark. Her biggest concern, it seemed, was what photograph we might use. She didn't want us to use the one you see up top, the one in which she's smoking a cigarette. It'd look bad, E.K. felt.In any case, we were moving forward. She emailed us to say she was torn, but to let her know if we were running a story and to please keep her out of it.
I was still skeptical. Was it possible for her to share some of the text messages she exchanged with Mark? Or was there any way she could prove her tale outside of her Facebook status?
She sent along a cell phone number with a 923 area code — Southern California. She claimed that was the one from which Mark would BBM her. (We tried it. No one picked up.)
Then, she sent along this message:
Proof?
Well, maybe she knows his maid?
At this point, E.K. was OK with the story, just so long as it was clear it didn't come from her. That would be bad for her and bad for the Jets and bad for Mark and bad for the rest of her life.
Why? She wrote:
Well I'm still "close" w mark and he knows about you so jets pr was like here how's you handle it, I don't want to betray him but I don't want to let him play me like this, if this comes out like I technically sold this then I can risk any jobs or college in the future. They may not want me if I "sold" the story. So publish what you no and ill just be like it was a deceitful friend of mine. You no? So my future isn't ruined but mark doesn't get everything. He is a genuine person but not necessarily good to women. You know?And then again:
I just am in contact 24/7 w the jets and mark so I can't officially betray them, but you know?She didn't sell us the story. We never offered to buy it. We wanted to hear her side of it because, well, it's kind of fascinating to know how romance blossoms just this side of the law. I wanted to talk to E.K. again, to find out more information and to see what the status of her relationship with Mark Sanchez was before we published anything.
I'll Sue, She Said
Late last week, however, she turned:E.K.: "There's no story, if you print about me I'm 17 ill sue"
Me: "Sue for what?"
E.K.: "Someone has my email, I don't know what messages you have received but I have no part in those, I'm 100% against this. Go away."
E.K.: "You can't print my name, I'm under 18, you need consent"
Me:
[Name redacted], you're making this stuff up now.The next person I heard from, a few hours later, was Richard Kendall, that nice attorney from California, concerned on behalf of his client from Connecticut about the story we were running about her night out in New York. Kendall, proud USC Trojan (Gould School of Law, class of '79), believes that our publishing a story about a legal relationship would both be defamatory and constitute an "unlawful publication of private facts," even though his client, E.K., had given us her explicit cooperation several times. It's kind of odd. But then, so is love. You know?
And, no, we won't use your name. But this is a story, and this is a bigger problem than you think it is. The bottom line is, you talked to me, you talked to me on the record. You then went back on that. Then you went back on again but told me to say a "friend betrayed you". If you want to go through the entire process of where the legal lines are here, I'd be more than happy to go over them with you. But the reality is, this is a story.
Like I said, we don't have to use your name. But this story is going to run. I'd like more cooperation from you but it's not going to change the fact that this story is in the process of being done.
I'm not trying to ruin your life, I'm trying to do my job. If you'd been a little more upfront with me from the get-go, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Instead, we've had several which were ones that I told you I was going to use for this story.
Just think about it. I'll let you know where we are on Monday, but this is running on Tuesday.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
WWE Promotes In-Ring Return For Triple H
Lastnight on WWE Monday Night Raw, WWE promoted a house show for March 20 in Newark NJ with two matches announced:
2 on 4 Handicap Match
John Cena & Triple H vs CM Punk & The Nexus
WWE Title Cage Match
The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton
Interesting that WWE is confident enough in Triple H being ready by March to prominently advertise his return in a local area spot for a house show.
2 on 4 Handicap Match
John Cena & Triple H vs CM Punk & The Nexus
WWE Title Cage Match
The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton
Interesting that WWE is confident enough in Triple H being ready by March to prominently advertise his return in a local area spot for a house show.
Celtics could consider making move
Injuries have been a way of life for the Celtics all season long. Even when they found out Jermaine O'Neal would be out for six to eight weeks and Shaquille O'Neal would be out through the All-Star break, the Celtics were ready to plug along with the players they had. But after Marquis Daniels went down yesterday with a bruised spinal cord, leaving his status uncertain for the foreseeable future, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team may not have any other choice but to consider a roster move.
"I think what we have to do really is wait and see with the Marquis situation, how long that will be," Rivers said. "If that’s long then we have to do something. We have to get another ‘3’ let’s just be serious."
As it stands the Celtics have no one to back up Paul Pierce at small forward. Even with Delonte West's possible return before the all-star break, the Celtics are still thin. Tonight against Charlotte, they will have 10 healthy players, but two of them are rookies Luke Harangody and Avery Bradley, who have seen slim minutes this season. They will essentially play with eight players.
"Like I told our guys, nothing you can do about it," Rivers said. "You've got to go out and play. Tonight, there will be a couple of guys playing spots, especially at the 3, someone’s going to play 3 that’s never played it before. That’s just where we’re at right now."
"I think what we have to do really is wait and see with the Marquis situation, how long that will be," Rivers said. "If that’s long then we have to do something. We have to get another ‘3’ let’s just be serious."
As it stands the Celtics have no one to back up Paul Pierce at small forward. Even with Delonte West's possible return before the all-star break, the Celtics are still thin. Tonight against Charlotte, they will have 10 healthy players, but two of them are rookies Luke Harangody and Avery Bradley, who have seen slim minutes this season. They will essentially play with eight players.
"Like I told our guys, nothing you can do about it," Rivers said. "You've got to go out and play. Tonight, there will be a couple of guys playing spots, especially at the 3, someone’s going to play 3 that’s never played it before. That’s just where we’re at right now."
Optimism grows about NFL doing CBA in Marchn
There seems to be growing optimism among league insiders that a new CBA could be finalized sometime before or during the month of March.
"We plan to increase the number, length and intensity of bargaining sessions so that we can reach agreement before the March 4 expiration of the current CBA," the NFL and NFLPA said in a statement after an extensive Saturday meeting. ESPN's John Clayton, PFT's Mike Florio, and Comcast SportsNet New England's Tom Curran are all optimistic about a deal getting done sooner rather than later. The NFL and NFLPA have agreed on March 4 as the deadline to broker a new CBA.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Broncos looking to trade no. 2 pick?
John Elway is now an executive with the Denver Broncos and he made some telling remarks to Dave Krieger of the Denver Post. Elway implied that without a new collective bargaining agreement that includes a rookie wage scale, the Broncos would likely be looking to deal the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Right now the No. 2 pick would cost a serious amount of cash. Last year the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Ndamukong Suh a five-year, $68 million contract with $40 million in guaranteed money. So whoever gets picked at that spot in 2011 would expect at least that much and probably more. After finishing 4-12 the Broncos have too many holes to be giving that much cash to one player, especially an unproven rookie. That said, if they stay in their current spot, the Broncos will likely have to go with a defensive presence. Denver was last in the NFL in total defense (390.8 yards per game), 25th in pass defense (236.3 ypg) and 31st in rushing defense (154.6 ypg).
Nash on the block?
Marc Stein of ESPN reports the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks and the Portland Trailblazers have made calls to the Suns front office in pursuit of the 36-year old who is in his 15th NBA season.
Mark Sanchez’s 17-Year-Old Lady Friend Has Found A Lawyer
Mark Sanchez’s 17-Year-Old Lady Friend Has Found A Lawyer
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Members of the Jets organization have been made aware of our and her story. They're in the process of fact-gathering and working on a statement. We'll keep you updated if anything else happens before Tuesday.
Back into the grime. Again.
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