Adam Jones was officially awarded with his first Gold Glove today.
Jones is an extremely capable fielder, who glides easily to the ball, and has an outstanding arm. The Gold Glove is confirmation that Jones' reputation has been firmly established around baseball.
While I am happy for Jones recognition, nearly every measurable defensive stat showed a regression for Jones in 2009 vs. 2008. Of course I do believe defensive metrics have some inherent flaws.
Whether he deserved the award or not, I do think he has all the attributes required to regularly be considered for the honor.
I think in 2009, Jones' burned himself several times due to ego. Camden Yards has very limited power-alleys. There is not a lot of room for a CF to run down balls to his left, or right. Where you can flash your skills (and challenge yourself), is by playing shallow and running back on the ball. It seemed to me that there were times Jones was playing so shallow, that he was basically telling the opposition they could not hit it over his head.
Several opponents during the season showed that they could. I would like to see Jones play a few steps back this year, and avoid giving teams extra-bases. Additionally, while he does have an outstanding arm, he needs to be more cognizant of game situations, and not allowing baserunners to advance, as he attempts to make the miracle throw home.
What I think is an interesting question is how much better (if at all) is Jones vs. Pie in CF?
While Pie has more dead-run speed, I think Jones gets a better read on the ball. Pie seems better equipped to make an adjustment during a play, but Jones gets to balls with less effort.
Pie's arm might be almost as strong as Jones', but his main defensive issues are almost the exact opposite of Jones. Jones gets the ball and fires home because he believes in his abilities, and that is his reactionary default. Pie gets the ball, and begins to process where he should be going. This leads to him looking indecisive. Pie would be well-served by the Little League adage of thinking about the play you are going to make, if the ball comes to you.
In his 2nd-full season in the Majors, Jones went to his first All-Star game, and now has his first piece of hardware. I could ride the fence on this topic, but I will say my own opinion is that I do not think Pie is a better CF than Jones. I am interested in seeing if Jones makes adjustments though this coming year.
What do you think?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Ravens fall to .500; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Needing a win to pull even with the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, the Ravens could only muster 7 points, as losing to fall to 4-4 overall.
I had been calling today's game basically a must-win for the better part of a month. With the lost, the Ravens realistically have to finish 6-2 in their 8 last-games to have a chance at the post-season.
When I look at the remaining schedule, I see wins at Cleveland, and Oakland, along with wins over Detroit and Chicago at home. If the Ravens win those 4 games, and go 2-2 in their other four-games vs. Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and on the road vs. Green Bay, and Pittsburgh; they might have a chance.
What I think is fair to say, is that the Ravens ability to win the AFC North was probably eliminated today in Cincinnati.
The Good:
1) It is quite the struggle to find any good from today. I can give the Ravens some credit for showing some pride as they were down 17-0 in the 2nd-quarter, and found a way to possibly make a game of it.
2) I thought Webb played well in place of an injured Fabian Washington.
3) The Ravens needed to win today, but I think they made the right decision in benching Ngata. Cedric Benson hit Baltimore for another 117 yards today (albeit on 34 carries), but I think that is just the way it goes. If Ngata had played today, and was further hurt, that would have been almost as bad as suffering a defeat. He had played in every-game of his career prior to today. If he came out of the lineup, that was a good indication that he did not feel capable of helping.
4) Ed Reed's strip of Chad Johnson was a big-play.
5) It was good to see Suggs record a sack today, and that has to happen more often. The fact that he can play the run (did miss several tackles today), and is improved in pass-defense, are good things. However, Suggs will always earn his living as a pass-rusher. To have played 8 games, and for him to have 3.5 sacks is not acceptable. Perhaps he can go on a run these last 8 games, and finish with the 10-12 sacks he should be capable of producing.
The Bad:
1) The Ravens lost the time of possession battle 40mts to 20mts today.
2) Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined for 17 carries in the home-loss to Cincinnati. In the loss today, Rice, Flacco, Mason, and McClain combined for 17 carries. Down 17-0 with 2 and 1/2 minutes left in the 2nd-quarter, there was no reason why the Ravens had to abandon the run.
3) The Ravens defense forced 6 punts or turnovers on downs in a row, and the the Ravens offense managed to put-up just 7 points on the board. In two-games against the Bengals, the Ravens offense scored a total of 14 points.
4) The Ravens had 7 penalties for 80 yards.
4a) I thought Gaither would make a difference, he did with two costly penalties. To be fair to him, the 2nd penalty seemed very touchy. Rookie RT Michael Oher appeared to be jumping on nearly every play.
5) Flacco was sacked 4 times, and had 2 picks. He could have easily been picked at-least 2 more times. He was throwing dying quails all day, and seemingly missing the pass-rush straight at him. He seemed to be trying to force the ball at different times, as opposed to taking what the defense was giving him.
5a) The interception of Flacco at the start of the 2nd-half was poor play-calling and decision making. You had just played an entire 1/2 where the offense hardly had the ball. You have a 2nd and 4 yards to go situation on your own 49, and you attempt to force the ball down the field. Cincinnati would punt on their next series, but did hold the ball for 4 mts.
6) It was good that Ed Reed had that strip of Johnson, because otherwise he had a horrible game. He missed at-least 4 tackles, as he was clearly playing 'o-lay' defense. It seemed rather apparent today, that Reed was going out of his way to avoid physical contact.
7) II think it was the right decision to bench Ngata today, but you needed the backups - McKinney, Edwards, Bannan, and Talavou - to step-up today, and they did not. I saw Edwards helping some as a pass-rusher, and I saw Bannan and Harbaugh yelling at-each other on sideline, but I did not see McKinney or Talavou play. If they did, they accomplished little. If they did not play, I question why the Ravens were not rotating more bodies in and out of the action.
The Ugly:
1) Hauschka missing another crucial FG was ugly. Yes, it was not a 10 point FG, and was not the reason the Ravens lost - but that is besides the point. It was Hauschka's first crucial FG attempt since the Minnesota loss, and he failed. Combine that with his average kickoffs, and you have to question the decision to keep him over Stover. Our point in the summer was that this was a Baltimore team with post-season expectations. If Hauschka missed a kick that mattered, it would be too late to correct. For this to be the 8th game of the season, and for Hauschka to have two crucial misses on the board, is tough to take.
2) The Ravens were 1-10 on 3rd down, while the Bengals were 8 for 18.
3) Playing without Antwan Odom, the Bengals still had 4 sacks. Part of that has to do with the Ravens abandoning the run.
4) Trying to avenge a home loss within the division, with 1st-place on the line, the Ravens allowed two 10+ play, 4 and 1/2 minute drives to start the game. Do not blame the refs, do not make excuses. That is a perfect representation that you were beat physically (and perhaps mentally) by a better team. Playing a team with Carson Palmer at QB, and with those weapons at WR, the Ravens CB's played well enough. You just can not win in the NFL, if you do not have a consistent pass-rush.
Up-Next:
The Ravens go to Cleveland before closing November against Indianapolis, Pittsburgh. Obviously Baltimore has to take care of business against the Browns first. If they do, then you can begin to discuss those other games.
I had been calling today's game basically a must-win for the better part of a month. With the lost, the Ravens realistically have to finish 6-2 in their 8 last-games to have a chance at the post-season.
When I look at the remaining schedule, I see wins at Cleveland, and Oakland, along with wins over Detroit and Chicago at home. If the Ravens win those 4 games, and go 2-2 in their other four-games vs. Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and on the road vs. Green Bay, and Pittsburgh; they might have a chance.
What I think is fair to say, is that the Ravens ability to win the AFC North was probably eliminated today in Cincinnati.
The Good:
1) It is quite the struggle to find any good from today. I can give the Ravens some credit for showing some pride as they were down 17-0 in the 2nd-quarter, and found a way to possibly make a game of it.
2) I thought Webb played well in place of an injured Fabian Washington.
3) The Ravens needed to win today, but I think they made the right decision in benching Ngata. Cedric Benson hit Baltimore for another 117 yards today (albeit on 34 carries), but I think that is just the way it goes. If Ngata had played today, and was further hurt, that would have been almost as bad as suffering a defeat. He had played in every-game of his career prior to today. If he came out of the lineup, that was a good indication that he did not feel capable of helping.
4) Ed Reed's strip of Chad Johnson was a big-play.
5) It was good to see Suggs record a sack today, and that has to happen more often. The fact that he can play the run (did miss several tackles today), and is improved in pass-defense, are good things. However, Suggs will always earn his living as a pass-rusher. To have played 8 games, and for him to have 3.5 sacks is not acceptable. Perhaps he can go on a run these last 8 games, and finish with the 10-12 sacks he should be capable of producing.
The Bad:
1) The Ravens lost the time of possession battle 40mts to 20mts today.
2) Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined for 17 carries in the home-loss to Cincinnati. In the loss today, Rice, Flacco, Mason, and McClain combined for 17 carries. Down 17-0 with 2 and 1/2 minutes left in the 2nd-quarter, there was no reason why the Ravens had to abandon the run.
3) The Ravens defense forced 6 punts or turnovers on downs in a row, and the the Ravens offense managed to put-up just 7 points on the board. In two-games against the Bengals, the Ravens offense scored a total of 14 points.
4) The Ravens had 7 penalties for 80 yards.
4a) I thought Gaither would make a difference, he did with two costly penalties. To be fair to him, the 2nd penalty seemed very touchy. Rookie RT Michael Oher appeared to be jumping on nearly every play.
5) Flacco was sacked 4 times, and had 2 picks. He could have easily been picked at-least 2 more times. He was throwing dying quails all day, and seemingly missing the pass-rush straight at him. He seemed to be trying to force the ball at different times, as opposed to taking what the defense was giving him.
5a) The interception of Flacco at the start of the 2nd-half was poor play-calling and decision making. You had just played an entire 1/2 where the offense hardly had the ball. You have a 2nd and 4 yards to go situation on your own 49, and you attempt to force the ball down the field. Cincinnati would punt on their next series, but did hold the ball for 4 mts.
6) It was good that Ed Reed had that strip of Johnson, because otherwise he had a horrible game. He missed at-least 4 tackles, as he was clearly playing 'o-lay' defense. It seemed rather apparent today, that Reed was going out of his way to avoid physical contact.
7) II think it was the right decision to bench Ngata today, but you needed the backups - McKinney, Edwards, Bannan, and Talavou - to step-up today, and they did not. I saw Edwards helping some as a pass-rusher, and I saw Bannan and Harbaugh yelling at-each other on sideline, but I did not see McKinney or Talavou play. If they did, they accomplished little. If they did not play, I question why the Ravens were not rotating more bodies in and out of the action.
The Ugly:
1) Hauschka missing another crucial FG was ugly. Yes, it was not a 10 point FG, and was not the reason the Ravens lost - but that is besides the point. It was Hauschka's first crucial FG attempt since the Minnesota loss, and he failed. Combine that with his average kickoffs, and you have to question the decision to keep him over Stover. Our point in the summer was that this was a Baltimore team with post-season expectations. If Hauschka missed a kick that mattered, it would be too late to correct. For this to be the 8th game of the season, and for Hauschka to have two crucial misses on the board, is tough to take.
2) The Ravens were 1-10 on 3rd down, while the Bengals were 8 for 18.
3) Playing without Antwan Odom, the Bengals still had 4 sacks. Part of that has to do with the Ravens abandoning the run.
4) Trying to avenge a home loss within the division, with 1st-place on the line, the Ravens allowed two 10+ play, 4 and 1/2 minute drives to start the game. Do not blame the refs, do not make excuses. That is a perfect representation that you were beat physically (and perhaps mentally) by a better team. Playing a team with Carson Palmer at QB, and with those weapons at WR, the Ravens CB's played well enough. You just can not win in the NFL, if you do not have a consistent pass-rush.
Up-Next:
The Ravens go to Cleveland before closing November against Indianapolis, Pittsburgh. Obviously Baltimore has to take care of business against the Browns first. If they do, then you can begin to discuss those other games.
What I believe needs to occur to compete with NY in 2011
In the 2009 Major League Baseball season, the New York Yankees won their 27th World Championship, while the Baltimore Orioles finished 39 games behind the Bronx Bombers in the American League East.
What is going to have to occur to allow the O's to compete with the Yankees by 2011?
To answer this, I think you first have to look at the rosters as how they could exist during 2010.
Baltimore
Roberts 2nd
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Wieters C
Reimold LF
Scott DH
Snyder 1st
Bell 3rd
Izturis SS
Wigginton, Moeller, Pie, and one of Aubrey / Montanez / Andino
Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, Guthrie, Arrieta
Uehara
Johnson
Ray
Patton / Waters / Other lefty
Mickolio
Berken
Hernandez
New York
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1st
Rodriguez 3rd
Posada C
Cano 2nd
Swisher RF
Nady DH
Cabrera CF
Molina, Hinske, Gardner, Hariston Jr.
Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Wang, Chamberlain
Rivera
Hughes
Coke
Marte
Aceves
Bruney
Robertson
To compete with New York in 2011, here is what I believe needs to occur:
1) Matusz, Tillman, and Arrieta have to be legitimate 1 - 3 starters, providing production similar to what NY received from Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte in 2009.
The Yankee trio combined for 631.2 innings this year, with 46 wins. They allowed 583 hits, 240 walks, with 540 k's.
My 2010 goals for the aforementioned Baltimore trio will be roughly 65-70% of that production. If that occurs, the O's group will be well paced to provide 2011 numbers similar to what NY received this season.
1a) Similarly, you will see regression (or departure) from the Yankees starters. In 2011, Sabathia will be in the 3rd year of his 7 year $161 million-dollar contract. Sabathia will turn 31 in 2011. After another 200 innings in 2010, he will have roughly 2,100 Major League innings on his arm. I think the 300 lbs he carries on his frame, will eventually cause injuries to his knees.
Consider me as one who believes Brian Matusz will be just as good as CC Sabathia in 2011. If I am wrong, it is hard to craft a scenario where the O's will be able to compete.
In his first-year in NY, Burnett pitched 200+ innings for the second-consecutive year. In 2011, he will be in the 3rd year of his 5 year $82.5M deal with the Yankees. Burnett allowed less than a hit per inning-pitched, had 195 k's, and had a .729 OPS against. He also turns 33 on January 3rd.
In 2011, I expect that I would prefer to have the 23 year-old Chris Tillman, in his 3rd Major League season, vs. a 34 year-old Burnett.
37 year-old Andy Pettitte just went through a post-season where he pitched the clinching games of the Division, Championship, and World Series. Most likely he will be retired by 2011. If he is pitching, he figures to be a shell of himself. Certainly the Yankees will have financial ability to obtain a 3rd starter with pedigree, but good-luck replacing Pettitte's moxie.
A big thing to watch for the Yankees in 2010 is what production they get out of Chein-Mang Wang. This was just a lost, horrible year for Wang. He has won 19 games twice, but just 9 over the past two-seasons combined.
2) The core position talent of the O's - Markakis, Wieters, Jones - will have to provide production similar to the core position talent of the Yankees - Teixeira, Rodriguez, and Jeter.
Markakis turns 26 on November 17th. Meaning he will be 27 all of the 2011 season.
Jones turned 24 on August 1st. Meaning he will be 26 at the end of the 2011 season.
Wieters 23 on May 31st. Meaning he will be 25 at the end of 2011 season.
Teixeria will be 31 in April 2011.
Rodriguez will be 36 in July 2011.
Jeter will be 37 in June 2011.
The O's core will still be reaching their prime, while the Yankees core will be that much further removed from theirs. We have seen the best of the Yankees players, there is still room for growth of the O's.
I anticipate each of those NY players will still be among the best in baseball. I do not see any of them falling off a cliff during the 2011 season. I do think it is reasonable to believe the O's core will be able to approximate their production.
3) The secondary players - Roberts, Reimold, Scott, Snyder, Bell, Pie, Izturis/SS - have to meet or exceed the production NY gets out of their secondary players such as Cano, Damon /LF, Cabrera, Posada / C, Swisher / RF, Nady / DH.
Cano will probably be regularly out producing Roberts at that point, but that does not mean Roberts will be unproductive.
If NY still has Damon in LF in 2010, I think they lose head-to-head vs. Reimold. In 2011 that would certainly be the case.
I look at Scott / Swisher / Nady as basically equal players, and imagine they would continue to produce near their current levels.
I like the chances for the Scott, Snyder, Bell trio to meet or exceed the production of the Swisher, Nady, Posada trio in 2011. It bears noting that Nady is a Free Agent this off-season, and that Posada will be 40 years-old, and in the last year of his contract in 2011.
Izturis is a FA after the 2010 season, and his defensive skills only help so much, when you factor in his on-base% is under .300. If the O's can improve at SS between now and 2011, that will put the O's offense on closer overall footing with New York.
4) When I project out, and think about the O's ability to compete with NY in 2011; what I think is hardest to answer, is where the two teams will be with their respective Closers.
Rivera is a FA after the 2010 season, but if he chooses to still play, you have to figure it will be in NY. If the Yankees do not have him dominating 70 innings, and 40 saves a year; that will have a large impact on that franchise. If he is not back, they will have $15M to go replace him with the best available option, or go with Chamberlain, or Hughes.
If Rivera is replaced in NY, the new closer will A) Be replacing a legend, and B) Have to deal with the pressure that exists in pitching in NY.
Even if Rivera is back, Father Time strikes for everyone. Rivera will be 41 all of the 2011 season. He can not keep up this pace forever, right?
In 2010, the O's figure to at-least initially use Uehara as the closer. He is a FA after the 2010 season, and it is way to early to determine if he will back for 2011. Also, even though he closed in Japan with success, and I think will help the O's in 2010, it is a question mark. Projecting what you would get from Uehara in 2011 as a 36 year-old is just not answerable at this time.
What the O's do in 2010 with their bullpen, will have a huge impact on their ability to compete with NY in 2011. With an improved 2010 rotation, what I want to see out of the O's, is a corresponding improved bullpen with Johnson, Ray, Mickolio, Albers, Berken, and Hernandez.
I am not sure where the O's will be at closer in 2011 (my guess would be either Mickolio or Hernandez), but to compete with the Yanks that year; there will have to be significant growth from that group above this coming season.
A very reasonable reply would be, "With the way they sign FA's and trade, I just don't see how you can make any type of prediction as to what the Yankees will look like in 2011."
I think that is a fair point to make.
My response would be that with whatever is 'unknown', they are unlikely to improve upon what they had in 2009.
The Yankees won 103 games, and the World Series. It is hard for me to see them improving on the areas where there is question in their roster. So I think using their 2009 production as the base-line, gives a good idea of what to expect.
What is going to have to occur to allow the O's to compete with the Yankees by 2011?
To answer this, I think you first have to look at the rosters as how they could exist during 2010.
Baltimore
Roberts 2nd
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Wieters C
Reimold LF
Scott DH
Snyder 1st
Bell 3rd
Izturis SS
Wigginton, Moeller, Pie, and one of Aubrey / Montanez / Andino
Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, Guthrie, Arrieta
Uehara
Johnson
Ray
Patton / Waters / Other lefty
Mickolio
Berken
Hernandez
New York
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1st
Rodriguez 3rd
Posada C
Cano 2nd
Swisher RF
Nady DH
Cabrera CF
Molina, Hinske, Gardner, Hariston Jr.
Sabathia, Burnett, Pettitte, Wang, Chamberlain
Rivera
Hughes
Coke
Marte
Aceves
Bruney
Robertson
To compete with New York in 2011, here is what I believe needs to occur:
1) Matusz, Tillman, and Arrieta have to be legitimate 1 - 3 starters, providing production similar to what NY received from Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte in 2009.
The Yankee trio combined for 631.2 innings this year, with 46 wins. They allowed 583 hits, 240 walks, with 540 k's.
My 2010 goals for the aforementioned Baltimore trio will be roughly 65-70% of that production. If that occurs, the O's group will be well paced to provide 2011 numbers similar to what NY received this season.
1a) Similarly, you will see regression (or departure) from the Yankees starters. In 2011, Sabathia will be in the 3rd year of his 7 year $161 million-dollar contract. Sabathia will turn 31 in 2011. After another 200 innings in 2010, he will have roughly 2,100 Major League innings on his arm. I think the 300 lbs he carries on his frame, will eventually cause injuries to his knees.
Consider me as one who believes Brian Matusz will be just as good as CC Sabathia in 2011. If I am wrong, it is hard to craft a scenario where the O's will be able to compete.
In his first-year in NY, Burnett pitched 200+ innings for the second-consecutive year. In 2011, he will be in the 3rd year of his 5 year $82.5M deal with the Yankees. Burnett allowed less than a hit per inning-pitched, had 195 k's, and had a .729 OPS against. He also turns 33 on January 3rd.
In 2011, I expect that I would prefer to have the 23 year-old Chris Tillman, in his 3rd Major League season, vs. a 34 year-old Burnett.
37 year-old Andy Pettitte just went through a post-season where he pitched the clinching games of the Division, Championship, and World Series. Most likely he will be retired by 2011. If he is pitching, he figures to be a shell of himself. Certainly the Yankees will have financial ability to obtain a 3rd starter with pedigree, but good-luck replacing Pettitte's moxie.
A big thing to watch for the Yankees in 2010 is what production they get out of Chein-Mang Wang. This was just a lost, horrible year for Wang. He has won 19 games twice, but just 9 over the past two-seasons combined.
2) The core position talent of the O's - Markakis, Wieters, Jones - will have to provide production similar to the core position talent of the Yankees - Teixeira, Rodriguez, and Jeter.
Markakis turns 26 on November 17th. Meaning he will be 27 all of the 2011 season.
Jones turned 24 on August 1st. Meaning he will be 26 at the end of the 2011 season.
Wieters 23 on May 31st. Meaning he will be 25 at the end of 2011 season.
Teixeria will be 31 in April 2011.
Rodriguez will be 36 in July 2011.
Jeter will be 37 in June 2011.
The O's core will still be reaching their prime, while the Yankees core will be that much further removed from theirs. We have seen the best of the Yankees players, there is still room for growth of the O's.
I anticipate each of those NY players will still be among the best in baseball. I do not see any of them falling off a cliff during the 2011 season. I do think it is reasonable to believe the O's core will be able to approximate their production.
3) The secondary players - Roberts, Reimold, Scott, Snyder, Bell, Pie, Izturis/SS - have to meet or exceed the production NY gets out of their secondary players such as Cano, Damon /LF, Cabrera, Posada / C, Swisher / RF, Nady / DH.
Cano will probably be regularly out producing Roberts at that point, but that does not mean Roberts will be unproductive.
If NY still has Damon in LF in 2010, I think they lose head-to-head vs. Reimold. In 2011 that would certainly be the case.
I look at Scott / Swisher / Nady as basically equal players, and imagine they would continue to produce near their current levels.
I like the chances for the Scott, Snyder, Bell trio to meet or exceed the production of the Swisher, Nady, Posada trio in 2011. It bears noting that Nady is a Free Agent this off-season, and that Posada will be 40 years-old, and in the last year of his contract in 2011.
Izturis is a FA after the 2010 season, and his defensive skills only help so much, when you factor in his on-base% is under .300. If the O's can improve at SS between now and 2011, that will put the O's offense on closer overall footing with New York.
4) When I project out, and think about the O's ability to compete with NY in 2011; what I think is hardest to answer, is where the two teams will be with their respective Closers.
Rivera is a FA after the 2010 season, but if he chooses to still play, you have to figure it will be in NY. If the Yankees do not have him dominating 70 innings, and 40 saves a year; that will have a large impact on that franchise. If he is not back, they will have $15M to go replace him with the best available option, or go with Chamberlain, or Hughes.
If Rivera is replaced in NY, the new closer will A) Be replacing a legend, and B) Have to deal with the pressure that exists in pitching in NY.
Even if Rivera is back, Father Time strikes for everyone. Rivera will be 41 all of the 2011 season. He can not keep up this pace forever, right?
In 2010, the O's figure to at-least initially use Uehara as the closer. He is a FA after the 2010 season, and it is way to early to determine if he will back for 2011. Also, even though he closed in Japan with success, and I think will help the O's in 2010, it is a question mark. Projecting what you would get from Uehara in 2011 as a 36 year-old is just not answerable at this time.
What the O's do in 2010 with their bullpen, will have a huge impact on their ability to compete with NY in 2011. With an improved 2010 rotation, what I want to see out of the O's, is a corresponding improved bullpen with Johnson, Ray, Mickolio, Albers, Berken, and Hernandez.
I am not sure where the O's will be at closer in 2011 (my guess would be either Mickolio or Hernandez), but to compete with the Yanks that year; there will have to be significant growth from that group above this coming season.
A very reasonable reply would be, "With the way they sign FA's and trade, I just don't see how you can make any type of prediction as to what the Yankees will look like in 2011."
I think that is a fair point to make.
My response would be that with whatever is 'unknown', they are unlikely to improve upon what they had in 2009.
The Yankees won 103 games, and the World Series. It is hard for me to see them improving on the areas where there is question in their roster. So I think using their 2009 production as the base-line, gives a good idea of what to expect.
Ravens vs. Cincinnati: Things to Watch
The 4-3 Baltimore Ravens must remain in must-win mode today against the Cincinnati Bengals. With a win today, and next-week vs. Cleveland, Baltimore will be right back in the playoff hunt. With a loss today, or next Sunday; the chance at playing in the post-season will become remote.
Here are some things that I will be looking for:
1) Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined 17 carries in the home-loss to Cincinnati. I believe that number has to be nearly doubled for the Ravens to beat the Bengals today.
2) I am going to sound like a broken-record until things change, but I do not understand the minimal use of several players on this roster. McGahee has 22 rushing attempts in the past 5 weeks. How is that possible?
LJ Smith, Demetrius Williams, and Le'Ron McClain are weapons that need to be utilized. Not just utilized more, but utilized at all. At least McClain touched the ball a bit last-week, I hope that continues on short-yardage at a minimum. If the Ravens put on film two TE sets with Heap, and Smith - that will give opposing defenses something else to think about. Flacco loves to show off his arm and throw deep. Why not get Williams on the field for a couple of deep patterns a game?
2a) One of my biggest surprises for this year, has been the total lack of use of Troy Smith. I believed the signing of Beck, would have the Ravens using Smith more often (2 series a game) in the Wildcat/Suggs package. Similar to what I said above with the other players, I think it would be good to put this on film, and make opposing teams have something else to prepare for.
3) As I mentioned yesterday, two reasons I expect different results vs. the first game against Cincinnati are Jared Gaither, and Antwan Odom. Gaither at LT, with Oher allowed to shift back to RT just makes a profound difference for this offensive-line. Odom came into the game at Baltimore with 8 sacks for the year. While he did not register a sack that day, I would imagine the Ravens adjusted their schemes to account for him. With Odom now done for the year, the Ravens do not have to worry about that. It will be interesting to see if the Bengals physically gifted rookie DE Michael Johnson can cause any pass-rush of his own.
4) Todd Heap had 7 catches today in the previous game against the Bengals. Was that the Flacco looking for a quick outlet, or did the Bengals have no answer to match-up against him in pass defense?
5) After putting a TD on the board last week, the Bengals will be keying on Lardarius Webb this week. If Webb could put the Ravens in superior field-position this week, that will say a lot about his ability to be a weapon the remainder of this year.
6) The Ravens defense played with a lot of pride last-week against Denver, and got back to basics with making tackles. They were also facing a QB in Kyle Orton, that I am sure they were daring to beat them. It is a bit different facing Carson Palmer. Palmer is one of the most talented players in the game, and is also very familiar with Baltimore. If you do not get pressure on Palmer, he has enough weapons with Johnson, Henry, Coles, Caldwell, that he will hurt you. If I am the Ravens, my first-key today is making sure that Cedric Benson is stopped on 1st, and 2nd down. Get the Bengals into 3rd and long, and bring the house at Palmer.
7) I would like to see better, and more consistent kick-offs from Hauschka this week.
8) If Ravens long-snapper Matt Katula is not able to play today, are the Ravens hurt by the replacement?
9) Tavares Gooden had several big-plays in the previous game against the Bengals. Maybe the familiarity leads to a real breakout game today.
10) Only the Ravens know how injured Haloti Ngata really is, but I have mixed feelings on him playing today. I am not downplaying the importance of today, after all I have been saying for weeks this is a must-win game. I also saw what Cedric Benson did to the Ravens during the last-game, and know that stopping that power-running would be that much more difficult without Ngata. That said, if his ankle is really bothering him, I am not sure that him playing today makes a lot of sense. If you want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, you are going to need Ngata at full-strength and dominating the middle come playoff time. As important as today is, it is still just Week 9. If he becomes further injured today, and is just a member of the walking wounded each week; that would be crippling.
When you have Defensive-line backups with the skills, and capability of Bannan, Edwards, McKinney, and Talavou; there is no reason for the Ravens to risk further injury to one of their most important overall players.
Here are some things that I will be looking for:
1) Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined 17 carries in the home-loss to Cincinnati. I believe that number has to be nearly doubled for the Ravens to beat the Bengals today.
2) I am going to sound like a broken-record until things change, but I do not understand the minimal use of several players on this roster. McGahee has 22 rushing attempts in the past 5 weeks. How is that possible?
LJ Smith, Demetrius Williams, and Le'Ron McClain are weapons that need to be utilized. Not just utilized more, but utilized at all. At least McClain touched the ball a bit last-week, I hope that continues on short-yardage at a minimum. If the Ravens put on film two TE sets with Heap, and Smith - that will give opposing defenses something else to think about. Flacco loves to show off his arm and throw deep. Why not get Williams on the field for a couple of deep patterns a game?
2a) One of my biggest surprises for this year, has been the total lack of use of Troy Smith. I believed the signing of Beck, would have the Ravens using Smith more often (2 series a game) in the Wildcat/Suggs package. Similar to what I said above with the other players, I think it would be good to put this on film, and make opposing teams have something else to prepare for.
3) As I mentioned yesterday, two reasons I expect different results vs. the first game against Cincinnati are Jared Gaither, and Antwan Odom. Gaither at LT, with Oher allowed to shift back to RT just makes a profound difference for this offensive-line. Odom came into the game at Baltimore with 8 sacks for the year. While he did not register a sack that day, I would imagine the Ravens adjusted their schemes to account for him. With Odom now done for the year, the Ravens do not have to worry about that. It will be interesting to see if the Bengals physically gifted rookie DE Michael Johnson can cause any pass-rush of his own.
4) Todd Heap had 7 catches today in the previous game against the Bengals. Was that the Flacco looking for a quick outlet, or did the Bengals have no answer to match-up against him in pass defense?
5) After putting a TD on the board last week, the Bengals will be keying on Lardarius Webb this week. If Webb could put the Ravens in superior field-position this week, that will say a lot about his ability to be a weapon the remainder of this year.
6) The Ravens defense played with a lot of pride last-week against Denver, and got back to basics with making tackles. They were also facing a QB in Kyle Orton, that I am sure they were daring to beat them. It is a bit different facing Carson Palmer. Palmer is one of the most talented players in the game, and is also very familiar with Baltimore. If you do not get pressure on Palmer, he has enough weapons with Johnson, Henry, Coles, Caldwell, that he will hurt you. If I am the Ravens, my first-key today is making sure that Cedric Benson is stopped on 1st, and 2nd down. Get the Bengals into 3rd and long, and bring the house at Palmer.
7) I would like to see better, and more consistent kick-offs from Hauschka this week.
8) If Ravens long-snapper Matt Katula is not able to play today, are the Ravens hurt by the replacement?
9) Tavares Gooden had several big-plays in the previous game against the Bengals. Maybe the familiarity leads to a real breakout game today.
10) Only the Ravens know how injured Haloti Ngata really is, but I have mixed feelings on him playing today. I am not downplaying the importance of today, after all I have been saying for weeks this is a must-win game. I also saw what Cedric Benson did to the Ravens during the last-game, and know that stopping that power-running would be that much more difficult without Ngata. That said, if his ankle is really bothering him, I am not sure that him playing today makes a lot of sense. If you want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, you are going to need Ngata at full-strength and dominating the middle come playoff time. As important as today is, it is still just Week 9. If he becomes further injured today, and is just a member of the walking wounded each week; that would be crippling.
When you have Defensive-line backups with the skills, and capability of Bannan, Edwards, McKinney, and Talavou; there is no reason for the Ravens to risk further injury to one of their most important overall players.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Terps Football vs. NCST Today
The calendar says November 2009, and shows 4 games remaining for the Terps. The reality is the calendar has already turned to 2010, and preparation for next-season.
Today against NCST, and during the remaining games, you have to prepare for the future.
Previously, we have discussed what the 2010 roster could look like:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/terps-football-2010-what-roster-could.html
Coach Franklin is already on the record as stating there would be a drop in production from QB Chris Turner, to Jamarr Robinson if a move was made now.
At 2-6 overall, and Turner obviously not back for 2010, I think you still make that move.
While Turner is averaging more yards per game this year than last year (229 vs 193), his QB rating is basically unchanged, and he has 9 picks to his 10 td's.
If that minimal production is the baseline, it should be reasonable to at least equate those numbers.
Count me as one that would rather see Robinson get 4 games of playing experience to end this season, vs. heading into Spring 2010 having no idea of what you have.
Beyond Robinson, what I will be watching for these next 4 games is the development of the offensive, and defensive lines.
The skill-position talent is there, but will only be successful if the offensive-line improves.
Hopefully Campbell will choose to return, and prove himself over the course of an entire college-season. Beyond Campbell, I would want to be starting Lamar Young over Pinegar at LG, and giving Danny Edwards near equal-time at Center behind Costa. I would continue to play Justin Lewis, and RJ Dill as much as possible on the right-side.
I would not burn Pete White's red-shirt, but would look for additional opportunities to find snaps for Justin Gilbert, Maurice Hampton, Andrew Gonnella, and Nick Klemm.
While there has been talk of the offensive-line all year, the defensive-line also has to be looked at.
I understand that Ivey, and Galt are Seniors, and have earned their opportunity at playing time. However, they can not return for 2010. Let us see further playing time for the players who can be on the next-winning Terps team.
Instead of Zack Kerr backing up AJ Francis, how about seeing Kerr eat into the playing time of Ivey?
How about getting Joe Vellano, and Justin Anderson into that rotation?
I would also like to see Masengo Kabongo alternating series with Galt.
When the game kicks off-today in Raleigh, we will see if the Maryland Coaching staff still sees 2009 on the calendar, or if they are starting to make the adjustments necessary to compete in 2010.
Today against NCST, and during the remaining games, you have to prepare for the future.
Previously, we have discussed what the 2010 roster could look like:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/terps-football-2010-what-roster-could.html
Coach Franklin is already on the record as stating there would be a drop in production from QB Chris Turner, to Jamarr Robinson if a move was made now.
At 2-6 overall, and Turner obviously not back for 2010, I think you still make that move.
While Turner is averaging more yards per game this year than last year (229 vs 193), his QB rating is basically unchanged, and he has 9 picks to his 10 td's.
If that minimal production is the baseline, it should be reasonable to at least equate those numbers.
Count me as one that would rather see Robinson get 4 games of playing experience to end this season, vs. heading into Spring 2010 having no idea of what you have.
Beyond Robinson, what I will be watching for these next 4 games is the development of the offensive, and defensive lines.
The skill-position talent is there, but will only be successful if the offensive-line improves.
Hopefully Campbell will choose to return, and prove himself over the course of an entire college-season. Beyond Campbell, I would want to be starting Lamar Young over Pinegar at LG, and giving Danny Edwards near equal-time at Center behind Costa. I would continue to play Justin Lewis, and RJ Dill as much as possible on the right-side.
I would not burn Pete White's red-shirt, but would look for additional opportunities to find snaps for Justin Gilbert, Maurice Hampton, Andrew Gonnella, and Nick Klemm.
While there has been talk of the offensive-line all year, the defensive-line also has to be looked at.
I understand that Ivey, and Galt are Seniors, and have earned their opportunity at playing time. However, they can not return for 2010. Let us see further playing time for the players who can be on the next-winning Terps team.
Instead of Zack Kerr backing up AJ Francis, how about seeing Kerr eat into the playing time of Ivey?
How about getting Joe Vellano, and Justin Anderson into that rotation?
I would also like to see Masengo Kabongo alternating series with Galt.
When the game kicks off-today in Raleigh, we will see if the Maryland Coaching staff still sees 2009 on the calendar, or if they are starting to make the adjustments necessary to compete in 2010.
Thoughts on the Ravens vs. Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens need to leave Cincinnati with a win tomorrow.
I have been calling this a must-win game for several weeks, and I fully believe that to be true.
The ramifications of a win, or a loss are clear. If you win, you have avenged the home-loss, and pulled even with the Bengals within the AFC North. You have also added another valuable AFC win to the ledge.
If you lose, you fall two-full games behind Cincinnati, and have nothing on the board head-to-head.
For the Ravens to be a playoff team, the Ravens must have a win.
When Baltimore lost 17-14 to the Bengals on October 11th, it was a bruise to the ego. Not only had the Ravens lost a division game at-home, they had allowed the Bengals to march 80 yards on their final drive.
They had watched their consecutive game streak of holding opposing running-backs under 100 yards, ended by Cedric Benson. They had to deal with the knowledge that their penalties on that final-drive, greatly aided Carson Palmer.
As I said that the time, some perspective was required, and the Ravens defense remained among the elite in all of football. Up until that final drive, the Bengals had been held to 10 pts, and the Ravens defense had scored 7pts of their own.
Palmer, Johnson, Henry, Coles, Caldwell, and Benson are a talented enough group to put points the board against any defense. It will be a challenge to limit the Bengals on their home-field. If Ngata can not go, or is limited; it will be that much more difficult against the Cincinnati running-game. Still, I really do not see that as the lead question heading into this game.
In my-mind, the lead question is will the Ravens continue with the offensive adjustments seen in the game last-week vs. Denver?
The Baltimore offense scored 7 points in that first-game vs. the Bengals.
Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined for just 17 carries in that game. The Ravens will not win tomorrow, if they do not run the ball, and control the clock with possession drives.
I will give you two reasons why I expect better results for Baltimore tomorrow:
1) Jared Gaither
2) Antwan Odom
The Raven offense with Gaither on one-side, and Oher on the other, is simply different than the Raven offense the Bengals faced in Baltimore.
Odom did not have a sack against the Ravens, but he came into that Week 5 game with 8 sacks already on the board. Odom now being out for the year with injury, limits the pressure the Bengals can bring, and alters their defense.
I know that their rookie DE Michael Johnson has immense physical-skills, but he has yet to record an NFL sack. Not having to deal with Odom, and adding Gaither, is going to greatly change the complexion of this game.
I have been calling this a must-win game for several weeks, and I fully believe that to be true.
The ramifications of a win, or a loss are clear. If you win, you have avenged the home-loss, and pulled even with the Bengals within the AFC North. You have also added another valuable AFC win to the ledge.
If you lose, you fall two-full games behind Cincinnati, and have nothing on the board head-to-head.
For the Ravens to be a playoff team, the Ravens must have a win.
When Baltimore lost 17-14 to the Bengals on October 11th, it was a bruise to the ego. Not only had the Ravens lost a division game at-home, they had allowed the Bengals to march 80 yards on their final drive.
They had watched their consecutive game streak of holding opposing running-backs under 100 yards, ended by Cedric Benson. They had to deal with the knowledge that their penalties on that final-drive, greatly aided Carson Palmer.
As I said that the time, some perspective was required, and the Ravens defense remained among the elite in all of football. Up until that final drive, the Bengals had been held to 10 pts, and the Ravens defense had scored 7pts of their own.
Palmer, Johnson, Henry, Coles, Caldwell, and Benson are a talented enough group to put points the board against any defense. It will be a challenge to limit the Bengals on their home-field. If Ngata can not go, or is limited; it will be that much more difficult against the Cincinnati running-game. Still, I really do not see that as the lead question heading into this game.
In my-mind, the lead question is will the Ravens continue with the offensive adjustments seen in the game last-week vs. Denver?
The Baltimore offense scored 7 points in that first-game vs. the Bengals.
Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined for just 17 carries in that game. The Ravens will not win tomorrow, if they do not run the ball, and control the clock with possession drives.
I will give you two reasons why I expect better results for Baltimore tomorrow:
1) Jared Gaither
2) Antwan Odom
The Raven offense with Gaither on one-side, and Oher on the other, is simply different than the Raven offense the Bengals faced in Baltimore.
Odom did not have a sack against the Ravens, but he came into that Week 5 game with 8 sacks already on the board. Odom now being out for the year with injury, limits the pressure the Bengals can bring, and alters their defense.
I know that their rookie DE Michael Johnson has immense physical-skills, but he has yet to record an NFL sack. Not having to deal with Odom, and adding Gaither, is going to greatly change the complexion of this game.
Imagining life without Dino Gregory
As a guest of Bruce Posner's Terp Talk show on ESPN 1300 the other-day, I heard Mr. Posner state first-hand that guessing, and conjecture about Gregory's future, does little to advance the topic.
I happen to agree. I am not sure that anyone knows what will definitively happen here. While the possible ramifications are clear, this is ultimately between Gregory and the University. Unlike most College-kids, Gregory has to deal with the issue as a public figure.
For the record, there appears to only be 3 possible outcomes. A) The suspension of Gregory for the first-exhibition game was the penalty. B) He will be suspended for the first-semester, making him eligible in late-December, prior to conference play. This would mean he would miss the Maui Classic, the ACC/Big 10 Challenge vs. Indiana, and the BB&T Classic vs. Villanova. C) He will be out for the year.
I do not know which of those is the most-likely outcome, and will not spend time wondering. The answer will become clear soon enough.
That said, until Coach Williams knows that Gregory will definitively be part of the team, you have to plan that he will not.
If you look at the roster without Gregory, this is what you see:
1) Bowie, Hayes
2) Vasquez, Tucker
3) Mosley
4) Milbourne, JSC
5) Padgett, Williams, Goins
The Terps will have zero problems with their depth at the guard, and wing positions.
Without Gregory, the first thing that happens is that Padgett becomes a starter. For the most-part this is basically a wash. Gregory and Padgett are similar players, with the idea that they they can run the floor athletically, rebound, and block shots. Both are also a bit undersized for the Center position. Gregory has had two years of College experience, and familiarity in the system. He also probably has a better shot to 12-15'. Neither player is going to help a lot scoring, but both are capable of put-backs. If anything, it seems that with Padgett's ability to use both-hands, he might have a few more moves in the post.
The correlating event here, is that if Padgett is starting at Center, and Gregory is not available; then a back-up to Milbourne at the 4 is needed. Milbourne is going to be capable of playing major minutes, but he clearly tired out as the 2008-9 season came to a close. You can understand this, as Milbourne had to bang against bigger, stronger players all year. If Gregory or Padgett can be available to back-up Milbourne, and keep him fresh, that will be a great help for this roster. If Gregory is not around, and Padgett is starting at the Center, than someone has to step-up for a few minutes a game behind Milbourne.
At 6'8, 200, Jin-Soo Choi is obviously very thin. With Gregory available, you would have to imagine Choi's minutes would come as a reserve at the 3. That said, I think he would be the most logical candidate to get a few extra-minutes a game in the front-court. He is not going to be able to bang against major-conference PF's, but his strengths could help. His height alone would give a chance. Plus with his shot, he could pull bigs out to the 3point-line, and have the option of shooting them, or driving past them to the rack.
Choi did average 10.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in the Under-19 2007 FIBA World Championships, so maybe his ability to help at the PF position is realistic.
What I will be keeping my eyes on, is the availability and play of Steve Goins these next few-weeks. If Goins is healthy enough to give time as the back-up Center, the Terps are in pretty good shape.
In my opinion, Jordan Williams will consistently improve, and eventually take over the Center position from either Gregory, or Padgett. When that happens, Padgett will be able to help as a reserve PF behind Milbourne, if Gregory is not available. If Gregory is playing, Padgett will be the primary reserve Center.
If Gregory is not around, and Padgett is helping as the primary reserve big for both the 4, and 5 positions, then you could really use Goins to be available for 5-8 mts, and 5 fouls a game.
Hopefully Goins' knees hold-up, and allow him to be an option to help.
I have been following Gregory since his time under Pat Clatchey at Mount Saint Joe, and I hope (and expect) that things will work out for him. As I stated above, I am not going to spend time guessing what will happen to him accomplishes little. We will all have to wait, and watch the events play-out.
You could adjust to life without Gregory. Obviously it would be easier if you were not faced with that scenario.
I happen to agree. I am not sure that anyone knows what will definitively happen here. While the possible ramifications are clear, this is ultimately between Gregory and the University. Unlike most College-kids, Gregory has to deal with the issue as a public figure.
For the record, there appears to only be 3 possible outcomes. A) The suspension of Gregory for the first-exhibition game was the penalty. B) He will be suspended for the first-semester, making him eligible in late-December, prior to conference play. This would mean he would miss the Maui Classic, the ACC/Big 10 Challenge vs. Indiana, and the BB&T Classic vs. Villanova. C) He will be out for the year.
I do not know which of those is the most-likely outcome, and will not spend time wondering. The answer will become clear soon enough.
That said, until Coach Williams knows that Gregory will definitively be part of the team, you have to plan that he will not.
If you look at the roster without Gregory, this is what you see:
1) Bowie, Hayes
2) Vasquez, Tucker
3) Mosley
4) Milbourne, JSC
5) Padgett, Williams, Goins
The Terps will have zero problems with their depth at the guard, and wing positions.
Without Gregory, the first thing that happens is that Padgett becomes a starter. For the most-part this is basically a wash. Gregory and Padgett are similar players, with the idea that they they can run the floor athletically, rebound, and block shots. Both are also a bit undersized for the Center position. Gregory has had two years of College experience, and familiarity in the system. He also probably has a better shot to 12-15'. Neither player is going to help a lot scoring, but both are capable of put-backs. If anything, it seems that with Padgett's ability to use both-hands, he might have a few more moves in the post.
The correlating event here, is that if Padgett is starting at Center, and Gregory is not available; then a back-up to Milbourne at the 4 is needed. Milbourne is going to be capable of playing major minutes, but he clearly tired out as the 2008-9 season came to a close. You can understand this, as Milbourne had to bang against bigger, stronger players all year. If Gregory or Padgett can be available to back-up Milbourne, and keep him fresh, that will be a great help for this roster. If Gregory is not around, and Padgett is starting at the Center, than someone has to step-up for a few minutes a game behind Milbourne.
At 6'8, 200, Jin-Soo Choi is obviously very thin. With Gregory available, you would have to imagine Choi's minutes would come as a reserve at the 3. That said, I think he would be the most logical candidate to get a few extra-minutes a game in the front-court. He is not going to be able to bang against major-conference PF's, but his strengths could help. His height alone would give a chance. Plus with his shot, he could pull bigs out to the 3point-line, and have the option of shooting them, or driving past them to the rack.
Choi did average 10.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in the Under-19 2007 FIBA World Championships, so maybe his ability to help at the PF position is realistic.
What I will be keeping my eyes on, is the availability and play of Steve Goins these next few-weeks. If Goins is healthy enough to give time as the back-up Center, the Terps are in pretty good shape.
In my opinion, Jordan Williams will consistently improve, and eventually take over the Center position from either Gregory, or Padgett. When that happens, Padgett will be able to help as a reserve PF behind Milbourne, if Gregory is not available. If Gregory is playing, Padgett will be the primary reserve Center.
If Gregory is not around, and Padgett is helping as the primary reserve big for both the 4, and 5 positions, then you could really use Goins to be available for 5-8 mts, and 5 fouls a game.
Hopefully Goins' knees hold-up, and allow him to be an option to help.
I have been following Gregory since his time under Pat Clatchey at Mount Saint Joe, and I hope (and expect) that things will work out for him. As I stated above, I am not going to spend time guessing what will happen to him accomplishes little. We will all have to wait, and watch the events play-out.
You could adjust to life without Gregory. Obviously it would be easier if you were not faced with that scenario.
Would you have dealt Felix Pie for JJ Hardy?
Shortstop JJ Hardy was traded yesterday from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Minnesota Twins for CF Carlos Gomez.
Gomez turns 24 on December 4th, and was once a heralded prospect for the New York Mets, and the central player in Johan Santana deal. While he has superior speed, and defensive abilities; Gomez has a .638 OPS in his first 1,017 Major League at-bats. The biggest current knock on his skills, is that he is a free-swinger with limited plate-discipline.
Pie will turn 25 in February, and as Oriole fans know, was once a very heralded prospect for the Chicago Cubs. Unlike Gomez who sulked due to his lack of playing-time, Pie was consistently pointed out by coaches like Terry Crowley for working hard to improve. Pie did improve as the year progressed, and his opportunities increased. He finished 2009 with a .763 OPS, giving him a cumulative .688 OPS for his 512 career Major League at-bats.
Like Gomez, Pie has great athletic skills, and covers a lot of ground in CF.
I can not answer who Brewer General Manager Doug Melvin views as the better talent, but it is hard to believe that he holds Gomez in much higher esteem. So presumably, if the O's had been interested in moving Pie for Hardy, that could have been an option. If Melvin did have Gomez ranked appreciably higher than Pie, perhaps the O's would have had to add a secondary player to the deal.
I am not knocking the O's for not making this 'imaginary' deal, but I would be interested in the thought-process of the leadership within the Warehouse.
Despite recent reports of the O's having full-confidence of Reimold being healthy for Spring Training, the O's want Pie around as a safety-net. Perhaps the O's do envision trading Luke Scott this off-season, with Reimold moving to DH, and Pie taking over in LF.
Those are all things I could understand. Where I would be puzzled, is if the O's valued Ceasar Izturis over Hardy.
Izturis will turn 30 in February.
In 2006, Izturis played in just 54 games.
In 2007, Izturis played in 110 games.
In 2008, Izturis played in 135 games.
In 2009, Izturis played in 114 games.
For his career, he has 3,552 career at-bats, with a lifetime .629 OPS, inclusive of a .298 on-base%. He is a a strong defensive SS, that has trouble staying on the field, and can not get on-base. He also is only under contract through the 2010 season.
Hardy turned 27 in August.
For his career, he has 2,075 career at-bats, with a lifetime .751 OPS, inclusive of a .323 on-base%.
Twins General Manager Bill Smith stated yesterday,"He's got a strong arm. He's got good range and he's got power." "He had a bad year this year. We've talked to a lot of people and we have a lot of opinions in our organization. We're all on board that this was a good acquisition for us."
Hardy is younger, a much better offensive player, and has defensive skills of his own. Most importantly, Hardy spent 20 days in the minors during 2009. This cost him a year of service time, and therefore delayed his eligibility for Free Agency until after the 2011 season.
If you read this blog, you know that I am a supporter, and fan of of Felix Pie. I can make rationale arguments of why you would not have traded him for Hardy. Personally, I would have made that move, if the option had existed.
Gomez turns 24 on December 4th, and was once a heralded prospect for the New York Mets, and the central player in Johan Santana deal. While he has superior speed, and defensive abilities; Gomez has a .638 OPS in his first 1,017 Major League at-bats. The biggest current knock on his skills, is that he is a free-swinger with limited plate-discipline.
Pie will turn 25 in February, and as Oriole fans know, was once a very heralded prospect for the Chicago Cubs. Unlike Gomez who sulked due to his lack of playing-time, Pie was consistently pointed out by coaches like Terry Crowley for working hard to improve. Pie did improve as the year progressed, and his opportunities increased. He finished 2009 with a .763 OPS, giving him a cumulative .688 OPS for his 512 career Major League at-bats.
Like Gomez, Pie has great athletic skills, and covers a lot of ground in CF.
I can not answer who Brewer General Manager Doug Melvin views as the better talent, but it is hard to believe that he holds Gomez in much higher esteem. So presumably, if the O's had been interested in moving Pie for Hardy, that could have been an option. If Melvin did have Gomez ranked appreciably higher than Pie, perhaps the O's would have had to add a secondary player to the deal.
I am not knocking the O's for not making this 'imaginary' deal, but I would be interested in the thought-process of the leadership within the Warehouse.
Despite recent reports of the O's having full-confidence of Reimold being healthy for Spring Training, the O's want Pie around as a safety-net. Perhaps the O's do envision trading Luke Scott this off-season, with Reimold moving to DH, and Pie taking over in LF.
Those are all things I could understand. Where I would be puzzled, is if the O's valued Ceasar Izturis over Hardy.
Izturis will turn 30 in February.
In 2006, Izturis played in just 54 games.
In 2007, Izturis played in 110 games.
In 2008, Izturis played in 135 games.
In 2009, Izturis played in 114 games.
For his career, he has 3,552 career at-bats, with a lifetime .629 OPS, inclusive of a .298 on-base%. He is a a strong defensive SS, that has trouble staying on the field, and can not get on-base. He also is only under contract through the 2010 season.
Hardy turned 27 in August.
For his career, he has 2,075 career at-bats, with a lifetime .751 OPS, inclusive of a .323 on-base%.
Twins General Manager Bill Smith stated yesterday,"He's got a strong arm. He's got good range and he's got power." "He had a bad year this year. We've talked to a lot of people and we have a lot of opinions in our organization. We're all on board that this was a good acquisition for us."
Hardy is younger, a much better offensive player, and has defensive skills of his own. Most importantly, Hardy spent 20 days in the minors during 2009. This cost him a year of service time, and therefore delayed his eligibility for Free Agency until after the 2011 season.
If you read this blog, you know that I am a supporter, and fan of of Felix Pie. I can make rationale arguments of why you would not have traded him for Hardy. Personally, I would have made that move, if the option had existed.
NFL Picks Week 9
As always, the picks are head-to-head, and not against the spread.
Last weeks record: 8-5
Season record: 77-38
Washington @ Atlanta: Atlanta
Arizona @ Chicago: Arizona
Baltimore @ Cincinnati: Baltimore
Houston @ Indianapolis: Indianapolis
Kansas City @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville
Miami @ New England: New England
Green Bay @ Tampa Bay: Green Bay
Carolina @ New Orleans: New Orleans
Detroit @ Seattle: Seattle
San Diego @ New York Giants: New York Giants
Tennessee @ San Francisco: San Francisco
Dallas @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia
Pittsburgh @ Denver: Pittsburgh
Last weeks record: 8-5
Season record: 77-38
Washington @ Atlanta: Atlanta
Arizona @ Chicago: Arizona
Baltimore @ Cincinnati: Baltimore
Houston @ Indianapolis: Indianapolis
Kansas City @ Jacksonville: Jacksonville
Miami @ New England: New England
Green Bay @ Tampa Bay: Green Bay
Carolina @ New Orleans: New Orleans
Detroit @ Seattle: Seattle
San Diego @ New York Giants: New York Giants
Tennessee @ San Francisco: San Francisco
Dallas @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia
Pittsburgh @ Denver: Pittsburgh
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Thoughts on the Yanks 27th title & the O's
The New York Yankees won their 27th World Title tonight, and even though I hate the Yankees more than the Pittsburgh Steelers, Duke Blue Devils, Boston RedSox, and North Carolina Tar Heels combined; I really do not care.
All that matters to me as an Oriole fan, is that Baltimore continues on their recent path of constructing a franchise with a legitimate future.
The Yankees (and RedSox) are always going to be strong-teams. That does not mean they will win every post-season, but the revenue those two franchises generate, will allow them to compete every-year. It allows them to build an internal-infrastructure, and the depth, the guarantees 90+ regular-season wins.
That is the reality of the American League East. For the Baltimore Orioles to contend for the playoffs, they have to be constructed to be as good as any team in baseball.
I continue to believe the O's are going to go from 64 wins in 2009, to 81 wins in 2010.
I continue to believe the O's will be a legitimate post-season contender in the 2011 season.
Part of me is glad that New York, and Boston will continue to stay strong, as it will be more enjoyable for the O's to take division titles from those teams at their best.
Luckily, the pieces to contend and compete against anyone are beginning to take shape for the Oriole franchise.
The Yanks have their 27th title, and will contend again next-season. As an Oriole fan, you can not worry about that now. The only concern should be the progression from now, to the O's 4th World Title.
I am anxious for the future of the O's, and Spring Training 2010 can not come soon enough.
All that matters to me as an Oriole fan, is that Baltimore continues on their recent path of constructing a franchise with a legitimate future.
The Yankees (and RedSox) are always going to be strong-teams. That does not mean they will win every post-season, but the revenue those two franchises generate, will allow them to compete every-year. It allows them to build an internal-infrastructure, and the depth, the guarantees 90+ regular-season wins.
That is the reality of the American League East. For the Baltimore Orioles to contend for the playoffs, they have to be constructed to be as good as any team in baseball.
I continue to believe the O's are going to go from 64 wins in 2009, to 81 wins in 2010.
I continue to believe the O's will be a legitimate post-season contender in the 2011 season.
Part of me is glad that New York, and Boston will continue to stay strong, as it will be more enjoyable for the O's to take division titles from those teams at their best.
Luckily, the pieces to contend and compete against anyone are beginning to take shape for the Oriole franchise.
The Yanks have their 27th title, and will contend again next-season. As an Oriole fan, you can not worry about that now. The only concern should be the progression from now, to the O's 4th World Title.
I am anxious for the future of the O's, and Spring Training 2010 can not come soon enough.
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