Contract Handcuffs
February 29, 2008
But I have to say, I HATE these no trade clauses. I’m a Toronto Maple Leaf fan, so if you’ve been following the deadline you understand why I would hate these clauses so much. What bothers me most is that a guy like Mats Sundin – the captain and heart of our team for over a decade — is not the only one with a no trade clause. Bryan McCabe, Darcy Tucker, and Tomas Kaberle all have these dreaded clauses. Even recently acquired (sort of recently acquired) Pavel Kubina has one!
Out of those four, Tomas Kaberle might be the only one worthy of the clause which makes me think: Why doesn’t the league have some discussions with the NHLPA and come up with a solution to a problem that handcuffs teams with terrible managerial skills? I know, I know, it’s not the player’s fault that management is dumb, but it IS the player’s fault that these clauses are brought up in discussion.
The league should look into the idea of an NFL-like “Franchise Tag” situation where a team is allotted two-to-three no-trade clauses. That way you can ONLY lock up your true cornerstones. It would limit the demand and leverage from upcoming UFAs negotiating a contract. The UFAs already have way more leverage than needed.
PLEASE consider…having about $20 million locked up for just four players makes me cry a little.
J.P. Del Monte
Gipsy and King
February 26, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
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his off-season has come with its fair share of major deals involving big-name superstars. The New York Yankees signed Alex Rodriguez to a 10-year contract worth over $300 million with incentives, Detroit the Tigers traded for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis and, if that’s not enough, Johan Santana was sent to the New York Mets. With all the fanfare that surrounded those moves, it was easy to see why the Erik Bedard trade did not get the kind of attention it deserved.
The American League West is now there for the taking. In fact, it’s hard to see how Seattle does not become the instant favorite to win the division. While the Los Angeles Angels improved their team defense and offense with the signing of Torii Hunter, their starting pitching is a bit suspect after John Lackey. Kelvim Escobar is dealing with shoulder problems and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders are all coming off disappointing seasons. Jon Garland should bring some stability to the rotation, but the Angels might be seriously outmatched in the starting pitching department.
Erik Bedard looked the undisputed Cy Young last season before straining an oblique and muscle that sidelined him Aug. He averaged over 10 strikeouts per nine innings in 2007 and his arrival in Seattle means that the Mariners may have a deadly one-two punch between Bedard and Felix Hernandez. Of course, that is dependent on King Felix finally having the break-through season everyone has expected the past couple of years. Hernandez turns 22 in April, but his cache of pitches is brilliant and he has the ability to be one of, if not, the best hurler in all of baseball. Just imagine the impact it will have on the league if Hernandez taps into his full potential for the 2008 season. Barring an injury, a Bedard / Felix combination would be the best one-two pitching duo in baseball.
Sure C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona formed a dynamic duo of their own last year, and Johan Santana and a healthy Pedro Martinez could also make for a formidable combo. Heck, even Jake Peavy and Chris Young looked unstoppable last year until a back injury derailed Young’s season. But these two-headed monsters all feature potential question marks. How is Carmona going to fare in his second season as a member of the Cleveland Indians rotation? Can Young and Martinez even sniff 200 innings? Will throwing 241 innings in 2007 affect Sabathia in 2008? Issues like these reveal that Seattle, at least for now, has the inside track when it comes to the top of a starting pitching staff.
I don’t want to get too ahead of myself here, but the last time two of the best pitchers in the game started on the same staff, the Arizona Diamondbacks were hoisting a World Series trophy. In 2001, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling both won over 20 games while keeping their ERA under 3.00 during the regular season. It was during the playoffs, however, that the true value of having two ace studs was put on full display. As we all know, in a short series anything can happen, making starting pitching the most important aspect of the baseball post-season.
If Erik Bedard and Felix Hernandez can stay healthy all season long, the Mariners could very well enter the 2008 playoffs as the favorite to win it all. Of course, as stated before, this is all contingent on Felix Hernandez finally reaching his full potential in 2008. If he throws like he did last season (when he sported a 3.92 ERA and 1.38 WHIP), the Mariners might not even make it to the post-season. You can’t argue with their thinking though, because if they do make it to Oct. and their top-two starters are humming in 2008, the World Series should be theirs to lose.
Free Agent Rundown
February 26, 2008
This off-season seems to be leading up to an interesting draft. I have decided to take the best players available at each position and evaluate where they’ll likely end up next season and why. Many people will be changing their home addresses, but the question remains, who will they be?:
Comment: Anderson has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the game in recent years, lost behind the big stars like Tom Brady, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers. In 21 career games, the 24-year-old has 29 touchdown passes and already has amassed over 4,500 yards in the air. The Browns need to do all they can to keep him. If he is allowed to get away, Atlanta would seem like the most logical fit. They’re desperate for a clean-cut, dynamic quarterback to make the Michael Vick debacle harmlessy dissipate. Unappreciated in Cleveland, I think Anderson will be the first player to find a new home this off-season.
Teams in Need: Miami, Baltimore, NY Jets, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa Bay
QBs to Watch: Rex Grossman, Daunte Culpepper, Josh McCown, Quinn Gray
Comment: Finally, the backup for LaDainian Tomlinson will be able to emerge as a powerhouse of his own. Last season, several teams had their eyes on him, but the Chargers put a high tender on him. The team most aggressive in their pursuit was the New York Jets, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they push to sign him again. The 26-year-old has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in limited playing time behind Tomlinson, but I think he could emerge as one of the game’s premier backs. My pick for where he lands is Dallas, because both Marion Barber and Julius Jones are headed for restricted free agency and Turner would fit their offensive style.
Teams in Need: Atlanta, NY Jets, Dallas, Detroit, Arizona, Houston
RBs to Watch: Marion Barber, Jamal Lewis, Julius Jones, Chris Brown
Comment: Moss set the NFL record with 23 touchdowns last season. Along with 98 catches and 1,493 yards in his first year in New England, this made Moss the most dangerous wide receiver in the NFL. He would be in for a monstrous payday if he leaves the Patriots. If Moss is franchised by the Patriots, look for the newly-behaved superstar to show some signs of immaturity. This could be a messy situation if the Patriots let it get that far, but I don’t believe they will. I think they will come to terms on a deal that would make Moss the NFL’s highest paid receiver, and more importantly, keep Moss in Foxboro for many years to come.
Teams in Need: Miami, Atlanta, Oakland, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Carolina
WRs to Watch: Bernard Berrian, Patrick Crayton, Bryant Johnson, Justin Gage
Comment: Johnson finds himself as the best tight end available following the Philadelphia Eagles decision to franchise L.J. Smith. In seven years of NFL play, the 28-year-old Johnson has amassed just 71 catches, for a grand total of 2,178 yards. Plenty of teams have a need at the tight end position. Look for him to land in a spot where he’ll start, but dont count on reliable fantasy production from him in 2008. Look for him to land in Cincinnati; his blocking ability and receiving skills looks like a perfect match for what Carson Palmer likes in a target. Plus, he may need to pick up the slack if Chad Johnson is eventually traded.
Teams in Need: Cincinnati, Detroit, Seattle, Green Bay
TEs to Watch: Stephen Alexander, Bryan Fletcher, John Gilmore, Marcus Pollard
Comment: For everyone around the league, it seems like Faneca has been around the game forever. But Faneca is only 31 years old, and he is one of the game’s best players at his position. He will have many teams salivating due to his ability to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the run. Another interesting thing to note abut the pro-bowler is that in 10 NFL seasons, the least amount of games Faneca has played in any one season has been 15, meaning that he will be healthy and he can be that anchor for the offensive line. My pick for Faneca is the Kansas City Chiefs, and hopefully he will be able to protect whomever the quarterback may be, and help to turn that franchise around.
Teams in Need: St. Louis, Kansas City, NY Jets, Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota
OLs to Watch: Ruben Brown, Flozell Adams, Jordan Gross, Max Starks
Comment: It’s probably a matter of time before the Tennessee Titans decide to throw the franchise tag on this one-time pro-bowler. In six professional seasons, Haynesworth has amassed 220 total tackles, making him one of the better defensive specialists in the game. His ability to power his way through offensive linemen to get to the quarterback is uncanny. The 26-year-old also set a career high last season with six sacks, doubling his previous career high of three, set in 2005. Look for him to be franchised this year and for the big fella to hit the open market following the season.
Teams in Need: Miami, Atlanta, Oakland, Baltimore, New Orleans, Buffalo, Denver
DLs to Watch: Jared Allen, Justin Smith, Terrell Suggs, Mike Rucker
Comment: Lance Brings’ situation changed completely when the news about Brian Urlacher’s back surgery broke. It looks more likely now that the Bears are interested in bringing the big linebacker back. Briggs will likely be franchised, which will probably upset him seeing as he was due a big payday in free agency. I would imagine that the Bears are going to try to agree on a long-term deal, but details won’t be able to be worked out. Since I am not optimistic about the Bears performing well next season, I believe the Bears will sign Briggs and then trade him mid-season when Urlacher proves he is healthy.
Teams in Need: Philadelphia, Houston, Arizona, Detroit, Washington, Pittsburgh
LBs to Watch: Teddy Bruschi, Karlos Dansby, Boss Bailey, Kawika Mitchell
Comment: Surely the best free agent defensive back on the market, Samuel is sure to arise interest out of many teams, most notably the Jets, who tried to make a run at the defensive specialist just one off-season ago. With 16 interceptions in the last two seasons, Samuel is due a hefty raise, and the Jets have the cap room. With Eric Mangini at the helm (a man who Samuel likes) this seems to be the perfect match. I would expect Samuel (who had 44 tackles last season) to be wearing Green and White once workouts come around.
Teams in Need: NY Jets, Miami, St. Louis, Kansas City, New England
DBs to Watch: Mike Doss, Drayton Florence, Randall Gay, Marcus Trufant
Comment: Bironas seemed to emerge out of nowhere this season for the Titans. In his first three years in the league, Bironas has hit over 83 percent of his kicks for Tennessee, which definitely makes him worthy of signing a long term contract. Actually, according to the Tennessean, the Titans and the agent for kicker Rob Bironas have been in discussions about a long-term contract for the Pro Bowler. My prediction is that Bironas will sign a five-year deal to remain with Vince Young and company.
Teams in Need: Atlanta, Tennessee
STs to Watch: Josh Brown, Dave Rayner
Format Wars
February 13, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
On one side of the coin, you have rotisserie-style — a tried and true format, what one might call the classic way to play the game of fantasy baseball. Opposite that, you have head-to-head leagues — a format gaining steam in fantasy circles as more and more players join.
The rise of head-to-head fantasy baseball seems easy enough to understand. More and more people are playing fantasy football every year (almost always played in head-to-head style), so a lot of these new folks are more drawn to the head-to-head format if they dip their toes in fantasy baseball, mostly for familiarity’s sake.
Plenty of veteran gamers have made the switch as well, tiring of the grind of rotisserie-style. Both methods of gaming have ardent supporters who will argue tooth and nail about which style is better, but you can tell them Starbo broke it down and settled this argument once and for all:
There is no question that the 162-game MLB season requires an owner that can stick it out through the entire campaign — no matter how poorly they’re playing. Six months is a long time and the commitment has to be there, but make no doubt about it, it is the most rewarding format to win a championship in. The end results in a roto-league are based on months of strategy and gaming, whereas in a head-to-head league, two lucky weeks in the fantasy playoffs could spell a title for a lower seeded (and potentially worse) roster.
In rotisserie-style fantasy baseball, the true worth of the players you draft is reflected in your roster. Let’s take someone like Prince Fielder, whose inconsistencies last season (.270 AVG/6 HR in April, .321 AVG/ 13 HR in May, .258 AVG/ 8 HR in June, etc.) probably made him more of a low-end No. 1 first-basemen in head-to-head leagues. He had the potential to kill your team on any given week. In roto, however, his 50 HR and 119 RBI last season were welcomed with open arms.
Everyone loves fantasy football because in the head-to-head format, you can hype yourself up with a week’s worth of smack talk against your opponent. It keeps you on your toes and makes sense that people would want to carry that type of vibe into the fantasy baseball season. And let’s face it, you are more likely to pay attention all season because your odds at a fantasy title increase in this format. And even if you fall in the standings, you can still play the role of spoiler late in the year.
In fantasy football, if a league allows six seeds to enter the playoffs, you have fantasy owners with records hovering around .500 who still keep plugging away at the hopes of making the playoffs, riding a hot hand to a championship. It’s uncanny how relevant mediocre teams can be in head-to-head formats, whether it is in the form of a playoff upset or an improbable title run. This keeps the top-dogs on their toes all season, whereas in roto, you can lock up a championship fairly early with a dominant roster.
I can’t tell you how annoying it is to have a twelve-team roto-league in which only six to eight players actively participate after the All-Star break. It automatically eliminates dozens of players who you may want for your roster, but can’t be obtained because the owners who have them are nowhere to be found. Besides not being able to trade for certain players, quitters also affect the standings. If some guy owns Carl Crawford but doesn’t have him in his starting lineup when he decides to quit, it could give an extra point or two to your competition. I have about as much love for quitters as I do for the film “From Justin to Kelly.”
Rotisserie baseball can be maddening to fantasy owners. Having to meticulously figure out which categories you can gain ground in while pondering if it’s even possible to catch up in others can cause gray hairs. Plus, scouting the latest hot-shot prospects and call-ups (and having to race to the waiver-wire to claim them) can drive gamers batty. Add in the difficulty in climbing the standings after a poor start and you have yourself a recipe for frustration.
While head-to-head leagues are more competitive and can even the playing field, there is nothing worse than crushing your opponents all season long before losing one measly playoff week and having your title dreams dashed. For example, if you owned Trevor Hoffman in the last week of the 2007 regular season, when he completely fell apart, you probably lost your league championship. Ditto for Jose Reyes. Yes this is the format you signed up for and you should be aware of this scenario heading into the season. Head-to-head playoffs in fantasy baseball can be very unfair to the better teams.
In head-to-head, stocking up on a couple of single-stat stuffers (players who only contribute in one or two categories) can be the difference between winning and losing. Names like Jerry Owens and Rajai Davis do not necessarily ring out, but in head-to-head leagues, their stolen base potential can help put a fantasy owner over in the swiped bags category. The fact that scrubs like these can be key contributors to fantasy rosters in head-to-head leagues is pathetic.
Head-to-head leagues quantify winning and losing so much that it can become redundant by Aug. Sure, the competitive juices can flow when you have a specific opponent to zero in on week-to-week, but in rotisserie, your whole league is your opponent, day-to-day. I’m sure I’ll be involved in plenty of head-to-head leagues in the coming years, but rotisserie requires a fantasy player to win the entire season, not just one or two weeks late in the year. Sorry head-to-head leaguers, but roto wins this debate hands-down.
Super Bowl Breakdown
February 4, 2008
By: Jason Molinet
Update! Writer
Michael Strahan’s broad, gap-tooth smile is practically a New York icon, on par with David Letterman or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And his kilowatt personality is equally entertaining.
So it was only fitting the NFL legacy of Strahan, one of the greatest sack artists ever, finally caught up with his Big Apple-sized persona. The 6-5, 255-pound defensive end led the New York Giants’ defensive charge that ultimately derailed the New England Patriots’ quest for perfection.
Pats quarterback Tom Brady was sacked a season-high five times and the Giants defense harassed the record-breaking signal caller all night. And once Eli Manning led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, one of the biggest upsets in NFL history was complete.
The Giants walked off the field at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., a 17-14 winner over the Patriots and as unlikely champions of Super Bowl XLII. Credit the presence of Strahan, a 15-year NFL veteran and six-time Pro Bowler.
While Strahan recorded just three tackles and a sack, he was the anchor of a D line that played with super resolve. Justin Tuck dropped Brady twice and rookie Jay Alford put the exclamation point on the night by drilling Brady for a 10-yard loss on the game’s final series.
Facing a Patriots offensive line featuring three Pro Bowlers that rarely let Brady feel the heat en route to an 18-0 start, the Giants would counter strength with strength. After all, the D line has been the heart of the Giants defense.
The Giants managed just one sack of Brady in a 38-35 Week 17 loss to New England. This time Strahan and company rose to the occasion, shutting down running lanes for young stud Laurence Maroney while collapsing the pocket on Brady. As a result, the highest scoring team in NFL history was held to just a single touchdown for more than three quarters.
Manning took home the Super Bowl MVP Award. And make no mistake, he was clutch. But this victory was all about the New York defense.
And when you consider Strahan missed the entire preseason posturing and contemplating retirement, it makes you wonder where the Giants would be today had Strahan actually gone quietly into life after football.
Now he’s guaranteed to be considered among the great defensive players of all time. A super effort on Super Bowl Sunday ensures he will live on in that vacuum forever. That’s a legacy even Letterman can’t touch.
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