Some thoughts I have at the end of the last weekend without real football for several months...
Somehow the Braves are still in the Wild Card hunt. I thought after the debacle at home Wednesday against San Diego to fall 5.5 games out, they were done. Now, the next 2 weeks needs to produce a record no worse than 9-5 to become a legitimate threat the final 10 days or so...
The Hawks have put together a pretty good 2-deep depth chart. I asked back in mid-July if the acquisition of Joe Smith made the Hawks a 50 win team. They might be if they stay healthy, but I am still skeptical if they are good enough to make the jump to the Eastern Conference Finals. That is the state of a life-long Hawks fan. We are not greedy - just get us to the Conference Finals for the 1st time in franchise history and we will be happy...
Falcons offense looks as good as I can ever remember and Matt Ryan is quickly becoming a top 5 Quarterback in the league. He emerged into the top 15 last year pretty quickly, but right now after Brees, P. Manning, and Brady it is hard to think of someone better...
I think the Angels made one of the better waiver-wire pick ups in MLB history by acquiring Scott Kazmir from Tampa on Friday. LAA has a tremendous offense and an above average bullpen, but just 2 quality starters. Now, with Kazmir as their #3, they match up much better with the Yankees. Joe Saunders or Ervin Santana in a game 3 against Chamberlain/Pettitte would be a huge mis-match. I picked the Angels to win the World Series before the season, and now they seem in really good shape to make a strong run. PS, if you click the last link, don't look at my NL pick...
I think the Pac-10 will pass the Big 12 as the 2nd best conference in college football this year. USC will be a bit down, but I think Cal and Oregon are top 12 teams. UCLA should be much improved and a healthy Oregon State team will finish in the top 25. The top 2 in the Big 12 are strong, but Oklahoma State and Kansas are the next best 2 and they have serious issues with defense and depth...
Interesting to see that Rich Harden was claimed of waivers by Minnesota. I wouldn't think Chicago would give him up without a solid return, and Minnesota is barely hanging on in the NL Central race. And why give up anything for this guy when you know you won't be able to resign him at a reasonable rate? Someone will overpay for Harden, who has only topped 150 IP once in 7 years in the bigs...
If you are unfamiliar with the Matt Purke story, he was the highest pick not signed in this years MLB Draft. Purke was taken out of Klein HS in Texas by the local team, the Rangers, with the 14th pick. He was offered a generous contract above slot, (reported to be 4 million). Purke insisted on getting 6 million, more than everyone outside the top 3. Texas held their ground and Purke did not sign and has enrolled at TCU. He now has to wait 2 years (he is already 19 so he is eligible again in 2011) to be drafted again and I am sure teams will stay away next time. Purke's dad reportedly said that the non-signing was a business decision. I agree, it was a business decision. A bad one...
I am now completely convinced that Frank Wren will trade Vazquez/Schafer this off-season for a right handed hitting corner outfielder. Vazquez is a case of "sell high" and Schafer does not fit into next year with the emergence of Heyward. An outfield of Schafer/McLouth/Heyward next year is too scary at the corner spots. Heyward may start off in AAA and be replaced by Diaz for a month or so, but the job will be his by mid-May. Who do you want to pursue with this attractive combo this winter? My vote goes to someone that is under 30, under contract until at least 2011, and a proven power hitter. Any suggestions??
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Thoughts on the MLB Draft and Jeff Schultz column…
For some reason, Jeff Schultz wrote this week that he believed the Mets got the better end of the Church-Francoeur swap. Wow. Let’s put to rest any thoughts that the Mets are anything close to winners in this deal. First, it was certainly good for Francoeur that he got a change of scenery. He has definitely hit better since the trade and has fit into the Mets lineup nicely. However, the fact still remains that he is a .270 hitter that will struggle to top .300 in OBP over a full season. Throw in that he is at best a 20 homer guy and there is not a place for him in a good, everyday lineup as a corner outfielder.
If Jeff was a slick fielding shortstop, catcher, or center fielder, these numbers might make him valuable to many teams. However, corner infielders and outfielders must either get on base or hit for power. They can not be .270/19/90 guys after 600 at bats. You want to know who could put up those numbers in 600 at bats? Ryan Langerhans.
Now, let’s take a look at Church. Like Francoeur, Church is a corner outfielder that can play some center, and has little power. Career wise, their 162 game average for home runs is pretty close (Church – 17 & Francoeur 20). So, if we all agree that both guys are 4th outfielders on good teams, who would you rather have? A guy that is going to be .273/17/80 over 162 games with a .349 OBP or a .268/20/90 guy with a .308 OBP? It seems pretty apparent to me. Oh yea, and it is no coincidence that the Braves are 18-10 since the trade by acquiring the anti-Francoeur – a guy that sees a lot of pitches, draws walks, and does not strike out a lot. Who is the early winner in this deal? The Braves, without question…
Now to the MLB Draft…Something needs to be done to the current system quickly. While I think that the Nats signing Strasburg is still likely, the idea that he goes to Japan and then gets drafted by his hometown Padres with the #2 pick next year is scary. It should be a no-brainer for Washington to sign the #1 pick, especially when he is being offered the richest contract in MLB Draft history. But it is not just at the top where things are crazy. The Orioles just inked their 22nd rounder for $1 million dollars. Meanwhile, the Royals are offering #12 pick Aaron Crow $3 million and he has not accepted. The #4 pick agreed to $2.5 million months ago. Now the 12th pick is holding out for more than 3? After Crow spent a year in Independent ball? Dude is setting himself up to get hurt and never get paid…
There needs to be actual slots, not recommended slots. It makes no sense for the large market teams to take advantage of the draft. The draft should be for placing the top amateur players on the worst teams. The Red Sox, Yankees, and others over the years have taken top 10 talent in rounds 25+ and given six-figure bonuses to them. I mentioned Austin Jackson on here earlier in the week, he was a 7th round pick who got $1 million from the Yankees. The Royals have really been bitten by this in recent history. With the 2nd pick in 2007, they couldn’t afford to take Boras client Matt Wieters and risk not signing him. They were also scared off by Matt LaPorta’s demands and took the less risky Mike Moustakas who has struggled mightily in the minors while Wieters and LaPorta are top prospects. Change it quickly Bud…
If Jeff was a slick fielding shortstop, catcher, or center fielder, these numbers might make him valuable to many teams. However, corner infielders and outfielders must either get on base or hit for power. They can not be .270/19/90 guys after 600 at bats. You want to know who could put up those numbers in 600 at bats? Ryan Langerhans.
Now, let’s take a look at Church. Like Francoeur, Church is a corner outfielder that can play some center, and has little power. Career wise, their 162 game average for home runs is pretty close (Church – 17 & Francoeur 20). So, if we all agree that both guys are 4th outfielders on good teams, who would you rather have? A guy that is going to be .273/17/80 over 162 games with a .349 OBP or a .268/20/90 guy with a .308 OBP? It seems pretty apparent to me. Oh yea, and it is no coincidence that the Braves are 18-10 since the trade by acquiring the anti-Francoeur – a guy that sees a lot of pitches, draws walks, and does not strike out a lot. Who is the early winner in this deal? The Braves, without question…
Now to the MLB Draft…Something needs to be done to the current system quickly. While I think that the Nats signing Strasburg is still likely, the idea that he goes to Japan and then gets drafted by his hometown Padres with the #2 pick next year is scary. It should be a no-brainer for Washington to sign the #1 pick, especially when he is being offered the richest contract in MLB Draft history. But it is not just at the top where things are crazy. The Orioles just inked their 22nd rounder for $1 million dollars. Meanwhile, the Royals are offering #12 pick Aaron Crow $3 million and he has not accepted. The #4 pick agreed to $2.5 million months ago. Now the 12th pick is holding out for more than 3? After Crow spent a year in Independent ball? Dude is setting himself up to get hurt and never get paid…
There needs to be actual slots, not recommended slots. It makes no sense for the large market teams to take advantage of the draft. The draft should be for placing the top amateur players on the worst teams. The Red Sox, Yankees, and others over the years have taken top 10 talent in rounds 25+ and given six-figure bonuses to them. I mentioned Austin Jackson on here earlier in the week, he was a 7th round pick who got $1 million from the Yankees. The Royals have really been bitten by this in recent history. With the 2nd pick in 2007, they couldn’t afford to take Boras client Matt Wieters and risk not signing him. They were also scared off by Matt LaPorta’s demands and took the less risky Mike Moustakas who has struggled mightily in the minors while Wieters and LaPorta are top prospects. Change it quickly Bud…
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday links...
You have to scroll down to the "Around the Horn" section of the article for this, but Ken Rosenthal was told that the Braves offered Kotchman for LaRoche to the Pirates before agreeing to the same deal with the Red Sox...
Came across this the other day - did anyone realize that George Halas played for the Yankees?
Still a lot of unsigned 1st round picks from the MLB Draft with the deadline being this Sunday. No surprise for some, especially Aaron Crow who was a top 10 pick before playing independent ball. He does not have the same deadline as others and can negotiate until just before the 2010 draft. One interesting development from this week is that #3 pick Donovan Tate from Cartersville HS is in Chapel Hill and may not sign...
It may sound weird that Aaron Maybin's publicist is blaming his holdout from Buffalo's training camp on Michael Crabtree. That is, until you find out that his publicist is Lavar Arrington...
Tough news for ACC fans hoping this was the year they finally produced a nationally significant team. Leading returning rusher Darren Evans has torn his ACL and is out for the year...
Georgia Tech's transition from the 2004 Final Four may have been a lot smoother if Austin Jackson had made it to campus. However, the high bonus paid to Jackson by the Yankees may finally pay off for them as Jackson is closing in on the big leagues...
The Red Sox can only hope their investment in Parkview High's Brandon Jacobs works out just as well. He just received a bonus that was $600,000 over the recommendation from MLB...
Good read on the next Georgia high school pitcher to go high in the MLB Draft...
Here is a pretty good prediction on what the 2009-2010 EPL final table will look like. I agree with this blogger that Manchester City will struggle even with their trio of stud strikers due to their inability to bring in top tier talent for their back line...
Good to see Stephen Nicholas stepping up his game at Falcons camp...
Mark Reynolds has been on fire lately for Arizona, hitting 8 homers in his last 10 games. He is now hitting .290/36/80 and is one of the most feared power hitters in the NL. He is also on pace to shatter his own major league record for strikeouts in a season. After setting the record with 204 last year, Reynolds is on pace for a whopping 216 in 2009...
Finally, if you anyone ever doubted the Francoeur for Church trade, take a look at this stat. With 2 walks tonight, Church now has 13 in 20 games with the Braves. Francoeur walked 12 times in 2009 in 82 games with the Braves...
Came across this the other day - did anyone realize that George Halas played for the Yankees?
Still a lot of unsigned 1st round picks from the MLB Draft with the deadline being this Sunday. No surprise for some, especially Aaron Crow who was a top 10 pick before playing independent ball. He does not have the same deadline as others and can negotiate until just before the 2010 draft. One interesting development from this week is that #3 pick Donovan Tate from Cartersville HS is in Chapel Hill and may not sign...
It may sound weird that Aaron Maybin's publicist is blaming his holdout from Buffalo's training camp on Michael Crabtree. That is, until you find out that his publicist is Lavar Arrington...
Tough news for ACC fans hoping this was the year they finally produced a nationally significant team. Leading returning rusher Darren Evans has torn his ACL and is out for the year...
Georgia Tech's transition from the 2004 Final Four may have been a lot smoother if Austin Jackson had made it to campus. However, the high bonus paid to Jackson by the Yankees may finally pay off for them as Jackson is closing in on the big leagues...
The Red Sox can only hope their investment in Parkview High's Brandon Jacobs works out just as well. He just received a bonus that was $600,000 over the recommendation from MLB...
Good read on the next Georgia high school pitcher to go high in the MLB Draft...
Here is a pretty good prediction on what the 2009-2010 EPL final table will look like. I agree with this blogger that Manchester City will struggle even with their trio of stud strikers due to their inability to bring in top tier talent for their back line...
Good to see Stephen Nicholas stepping up his game at Falcons camp...
Mark Reynolds has been on fire lately for Arizona, hitting 8 homers in his last 10 games. He is now hitting .290/36/80 and is one of the most feared power hitters in the NL. He is also on pace to shatter his own major league record for strikeouts in a season. After setting the record with 204 last year, Reynolds is on pace for a whopping 216 in 2009...
Finally, if you anyone ever doubted the Francoeur for Church trade, take a look at this stat. With 2 walks tonight, Church now has 13 in 20 games with the Braves. Francoeur walked 12 times in 2009 in 82 games with the Braves...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
In case you missed it – weekend links…
Think the Roddy White situation is bad? How about super-agent Eugene Parker threatening to have Michael Crabtree re-enter the 2010 draft and not sign with San Francisco ? Worst part about this story is that Parker has yet to make an offer to the 49ers…
The Braves finally signed Mike Minor, beating the deadline by a week and a half. He will receive 2.42 million, just a hair over the franchise record bonus given to Jeff Francoeur in 2002. There are still 19 unsigned 1st rounder’s and Minor is just the 2nd to receive an above-slot amount…
Let’s see what all the ticked-off Indians fans do now that their owner is projecting a 16 million dollar loss for the 2009 season. They are mad at the organization, but is not showing up anymore and getting that number closer to 20 million going to make things better?
Looks like Brian Giles has more issues than a .191 average in 225 at bats this year…
Many people around baseball are impressed with the season that Gordon Beckham is putting together…
For those frustrated with the Harry Douglas injury, here is a reminder of why Laurent Robinson is no longer with the Falcons…
The twitter discipline is becoming rampant. Darren Bent, Antonio Cromartie, and JR Smith have all had blow-ups this week...
I am pretty excited to see how Jozy Alitdore does in his new role in the Premier League. He seems pretty confident he will fit in just fine…
Interesting analysis on the Braves rotation and what to do when Tim Hudson returns on talkingchop.com
Thanks to baseball-reference.com for this interesting stat from the season. Only 7 players have reached base safely in more than 90 games this year. They are: Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Adam Dunn, Mark Teixeira, Ichiro Suzuki, and of course, Marco Scutaro…
Off to Tampa …
The Braves finally signed Mike Minor, beating the deadline by a week and a half. He will receive 2.42 million, just a hair over the franchise record bonus given to Jeff Francoeur in 2002. There are still 19 unsigned 1st rounder’s and Minor is just the 2nd to receive an above-slot amount…
Let’s see what all the ticked-off Indians fans do now that their owner is projecting a 16 million dollar loss for the 2009 season. They are mad at the organization, but is not showing up anymore and getting that number closer to 20 million going to make things better?
Looks like Brian Giles has more issues than a .191 average in 225 at bats this year…
Many people around baseball are impressed with the season that Gordon Beckham is putting together…
For those frustrated with the Harry Douglas injury, here is a reminder of why Laurent Robinson is no longer with the Falcons…
The twitter discipline is becoming rampant. Darren Bent, Antonio Cromartie, and JR Smith have all had blow-ups this week...
I am pretty excited to see how Jozy Alitdore does in his new role in the Premier League. He seems pretty confident he will fit in just fine…
Interesting analysis on the Braves rotation and what to do when Tim Hudson returns on talkingchop.com
Thanks to baseball-reference.com for this interesting stat from the season. Only 7 players have reached base safely in more than 90 games this year. They are: Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Adam Dunn, Mark Teixeira, Ichiro Suzuki, and of course, Marco Scutaro…
Off to Tampa …
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Interesting Wednesday evening stats/thoughts...
Coming into Wednesday's games, the notoriously bad Greg Norton had the same on-base percentage (.288) as Jeff Francoeur...
Through 27 career starts, Tim Tebow has the same career record (22-5) as Matthew Stafford did...
Tim Tebow had about as much to do with Florida's 2006 National Title as Charlie O'Brien did to the Braves 1995 World Series victory...
Want some easy money? Ask someone to name the American League leader in holds. The answer is none other than Minnesota's Matt Guerrier...
How about the American League leader in appearances by a pitcher? Craig Breslow of the A's...
Eli Manning received a $97.5 million dollarI wondere extension today. Not bad for a guy that finished 14th in the league in passer rating last year - just behind Seneca Wallace...
Think he was a lot better the year before when the Giants won the Super Bowl?? Think again, he was 25th in the league, just a hair above Vince Young and behind Atlanta's Joey Harrington...
Anyone else realize that Roddy White's 1,382 receiving yards last season ranked 68th all-time in the NFL? His 2008 season was within 80 yards of Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith, or Anquan Boldin's best season in terms of yards. I would hold out too...
I wondered here over a year ago why Tampa Bay didn't take Buster Posey with the #1 pick in the draft. While Tim Beckham may still develop, he is still several years away at best. Meanwhile, Buster is .314/14/67 as a catcher in the minors this year in AA and AAA...
There have only been 5 players in the last 15 years to lead the NBA in minutes per game now that Andre Igoudala led the league in 08-09. The other 4? Allen Iverson (7), LeBron James (1), Michael Finley (3), and Anthony Mason (2)...
Two in a row for the Braves, they just might get me sucked in again. Hopefully they will take me out of my misery and lose 3 of 4 in LA...
Through 27 career starts, Tim Tebow has the same career record (22-5) as Matthew Stafford did...
Tim Tebow had about as much to do with Florida's 2006 National Title as Charlie O'Brien did to the Braves 1995 World Series victory...
Want some easy money? Ask someone to name the American League leader in holds. The answer is none other than Minnesota's Matt Guerrier...
How about the American League leader in appearances by a pitcher? Craig Breslow of the A's...
Eli Manning received a $97.5 million dollarI wondere extension today. Not bad for a guy that finished 14th in the league in passer rating last year - just behind Seneca Wallace...
Think he was a lot better the year before when the Giants won the Super Bowl?? Think again, he was 25th in the league, just a hair above Vince Young and behind Atlanta's Joey Harrington...
Anyone else realize that Roddy White's 1,382 receiving yards last season ranked 68th all-time in the NFL? His 2008 season was within 80 yards of Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith, or Anquan Boldin's best season in terms of yards. I would hold out too...
I wondered here over a year ago why Tampa Bay didn't take Buster Posey with the #1 pick in the draft. While Tim Beckham may still develop, he is still several years away at best. Meanwhile, Buster is .314/14/67 as a catcher in the minors this year in AA and AAA...
There have only been 5 players in the last 15 years to lead the NBA in minutes per game now that Andre Igoudala led the league in 08-09. The other 4? Allen Iverson (7), LeBron James (1), Michael Finley (3), and Anthony Mason (2)...
Two in a row for the Braves, they just might get me sucked in again. Hopefully they will take me out of my misery and lose 3 of 4 in LA...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Young pitching studs are everywhere...
Teams are making no qualms about bringing up young arms this season, whether contending or not. The league is getting younger and success stories like Tim Lincecum are placing pressure on organizations to get top pitching prospects up to the big leagues quickly. Plus, the success stories are still coming, with Neftali Feliz blowing up for Texas and Brian Matusz making his MLB debut tonight.
Of the top 50 prospects in all the minor leagues coming into the season according to Baseball America, check out how many have already made their way to the majors.
BA Ranking/Player Name/Team/2009 MLB stats
(2) David Price - Rays - 4-4/5.10
(4) Tommy Hanson - Braves - 5-2/3.25
(7) Brett Anderson - A's 6-8/4.20
(9) Madison Bumgarner - Still in Minors
(10) Neftali Feliz - Rangers - 0-0/0.00
(11) Trevor Cahill - A's - 6-10/5.01
(21) Rick Porcello - Tigers - 9-7/4.36
(22) Chris Tillman - Orioles - 0-0/6.75
(25) Brian Matusz - Orioles - Debut Tonight
(29) Jarrod Parker - D-Backs - Still in Minors
(31) Derek Holland - Rangers - 4-6/5.75
(32) Wade Davis - Rays - Still in Minors
(41) Jordan Zimmerman - Nats - 3-5/4.63
(45) Tim Alderson - Pirates - Still in Minors
(46) Jhoulys Chacin - Rockies - 0-0/0.00
So that is 11 of the 15 prospects coming into the season are already in the big leagues. Most of these guys are 19-22 with only a few guys like Davis and Price being 23. Bringing up guys that can fill a spot for not a lot of money can really be a luxury for a MLB team. Hence what I wrote on here a few days ago about the Braves being able to dangle Javy Vazquez in the off-season because they can use the prospect Hanson in their rotation without taking up a ton of payroll.
What does this mean? Well, you should certainly look for guys like Stephen Strasburg, Mike Minor, Mike Leake, Aaron Crow, and Grant Green to be in the mix in the next 1-2 years. And guys like Zack Wheeler probably are not far behind...
Of the top 50 prospects in all the minor leagues coming into the season according to Baseball America, check out how many have already made their way to the majors.
BA Ranking/Player Name/Team/2009 MLB stats
(2) David Price - Rays - 4-4/5.10
(4) Tommy Hanson - Braves - 5-2/3.25
(7) Brett Anderson - A's 6-8/4.20
(9) Madison Bumgarner - Still in Minors
(10) Neftali Feliz - Rangers - 0-0/0.00
(11) Trevor Cahill - A's - 6-10/5.01
(21) Rick Porcello - Tigers - 9-7/4.36
(22) Chris Tillman - Orioles - 0-0/6.75
(25) Brian Matusz - Orioles - Debut Tonight
(29) Jarrod Parker - D-Backs - Still in Minors
(31) Derek Holland - Rangers - 4-6/5.75
(32) Wade Davis - Rays - Still in Minors
(41) Jordan Zimmerman - Nats - 3-5/4.63
(45) Tim Alderson - Pirates - Still in Minors
(46) Jhoulys Chacin - Rockies - 0-0/0.00
So that is 11 of the 15 prospects coming into the season are already in the big leagues. Most of these guys are 19-22 with only a few guys like Davis and Price being 23. Bringing up guys that can fill a spot for not a lot of money can really be a luxury for a MLB team. Hence what I wrote on here a few days ago about the Braves being able to dangle Javy Vazquez in the off-season because they can use the prospect Hanson in their rotation without taking up a ton of payroll.
What does this mean? Well, you should certainly look for guys like Stephen Strasburg, Mike Minor, Mike Leake, Aaron Crow, and Grant Green to be in the mix in the next 1-2 years. And guys like Zack Wheeler probably are not far behind...
Monday, August 3, 2009
RSM's Pre-Season Top 25
The following rankings are based on what I believe the final polls will look like, not the order of how good I believe teams are...
1. Florida (12-0)- No reason they should lose with their D - might give up fewer than 160 points.
2. Texas (12-0) - Heisman winner Colt McCoy will lead Texas over Oklahoma on their way to the BCS title game.
3. Penn St (11-1) - Will slip up once, but be in the mix most of the year.
4. Oklahoma(11-1) - Only loss to Texas, offense will be dynamic again.
5. Cal (11-1) - Gets to a BCS game by knocking off USC to win the Pac-10.
6. VT (10-2) - Best team in the ACC wins conference again.
7. USC (10-2) - Too many losses on defense and a new QB drop USC out of the BCS hunt for the first time in a while.
8. LSU (10-2) - Slip up twice in tough schedule and set up nicely for a 2010 run.
9. Bama (10-2) - Could go deep into the season unbeaten again if they get past VT.
10. OSU (10-2) - Lose and Penn State and once more, then get a chance to end losing streak to SEC in Capital One Bowl.
11. UGA (9-3) - Tough schedule again should yield 3 losses, offense in 2010 could be scary good.
12. Oregon(9-3)- Masoli and Blount are dynamic in the backfield, could be really good if D steps up.
13. Ok St(9-3) - Still many questions on D and the offense must overcome loss of Pettigrew - not yet a top 10 program.
14. UNC (9-3) - Davis keeps it going in the right direction with a healthy Yates.
15. Boise (11-1) - Boise keeps it going but lose to the Ducks.
16. Illinois(9-3) - Zook gets Illinois back in the national scene with some solid talent.
17. So Miss (11-1) - Breakout team from C-USA has a lot back from last years squad.
18. Ole Miss(9-3) - Nutt has another good season, but this isn't a top 10 team.
19. FSU (8-4) - Tough non-conferenc schedule includes having to play in the swamp on Tebow's Senior Day.
20. GT (8-4) - Another good Paul Johnson team keeps the streak of bowls alive.
21. TCU (10-2) - Should be good on D again and will beat out Utah and BYU in the MWC.
22. ND (8-4) - Schedule eases up a little bit, but enough to get ND into a Jan 1 Bowl Game.
23. Pitt(9-3) - Lots of talent on D, especially up front, will battle USF and Rutgers for Big East title.
24. Kansas (8-4) - Reesing is back for the probable Big 12 North winners.
25. MSU (8-4) - Stays in the top half on the Big 10 with weak non-conference schedule.
1. Florida (12-0)- No reason they should lose with their D - might give up fewer than 160 points.
2. Texas (12-0) - Heisman winner Colt McCoy will lead Texas over Oklahoma on their way to the BCS title game.
3. Penn St (11-1) - Will slip up once, but be in the mix most of the year.
4. Oklahoma(11-1) - Only loss to Texas, offense will be dynamic again.
5. Cal (11-1) - Gets to a BCS game by knocking off USC to win the Pac-10.
6. VT (10-2) - Best team in the ACC wins conference again.
7. USC (10-2) - Too many losses on defense and a new QB drop USC out of the BCS hunt for the first time in a while.
8. LSU (10-2) - Slip up twice in tough schedule and set up nicely for a 2010 run.
9. Bama (10-2) - Could go deep into the season unbeaten again if they get past VT.
10. OSU (10-2) - Lose and Penn State and once more, then get a chance to end losing streak to SEC in Capital One Bowl.
11. UGA (9-3) - Tough schedule again should yield 3 losses, offense in 2010 could be scary good.
12. Oregon(9-3)- Masoli and Blount are dynamic in the backfield, could be really good if D steps up.
13. Ok St(9-3) - Still many questions on D and the offense must overcome loss of Pettigrew - not yet a top 10 program.
14. UNC (9-3) - Davis keeps it going in the right direction with a healthy Yates.
15. Boise (11-1) - Boise keeps it going but lose to the Ducks.
16. Illinois(9-3) - Zook gets Illinois back in the national scene with some solid talent.
17. So Miss (11-1) - Breakout team from C-USA has a lot back from last years squad.
18. Ole Miss(9-3) - Nutt has another good season, but this isn't a top 10 team.
19. FSU (8-4) - Tough non-conferenc schedule includes having to play in the swamp on Tebow's Senior Day.
20. GT (8-4) - Another good Paul Johnson team keeps the streak of bowls alive.
21. TCU (10-2) - Should be good on D again and will beat out Utah and BYU in the MWC.
22. ND (8-4) - Schedule eases up a little bit, but enough to get ND into a Jan 1 Bowl Game.
23. Pitt(9-3) - Lots of talent on D, especially up front, will battle USF and Rutgers for Big East title.
24. Kansas (8-4) - Reesing is back for the probable Big 12 North winners.
25. MSU (8-4) - Stays in the top half on the Big 10 with weak non-conference schedule.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Trade Deadline thoughts...
We've discussed here what Pittsburgh has been doing and it certainly looks like Philly secured themselves a post-season birth by getting Cliff Lee, but lets take a quick look at some of the other teams that made some last-minute moves...
First off, I am still uncertain about the Braves move. It seems lateral at best, with Kotchman being under control for 2 more years. I know he is up for arbitration, but how much can a .280/12/65 first baseman command? I assume this means that Freddie Freeman is penciled in next year at 1st base. Now, the next big move for Wren is what to do with Hudson/Vazquez next year. It makes sense to pick up the Hudson option and trade Vazquez for a hitter and a closer (Gonzo and Soriano are FA's). I guess LaRoche has more power and is a better 2nd half player, but it is still a bit odd...
I am really shocked at what Ken Williams did in Chicago. Giving up four really good pitching prospects for Jake Peavy. Peavy hasn't pitched in 2 months and is owed almost 20 million a year the next 3 years. It is certainly high-risk, but giving up their #1 and #2 prospects in the minors (Poreda and Richard) is rolling the dice at best. Also, Adam Russell is almost ready to be in a big league bullpen and Dexter Carter is throwing really well in single A and at 6'6 with a great arm, projects as a front line starter.
After attending the Braves game last night, the Dodgers also made out well by getting George Sherill. He looked really good in relief setting up for Broxton and solidified the Dodgers bullpen.
The Red Sox got V-Mart without giving up Buchholz. Their lineup is now even more deadly and with the Yankees virtually standing pat, seem likely to win the AL East once again.
Back to the Braves to finish up, looks like the lineup for 2010 will look something like this...
Hudson
Jurrjens
Hanson
Lowe
Kawakami
McLouth...CF
Prado.....2B
Jones.....3B
McCann....C
Escobar...SS
Heyward...RF
Schafer....LF
Freeman...1B
Still a little lefty heavy, but for now this is what I think Wren has in mind...
First off, I am still uncertain about the Braves move. It seems lateral at best, with Kotchman being under control for 2 more years. I know he is up for arbitration, but how much can a .280/12/65 first baseman command? I assume this means that Freddie Freeman is penciled in next year at 1st base. Now, the next big move for Wren is what to do with Hudson/Vazquez next year. It makes sense to pick up the Hudson option and trade Vazquez for a hitter and a closer (Gonzo and Soriano are FA's). I guess LaRoche has more power and is a better 2nd half player, but it is still a bit odd...
I am really shocked at what Ken Williams did in Chicago. Giving up four really good pitching prospects for Jake Peavy. Peavy hasn't pitched in 2 months and is owed almost 20 million a year the next 3 years. It is certainly high-risk, but giving up their #1 and #2 prospects in the minors (Poreda and Richard) is rolling the dice at best. Also, Adam Russell is almost ready to be in a big league bullpen and Dexter Carter is throwing really well in single A and at 6'6 with a great arm, projects as a front line starter.
After attending the Braves game last night, the Dodgers also made out well by getting George Sherill. He looked really good in relief setting up for Broxton and solidified the Dodgers bullpen.
The Red Sox got V-Mart without giving up Buchholz. Their lineup is now even more deadly and with the Yankees virtually standing pat, seem likely to win the AL East once again.
Back to the Braves to finish up, looks like the lineup for 2010 will look something like this...
Hudson
Jurrjens
Hanson
Lowe
Kawakami
McLouth...CF
Prado.....2B
Jones.....3B
McCann....C
Escobar...SS
Heyward...RF
Schafer....LF
Freeman...1B
Still a little lefty heavy, but for now this is what I think Wren has in mind...
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