The Raiders have been big spenders this off-season. They're three biggest signings have been DT/DE Tommy Kelly (7 years, 50.5 mil, 18 mil guaranteed), WR Javon Walker (6 years, 55 mil, 16 mil guaranteed), and Gibril Wilson (6 years 39 mil, 16 mil guaranteed).
The three movies are questionale at best, not because of the players they signed or the holes they chose to fill, but because of the dollars they handed out. Of the three, Walker seems to be the only one who was heavily pursued by other teams. But how much money do you want to shell out on a guy who missed almost all of 2005, and half of last season? Sure there were great seasons on either side of the injury-plagued ones, and hes supposed to be coming into camp 100%, but its certainly a gamble to invest that kind of money in a guy on whom you'll rely for his speed, who himself hasn't been able to consistently rely on his right knee the past three years.
Of course, the Raiders desperately need WR help, both to aid the maturation of JaMarcus Russell, and because, QB development or not, they're receiving corps was already severely depleted. Thus, out of the three, the Walker signing is most palatable.
As far as the Wilson signing, he was likely the best available Safety on the market, but only because the other top options were such luminaries as Madieu Williams and Will Demps. Relativity seemingly means nothing in Raiderland, because they made Wilson the the third-highest paid safety in the NFL, trailing only Troy Polamalu and reigning DPOY Bob Sanders. Then again, maybe when they saw Wilson in the Super Bowl they remembered how much they enjoyed the Larry Brown experiment, and decided to revisit it.
Then there was Tommy Kelly. According to Peter King, the raiders handed Kelly the largest contract ever for a Defensive player in team history. But following the theme here, Kelly too, like Walker, is coming off ACL problems (a tear in this case) that limited him to only seven games last season.
Kelly's stats aren't bad, as he averaged 57 tackles in his only two full seasons, good numbers for a lineman often playing tackle. And on top of that, his was a re-signing, so perhaps when you consider that the Raiders knew him well, the move might be more defensible. Or maybe on the other hand, when you consider the Raiders' recent, and perhaps even perennial, dysfunction (see: race-induced injuries, Kiffin's non-resignation) maybe the move is least satisfying of all; who knows what perverse criteria for excellence exist within the Black Hole offices.
One possible explanation for the ostensibly uneccesary overspedning, can be found within Jason Cole's recent Yahoo piece. Cole writes that, "Player salaries are not keeping pace with the expansion of the salary cap." For example, the Bucs still have a staggering $40 million left under the cap.
When you combine those facts with the face of the Raider organization, none of this is so surprising after all.
The Raiders' 2007 Team Ranks
Total Offense: 25
Pass: 31
Run: 6
Total Defense:22
Pass: 8
Run: 31
UPDATE: Another detail on Team Turmoil: It's rumored that JaMarcus Russell has ballooned to 300lbs in the off-season.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Intriguing MLB storylines for 2008
1. Daisuke Matsuzaka: had a mediocre year in 2007, going 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA. Was this due to the transition from the Japanese Leagues to MLB, or is he really just an average pitcher? 2008 will be key in determining whether he is ace material, a pressing question for the Red Sox given Beckett's latest injury and Schilling's uncertain future.
2. Lastings Milledge: his trade to the Nats angered the more stat-savvy contingent of Mets fans (especially those at Blastings! Thrilledge). It's already an explosive enough situation in Flushing following last year's September collapse, and if Milledge stars in Washington, things will only get hotter.
3. Livan Hernandez: looking to be the Twins' opening day starter, placing him in the unenviable role of succeeding the great Johan Santana. Minnesota will need a strong year from him to stay competitive in the top-heavy AL Central.
4. Jeremy Hermida: Cabrera's trade leaves a gaping hole in the Florida lineup, and the burden of at least trying to replace him will fall to their other young hitters. The Marlins organization has had high hopes for Hermida for a long time, and, having improved significantly from 2006 to 2007, he could be set for a breakout year.
5. The Colorado Rockies: you might remember, before the Red Sox completely dominated them in the World Series, they went on one of the hottest streaks in the history of baseball and in the process won an incredible one-game playoff against San Diego, picked up their first NL Championship, and made Troy Tulowitzki a household name. Their improbable run was arguably the best story of MLB in 2007, and whether they can show themselves to be more than a one-month wonder will be one of the most intriguing stories of 2008.
2. Lastings Milledge: his trade to the Nats angered the more stat-savvy contingent of Mets fans (especially those at Blastings! Thrilledge). It's already an explosive enough situation in Flushing following last year's September collapse, and if Milledge stars in Washington, things will only get hotter.
3. Livan Hernandez: looking to be the Twins' opening day starter, placing him in the unenviable role of succeeding the great Johan Santana. Minnesota will need a strong year from him to stay competitive in the top-heavy AL Central.
4. Jeremy Hermida: Cabrera's trade leaves a gaping hole in the Florida lineup, and the burden of at least trying to replace him will fall to their other young hitters. The Marlins organization has had high hopes for Hermida for a long time, and, having improved significantly from 2006 to 2007, he could be set for a breakout year.
5. The Colorado Rockies: you might remember, before the Red Sox completely dominated them in the World Series, they went on one of the hottest streaks in the history of baseball and in the process won an incredible one-game playoff against San Diego, picked up their first NL Championship, and made Troy Tulowitzki a household name. Their improbable run was arguably the best story of MLB in 2007, and whether they can show themselves to be more than a one-month wonder will be one of the most intriguing stories of 2008.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Early FA Reviews: Dolphins
The Bill Parcells-Tony Sparano-Jim Ireland regime has, as expected, already started to overhaul the Dolphins' roster. They can't possibly do a worse job than Spielman, Cameron & co., who left behind a 1-15 team with an aging defense and serious questions on offense. It's impossible to get into all the moves in a single post but here are some highlights.
As a general matter, Parcells & co. have tended towards bigger players, especially on defense, like NT Jason Ferguson and DT Randy Starks. This is an interesting contrast with the Jimmy Johnson regime, which relied more on faster, smaller defensive players, and the Cameron regime, which focused more on guys with nice upstanding families. It's currently uncertain whether the team will run a 3-4 or 4-3 defense - Starks may be a fit at DE or NT in the 3-4. Here is a good breakdown of the choice on this front. Whatever the shape of the new defense, it's looking less likely that it will involve Jason Taylor.
On the offensive side of the ball, QBs Trent Green (newly signed with St. Louis) and Cleo Lemon are out, leaving only John Beck from last year's roster. Beck, a 2nd year player who will be 27 when next season starts, was unimpressive in limited time last year - his only passing touchdown came in garbage time against the Bengals in the season finale - but it's not clear how much this will be held against him given the miserable circumstances he was walking into. He'll compete with journeyman Josh McCown for the starting spot; one wild card here is whether the Fins will spend the first pick of the draft on Matt Ryan. If that ends the John Beck experiement, it wouldn't be the first time they've wasted a draft pick on a quarterback (recalling those they traded for Daunte Culpepper, Trent Green, and A.J. Feeley). Whoever emerges at the starter will have Ernest Wilford, a big good-hands guy to throw to, who will help fill a receiver corps depleted by the recent exits of Chris Chambers and Marty Booker.
At RB, backup Jesse Chatman is gone, but the most eye-catching aspect of this report is the note that "Bill Parcells has taken a liking to Ricky Williams." Williams will presumably join versatile second-year player Lorenzo Booker, who showed decent running and pass-catching ability in the last few games of 2007, behind Ronnie Brown, who was enjoying a breakout season before a season-ending knee injury. Chatman's departure notwithstanding this could be one of Miami's few areas of strength in 2008.
The offensive line - one of the few units last year to exceed expectations - is similarly unsettled, here's a good write-up of where things currently stand on this front.
On special teams, the biggest news has been signing wedge-buster Boomer Grigsby. Good name for a wedge-buster.
Note: the Miami Herald just published a good recap of the Dolphins' moves so far
As a general matter, Parcells & co. have tended towards bigger players, especially on defense, like NT Jason Ferguson and DT Randy Starks. This is an interesting contrast with the Jimmy Johnson regime, which relied more on faster, smaller defensive players, and the Cameron regime, which focused more on guys with nice upstanding families. It's currently uncertain whether the team will run a 3-4 or 4-3 defense - Starks may be a fit at DE or NT in the 3-4. Here is a good breakdown of the choice on this front. Whatever the shape of the new defense, it's looking less likely that it will involve Jason Taylor.
On the offensive side of the ball, QBs Trent Green (newly signed with St. Louis) and Cleo Lemon are out, leaving only John Beck from last year's roster. Beck, a 2nd year player who will be 27 when next season starts, was unimpressive in limited time last year - his only passing touchdown came in garbage time against the Bengals in the season finale - but it's not clear how much this will be held against him given the miserable circumstances he was walking into. He'll compete with journeyman Josh McCown for the starting spot; one wild card here is whether the Fins will spend the first pick of the draft on Matt Ryan. If that ends the John Beck experiement, it wouldn't be the first time they've wasted a draft pick on a quarterback (recalling those they traded for Daunte Culpepper, Trent Green, and A.J. Feeley). Whoever emerges at the starter will have Ernest Wilford, a big good-hands guy to throw to, who will help fill a receiver corps depleted by the recent exits of Chris Chambers and Marty Booker.
At RB, backup Jesse Chatman is gone, but the most eye-catching aspect of this report is the note that "Bill Parcells has taken a liking to Ricky Williams." Williams will presumably join versatile second-year player Lorenzo Booker, who showed decent running and pass-catching ability in the last few games of 2007, behind Ronnie Brown, who was enjoying a breakout season before a season-ending knee injury. Chatman's departure notwithstanding this could be one of Miami's few areas of strength in 2008.
The offensive line - one of the few units last year to exceed expectations - is similarly unsettled, here's a good write-up of where things currently stand on this front.
On special teams, the biggest news has been signing wedge-buster Boomer Grigsby. Good name for a wedge-buster.
Note: the Miami Herald just published a good recap of the Dolphins' moves so far
Calling BS on the Hype
Two members of the mainstream sports media aren't drinking the Kool-Aid on two of its most hyped stars: Sal Paolantonio pokes some serious holes in Brett Favre, and Mike Freeman takes on Tyler Hansbrough. Good reads both.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Badsnap recommended viewing: Joe Louis - America's Hero, Betrayed
Check out, if you have the chance, the HBO documentary Joe Louis - America's Hero, Betrayed. Worth it for the boxing clips alone, along with some excellent interviews that give insight into the man and his historical moment.
Some Joe Louis highlights:
Heavyweight Championship: Joe Louis vs. James Braddock - 1937
Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling I - 1936
Joe Louis vs. Max Schemling II - 1938
note: above image is in the public domain
Some Quick Notes on the Favre Fallout
The Favre retirement is of course being covered to saturation in the sports media, but here are some indirect consequences of Favre hanging it up.
-A strange development: Green Bay is entertaining the thought of signing Trent Green. Yes, that Trent Green. Not a great vote of confidence in Aaron Rodgers, who did well in the one game last season where he had extensive playing time.
-Favre's retirement increases the chances that Jason Taylor will stay in Miami, as the formerly most likely trade partner will be less willing to give up a high draft pick to put the team over the top. Of course, Parcells had shot down rumors that Taylor was on the trading block, but not everybody has bought this.
-A strange development: Green Bay is entertaining the thought of signing Trent Green. Yes, that Trent Green. Not a great vote of confidence in Aaron Rodgers, who did well in the one game last season where he had extensive playing time.
-Favre's retirement increases the chances that Jason Taylor will stay in Miami, as the formerly most likely trade partner will be less willing to give up a high draft pick to put the team over the top. Of course, Parcells had shot down rumors that Taylor was on the trading block, but not everybody has bought this.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Early NFL FA Reviews: Jets
The Jets have brought in Alan Faneca, Damien Woody, Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins, and Tony Richardson. It's an interesting reaction to their miserable 4-12 season in which they finished 25th in total offense and 19th in total defense, but at the same time were only one year removed from a playoff appearance. The huge salaries have drawn the ire of some of the lesser-paid New York veterans.
Woody and Faneca will join Nick Mangold, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Brandon Moore on the revamped line. It's an open question, though, whether this will be enough to make the Jets an elite offensive unit. Woody's missed significant time the past few years, and there are still huge question marks at the skill positions. It looks like Pennington and Clemens will compete for the QB position again, with a $6m coming Chad's way but the fans calling for Clemens as happened all of last season (the loudest applause of their opening day home thrashing at the hands of the Patriots came when Clemens briefly replaced the injured Pennington). The receiving crew is subpar as well. This is an odd situation for a team that just spent big for two thirty-something O-linemen.
On defense, the Calvin Pace move is based on the idea that his breakout season for the Cardinals in 2007 is due entirely to Arizona's switch to a 3-4 (and not, presumably, to the fact that it was a contract year); the idea is that he'll be a better for New York's 3-4 than departed linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was considered more of a 4-3 LB. In any case, signing Pace kept him out of the Dolphins' 3-4 system. That's the way it goes when you're playing in a division full of coaches from the Parcells school.
The blog NY Landing Strip has some good reading on this as well, and here's a scouting report on Tony Richardson.
Woody and Faneca will join Nick Mangold, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Brandon Moore on the revamped line. It's an open question, though, whether this will be enough to make the Jets an elite offensive unit. Woody's missed significant time the past few years, and there are still huge question marks at the skill positions. It looks like Pennington and Clemens will compete for the QB position again, with a $6m coming Chad's way but the fans calling for Clemens as happened all of last season (the loudest applause of their opening day home thrashing at the hands of the Patriots came when Clemens briefly replaced the injured Pennington). The receiving crew is subpar as well. This is an odd situation for a team that just spent big for two thirty-something O-linemen.
On defense, the Calvin Pace move is based on the idea that his breakout season for the Cardinals in 2007 is due entirely to Arizona's switch to a 3-4 (and not, presumably, to the fact that it was a contract year); the idea is that he'll be a better for New York's 3-4 than departed linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was considered more of a 4-3 LB. In any case, signing Pace kept him out of the Dolphins' 3-4 system. That's the way it goes when you're playing in a division full of coaches from the Parcells school.
The blog NY Landing Strip has some good reading on this as well, and here's a scouting report on Tony Richardson.
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