Bleacher Report - Articles by Andy Auger

Seattle Mariners Discussing Trade for Toronto First Baseman Lyle Overbay

Andy Auger — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:24:12 -0500

The Seattle Mariners have discussed a possible trade for Toronto first baseman Lyle Overbay, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Overbay hit .265 with 16 HR, 64 RBI, 112 H, .372 OBP, 74 BB, .466 SLG in 432 AB.

His 74 walks would have been a Mariner team high.

His on-base/slugging percentage and 35 doubles would have been good for the team's second best mark.

His 64 RBI would have been good for fourth on the team last year, Franklin Gutierrez had 70 but only drove in six more runs in 133 more ABs. His .265 average would have tied Adrian Beltre for fourth on the team.

Overbay's 16 HRs, 112 Hs, and 57 Rs would have been good for fifth on the team.

Seems like someone we should definitely take a look at if the price is right, as he ranks no lower than fifth in every offensive category in comparison to the 2009 Mariners.

The Blue Jays would likely eat a large portion of his $7,950,000 contract figure in any deal.

Interesting report from Fox regarding potential intentions for the Mariners going after big name free agents.

Seattle Mariners Interested in Free Agent Left Fielder Jason Bay

Andy Auger — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:36:06 -0500

According to Fox Sports, the Seattle Mariners are going to "kick the tires" on the availability of All-Star left fielder Jason Bay.

With the bloated contracts of C Kenji Johjima, SP Erik Bedard, SP Jarrod Washburn, RP Miguel Bautista, and 3B Adrian Beltre coming off the books, it frees up roughly $45 million in cap space for them to use.

Bay has played for the Boston Red Sox since they acquired him in a three-way deal that saw the departure of slugger Manny Ramirez.

Playing on some historically bad Pittsburgh Pirates teams Bay still managed to drive in 100 RBIs three times and at least 82 RBIs twice. His seasonal averages are 33 HRs and 107 RBIs. Since 2004, only five times has a Mariners hitter eclipsed 100 RBIs, done by the same two players (Raul Ibanez, three times; Richie Sexson, two times)

Seattle's offense scored the least runs in the American League last year mustering up only 640, under four per game.

In contrast, Seattle boasts one of the top defenses in the league, including in the outfield: Ichiro Suzuki, Franklin Gutierrez, Endy Chavez, and Michael Saunders.

This is probably one of the, if not the best defense outfields seen in a long time, but the fact still remains all of their RBI production (31 HRs, 133 RBIs) doesn't edge out Bays power figure (33 HRs) and barely scrapes by his RBI total (119).

With a budget of roughly $45 million, no hurry to resign ace Felix Hernandez, and a likely increase of the budget after a successful 2009 turnaround, they have the flexibility to add whomever they desire.

With the market bare, the desperate need of offense, and the money to spend, the Mariners interest in one of only two 100+ RBI producers on the market seems 100 percent logical.

Other players being linked to the Mariners through the GM Meetings are All-Star 2B Orlando Hudson, DH Hideki Matsui, P Rich Harden, and P Jarrod Washburn.

Hudson is an intriguing option because signing him would mean Jose Lopez would likely move to 3B. He's a decent hitter and a terrific defender.

Signing Matsui would give the Mariners a much needed boost on offense, the Mariners have a significant draw for Japanese players. Grabbing Bay and Matsui would all of a sudden give the Mariners four players with potential to easily drive in 100 RBIs.

Along with the always dynamic bat of Ichiro, and the consistent bat of Franklin Gutierrez, the Mariners lineup would be formidable to go along with their top defense.

Getting Rich Harden would essentially give us a younger, better version of Erik Bedard. He has had injury issues but sports a better career record, ERA, and has given up less hits, home runs, and runs then Bedard has.

Rich Harden: 135 G, 603 H, 311 R, 284 ER, 70 HR, 329 BB, 50 W, 29 L, 3.39 ERA

Erik Bedard: 144 G, 762 H, 375 R, 339 ER, 75 HR, 325 BB, 51 W, 41 L, 3.71 ERA

Say the Mariners were to grab Bay, Matsui, Harden, Washburn, and Beltres' semi- replacement (Orlando Hudson, Mark Derosa, etc.), this is how the lineup would go:

Ichiro—CF

Orlando Hudson—2B

Jason Bay—LF

Russell Branyan—1B

Hideki Matsui—DH

Jose Lopez—3B

Franklin Gutierrez—CF

Jack Wilson—SS

Rob Johnson—C

That lineup is a perfect blend of power, speed, and contact, to go along with stellar defensive play. Take into account youngsters Michael Saunders, Dustin Ackley, as well as Endy Chavez and Jack Hannahan, they have fantastic, young depth.

The rotation would shape out like this:

Felix Hernandez

Rich Harden

Ian Snell

Jarrod Washburn

Luke French/RRS

With young guns Brandon Morrow and Doug Fister waiting in the wings, the Mariners would also have a deep, balanced, and young rotation. With David Aardsma at closer, it could arguably be one of the deepest, youngest lineup/rotation combinations in the entire league

This would normally be a pipe dream, but in order to even just scrape to where the old payroll was, they would have to offer each player an average of $9 million per season in order to just get back to where they were.

In this bad economy, thats not going to happen, some will get paid, like Bay, John Lackey, Matt Holliday, but not everyone.

Sound off.

Seattle Seahawks: Sign Running Back Larry Johnson

Andy Auger — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:57 -0500

Anyone who supports the Seattle Seahawks should be well aware of our pathetic running game. 84.5 YPG, good for 30th in the league.

"Feature back" Julius Jones has been awful, 27th in the league with 382 yards, and has a 3.6 YPC average.

Greg Knapps' scheme is no good, whatever he is doing, it sucks, and no more injury excuses, yes Walter Jones is out, but the rest of the line is healthy.

He said it would take half the season for the running game to click, we respond with 55 yards rushing, against the Detroit F'ing Lions!

I'm all for pulling a 2007, at 4-4, Holmgren said he would pass us into the playoffs, and so he did.

At 3-5, with the tiniest amount of playoff hope still alive, and a deep receiving unit, it makes sense, we could air it out 40-50 times a game en route to a more effective offense.

Still, the running game has to improve, in 2007, we at least had a former MVP at running back, who ironically, gained more yards in 2007 with that club on then his replacement did in 2008.

With an ineffective Julius, and a cut Edge, I would not mind seeing Justin Forsett taking over the lead role. Watching yesterdays game, most of the good running plays were with him at running back, coincidence?

I don't see a team fighting for their playoff lives handing the running game over to a second year player drafted in the seventh round though.

If this team is thinking playoff push, thats a big "if" at this point, the running game needs to be upgraded to at least take a little pressure off of Hasselbeck and the loaded passing game.

"Head case" Larry Johnson just got released by the Kansas City Chiefs. Sure, there are negatives to him signing here, or anywhere. He uses the word "fag" like all of us have done, and wants the ball.

Thirtieth ranked running game, or putting up with the fact he called his coach a faggot because his team is 1-7 and he is pissed off they keep losing?

I don't think any Seahawks fan should want the former, or care about the latter. Unless you want to watch Julius getting those amazing three yards a carry every play.

Now that he is out of Kansas City, he's likely going to behave, he got his wish, now he can go elsewhere.

Johnson is a Mike Solari product, thats another huge benefit, he knows his offensive line schemes, something that should be taken into account.

No transition is seamless, but if you know where the blockers are going to be, the rest can't be that hard.

What on earth do the Seahawks have to lose by signing him? What other team fighting for their playoff lives has a bigger need at running back then the Seahawks? Nothing, and none, which is why the Seahawks should sign Larry Johnson.

Seattle Seahawks Breathe a Sigh of Relief, but Playoffs? A Lot Has To Go Right

Andy Auger — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:43:53 -0500

There seem to be mixed reactions among Seahawks fans about yesterday's 32-20 W over the woeful Detroit Lions. Some view it as a W we were supposed to get; some, like me, view it as a nice comeback, erasing the deja vu feeling of the Arizona beat down.

I have heard a lot of playoff talk amongst Seahawks fans that are already thinking we have a playoff team in front of us here after beating Detroit.

Playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs? They're the Detroit F**king Lions!

This is a game they were supposed to win, not just win, dominate, and what they did was slide down a black hole right out of the gate. They should have never been in a position to have to come back. The only reason we had a chance to recover from that INT-fumble-failed-fourth that led to 17 points was the fact they were playing against the Lions.

We proved we can't climb out of the same deficit we dug ourselves against a good team when we went down 17-0 against the Cardinals with the same sloppy play.

Bottom line: We just had to come back 17-0 to beat the Lions, we are sloppy, inconsistent, and can't run the ball at all, even when we are completely healthy (minus our two best players in Lofa Tatupu and Walter Jones).

Our rushing guru might as well toss his worthless running scheme out and get a new one because even my woeful Washington State Cougars can run the ball better then the Seahawks can right now. Fact, not fiction.

For all you Hasselbeck haters, I would quit dissing him because if you actually think this team is going to have a shot at the playoffs. He will have to air it out 40-50 times every game with those broken ribs because Julius Jones is plain horrible and the coaching staff won't start Justin Forsett.

Hasselbeck just saved our season like he has done many times since 2006 with no line, and no running game. Give the man some respect.

Let's break down the rest of the season

At Arizona Cardinals

At Minnesota Vikings

At St Louis Rams

Home vs. San Francisco 49ers

At Houston Texans

Home vs. Tampa Bay Bucanners

At Green Bay Packers

Home vs. Tennessee Titans

Sitting here at 3-5 just like I predicted , it means from this point forward the Seahawks have to go at least 6-2 to make the postseason.

We have to win games we're supposed to, so if we lose to Tampa Bay, Tennessee (who is experiencing a resurgence with Vince Young at QB), or St. Louis, those hopes are pretty much dashed.

Even at 6-5 with those three "should win" W's, we would still have to go at least 3-2 from that point, and four of those games are road games.

For a good, consistent team, going 3-2 against the Packers, 49ers, Cardinals, Texans, and Vikings, is not a tall task; for the 2007 Seahawks, this would be doable.

But for the 2009 Seahawks, a team with scoring lines of 28-0, 17-34, 41-0, 3-27, and 17-38, twice giving up 17 points in the first quarter, they are far from consistent.

We face a must-win in Arizona next week; winning that game pulls us within one game and rids the Cards of their tiebreaker with us as the series would be 1-1. I didn't expect the Seahawks to roll over and die in the last meeting, and after getting trounced in front of the 12th Man, I don't expect a repeat in Arizona.

Keep in mind the Cardinals are at 5-3 right now and have the Titans, Lions, and Rams twice, remaining on their schedule. If they beat us they could coast to a 10-win season if they do everything right.

As the Seahawks have proved though, not everything goes right, and sometimes, nothing goes right.

For all those Seahawks still clinging to playoff hopes, an atrocious Arizona meltdown, and a significant Seahawks surge, must ensue. We have to get consistent, stay healthy, and hope to God that Hasselbeck can stay upright for eight more games.

We have to find a running game; our 30th ranked rushing game won't take us anywhere.

We have to get Houcaresaboutyourbitching to start making catches at the same rate he runs his mouth. I don't mind some fiery passion, some trash talk, in fact I encourage it, but when you're on pace to make well over $1,000,000 for each TD, eat some humble pie.

Seahawks and fans, catch your breath, feel good about erasing a potential disaster against Detroit, but don't be thinking playoffs quite yet.

Should The Seattle Mariners Re-Sign JJ Putz?

Andy Auger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:24:39 -0500

The New York Mets have reportedly said that they will not pick up the $8.1 million option for JJ Putz next season.

They have instead opted to buy his contract out for $1 million, making him a free agent.

It was just one season ago that Putz was considered a top closer in the American League. He was also the centerpiece of the trade that netted the Seattle Mariners CF Franklin Gutierrez, 1B Mike Carp, OF Endy Chavez, P Garrett Olson, and INF Ronny Cedeno (later used in a trade for SS Jack Wilson, and SP Ian Snell), among others.

He quickly fell off the radar in the National League, while the Mariners found a diamond in the rough from a trade with Boston in top AL closer David Aardsma, who posted 38 saves in his career year.

With the Mets JJ Putz posted a 1-4 record, 5.22 ERA, and two saves in only 29.1 innings of work last year in the Set Up role.

Keep in mind though, Aardsma posted a 5.72 career ERA before he came to Seattle. He turned things around, and so could Putz.

It's not the only pitcher that we have seen traded by the Mariners that has fallen off track after leaving. Jarrod Washburn posted a 1-3 record and a 7.33 ERA after being traded to the Detroit Tigers.

Mark Lowe is currently the set up man, but why not bring in a proven all star like Putz to push him? Lowe's numbers were ok, not fantastic. A 2-7 record (variable for a relief pitcher) and 3.27 ERA are nothing more then mediocre.

I would definitely advocate the idea of signing JJ Putz and Jarrod Washburn. For those against signing high-priced free agents this would be a way to get two former veteran Mariners at a cheap price. Washburn saw a career resurgence with John Wetteland as the pitching coach, posting an 8-6 record with a 2.64 ERA, and his name was being tossed around as a late all-star addition.

Unless you want to break the bank on John Lackey or Rich Harden, all you are likely going to find are veteran pitchers, injury-prone players, or in most cases, a combination of the two.

Both Washburn and Putz have pitched well for the Mariners. Washburn only had one good season, which can partly be forgiven due to the fact he recieved the lowest run support of any AL Pitcher dating back to 2005.

These two would fall right into how Zdurencik built this team last offseason: low risk, high potential signings and trades.

What harm would a one year incentive laced deal be? It wouldn't, and thats why we should re-sign JJ Putz and Jarrod Washburn.

Sports Illustrated reported rumor interest in Washburn.

The Seattle PI also likes the idea of Washburn making a return

With Walter Jones Out for the Seahawks, a Look At Available Free Agent Tackles

Andy Auger — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:23:55 -0400

With the long overdue news that Seahawks tackle Walter Jones is headed to IR, that leaves a roster spot up for grabs.

With some saved cap money, the team can sign an available Free Agent if they so choose.

With the team onto now it's fifth option at left tackle with recent free-agent pickup Damion Mcintosh, it is likely the they will use the spot for the offensive line.

Here is a list of the top Free Agent tackles they could potentially sign with Walter headed to Injured Reserve.

Jonas Jennings

Has 75 starts under his belt as a member of the Bills and 49ers but has been slowed by injuries and has been limited to seven starts over the past two seasons. The Seahawks could opt to take a gamble based on his experience, but they will likely stay away because of recent injury issues.

Jon Runyan

They talk about this guy being old and broken down but whens the last time they guy missed a start for his team? 1997? I see a guy emulating former Seahawks guard Chris Gray to an even greater extent. With 191 starts, the Seahawks could see Runyan as a candidate for the line, with the desperate situation, he's at least on the radar.

Kwame Harris

Has 55 career starts and was recently let go by the Oakland Raiders. If your getting cut by the Raiders your probably not that good, but he has played in Knapps scheme and his familiarity makes him a viable candidate for Seahawks blue.

With the few potential starters available at tackle, let's take a look at available guards:

Chris Naeole

He has 150 starts but didn't play in 2008 because of injury.

Melvin Fowler

He has 60 starts, plays C, but could shift to guard. He reminds me of Rob Sims, mediocre, nothing special.

Nothing that makes you get excited, but there are some solid starters with plenty of experience, especially a guy like Jon Runyan. My choice would likely be him. He's old, but he has the experience needed to pick up the scheme quickly and adjust. The guy hasn't missed a start in 12 years either.

An earlier rumor that the Seahawks might be interested in tackle Levi Jones or Langston Walker is completely inaccurate, due to the pair signing with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders, respectively, in the past several days.

Calling All Seahawks: Fire Tim Ruskell, Look Ahead To 2010

Andy Auger — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:32:46 -0400

(Isn't the offensive lineman supposed to be in front of the quarterback?)

Don't tell me you're not shocked, Seahawks fans.

We reeled in one of the prizes of free agency in WR TJ Houshmandzadeh.

We picked the most dynamic player in the 2009 draft when we lock up Aaron Curry at No. 4.

Julian Peterson's replacement even added a new starting defensive end after a trade for Cory Redding, along with a fifth round pick that allowed us to trade up to draft speedy WR Deon Butler in round three.

We grab ex-Seahawk cornerback Ken Lucas, which allowed us to shift playmaking cornerback Josh Wilson to the nickel role.

Everything was looking good. Don't tell me you weren't thinking playoff contention; we all were, whether or not you have the balls to admit it.

Even after we lost a game with half the team out in a grinding game against the Bears, things looked hopeful, we looked to be competitive in the face of adversity.

We even trounced the Jaguars by a score of 41-0 on some nicely timed plays and had what looked to be a resurgent offense—Hasselbeck shined.

But the Seahawks' glaring weakness was exposed: the pathetic offensive line.

Injuries or not, these are the guys blocking. And because the Seahawks cut fourth string tackle Kyle Williams, it means they will be starting their fifth string LT after the bye week if Walter Jones does not return.

Even with the quick rhythm created by the Seahawks' passing game that still features plenty of short routes, the line could not hold up for the mere 2-3 seconds it was supposed to.

Matt Hasselbeck got sacked five times. I saw Hasselbeck's blindside get rushed every other play, and at least one Cardinal in close on any given play.

Sure, Hasselbeck didn't do great, but Michael Vick couldn't have even escaped the relentless pressure. (Although, my roommate made the comment that “Yes, he could have. He would have just released his pit bulls on the defense.")

In contrast to the seven wide receiver injuries of 2008, the offensive line has crumbled, and opposing teams are very aware of that gaping hole they can run through and ransack our “backs.”

I'm tired of the "what ifs" from this team. The fact is, this team is made up of a bunch of old, injury-prone players. Point the blame at the man who assembled the team, who chose to take on injury-prone, high-quality characters instead of playmakers that will simply stay healthy.

Patrick Kerney, Marcus Trufant, Walter Jones, Matt Hasselbeck, Chris Spencer, Sean Locklear, Mike Wahle (retired), Rob Sims, Brandon Mebane, Cory Redding, Deion Branch, Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson, Travis Fisher, Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, Justin Griffith

Those are the Seahawks' starters who have missed at least one game due to injury this season, which means that Deon Grant, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Aaron Curry, and Julius Jones are the only starters who have escaped injury.

No other team has the injury problems that the Seahawks have, and I blame the General Manager for assembling a bunch of injury-prone players.

What first round pick has Tim Ruskell hit spot-on? His great picks, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, and solid picks, Josh Wilson, Brandon Mebane, Darryl Tapp, have all spent significant time (or in Tatupus's case, will spend even more), on the sideline.

Chris Spencer

Kelly Jennings

Deion Branch

Lawrence Jackson

Aaron Curry

Those are Ruskell's five first round picks, he has already had to replace Chris Spencer by drafting Max Unger this season. Kelly Jennings has one career INT and should be a dime back, only starting because of injury. Deion Branch has 12 catches for 94 yards and is earning $6.5 million in the exchange. Lawrence Jackson has doubled his 2008 sack total, but he and rookie Aaron Curry have both looked inconsistent at times.

It's too early to judge the last two on this list—I think Curry is on his way to become a top LB in this league—but I think it is safe to say that the three first rounders have been massive duds.

Compare this to former general manager Mike Holmgren, who brought us Steve Hutchinson, Matt Hasselbeck, Robbie Tobeck, Marcus Trufant, Shaun Alexander, Darrell Jackson, Rocky Bernard, and Ken Lucas.

With the exception of Ken Lucas, they were all starters on our only Superbowl team in 2005 (which Holmgren coached), and Ken Lucas is currently the No. 1 cornerback. Matt Hasselbeck and Marcus Trufant still remain cornerstones of the franchise.

Holmgren was never the best general manager, but he laid the foundation that yielded five straight playoff appearances from 2003-2008. Ruskell has not and never will lay a foundation for a team to make a playoff run of that longevity.

We thought Ruskell fixed the roster, but obviously, he has done nothing more than assemble a bunch of injury-prone players.

One year is a fluke. But two years is the start of a nasty trend—a trend that should end with the firing of Tim Ruskell and the letting go of offensive coordinator Greg Knapp.

In addition to working with a short roster, Knapp has not helped the cause with his dreadful offensive play calling.

He tries to run with no line, he tries the deep ball with no time in the pocket, and he is responsible for the lowest rushing total in franchise history, with 14 yards gained against Arizona. Two runs near your own endzone when your down 17-0? Draws for that matter? Pathetic.

He was supposed to be a rushing guru, a stark contrast to the rushing result we saw a couple days ago in the 27-3 uber-fustercluck.

Sure, he is relying on his fourth string tackle, but the obvious weakness at this position just exposes a roster that was assembled by the brain trust.

He still has a bevy of wide receivers and an experienced quarterback—despite their tattered offensive line—the offense should be able to muster more than three points against what was the league's worst pass defense in the Arizona Cardinals.

Sure, we're getting Leroy Hill and Marcus Trufant back, but both haven't played in a while, and Trufant hasn't played a down this season.

Same goes for LT Walter Jones. But even the Hall of Famer will probably take a game to get up to speed.

By then we will have been blitzed in Dallas with our team reeling, and the injured will still be getting back on their feet.

After a win at home against Detroit, we will be 3-5 at the halfway point. I see three games they should win against the Rams, Buccaneers, and Titans. Even if we managed to go 6-5, that still leaves us with road games against the Cardinals, Vikings, Packers, and Texans, and a home game against the NFC West leading San Francisco 49ers.

So, we would have to go at least 4-2 to reach the likely 10-6 we would need, which means from this point on, the team would have to go 8-2 for a playoff appearance.

Get any potential fantasy out of your head because that is just not going to happen. This team is not going to go 8-2 down the stretch with five road games against quality opponents.

Instead look forward to 2010. This team has some solid pieces, but they still have plenty of holes, especially along the offensive line. With two first round picks and what looks to be a high second-round pick, there are some gaps on the roster that can be filled nicely for the future.

We should be looking at offensive line and quarterback in the first round. A guy like OL Russell Okung (rated No. 4 overall in 2010 draft class by Sports Illustrated), makes a lot of sense with one of the first two picks.

Marcus McNeil, Logan Mankins, Randy Thomas, and Michael Roos, are all set to be free agents. All are proven starters and we would be foolish not to at least inquire about getting them this offseason.

The quarterback prospects would likely boil down to Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, and Jevan Snead—the usual suspects when it comes to 2010 Draft rumors for the Seahawks.

Jason Campbell is the only quarterback of interest I see who is set to hit the market, and I would prefer Seneca to him anyway.

With Julius Jones coming closer and closer to bust free agent status, a guy like Jahvid Best makes a lot of sense in round two.

Darren Sproles and Willie Parker are both set to be free agents too; both burners would be an upgrade over Julius Jones.

If we can repair the offensive line, upgrade our pedestrian RB situation, and begin grooming our QB for the future, this team can begin to lay a foundation in 2010.

I still think Hasselbeck can be a quality QB if his line can block for him. He showed that with time against Jacksonville he can show flashes of Peyton Manning from time to time.

Regardless, unless we can assemble a roster that can stay healthy, protect the quarterback, and block for the running back, we are going to keep going down this bad downward spiral. With some solid names on the market, and some high draft picks, we can still turn this ship around this coming offseason.

If you look at Sports Illustrated ’s new power rankings, they say:

“It's not fair what has happened to Seattle for a second consecutive year, but the truth is, nobody really cares when injuries determine the fate of a team's season. The clubs that get wiped out and lose because of it are just seen as losers. Period. There's no asterisk applied to your record to denote a plague of injuries. Sorry, Seahawks. But that's reality.”

You know, they are absolutely right. No one cares. You still strap up, put your helmet on, and play with what you got. We can't be looking at "what ifs" and "could haves" anymore.

Point the finger at the man filling the roster with all of those injury prone players. The coaches work with what they have, but it’s the brain trust that gives them the pieces.

If you want to point fingers at anyone, aim your blame at Tim Ruskell.

Jason Bay a Seattle Mariner? Not Just Wishful Thinking

Andy Auger — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:50:34 -0400

Something caught my eye the other day while surfing the Internet—Boston-for-San-Francisco-?urn=mlb,195355" target="_blank">an interesting piece of sports gossip I had yet to come across.

This article said Boston Red Sox All-Star left fielder Jason Bay currently lives about 15 minutes from Safeco Field.

On the record, let me say that Bay is most likely staying with the Sox, who have a better record and a pair of recent titles compared to the Mariners' lack of a World Series appearance.

But with bloated contracts like those of Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista and Adrian Beltre coming off the books, is it too far out of left field to think the Mariners don't have a shot at the guy?

Seattle improved by 24 games (61 to 85 wins) in a one-year span with a lower payroll. The club has fully bought into the Jack Zduriencik-Waka theory, and it has paid off big—that duo alone will attract better free agents to the team now that Bill Bavasi is gone.

Even if management does not increase payroll, they still have about $45 million in funny money to throw around. With that, they need some pitching (bring Washburn back, please), a new third baseman, a new left fielder and, potentially, a new catcher.

With our recent success bringing in what people deemed as scraps (Russell Branyan, David Aardsma, Mike Sweeney), the boys at the top should be amenable to giving Jack-Z a larger payroll to work with (which would increase that $45 million figure).

Simply put, the pocketbook is deep enough to make a run at free agency's top prize.

The "playing close to home" factor cannot be ignored either, and the fact that the Mariners are a winning team with a solid foundation makes them a player for Bay. They could make a $20 million-per-year offer to him and let the other factors work their magic in persuading him.

This free agent class has some marquee names. But beyond Matt Holliday, Brandon Webb and a few studs at the top, it is mostly veteran retreads.

Unless the Mariners are trying to cut payroll, a $20 million-per-year contract offer to Bay would leave them with $25 million that they would be hard-pressed to spend.

There's no reason for the Mariners to be shy. Bavasi is gone and Zduriencik has yet to make a blunder as a GM. (Even Mike Sweeney had a .281 batting average)

Jason Bay, Franklin Gutierrez, Ichiro Suzuki: Best outfield in the majors?

Seattle Seahawks Experiencing Injury Deja Vu of 2008 Already?

Andy Auger — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:01:37 -0400

QB Matt Hasselbeck, LT Walter Jones, RT Sean Locklear, C Chris Spencer, LG Mike Wahle, CB Marcus Trufant, CB Josh Wilson, LB Lofa Tatupu, LB Leroy Hill, DT Brandon Mebane, WR Deion Branch.

When training camp started, all were unquestioned starters. If my math is correct, that's 11 players, or 50 percent of a team's offense and defense.

The Seahawks left the game without any of these 11 able to play. In Wahle's case, he had to retire because of his injury problems—double whammy.

Much like last season, when the Seahawks tallied seven wide receiver injuries early, the Seahawks now find themselves without four starters on the offensive line from what they projected to have. The O-line was already suspect with the exception of the future Hall of Fame LT Jones.

Much like last season, the Seahawks found themselves plugging in a guy they picked up in the week coming up to the game in former Miami Dolphin tackle Brandon Frye, who had no starting experience prior to today's game.

All too eerie and ironic compared to the circumstances at wide receiver in 2008, which forced them to sign Billy McMullen, former Seahawk Koren Robinson, and pull off an ill-advised trade of a fifth-round pick for the seven catches Keary Colbert provided.

The Seahawks also find themselves thin at what was the strength of this roster with All-Pro linebacker Tatupu knocked out of today's game and Hill out for another five weeks.

That leaves dynamic rookie linebacker Aaron Curry to headline the unit. Not to say he isn't talented, but he is a rookie, and he has a ways to go. He was supposed to be the nice complement, not the centerpiece.

Also taking a hit was last season's 32nd-ranked secondary, giving up 259.3 YPG through the air.

Already out for at least another month are Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Trufant and starting cornerback Josh Wilson—half of what was a mediocre at best pass defense trying to work its way up to 2007 status, when they allowed the league's fewest passing TDs (15).

If this was not already bad enough, throw in the fact quarterback Matt Hasselbeck got drilled in his bad back and collapsed on the sideline right before halftime.

Now the Seahawks face the dilemma of potentially missing 45 percent of their defensive starters and 54 percent (including Branch) of their offensive starters by week three.

Whereas last year's failures at first came from having no one to throw to, the Seahawks now face the problems of having 80 percent of their offensive line out and not able to block for backup quarterback Seneca Wallace

They now face issues on defense with 57 percent of their 'backers sidelined.

The word "issue" seems appropriate, as they could not stop running back Frank Gore. He gashed the defense for 207 rushing yards and two TDs.

Contrast this to when the Seahawks had Tatupu, Mebane, Wilson, and Hill in last week's game and held All-Pro running back Steven Jackson to 67 yards in a 28-0 shutout of the St. Louis Rams.

Still, with 11 starters out, the Seahawks find themselves at 1-1. If they can get back three or four of the aforementioned players (still leaving them without 35 percent of their starters), they could scrape together a win against a Chicago Bears team missing Future Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, cornerbacks Nathan Vasher and Trumaine McBride, and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Factor in that we're playing against a quarterback with more INTs than TDs and some stone-handed receivers, and a patchwork defense could hold up if we manage to get our offense rolling.

I wouldn't quite abandon hope yet, but if Hasselbeck and Tatupu are out any length of time, we could be in for a long season.

My College Essay On The Horrid Officiating Of Superbowl XL

Andy Auger — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:42:47 -0400

Now I know this topic has been talked over as many times as it can, but in my English class, this became a viable topic for our first rough draft of a major essay.

I was originally going to do it on expanding the content allowed in rated R movies (idea inspired after watching Tarintino's terrific Inglourious Basterd's). As ideas were tossed around in class this one clicked in my head, and many of the students wanted to see one done on the topic, so I went ahead and did it.

I already did not have any homework, so this would be a breeze, having to do very little research, here is my first draft of "The Ultimate Superbowl Fustercluck".

This is not an attempt to piss one side off or the other, this is just a formal paper that the students in my class enjoyed so I thought I would share it on Bleacher Report.

Make sure to read the disclaimer!

The Ultimate Superbowl Fustercluck

(Disclaimer, Steelers fans may not like the harsh reality and truth behind what is being divulged in this article, if you are one of these delusional characters who claim to have not had help from the officiating crew in the 2005 Superbowl en route to the biggest fustercluck in Superbowl history, please either discontinue reading now, or keep an open mind while you read through the points of contention discussed in this paper. Both the Seahawk’s calls, and Steelers calls will be examined in this essay.)

The Seattle Seahawk’s were at an all time high in 2005, a league best 13-3 record, an 11 game win streak, six Pro Bowl starters on offense alone, and owner of the NFL’s MVP in record setting touchdown machine (28 total) RB Shaun Alexander.

Having just beaten the Washington Redskins 21-10 in the Divisional playoff round (without the aforementioned MVP RB I might add), they were on their way to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 21 years.

In attendance, I got to watch my team throttle the Carolina Panthers 34-17, en route to our first Superbowl berth, our time had finally come. The memories of that game still give me Goosebumps, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Maybe I would not have been so thrilled if I knew what was about to go down two weeks later.

I knew our matchup with the AFC representative, the Pittsburgh Steelers, would be tough, they had a great defense, and we had the leagues best offense, a great matchup indeed.

“I didn’t think we would have to play the guys in the striped shirts as well”

-Mike Holmgren, Seahawk’s rally, February 5th, 2005

The above statement could not have been said any better by anyone who watched the biggest robbery in Superbowl history. He surprisingly did not end up drawing a fine for the obvious “shot” at the referees, headlined by Bill Leavy.

Going into the game, we were definitely looking like the underdogs, we were not favored (minus 7 spread), 3/5 of the broadcasting crew picked the Steelers (good for you Chris Berman and Chris Carter). Because the game was in Detroit, Michigan, a five hour drive from Pittsburgh, it was obviously littered with far more black and yellow, then green and blue.

I always like being the underdogs, so this was of no concern, still, Seahawk’s fans had absolutely no clue what was about to smack them in the face.

First Quarter, 2:03 left:

We moved the ball at will on this so called “Steel Curtain, Iron Curtain”, whatever you prefer, with our high-powered offense and drove to the redzone (inside the opponents 20 yard line). Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck flung a 16 pass to WR Darrell Jackson in the endzone for a TD, which would have put us up 7-0 going into the second quarter

This is the first point of contention.

He was guarded by Steelers S Chris Hope, both of whom were going for the ball. League rules state that if both players are jostling for position, both have an equal right to the ball. Jackson was flagged for Pass Interference pushing off of Hope, WITHOUT gaining any significant separation.

You are allowed to initiate contact like Jackson did if both are going for the ball at the same time and are not attempting to create significant separation in doing so.

Lets say Hope was looking away not going for the ball, and Jackson had shoved him out of the way, created separation, en route to the TD catch, then that would be grounds for a P/I call. This play was not that case, contact is allowed when going for the ball by both parties with the exception of pulling someone’s hands down, face masking, tackling, etc.

We settle for a Field Goal and take a 3-0 lead, the team is clearly dejected, but still has the lead, but the drive would have to be considered a failure, although there is not much the Seahawks could do about that.

Second Quarter: 2:00 left, second point of contention.

On a third down and one at the Seattle one-yard line Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger was tackled short of the endzone, and then extends his hand across the white plane of the endzone when he was already down, head linesman Mark Hittner, a Pittsburgh native, called it a TD.

Despite being challenged by Seahawk’s coach Mike Holmgren, the play stood. Ben stated on the David Letterman show that he did not think he got in, and that the team was ready to go for it anyways.

My point of contention on this play is the Seahawk’s had been 7/9 on stopping goal line conversions during the regular season, and with that percentage, could have potentially stopped a play, and gone into the half with a 3-3 tie.

Third Quarter: Call against the Steelers.

Seattle Cornerback Kelly Herndon picks off a pass for a Superbowl record 75-yard return all the way to the Steelers 20 yard line. On the play there is controversy as to whether a block in the back penalty should have been issued. The ball would have been placed 15 yards at the spot of the foul, around midfield. For the sake of my comparison later in this essay, lets say this cancels out the Hasselbeck cut block penalty.

Fourth Quarter: 12:35 left, third point of contention.

Matt Hasselbeck completes a pass to TE Jerramy Stevens to the Steelers one-yard line. A yellow hankie is immediately thrown for a holding call on Seahawks RT Sean Locklear.

Now FYI for anyone reading this who does not know football, holding happens on every play, it is just a matter of when they call it or when they blatantly see it.

Going back and watching the game film, this is an awfully grey matter call. He has his hands up in the shoulder pads of the defender, knocking him if balance, and honestly, the call could have gone either way.

Except for the fact that Steelers LB Clark Haggans IS offsides at the beginning of the play, stopping the game at the exact moment the ball is snapped, his foot is over, barely, but over the line of scrimmage, the proper offsides call would have given the Seahawk’s the ball at the one yard line, or would have nullified the play, and moved them forwards five yards, in great position to take the lead.

It was because of Haggans early jump that likely forced Locklear to hold him in the first place

Regardless, the play is called back, and a ten-yard penalty is added on. Three plays later, Hasselbeck throws an interception, (after what should have been a TD, and a 17-14 Seattle lead).

This next part is what I call a triple whammy (the nullified TD, an INT, AND…), you would have to be sorely addicted to hardcore drug to not see this horrible call).

Fourth Quarter: 12:35 left, fourth point of contention.

On the play of the intercepted pass, Hasselbeck chases down the ball carrier, Ike Taylor, and does what I call a “chop tackle”, which pretty much means he rolled over and let the ball carrier trip over him. This is not an illegal action and is quite common by undersized players, and QB’s.

Another yellow hankie gets pulled out, I’m going out of my mind at this point.

“Illegal block in the back, defense, No. 8 (Hasselbeck) 15 yard penalty, automatic first down”

Even the announcers are speechless, now, this call does not seem like it would have serious repercussions, it was just a terrible call.

What people don’t seem to think about when this call is discussed is the play that comes after it. At the Steelers 44 yard line, instead of around their own 29-yard line, the Steelers run a gadget play (QB pitches to WR, WR becomes QB and throws it), exploiting our practice squad safety Etric Pruitt, who had never played an NFL game before being thrust in on the games biggest stage.

They burn us for a TD, I give them props, a good play exploiting our obvious weakness at that point.

Do you really think the Steelers would have run this gadget play had they not gotten the dreadful chop blocking call? No, they would not have, it would be too much of a risk so deep in your territory, but nonetheless, they take a 21-10 lead, and the game is pretty much over at that point.

Let’s ignore the Hasselbeck call, and focus on the two calls that nullified the TD’s. If those calls had been done correctly, it would have tacked on an additional 11 points, and potentially taken away 7 Steelers points, making the game at minimum a 21-21 tie.

Changes

There are several changes that should have been made due to the officiating of this game. The Hasselbeck block in the back call should have resulted in a re-written rule to ensure that it does not happen again.

Because as per a loophole in the rulebook, stating that regardless a chop block below the waist is considered illegal on a play in the open field, regardless of the intention (i.e. tackling). it still should not have been allowed to happen on the games biggest stage.

Another obvious change that needs to be made is that no officiating member of the game can be a native, or reside in the cities of the two teams playing, The headlinesman, Mark Hittner, is a Pittsburgh native, and ironically was involved in one of the controversial calls, (Roethlisberger goal line play).

A third change should be more reviewable plays, in a nutshell, teams are given two “challenges” to attempt to overturn bad calls. What my proposed change is would allow more “booth reviews” which are initiated by the referee group, to allow for controversial calls such as the one in this game to be reviewed to their fullest extent.

What is done, is done, it will never be changed, and we have accepted that. All Seahawks fans seek is that Steelers fans can actually admit they were given some help at crucial points in the game by referees, the title in theirs, and we can give them that.

We can only ponder what could have been, and even today, having your one shot at glory stripped from you, still twinges a little, like it should.

Seattle Seahawks: Sign Tackle Tony Pashos

Andy Auger — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:51:18 -0400

Roster cuts have not been the most exciting element of the season. The Seahawks did however make a significant move in cutting starting S Brian Russell and adding former Washington Husky S Lawyer Milloy who was let go by the Atlanta Falcons after helping lead their defense to the playoffs last season.

Milloy led the Atlanta secondary with 93 tackles last season, showing he can still play at a high level even at the age of 35. Offensive line has been a huge question mark with LT Walter Jones out with a shoulder injury, C Chris Spencer out five weeks, and former LG Mike Wahle retired because of injuries.

For those good at math out there that is three starters subtracted from an already suspect Offensive line.

The most prominent names cut today were Jaguars T Tony Pashos, and Chargers G Kynan Forney, both were starters for their respective teams.

Pashos has started 31 games the past two seasons and would be an upgrade over current T Ray Willis.

Signing Pashos would allow the Seahawks to slide current starting RG Max Unger to C, and plug Willis in at RG.

Something has to be done with the offensive line especially considering QB Matt Hasselbeck is coming off his worst career year, riddled with injuries, he needs to stay upright for the Seahawks to claim their fifth NFC West title in six seasons.

Some cuts have yet to be announced officially and hopefully a few more starting OL can fall to the scrap heap for the Seahawks to pluck.

Seattle Mariners: Trade For Jermaine Dye

Andy Auger — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:41:20 -0400

According to a report on ESPN, The Chicago White Sox have put a good portion of their roster on the trading block. Some of the prominent names include DH/1B Jim Thome, OF Jermaine Dye, and RP Scott Linebrink.

The Seattle Mariners have been a mess at DH ever since they acquired Jose Vidro, a Bavasi era move like everything else he did, did not pan out.

Currently we have 36-year-old and former 11 time All Star Mike Sweeney holding down the position, along with fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr.

Those two names may sound great. With two perennial All Stars, how could you go wrong? Except that both, especially Sweeney, are way past their glory days.

At least Griffey can hit, Sweeney just plain stinks.

Both combine for a .241 BA, 19 HR's, and 69 RBI's. Nothing spectacular at all considering Griffey contributes about 2/3 of those HR and RBI totals.

With Dye on the block, the Mariners should make a move for him. He is an instant upgrade both in numbers, (.262 BA, 25 HR's, 72 RBI's), and in age (35) over the pair of M's DH's.

The asking price for a 35-year-old slugger will not be steep, a decent prospect or two tops, nothing that will impact the farm system or cripple any development.

Getting Dye gives them three years of relief at a position they definitely need to address. Read this article for more insight.

He is a proven power threat, unlike Vidro, and unlike Sweeney, this is not to say Griffey wasn't a power threat, one of the best ever. Take a look at Griffey's stats at age 35, and it's around the same Dye is putting up now, 30 HR's, 90-100 RBI's, solid.

The Mariners have done a good job addressing issues, and building towards the future, DH is one of the problems that needs addressing if this team is going to go from fringe contender to legitimate playoff threat.

Let's take care of it soon, and move onto the next task, maybe a new Catcher?

Seattle Seahawks: Sign Cornerback Roderick Hood

Andy Auger — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:11:15 -0400

The Cleveland Browns let go of former Arizona Cardinals starting Cornerback Roderick Hood. Hood never made it onto the field during the regular season for the Browns, a causality of the looming five required roster cuts by Tuesday

Hood is a six year veteran who has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and has a decent amount of starting experience as a No. 2 CB.

In his six seasons he has averaged 36 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and 2 INT's per season. Over his last two seasons he has averaged 45 tackles and 3 INT's.

He is the first starter of significance besides former Seattle RB TJ Duckett to become a cut casualty in the league so far.

With Pro Bowl Cornerback Marcus Trufant still on the PUP List, depth is needed, considering first round bust Kelly Jennings is manning the nickel slot currently. He is more suited for dime duties considering his size and skill level.

Even when Trufant comes back, Hood still represents an upgrade over Jennings regardless (and Travis Fisher), allowing the Seahawks to push Jennings to a role playing position, with a dead last ranking in passing yards (259.3 YPG), depth is something this team would be foolish not to add.

Adding a former No. 2 Cornerback for nickel duties is not a bad gig at all, he would be a cost effective option at this point, as he probably would sign for around the veteran minimum

A low risk, high reward move, with last years dead-last secondary, they at least have to be thinking about it, they would be ignorant not to.

Not to steal credit, looking on google news now, I see Field Gulls has come out with a similar article, it's right here.

Deion Branch: Who Replaces Him If He Gets Cut, Courtney Taylor?

Andy Auger — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:57:07 -0400

That rumor mill has been swirling again with a lot bloggers from other teams hoping the Seattle Seahawks cut WR Deion Branch.

Sure, he has not been that great here, he has a 44 catch, four TD average in his three seasons with the Seahawks. His best season was sadly the one he was not even here at the start of in 2006, hauling in 53 catches for 725 yards, and four TD's.

Sure, he has missed 15 regular season games since he has been here, five a season average.

Sure, at $5 million this season, he is overpaid for what amounts to being a third option with marquee Free Agent addition WR TJ Houshmandzadeh looking fabulous in Seahawks blue and Nate Burleson ahead of him on the depth chart.

The question I pose is, if he gets cut, which, could happen, who the f*** do we get to replace him on our roster?

The other Deon has been looking good in the preseason, but asking him to step up as a primary receiving option could prove disastrous in a rookie season, the little guy is better suited as our "secret weapon" anyways.

While teams are busy doubling Houshmandzadeh, and trying to cover John Carlson, Nate Burleson/and or Deion Branch, he can just slip out and blaze downfield as the fourth WR.

I like having that option.

As injuries proved last year, the guys below the aforementioned bunch, plain and simple, suck.

If they were any good, we would not have been 4-12.

Out of the bunch of Ben Obamanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne, Jordan Kent, Mike Hass, Michael Bumpus, their NFL totals amount to 17 receptions, 186 yards, and one TD.

Seahawks fans, I do not know about you, but choosing between a group of WR's who average 2.4 receptions, 26.5 yards, and 0.14 TD's over their careers is not exactly an ideal situation when trying to get back to the playoffs.

Branch may be overpaid, but at this point it is better to keep him, let him try and show he can stay healthy, and produce (which when he is on the field, he has been a quality WR).

If it is the same old show again, and he misses half the year, catches 35 passes, then cut him next offseason, don't disrupt what is looking like a very good passing game with a No. 3 WR who on most teams is still a solid No. 2 option.

Throwing Courtney Taylor, the best of the rest of the bunch with nine grabs, and 98 yards, into a role where he has to produce (which he has not proved he can do), is not going to help lead this team to the playoffs.

Cutting Branch would only save the Seahawks so much, and watch, he will get signed the day after we cut him, and he will go onto have a 1,000 yard season for someone, and we will be here kicking ourselves in the face over it.

If they were to let him go with the Motus Operandi of getting some Offensive Line help, then that makes more sense, but if they can get additional help (why isn't Levi Jones in Seahawks blue?), without cutting him, then I see no reason to do so.

I would not even mind trading him, but letting him go for nothing when we coughed up a first round pick and ultimately let go of Darrell Jackson because of him is not acceptable (think about it, we really did swap a first round pick AND Darrell Jackson for a fourth round pick and Deion Branch).

It's not like this team is broke, we have one of the richest men in the world as our owner in Paul Allen, so money is no factor here.

I say keep him, or trade him for some OL help if they really do not want him there, but do not cut him, we do not need to save money.

Don't eliminate a solid target for Matt Hasselbeck who is throwing like his 2005 self again.

Seattle Seahawks Close To Signing Former All Pro Running Back Edgerrin James

Andy Auger — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:03:30 -0400

The Seattle Seahawk's are nearing a deal with former All Pro Running Back Edgerrin James on a one year, $2 million contract.

The Edge, formerly of the Seahawks' chief division rival, the Arizona Cardinals, is a four-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time first team All Pro selection at Running Back.

He put the Cardinals' rushing attack on life support during the postseason, with a 4.0 YPC average, and was the main reason why they were able to fight and claw their way to their first ever Super Bowl berth after garnering only four playoff appearances in the franchise's history. (You can only pass so much.)

The potential deal was first announced by the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

This signing is going to send mixed signals. GM Tim Ruskell signed Julius Jones to be the feature back for when now head coach Jim Mora was to take over.

Jones has not played in the preseason yet, and with Edge now imminently in Seahawks blue, his job may be in jeopardy.

Edge has by far the best pedigree on the roster at the running back position, with eight 1,000+ rushing seasons to Julius' one.

This move likely means Devin Moore's chances to make the roster are nil, and it could mean TJ Duckett will be gone as well.

It's an intriguing move going for an over-the-hill 31-year-old running back. I'm not sure how much impact he will have, but we will see.

After the rushing I have seen in the preseason, they did need to make a move. It was either Edge or former Mora protege Warrick Dunn, in my opinion.

Now that he got his wanted ticket out of Arizona, let's see if he still has some gas left in the tank for the upcoming season. (Hell, rest him, and let him loose during the postseason?)

Yet another move I called awhile back...

http://www.gnome-girl.com/nfl/an-edge-in-seattle/

Breaking News: Brett Favre Signs With Minnesota Vikings

Andy Auger — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:54:08 -0400

Soon that picture will not just be some crafty Photoshop business.

One night after a report came from Fox Sports Jay Glazer that the attitude amongst the Vikings brass was not a matter of if, but when, Brett Favre would become a Viking, the never ending saga has taken, hopefully, a final twist.

Three weeks after Favre said he would remain retired, citing psychical reasons, it has been stated that Brett Favre has signed a contract, and will suit up in the purple and gold this coming season.

The likely reason this is now occurring is because we are deeper into training camp, and Favre did not want to go through the demands of training camp in hopes of lasting through a full season.

Make it official, and lets get this Favre rumor mill shut down, a formal announcement should be made by the days end.

He is the unquestioned starter for the Vikings', and pairs with All-Pro RB Adrian Peterson to give the Vikings a passing force on offense they have sorely lacked since the glory days of Daunte Culpepper. No longer will this team have to rely solely on the legs of Peterson.

I will have updates as more news comes out, with Favre, you never know how much there is going to be

Brett Favre Rumored To Become Minnesota Viking, Says Vikings Player

Andy Auger — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:04:05 -0400

I just got done with some orientation business here at my new home and clicked on Sports Illustrated, and guess what I saw?

Another Brett Favre rumor.

I have always maintained the belief that Brett Favre has not played his last snap in the NFL. It's just a matter of when it happens—this season, next season, etc.

The report first came from Fox Sports and was recently picked up by SI (in my opinion, a more credible source).

I don't think the unnamed Vikings player would be trying to stir up more rumors for nothing. We have heard from All-Pros like DE Jared Allen that they just want it to be done either way.

Poor Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels; even though Favre is "retired," they always will have the possibility of him signing in the back of their heads.

That's all I got; feel free to sound off. Got a test early in the morning. Gooo Cougs!

Mariners Could Make a Move For Cut Milwaukee Brewers 3B Bill Hall

Andy Auger — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:06:49 -0400

Last night, I was able to watch my Seattle Mariners pull off a great win from some fancy dugout seats. I was also able to catch a foul ball and talk to player Franklin Gutierrez as well.

All that was fine and dandy, but I was also able to watch a great defensive game, and watch, probably for the last time in my life, Griffey end the game with a walk-off hit.

What a great night!

After I got home, I saw that Bill Hall had been DFA'ed, and that automatically rang a bell in my head because Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik was the man who drafted him while he was with Milwaukee.

Mariners fan's are all to familiar with the fact that current starting 3B Adrian Beltre's contract is up after 2009. He is not the 48 HR machine they coughed up 12.7 million per year to get, but he is still one of the game's elite 3B.

There were some rumors in July that Zduriencik was interested in trading for Hall, along with 2B Rickie Weeks, both whom he has admired since drafting them.

So why not go after him when he is cut for the prorated minimum of $400,000?

He is nothing more then a project, his offense is offensive (makes him perfect for the M's), only hitting .201 with 6 HR's and 24 RBI's. We know his defense is decent, but we can't even put it above Beltre's despite our loss of love for him.

With Beltre possibly leaving, this could be an answer if he steps it up a notch.

The Free Agent market is fairly bare at 3B, with Chone Figgins, and Troy Glaus being the top options. Both will likely stay with their contending clubs.

Mariners fans have seen Zduriencik turn scraps into gold this season, with guys like David Aardsma, Russell Branyan, and Franklin Gutierrez all having career years.

So why not give him a piece of something he hand picked himself?

It would be another low risk, high reward move, and who would they have to bump to make room for him? Mike Sweeney? Jack Hannahan?

After watching Sweeney tonight, the clubhouse leader deal can only work for so long; the guy needs to be DFA'ed himself.

If JJ Jardy gets cut, (demoted to AAA), he is someone they should definitely go after, one hell of a utility player/potential 3B.

There are affordable, potential filled options out there, we just have to go after them.

Seahawks In Possible Trade Talks For New York Jets Running Back Thomas Jones

Andy Auger — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:45:37 -0400

Rumors abound that the New York Jets are looking to offload last season's AFC-leading rusher, Thomas Jones.

Previously, the rumors had the 'Hawks possibly trading disappointing WR Deion Branch straight up for the feature back. The trade made sense because the Jets had cut former No. 1 WR Laveranues Coles and had a need to fill a starting WR slot.

The National Football Post, as well as Yahoo Sports, have now stated that the Jets have placed a call to a NFC West team to gauge interest in acquiring Jones.

Now that doesn't mean it is automatically Seattle, but let's breakdown the current state of the rushing affairs within the division:

The St. Louis Rams have All-Pro, top rushing RB Steven Jackson. End of story.

The San Francisco 49ers have All-Pro RB Frank Gore. They also drafted Glen Coffee in the third round. End of story.

The Arizona Cardinals just drafted Beanie Wells in the first round, and also have Tim Hightower. It's a possibility, but after drafting a RB in the first round, it's highly unlikely.

Now the Seahawks do have Julius Jones, but he has one career 1,000 yard season; while big brother Thomas just won the AFC rushing title. T.J. Duckett is the best short-yardage back in the league, but he is hardly anything more than a role player.

So if a call was placed to an NFC West team, it was likely the Seahawks, and the Deion Branch rumors are likely to come up again.

With the preseason almost here in Hawkville, Thomas could still learn the offense in time for the regular season, and would be the clear-cut No. 1 RB option. He is more of a power runner than Julius, despite the two still meshing well together. Almost like "Thunder and Lightning."

If acquired, no one could point and laugh at the running game, even though Seahawks fans think Julius can carry the load, (we never gave him much of a chance), not many of those East Coast biasers' do.

With the potent aerial assault, adding a top rusher would make the offense that much better, simple as that.

It is unlikely the 'Hawks would give up much for him; likely nothing more than a fourth rounder and a mediocre player tops.

But if they can steal him for a good price, I say why not? He'll improve's the team and bring us back into contention.

So if the price is right, GM Tim Ruskell has no choice but to go after Jones. It could be one more important acquisition, in an already great offseason by the Seahawks.

Who Says Michael Vick Can't Throw?

Andy Auger — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:40:49 -0400

I used to be a huge Michael Vick fan, along with many others. He was a dynamic force in the league and was one of its top players.

His unique abilities at the QB position could single-handedly change the course of the game in one snap—not many QBs can do that by themselves.

I was sad, disappointed, shocked, and baffled when the dogfighting news broke a few years back, but knew the day would come when he would play again.

Despite being good enough to be the highest paid player in the league at one point, 10 years, $130 million on his contract, there were some knocks on his throwing abilities.

No, I have not watched every Falcons game he ever played—mostly the ones against the Seahawks (losses of course, do work)—but glancing at his stats recently, I became puzzled at why people knock his passing so much.

He was in a run-first scheme, and was a run-first QB, but his passing stat line is not horrendous: 71 TDs, 52 INTs, 11,505 yards, and a 76.7 QBR.

I decided to compare this stat line to various QBs around the league.

First I will list whichever of the top 32 QB's, that have a worse career QB rating:

Derek Anderson: 43 TDs, 35 INTs, 6,195 yards, 75.1 QBR

Eli Manning: 98 TDs, 74 INTs, 14,623 yards, 76.1 QBR

Tarvaris Jackson: 20 TDs, 18 INTs, 3,442 yards, 76.5 QBR

Kyle Orton: 30 TDs, 27 INTs, 5,319 yards, 71.1 QBR

Kellen Clemens: 5 TDs, 11 INTs, 1,555 yards, 59.3 QBR

Kerry Collins: 186 TDs, 179 INTs, 37,393 yards, 73.8 QBR

Not the most impressive list, but it does include four Pro Bowl trips (DA, EM, KC), a Super Bowl winning QB (Manning), and a guy who just led his team to the NFL's best record in 2008 in Kerry Collins.

That's six starters (one potential, two likely starters in DA, TJ) directly off the top who have an inferior rating to Vick, almost 20 percent of the league.

Now lets take a look at the QBs whose TD/INT ratio is worse then Vick's 71-52 (1.4 ratio).

Trent Edwards: 18 TDs, 18 INTs, (1 ratio)

Joe Flacco: 14 TDs, 12 INTs, (1.16 ratio)

Matt Schuab: 30 TDs, 25 INTs, (1.2 ratio)

JaMarcus Russell: 15 TDs, 12 INTs, (1.25 ratio)

Byron Leftwich: 54 TDs, 38 INTs, (1.39 ratio)

Marc Bulger: 117 TDs, 87 INTs, (1.34 ratio)

There's six more, so despite the knocks on his passing game, he has put up better numbers then 13 current starting QBs in the league, without his legs in the factor.

So that makes him average, not horrible as a lot of people claim, but when I was looking up these stats I noticed that his 1.4 ratio is close to some fairly prominent names.

Ben Roethlisberger: 101 TDs, 61 INTs, (1.46 ratio)

Jason Campbell: 35 TDs, 23 INTs, (1.50 ratio)

Jay Cutler: 54 TDs, 37 INTs, (1.45 ratio)

Daunte Culpepper: 146 TDs, 100 INTs, (1.46 ratio)

Matt Ryan: 16 TDs, 11 INTs, (1.45 ratio), he replaced Vick in Atlanta

Jake Delhomme: 115 TDs, 76 INTs, (1.50 ratio)

That's a combined 19 starting QBs currently in the league who Vick is either better than, or can compare with in terms of his pertinent passing production. Around 60 percent.

That's not including his record-setting rushing numbers, an intangible teams would have been salivating over if he had actually managed to hit the open market in a clean, non-dog fighting manner.

The one thing I cannot defend is his completion percentage, which if I did the research, would probably be around the middle, but he still scored at as good a ratio as 2/3 of all QB's in solely the passing game.

Could you imagine the contract? $13 million per year average with Atlanta, and he would have received a substantial raise on the open market. We might have seen a ridiculous $20 million per season offer.

So before you knock Vick for his "lack of passing skills", remember that he stacks up to 2/3 of the current QBs in the league, without his legs.

Looking Ahead: The Top MLB Free Agents For 2009

Andy Auger — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:49:17 -0400

With the season two months from being over, some teams are in the heat of a pennant race, some seasons are over (i.e. Pirates, Nationals), and every GM is starting to sketch out their plans for life after the 2009 season.

The trade deadline showed us the direction many teams intend on taking.

The Pirates and Indians are having the fire sales to end all fire sales and the Phillies are stacking themselves up for the here-and-now, grabbing Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco in a steal of a deal.

Free agency is just as much a part of the game as the game itself.

Some teams look to shore up the holes on their roster while others try to put fans in the seats with a flashy signing.

It's like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get.

There are as many Russell Branyan-like success stories (26 HR's with the Mariners in his first season as a starter) as their are $45 million dollar Jason Schmidt flops.

With the economy in its $13 trillion downturn, it's no surprise we saw some low contracts dolled out last winter.

The Yankees and Manny aside, not many players hit the jackpot.

Raul Ibanez received the top deal money-wise with a $31.5 million deal over three years with the Phillies.

Let's take a look at the top infielders who will hit the free agent market and where they might end up (speculation, based on team needs more then anything).

Catcher

Rod Barajas

The cupboard is pretty bare at catcher in this free agent class, unless someone gets cut before free agency roles around.

Barajas is a solid starting option for teams in need of a serviceable backstop.

He is on pace for 19 home runs and 85 RBIs, a quality stat line for a position not renowned for it's offense.

At 33, he still has some gas in the tank and could be some team's starter for the next three to four seasons.

Plausible Destination: Seattle Mariners

Rob Johnson is a good defensive catcher but his batting is atrocious.

The defensive trade off is minor in favor of Johnson, while the offensive upgrade is more then double the RBI, ten times the HR, and a better batting average.

Johnson has been on a roll lately, but he still sports a low average at .231 and doesn't produce a lot of runs and can't hit for power.

Bengie Molina

The 35-year-old is nothing more then a stopgap option at this point in his career, should he choose to leave the Bay Area.

Not many catchers hit cleanup but he's an exception to the rule.

He also is a solid defensive catcher and will surely be someone's starter if signed on the open market.

Plausible Destination: Tampa Bay Rays

Dioner Navarro has been dreadful this season, batting one point above the Mendoza Line.

The Rays are a young contending team, but even a young team needs to infuse some savvy veteran talent.

Molina offers them a fixture at catcher for a couple seasons at reasonable cost.

To keep pace with the Yankees and Red Sox they need to be consistently addressing issues on their roster, and catcher is one of them.

First Base

Russell Branyan

The 33-year-old is having a career year in his first full season as a starter, blasting a career high 26 home runs.

He's due for a raise from his $1.3 million contract and, depending on the market, could parlay his 2009 season into a contract upwards of $8-10 million.

His name came up in trade rumors often in Seattle, so I would put his chances of staying at 60/40.

Plausible Destination: San Francisco Giants

They need offense badly and, although Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko were solid pickups, Garko is not the answer at 1B.

Branyan would give them a power threat capable of hitting 40 home runs (he's on pace for 46) for the next three to four seasons and adding him would ease the pressure from their elite pitching staff.

Adam LaRoche

He has been the victim of some bad Pirates squads but still averaged 26 home runs a season over the last three years.

He is a well-rounded player who can knock in 30 home runs and 100 RBI.

If he were to leave the Braves, he would garner some serious attention on the open market and, at 29, offers a long term option at 1B

Plausible Destination: Toronto Blue Jays

He is better than what they have and would cost a lot less than the horribly overpaid Lyle Overbay.

Kevin Millar is getting up there and it would not surprise me to see them address the position in the off-season.

Second Base

Freddy Sanchez:

The biggest name analyzed so far. He is a great defender and swings for a .300 average. He is a former batting champion, and a three-time all-star selection.

How things turn out with the G-Men will dictate whether he goes or stays.

He will likely test the free agent waters like many players do.

He recently rejected a two year, $10 million extension from his former team, the Pirates.

Plausible Destination: Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have been playing musical chairs at the second base in 2009 and grabbing Sanchez would be a great move for them.

An infield of Derek Lee, Sanchez, Ryan Theriot, and Aramis Ramirez is as solid as it gets.

He would be both an offensive and defensive upgrade over Jeff Baker, Aaron Miles, and Mike Fontenot.

Placido Polanco:

The reliable veteran will draw some significant interest on the open market.

He is on pace for a career high in RBI (81) and displays a consistent glove on the defensive side. He offers someone three to four years of quality production as a starter.

Plausible Destination: Atlanta Braves

Kelly Johnson has a lot of improving to do, and the Braves would do themselves no harm by bringing aboard a quality veteran like Polanco.

He would provide an instant upgrade on offense and defense, and would solidify a good infield for the Braves.

Shortstop

Marco Scutaro

He is having a breakout season and has already tied his personal career high in home runs (9), and remains on pace to break his best RBI total (60).

He carries a good glove and should be able to turn his career best season into a decent contract.

Plausible Destination: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are slumping, but don't be fooled—they have a stacked roster and are one of the best teams in baseball.

After adding all-star catcher Victor Martinez, the only hole on the roster is at shortstop.

Adding Scutaro would give them a reliable veteran starter and allow them to push Nick Green back into a utility role where he is better suited.

Miguel Tejada

The 36 year-old is tearing it up this season and is likely going to get a nice chunk of change on the open market if he leaves the Astro's for a contender.

He has a .317 average and is on pace for his best RBI total (101) since 2004 (150).

He is not someone's future, he's 36, but he could perform at or close to an all-star level for the next four seasons.

Plausible Destination: Detroit Tigers

Their shortstops are less then impressive.

The combined numbers between Adam Everett and Michael Hollimon (.252 BA, 3 HR, 34 RBI) barely add up to half of Tejada's RBI total and are completely inferior in every other aspect of the game.

Detroit is built to win now, and taking care of their one hole on the infield is a must if they want to keep ahead of the White Sox and the Twins in the future.

Third Base

Adrian Beltre

As a Mariners fan I would hate to see him go.

He may not be the 48 home run threat they signed him to be but he is the top defensive third baseman in the game.

Injuries have slowed him in 2009 but he has played well since coming of the DL.

I see him staying in Seattle though, as Jack Zdruiencik will entice players to stay.

At 31, he offers a great fixture at third base for years to come.

He won't be getting the $12 million plus he has been earning, but he will likely garner a contract in the $7 million range.

Plausible Destination: Milwaukee Brewers

Even in an "off" season for Beltre, he still has better numbers than the current third basemen on the roster by a wide margin.

He brings a top flight glove to a team that plays in a division with the Cubs and Cardinals, two of the best teams in the game.

On offense you know what you're getting: around 25 HR and 90-95 RBI.

This is not the guy who hit 148 RBI's for the Dodgers, but he displays a decent bat.

Chone Figgins

I was torn between him and the Phillies Pedro Feliz, but I went with Figgins because of the all-star nod, superb defense, and age (he's three years younger).

He doesn't bat fourth in the lineup, so his offensive numbers are not great. But he does sport a .301 BA, 36 RBI, and 33 SB.

Plausible Destination: Los Angeles Angels

I do not see him leaving one of baseballs best teams in his prime.

In my next article I will take a look at the top OF's and DH's that will be able to hit the market after this season.

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Seahawks Position Battle: Offensive Line

Andy Auger — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:11:18 -0400

The Seahawks do not feature what one would call a premier offensive line. This unit has been unstable since the departure of All Pro G Steve “Poison Pill” Hutchinson following 2005’s Super Bowl season.

In addition to the retirement of Pro Bowl C Robbie Tobeck (2006), and the expected retirement of G Chris Gray. The three aforementioned players were starters on the 2005 Super Bowl team; during which the Seahawks fielded perhaps the best OL unit in the league.

Every single starter on the Seahawks OL finished the 2008 season on IR. The backups came close to beating the New England Patriots, losing 24-21. They beat a playoff hopeful New York Jets at home 13-3 in Week 16. In that game the makeshift line did not give up a sack in the beloved walrus’ last game.

The Seahawks had an impressive free agency and drafting period. To shore up the OL, they traded up to grab C/G Max Under with the 49th pick. They re-signed promising 26-year-old T Ray Willis to a two-year, $6 million dollar contract. Willis could have landed a starter job on the open market; the Seahawks were smart to retain him.

Along the OL, the two locked positions are future Hall of Famer LT Walter Jones and RT Sean Locklear. Both are bouncing back from season ending injuries: shoulder, and toe respectively. Locklear has been labeled as the heir apparent to Jones’ LT position when he retires.

Rob Sims will likely be getting the nod at LG after former starter Mike Wahle retired after a failed psychical. He has been solid but largely unimpressive. He does not carry the bust label as Spencer does among Seahawks fans. He was a fourth round pick and was not hand fed a starter position like Spencer.

A new zone-blocking scheme should give these two underachievers a fresh opportunity to prove they can make an impact at the NFL level.

C Chris Spencer has a lot to prove. The four year pro was GM Tim Ruskell’s first ever pick for the Seattle Seahawks. He has battled mediocrity and injuries for the duration of his career (missed 14 games in four seasons). He has not even come close to fitting into the shoes of former C Robbie Tobeck.

Practice squad C Steve Vallos started in relief of Spencer's injuries, and put on a blocking clinic while playing at C. Spencer is an impending free agent after the 2009 season; this will likely be his last audition to prove he is the Seahawks' future at C.

Newcomer C/G Max Unger will be the starting RG with Sims' moving over to the left side after the retirement of former starter Mike Wahle.

Promising T Ray Willis will certainly be prominent factors in the starting discussion. Willis started ten games in 2008. Unger could very well supplant incumbent C Chris Spencer as well.

He started 52 consecutive games for Oregon, and was one of the top three interior lineman available in the 2009 NFL Draft behind Centers Alex Mack and Eric Wood. He will also give Rob Sims a battle to keep his starting RG spot.

Barring any bust potential, we will see Unger at the G position this season and could slide in at C in the future if Spencer does not step it up this season.

Ray Willis also has a chance to slide in and take Sims’ "vacant" G spot. He proved he can be a competent starter, playing effectively in his 10 starts last season.

When Walter Jones retires, Willis appears to be the choice at RT when current starter Sean Locklear shifts to LT. This appears to be the plan unless something new develops in future offseasons.

The T positions appear set but the inside is up for grabs. It will be a five-man scrap for the three interior positions. A fierce scramble will ensue for the C and G positions.

Competition can only be healthy for a team coming off of a 4-12 season. There can be no feeling of complacency and contentment on this roster. There needs to be a hunger unlike any recent season and a drive to make 2008 an aberration; restoring some pride to the nation's most miserable sports scene in 2008.

The Three Most Pathetic Franchises in Professional Sports

Andy Auger — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:52:29 -0400

Got Ya :)

We all like to think that parity is spread throughout each respective professional sports league and that every team has a fighting chance. Well, that's simply not the case.

You do not have teams like the Los Angeles Lakers appearing in 30 title games without someone getting screwed on the other end (foreshadowing?).

Some cities like Boston have had terrific runs of late—three Super Bowls, two World Series, the 2008 NBA Title, and a hockey team that makes the postseason regularly.

Contrast this success with a city like San Diego, who has never even won a professional sports title in its existence.

Picking one team from the NBA, MLB, and NFL, let's look at the three most pathetic sports franchises disgracing our nation.

Los Angeles Clippers, NBA

Show me one team who has had only one winning record in the last 18 years in the NBA and I will gladly remove the Clippers from the list.

The franchise has almost double the losses (2,020) than they have wins (1,146)—that should speak for itself. In addition to their poor record, they have been poorly run from the front office.

Hopefully the selection of Oklahoma F Blake Griffin will take the sting out of blowing it in 1998 when they last had the No. 1 pick and selected C Michael Olowokandi.

In addition to that, they have never kept players who turn out to be half decent. Then they try to cover that up with high priced free agent flops.

Some notable Clippers draft picks

F Lamar Odom: He is now on the other side of town, winning the NBA Finals.

Tyson Chandler: A talented C who currently starts for the young Charlotte Bobcats, a team on the verge of becoming consistent contenders.

Now as expected, the list has few impact players, none on the current roster. Let's turn it around and see some of the first round busts they had high hopes on:

G Darius Miles: Now a reserve player for the Memphis Grizzlies; they won 24 games last year.

F Chris Wilcox: He has averaged a mediocre 9.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG for his career.

C Melvin Ely: Now the backup in New Orleans; ironic, isn't it? (Tyson Chandlers' old team) He has averaged 5.6 PPG and 3.3 RPG a game in his career.

G Shaun Livingston: Now a reserve player for the Oklahoma Thunder, the former No. 4 pick has averaged 7.3 PPG as a PG, generally a high scoring position.

F Yaroslav Korolev: The former No. 12 pick played a total of 34 games for the Clippers and averaged 1.1 PPG for the team.

C Paul Davis: In his two years with the team, he averaged 2.0 PPG. He has returned for a second stint but has not seen the floor all too much.

That many draft mistakes warrants their pathetic history of late. The three notable draft picks they have managed to hang onto are C Chris Kaman, and recent first-rounders G Eric Gordon, and F Al Thornton.

In addition to their unpalatable draft day busts, they also have signed ineffective high-priced free agents in attempts to field a mediocre team:

Cuttino Mobley: signed a five year, $42 million contract, and averaged a mediocre 14.6 PPG.

Tim Thomas: For $6 million a year, the Clippers got 10.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG.

Baron Davis: Replacing star F Elton Brand as the team's franchise player, Davis has gotten off to a decent start, though the 14.9 PPG have not come close to justifying his five-year, $65 million contract.

Even with their dismal past, the future is getting somewhat brighter. In 2008, they did some purging by letting Elton Brand and Cory Maggette walk in free agency. They brought in defensive stud C Marcus Camby for a $10 million trade exception.

They grabbed former Heat G Ricky Davis with a one-year deal to help ease the loss of Maggette. The aforementioned picks of Eric Gordon and Al Thornton have panned out for the better thus far.

A lineup of Marcus Camby, Ricky Davis, Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Zach Randolph, Al Thornton, Blake Griffin, and Chris Kaman should prove to be competitive if they can all stay healthy.

If the team does not pan out as the usual modus operandi, who cares? Los Angeles is the Lakers' town anyways.

Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB

The Pirates also share a dubious honor with the Clippers; one winning record in the last 18 seasons.

In the last 17 years, they have placed third or higher in their division only twice. Their highest win total in that span for a single season is 78.

The Nationals are definitely a candidate for worst MLB team, but they at least have the excuse of being a relocated team, if that even counts.

What makes matters worse for the Pirates is that they are well known for their amazing minor league system and all of the great prospects they churn out.

With their poor drafts, this puzzles me, but their minor league systems are a known commodity. To the delight of other teams they generally give away their best prospects in exchange for rags.

Notable bust transactions the past decade

SP Jason Schmidt to the San Francisco Giants for Armando Rios and Ryan Vogelsong

OF Jose Guillen, and P Jeff Sparks to the Tampa Bay Rays for Joe Oliver and Humberto Cota.

OF Kenny Lofton and 3B Aramis Ramirez and cash to the Chicago Cubs for P Jose Hernandez, OF Matt Bruback, and P Bobby Hill.

RP Damaso Marte and OF Edwin Yan to the Chicago White Sox for P Matt Guerrier.

OF Nate McLouth for prospects OF Gorkys Hernandez, P Jeff Locke, and P Charlie Morton.

In addition to some head-scratching trades they have not done well with first round picks recently. Some first-round duds include:

P Bryan Bullington: The former 2002 No. 1 overall pick has never won a professional game and has a ERA of 5.45.

P Sean Burnett: Since his debut in 2004 the former 19th overall selection has a career record of 7-7 with a 4.59 ERA.

P John Van Benschoten: He has a career 2-3 record with a 9.20 ERA, hardly worthy of his eighth overall selection.

3B Neil Walker: He has no professional stats recorded. That should say enough.

P Brad Lincoln: The former No. 4 pick has been decimated by injuries and is currently battling for a spot in the rotation for the Pirate's class AAA team.

Unlike the Clippers, the Pirates seem destined for poor play with their cheap budget and failure to make any impact signings. At least the Clippers now possess a young team with some diverse talents.

A recent fire-sale means Pirates fans have to wait just that much longer. They unloaded 3/4 of the infield,1B Adam LaRoche, 2B Freddy Sanchez, SS Jack Wilson, and two of their top P's in Ian Snell, and John Grabow away at the July 31 trade deadline.

Through trades involving seven of their players this season they have netted a whopping 19 players, mostly minor leaguers.

At least they have a plan and are sticking to it, I like the meltdown (Got my team Jack Wilson and Ian Snell).

Luckily the city of Pittsburgh has the Steelers, who just wrapped up their second title in four seasons. The Penguins just won the Stanley Cup also; not a bad gig.

Cincinnati Bengals, NFL

What a coincidence—the third team on the list also has only one winning record in the past 18 years.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the rap sheet is over 10 pages long in regards to Bengals' players who have been arrested in the past two seasons.

The fact that the Bengals were sub-par with the prolific passing trio of Carson Palmer, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and Chad Johnson makes matters even worse.

The Arizona Cardinals went to the Super Bowl due to their passing game, and their defense was no worse, so what's the excuse?

2008 was injury riddled, but that only accounts for one losing season out of many.

They have hit home runs on some of their recent draft picks this decade, such as QB Carson Palmer and CB Leon Hall. Other than that, the picks have either busted or the team has failed to hang onto the ones who panned out:

The Ones Who Got Away

DE Justin Smith: The 2001 No. 4 pick had a solid career with the Bengals, averaging 66 tackles and 6.5 sacks per season. He had an untimely off year, only recording two sacks before he was set to be a FA. After he signed with the 49ers he tallied seven sacks, while his replacement, Antwan Odom, got half that total for the Bengals in 2008.

T Levi Jones: He was a solid starter in his Bengals' tenure. His knack for being bitten by the injury bug was the reason for his release this past off-season. Another club is going to pick him up and he well most likely remain a starter.

Busts

RB Chris Perry: In five seasons he has amassed a grand total of 606 yards and two TD's.

LB David Pollack: Not the team's fault, but Pollack suffered a career ending neck injury on Sept. 17, 2006. He started six games and tallied only 29 tackles for Cincinnati.

CB Jonathan Joseph: I might take some heat for putting him here, but in 39 games he has averaged only four tackles per game and averages 1.6 INT's per season.

The Bengals' free agent acquisitions have not panned out as of late, and they have let some of their big-ticket players walk for nothing on the open market.

Here are some notable players that failed to stick around:

WR TJ Houshmandzadeh: a five-year, $40 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. What puzzled me was that they handed the exact same contract to Laveranues Coles to replace him. He is a good WR, but not of Houshmandzadeh's caliber.

T Levi Jones: He is an oft-injured player, but why would you cut a guy who could have paired with rookie Andre Smith to make a formidable T tandem? They could have at least taken a look to see if he would restructure his five-year, $30 million contract.

DE Justin Smith: A smart move to not retain him, as he was not worth the six year, $45 million whopper the 49ers handed him.

The fact remains they have not replaced him, and with their sagging defense, they will eventually need to over-pay to get some help anyways.

S Madieu Williams: He is now a starter on a playoff team and appears to have made a wise jump to the other North division. Grabbing hard hitting S Roy Williams was a good move, and he could be a better fit in their defense, but that remains to be seen.

T Stacy Andrews: Now part of a revamped Philadelphia Eagles OL that is one of the best in the NFL. If he is good enough to start for the runner-up to the NFC Title, why isn't he good enough for the Bengals?

To get to the Super Bowl, you need to form a nucleus and keep it together for a good amount of time. This is not a formula the Bengals have used recently, which is in large part of why they are as bad as they are.

Letting your No. 1 WR walk is not a great move. Re-tooling the coaching staff and changing the scheme around would give them a needed breath of fresh air.

Like the Clippers, this team has some decent pieces in place as it stands. Carson Palmer has two good WR's to throw to in Coles and Johnson. If RB Cedric Benson can be at least mediocre it will give the passing game a necessary complement to be effective.

The defense is less to be desired. With some young players like LBs Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga, and CBs Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph, they do have some blocks to build around.

All of these teams have nowhere to go but up. Fortunately for the Clippers and Pirates, their pathetic outputs are covered up by the Lakers/Angels/Dodgers/Ducks, and the Steelers/Penguins.

Maybe the Bengals should give Bill Parcells a call—it wouldn't hurt talking to someone who turned a 1-15 team into the AFC East Champions in one year.

In my next article, the tides will turn and I will examine the three best teams in professional sports.

Seattle Seahawks: Jim Mora Coaching Profile

Andy Auger — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:42:39 -0400

For the first time in 10 seasons, there is a breath of fresh air and a different, fiery passion resonating within the Seahawks' gorgeous practice facility

This last season saw the departure of the Seahawks' most beloved head coach, Mike Holmgren. As was decided long before he left, Jim Mora was to be given the reins to the franchise.

Mora was the former Atlanta Falcons head coach from 2004-2006 and led them to a 26-22 record with one NFC Championship game appearance.

He was a finalist for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job in 2006 after he was let go by Atlanta. In 2007, he spurned the chance to become the New York Giants' defensive coordinator.

Instead, he became Seattle’s defensive backs/assistant head coach in 2007. He cited the privilege of working under future HOF coach Mike Holmgren as the deciding factor. His arrival led to speculation he was Holmgren's heir apparent.

Before the 2008 season, he also spurned an offer for the head coaching position in Washington to remain in Seattle. It appears as though he was hell-bent on eventually becoming the Seahawks' head coach, and he got his wish.

He is known as a player’s coach; the rapport he has with his players is a good, unifying quality. Even before he became Seattle’s head coach he was doing things like taking CB Marcus Trufant and DE Patrick Kerney on runs up a three-mile trail called Tiger Mountain. Those types of “one-on-one” activities promote more than just a good workout.

Ever since his interview on KJR 950 with Hugh Millen in 2006, you just knew it was fate he would end up being a head coach in the Northwest. While the Falcons were still in playoff contention, he went on live radio and said that if the Washington Huskies' coaching job was made available, he would take it.

Now later on he retracts that statement and said he was only joking, but the damage was done. The media, owner Arthur Blank, as well as the Falcons fan base, strongly disapproved of the remarks with the team in the playoff hunt.

Growing up in the Northwest, and playing for the Huskies, can you really fault someone for declaring that they would take their dream job? The timing was inappropriate, but the remarks were not way out of line.

After the disappointing 7-9 finish in 2006, Mora was fired. Perhaps that radio interview had some factor in the decision?

That is not to say he was a poor coach, or did not succeed during his tenure in Atlanta. He enjoyed tremendous success running the ball. With Greg Knapp at his side as offensive coordinator (same role currently in Seattle), they led the league in rushing three straight years from 2004-2006.

His team featured a dynamic offense with QB Michael Vick at the helm leading the three-headed monster of a rushing game alongside RB’s Warrick Dunn, and current Seahawk TJ Duckett.

His defense featured some prominent players in their prime, like DE Patrick Kerney, LB Keith Brooking, LB Demarrio Williams, and DT Rod Coleman. They could run the ball, and keep opposing offenses off of the field, especially in 2004.

That is a great formula for winning.

He brings the same strategy with him to Seattle, and has a similar, perhaps upgraded, unit to work with.

Under the new coaching regime the team is transitioning to a zone blocking scheme. This seems to be a better fit with Seattle’s smaller, more athletic offensive line anchored by future HOF T Walter Jones.

Mora and offensive coordinator Knapp also ran this scheme in Atlanta. Knapp helped them post three straight No. 1 rushing attacks from 2004-2006 while employing it.

The Seahawks have a Warrick Dunn-type back in current feature back Julius Jones. After arriving in 2008, Jones looks to take over the bulk of the rushing load after longtime back Maurice Morris departed to Detroit during the off-season. Jones is the one-cut type RB that thrives in the zone system, and should benefit from the coaching and scheme changes.

Mora inherits the best passer he has had an opportunity to work with as a head coach, and one of the best in the league in QB Matt Hasselbeck. Vick was never a terrific passer, although he did post a marginal 75.6 QB Rating while playing under Mora in Atlanta.

Hasselbeck headlines what is a superior passing attack in contrast to what Mora had to work with in Atlanta. Hasselbeck has a career 84.6 QBR along with 23,589 yards, 147 TD’s, and 94 INT’s.

The passing game in Atlanta featured TE Alge Crumpler, whose best output was when he hauled in 65 catches for 877 yards and 5 TD’s in 2005.

The Seahawks also feature a great TE with second-year pro Jon Carlson, who caught 55 balls for 627 yards and 5 TD’s. 2008 was the first time in awhile the Seahawks had a TE lead the team in receptions (The seven WR injuries had nothing to do with that right?).

In contrast, the WR corps in Atlanta did not feature a WR who went over 611 yards in his time there, with Brian Finneran snagging 50 balls for 611 yards and two TD’s during the 2005 season.

Mora was beaming at the press conference on March 3 of this year introducing marquee free agent WR TJ Houshmandzadeh to the Seattle media. The Seahawks snared him during the off-season and Mora was thrilled to have the opportunity to add him.

He is one of the best WR’s in the NFL, and gives Mora a pair of the best passing weapons he has ever had. Houshmandzadeh has caught more passes then anyone the past three seasons averaging 98 catches, 1,043 yards, and 8 TD’s per season in that span.

The passing game also features receivers Deion Branch and Nate Burleson, rounding out a deep trio of proven pass catchers.

Having little to do with an offense that he is leaving in Knapp's hands, Mora should feel comfortable with the weapons in the passing game.

The running game will also rank in the top 10 as Knapp has never led a rushing attack lower then 10th in his coaching tenure. He even turned Oakland into a great rushing team leading them to sixth and 10th rankings in the 2007-2008 seasons.

Turning over to the defensive side, Mora should be pleased with the arsenal at his disposal.

Mora will be employing the Tampa-2 scheme, along with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Bradley will get to casually watch and smile while Mora runs the Seahawks defensive unit.

In a nutshell, the Tampa-2 relies on fast players who generate pressure, while the secondary sits back in zone coverage as ball-hawks.

After a very productive off-season the Seahawks have brought in four potential new starters that can thrive in the Tampa-2 defense.

They went out and hooked a much needed run stuffer in Green Bay NT Colin Cole. He fills the void left by former starter Rocky Bernard.

Cole is massive, weighing in at 6”1 330 lbs. He commands consistent double teams, which opens up the rest of the DL, and keeps bodies off of Seattle’s play-making LB’s.

Adding a “big” player to the Tampa-2 really changes the dynamics of the scheme and allows additional flexibility to blitz the LB’s more often.

They swapped Pro Bowl LB Julian Peterson to Detroit for DE Cory Redding, and a fifth round pick, effectively filling another DL need. Redding will take over for disappointing DE Lawrence Jackson, who only tallied two sacks in 14 starts during his rookie year.

They got the top prospect in the 2009 draft by nabbing Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry with the No. 4 pick. Drafting him was the full circle completion of the Julian Peterson trade. Curry is slated to start in Julian Peterson's spot at the strongside OLB position.

They also brought back CB Ken Lucas to be the No. 2 CB. He is the big physical presence (6'1", 205 lbs) the Seahawks have sorely lacked opposite of Pro Bowl CB Marcus Trufant. Lucas and can match up with bigger, physical WR’s like division rival Arizona Cardinals' WR Larry Fitzgerald.

Adding Lucas allows Seattle to bump smaller CB’s Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings to the third and fourth slots, respectively. They round out what now looks to be an impressive CB unit for Seattle.

Mora loves to attack the QB, and now he has a perfect defense to match his passion.

Seattle boasts the leagues top LB unit with Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, and promising rookie Aaron Curry.

All are freakish athletes with incredible speed and Mora will unleash them to attack offenses from every angle. They can also sit back and cover WR’s adequately to take pressure off the DB’s on occasion.

The DL is revamped with the Cole and Redding acquisitions. Seattle also boats Pro Bowl DE Patrick Kerney (played under Mora in Atlanta), who has a relentless drive and knows how to get consistent pressure on the QB.

He has averaged nine sacks the two seasons he has been with the team, and that’s with missing nine games in 2008.

In the secondary, a healthy Marcus Trufant (Broken wrist in 2008) and Deon Grant (Torn hamstring) should revitalize the NFL’s worst pass defense season. They gave up 259.3 passing yards per game.

This is the same unit that in contrast, when healthy, gave up the leagues fewest passing TD’s with 15 in 2007.

If they can fall somewhere in the middle, it will regenerate this defense. By applying pressure, and forcing turnovers, it allows the offense more opportunities to score.

Mora has inherited a wide variety of talent on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks are going to feature some new elements that should mesh seamlessly together.

On the offensive side, adding Houshmandzadeh and rookie WR Deon Butler gives them a big physical WR, and a blazing speed complement (4.32 40 time at NFL Combine) to go with the Seahawks new No. 1 WR.

On defense adding size to the DL by bringing in Cole and Redding will mix well with the athletic and quick incumbents Brandon Mebane and Patrick Kerney.

How Mora's scheme changes pan out will dictate his legacy in Seattle. Replacing a future HOF coach like Holmgren is a very challenging task.

He spoke of an image of a Super Bowl parade ranging from the Space Needle to Qwest Field. Realizing that vision would certainly retain his legacy as Seattle’s most successful coach.

Let’s see if he can get it done in the lime green city and translate Seattle’s successful 2009 offseason into a playoff berth.

(Last article for awhile, suffered third degree burns on hand) :(

Seahawks Coaching Profile: The Coordinators

Andy Auger — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:59:44 -0400

The Seahawks have re-tooled their coaching staff following the departure of Mike Holmgren.

Head coach Jim Mora brings with him his favorite sidekick in new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp. Together In Atlanta at the same capacity, they led three straight No. 1 rushing attacks from 2004 to 2006.

On defense he appointed former Tampa Bay linebackers coach Casey “Gus” Bradley as coordinator. He was given a stirring recommendation by Tampa 2 maestro Monte Kiffin as quoted in the Seattle PI:

"J.L., listen to me. I have got a guy here in Tampa that is one of, if not, the finest football coaches I have ever worked with. He's an A-plus. He's a once-in-a-lifetime coach. You need to talk to him."

Soon after Mora got off the phone with Kiffin, he brought Bradley in for an interview. Eleven long, engaging hours later Mora was making Casey his hire. He replaces former defensive coordinator John Marshall, who has since taken up the same post with the Oakland Raiders.

As assistant head coach and defensive line coach, Mora made Dan Quinn his hire. Maybe Dan Quinn is the next coach in waiting? (Kidding). Let's get to know these three coaches better:

Greg Knapp—Offensive Coordinator

Knapp played college football for Sacramento State University, where he ranks as one the schools all-time passing leaders with 3,800+ yards and 38 TD’s.

He broke into the NFL in 1995 with the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive quality control coach. He made his way up the coaching ladder there, being promoted to QB coach in 1998 and to offensive coordinator in 2001.

Knapp left the Bay Area after 2003 to join forces with head coach Jim Mora in Atlanta. This is where Knapp would stamp a legacy in being a top run producing offensive coordinator.

In his three seasons with Atlanta, he led the team to three straight No. 1 rushing attacks and turned Michael Vick into one of the most prolific running QB’s in history.

In his nine seasons as an offensive coordinator, Knapp has led three No. 1 rushing attacks (all in Atlanta), and six rushing attacks overall ranked in the top six. His offenses have never finished lower then tenth overall in rushing.

He brings his rushing pedigree to Seattle, where the Seahawks finished a modest 19th in 2008. He replaces former offensive coordinator Gil Haskell, who held the job for the last nine seasons.

He is a West Coast style offensive coordinator, although his variation is not quite as true as Holmgren's near Bill Walsh clone. Under Knapp, the Seahawks will transition from a passing mentality to a run first mentality.

The zone blocking scheme Knapp is installing will cater to the Seahawks fast, athletic offensive linemen. This is the same scheme he has used elsewhere that has produced his prolific rushing numbers.

Knapp also has the benefit of getting to work with one of the NFL’s best passers in Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck. In recent memory Knapp has had Michael Vick and JaMarcus Russell to work with.

Both are scrambling type QB’s who are not incredibly accurate. In Oakland with Russell he also had to deal with growing pains, as he was a rookie in 2007.

Hasselbeck is a proven veteran QB with great accuracy. If he can manage to stay healthy Knapp will have a great QB and deep WR unit to complement his dominant rushing attack.

Gus Bradley—Defensive Coordinator

Bradley has made a rapid ascent from a Division I-AA college coach to an NFL defensive coordinator in the span of four seasons.

As the defensive coordinator at North Dakota State he got a call from Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin seeking a job reference. One thing led to another, and he was appointed the Buccaneers' linebackers coach.

Going from seeking to promoting, Kiffin helped influence Seahawks coach Jim Mora into hiring Bradley as his defensive coordinator.

Like Mora, Bradley is a high energy, "in your face"-type coach who is very passionate about the game of football. As a former linebackers coach, he should be thrilled with the vaunted LB trio he is inheriting of Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, and Aaron Curry.

Being a pupil of Monte Kiffin, Bradley will be employing the Tampa 2 scheme in Seattle.

Seattle seems a perfect match for this scheme with an undersized, speedy defense anchored by an outstanding LB unit. The Tampa 2 relies a great deal on speed to produce overwhelming pressure, something both Mora and Bradley have stated they will bring plenty of in 2009.

With Mora being a defensive-minded coach, Bradley will likely not be the one calling the game plan on a weekly basis. Mora will be to the Seahawks defense what Holmgren was to the Seahawks offense, in a nutshell.

This is not to say Bradley’s voice will not be heard, or that his presence will not be felt on the sidelines. He will have a say in what the Seahawks are on defense.

The addition of Bradley was just another one of GM Tim Ruskell's brilliant moves made during this fantastic offseason and transitional period.

Dan Quinn—Defensive Line/Assistant Head Coach

When Mora was seeking out Quinn to join his coaching staff, it represented a turning of the tides.

It was Quinn who was pulling out all the stops to get Mora's (then the 49ers' defensive coordinator), attention back in 2001.

Looking for any chance to climb to the NFL ranks, the Hofstra defensive coordinator flooded Mora's phone. Mora cited Quinn’s relentless nature as one of the deciding factors in his addition to the Defensive coaching staff as a quality control coach.

While Mora was searching for his defensive coordinator, his primary first target was Quinn. After Casey Bradley’s amazing first impression, he still wanted to bring Quinn aboard in another capacity. That’s when the decision was made to appoint him as the defensive line/assistant head coach.

He comes to Seattle after coaching the New York Jets DL for the past two seasons. Quinn will be making a transition from the three-man front employed in New York, to the four-man front used Seattle. Quinn replaces former DL coach Dwain Board, who followed John Marshall to the Oakland Raiders to be the DL coach there.

Like his fellow coaches Mora and Bradley, Quinn loves to be aggressive and apply pressure.

What a strange coincidence.

Quinn wants all of the DL to be aggressive, relentless, and technically sound. In other words, mimicking Pro Bowl DE Patrick Kerney on a consistent basis.

Quinn takes over a revamped DL that has a perfect mesh of size, speed, and sound technique. Offseason additions DT Colin Cole and DE Cory Redding add some much needed size. Incumbent DT Brandon Mebane and DE Patrick Kerney contrast this with great speed.

Since the Tampa 2 primarily calls on the front four to apply the most pressure, the DL unit should see a sharp incline in sack production. If Kerney can remain healthy, this deep unit will be a force to be reckoned with.

With a coaching makeover and some key offseason additions peppered in, the Seahawks are poised to make a positive transition from the 2008 4-12 disaster.

Fans should be optimistic about the new schemes and how well they appear to mesh with the personal—I know I am.

Seahawks Position Battle: Defensive Line

Andy Auger — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:25:31 -0400

In order for a team to succeed on both sides of the ball, they have to get after the quarterback.

The Seahawk's defensive line played a factor in the team's decline in overall productivity. Last season, they finished with only 35 sacks, 10 fewer than the amassed in 2007. Thirteen of those sacks (more than one-third) came in two games against the San Francisco 49ers.

Pro Bowl defensive end Patrick Kerney missed nine games in 2008. His presence was sorely missed, as he is known for drawing constant double teams and opened up the rest of the defensive line to make plays. He was on pace to finish with 12 sacks before he was injured.

Former first-round pick Lawrence Jackson was a disappointment at defensive end last season for the 'Hawks, only tallying two sacks in 14 starts. The team also acquired defensive end Cory Redding this offseason partly because of his 2008 performance.

The four starting defensive line spots appear to be set.

Patrick Kerney and trade-acquisition Cory Redding are slated to start at the two defensive end positions. The interior positions will be manned by defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and free-agent addition Colin Cole. The latter brings much needed size (330 pounds) to a unit known to be undersized.

The main position battles along the defensive line will ensue at the backup positions.

Early draft picks, Lawrence Jackson and Darryl Tapp, should both vie for the primary backup defensive end position. Both figure to be a factor in a deep defensive linemen rotation, and Jackson has a lot to prove after his largely unsuccessful 2008 campaign.

The team would not have added defensive end Cory Redding if it were confident with who they already had at the position. Darryl Tapp saw time as a replacement for the injured Patrick Kerney, yielding a mediocre five and a half sacks in 11 starts.

The primary backup position for the interior defensive linemen should come down to defensive tackles Craig Terrill and Red Bryant. Terrill provides needed insurance in case a starter does go down and can fill the role competently.

Bryant brings additional size to the interior, weighing in at 320 pounds. He was hampered by injuries in his rookie campaign, only appearing in four games and recording eight tackles. Look for Terrill to have the edge as the main rotational backup for the interior defensive linemen.

Two new starters have been added to an underachieving 2008 unit, and along with depth of former starters as backups and the return of Pro Bowl defensive end Patrick Kerney from shoulder surgery, this unit is poised for a much-improved 2009 campaign.

The Seahawks front four must provide effective pressure, or 2009 will be another lost cause in the Rainy City.

Breaking News: Seattle Mariners Franklin Gutierrez Injured, Season Could Be Over

Andy Auger — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:20:41 -0400

I'm not one to throw in the towel too early, but I am a realist.

In the bottom of the second during a 9-7 loss to Detroit, the Mariners have lost a key contributor to their amazing turnaround in center field.

Franklin Gutierrez looks to have been hurt badly.

He was attempting a run-saving diving catch, which he had no chance of accomplishing. He hit the wall with his arm fully extended, and his wrist snapped backward to a noticeable degree.

To add to things, on the way down, he hyperextended his knee almost a full 90 degrees—double whammy.

From the looks of it, it could be a season-ending injury.

Based on batting average, he was among the Mariners' top-three hitters, and he compiled 12 home runs and 42 RBI.

His defense is tops in the Major Leagues for OFs; that's irreplaceable, even if they make a trade.

On a meager offensive team, his offense is also irreplaceable.

With injuries already sustained to starting LF Endy Chavez, 3B Adrian Beltre, and the trade of starting SS Yuniesky Betancourt, the M's could now be down a fourth starter, which is half of the Opening Day lineup.

With Ryan Langerhans in LF, I guess that puts a Band-Aid on the issue, but, still, in order to contend for the playoffs, the Mariners must address three starting positions via trade.

That's not going to happen in the first season of a Bill Bavasi cleansing; they were an unlikely contender this year anyways, and they would have to sacrifice too many prospects in order to acquire their three needed starters.

However, there is one OF solution and that would be calling up top prospect Michael Saunders.

How much stock can you put in a fresh minor league face? I don't know, but if they were to move Ichiro to CF and Saunders to RF, then they could acquire the two starting INFs they need if he proved effective.

Nonetheless, losing Guti is a huge blow, and many Mariners fans likely have the same thoughts running through their heads as I do in regards to the situation.

Hopefully it's just a scratch, you know?

My Official Fantasy Football Draft of 2009: Part Two

Andy Auger — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:17:04 -0400

Fantasy Football has spread like a wildfire through America.

It adds another whole dimension to the season in itself. It gets you pumped to watch other teams play because you want your guy to break out big. It really expands your NFL Encyclopedia as a whole.

You meet new people as well, and that's always an added bonus.

I generally run about 10 teams a season. Last season I won four leagues, and came within a combined four points of winning three other leagues. I would deem that a pretty good season.

So far, I have made several teams. In the second edition of the series, I will examine the second of my four teams, breaking down each pick and offering fantasy advice where I can.

Round One: Steven Jackson, Running Back

At No. 9, I was happy he fell in my lap here. The Rams may not be going to the postseason anytime soon, but they spent a lot of money on Tackle, Jason Smith, and Center, Jason Brown, to upgrade the Offensive Line. With the release of Drew Bennett and Torry Holt, it would seem as they're shifting to a power-running scheme and Jacksons' fantasy value should sky-rocket.

Expect 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns from one of the top running backs in the league hitting his prime.

Round Two: Brandon Jacobs, Running Back

Great pick-up for me, two big backs who are sure to get their fare share of touchdowns. With Derrick Ward off to Tampa Bay, Jacobs will get the bulk of the carries in New York. Having what is perhaps the top offensive line in the game did not hurt in making the decision either.

Expect 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns as Jacobs becomes the feature back for the Giants whilst getting a load of goal line opportunities.

Round Three: Roddy White, Wide Receiver

I wanted a third running back here, but the vast majority, like Detroit's Kevin Smith, will be sharing a fair amount of carries. I'm not complaining about landing White one bit. He's a great option at pick No. 3. He is the clear-cut No. 1 option in Atlanta, which bodes well for any player's fantasy value, regardless of the team. White plays in a high-powered offense and is the quarterback's favorite target.

With the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez, his yards will not likely increase, expect 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns from the Pro Bowler.

Round Four: Matt Ryan, Quarterback

Perfect timing, perfect match, Ryan had a great rookie season; and with the addition of Gonzalez to that top-ranked offense, even if he gets hit by the sophomore slump, Gonzalez can make up for the potential hit in production. He's that good. With Michael Turner in the backfield, it opens up the play action for Ryan. Expect a good season from the Rookie of the Year.

Expect 3,500 yards, 23 touchdowns from the future Pro Bowler.

Round Five: Joseph Addai, Running Back

Considering what I had to work with, Addai got the most carries, even with rookie Donald Brown; they are looking for Addai to be the workhorse. With Marvin Harrison gone, the Colts are going to have to lean on the running game some more.

Expect around 1,100 yards and eight to 10 touchdowns from the incredibly underrated Addai.

Round Six: Anquan Boldin, Wide Receiver

I could not believe Boldin was available at round six. Boldin is part of the league's best wide receiver tandem and he will still put up stacked numbers as the No. 2 option in the pass-happy Cardinals' offense.

Expect around the same numbers as 2008, 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns

Round Seven: Giants' Defense

Defense is underrated in fantasy football. It can add as many as 15-17 points a game if you have a stellar one. With the way the Giants stacked their defensive line with Rocky Bernard, and Chris Canty, as well as linebacker with Michael Boley, they made it a no-brainer for me to pick them second overall, off the board after someone nabbed the Steelers.

They can average a solid 11-13 points per game. There will always be down games, but they will be dominate this season.

Round Eight: Chris Cooley, Tight End

Chris Cooley has great value at round eight. Cooley is one of the top tight ends in the league and is Jason Campbell's security blanket in Washington. He is always a consistent fantasy threat and having him on the roster is a sure bet.

He is good for 800 yards, and seven touchdowns in 2009 as he tries to assist Campbell to a break-out season.

Round Nine: Eddie Royal, Wide Receiver

Royal had a break-out rookie season with the Denver Broncos, not an all to common occurrence for rookie wide receivers. In pass-happy Denver, he compiled 78 catches for 979 yards, and six touchdowns.

With Cutler gone, expect the numbers to dip a little, but as solid as you can find as a back-up wide receiver.

Put him down for 65 catches, 800 yards, and seven touchdowns next season as the Broncos No. 2 wide receiver.

Round 10: Matt Hasselbeck, Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck is a typical fantasy starter who had a bad year in 2008. I expect the Seahawks to surprise everyone and win the NFC West. Really, would it be a surprise? With TJ Housmandzadeh added, Burleson, Branch, and Carlson, he should toss for 3,500 yards and 24 touchdowns, minimum...if he stays on the field.

Round 11: Fred Jackson, Running Back

With Marshawn Lynch facing a three-game suspension, he could be a tempting third running back for me in place of Joseph Addai in the early season.

In those three games, you should expect around 275-300 yards, and a couple of touchdowns, solid value.

The Best of the Rest

Nick Folk, kicker; LeSean McCoy, running back; Julius Jones, running back; Derrick Mason, wide receiver; Brett Favre, quarterback:

Folk is one of the top fantasy kickers, averaging eight points per game.

Jones is a feature back for the Seahawks, who shall see the bulk of the carries, and is good for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns as a back-up fantasy player or solid third running back option.

McCoy could see more playing time as the Eagles try and preserve Brian Westbrook from getting injured. He could see around 600-700 yards and should score five touchdowns...solid value.

Favre is just going to tear it up in Minnesota. With two top-flight speed-stars to match his gun-slinger mentality, I see him going no less then 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns if he suits up for the purple and gold.

If Mason decides to come back, he's the No. 1 option and a reliable target for second year quarterback Joe Flacco. Expect 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns from the savvy veteran.

Thanks for reading. In my next article, I will breakdown my second fantasy team.

Seahawks Defense: a Playbook In Transition

Andy Auger — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:31:04 -0400

The Seattle Seahawks are transitioning from a dismal 2008 season in which they finished 4-12. They ranked dead last in pass defense (259.3 YPG), 25th in points allowed (24.5), and 30th in YPG (378).

The 2008 season saw the departure of the Seahawks most beloved HC, Mike Holmgren, who led the franchise to its first Superbowl appearance in 2005.

Holmgren was known for his complex West Coast Offense, a true form of the great Bill Walsh’s prolific scheme. Holmgren was one of Walsh’s original disciples.

The Seahawks offense was Holmgren's own hand crafted entity. One of his trademarks was his calling of the first fifteen plays before the game even started. This was done to get the offense into an effective rhythm.

The Seahawks decided well in advance of Holmgren's departure who his heir would be. Former defensive backs coach Jim Mora was to be man to replace the Walrus when he stepped down.

Mora was the former Atlanta Falcons head coach, he led them to the NFC Championship game in his first season as their HC in 2004.

Mora is a defensive minded coach, he will be to the Seahawks defense what Holmgren was to the Seahawks offense.

The Seahawks are expected to shift to more of a Tampa Two/Zone Defense then previously used. The Seahawks would seem to be a perfect fit for this type of defense with their undersized, fast players.

The Tampa Two influence comes from GM Tim Ruskell, and DC Gus Bradley, two of its disciples.

Bradley learned from Tampa Two maestro Monte Kiffin, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers DC. He handcrafted the defense much like Bill Walsh handcrafted the West Coast Offense.

The Tampa Two relies on speed, tackling, and pressure to succeed. These defenses are generally run by teams with undersized defenses, as it takes advantage of their apparent flaws, and turns them into strengths.

The Seahawks have what is generally characterized as an undersized defense. They make up for this lack of size with great speed,

During the off-season they added size at positions they sorely lacked it. Free Agent NT Colin Cole was brought in to be a run stuffer, and he has a massive frame at 6"1', 335 lbs.

The Seahawks acquired DE Cory Redding, who tips the scale at 295, he represents a 25 lb difference in comparison to 2008 starting DE Lawrence Jackson.

Ken Lucas was brought in to be the apparent starter opposite of CB Marcus Trufant. He has a much bigger frame (6" 210 lbs.) then 2008 starting CB Josh Wilson (5'9" 180 lbs.)

The Seahawks boast perhaps the best trio of LB’s in the NFL (Rookie Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill). Their LB’s can fly around the ball and adequately cover WR’s.

They can use their speed to keep plays in front of them while still attacking the ball.

In the Tampa Two the MLB will often drop back in the middle. He plays zone at the level where the S typically plays. The Tampa Two forces’ opposing offenses into long, tiring, and grinding drives. Keeping the ball in front off you, and superb tackling is the key factor in making the Tampa Two defense work.

The Tampa Two Defense also relies on pressure to relieve the passing defense. Thus allowing the DB’s to sit back in zone coverage and become ball hawks. The Seahawks now boast a formidable DL, with a perfect blend of size, speed, pass rushing, and run stuffing ability.

Patrick Kerney is the teams top DL, and constantly commands double teams. He plays with a high motor and knows how to get after the QB.

He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2007.

Brandon Mebane is a rising star at DT and is going to be given a larger role with the departure of DT Rocky Bernard. He can clog the middle and uses his elusiveness to disrupt plays in the backfield. He recorded a modest 5.5 sacks as an interior DL in 2008. Which was only his second NFL season.

Colin Cole was brought in from Green Bay to be a run stuffer. His size draws constant double teams and he opens up holes for Seattle’s speedy LB’s to run through and attack the ball.

Cory Redding has a tremendous blend of size and speed for a DE. He weighs 295 lbs, and can slide in and play the one or three gap as a DT. He is a proven pass rusher as he recorded eight sacks in 2006 playing at DT.

If the Seahawks can pressure the QB, it will allow the secondary to sit back in zone coverage and make plays. This same unit has had success in the past. In 2007 they relinquished the fewest passing TD’s in the league (15).That is a stark contrast to the same unit that ranked dead last in pass defense in 2008 (259.3 YPG). If they can fall somewhere in-between, it will give the offense a chance to score early, and keep the lead.

I believe that this new scheme fits this roster well. The Seahawks have small players who can fly around the ball. If the defense can attack the opposition and force turnovers on a consistent basis, look for their offense to regain 2005 form.

My First Official Fantasy Football Draft of 2009

Andy Auger — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:48:35 -0400

Fantasy Football has spread like a wildfire through American professional sports. It adds another whole dimension to the season in itself, it gets you pumped to watch other teams play because you want your guy to break out big. It really expands your NFL Encyclopedia as a whole.

You meet new people as well, that's always an added bonus.

I generally run about ten teams a season, last season I won four leagues, and came within a combined four points of winning three other leagues, I would deem that a pretty good season.

So far I have made several teams, I will examine my starting choices, and key backups as we head into the preseason and offer my fantasy advice when I can.

Round One: Larry Fitzgerald, WR

I got screwed on this one, as I got stuck at No 8 and the two RBs I wanted at that slot, Steven Jackson, and Brandon Jacobs got picked right before me.

I still had DeAngelo Williams on the board, but he shares carries, so I opted for the games top WR who is going to have a big season in a pass happy Cardinals offense.

You can expect a minimum of 85 catches, 1,200 yards, and 10 TDs from this guy regardless of the Cardinals season.

Round Two: Clinton Portis, RB

Incredibly underrated back who I was surprised was out of the top 10. He was fourth in the NFL in rushing last season and has seven 1,000+ rushing seasons out of the last eight.

He is a lock for 1,350 yards, and 12-13 TDs, as solid as they come, and a good value for No. 1 RB.

Round Three: Steve Smith, WR

The RBs were thin here for the spot in terms of value so I went with forming a fantastic duo of WRs. Smith is the clear cut No. 1 option in Carolina and is a true game changer at the receiver position. He has posted four consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons, and posted his second best career mark last season with 1,461 yards reception yards.

Even with teams blanketing him with double teams he still piles it on, expect a minimum of of 1,300 yards and 8 TDs from the Pro Bowler.

Round Four: Kurt Warner, QB

Already having grabbed Fitzgerald I decided to grab his QB too. Even if Warner has an off year like many expect him to he still has a trio of WRs that can top 1,000 yards and bail him out if mediocrity strikes. If he gets knocked out, I have a pair of reliable backups to take his spot, more on that later.

If he makes the full season you can expect around 4,000 yards, 27 TDs from the ageless wonder.

Round Five: Joseph Addai, RB

With what I had to work with, Addai got the most carries, even with Donald Brown there, he is a rookie, and they are looking for Addai to be the workhorse. With Marvin Harrison gone, the Colts are going to have to lean on the running game some more.

Expect around 1,100 yards and 8-10 TDs from the incredibly underrated Addai.

Round Six: Antonio Gates, TE

I like to grab a TE a little early just because I don't carry a backup on my roster and a guy like Gates catches as many balls as a WR does. Last season he racked up 871 yards, and 7 TDs, great fantasy production for a TE.

Expect around just that, 800-900 yards and 7-9 TDs from the consistent Pro Bowler.

Round Seven: Giants Defense

Defense is underrated in fantasy football, it can add as many as 15-17 points a game if you have a stellar one. With the way the Giants stacked their DL with Rocky Bernard, and Chris Canty, as well as LB with Michael Boley, they made it a no brainer for me to pick them second overall off the board after someone nabbed the Steelers

They can average a solid 11-13 points a game, there will always be down games, but they will be dominate this season.

Round Eight: Chris Wells, RB

I generally do not go with rookies to often, but Wells was the only one on the board who is getting the bulk of the carries as the starter for his team. He was a late first round steal in the NFL Draft and should top 1,000 yards as the Cardinals primary running threat. A great darkhorse pick.

Expect around 1,000 yards and 8 TDs as he rounds out an underrated, productive RB group.

Round Nine: Darren Sproles, RB

With Tomlinson aging he was a nice grab in round nine as a backup RB. The Chargers use him as a change of pace/situational back and he should see 10 carries a game. If Tomlinson gets hurt he would be a steal at this spot.

Spending the season as a backup, he is good for 650 yards, and 5-6 TDs.

Round Ten: Matt Hasselbeck, QB

My key backup in regards to the aging Warner. Hasselbeck is getting old himself, but he is not as fragile as Warner. I expect the Seahawks to surprise everyone and win the NFC West (really, would it be a surprise?), and with TJ Housmandzadeh added, Burleson, Branch, and Carlson, he should toss for 3,500 yards and 24 TDs minimum if he stays on the field.

Round Eleven: Julius Jones, RB

Incredible find at round eleven, most toss him aside as worthless but he is a feature back in a system that has produced three No. 1 rushing attacks, and two No. 2 rushing attacks. That should bode well for the one-cut style Jones in the new look Seahawks offense.

Im being bold to state he will have a breakout season and rush for no less then 1,200 yards, and 10 TDs in a run first scheme in Seattle, great backup option.

The Best Of The Rest

Rob Bironas, K, Donnie Avery, WR, Deion Branch, WR, Justin Fargas, RB, Jason Campbell, QB.

Bironas is one of the top fantasy kickers averages nine points per game.

Donnie Avery is the No. 1 option in St Louis, he will get his share of yards and TDs regardless of the seasons outcome.

Deion Branch could have a great season with double teams being applied to newcomer TJ Houshmandzadeh, opening him up. Along with Matt Hasselbeck and Julius Jones make a nice trifecta of darkhorse Seahawks.

Justin Fargas could top 1,000 yards, depending on how much they use Darren McFadden in Oakland.

Jason Campbell is a great No. 3 option at QB who should get around 3,200 yards and 20 TDs, having Clinton Portis on the roster doesn't hurt either.

Thanks for reading, in my next article I will breakdown my second fantasy team.