Bleacher Report - Articles by John Gray

Should The Celtics Dismantle The Boston Three Party?

John Gray — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:21:12 -0400

Should the Boston Celtics ride the "New Three" until their retirements and/or contracts expire or do they trade one or more to rebuild?

Do you pull the plug early to soften the blow of rebuilding or start from the bottom in 2-3 years with many sub .500 years again?

This question hampers all championship teams, party hosts and economies going through a bubble such as tech and housing.

Doc and Ainge sold the future to keep their jobs for one trophy by trading 11 players and picks (including 3 top 10) for the aging KG and Ray Allen.

Bird, McHale and Parrish were ridden to the end, and with the premature deaths of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis, the once proud franchise bottomed out for years.

If healthy, the "New Three" could have a competitive 2009-10 season, but when the contracts expire their shelves will be quite depleted especially when another team overvalues Big Baby.

Unless the Celtics miraculously win another trophy next year, five years from now when the Celtics are 10+ games under .500, we will have wished the Celtics traded one or more of the stars.

Long term it will be best for the Celtics to rebuild while the three studs still have value to a team one piece away from trophy. Atlanta or Orlando with Garnett are a premier team.

Perhaps the Celtics can hedge their bets by seeing how the team plays in the beginning of next season. If they are dominating as they did in the beginning of this season, then perhaps the team should hold their cards. If the Celtics stumble out of the gate then fold them and trade away for the future.

Boston Celtics: One Title and Done—Years Of Darkness To Return

John Gray — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:17:26 -0400

The window on the Boston Three Party is on its last legs, with one last shot next year. The Celtics squeaked by Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, and the Lakers just barely in each round last year. Ainge used up much of the cupboard to pay for the trophy and will probably leave the Cetics soon with many cold rebuilding years ahead.

Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers were on the verge of losing their jobs and will be kicked out of Boston in shame so they gave up 11 players and draft picks to obtain KG and Ray Allen on their last legs.

The recipe worked fore one year, but unfortunately the party was short lived as KG got injured and the Celtics just got bounced by Orlando in the second round tonight. They would have fared much better against Orlando, with Al Jefferson helping Perkins on the front line tonight and for years to come.

KG won the title for them last year and helped mentor Glenn Davis, an unrestricted free agent who made $10+ million on his upcoming contract in KG's absence, which could make him too expensive for the Celtics. The Celtics would been better off long-term keeping Al Jefferson to team with Perkins, Glenn Davis, and Rondo for a future foundation.

The five players alone should have gained the Celtics' KG, especially with Al Jefferson involved. But with Ainge throwing McHale's Timberwolves the two first round draft picks, it was too much especially since one will be a top 10 pick.

Losing all those young players will make rebuilding that much tougher for the new management team, since I am convinced Doc and Ainge will not stay when the Three Party leaves. The Celtics essentially traded four top 10 picks for the aging KG and Ray Allen, who will be playing 10 years after they are gone.

The Celtics hopefully have at least one more respectable charge in them, otherwise they will have to cherish last year's trophy as they watch Al Jefferson further develop into one of the top young big men in the game and a promising Jeff Green team with Kevin Durant in Oklahoma.

We are also left watching Randy Foye and Brandon Roy, who could have easily been in green if Ainge did not vastly overrate Sebastion Telfair as the next Tony Archibald/poor man's Allen Iverson.

I hope Big Baby is retained and Rondo and Perkins can be enough of a foundation to build on and attract outside talent in the years to come.

Unfortunately, I fear that the days of sub-.500 teams with overpaid stiffs like Theo Radcliff, Vin Baker, Raef LeFrentz, Andrew DeClerq, and friends could be lying ahead again.

Thanks for last year's trophy, to remind us how much fun it is to watch winning Celtics basketball, but it was way too short lived.

P.S. - James Posey certainly would have done a much better job guarding Rashad Lewis and Heido Terkulo tonight.

Who will be saving Yankee Pinstripes Next Year... Papelbon

John Gray — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:28:51 -0400

Don't worry Yankee fans; help is on the way in 2010 in the form or Jonathon Papelbon and/or Jason Bay.

The Red Sox have been dragging their feet to sign these two cornerstones, ala Mo Vaughn and Roger Clemons, and it is increasingly looking as if Theo Epstein will watch them leave Beantown.

Acquiring Papelbon and Jason Bay makes great sense for the Yankees. It fills two needs and more importantly weakens their chief rival once again.

Rivera is an aging closer with a pedestrian 4.00 ERA, giving up back-to-back home runs for the first time last week, and Damon's contract is expiring though he is having a rebound (contract) year so far.

Papelbon is demanding top dollar and has not been shy about it. Unfortunately, the Red Sox are being stubborn and fail to remember how difficult life is without a decent closer prior to Keith Foulke.

Jason Bay is becoming more valuable and expensive with each passing game and has little reason not to test the market in the offseason.

Yankees should be licking their chops at capitalizing for the Red Sox Management's return to their inept Dan Duquette and Lou Gormon roots by losing their own top free agents: Fisk, Lynn, Vaughn, Clemons, and Boggs.

Though 2009 is looking like a lost season of disappointment 2010 has a lot of promise with Papelbon and Bay in Yankee pinstripes.

Teams Fail To Utilize the True Power of Top Draft Picks

John Gray — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:20:13 -0400

Detroit has the Top Pick. What should they do? Should they really pick Matt Stafford, or any of the other "deserving" top college players to be the top paid player on their team and the position they play?

Can an 0-16 team, or any team, afford to vastly overweight their pay structure on an unproven rookie for five to six years at $10 million per season with $30 million + guaranteed?

No.

It's of no surprise that many of the same teams select in the top 10 since they blow their salary cap on too few young unproven draft choices and can't afford to build depth.

Detroit realizes that no other team wants to be in such a position, hence the No. 1 pick, so it has little trade value. Matthew Stafford should not be paid more than Tom Brady at anytime in his career until he has a Super Bowl trophy.

What is the solution? If Detroit does that feel that there is a great difference between Stafford and Sanchez, then they should let their pick slide until they get to select one of the targeted players they want in a more affordable slot.

The No. 1 pick really is not a prison sentence; it doesn't mean they must select No. 1. It's the right to draft in any position of No. 1 or below.

If Detroit holds onto their card then would the Rams still go for Jason Smith or pay Stafford to back up Bulger for two to three years? The next slot is the Chiefs, who just acquired Cassel. Unless they trade, they aren't going for Stafford either. No. 4 is Seattle. Sports Illustrated predicts they go for a QB for the aging Hasselbeck.

If Seattle does jump at Stafford then Detroit at No. 5 can go Sanchez, but save probably 50 percent of the No. 1 pick's money and use it to sign free agents in the many other needed areas.

Or, with the No. 5 pick Detroit could perhaps trade with NE Patriots or another team to obtain many of their picks to add much needed talent to their team if Belichick or another team was so inclined.

Detroit could probably hold the No. 1 pick a few more past No. 5 even though the Browns have two young QB's already, and the Bengals and Raiders have their starting QB's. At any time the Lions could trade the pick when it's in a more desirable/affordable position.

So, essentially, the Lions can save millions by maintaining their poise and the control of their pick by letting the draft unfold before them until they feel compelled to get one of the players they desire, but at a much more affordable price.

Other top teams could do likewise if they could not trade down, or just wanted to slip a few, but maintain control with each slot. If you trade down two or three positions, the team could easily hurt themselves and ruin their draft if their two or three targeted players are taken.

Maybe there is some truth that Belichick did not want the Chiefs' No. 3 pick over the more affordable No. 34, but if this was true Belichick failed to realize that the No. 3 pick is the right to draft in any position of No. 3 or below.

If he wanted the No. 10 pick instead then he should have taken the No. 3 for Cassel and just held it until he felt inclined to use it. Just imagine Belichick smirking against Goddell and the others owners while holding his draft card for a few picks (an hour or so making them sweat and ticking them off), especially after the fiasco with Camera Gate and the penalty of a No. 1 pick being taken from them.

I highly doubt Detroit has the smarts to let their vastly overpriced No. 1 pick slide for a few. They will waste millions on Stafford, and will not be able to afford to build a support cast around him, and may even be forced to trade Calvin Johnson. Stafford will join Joey Harrington, Andre Ware, and Chuck Long among other ghosts of high Lion QB draft choice futility.

NFL & NBA Drafts - Watch Some Drop and Eat Humble Pie like Brady Quinn

John Gray — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:23:34 -0400

That time of year is approaching when humble pie creams some of America's most famous young athletes at their NFL & NBA drafts.

One of the great highlights of watching the NBA & NFL drafts is when some of the much over hyped prima donnas watch $millions slipped through their hands which their agents promised them and reality slaps them in the face.

NFL noteworthy recent falls have been in 2005 Aaron Rodgers waited 6 hours to go #24 after some had him ahead of #1 Alex Smith. Matt Leinart only to #10 in 2006, and most dramatized was Brady Quinn in 2007 agonizing fall to #22 after thinking he also may have chance at #1 or the Dolphins at #9. The NFL was so embarrassed for Brady that they had to take him off the floor.

Unfortunately, the NFL decided to deprived us of the future joyful drama after the Brady Quinn saga in 2007. They had to protect the fragile egos of their young potential stars by insuring that they had the top players only in the green room.

The NBA this past year had Darrell Arthur drop from a potential pick in the teens to #27, then traded a few times draft night, but ended up being a complimentary player at best for Memphis this year. In 2005 USA Today predicted high school dunking extraordinaire Gerald Green going #2 to Portland, but they chose Martell Webster. Green was not in attendance to face the embarrassing drop to #18 to the Celtics. Though he can dunk and hit the three point shot he is on his 4th team and still trying to develop his game.

I think it is good for young fans see their future stars agonize a bit. To witness the frustrations and that many don't see their dreams of being a top pick come true. This is even more important for underclassman to witness who have ambitions of coming out early some day. Of the five mentioned above only Aaron Rodgers is finally getting a chance to star, but had to work hard and wait four years behind Brett Favre to get his chance and his team still lost 3x more under him dropping from 13-3 to 6-10.

If players drop several spots they still will make more money than 95% of the population and should be happy to have the chance to play sports for a profession that many only can dream about. I commend those secondary players that attend the draft in the stands and still celebrate when they are selected in the later rounds. It's the later round players that have to work hard to prove themselves I applaud the most and tip my hat when they succeed and get the big second contract.

To the Brady Quinns of the future, there is a reason you dropped, and until you prove that you should have been a top pick, appreciate the opportunity and handle yourself with class and integrity. You look foolish than falling apart for the whole world to see though it makes great reality TV.

Will the Red Sox 2009 Season sink with Jacoby Ellsbury?

John Gray — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:24:49 -0400

The Red Sox's 2009 season sinks or swims with Jacoby Ellsbury returning to his 2007 form that led the team to a World Series title and not the part-time center fielder who was a flop in the first part of the 2008 season, unable to get on base to utilize his great base-stealing speed.

There is no life jacket in 2009, as the Sox traded super reserve Coco Crisp, who flashed Gold Glove-quality defense and a decent bat.

Ellsbury arrived in 2007 and excited Boston fans by batting .350 and displaying base speed never seen in a Sox uniform. Every walk was equivalent to at least a double and each ordinary looking single risked being extra bases before the next pitch if not soon after.

Fortunately, Ellsbury did rebound in the later part of 2008 when injuries to Manny and Drew necessitated the opportunity. The offense of 2009 badly depends on Ellsbury and Dusty to get on base for the middle of the lineup to get good pitches to drive them in. When Ellsbury slumped last year so did the whole lineup which were the primary reasons Ortiz and Manny's RBI's were so down.

Red Sox opted to trade away their safety net in Coco Crisp for extra bullpen help, but if Ellsbury can't return close to his 2007 form to ignite the top of the lineup, and with assorted injuries to Lowell, Ortiz and others, the offense will be a dud again.

If Ellsbury does not return to form then what is Plan B at leadoff and center field? Rocco Baldelli could adequately replace J.D. Drew for a bit but is not a lead off hitter. Dustin Pedroia could bat lead off, but does not have the base stealing. Lugo was signed initially to be the lead off hitter of his early Tampa years, but has been a very expensive disappointment and is currently out with an injury.

If Ellsbury flops, then the lineup returns to its 1980s slow form of getting on base and hoping for a three-run home run. Unfortunately, this lineup lacks Boggs, Dewey to get on base 40 percent of the time each for Rice, Greenwell and Armas to slug them in.

Ellsbury is pivotal to the Sox's success in 2009. It helps having Alex Rodriguez out of the Yankees lineup for the Sox to potentially build a lead over them. If Ellsbury doesn't rebound Tampa Bay should retain the divisional title and make it a long summer in Fenway.

Patriots Fumble Cassel, Pioli Scores on Pickoff

John Gray — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:03:47 -0500

I expected the Patriots to trade Matt Cassel instead of Tom Brady, but was disappointed to hear how little they got back in return.

Even the ESPN reporters expected that the No. 3 pick would be involved. WEEI's Felger said that the Pats would rather have No. 34 than No. 3 anyways, due to the risk and high price involved. Granted it was better that they gained a second-round pick, rather then letting Cassel go freely, but I expected at least a 2009 second and a third in 2010.

Either the Patriots were very anxious to free themselves and to sign free agents before they got gobbled up, panicked at the chance of being stuck with two $15 million quarterbacks, or there was not much trade demand for Cassel.

Looking at the 2009 draft order, and those teams in need of quarterback, I find it hard to believe that at least 10 teams would not have offered at least the 34th pick of value for Cassel (and Vrabel).

Fifteen teams probably would have had at least some interest in Cassel:

Detroit (No. 1, 20, 33): Badly needs a quarterback.
St. Louis (No. 2): Need a future quarterback after Marc Bulger.
Cincinnati (No. 6): Carson Palmer's future is in question.
Seattle (No. 4, 37): They have an aging quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck with an unspectacular backup in Seneca Wallace.
Jacksonville (No. 8): Signed David Garrard to big money last year, but he had a bad year in 2008.
San Francisco (No. 10): They have serious questions at quarterback. The Pats did very well with the first-round pick they acquired through the 49ers last year.
Buffalo (No. 11): Trent Edwards' post-concussion meltdown brought several questions about his durability and potential.
Denver (No. 12): Josh McDaniels is obviously interested in bringing his star pupil with him to Denver, since Cassel knows the playbook and can provide a smooth transition. No brainer.
Washington (No. 13): Jason Campbell has not been an overwhelming success, and Dan Snyder loves to make splashes.
Jets (No. 17): Brett Favre retired and the Jets need a star quarterback to keep from being a cellar dweller again. Would the Patriots trade to their rival to gain 17 spots? Obviously not.
Chicago (No. 18): Is Kyle Orton the answer? They have lacked a star quarterback for a generation unless you count Jim McMahon.
Tampa Bay (No. 19): They need a quarterback, and they have the cap space.
Vikings (No. 23): They just acquired their future Band-Aid in Sage Rosenfels.
Tennessee (No. 30): They resigned Kerry Collins, but he's a short term answer.
Arizona (No. 31): They're trying to resign Kurt Warner, and have Matt Leinart on the bench in waiting, but neither may be the long term answer.

How and why did the Pats only settle for the No. 34 pick? I expected at least one first-round pick in the 20s or similar value. I also expected an extra pick in 2010 as the Patriots are always stockpiling.

This proves Pioli was truly the brains behind the draft day wheeling and dealing. The Patriots were smart enough to gamble by signing Cassel, but fumbled by short changing themselves with so many teams in need of a quality quarterback.

With the news that Tampa was ready to offer their first and third for Cassel to get Jay Cutler, obviously the Patriots front office did not do their due diligence. They should have called all likely teams one last time before hastily making the deal with Pioli's Kansas City.

It would add insult to injury to Pats management if Pioli grabbed Cassel only to trade him for the first and third of Tampa Bay.

Grabbing Vrabel was the icing on the cake for Pioli to provide veteran leadership to their defense. At least the Pats were smart enough to trade out of their division from the Jets and Bills, though they might have to face Cassel for years to come if he continues to prosper.

The Pats now have three second-round picks to restock themselves at several positions, but I expect them to probably trade at least one of them—the No. 47 or 58—to a weaker team for a high second-round pick in 2010.

The Pats should have traded Cassel and their No. 23 pick for the Chiefs' No. 3 pick. If they were concerned with the high cost of a third pick they could have traded down. Or they could have pulled a Vikings and held the pick down until they got the player they wanted at the draft position they felt he warranted.

Too bad the Pats did not hit the phones a little harder and squeeze out a little more value for Cassel. The only consolation is if they make a quick, big splash in the free agency with their newfound cap space, which demanded they trade Cassel so quickly and for so fair a price in the No. 34 pick.

Good luck, Matt Cassel. Thanks for making the 2008 season worth watching even after Brady took a knee.

Clay Buchholz Needs To Leave Red Sox Before He Proves Worthless

John Gray — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:05:30 -0500

The Red Sox need to trade Clay Buchholz (and his Penthouse Pet girlfriend) for a much-needed young catcher before he becomes an overrated bust like Craig Hanson.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox, like many other teams, overrate their prospects and hold on to them too long. Buchholz had a no-hitter in his second start, but aside from that momentary highlight, he has not shown much else when given the chance last year.

If he struggles coming out of the gate this year, then his value is minimal. I would rather the Sox trade past solid major league contributors for unproven talent than spend another season watching those talents decline.

Of course, every decade or so, a Jeff Bagwell or Sparky Lyle will develop, but they are too few and far between. The Sox reportedly could have had Roy Oswalt for Hanson and Delcarman.

Or, the Sox can trade the developing talent to the welfare markets like Pittsburgh and wait for it to develop, then re-acquire it via trade or free agency, assuming they happen to blossom to high expectations and demand the big pay raise that only Boston, New York, and a few others can afford.

I hope the Sox don't hesitate trading Buchholz before he loses his market value.

Oh, and the Atlanta Braves are fools to pay Lowe $60 million for four years.

Jason Varitek Threatening To Retire; Should Be Shown the Back Door

John Gray — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 06:26:18 -0500

If Varitek retires, as a severe negotiating ploy, since $5M is not good enough for him, then the Sox shouldn't host the press conference, but let him leave out the back door.

If he is going to disrespect the team instead of taking a very fair offer of $5M, then they should also NOT put him in the Red Sox Hall of Fame until many teams later, if ever.

The Sox outbid themselves in Varitek's last contract and he and Boras took advantage of Theo & team. As I have said for years, the Sox should have responded in kind and signed A.J. Perzinkski as the White Sox did for $1.5 to $2.5M for one year and use him as leverage/insurance.

Fortunately, the Sox won their second WS with Varitek as the backstop, but paid a lot for it in four years, $40M with declining return in offensive production.

The Sox should not be punished because Varitek did not have a pre-nup with his soon to be ex-wife. Anyone, especially a promising athlete, should get a pre-nup or they are a moron and deserve to lose half their assets.

The "love-one" who won;t sign a fair pre-nup is not one you should walk down the aisle with anyways.

If $5M a year is not good enough for a .220 hitter, then show him the back door and rip the captain's "C" off his chest.

Albert Belle: Hall of Famer on the Field, Hall of Shame off It

John Gray — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:23:32 -0500

Congrats to Jim Rice for making it to Cooperstown after 15 years of waiting. At least he made it. Albert won't have to wait, since he was prematurely made ineligible, though he was an undisputedly dominant player on the field before his career was cut short.

Resourcing from Wikipedia and memory:

Belle was the only one with 50 doubles and home runs in the same season in 1995, and before Belle the last player to reach as many as 40 in both categories was Willie Stargell in 1973. Mo Vaughn won the MVP award due to Albert's lack of popularity though. Belle came close to having another 50/50 season in 1998, with 49 home runs (a White Sox team record that still stands) and 48 doubles.

Belle was also considered a model of consistency, compiling a .295 career batting average and averaging 37 home runs and 120 RBI a season during the 10 healthy years of his major league career from 1991 to 2000.

Belle is also one of only six players in major league history to have nine consecutive 100-RBI seasons. He became the fourth player to have eight straight seasons of 30 home runs and 100 RBI, joining Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, and Lou Gehrig.

In Belle's first year of Hall of Fame eligibility (2006), he garnered only 7.7 percent of the baseball writers' votes—missing election by an extremely wide margin. But Belle's vote total was high enough to keep his name on the ballot for the following year. In 2007, however, he garnered only 19 votes (3.5 percent) and dropped off the ballot.

I am stunned to find out that he was a former Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. In high school, Belle was a member of the National Honor Society and vice-president of the local Future Business Leaders of America.

After retirement at the very early age of 34, he took accounting classes at Arizona State to learn business so he could better manage his money. That was, until he was arrested for stalking a former girlfriend.

Kirby Puckett played during the same time but was perceived as a better guy and was admitted to Cooperstown.

Albert Belle's career on the field clearly deserves Hall of Fame consideration, personality aside, though he might have to stand next to Ty Cobb in the family photo. Hopefully, the veteran's committee overturns the voters' premature discard of Belle in the future.

Jim Rice Opens the Door to Other Not So All-Time Greats

John Gray — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:41:46 -0500

Congratulations to Jim Rice. He was one of my favorites growing up and his son was my brother's roommate in college before they both dropped out. I loved watching Jim Rice play, but does he belong in the same room as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Cy Young?

Granted I don't think Robin Yount, George Brett, Paul Molitor, or Bill Mazeroski belong either.

Aside from the one's on the bubble that still have a chance to get into Baseball's Hall of Fame, like Andre Dawson and Lee Smith, it is very interesting to review who is missing that are no longer eligible or most likely won't get in versus some of the players who are in.

Some of the great players that come to my mind since the 1990 votings

Steve Garvey - 10 all star games, 6 200-hit seasons, 4 Gold Gloves & 5-100 RBI's

Dwight Evans - From 1980 through 1989, Evans hit more home runs (256) than any other player in the American League. He also led the A.L. in extra base hits over the same period of time. He is the only player to hit 20 or more home runs during every season of the 80's (1980-1989).

Only 3x All-star due to Rice, Yax & Lynn on team, but 8x Gold Glove which ties Dawson for tops.

Fred Lynn - Nine Time All-Star 4x Gold Glove, His 306 career home runs placed him behind only Willie Mays, Ken Griffey, Jr., Bottom of FormMickey Mantle, Duke Snider, Dale Murphy, Joe DiMaggio, Jim Edmonds, and Andruw Jones among center fielders. In his 17-year career, Lynn batted .283 with 1111 RBI, 1960 hits, 1063 runs, 306 home runs 388 doubles, 43 triples, and 72 stolen bases in 1969 games.

Darrell Evans - 414 Home Runs, hitting over 20 home runs in 10 different seasons, 11th in All-time walks. Described by author Bill James as the most underrated player in baseball history,

Dale Murphy - Murphy won two MVPs, was awarded five consecutive Gold Gloves and had a dozen 20-homer seasons. 398 career HRs.

Harold Baines - 2866 Hits and 384 Home Runs. One mediocre season from the immortal 400 HRs and 300 hits. Would he have been denied the HOF then?

Albert Belle - 381 Hrs in 12 seasons. Seven seasons over 35 dingers. 295 career avg. 5x all-star & 5x silver slugger.

David Justice - 305 home runs, 903 walks and 1017 RBI in 1610 games. From 1991 to his last season in 2002, Justice's teams made the postseason every year (with the exception of the strike-shortened 1994 season). Of those times, he made the World Series six times, winning twice.

Rob Nenn - 314 Saves (four more than Goose) . Forced to retire due to injury at the age of 32.

Tommy John - 288 Wins is 6th highest total among left-handers in major league history. 3.34 career ERA. 3x 20 game winner. 4x all star. Famous Tommy John surgery in mid-career in 1974 lessened win totals.

Darryl Strawberry - 335 HR's (280 in first 9 years). 8x All-Star on 4 WS Champs

Chili Davis - First ballplayer born in Jamaica to appear in a major league game, and is arguably the greatest Jamaican baseball player in MLB history. In a 19-year career, Davis was a .274 hitter with 350 home runs and 1372 RBI in 2436 games. 3x All-Star & 3x WS Champ.

Among switch-hitters, only Mickey Mantle, Eddie Murray, and Chipper Jones have more career home runs than Davis' 350.

Joe Carter - 5x All-Star, 2x WS Champ, 395 HR's and 1445 RBI's. He was the first (only?) player to record 100 RBIs for three different teams in three consecutive seasons.

Vince Coleman - 2x All-Star 752 SB's. 1985 ROY. Coleman led the National League in stolen bases in every season he played with the Cardinals (1985-1990), becoming one of just four players ever to lead his league in six consecutive seasons. The other players to accomplish this feat are Rickey Henderson, Luis Aparicio, and Maury Wills.

Coleman is also one of only four people (with Henderson, Wills, and Lou Brock) to steal 100 bases in a season, one of only two people (with Henderson) to do it three times, and the only person to do it in three consecutive years. Holds an MLB record with 50 consecutive stolen bases without being caught stealing

Jim Kaat - 283 wins (Lefty Picther) 16x Gold Gloves 3x All-Star. 1966 Pitcher of the Year. 5x 18 Wins Seasons

Dave Righetti - Lefty 252 Saves 2x All_star, 2x Reliever of the Year. Was the first player in history to both pitch a no-hitter and also lead the league in saves in his career. He pitched strongly as a starter for the Yankees from 1981-83, winning the American League's Rookie of the Year award in 1981, and helping the Yankees reach the World Seriesthe same year.

In 1984, Righetti was moved to the Yankees' bullpen due to an excess of starters, and replaced Goose Gossage as the team's closer. He proved even more effective in relief, averaging 32 saves per season over the next seven years with the Yankees,

John Franco - 427 Saves is No. 3 all time

Randy Myers - 367 Saves is No. 7 all time

Jeff Reardon (367 Saves) Along with Jose Mesa, Jeff Reardon is the only pitcher to have 40-save seasons with three different teams (Montreal in 1985, Minnesota in 1988, Boston in 1980). He was also a four time All-Star who won the 1985 Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.

Mickey Lolich - 217 Wins. 3x All-Star. Winning 14 or more games for ten consecutive seasons, including 25 in 1971 and 22 in 1972. He also struck out 200 or more batters seven times during his career, and ranks third among left-handers (behind Steve Carlton and Randy Johnson) in career strikeouts with 2,832.

Ron Santo - He was named a National League All-Star 9 times during his 15 seasons of play (1960 - 1974), and won five consecutive Gold Glove awards for fielding excellence (1964-1968). 342 Hr's.

Bobby Bonds - Noted for his outstanding combination of power hitting and speed, he was the first player to have more than two seasons of 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, doing so a record five times (the record was matched only by his son Barry), and was the first to accomplish the feat in both major leagues; he became the second player to hit 300 career home runs and steal 300 bases, joining Willie Mays.

A dangerous leadoff hitter, he also set major league records for most times leading off a game with a home run in a career (35) and a season (11, in 1973 ); both records have since been broken. He batted and threw right-handed.

Dick Allen - Known as one of the sport's top right-handed power hitters of the 1960s and early 1970s. Most notably playing for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox, he led the American League in home runs twice, and led both leagues in slugging average (the AL twice) and on base percentage. 351 HR's. 7x All-Star

Tony Oliva - Oliva was elected to the All Star game his first eight seasons, surpassing Joe DiMaggio's previous record of six. Five-time Top 10 MVP (1964-66, 1970-71) 3-time won batting title (1964-65, 1971) 8-time Top 10 in batting average (1964-71)

Al Oliver - a career .303 hitter with 219 home runs and 1326 RBI in 2368 games. 7x All-Star. 3x Silver Slugger. He batted .300 or more eleven times.

Bill Buckner - 2700 hits, 1200 RBI 1981 All-Star 1980 Batting Champ

George Foster - A 5-time All-Star (1976-'79, 1981), Foster was a member of the 1970s Big Red Machine, leading the league in home runs in 1977-78, runs batted in from 1976-78, and OPS in 1977. In 1977, Foster hit 52 home runs, making him the only major league player to belt 50 or more homers in a single season during a 25-year period

Don Baylor - 338 HR's 285 SB's. 3x Silver Slugger. 1979 MVP. 1987 WS Champ.

Vida Blue - 209 Wins. 2175 K's. 3.27 ERA 6x All-Star 3x WS Champ 1971 Cy Young & MVP. 2x Pitcher of the Year

Ron Cey - 316 HR's 6x All-Star

Maury Wills - 5x All-Star 3x WS Champ 2x Gold Glove In 14-seasons career, Wills batted .281 with 20 home runs, 458 runs batted in, 2134 hits, 1067 runs, 177 doubles, 71 triples, and 586 stolen bases in 1942 games.

Dave Kingman - The towering 6'6" Kingman became one of the most feared sluggers of the 1970s and 1980s. 442 HR's 3x All-Star 1210 RBI's

Sparky Lyle - 238 Saves. Became the Yankees' bullpen ace, and established himself as one of the best relief pitchers of the 1970s, helping the Yankees to three straight pennants from 1976-1978 and winning the World Series the last two years.

In 1972, he saved 35 games, an American Leaguerecord at the time, and a major league record for left-handers; Ron Perranoski had set both marks in 1970, but John Hiller would surpass Lyle's total with 38 in 1973.

In 1972, Lyle also became the first southpaw to collect 100 saves in the American League. He also finished 3rd in the 1972 MVP voting.

Rico Petrocelli - 2x All_star 210 HR's. In 1968 and 1969 Petrocelli led the league shortstops in fielding percentage. In 1969 he set a record (since broken) for home runs by a shortstop with 40 and repeated as an All-Star. He had another good season in 1970, hitting 29 home runs and a high-career 103 RBI.

HOF Votes should have to be at least 50 years of age in order to have seen the careers of most of the players they are voting on.

Bill Mazeroski only received 32 percent of the vote in his last year of eligibility in 1991, but the veteran's committee let him in.

Not all the players above perhaps deserve to be in the Hall, but many are as good or better than those already there. I strongly think Dale Murphy, Andre Dawson, and Lee Smith deserve to get voted in.

Dwight Evans should have been on the ballot longer with his 8 Gold Gloves alone let alone his 380+ Home Runs. A slappy like Craig Biggio does not belong in the Hall of Fame unless he buys a ticket, compared to most every player listed above.

Greg Oden Is Looking Like a Bust

John Gray — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:01:27 -0500

The legacy of Greg Oden's greatness is starting with a thud. The next great center is not living up to his expectations. None of the other greats—Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O' Neal, Tim Duncan, David Robinson and even Dwight Howard—started with such an undistinguished beginning.

Oden's scoreboard is what it is: full of disappointing single digits at best and gathering more fouls than rebounds or points. Usually, such stars don't gradually develop so slowly (ie. projects) but contribute much more than Oden.

Is Oden on track to become Michael Olowokandi, Dwayne Schintzius, William Bedford or Yinka Dare? Or a marginal player such as Benoit Benjamin and Emeka Okafor?

Celtics are becoming even more fortunate that the lottery ball did not fall in their favor and were forced to trade for Ray Allen and KG. This allowed them to gain an NBA championship, even if the window of success is short lived.

We first got a warning on Oden when in a Summer League game, before the injury, the Celtics's Leon Powe dominated Oden, drawing 10 fouls from him and limiting him to a few points. Oden is very foul prone and is on track to break Darryl Dawkins record of fouling out within 5 minutes of a game.

Comparisons to Bill Russell are extremely pre-mature if not insulting. Hopefully, he develops into a good player. Fortunately, he is only two seasons out of high school. But, certainly, Oden is not the dominating, or even contributing, player on either end of the court as expected and has been a major disappointment.

Matt Cassel for MVP ?

John Gray — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:39:55 -0500

With each big win, one has to start considering the improbable: That Matt Cassel could be considered for MVP. At least be considered in the top-five, without a doubt.

Cassel has done the near impossible, starting in the NFL from high school, and now making winning as expected and ordinary as his predecessor, Mr. Gisele Bun-skinny.

The only season that Tom Brady did better was last year, otherwise, Cassel's ahead of Tom's first-year development.

Just hope the Pats can make the playoffs so we can see them against the top teams while they are playing so well. Be a great shame to not have one of the best teams, and stories, continue in the playoff especially when their record could be as good or better then half the playoff teams.

This year is looking eerily similar to when the Pats first won the Super Bowl with Brady replacing Bledsoe.

If Cassel leads to Pats to the title, wins the MVP of the big game, and/or the season, do they keep him and say goodbye to "Tom Terrific?" With each success it makes that decision ever more tough for Kraft and friends to make.

Cassel is, by far, the Pats' MVP this year and could be of the league by the end of next week. Do you keep him for long-term success and get draft picks for Brady, or hang on to Brady for three or four years and reminisce of the good times?

Tough choice, but grateful for the great year Cassel provided when I obviously thought the season was a total loss when Brady went down. I am very happy to be corrected and hope to see the Pats in the postseason, led by Cassel.

Steelers-Patriots: Game Worth Millions to Matt Cassel, Playoff Hopes

John Gray — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:41:14 -0500

The Steelers / Patriot game should either establish the Patriots as contenders for the playoffs and more or reveal them as pretenders. The Patriots' playoff hopes depend on them winning this game, otherwise they would almost have to run the table on the rest to get into the playoffs. The game is even more important to Cassel career and potentially worth several million in pending free agent dollars.

If Cassel thrives against the Steelers' top ranked defense then he truly establishes himself as a legitimate rising starting quarterback. With a diminished running game due to injuries the weight of victory is clearly on Cassel's performance. Fortunately, Pittsburgh's running game has also been injured this year and on their 3rd string back. Cassel must continue to minimize turnovers, but outperform Ben Rothlesberger.

If Cassel flops then interest will diminish and he loses potential millions. This game could be the pivotal point of Cassel provided a starting job next year somewhere or end up in line with the likes Billy Volek who was supposed to be the starter in San Diego but been holding clip boards for Drew Brees and Philip Rivers.

As Bud Fox said in the moveie Wall Street while looking into the mirror right before meeting Gordon Gecco "Your life's future depends on a few critical moments ... this is one of them." For Matt Cassel's career and the Patriots season this afternoon's game is one of those critical moments. Hope they are victorious and not end up destitute and in jail like Bud Fox.

Matt Cassel Likely to Be a Jet Next Year?

John Gray — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:42:40 -0500

Assuming Tom Brady's health progresses enough that the Patriots allow Matt Cassel to hit the free agent market, where does Cassel end up in 2009?

One team in particular would be very disheartening for the Pats: those blasted Jets, especially if Favre retires for good after this year.

The move would make sense since the Jets love to sign ex-Pats, since they are familiar with each others systems.

Obviously, Cassel has shown much more promise then Jets backup QB Kellen Clemmons. There is some talent coming in the draft, but they'll have a lower pick and have to select from the second tier.

What other young promising free agents are available besides Cassel? The Jets would also love to steal one from the Patriots, given their rivalry, and] gain a QB who has four years in their offense.

Ideally, the Pats would re-sign Cassel with a reasonable contract before he hits free agency. This would be either as an insurance policy for Brady or to get value back and control Cassel's next location.

Other teams would make sense

Dolphins, as long term replacement for Pennington.

Houston, who need a starter.

Carolina, to groom to replace their injury prone QB.

Philly, if they are not sold on either McNabb or his unproven backup.

Detroit, since they need everything.

Seattle, to replace Hasselbeck.

Minnesota, who lacks a head (QB), but has everything else.

So, if Cassel continues to progress, each win will be worth millions to him. He will be a multi-millionaire in one of the above cities. Which one remains to be seen. Here's hoping he does get his new green with the Jets.

The New England Patriots Should Keep Matt Cassel Over Tom Brady

John Gray — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:46:25 -0500

Given Cassel's development and age, should the Pats consider keeping him over Brady? Was an impossible thought a few weeks ago, but now it doesn't seem that far fetched an idea.

Cassel is younger, healthier, cheaper, and has many years of football left in him (football gods willing). Brady probably has three or four years left at his discretion and little else to prove. What more does Brady have to play for? He could use a new challenge.

Cassell would leave via free agency without the Pats getting compensation. Brady could fetch up to three No. 1 draft picks. Brady could return to his hometown San Francisco and return them to glory. San Fran would be foolish not to jump on that PR fantasy.

Otherwise, if you keep Brady and let Cassel go, then Belichick probably leaves when Brady retires in three or four years, especially if a suitable replacement does not develop.

Would love to see Brady return to his prime at the helm, but it might make more long term sense and immediate business sense to Wally Pipp (Drew Bledsoe) him.

Roberto Clemente: Reflections on an All-Time Great

John Gray — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:16:35 -0400

This is a conversation I recently had with a long time Pittsburgh Pirate fan, Rich Murak, that I thought would be of interest to baseball fans who did not get to see one of the greats of the game play.

What was it like watching Clemente? I have seen highlights and seen his statistics, but many who saw him play revere him so much more like a Michael Jordan. Any players in my era compare?

Clemente was like a Michael Jordan in Pgh. Not regarded that way anywhere
else, except I guess in Puerto Rico & to his peers. The only really
national stars back then were in NY or L.A. Even with ESPN, it's still
pretty much like that even today.

Bob Clemente was simply the greatest ballplayer I ever saw. I guess
there's a certain amount of hometown loyalty to that, but, honestly, I've
never seen anyone else like him.

The only player I ever saw that I think might've been as good was Nolan Ryan, and you can't really compare a hitter & a pitcher.

One time Bob Gibson knocked Clemente down with a pitch. Not sure it was
on the next pitch, but in the same at-bat Clemente drove a liner up the
middle & broke Gibson's leg.

I'm not claiming he did it on purpose, but if anyone could've, it would have been Clemente. That's the kind of ballplayer he was.

I remember watching him take batting practice one day. Liner to left,
to center, to right—he just kept cycling, pitch after pitch.
Apparently hitting them anywhere he wanted to.

The only other hitter I've ever seen anything like him was Tony Gwynn.
I saw Gwynn do the same thing in BP and was shocked. The only arm I've
ever seen that's really comparable is Ichiro.

Dave Parker was exceptionally strong, but he didn't always have the accuracy to go with the power. Clemente could, no lie, throw a strike to home plate from over 360 feet
away.

And he threw the ball backhand from over the top, releasing
almost underhand. I've tried that & I can't make it go anyplace, maybe
in the direction I'm aiming if I'm lucky, but certainly not with any kind
of force. I've never seen anyone else throw like that at all.

He always kept an eye out for rookies—guys that never saw him before—that got a single to right. He'd make like he was bobbling the ball and they'd take a wide turn at first, and he come up throwing & nail 'em coming back to the bag. Veteran players knew better; they didn't take wide turns on Bobby.

I've heard Joe DiMaggio could do the same thing but I never saw it & really can't imagine it would be possible from CF. Hell, I can't imagine it was possible from RF, and I saw him do it! Once even on a Game of the Week. Vin Scully went on n' on about it.

The only player that ever came close to his intensity was Pete Rose.
And Rose was a jerk about it. Clemente simply went on the field to
punish the opposition, n' he was determined about it. He was respectful,
but he hated the other team & wanted to crush 'em.

He could hit for power, but preferred to hit for avg. The one year he
tried, he did so because Harry Walker told him if he'd hit 30 HRs, they'd
win the pennant. He hit 28 or 29 n' they lost; Walker was wrong though,
they didn't have the pitching if he'd hit 60.

But he could've been a power hitter if he wanted to play that game. Not an A-Rod type—probably about on par with, say, Magglio Ordonez.

He had good speed on the basepaths. I think he could've probably stolen
25-30 bases per year, but that wasn't part of the game then. No more
than that—he was fast, but not a speedburner.

He was a smart baserunner though, n' would always advance when the opportunity
presented itself. He had an incredible hook slide. I could never figure
out how he didn't break his leg doing that.

He was an exceptional fielder, but I don't think he was as good as Torii
Hunter. Roberto liked to hot dog in a day when that wasn't really a
popular thing to do, n' occasionally he'd mess up as a result.

He loved to make basket catches. I know Danny Murtaugh hated that, but could
never get him to stop. But he played the field the way he played the
game, with a vengeance, out to destroy the enemy. And he was a
perennial Gold-Glover.

Someplace I've got an old BBDigest with a mini interview with Jim
Palmer. They asked him about facing Clemente in the '71 series: "We got the scouting report on him. They said you could pitch him inside but don't stay there. You could get him to chase a ball low and away, but don't throw it there twice. What were
you supposed to do?"

He dominated the '71 series. It was his chance to showcase his talents
to the world n' boy did he ever. He practically won that series
single-handedly. If you ever run into any of the old Orioles, ask them
about it. I understand they just about all freely admit Clemente beat 'em.

When "experts" rate him in his era that always put him on par with Aaron, Mays, McCovey though his stats would indicate lesser.

He was not "on par" with Hank Aaron! Except for HRs, he was superior to Hank Aaron in every way! I never thought Hank Aaron was anything special (still don't).

I was incensed every time Aaron would start over Clemente in the All-Star game. Hell, Aaron wasn't even the best hitter on his own team. That was Eddie Matthews. When I saw the Braves I watched Matthews n' barely noticed Aaron was even playing. Ol' Henry
was not really a dangerous hitter.

McCovey wasn't that big a star back then, either. I liked him, but I was
a big Giants fan in those days. Juan Marichal was and still is, Clemente excepted, my favorite player ever.

But yeah, Clemente was one of the stars back then, right up there with
Mays, Al Kaline, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Frank Robinson, Aaron, Matthews, Mantle, Killebrew, Tony Oliva...

Baseball wasn't driven by stats in those days the way it is now. Players weren't on the open market, so they didn't have the incentive to drive up their numbers to increase their price.

If Clemente played after the advent of free agency, I'm sure he'd have hit 30 HRs every
year to drive his price up. But maybe not; all he was ever really
interested in was batting titles.

In that era, nobody really cared all that much about HRs. Mays was a
superstar, but nobody thought of McCovey that way. Aaron was a slugger
and an All-Star, but I doubt anyone would've considered him a future
Hall-of-Famer in 1965.

Al Kaline n' Tony Oliva were bigger stars than Harmon Killebrew or Rocky Colavito. The only time anyone got excited about HRs was Mays passing 600 or anytime anybody hit 50+ n' looked like they might have a shot at Ruth's 60. Batting titles were much more
important.

There was nobody like Mays n' Mantle except Mays n' Mantle. They were
in a class by themselves. But both were on the downsides of their
careers, and me, the young kid, could never understand why folks made such
a fuss about 'em.

I got to see Mays n' McCovey both homer in the same game & was far more excited about McCovey than that old guy Mays. And far more disappointed that Marichal was scratched than either or both HRs could assuage. Never did get to see him pitch live.

It wasn't until the '70s that guys like McCovey n' Aaron became big
stars. The game changed. But Roberto never had the chance to pad his
stats; he was gone before '73.

The big thing about Clemente was that he could take over and dominate a
game. You don't see many guys like that. The only recent ballplayer
that really comes to mind in that way is Pujols, and he doesn't do it in
the field.

Or Hunter, but he's not really like that at the plate. The rest have the occasional game like that, but you don't expect it all the time.

I've never seen another all-around ballplayer that I'd even consider
close to him. Mays & DiMaggio were supposed to be like that in every
phase of the game, but DiMag was done by the time I started going to
games & Mays was nearing the end.

When you hear people talk about Clemente, that's what they're talking about. We don't seem to produce players like that anymore.

Well, I hope you liked my review of Roberto Clemente. Spent more time than I intended, but once you get talking about Roberto it's tough to stop. He really was incredible; wish you could've seen him. Even the highlights don't do him justice. Every time I see 'em, I always expect so much more than they show.

The Patriots Will Go Winless the Rest of 2008.

John Gray — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:30:07 -0400

The Titanic of the 2008 Patriot season, once also thought as unsinkable, is sinking quickly.

Upon closer examination the Pats could lose the rest of their games. Thankfully, they at least won their first game to avoid the unthinkable of a winless season.

The schedule for the rest of year is:

Jets (2)—The Pats will lose both by over 10 points. Jets fans will cherish this year for decades.

Dolphins (2)—Both games could be close, but Chad Pennington brings the experienced leadership and the calming influence needed to pull off both wins.

49ers—Even their bad quarterbacks have more college and pro experience than Cassel, and Gore is a better RB than any of the Pats.

Chargers—Bad loss, if a healthy LT.

Broncos—Healthy Cutler will translate to a strong year for the Broncos, they will beat the Patriots.

Rams—Bad team, but Bulger is still better than Cassel. And Jackson is better than any RB that Pats have. Defense will have to win this one.

Colts—Healthy Manning means big win.

Bills (2)—Could challenge for the division title if Edwards grows. Two losses for the Pats.

Steelers—Blow out loss. The Steelers are a Super Bowl favorite.

Seahawks—Depends if Hassleback is healthy, new RBs—could be close.

Raiders—Keep in mind: JaMarcus Russell was a Heisman winner. Cassel only backed up two of them. The Patriot's defense could keep it close, but Raiders have most of the season in preparation to get team straightened out. Revenge for the tuck rule.

Cardinals—Unless they implode with multiple turnovers, the Cards should win.

Keep in mind Bill Belichick thought so much of Cassel that he pulled him with a 14 point lead against the Dolphins after throwing one pass, which was a TD interception return by Jason Taylor.

Belichick thought so much of Cassel that he hardly played him at all during the many blowout wins last year lead by Brady.

The Pats will go from the best offense of all time to the lower third—probably averaging under 20 points a game and shut out a few times.

There will be no playoffs. Great luck will get them a .500 year. Most likely, the Patriots will win six games at most.

Patriots & Packers - a mirror image without their franchise quarterbacks

John Gray — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:15:22 -0400

In January the Packers and Patriots were both in their Division Championship games after very successful seasons with their franchise quarterbacks on top of their games.

After one quarter into the 2008 season, both are with their very unproven 4 year backups at the helm for the remainder of the season. Both teams are putting on a good face, but very rarely has the quarterback in waiting been successful following their franchise quarterback.

Unless, Matt Cassell or Aaron Rodgers become the next Steve Young, who had more experience before getting the job than both combined, the 2008 season will be very disappointing for the Cheesheads and in Foxboro. Before Brady and Favre, the Packers & Patriots spend many years under .500 and most seasons without invitations to the postseason.

Without Favre, the opponent will focus on squashing the promising Ryan Grant's running game that did so well in 2007 and force Rodgers to throw he ball. Matt Cassell had a horrible pre-season. Cassel did not lead the Patriots to a touchdown in four games and was on the bubble of not making the team if Matt Guitterez had another touchdown drive.

Boston radio WEEI and WJAB is delusional to think the Pats are still playoff bound with Cassell as QB. I hope I am wrong but, think a .500 would be very good year for the Packers and Patriots. I think both are much more likely to have 6 wins or less than 10 wins or more. Keep in mind that Belichick did not make the playoffs with Bledsoe at the helm and was fired from his prior job in Cleveland.

Teams naturally suffer large drop offs when they lose their Hall of Fame bound quarterbacks, so, try to maintain your golf tee times on Sunday afternoon since your football season will be disappointing.

At least the Patriots can look forward to Tom Brady to return in 2009. The Packers will still be without Favre. Regardless, the 2008 season is over in Patriot and Packerland.

Can New England Do Anything to Save the 2008 Season?

John Gray — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:36:49 -0400

The 2008 season is officially over in New England. Keep out your golf clubs and/or your fishing tackle. The Patriots are now the Packers w/ four year backups taken over franchise QBs after great success last year.

Without Brady the Pats get to return to the pre-Bledsoe QB days of Tommy Hodson, Hugh Millen, Marc Wilson, and Rich Gannon (when he was young and unproven). When you watched the Patriots because you had nothing better to do was like watching the Celtics before last year.

The Patriots naively did not bring in a veteran QB to backup Brady in case the Titanic did actually get hit by an iceberg. The Patriots are bringing in Chris Simms and Tim Rattay, but any QB new to the system won't be ready for several weeks.

The choices are:

QB's that know the system that can step in quickly:

Testaverde, Bledsoe, Flutie, Guiterrez (recently cut and young)

QB that don't know the system which will take several weeks:

Chris Simms, Culpepper and other lessor stiffs

It would be worth calling Bledsoe, since he knows the system unlike Culpepper or any other outsider. Though he had one year off. Brady will have a year off when he returns next year.

Couldn't the injury have waited till halfway in the season or later? It is remnant of the 1999 Jets when they lost Vinny Testaverde in game one against the same Pats. The Jets were perhaps championship bound, but with Vinny getting injured; Keyshawn Johnson stormed off the press stage in tears and the Jets went on to 1-15 for the year with Parsells as coach.

I see the Patriots Over/ Under in 2008 to six games under Cassell. A very good year without Brady is 8-8. This will be a great test to Belichick to see how good he is or will he return to his lack of success w/o Brady like his Cleveland Browns days.

Regardless, Patriotland will have to wait 12 long months for Brady's return in 2009. A very small consolation prize will be another top 10 draft pick next April.

NBA Free Agent Musical Chairs - Too Many Dancers & Not Enough Chairs

John Gray — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:55:21 -0400

There are a ton of players still hoping to get top dollar deals, but there aren't many chairs left.

Some of the impact players remaining are Josh Smith, Emeka Okafor, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, JR Smith, Monta Ellis and Andre Igoudala.

Memphis has money but is, wisely, reluctant to spend on second-tier talent. The only tool in many teams' belts is to do a sign-and-trade.

Smart teams will not be sucked into signing them for too much money for too many years as the player agents demand. The clock is ticking in the favor of teams with each passing minute. Dumb teams will panic, overpay and be tied down for a few years.

Will Chicago be smart or dumb? They need to trade a guard. If the Bulls are lucky, they can get a pick or front court help. Signing Gordan and still having Hinrich would be a waste. Cleveland could use either of them to help LeBron.

Agents are gripping to get the remaining top dollars since their reputations are on the line. Failure to land a big deal will have rippling consequences in their ability to land new clients.

For some it might be best to take the one year mid-range exception with a desirable team that will play you so that you can get minutes to further showcase your talent, and re-sign with them next year for the big bucks—or stay one year and hope you catch one of the first money trains next year.

It will be interesting to see who gets a chair and who gets left sitting on the floor.

Boston Red Sox Considering Signing Barry Bonds

John Gray — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:13:33 -0400

Barry Bonds a Red Sock—it is being discussed by management. I would support signing Barry Bonds. David Ortiz has been out of the lineup for the month and the lineup is slumping. Plus, it would make it a more entertaining summer.

Bonds wants to return to baseball to gain his 3000th hit. He can save his knees by being a DH in the American League.

At the very least fans in the American League can boo him for the remainder of the year, especially since he has not been a fan of Boston. It would also be fun to see him and Manny Ramirez and Curt Schilling as teammates.

Granted, I am not too optimistic that Bonds can add too much since he has not played since last fall. Once pitchers find Barry to be rusty then they are not going to be walking him as they have before.

Boston did not have the pleasure of watching baseball's all-time home run hitter play much in Fenway anyways. It would make the games on TV that much more a "must see" rather than just catching the end of the game.

Bonds would be a cheap, low-risk addition and not cost any prospects. If Bonds doesn't perform, the Boston fans will boo him unmercifully, like few others can, for the controversy he has been in the middle of the last few years. If he succeeds, then Bonds will gain the chance at a much desired World Series ring.

Ironically, Babe Ruth ended in Boston too, as a Brave, and hit three home runs in his last game.

LeBron Will Not Be In a NYC Frame of Mind

John Gray — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:40:42 -0400

Contrary to much speculation, LeBron James will not being going to one of the NYC area teams next year or anytime soon. Superstars rarely leave their teams as a free agent, since their teams won't let them go and can usually outbid anyone if they are so inclined. The only free agents to leave in recent memory are Shaq to LA, and lessor mortal Tracy McGrady to Orlando and perhaps Baron Davis.

For LeBron James, this is even more the case since he is from the Cleveland area and the team has been competitive. The Cavs have been better than both NYC teams. Some say LeBron wants to maximize the endorsement potential that NYC can offer. What product is James not already endorsing? Isn't LeBron already in the top five paid athletes in endorsements?

Another factor could be the NYC lifestyle versus a smaller city like Cleveland in comparison. Living in a less costly estate in Ohio nearby versus living in an apartment or commuting daily.

LeBron Won't Win Any More Games in NYC

The Cavs went seven games with the NBA champs this year and were in the Championship the year before. The Cavs also have much more salary cap flexibility than either NYC team. Five players under contract after next season for $50mm and only LeBron is signed for 2010-11.

For the Knicks, Stephen Marbury, Steve Francis, and $40mm come off the books in 2009-10. Otherwise, the Knicks are best off letting contracts expire or trade them for picks and young talent if another teams desires them. The Knicks need to restrain themselves from overpaid, under performing players with long contracts. Crawford, Curry, and Jeffries are the big ones linger until 2010-11 for $28mm annually. I am sure LeBron is clamoring to play with the much well received draft pick Danilo Gallinari.

The Nets did a great job of freeing themselves of the big contracts of Kidd and Jefferson for young talent and draft picks. Vince Carter gets over $15mm per year until 2012 and Bobby Simmons gets $10mm for the next two years.

But as the Bulls learned after cutting ties from Jordan & friends to overall roster in hope to sign Tracey Grady and Duncan: just because you have money doesn't mean players will come. The Bulls haven't won since they purged their championship team prematurely, costing them at least another trophy or two.

The Cavs are playoff contenders now and have the salary cap flexibility to build around LeBron. New York is just wishfully thinking. LeBron will not be in a New York frame of mind or uniform anytime soon.

Gerald Green Signing Helps Offset Lack of First-Round Pick for Dallas Mavericks

John Gray — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:51:07 -0400

Lacking a first round pick in lack week's NBA Draft due to the Jason Kidd trade, the Mavs signed the young and exceptionally athletic 6'8" Gerald Green who is a shooting guard/ small forward.

This could be a great move that pays dividends for years to come. Green is only three years out of high school (and only 22 years old) and has the exciting ability of a Slam Dunk Champ, reminiscent of Dominique "the human highlight" Wilkins. But he also has a very accurate three-point shot (37 percent for his career).

He was originally so highly-rated that it was believed he was going to be the No. 2 pick in the 2005 draft, but he slipped to the Celtics at No. 18. In his rookie season in 2005-06, Green rarely played till the end of the year. Green shined in 2006-07. Due to an injury to Paul Pierce, he stared in 26 games, scoring over 20 points in 15 of them with a high of 33 points.

There have been some questions about Green's work ethic. Hopefully Green is ready to bare down with the Mavs, under their veteran leadership, and realize his vast potential.

Even if the Mavs only use Green during clean-up time it is worth it for fans to stay during the closing minutes just to catch one of his highlight dunks. I highly encourage readers to watch his many dunks on-line from games and the last two dunk contests.

Gerald Green is a great low-risk acquisition for the Mavs with vast potential beyond that of many of those in last week's draft, and is very exciting to watch.

Michael Jordan shoots and misses again in the NBA Draft

John Gray — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:27:51 -0400

Bobcats had two #1 draft picks ( #9 and #20) this draft and once again Michael Jordan shoots and misses as a GM. The Cats should have drafted the primary need of a big man first and instead went small.

The Bobcats could have had their choice of all the big men at #9. If they had someone targeted they could have traded down a bit to get a secondary big and a future pick, instead of risk waiting until #20. Unfortunately, once the Cats went small with Augustin at #9 a run on bigs naturally occurred.

I would have loved watching the draft board room squirm as eight players 6'9" or taller were drafted and the Cats were left scrambling for the unheralded French center Alexis Ajinca. To add insult to injury, the Jordan did not even bother drafting the raw but promising center from California DeVon Hardin, who was projected much higher, with their second round pick #50 instead of 6'6" Kyle Weaver and his 12 ppg senior average.

If the 2008 Draft was not bad enough, just wait until the draft that the Bobcats give up their #1 pick in the future since they threw it away for Denver's #20 this year on the French nonoffensive center.

Denver will get Charlotte's first-round pick next season if the Bobcats make the playoffs. If they don't, Charlotte keeps it. The pick would then be protected by a sliding scale, where Charlotte would retain it if it's in the top 12 in 2010, top 10 in 2011, top eight in 2012 and top three in 2013. Charlotte would have no protection for the pick in 2014.

Instead of trading your future high #1 why did they not just buy the New Orleans' pick as Portland did at #27?

JORDAN HAS A HISTORY OF BAD DRAFTING

Michael Jordan's biggest flop? Kwame Brown has done little since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft. There wasn't too much to choose from that year, but better off trading for proven player and picks.

Otherwise, Tyson Chandler was #2 but took years to develop. Clippers got Elton Brand for his draft rights though. Paul Gasol was at #3, Joe Johnson at #10 and Richard Jefferson #13.

For the Wizards, Jordan's best personnel move came when he returned as a player. That helped the Wizards sell out every home game the last two seasons, giving Pollin a tidy profit.

Jordan loaded the Wizards roster with Jerry Stackhouse, Bryon Russell, Larry Hughes and Charles Oakley in an effort to get to the playoffs one last time, but the chemistry was bad from the start. Playing alongside the person who is also in charge proved too awkward for many of the players.

Before Jordan arrived, the Wizards were a nondescript perennial loser with no national profile. They haven't been to the playoffs since 1997, haven't won a playoff game since 1988 and haven't won a playoff series since 1982.

JORDAN DRAFT RECORD WITH THE BOBCATS

In 2006 drafting the 6'7" shot happy, defensive liability Adam Morrison instead of rookie of the year Brandon Roy or explosive Rudy Gay.

In 2007 was alright since Michael wised up and traded their #8 pick Brandon Wright to Golden State for proven scorer in Jason Richardson.

CATS SHOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE THE NETS & NOT MIKE

The Cats should have drafted Brook Lopez, Marreese Speights or Roy Hibbert at #9 or soon after if able to trade down, since the risk of losing a must needed front court help was too big. With the #20 pick they could have then drafted Mario Chalmers (went #34) or Chris Douglas-Roberts (#No. 40) who they still could have drafted with their #38 pick.

The New Jersey Nets picked behind Jordan with each pick and chose better. The Nets have been rated A by many as they took their needed big Brook Lopez at #10, scorer Ryan Anderson at #21, and guard Chris Douglas-Roberts at #40. Charlotte have been commonly graded C or less by many analysts as Jordan drafted PG Augustin at #9, French Center Alexis Ajinca at #20 and then Kyle Weaver at #38.

With the #9 pick Jordan had the Bobcats select small with Augustin. The opportunistic Nets, also needing front court help, immediately took the top rated big man at #10 with Brook Lopez.

Ten picks later in the first round, after eight players 6'9" were selected, the dejected Jordan at #20 was left with the front court scraps with a project in Ajinca. The Nets complimented Lopez with a front court scorer in Ryan Anderson from California.

In second round, usually an afterthought except for the truly wise or lucky, Jordan & crew selected Kyle Weaver 6'6" from Washington St and his pedestrian 12 ppg senior year average. The ever lucky and opportunistic Nets had Chris Douglas-Roberts (CDR) fall to them for their back court help. Many analysts projected CDR to be selected in the first round.

Time will tell but it looks as if the Nets cleaned Jordan's clock with all three picks though they selected after him.

2008 BOBCATS AND BEYOND

Looking lottery bound in 2009 and for years afterwards. Hope Jordan does not bother resigning and overpaying any of his failed draft picks or overpaying for the garbage of other teams.

For Charlotte is is best to keep cheering for their Hornets and what should have been. Hopefully, Jordan takes his Haines and heads back to the golf course. Mike was great shooting hoops, but keeps missing on his draft selections.

Joba Chamberlain: the Next Dave Righetti?

John Gray — Mon, 26 May 2008 05:00:36 -0400

As a Red Sox fan, I am truly excited by the Yankees' indecisiveness with Joba. Hopefully, they will again weaken a great arm as they did with Dave Righetti.

Righetti was an electric softpaw, Rookie of the Year, and also threw a no-hitter against the Red Sox, but the Yankees flipped him into the bullpen.

He was successful for a few years, but aside from 1984 and 1986, he was only good, never great. His potential was so high that in the mid-1980s, it was reported that a Japanese team offered him a record two year, $9 million contract.

From a Red Sox fan perspective, I would not mind if they flip-flopped Joba a few times into mediocrity.

If the Yankees were smart, they would have kept Righetti as a starter, and now they would keep Joba in the bullpen to inherit the closer role from Riveria. Hopefully, the Yankees continue their lackluster 2008 season.

Boston Red Sox: Is Theo Epstein a Genius or a Mad Scientist?

John Gray — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:24:21 -0400

I forever appreciate Theo Epstein helping the Red Sox win two World Series titles, but I'm also amazed at some of these daft decisions of the boy genius.

1. Signing J.D. Drew

Did Theo not read the papers or listen to the radio? Everyone knew J.D. was a stiff, yet Theo thought he knew better. He outbid himself into a horrible contract in too many years and way too many dollars. Plus, Wily Mo Pena was cheap and ready to go.

2. Inability to choose a shortstop

Shortstop is obviously Theo's weakness. How many shortstops have Red Sox roots? Nomar, Sanchez, Ramirez, Renteria, Alex Gonzalez, Orlando Cabrera and Eckstein. The Sox might as well start a shortstop academy.

The Sox overpaid Lugo and Renteria. Lugo in his prime as a leadoff hitter stealing bases was appealing, but signing him to a four-year, $36 million deal after he flopped with the Dodgers was stupid. At least the Brewers only signed Eric Gagne to a one-year, $10 million contract.

Renteria made errors, but he batted .300 and scored 100 runs. Alex Gonzalez was great for the Sox, but then he was dumped for Lugo. I hope Theo can make a choice and stick to it. Perhaps he overpaid Lugo so he could not change his mind again, since no one else would want him.

3. Overpaying Jason Varitek

Four years and $40 million (when there were no other bidders) is too much money for an aging catcher with an average bat. He brought two rings, but Epstein should not be held hostage by him. He could have had A.J. Pierzynski for $2.5 million, like the White Sox did.

4. Not trading unproven rookies for proven talent

Epstein did not trade Hanson and Delcarmen for Roy Oswalt. I understand not acquiring Santana due to shoulder concerns, but more because of his contract demands. Occasionally, the prospect turns out (a la Bagwell) but usually he doesn't. It's best to trade for the proven talent if it is reasonably priced.

5. Should have kept Wily Mo as an insurance policy

What was the point of trading him, especially late last season? Turns out Manny went down for a month immediately after, and Wily Mo hit eight home runs in September for the Nationals. I would have rather have had Wily Mo than Bobby Kielty.

Especially if Ortiz or Manny get hurts again, Wily Mo would be a nice backup. It's too bad Wily Mo was never able to develop in the minor leagues. He reminds me of Bo Jackson. I love to watch his home runs.

6. Paying $100 million for Daisuke Matsuzaka

That was a little too steep and risky, and I'm surprised John Henry did not balk at this. They might as well have signed Santana instead.

7. The Jeff Suppan Chronicles

Groom him, dump him, trade a top prospect (and future batting champ) to retrieve him, dump him again, watch him play in two World Series for the Cards.

8. Could have signed A-Rod

It's always best to keep such talents away from your archrival. Imagine the Yankees with Lowell instead of A-Rod to save their lineup. Imagine Ortiz, Manny and A-Rod in the lineup, even if for one year as Manny's contract expires.

We could have had A-Rod instead of Lugo and JD Drew, since the money would not have been available for Theo to waste so foolishly. Thankfully, its worked out by passing on him twice, but it was very risky.

Those are my thoughts. I'm forever grateful for the rings, but Theo doesn't strike gold every time.