Bleacher Report - Articles by GoBears 2008

Madison Bumgarner Outslugs Entire San Francisco Giants Lineup

GoBears 2008 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:21:57 -0400

As much as the first half of the 2009 season was kind to the San Francisco Giants, the second half has been downright cruel so far, especially the death of Sue Burns.

On the field, the Giants have lost four of five games, the last two by a combined score of 18-4. Tonight, the offense has been silent again, while Tim Lincecum exited the game after the fifth inning after giving up four runs on seven hits.

Ahead is a trip to Coors Field to face a Rockies team that has been red-hot, and now lead the Wild Card by more than a game.

Meanwhile, at Double-A Connecticut, Madison Bumgarner has continued to dominate on the mound. His opponents' batting average has actually decreased since his promotion from the hitter-happy California League, and after allowing seven runs in two starts in June, he hasn't allowed more than one in any game since.

On July 16th, Madison allowed just one hit in five-plus innings of work. But tonight, he gave a complete performance, one of the best by any minor-league player this season.

On the mound, Bumgarner was his usual self, allowing one run on three hits in seven innings. His ERA now stands at 1.56, barely .1 higher than his average at High-A San Jose.

But it was at the plate that Bumgarner surprised everyone. It wasn't just that he raised his average to nearly .430 by going two-for-three. It was his grand slam in the fifth inning to provide himself more than enough cushion for the win.

With one swing, Bumgarner drove in more runs than San Francisco's entire lineup did in the first two games of the Atlanta series. Maybe Bumgarner is the spark the Giants' offense needs.

Joking aside, Bumgarner has dominated Double-A, and with Buster Posey in Fresno, there is now a real advantage to promoting Madison to Triple-A. Having Madison throw to Posey in the minors would be a good start to what could be a battery in San Francisco as soon as April 2010.

On the other hand, Eli Whiteside is not the catcher of the future, and Ryan Sadowski was hit hard in his last start. Posey as a backup catcher would limit his at-bats, and he is hitting under .250 in Fresno despite averaging nearly one RBI per game.

However, Bumgarner might benefit from pitching in low-leverage situations at the major league level. Madison could be valuable in the bullpen, where the Giants have begun to struggle lately. And with Randy Johnson hurt, he could make a spot-start or two. If it doesn't work out, Bumgarner could be sent to Triple-A, where he could continue to work without pressure.

The Giants look in need of a shake-up, and they might be able to bolster their pitching by calling on Bumgarner. Trade assets could be saved for a hitter, and Posey could join him late in the season, especially if Molina is injured or needs extended rest down the stretch.

Besides, a grand slam by a rookie pitcher isn't without precident.

Anthony Morrow Shows Stephen Curry How To Shoot

GoBears 2008 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:20:07 -0400

The Golden State Warriors Vegas Summer League team wrapped up their season in style, with Anthony Randolph and Anthony Morrow setting Summer League scoring records on back-to-back nights.

But while many Warriors are focusing on Randolph's all-around dominance and Morrow's 47-point outburst, some are at least somewhat concerned about Stephen Curry's struggles from the field.

Kevin Durant made exactly one-third of his shots in Vegas in 2007, including an abysmal 4-for-19 from three-point range. However, free throw shooting elevated Durant's scoring average to 24 points per game.

And yes, 2007 was also the year that Marcus Banks shot over 68 percent and scored 42 points in one game. Greg Oden committed 19 fouls in two games and made 12.5 percent of his free throws, but he made nine of seventeen field goals.

But the lists of top scorers from the Vegas League in recent years contain many more decent NBA players than complete busts.

A list of 2006's top players featured a possible future All-Star (not counting Amare Stoudemire, who was on a rehab assignment) in Brandon Roy. But other top performers were no flukes either, including Randy Foye and Kevin Martin. Ryan Gomes is not a star, but he averaged over 14 points per game in the 2008-2009 regular season. John Lucas III is the only top scorer whose game hasn't materialized at all outside of Vegas.

And the top scorers from 2007 are a solid group:

Lou Williams

Von Wafer

Marco Belinelli

Kevin Durant

Craig Smith

Aaron Brooks

Kelenna Azubuike

LaMarcus Aldridge

Francisco Garcia

Nate Robinson

Anthony Roberson

Rodney Stuckey

Randy Foye

Rudy Gay

Al Thornton

Players who do well in Summer League possess either superior athleticism (Randolph) or a superior shooting ability (Morrow). It also exaggerates the talents of players such as Gerald Green and Sebastian Telfair, who can get to rim at will against inferior talent but struggle against superior competition.

On the other hand, LeBron James shot 7-of-30 in his last two summer league games in 2003, failing to make even second-team All-League despite playing on a team with Carlos Boozer and Jason Kapano.

And last year, Michael Beasley outplayed Derrick Rose in a head-to-head matchup.

So, a poor showing in summer league is nothing new, even to All-World players and No. 1 draft picks. Nevertheless, Curry has certainly looked like a dreaded "volume shooter" so far.

From his stats alone, Curry looks like a ball hog, putting up 22 shots in his highest-scoring game. The game after his 29-point effort, Curry attempted nineteen more shots, a team-high, despite more efficient shooting by Morrow, Randolph, and even Cartier Martin.

Martin, who might have played his way onto the 2009-2010 Warriors roster, took only about 12 shots per game despite the fact that he was playing for a contract.

But Martin's play highlighted the two most important facts about Curry's Summer League performance. First, Curry is shooter. Although he showed a developed touch passing the ball and had several great assists per game, Curry was drafted in the lottery due to his scoring ability.

In a real NBA game, Curry will need to use his skills in order to keep the bench players' shooting in rhythm and to stretch the floor. But Summer League, however important it might be to those for whom it's an audition, is a series of exhibition games.

Martin's ability to knock down jumpers, pass to teammates, or get to the free throw line may be important to him, the Warriors' front office, and hardcore Warriors fans.

But the majority of fans want to see Anthony Randolph dunk.

Curry's entertainment value lies in his lightning-quick release and his ability to take over a game with his shooting, as he did during Davidson's legendary 2008 NCAA Tournament run. Even though he shot poorly, Curry generated star power in Vegas, on and off the floor.

On a more practical, basketball-oriented level, Curry looked a bit rusty. He had participated in several pre-draft workouts, but he had not played in a full-length, competitive five-on-five game since Davidson's season ended.

Curry's Davidson faced down many of the top college players during his career, including Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers, Tyler Hansbrough, Mario Chalmers, and, during the past season, Blake Griffin.

Still, playing against fellow draft picks such as Tyreke Evans, even with Randolph and Morrow on his team, was probably Curry's toughest challenge since he played Duke at Cameron Indoor in January.

Regardless of the reasons for Curry's poor shooting percentage, he has shot well at the free throw line and has showcased his passing skills on several occasions. And Curry still hasn't played in an official game, and he has few NBA practices under his belt.

Many NBA scouts think highly of Curry, and he should become a good shooter in the near future. For now, Warriors fans can take solace in the fact that Morrow is the best three-point shooter in the league.

A few Summer League games don't mean much in Curry's quest to become the next Golden State Summer League alum to bring Oracle Arena fans to their feet.

Lincecum Vs. Haren: Who Has The Inside Track On The N.L. Cy Young?

GoBears 2008 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:14:43 -0400

Tim Lincecum's quest for a second-straight Cy Young Award involves competition with some of the same pitchers from last year, such as Johan Santana. However, in 2009, some unexpected challengers have emerged, such as Saint Louis' Joel Pineiro and Lincecum's own team-mate Matt Cain.

But by far the biggest obstacle in the repeat campaign has been rejuvenated former A's pitcher Dan Haren, who is having a career year in almost every category.

Comparing Lincecum and Haren is easier than comparing, say, 2008 Cliff Lee and 2008 Lincecum, since not only are Tim and Dan in the same league, but are also in the same division.

They have also made eighteen starts each.

But although Lincecum was selected as the starter for the National League, Haren's first-half statistics are better in many categories.

Wins: Lincecum +1

Lincecum has ten wins in eighteen games, Haren nine.

Losses: Lincecum -3

Not only does Lincecum have more wins, but also fewer losses. However, he also has better run support (see below), and was actually saved from a few losses by the Giants offense.

Quality Starts: Haren +2

While Lincecum has struggled to get outs in a few games this year, Haren has been extremely consistent, resulting in seventeen quality starts. Haren's total leads the N.L., while Lincecum is not far behind (tied for third at fifteen).

ERA: Haren -.32

Haren looks like he has a large lead in ERA. However, in the same number of games pitched, Lincecum has allowed only four more earned runs. When unearned runs are considered, Haren's lead jumps to six, possibly reinforcing the assertion that Arizona's defense is better than San Francisco's.

Lincecum allowed four earned runs in his worst two starts. Haren allowed five runs once, but has not allowed more than two earned in any start since late May.

Strikeouts: Lincecum +20

Just as home run hitters add flair to the All-Star game, strikeout pitchers add drama through sheer power. Lincecum leads the National League in strikeouts with 149. Haren is only twenty behind, which translates to only slightly more than one strikeout per game.

WHIP: Haren -.24

Haren really starts building up an advantage when it comes to walks (16-34) and hits allowed (89-100), so the WHIP discrepancy is not surprising.

Pitches Per Plate Appearance: Lincecum -.08

Despite walking over twice as many batters as Haren, Lincecum is actually slightly more efficient with his pitches.

Walk-to-Strikeout Ratio: Haren +3.68

Despite Lincecum's lead in strikeouts, Haren's K/BB is much higher. This makes sense because Haren has given up fewer than half the number of walks.

Run Support Per 27 Outs: Haren -.99

Haren's April was especially brutal: He lost 3-0, 3-1, and 2-0 in his first three starts, before finally being on the correct side of a 2-0 win.

Recently, however, his team's offense has picked up lately. In four of Haren's last seven starts, the Diamondbacks have scored eight or more runs.

Lincecum was bailed out on opening day, and has suffered 3-2 and 2-0 no-decisions. But overall, Tim has deserved both losses, allowing three and four runs in them. The Giants have been on an offensive surge lately, scoring ten, nine, and nine runs in Lincecum's last three starts.

Neither Lincecum nor Haren have needed the recent runs, however. Lincecum has allowed three runs (and Haren only two) in his last three starts.

Haren is considered to have five "tough losses" compared to just one for Lincecum.

Complete Games: Even

Both pitcher are tied for the N.L. lead with three complete games, have allowed three runs combined in them.

Shutouts: Lincecum +1

Lincecum has two shutouts, both of which being complete games. Haren answered back with one of his own in his last pre-Break start, which ironically was completely forgotten by most non-Arizona fans due to Jonathan Sanchez's no-hitter.

Opponent Batting Average: Haren -.26

Haren really shines in this category, as well as all opponent averages, because he simply doesn't allow base-runners. Lincecum is respectably tied for fourth.

Opponent On-Base Percentage: Haren -.51

Here again, Haren's incredibly low walk totals contribute to a great stat. Although Lincecum is tied for second in the N.L. in OOBP, it's a distant second, nearly twice the gap that Haren enjoys in opponent's batting average.

Batting Average On Balls In Play (BABIP): Haren -.63

Haren's stats are somewhat deceiving since the formula doesn't take into account home runs. But any pitcher that has such a low batting average against him will have a low BABIP).

The statistic also favors Haren because a strikeout is not a ball in play, although a walk doesn't count as an at-bat.

Ground Ball to Fly Ball Ratio: Lincecum +.17

Lincecum gets more ground-ball outs, which is telling, since Giant's park is somewhat forgiving to fly-ball pitchers.

Haren, however, has induced eight double plays to Lincecum's five. In addition, Dan has only given up one sac fly, whereas four have occurred against Lincecum.

Total Bases Allowed: Lincecum -10

By taking walks out of the equation, Lincecum comes out on top despite Haren's lower opponent average. In other words, Lincecum allows more hits, but they do less damage on average because fewer of them are extra-base hits.

While Lincecum has given up one more double and one more triple than Haren, the real difference appears in the home run totals. Tim has given up only four, while Dan has allowed twelve.

Indeed, Lincecum's HR-per-Fly Ball percentage is less than four percent, whereas Haren's is around 9.5%.

Opponent OPS: Haren -.33

While Lincecum's total-base advantage leads to a lower opponent slugging percentage, Haren's on-base percentage is enough to overcome Tim's lead.

Defense-Independent ERA: Lincecum -.57

Lincecum leads the league in this category, whereas Haren is fourth. Home Runs and strikeouts are major plays that occur without a fielder, so Lincecum is able to overcome the walks deficit.

Component Era: Haren -.59

Any statistic that heavily weights walks and hits allowed will favor Haren. Although giving up a home run is heavily penalized, Haren is nowhere near the bottom of the league in home runs allowed. Lincecum's higher WHIP does him in.

Caught Stealing Percent: Haren +.02

Both Haren and Lincecum are bad at holding runners on, with Haren allowing nine steals to every runner thrown out. Lincecum ratio is twelve to one.

So in the end, both pitchers have their strengths. Haren allows fewer baserunners, but also gives up home runs. Lincecum allows runners to get to first, but doesn't allow extra-base hits. What, then, accounts for the discrepancy in ERA?

Lincecum's Win Probability Added is still well above average at 2.67. However, it is well below his Cy Young season figure of 4.73, and less than the 2.77 that Haren is posting at the break.

In addition, Lincecum's clutch rating is .27, far below his 1.05 total for 2008. Haren's rating is .38, slightly higher. This may not seem like a large difference, and it isn't, but with Haren and Lincecum separated by only a few earned runs, a clutch hit by an opponent can make a difference. Appropriately, Haren's Left-on-Base Percentage (84.3) is quite a bit higher than Lincecum's 76.1 percent.

Haren is having a career year, while most of Lincecum's numbers are slightly lower than his magical 2008 season. At the half-way mark, Haren seems to have the edge, thanks to his stinginess in allowing baserunners.

Will Haren's propensity for giving up home runs be his downfall?

Will Lincecum lower his total and catch Haren in WHIP and other key categories?

For Giants fans, a healthy, dominant Lincecum who improves with every season is all anyone can ask for.

If Tim helps get the franchise back to the playoffs, he will have had a successful season, regardless of whether or not he completes his historic repeat Cy Young bid.

Giants Prospect Buster Posey Officially Promoted to Triple-A Fresno

GoBears 2008 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:46:00 -0400

The Fresno Grizzlies' Web site has confirmed that Buster Posey, a former top pick of the San Francisco Giants, has been promoted to join the team, skipping Double-A Connecticut.

The Fresno Bee is reporting that Posey will be with the team Thursday when they begin a road trip in Colorado Springs.

In his first year at A-level San Jose, Posey hit .326, with 23 doubles and 13 home runs.

Buster was ranked the number two prospect in the San Francisco organization by Baseball America, and the 19th overall prospect in the minors by MLB.com.

Posey joins Steve Holm and Nestor Rojas on the Grizzlies' roster and it's unknown whether he will start immediately.

A.L. All-Star Lineup Features Few All-Time Greats, but Is Still Dangerous

GoBears 2008 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:47:00 -0400

Considering that the franchise has the most players in the Hall of Fame, it is no surprise that numerous Giants have been involved in the All-Star game over the years. In 1965, Juan Marichal and Willie Mays stole the show in a game that featured 15 other future Hall-of-Famers.

Tim Lincecum won't face a lineup of Harmon Killebrew, Brooks Robinson, Al Kaline, Micky Mantle, and Carl Yastremski. Then again, the 2009 National League team doesn't feature Mays, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Pete Rose, Ernie Banks, Wille Stargell, and Billy Williams, either. And Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, and Don Drysdale aren't competing for Lincecum's starting spot.

Still, there are plenty of potential pitfalls in the 2009 A.L. lineup. Many of the starters are great contact hitters, and two have averages over .350. There is plenty of power in the middle of order.

Lincecum will likely only face the following starters (note Evan Longoria has withdrawn from the game and will be replaced by Chone Figgins. Michael Young will start for Longoria):

Ichiro Suzuki

2009 first-half stats: .362, 6 Home Runs, .393 On-Base Percentage

As usual, Ichiro's unique batting style has produced a very high average, and his speed has allowed him to continue racking up extra-base hits and steals. He recently slumped to a six-of-34 line in series against Baltimore and Boston, but hit .439 in June and .417 in May.

Ichiro rebounded in his last series before the Break, tallying eight hits (including two doubles) and two RBI against Texas. His averages against left and right-handed pitchers are nearly identical, although his slugging percentage and OPS are slightly higher against lefties.

Suzuki has never faced Lincecum, but hit a home run in the 2007 All-Star game.

Derek Jeter

2009 first-half stats: .321, 10 HR, .396 OBP

Jeter is hitting .400 in July, and is on pace to hit roughly 20 home runs, his highest output in five years.

Jeter owns a career .474 batting average in the All-Star game, including two three-for-three efforts and a home run.

Derek has never played against Lincecum, but is batting only .276 against right-handers.

Joe Mauer

2009 first-half stats: .373, 15 HR, .447 OBP

Mauer is having an incredible year, setting a career-high in home runs half-way through the season. Although his monthly averages have dropped as the first-half progressed, Joe could be one of the toughest outs for Lincecum, who he has never faced.

Joe hits nearly 50 points higher against right-handed pitching (.391), but has only one hit in his last 12 at-bats overall.

Mauer is one-for-three in All-Star games.

Mark Teixeira

2009 first-half stats: .275, 21 HR, 63 RBI

Teixeira's contract was debatable, but he produced 21 home runs before the Break. After a streaky first two months as a Yankee, Mark settled down. His July average matches his overall average. Although Mauer has definitely shown power this year, Teixeira is the first true "masher" in the A.L.'s lineup, appropriately batting clean-up.

Teixeira, who played in Atlanta, faced Lincecum in one game in 2007. He collect an RBI on a fielder's choice, then struck out. Mark bats only .257 against right-handed batters, although 16 of his home runs have come off them.

Jason Bay

2009 first-half stats: .260, 20 HR, 72 RBI

After raising his average over .300 in April, Bay's average has consistently declined to within .010 of his career-low. However, his 20 home runs are on pace for a career-high, and his average with runners in scoring position is over 70 points higher. Bay hits .255 against right-handers.

Bay, a former Pirate, has three career plate appearances against Lincecum. Jason, who is susceptible to the strikeout, struck out twice while also reaching on a single.

Bay is also one-for-three with a strikeout in the All-Star game.

Josh Hamilton

2009 first-half stats: .243, 6 HR, 24 RBI

Hamilton was selected to the All-Star game despite an injury-filled and sub-par first-half.

He is batting .236 vs. righties, but showed last year that he can hit them, as evidenced by a .313 average and twenty-four homers.

Hamilton went one-for-three with a strikeout and a stolen base in last year's All-Star game, after hitting dozens of home runs in the Derby. He has never batted against Lincecum.

Michael Young (replacing Evan Longoria—see top)

2009 first-half stats: .308, 11 HR, .852 OPS

Young is near or at career-highs in OBP, OPS, and slugging percentage. Although he averaged under .250 in his last seven games, his average against right-handers is over .300, also a career-high.

Michael is three-for-nine with a double, a triple, and three RBI in previous All-Star appearances.

Despite recording 12 at-bats in the inter-league series this year against the Giants, Young has never been in the box against Lincecum.

Aaron Hill

2009 first-half stats: .292, 20 HR, 60 RBI

While Vernon Wells has been a disappointment in Toronto, Hill has been an extremely pleasant surprise, with career-highs in almost every category.

Aaron is more effective against lefties, but still hits a respectable .285 against right-handers.

Hill is the only A.L. starter to have drawn a walk against Lincecum, and struck out in his only other at-bat against him in 2007. Aaron is hitting only .204 in July, and has gone hit-less in half of his games this month. Of his 10 July hits, however, four have been for extra bases.

Roy Halladay

Halladay might be a great pitcher, but as a career American-Leaguer, his batting is awful.

Roy has never had an All-Star at-bat, and has never faced Lincecum. In a strange coincidence, two out of Halladay's three career hits came in a single game against former Giant Jason Schmidt.

Halladay struck out in his only at-bat this year.

The All-Star Game has not always been kind to the Giants. In 1983, Atlee Hammaker gave up the only grand slam in Mid-Summer Classic history. And even if Lincecum pitches well, he will throw only two innings, limiting the potential for a decision.

But if Albert Pujols and company can produce a run or two in the first or second inning, Tim could very well be the winning pitcher in a game that breaks the American League's twelve-game unbeaten streak.

All-Star Tim Lincecum Will Start For The National League; Matt Cain Out

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:27:00 -0400

Tim Lincecum, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, will be the N.L.'s starter in tomorrow's All-Star game, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Lincecum, who withdrew from last year's game due to illness, will attempt to win a game for the National League for the first time since John Smoltz led a 6-0 shutout in 1996.

Tim will face an American League lineup of Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Jeter, Joe Mauer, Mark Teixeira, Jason Bay, Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria and Aaron Hill. A.L. starter Roy Halladay (who says his probability of being traded is "50-50") will bat ninth, since the game will be played in St. Louis, a National League park.

Backing Lincecum is a Philly-heavy lineup that includes Hanley Ramirez, Chase Utley, Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun, Raul Ibanez, David Wright, Shane Victorino and Yadier Molina.

Just as he does in almost every start for the Giants, Lincecum will be throwing to a Molina. On Tuesday, however, it will be Bengie's younger brother Yadier behind the plate.

Matt Cain, the Giants' only other representative at the game, will not be on the team, but says his elbow is "good, just sore" after being hit by a line drive.

Jonathan Sanchez's Gem: When is Perfection Not a Perfect Game?

GoBears 2008 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:15:00 -0400

In a first half of mostly pleasant surprises for Giants fans, Jonathan Sanchez's no-hitter is by far the best story. Sanchez's struggles and demotion were all forgotten for nine magical innings, made much more special for Jonathan by the presence of his father, who joined his son in the dugout after the game against the San Diego Padres.

Sanchez was overpowering, striking out eleven batters while becoming the first Giant to throw a no-hitter since John Montefusco in 1976. Sanchez did make a mistake to Edgar Gonzalez, who hit a ball to the warning track with one out in the ninth.

But Aaron Rowand's leaping grab against the wall preserved not only the no-hitter, but potentially the shutout as well, since Gonzalez would have been in scoring position with one out (the at-bat occurs in the video at about 1:30).

But the most compelling aspect of the game was not the presence of Sanchez's father, nor the fact that Eli Whiteside (a backup considered to be a placeholder until Buster Posey is ready) caught the game. Sanchez not only allowed no hits but also walked none, bringing him tantalizingly close to the eighteenth perfect game in baseball history.

The irony of Sanchez's feat wasn't only that he wasn't supposed to start, it was that he started in place of the injured Randy Johnson. Johnson's hall-of-fame career includes over 300 wins, as witnessed earlier this season, but also two no-hitters. Even more coincidentally, Johnson remains the last hurler to throw a perfect game.

According to the MLB rules, "An official perfect game occurs when a pitcher (or pitchers) retires each batter on the opposing team during the entire course of a game, which consists of at least nine innings. In a perfect game, no batter reaches any base during the course of the game."

Juan Uribe's error on a sharply-hit ground ball in the eighth inning officially spoiled Sanchez's bid for an official perfect game. Sanchez is just the eighth pitcher to have a perfect game spoiled by one or more errors. However, in one of those games, Dick Bosman's no-hitter in 1974, the pitcher himself committed the error.

Either way, Sanchez is in elite company, even among those pitches who have no-hit their opponents. Even Nolan Ryan, whose dominance led to seven no-hitters, never came this close to perfection.

Should a pitcher be held accountable for mistakes his team-mates make?

If a pitcher exits the game with two outs and a runner on first in a scoreless game and the closer serves up an RBI double on the next pitch, the run is charged to the pitcher in the dugout. And a boneheaded fielding play in foul territory that allows an inning to continue doesn't entitle the pitcher to an unearned run.

Part of the beauty of baseball is the unpredictable nature of the sport that goes beyond the box score. The best hitters in the history of the game still only got a hit roughly forty-percent of the time, and traditionally poor hitters can become legends with one postseason hit.

Most non-Cubs fans probably remember the Bartman incident more than the meltdown that followed, even though there was no guarantee at the time that the foul ball would have any impact.

Everything has to go right for a perfect game bid to succeed, including defense. Most perfect and near-perfect games have included a lucky grab or two. And while the play that ended Sanchez's bid for a perfect game will no doubt stay in the minds of Giants fans for a while, in five years, the defensive play that defines the game will be Rowand's.

Baseball has a long tradition of changing long-held traditions. Ground-rule doubles used be home runs. The pitchers mound has been lowered. In 1887, a full count was 4-3 and walks were counted as hits. Minimum park dimensions were not established until 1959.

The definition of the perfect game has changed throughout the years, but it has only become more strict. For example, in 1991, MLB ruled that any pitcher who was flawless through nine innings but allowed a base-runner in extra innings should no longer be given credit for a perfect game.

The perfect game implies complete perfection from the pitcher as well as his defensive teammates. It should remain as the ultimate symbol of baseball excellence.

Is Sanchez's feat much more impressive than a nine-walk no-hitter? No doubt. Should he be credited with a perfect game? No.

But even though Sanchez's start won't join the highest circle of pitching accomplishments, Giants fans will remember how close he came, and just how impressively he pitched. No matter what happens this season or in the future, Jonathan Sanchez has given himself and baseball fans a career-defining moment to look back on.

"Amare Stoudemire has little interest in joining the Warriors"

GoBears 2008 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:21:00 -0400

RealGM, citing the San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami, is reporting that Amare Stoudemire himself is expressing doubt about a trade to Golden State. The same report says the Warriors' chances of a trade are slim at best.

Over the past few days, rumors about the trade have shifted wildly, ranging from Amare joking that he's joining the Lakers to apparent indications that Stoudemire might be preparing to leave the Phoenix area.

The latest rumor, as reported by Kawakami, seems to put a stop to all trade negotiations for Stoudemire by Golden State, who would never give up any significant talent for a player who is unwilling to sign a long-term extension.

Part of Amare's problem with the Warriors was supposedly his reluctance to play center.

But with Ronny Turiaf and a now-seven-foot Anthony Randolph on the roster, Amare could play his preferred power forward position.

But the Warriors have never been concerned about employing a true center and they would be willing to accommodate Amare's wish if it meant signing him long-term. Stoudemire's problem with playing center would never become an issue.

With Andris Biedrins' exception expiring and free agency beginning, the Suns management will be under pressure to either get a deal done, keep Stoudemire for a year, or sign him to an extension. Since the Warriors seem adamant in keeping Curry, the latest rumors might either induce the suns to lower Stoudemire's price.

By saying he doesn't want a trade, Amare could simply be exerting pressure on the Suns front office to get a trade deal done faster, but to a different team. It might lead Kerr to abandon the idea of a Golden State trade altogether and seek another trading partner such a Chicago or Atlanta.

Strangely, Amare also indicated that Golden State was giving up too much to land him. It's possible that he wants to go to a contender.

But the odds that a team that's in the playoff hunt would sign-and-trade him at a maximum extension rather than waiting until 2010 is probably wishful thinking by Stoudemire.

If Kerr wants to get rid of Amare badly enough, will he swing the deal more towards Golden State? If Stoudemire's comments are quoted accurately, he might be leaning towards free agency in 2010, in which case the Suns would get nothing for him.

It is equally possible, however, that Stoudemire thinks a trade to Golden State is imminent and is trying to get what he can from both sides.

From Phoenix, he wants a trade before the full-blown rebuilding gets underway, so he sends out mixed signals about wanting to stay.

From Golden State's perspective, Stoudemire indicates that he wants out of Phoenix, but doesn't praise Golden State, lest they think that he's going to sign for cheap. If the Warriors want him by the Bay, they're going to have to pay deal to compensate for flaws in Golden State's system and personnel.

Amare might just be having fun with the media, but his choice of topics might indicate that not only is the deal with Golden State not dead, but that it's closer to completion that either side realizes.

Amar'e Stoudemire Deal on Hold as Warriors Try To Keep Stephen Curry

GoBears 2008 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:00 -0400

When the Minnesota Timberwolves chose Jonny Flynn with the sixth pick in last night's draft, the Warriors' new general manager was presented with a choice: forward Jordan Hill or guard Stephen Curry. Minutes later, much to the chagrin of Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden, the choice was Curry.

Hill could turn into a solid or even great player, especially for Mike D'Antoni, who will like Hill's faced-paced style and athletic ability. But Golden State was focused on a former D'Antoni forward, Amar'e Stoudemire.

Media outlets were in agreement for most of Friday that Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, and either Marco Belinelli or Kelenna Azubuike would be the current Warriors sent to Phoenix for Amar'e.

In addition to the above players, the Warriors were rumored to be sending the seventh overall selection in the draft to the Suns. This speculation only increased when Curry was chosen over Hill.

Steve Kerr's denials of an imminent trade at first seemed to be typical of a GM who was about to trade one of his team's best players. But later in the evening, rumors began circulating that the Warriors, having secured Curry, didn't want to part with him for an often-injured player with a reputation for selfishness.

Marc Stein reconfirmed the reports this morning, and Matt Steinmetz wrote, "Ws GM Larry Riley: Can't see a scenario in which Curry is traded, hopes he's a Warrior for 10 years. 'We drafted him to play here.'"

Although Riley's words could be either more smoke and mirrors or an attempt to placate the fans, Curry now seems to be an obstacle rather than a facilitator for the deal. But other factors, including a contract extension for Amar'e, are still unresolved as well. Biedrins' BYC is still in effect, so there is still plenty of time to negotiate.

If the Warriors can stand firm on keeping Curry and still acquire Stoudemire, the Warriors might be a playoff team next year. A starting lineup would likely be Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Amar'e, and Ronny Turiaf. Corey Maggette would be a key sixth man, and Curry and Anthony Morrow playing at the same time would be deadly to perimeter defenders.

Even if both sides agree to deal, will Amar'e be willing to accept a sign-and-trade? His point totals will no doubt increase, and Don Nelson doesn't exactly take a hard line on playing defense, but it's still not a given that Stoudemire would agree to be more than a rental, in which case the deal makes no sense.

Will Biedrins be better than Amar'e in three years? Even without injury issue, Andris is locked up for cheaper than an extension for an almost 27-year-old Stoudemire would cost.

Andris seems to be genuinely happy with the Warriors, providing a double-double on most nights. Although Shaq no doubt took some rebounds away from Amar'e, Stoudemire could represent a downgrade in rebounding.

Amar'e does provide a huge upgrade in free throw percentage over Andris and has had quite a few monster playoff games. It's also a good sign that, although they are no doubt executing Nelson's wishes in acquiring Stoudemire, the Warriors are standing firm on Curry and playing hardball with the Suns, who are entering a rebuilding phase.

Still, Amar'e is not even the best forward to possibly become a free agent in 2010. Chris Bosh is younger, less injury-prone, and has a better attitude.

A sign-and-trade for Bosh might be the Warriors' next trade attempt if the Amar'e deal falls through. Getting Bosh would probably require Curry and possibly other players to complete, but Bosh is more worthy of a huge deal than Amar'e is.

The Stoudemire deal is far from dead—and it's still possible that Curry will be included.

But the Warriors' new GM has so far avoided the shortsightedness that has handicapped the franchise for the last decade. In the case of Amar'e, it's buyer beware, unless the price is right.

Lottery Mock Draft No. 2: What Impact Might Trades Have?

GoBears 2008 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:43:00 -0400

Yesterday, the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to send Mike Miller and Randy Foy to Washington. Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila will be sent to Minnesota, but it is Washington's fifth-overall draft pick that is causing the most excitement for NBA fans.

Minnesota's trade, along with others, could create a shake-up that effects much of draft's top ten picks.

1. L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin

Nothing will change at the top, barring a huge and unexpected trade.

2. Memphis trades the No. 2 overall pick to Minnesota for the No. 5 and No. 18 overall picks. Minnesota selects Ricky Rubio.

With consecutive selections in the fifth and sixth (as well as the eighteenth) slots, Minnesota is in position to be a major player on draft day, as it was last year with the Mayo-Love trade.

Ironically, it is the Memphis Grizzlies who are the targets of Minnesota's interest again this year. The eighteenth-overall pick, acquired from Miami in the 2007 Ricky Davis trade, will no doubt be packaged with either the fifth or sixth pick to entice the Grizzlies to part with their first draft choice, number two overall. Minnesota would then use the second selection to take Ricky Rubio.

Even though they'd be giving up Foye and Miller, the Wolves would be in great shape if Rubio lives up to his potential. For Hasheem Thabeet, a Wolves-Grizzlies trade could prove costly.

According to the 2009-2010 rookie pay scale, the second pick will make approximately one million dollars per year more over three years than the fifth pick. How would Thabeet, once thought to be lock for the top-three, slide to fifth (or lower)?

3. Oklahoma City: James Harden

Minnesota would trade up for one reason only—Rubio, leaving Oklahoma City to decide between James Harden and Thabeet. The jury is still out on whether or not Russell Westbrook is a true point guard. But Oklahoma City might give their former number-four pick some slack and try to keep developing him at the one, considering the high draft choice they recently invested in him.

Harden would allow the Thunder to continue to field a dynamic team, and would form a formidable trio with Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Thabeet, for all the rebounding and defensive presence he would bring to the team, would probably clog the offensive flow of the Thunder as much as he would clog the middle on defense.

4. Sacramento: Tyreke Evans

Sacramento is no doubt hoping that Rubio will fall to them on draft day (the latest Draft Express mock draft somehow has Ricky falling to number five), but in this scenario it would be impossible.

There are rumors of a Francisco Garcia-Jason Thompson trade for the number two pick, but the Kings would probably be happy to take Tyreke Evans, who would form a tall back-court with Kevin Martin, especially if the team could find a taker for Beno Udrih.

5. Memphis (from Washington via Minnesota): Hasheem Thabeet

If Memphis received the fifth pick in the hypothetical trade with Minnesota, they could take Thabeet, a player they are no doubt considering at number two, at a cheaper price. If Darko Milicic is really about to be traded to the Knicks, Thabeet paired with Marc Gasol would reestablish Memphis' superior size up front.

Detroit is rumored to have some interest in Thabeet—which would make quite a bit of sense considering Thabeet could be a 7'3" Ben Wallace. But Joe Dumars might want to save trade assets for a run at forwards Paul Milsap or Carlos Boozer, instead opting to draft B.J. Mullins at the Pistons' regular draft spot.

6. Minnesota: Stephen Curry

Having traded Foye and Miller, the Wolves will no doubt be looking for replacements for one or both. If they chose Rubio, the point guard position would be solved. Now, they could choose to replace Miller's shooting with Stephen Curry. A Rubio-Curry back-court might lack athleticism, but would still have the potential to be extremely dynamic, since Curry's touch from the outside would make it easier for Rubio to pass inside to Al Jefferson.

A trade with Knicks would be possible, in which case the Wolves might try to go with an explosive athlete like DeMar DeRozan to compliment Rubio at number eighteen.

7. Golden State: Jordan Hill

The Golden State Warriors are always an enigma on draft day, but the possible trade of Jamal Crawford for Acie Law IV and Speedy Claxton makes predicting their 2009 draft even harder than it was a few days ago.

Claxton could be quickly turned around, as Fabricio Oberto was by the Bucks, perhaps altering the draft further, but a trade might also come after as well, especially if it's for a veteran.

Don Nelson, true to form, has thrown out many names that the Warriors are supposedly interested in. Acie Law hasn't developed into much of a player in limited action in Atlanta, but is supposedly a long-time target of Nelson. So it's possible that a point guard is officially out of the question. In this case, Jordan Hill would be a viable option.

Law, who has an expiring contract with a team option for another year at around two million dollars, is not very athletic, and might join the Marcus Williams Bench Club next season. Even if Monta Ellis is the starting point guard next season, he will need a backup, and Law is probably not a long-term solution.

Brandon Jennings would seem to be the kind of player the Warriors would seek out, as would DeMar DeRozan. And although Jennings' stock seems to be falling over the last few years and DeRozan is a wing, they would still probably be strongly considered by Golden State. Hill, though, fills a need also and placates Monta Ellis at the same time.

8. New York: Brandon Jennings

If the Knicks can't get Rubio or Curry, they could take a guard whose upside and athleticism could make him a great compliment to you-know-who. Other than Don Nelson, Mike D'Antoni runs one of the most open offenses in the league, making Jennings a good fit.

9. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan could become a very good defender, and can score inside from the guard position. His lack of three-point range could hurt after the Jason Kapono trade, but he excels in quite a few areas that the Raptors are lacking in.

10. Milwaukee: James Johnson

After trading Yi to the Nets last year, and now Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, Milwaukee gets a well-rounded forward who has both range and potential.

11. New Jersey: Terrence Williams

In a future, Vince-Carter-less lineup, Williams' rebounding and passing skills could lead to many fast-break opportunities for Devin Harris.

12. Charlotte: Jonny Flynn

Flynn is the same size as Allen Iverson. Larry Brown will appreciate the fact that Flynn posses the will to get the rim as A.I., and can also pass the ball when a teammate is open. Obviously Jonny is not expected to reach Iverson's levels, but he has many traits that might help a young team get to the playoffs.

13. Indiana: DeJuan Blair

Last year's draft pick, Roy Hibbert, has height but not enough strength (yet). Blair is short for a forward, but even so, can probably grab rebounds and fight through traffic in a way that Hibbert can't.

14. Phoenix: Earl Clark

A point guard still on the board at number fourteen this year will probably be much better than one that's around at this point next year. But Jrue Holliday didn't play the point in college, and Jeff Teague turns the ball over too often to be a successor to Steve Nash.

Shaq's trade to Cleveland will probably have the biggest effect on the NBA in the short term. But trades of draft picks could determine whether five or six franchises frequent the playoffs or Seacaucus in future springs.

Posey To AAA, Bumgarner To Majors?

GoBears 2008 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:32:00 -0400

Giants General Manager Brian Sabean has confirmed that Buster Posey will soon be promoted from Class-A San Jose, according to Jeff Fletcher and Henry Schulman. Posey, last year's number-one draft pick, received a franchise-record $6.5 million signing bonus.

According to Sabean, the Giants wanted Posey to remain in A-ball for the entire first half of the season to work on his catching skills. The first half concluded on Sunday, with San Jose winning a record fifth-straight title.Andrew Baggarly reports that the Giants laid out this plan for Posey back in Spring Training.

Now, says Sabean, Posey needs to catch higher-level pitchers to take the next step towards the majors. The GM noted that a jump to AAA would allow Posey to improve faster. In addition, the starting catcher in AA would lose his job to Posey if Buster moved up only one level. If Buster went to AAA immediately, both catchers could develop at their own paces.

Posey has definitely not disappointed in his first extended action in the minors, hitting 20 doubles and 11 home runs in the first half. His batting average is a steady .328, while his OPS is .970, about the same as his sophomore season at Florida State.

Extremely encouraging is Posey's 36 walks and only 39 strikeouts. Angel Villalona has nine walks and 58 K's, while Roger Kieschnick's totals are 12 and 68. Conner Gillaspe, the best contact hitter on the team, has more walks than strike-outs, but has only one home run.

Despite the possibility of a rapid promotion, Posey will not reach the majors this season. However, Fletcher and Baggerly note that Madison Bumgarner is due for a promotion,and that Sabean mentioned him "skipping a level."

This wording could be interpreted as meaning that Madison would be skipping AAA altogether. Sabean noted that, but it might make more sense to have a Bumgarner-Posey battery start in the minors before promoting both of them in early 2010. And Sabean noted that, while Madison's fastball was major-league quality, his secondary pitches need work.

Whether or not Bumgarner or Posey skip levels of minor league ball, they will be one step closer to the majors, the goal for Giants players, management, and fans alike.

Point-Guard-Gate: Monta Ellis' Power Grab or Draft Ruse?

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:32:07 -0400

In normal circumstances, teams that are looking forward to the draft don't have to worry about players they signed to a long extension less than a year earlier. But when the team is the Golden State Warriors and the player is Monta Ellis, all bets are off.

On Tuesday, reports came out that a meeting had taken place between new Golden State GM Larry Riley, Don Nelson, and Ellis. In this meeting, Ellis was supposedly promised that the Warriors would not draft a point guard in the upcoming draft.

By Thursday, Monta was declaring that he wanted to be a Warrior for the rest of his career, and Golden State management was busy talking about how Ellis wasn't a problem.

According to Ellis' agent: “The GM and the coach traveled to Memphis to further provide that assurance to Monta that this is his team and they’re looking to build this team around him for years to come...[His] response to them was that the most important component is winning. He wants to win and he wants to win with the Warriors.”

Typical of agent-speak, the quote potentially provides support for those on all sides of the point guard issue.

Fans who believe that Monta should stay on the team—but as a shooting guard —will point to the fact that a shooting guard is often the center of the team. Although Monta is not Kobe or Jordan, he might become a consistent all-star in the not-so-distant future. As a feature of the offense. Monta would still handle the ball on almost every possession, he just wouldn't be passing the ball from the point guard position.

In some cases, what would be good from Monta's perspective would also help the franchise as a whole. Trading the shot-hogging Corey Maggette, for example would result in more touches not only for Ellis, but for the entire team.

Monta playing the point is not one of them.

Below is an excerpt from a scouting report on Ellis from 2005 (predicting either a late first-round or early-second round selection of Ellis in the draft):

"His main draw is the fact that he's an outstanding athlete, being extremely quick and smooth in the open floor with a dynamite first step. He gets into the lane...whenever he pleases, elevating off one foot in the lane and hanging to finish fearlessly and creatively at the basket. He is very quick off his feet.

...[But] AAU ball has basically left him no grasp or comprehension of team basketball or fundamentals, and he probably wouldn't understand what's wrong with that if you tried to explain it to him...

His biggest problem, for the short- and possibly long-term, is that he has no NBA position. He's a 6-3 SG with absolutely no PG skills whatsoever. The concept of running set plays is completely foreign to him, not being capable of doing anything in a half-court offense at this point except create his own shot off the dribble or drive and dish after drawing a crowd...

Ellis has consistently shown a poor attitude and immaturity, pouting when things don't go his way or when the ball isn't in his hands for more than 5 seconds. He refused to shake anyone's hand at the end of the [2005] McDonalds [High-School All-American] game, because he was mad at his coach for not giving him more minutes at the PG spot..." (DraftExpress)

The Warriors knew who they were getting in Ellis: a player that had a chance to be superstar in the league, but was a project. In the second round, those types of players are all a GM can hope for. Complete-package superstars almost never fall out of the lottery, let alone the first round. Even supporters of Monta playing the one would agree that Ellis should work more on improving his game, and worry less about his role on the team.

Anthony Randolph was also a risk, and has had his maturity issues as well. But Randolph has adapted well to Don Nelson's system, and is spending the off-season improving his game by hitting the gym. "I'm learning when and where to do things...and how to put the ball on the floor as little as possible to get where I need to go," Randolph was quoted as saying earlier this week. No mopeds in sight.

Ellis' main fault (on the court) is that he wants to be a point guard. League scouts and GM's know this.

Whether or not Monta demanded that the organization not draft a point guard, the issue needs to be addressed. If Baron Davis was still on the team, Monta would be a shooting guard —a highly-successful one. The only reason why Monta handled the ball more last season was that Jamal Crawford is not a pure point guard either.

Ellis needs to realize that if he's going to retire a Warrior, he should get used to having the ball passed to him, not trying to be a distributor. If Don Nelson lets him get away with some point-guard duties now, the next coach (hopefully) won't.

Conspiracy theorists will note that denials and assurances similar to those by Ellis and the Warriors' brass have taken place just before major trades throughout NBA history, including the Jason Richardson-for-Brandan Wright deal.

Trading Ellis is not the answer, however, unless the rumors that Toronto is going to sign-and-trade Chris Bosh are true. Ellis can become a star shooting guard, especially if teamed with a tall point guard who can help him defend wings and long guards.

Recent mock drafts, however, suggest that Tyreke Evans could be drafted in the five-to-seven range (possibly even at four by the Kings if Rubio is gone), leaving the Warriors with a choice between point guards Jrue Holliday and Stephen Curry, forwards Terrence Williams and Jordan Hill, and wing DeMar DeRozan. In this case, unless Golden State trades down, large segments of the fan base will likely be upset.

Ironically, this scenario would allow Monta to continue his case for point guard duties, unless Williams was used a point-forward.

If Golden State selects Hill or DeRozan, those who believe that Monta now controls the team will no doubt contend that Golden State's management has caved in by not taking a point guard. But Hill could be the best player on the board by the time the Warriors draft.

Jordan would bring rebounding and inside scoring, which is needed on any team hoping to compete in the Western Conference.

Some scouts (and no doubt some teams) regard Hill as one of the top talents in the draft, regardless of position, and if he lived up to his potential, Jordan could help appease both the fan-base and Monta by helping Golden State win games.

But even a value pick has risks. The 2010 draft looks to be as loaded with forwards as the 2009 draft is with point guards. Ed Davis, Cole Aldrich, Derrick Favors, or even Greg Monroe (if he dramatically improves) or DeMarcus Cousins could all turn out to be better than Hill, who is already twenty-one.

In that case, missing out on a point guard (even a risk such as Brandon Jennings) to take Hill would not reflect well on the Warrior's new GM. And Warriors fans aren't likely to forget that Monta's fellow 2005 draftee, Ike Diogu, was the last Pac-10 power forward picked by the organization.

Don Nelson is well-known for his draft-related smoke-screens. And a new GM who was apparently appointed to continue the status quo isn't likely to begin his tenure by trading an important piece of the team's core.

There is more than enough futility and poor decisions in the franchise's past to make Golden State's fans at least a little skeptical of the front office's intentions. Hopefully, the Warriors still intend to finally move on from the post-Baron era and find the next point guard who will lead them to the playoffs.

(This article can also be found on Just Win, Bay!)

San Francisco Giants Prospect Makes Splash in Arizona League

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:18:00 -0400

Rafael Rodriguez, the Dominican outfielder signed last July by San Francisco for a franchise-record $2.55 million, played in his first Arizona League game on Sunday.

Rodriguez recorded only one hit in six plate appearances, an RBI single in his first at-bat, but showed his skill in other areas.

In the bottom of the first inning, he prevented a one-out, runner-at-third situation for his pitcher by recording an outfield assist. Then, after reaching on a fielder's choice in the 10th, Rodriguez recorded his first career stolen base.

The 6'5" prospect, who will turn seventeen in July and is the youngest player on the AZL Giants' roster, also made some mistakes. He was caught stealing after his only hit, and was thrown out at home trying to score the go-ahead run from second on a single in the 10th inning.

But after all, it was only a rookie league game.

Second-baseman Julio Izturis, a 2006 signee from Venezuela, also made his U.S. debut for the Giants, collecting four hits (including a double) and a run in seven at-bats in the lead-off slot. He also stole two bases.

Izturis is a full brother of Major Leaguers Maicer Izturis (Angels) and half-brother Cesar Izturis (Orioles), both of whom play the infield.

The starting pitcher for the AZL Giants was a name familiar to fans of San Francisco's big league club. Joe Martinez, who was lucky to escape serious injury when he was struck in the head with a line drive in April, started the game in a rehab assignment.

Martinez allowed three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings of work.

Matt Cain Provides One More Reason Why He Should Not Be Traded

GoBears 2008 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:06:37 -0400

Not to be outdone by Tim Lincecum's complete game on Friday, Matt Cain threw one of his own two days later in a 7-1 victory that capped off a sweep of the Oakland A's in style. After giving up a first inning home run to Jack Cust, Cain threw eight innings of three-hit ball the rest of the way. In the ninth, Cain was still sharp, retiring Cust and Matt Holliday before striking out Jason Giambi to end the game.

Although Randy Johnson has pitched after Tim Lincecum for most of the season, Cain has proven to be the true No. 2 starter for the Giants in 2009.

Despite his gaudy record this year, Cain has traditionally been a poster boy for why the Giants need more hitting. He lost two-thirds of his decisions from 2007 to 2008. In 2007, he endured sixteen losses despite an ERA that would have ranked him as the top pitcher on half of the team in the major leagues.

This year, Cain has had increased run support, but has also posted a career-low in ERA. In fact, his ERA of 2.55 is fourth in the National League, slightly ahead of the 2.66 Lincecum has posted.

Cain is tied with Chad Billingsley for the NL wins lead (Cain has started one fewer game than Billingsley and has two fewer losses), and although he won't threaten for the strikeout crown like Lincecum will, Cain has struck out a respectable 68 batters on the season, good enough for 15th in the National League. His WHIP of 1.28 also ranks 15th.

Cain has had issues with walks, which helps to account for his high opponent's OBP (.331—a career high). And his opponent's BA (.254) is at a career high as well.

But his pitches per inning in 2009 (16.1) is at career low.

Cain is estimated to have a value of $4.6 million so far this season, on pace for around $14-15 million. By comparison, Lincecum's Cy Young season was valued at around $32 million.

So does this mean that Cain is half the pitcher Lincecum is? Maybe, since Lincecum's strikeout-to-walk ratio has increased from around three last season to around four this year, while some of Cain's important stats have become worse over the last few years.

For a stats perspective, it looks like Cain is getting somewhat lucky this season (not that he doesn't deserve it after the last few years he's endured), and might have peaked as a player. But that doesn't mean he isn't valuable to the organization, and should be traded for a thirty-something bat.

Even if the temptation is there to trade for hitting to stay in the Wild Card, it would be a mistake to get rid of Cain for a bat, even though he would command much more than Jonathan Sanchez. With Cain out of the rotation, an inexperienced pitcher (Kevin Pucetas?) or a pitcher not deemed to be worthy of a spot at the beginning of the season could be promoted into the major league rotation. This might negate the effect of a big bat, who could be walked anyway.

The odds of Pucetas or even Madison Bumgarner replacing Cain's production this season are not large. Bumgarner, who is more talented than Pucetas and has the potential to surpass Cain's production within a year or two in the big leagues, has never pitched beyond the AA level.

David Price provided a precedent last year for rapid promotion of a pitcher into a pressure situation, but Price was a college pitcher, and was used in relief. This year, he started the season in AAA before hearing the call to start at the big league level. Even Lincecum, after rocketing through the minors, had an ERA around 4.00 in his first season in the big leagues. Bumgarner will be twenty in August, two years younger than Price.

Next year, Randy Johnson will no longer be in the rotation and, unfortunately, Noah Lowry's injury-marred tenure with the Giants appears to be over. Tim Alderson and Bumgarner will eventually fill those two slots in the rotation, but a Cain trade would break a future rotation in which Matt would potentially be fourth.

The best Cain trade scenarios for the Giants might be to acquire two decent major league hitters (hopefully with power) or two or more prospects (one hitting, one pitching). But this assumes that Cain is being sold at his peak value. If Cain doesn't decline over the next few years, there's little reason not to keep him while he's signed fairly cheaply. In 2007, the Giants believed enough in Cain to sign him to an extension. Unless the deal is decidedly in the Giants' favor, Brian Sabean should think twice, especially after the A.J. Pierzynski deal and the Lincecum-For-Rios near-fiasco.

Jonathan Sanchez, on the other hand, is above the league average in ERA and WHIP. He could probably be replaced by a AAA pitcher or a top prospect like Bumgarner, and the Giants wouldn't suffer than greatly. Sanchez could be valuable as a reliever, even if he was eventually replaced in the rotation by Bumgarner or Pucetas). But if the Giants could get a bat with him, even if it's a flawed one, it might be worth it.

San Francisco's glory years were highlighted by great hitters, as well as solid pitching. But the two most recent World Series teams featured fearsome pairs of power hitters (Will Clark and Kevin Mitchell in 1989, and Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent in 2002). Instead of intimidating power hitters, the 2009 Giants have the potential for a dominant rotation. Unlike Sanchez, Cain could potentially play a significant role in that rotation.

Not many third or fourth starters on any rotation in the league can match Cain's stuff, and he's young enough to not only contribute in 2009 alongside Lincecum, but in the future with Bumgarner and Alderson. Cain may not be a superstar, but he should still have a firm place in the Giants' rotation, not on the trading block.

Golden State Warriors 2009 Offseason: Draft Scenarios - Point Guards

GoBears 2008 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:09:00 -0400

For most Golden State Warriors fans, the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft probably represents one of two things: a season that could have been much more successful but was sabotaged by injuries, or a slide into mediocrity that began with the Jason Richardson trade and ended with the decision to not re-sign Baron Davis.

But regardless of whether the Warriors are stuck in Lottery Limbo or are will be significantly better next season, the 2009 draft is still a crucial part of the team's off-season.

When it comes to the draft, Golden State has quite a few options, even if they commit to a single strategy.

The 2009 draft is considered by many scouts to be fairly weak, and by the seventh pick, the top prospect at each position is likely to be gone (although, for what it's worth, the last time the Warriors drafted in the seventh slot, they selected Chris Mullin).

Golden State needs to decide if they want a player that can contribute right away on possible playoff team, or if the franchise should take a player that might need more experience, but could turn out to be better down the road (such as Anthony Randolph).

Point guard is one the most important players on any team that expects to contend in the future.

The latest point guard to show great value to his team was 2008 top pick Derrick Rose, who not only led Chicago to the playoffs, but had a memorable duel with Rajon Rondo in the Bulls' first round series.

Many fans agree that point guard should be a priority in this draft, since the Warriors are a young team that tends to struggle with bad decisions.

A true point guard would help cut down on turnovers (and bad shot selection), as well as allow Monta Ellis to shift to his natural shooting guard position. Thankfully, the Warriors will have the choice of several point guards, even at No. 7 overall.

Some of the players the Warriors will probably be most interested in include:

Would Require A Trade-Up

Ricky Rubio: Rubio will go no lower than fourth, and even that might require some explaining from the Memphis and Oklahoma City front offices. That is, if a team doesn't trade up to grab him.

Rubio excelled in Europe, but he is still not a sure success at the NBA level. He also lacks the extreme athleticism of John Wall, next year's likely top point guard.

Bigger Is Better

Tyreke Evans - Even Evans is going above No. 7 in several mock drafts, often to the Minnesota Timberwolves right before Golden State picks. And a 6-foot-5 combo guard is exactly what the Warriors need, right? But Evans' struggles at shooting guard and ability to play the point in college suggest that he could become a force on both the offensive and defensive end by creating mismatches with his size at the point.

Tyreke played an up-tempo style at Memphis, and in some games, it brought out the worst in him. He could become out-of-control and somewhat undisciplined, which is a problem the Warriors have been trying to correct in their young players.

However, when focused, he can take his man off the dribble and get to the basket, as well as effectively pass to the open man.

Evans workout video (Sacramento)

Evans highlights (mostly of Tyreke slashing into the lane, although there are some dunks, assists, and steals as well)

Jrue Holiday: Holiday is a bit of an enigma. Some love his height (6-foot-4), but unlike Evans, he didn't seem comfortable during his freshman year in college. To be fair, Darren Collison (who could be a steal in the second round) was the real distributor at UCLA, and Holiday was difficult to evaluate when playing an unnatural position.

Being in Ben Howland's system forced Holiday to focus on defense, which he proved to be fairly solid at. Holiday didn't seem to be able keep college defenders honest with his outside shooting. However, he says he wants to model his game after Chauncey Billups, and will look to pass first in the NBA.

The Warriors have shooters already, and Holliday seems to be a pass-first point guard. But he lacks some of the athleticism of Tyreke Evans, and his struggles in college could cause the Warriors to take another player (as would Sacramento taking him at number four).

Holiday workout video (Sacramento)

Holiday Highlights (Jrue displays some touch from inside the arc, and shows his passing and finishing skills)

Size Isn't Everything

Jonny Flynn: Flynn is undersized, but another draft cliche also applies to him: scrappy. His high-flying dunks and end-to-end speed, combined with his quickness of the dribble made him difficult to guard in college. His performance against UConn (67 minutes played, 34 points, 11 assists, six steals, sixteen of sixteen free-throws) demonstrated his toughness and desire to attack the rim.

Flynn is long for his height (six-foot-four wingspan), and averaged 6.7 assists in 2008-2009. He, like Tyreke Evans and other guards that play at a fast pace, sometimes turned the ball over too much. But Flynn is a good passer, especially to the inside, and if he looked to pass rather than shoot (which he probably would on a shooter-heavy team like Golden State), he could be effective playing alongside Ellis.

His height is a minus, but Jonny's ability to both pass and score would make him an intriguing possibility. Flynn has been steadily rising up most draft boards throughout the season, and taking him at seven doesn't sound like nearly as much of a reach as it would have a few months ago.

Flynn Highlights

Flynn Workout/Interview (Brandon Jennings also featured)

Brandon Jennings: Like Rubio, Jennings played professionally in Europe last season. Jennings, an explosive athlete and dunker, was arguably the top recruit in the country when he decided not to sign with Arizona.

Jennings, who might not be available at No. 7, has supposedly matured in Europe, and has an unselfishness to go along with his athleticism (although some criticize him for trying to be too flashy too often...but what college freshman isn't occasionally too flashy?).

A major concern is Jennings' height and weight. At around 6-foot and 170 pounds, Jennings would have problems guarding a bigger, stronger player such as Chauncey Billups, let alone a long player like Tyreke Evans.

With Brandon at the point, and Monta Ellis at shooting guard, the Warriors would lose their height advantage in the front-court.

Another huge red flag with Jennings is his shooting. Especially bad is his three-point percentage, which hovered around 20 percent during his season in Italy.

If the Warriors were looking for a shorter point guard to contribute immediately, Jonny Flynn might be the answer. But Jennings has a chance to be the perfect fast-break partner for Monta Ellis, as well as a facilitator in the half-court.

He might take longer to develop, and the potential is there for Brandon's erratic play to earn him a spot on Don Nelson's bench longer than he deserves.

Jennings pouring in 63 points in high school (See Jonny Flynn above for Warriors workout)

The Sharp-Shooter

Stephen Curry: Shooting is definitely not a problem for Curry, whose father was a great NBA marksman. Stephen made his own legend, however, especially in the 2008 NCAA tournament, where he put in one of the best individual efforts of the past decade. But is he a true point guard?

Despite a huge amount of press and TV coverage, Curry is apparently one of the hardest players in the entire draft to evaluate, since scouts and fans' opinions of him vary widely.

To some, who focus on his large number of turnovers and high shot volume, Curry is a slightly more creative version of Adam Morrsion or J.J. Reddick.

To others, he is a point guard who is a deadly shooter, but only jacked up shot after shot because he was the only star on his team.

Curry is another high-risk, high-reward player, but is in many ways the opposite of Brandon Jennings. Curry is an incredible shooter, and has decent height for a point guard at 6-foot-3. But his athleticism is suspect for an elite NBA point guard, something Jennings has in an enormous amount.

Jonny Flynn actually had a higher field goal percentage than Curry in 2008-2009 (although Curry was still a much better three-point shooter), and Flynn had an assist-to-turnover ratio of around two-to-one compared to Curry's 1.5-1.

However, even with a diminished supporting cast, Curry put on a show against a very tall and talented Oklahoma team, collecting 44 points. Although his three-point shot wasn't falling, Curry shot 14 free throws and made them all.

Stephen is a clutch player, and would see plenty of open looks, but Don Nelson would no doubt want an athletic guard to run with Monta. Besides, on a team with Kelenna Azuibuike and Anthony Morrow riding the bench for long stretches, Curry's talents might be wasted in Golden State.

Curry Highlights

Others

Jeff Teague: Teague is extremely athletic and shoots a very percentage from three. However, he only averaged 3.5 assists per game last year, with turning the ball over 3.4 times.
Eric Maynor: Maynor will be nearly 23 by the end of next season. And despite having decent height at 6-foot-3, Eric weighs less than 170 pounds. If lack of weight is question mark with the extremely athletic Brandan Jennings, it makes Maynor too large of a reach at No. 7.
Ty Lawson: Lawson may be small, be has attributes that the Warriors would like in a point guard: speed and good passing skills (his assist-to-turnover ratio was nearly 3.5-1 last season). He was a deadly three-point shooter (over 47 percent), was effective in getting to the line and making free throws, and added a few steals per game as well (eight in the National Championship Game).
But Lawson should not be taken in the Top 10 for several reasons. He was injured frequently at UNC, and it was insinuated that he essentially took some games off by begging minor injuries. Whether or not this is true, the Warriors, coming off of a strange season of injuries, are unlikely to reach for a player that is even somewhat injury prone.
In addition, Lawson is shorter than 6 feet. While some small guards have survived or even thrived in the NBA, the Warriors would probably be better off with Flynn or Jennings if they were going to select a Lawson-height player.

Golden State does not own a 2009 second-round pick (it was traded to the Suns in 2005 as part of the Zarko Cabarkapa deal, and is now owned by San Antonio). This is unfortunate, because they might have been able to find a potential backup point guard that fell through the cracks (Darren Collison), a scrappy, sharp-shooting two-guard (Dionte Christmas), or a decent big man (Taj Gibson).

Maybe Portland would be willing to sell or cheaply trade one of its four second-rounders, although the Blazers seem to like collecting draft picks almost much as they like acquiring young talent on draft day. In fact some of them might be bundled in a trade similar to the (apparently dead) Sergio Rodriguez deal. But the opportunity might be there for the Warriors to grab a cheap player who they like more than other teams.

Portland would be an intriguing trade partner if the Warriors decided to move down in the draft. Rumors (and that's all anyone has before the draft) indicate that the both the Knicks and the Blazers want Stephen Curry.

For the Warriors, being in the seventh spot could turn out to be a huge advantage, since by coincidence Golden State is drafting one spot above the Knicks this year.

Curry has said he wants to play for New York. New York has said they want Curry. If the Blazers traded up to seventh overall, they would have considerable leverage on the Knicks, which they could parlay into picks, players, 2010 expiring contracts, or a combination of the three.

The Warriors would receive either Rodriguez or (less ideally) Jerryd Bayless. Bayless is a better scorer, but Rodriguez would have a chance to be the facilitating point guard the Warriors were seeking in this draft.

Golden State could possibly also get a useful high-second-round pick, in addition to Portland's late first-rounder.

Whether they pull off a draft-day trade or stick with their current pick, Golden State should improve their team.

Whether that improvement comes in the right area will go a long way in determining whether or not the rookie(s) will be successfully integrated into the 2009 incarnation of the Warriors.

Drafting a point guard, especially one with ability to score and pass, could raise the games of an entire lineup. Young point guards tend to be bit erratic, but they can also create opportunities that a team of pure shooters often cannot.

If they end up with the right point guard, the Warriors could find themselves in the playoff hunt much sooner than anticipated.

Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors: Trading Partners?

GoBears 2008 — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:09:00 -0400

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 66 games in 2008-2009. The Golden State Warriors won fewer than 30.

The Cavaliers have a once-in-a-generation player coming off one of the best individual efforts in recent post-season history.

The Warriors scored a monumental upset in 2007, then lost most of their players to free agency or trade, including Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Al Harrington, and (unfortunately for the Cavs and Warriors) Mickael Pietrus.

Why, then, would Cleveland consider trading with Golden State, and how could a trade be mutually beneficial?

Cleveland has plenty of contracts coming off the books, but also must re-sign Anderson Varejao, a key energy and rebounding player (and charge-taker).

According to ESPN, Varejao could ask for as much as $10 million per year, although some sites say the figure could be around $8 million...at least $3 million more than Anderson currently makes.

Fortunately for Cleveland, there are a few assets left, one of which is Ben Wallace's contract, which could either result in a buy-out or an all-important expiring deal.

The Cavs could try and use Wallace's contract to acquire a star like Chris Bosh. However, the Raptors are unlikely to make a trade that improves the best team in the East. And it would take more than just a contract to acquire a top player.

While the playoffs have elevated LeBron's game to a new level, it has decreased the trade value of almost all of his teammates.

And if Zydrunas Ilgauskas picks up his option for next season, which he indicated he will, there will only be the Mid-Level Exception to augment their roster.

And while an M.L.E. free agent like Chris Anderson would definitely help the Cavs, it's unlikely that they would make or break a championship run.

The Cavs could try to lure Antonio McDyess to Cleveland for the second straight year, and it might work this time, given the lack of success Detroit had after they traded Chauncey Billups.

Or Cleveland could gamble on Jason Kidd giving a vintage playoff performance in pursuit of a ring.

But with Kevin Garnett returning to the Celtics, the Cavs might need more. And even with what is essentially the free acquisition of an All-Star player, Boston apparently isn't resting this off-season.

Rumors of a Ray Allen-Rajon Rondo-for-Amare Stoudemire-Leandro Barbosa trade might increase Cleveland's chances of trading for more scoring. In an scoring arms race with Boston, several Warriors could greatly help take the burden off of LeBron's shoulders.

Even the Warriors who are perceived to have little trade value around the league could be useful to the Cavs.

Stephen Jackson is 31 years old, but averaged over 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists this past season. He provided veteran leadership to one of the youngest teams in league in 2008-2009.

And as a hybrid forward-guard, he can play multiple positions and create match-up problems with his height. In one five-game stretch this season, he recorded three games with 30-plus points and 10-plus assists.

Jackson has tended to be undisciplined in his shot selection throughout his career. But he played a key support role on a championship team (the 2003 Spurs) by limiting his aggressive tendencies (which are certainly amplified by playing for Don Nelson).

And when he was traded to the Warriors, he shed his past and became a team leader, helping to invigorate the squad that broke through to the playoffs.

Corey Maggette is another often undisciplined shooter who could still benefit the Cavs. He relentlessly attacks the basket and gets to the free throw line, something the Cavs as a team didn't do enough of against the Magic.

He is also a solid free-throw shooter, and would certainly become more disciplined playing in a pressure situation with LeBron.

Maggette can also play guard and forward, and at 6-foot-6, he could post up the opposing shooting guard and create a mismatch.

Corey is not a good three-point shooter, but Sasha Pavlovic, Daniel Gibson and others could help pick up the slack outside. Maggette could also help pull wing defenders such as Pietrus off of the outside shooters by driving to the basket.

The Warriors defense has been rightfully maligned, but the Cavs acquired Mo Williams despite his lack of intensity on the defensive end (which picked up over the course of his first season with the Cavs). And Jackson has received at least a few props for his defense in the past.

Other than LeBron, the Cavaliers only have roughly nineteen million dollars in salary committed in 2010/2011.

A max contract for LeBron would cost roughly $16.5 million, leaving plenty of room to absorb the contracts of Jackson and Maggette, while still signing another high-quality player.

The Cavs are the epitome of a "win now" team, and will need to keep pace with higher-scoring teams.

If the Celtics would be willing to shop a star sharpshooter and their young, very talented starting point guard, the Cavs should be willing to take on two bad contracts for two more weapons on offensive.

And they'd only have to give up Wallace's contract and two players who contributed nothing to their last playoff run.

The trade would look something like this:

Cleveland receives: Corey Maggette, Stephen Jackson, Ronny Turiaf, 2009 1st round pick (No. 7 overall)

Golden State receives: Ben Wallace, J.J. Hickson, Trey Johnson, 2009 1st round pick (No. 30 overall)

The Cavs get Ronny Turiaf, an energetic big man who can rebound, block some shots, and make up for the possible loss of Varejao.

In addition, the seventh pick could net Cleveland a Courtney Lee-type impact rookie (maybe Jrue Holiday?). Or the pick could be packaged in another deal.

The deal would also work if Monta Ellis or Andris Beidrins were substituted for either Maggette or Jackson, and Turiaf. Cleveland would likely also covet include incredible three-point shooter Anthony Morrow (and his small contract).

However, Golden State would be unlikely to consider these trades, even if they kept their draft pick.

The Warriors would probably be willing to part with Brandon Wright, but to make the salaries work, either Daniel Gibson or Delonte West would need be added by Cleveland.

Considering that the Cavs were willing to trade for Mo Williams' contract to gain approximately 20 points per game of scoring, acquiring almost 40 points per game (plus rebounds) and a top-ten draft pick for the price of two Mo's doesn't seem like that bad of a deal.

From the Warriors' perpective, it's a bit harder to justify, but it's still in the interst of the franchise.

What are they giving up?

Maggette barely made twenty-five percent of his threes, was injured a lot, and takes playing time away from better shooters (Azubuike and Morrow had break-out games when Maggs wasn't playing).

Jackson is great, but he's 31, lead the league in turnovers per game, and also has one of the worst contracts in the league.

Turiaf is a great role player, but he was included to off-set rebounding and give the Cavs a good-value Varejao replacement. If the Cavs are going to take on those contracts, they need a good value (and it shouldn't be Randolph or even Azubuike or Morrow).

Switching picks might seem like a bit much, in fact it probably should've been a future lottery-protected pick, but it was added to make the offer too good to pass up. Also, this draft is very weak, and the money might be better spent elsewhere. The Warriors might be better off trading down anyway (although maybe not that far down).

The Warriors are missing too many pieces to make the playoffs, especially with Portland on the rise. The best case scenario (a Maggs-for-Baron trade) would leave the Dubs and Suns battling for eighth, with Baron's even bigger contract to deal with down the road, making it harder to re-sign Randolph and Morrow.

The Warriors are still a J-Rich or more away from even challenging for ninth in the brutal West, and it's probably best to let Jack and/or Corey go if someone would take them. Randolph, Ellis, and Beidrins are the new core for the future, and Monta and Andris are locked up for a long time.

Golden State has an excess of scoring wings and a desire to dump salary, and the Cavs need a spark from someone who can take some of the pressure off of LeBron. A trade could help both teams accomplish their short-term goals.

With Jake Heaps, Ross Apo, Zac Stout, Will BYU Be First Mid-Major Rose Bowler?

GoBears 2008 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:17:00 -0400

Fans of BYU football will certainly be hopeful for their team's future after Jake Heaps—the top quarterback in the nation—chose the Cougars over Washington.

Former Texas (soft) commit Ross Apo, a highly-regarded (and 6'4") wide receiver, and Zac Stout (fifth-ranked middle linebacker, Scout.com) also verballed, making it an impressive package deal for a team that won 10 games in 2008.

All three recruits are LDS, but Heaps himself was apparently instrumental in helping ensure that Apo and Stout followed him to Salt Lake City.

And thanks to BCS rules recently put in place, the team could soon be in the hunt for a bowl no non-BCS school has ever participated in: the grandaddy of them all—the Rose Bowl.

BYU rival Utah's perfect 2008 season and 2009 Sugar Bowl win set the bar for future Mountain West success very high. By beating a highly-ranked SEC team, the Utes showed that they had a compelling case not only for national recognition, but for a top-two ranking as well.

A few days earlier, USC had finished up their third consecutive win over a Big-10 opponent. Since World War II, only a few teams outside the Big-10 or Pac-10 have played in Pasadena, no matter what their record or pedigree.

Notre Dame, for example, has made one appearance—in 1925. Texas, of course, recently played in the Rose Bowl two years in a row, but one of those meetings was in the National Championship Game.

But after the new BCS contract takes effect, all this will change. If the Pac-10 or Big-10 champion qualifies for the National Championship, the Rose could then select a BCS-eligible team from the Mountain West, WAC, or other non-BCS conference instead of a second-place team such as Illinois.

Elitist or not, the Rose has a decades-long tradition of pitting the Pac-10 against the Big-10. But fear not, Pac-10 fans, the above change would apparently only take effect once in the four-year BCS cycle.

Besides, in a given four-year span, the MWC (or WAC) leader is probably going to be as good or better than the Pac-10 or Big-10 runner-up, at least once anyway. Utah was clearly a better team than Illinois last year, for example (although the Sugar Bowl ended up being a great showcase for them).

In the meantime, BYU has scored a major coup, with the added bonus of further rankling Washington fans who hoped local star Heaps would stay close to home.

"Heaps to Apo" could be a refrain that MWC defenses become sick of hearing, while Stout takes some of the sting off of the disappointment of losing Manti Te'o during the last recruiting cycle.

And there is one thing most Pac-10 and MWC fans can agree on: At least the latest trio of commits didn't choose USC.

The Lottery Gods Must Be Crazy: Clippers Win First Pick

GoBears 2008 — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:27:00 -0400

While Tuesday's Nuggets-Lakers game was the NBA's main event (no WWE pun intended), especially for fans of the four remaining NBA playoff teams, the draft lottery promised to help some of the unfortunate playoff bystanders back onto the road to respectability.

The 2009 lottery order is:

1. L.A. Clippers

The always stoic Blake Griffin made a good show of it when Memphis was awarded the second pick, meaning that the man paying Griffin tens of millions of dollars would be Donald Sterling.

While an Eric Gordon-Ricky Rubio pairing in the back-court would be something to watch, Baron Davis would no doubt be less than pleased.

Drafting Griffin would create a logjam with Zach Randolph (whose contract runs until 2010/2011) and Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby (who is tradeable with an expiring contract in 2009/2010) are also owed more than $8 million per year.

But L.A. will most likely still select Griffin and try to trade Camby to create more financial flexibility.

Besides, Griffin is much more likely to be the next Boozer or poor man's Malone than the next Olowokandi...right?

2. Memphis

Memphis already has Mike Conley, and there are rumors that Memphis might be considering taking Hasheem Thabeet instead of Rubio. But Rubio has the potential to be much better than Conley, and having too many points guards is a good thing in today's NBA.

A shot-blocking center is definitely an asset to any team, and 7'1" Marc Gasol playing alongside the 7'3" Thabeet would be formidable. But Thabeet, who often dominated on the defensive end, is very raw offensively.

And was 6'7" DeJaun Blair's 23 point, 22 rebound performance against Thabeet a fluke or a sign of future struggles against stronger NBA big men?

In addition, Thabeet improved his .513 free-throw percentage from his freshman year to around 70 percent. But no one will confuse him with Yao at the charity stripe, either, especially after that number declined to around 63 percent in 2008/2009.

Ricky Rubio plays the game with a flair that would compliment O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay much more than the plodding Thabeet.

Besides, if they want to go that route, many more teams would be willing to trade up to get Ricky than Hasheem.

3. Oklahoma City

Third overall, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a interesting (and possibly uncomfortable) position.

Thabeet could be the answer, but if he turned out to be another Saer Sene or Robert Swift, how would fans react? Conspiracy theorists were proved wrong when OKC didn't in fact receive the first overall pick, and now they might see if another team wants to trade up.

Failing a trade, OKC still has some excellent options other than Thabeet. Jordan Hill plays the same position as Jeff Green but is a good defensive presence, very athletic, and would add overall size.

However, the Thunder just invested money in Nenad Krstic, so OKC might look to shooting guard first. Luckily for them, 6'5" James Harden will still be on the board.

Harden at third overall might be a bit of a reach, but a Russell Westbrook, Harden, and Kevin Durant trio could be too good to pass up. Besides, next year's draft looks to be full of athletic big men.

4. Sacramento

For Sacramento Kings fans, drafting at No. 4 has to be a huge disappointment.

The No. 4 spot could also be a trade target for other teams if OKC doesn't take Thabeet.

The Kings don't need Jordan Hill as much as they did before the emergence of Jason Thompson late last season.

For the third pick in a row, Thabeet will be discussed, and passed over. The Kings like passing centers, and Vlade Divac or Brad Miller Thabeet is not.

Besides, if Spencer Hawes returns to form after his injury fully heals, Thabeet (although a superior defensive player) would be superfluous.

The Kings' true need is at point guard, where Beno Udrih was a large disappointment. Any PG taken after Rubio will be somewhat of a gamble.

Brandon Jennings appears to be the best available after Ricky, and the Kings would instantly acquire an athletic compliment to Kevin Martin.

In addition, the Kings could either hurt their NorCal and division rivals the Golden State Warriors by snagging Jennings or concoct a trade with them.

The Warriors' seventh pick could be used to take a gamble on Tyreke Evans at the point, or to reach for Ty Lawson.

5. Washington

More than the four teams above them in the draft, the Washington Wizards will be looking to advance to the playoffs next season, thanks to the return of Gilbert Arenas.

While Jordan Hill would help them in the long run as Antawn Jamison ages, Hasheem Thabeet would provide the interior defense and rebounding critical for a playoff run.

Washington has more than enough firepower to overcome Thabeet's offensive deficiencies, and although Hasheem could struggle trying to run the floor when Arenas pushes the ball quickly, it's the half-court possessions that often make the difference in tight games during the stretch run.

6. Minnesota

Although the sixth pick is not ideal for Minnesota, trading up or down might be a tough sell after the Kevin Love-O.J. Mayo trade last year.

The trade did net Mike Miller, but the Wolves still need a consistent play-maker in the back-court to compliment Randy Foye. Guard Tyreke Evans has shown that he can run the point, and his athleticism would be welcome.

But upside is often king in the NBA draft, and 6'6" guard/forward DeMar DeRozan has the potential to be a dominant force; O.J. Mayo in a bigger body.

Jordan Hill falls once again, since with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love already in the fold, there is little reason for Minnesota to draft a big man.

7. Golden State

It would be an understatement to say that the Golden State Warriors don't need another shooting guard on their roster. So it would be a relief if the temptation to take DeRozan was removed before their pick.

Instead of DeRozan, the Dubs might be tempted by Jordan Hill, who would bring power and athleticism to the front-court.

Some say Earl Clark is the next Anthony Randolph, but if Clark was drafted in a reach at No. 7, the Warriors would be probably be lighting their torches and sharpening their pitchforks. The need for a legitimate point guard is too pressing.

Don Nelson loves tall, athletic ball-handlers who can score. Stephen Curry has shown himself to be one of college basketball's greatest pure shooters, and yet also could effectively distribute of needed.

But although defensive prowess isn't a prerequisite for receiving playing time with the Warriors (Curry is not a great defender), the lack of success experienced by J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison might hurt Curry's draft stock.

In addition, Anthony Morrow is an incredible three-point shooter, nullifying some of the need for Curry's sharpshooting.

Jordan Hill would be a tremendous pick if he fell to the seventh spot, but Nelson would love having a 6'5" point guard running plays in Oakland.

Tyreke Evans' height, athleticism, and upside would be too much for the Warriors to pass up. If Evans is gone, the Dubs might take a look at Eric Maynor, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday, or Ty Lawson.

8. New York

New York seemed set on taking Curry, although a new rumor has them trying to trade up to get Ricky Rubio.

As with Golden State, Jordan Hill could be used as part of a trade package for the No. 2. However, if they keep the pick, many of the players that New York is supposedly interested in would still available, including Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson.

However, Stephen Curry's combination of size, NBA pedigree, and shot-making ability, which could be used to space the floor for you-know-who, should make him the Knick's pick come draft day.

9. Toronto

The Raptors will need an athletic forward to replace Shawn Marion, who will probably not stay in Toronto much longer, or (even worse) Chris Bosh. Jordan Hill drops to them in this scenario, although Earl Clark might be a more realistic possibility on draft day.

Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, or even Chase Buddinger would be an option if the Raptors opted for depth at Shooting Guard.

10. Milwaukee

Milwaukee needs someone to replace Yi Jianlian and probably Charlie Villanueva. Although Jordan Hill is gone, Earl Clark is big, versatile, and athletic, able to play both small forward and power forward.

Once Michael Redd comes back, a distributor would be nice as well. If Clark is gone, Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, or Jonny Flynn could attempt to fill in for Ramon Sessions, who Milwaukee might not be able to re-sign.

11. New Jersey

The Nets are one of the few teams in the lower lottery that is set at the point guard position (with Devin Harris). However, with Vince Carter aging (or not caring), shooting guard will become an issue soon.

Although Gerald Henderson would most likely still be on the board, Chase Buddinger can play shooting guard and small forward and is a player in the mold of last year's pick Ryan Anderson.

12. Charlotte

The Bobcats need a replacement for Jason Richardson. Wayne Ellington is big, skilled, and played at UNC. If he's available at 12, Ellington could be one of the most automatic non-Griffin picks of the draft.

If the Bobcats draft for need at other positions, forwards DeJuan Blair and James Johnson are options as well, but Ellington or Gerald Henderson (even though he's from Duke) would probably be able to make more of an impact sooner.

13. Indiana

When the Jermaine O'Neal trade netted T.J. Ford, the Pacers had a point guard they could rely on—except when he was injured. Ty Lawson most likely will be available, and his speed and ability to steal the ball could help get Danny Granger out on the break more effectively.

The Roy Hibbert pick last year might rule out someone like Blair, although Blair is in some ways the opposite of Hibbert (short but effective) and could help replace some of O'Neal's production down low.

Earl Clark would have been nice, but Indiana will probably go with a point guard.

14. Phoenix

The Suns are in the lottery for the first time in a while and could miss out on the quick Lawson by a few spots.

Just like New York, Phoenix could blow up the entire draft by trading up to No.2 to get Rubio as a replacement for Nash (Amare anyone?). If they swapped picks in the trade, they could take a gamble on a project like Austin Daye, or go with a beast down low like Blair to replace Amare.

Assuming that the Suns don't trade up, it would be a tough choice between the usual point guard suspects: Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, and Jonny Flynn.

Flynn, the Big East Tournament MVP, had 13 games with eight or more assists last season and proved his tenacity in the thrilling win over UConn. Learning to play the point with Steve Nash should help Flynn cut down on turnovers and maximize his potential.

The 2009 NBA Draft may be somewhat low on star power, but it could prove to be a deep draft for solid, if not exceptional, guards.

Some high-profile veterans (such as Amare Stoudemire) could find themselves on different teams.

Some teams outside the lottery could find that prospects such as Jrue Holiday have fallen into their range.

As draft day draws nearer, the picture will most likely become clearer, but for now, teams are rightfully scouting a wide variety of potential draftees.

Defenders-Fisher Cats: Madison Bumgarner Lowers ERA, Wins Second AA Start

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:42:00 -0400

At the end of a game suspended by fog in the first inning Saturday, Madison Bumgarner took the mound for Connecticut Sunday and showed that his first start at the AA level was not a fluke.

Tim Alderson, the original starter on Saturday, pitched a scoreless first before the suspension of play.

After allowing a lead-off double in the second, it appeared as if Bumgarner would be in for another start of battling hitters with men on base.

However, there was little drama this time, as Madison gave up no hits over the next six innings.

Bumgarner notched only two strikeouts in his last start, but Sunday his dominance was never in doubt.

Nine strikeouts helped him cruise. In four of his six innings, Bumgarner faced only three batters.

He surrendered two out of his three total walks in the fifth, but a pick-off and two strikeouts ensured neither runner would advance to second base.

Bumgarner no doubt felt some pressure, exiting the game with just a 1-0 lead.

Fellow 2007 draftee closer Joe Paterson came in for a two-inning save. Paterson pitched two scoreless innings and maintained his 0.00 ERA through 13 appearances, ensuring that Bumgarner received the win.

Shortstop Brandon Crawford, who went one for four with two strikeouts, has now struck out twice in each of his last four games.

Although Crawford is hitting .467 with the bases empty, he is two for 18 with runners on base and hitting .091 with runners in scoring position.

Crawford has only one walk and 11 strikeouts in eight games since his call-up. He has 13 total bases and one RBI, with three extra-base hits.

At single-A San Jose, Crawford's batting average was nearly 100 points higher (.371 vs. .273). He also tallied six home runs and 17 RBI in 25 games at San Jose.

Chris Mullin Offically Out As Golden State Warriors GM: The Coup Is Complete

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:54:00 -0400

Earlier tonight, the Golden State Warriors have made the expected (and inevitable) official, announcing that Chris Mullin's contract as General Manager will not be extended when it expires on June 30th.

Assistant GM Larry Riley will replace Mullin.

Mullin's departure was seen as inevitable for many months, dating back to the Warriors' refusal to extend Baron Davis in the 2008 off-season.

However, when the Warriors announced today that Riley would replace Mullin as Golden State's representative to the Draft Lottery next week, it was clear that the end was near.

Mullin's tenure was marked by the assembly of the We Believe team and some second-round draft gems, but also picks such as Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Patrick O'Bryant, who started out rocky.

But Mullin's decisions to trade for Baron Davis and unload Murphy and Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson largely redeemed him in the eyes of many fans.

Riley meanwhile faces an uphill battle winning over fans.

He will be seen as a yes-man to Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell, and even if the Warriors find a way to make the playoffs again, Don Nelson will probably get all the credit.

However, in the current environment, it's tough to see a way in which Riley can succeed, at least in the short-term.

The Warriors have few trade assets, and the projected number seven pick in what is expected to be a weak draft isn't likely to draw a large amount of interest. Additionally, cap space is tight, thanks in part to the Stephen Jackson extension.

If the Warriors somehow receive one of the top two picks in the draft, Riley's job will become much easier. But will the basketball gods allow such luck to a franchise that has accumulated so much negative karma over the course of the past season?

Madison Bumgarner Follows Tim Alderson's Gem With Six Solid Innings

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:43:00 -0400

Drafted in the same round in the same draft, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson's paths through San Francisco's minor league system were bound to be compared.

Both were named High-A All-Stars in 2008, with Bumgarner also earning the Minors Most Spectacular Pitcher and several other awards. Given their success in the lower minors, it was not surprising that both were called up to AA Connecticut in the same week.

While Bumgarner posted a 3-1 record with a 1.48 ERA in San Jose this season, Alderson allowed opponents to hit .292. Tim finished with a 1-1, 4.15 line. Nevertheless, the more pitcher-friendly confines of Connecticut's park seemed to have brought out the best in Alderson. In 6.2 innings, Alderson struck out ten, and did not allow a single hit. Alderson walked only one hitter.

Bumgarner was not perfect against New Britain, but displayed an ability to limit damage and eventually escape trouble. He allowed a single to the second hitter he faced, but then induced a pop-up before picking the runner off first. In the second inning, a lead-off single was erased by a double-play. And in the third, a two-out triple was followed by a grounder back to Bumgarner.

Connecticut scored two in the top of the fourth to give Bumgarner a small cushion, the only run support he received in his six innings of work (a change from the offensive steamroller of the single-A Giants and a preview of the big league Giants). But Bumgarner gave up back-to-back two-out doubles in the bottom of the inning, allowing his first AA run.

It appeared as if New Britain might ruin Bumgarner's debut when a double and a bunt single resulted in runners at first and third with none out in the fifth. But Bumgarner showed great composure, getting a double play on a line-out before notching his second strikeout of the evening.

After pitching a scoreless sixth, Bumgarner left leading two to one. A three-run eighth pushed the Connecticut margin to 5-1, ensuring the win for Madison.

Shortstop Brandon Crawford, a fourth-round pick in 2008, had three hits (including a double and a triple) in his second game at the AA level.

Connecticut catcher Adam Witter was recently promoted to AAA Fresno. While Witter was replaced by a catcher brought off of Connecticut's disabled list, could Buster Posey hear the call to AA soon?

Follett, Morrah Selected In Seventh Round, Join Mack as 2009 Cal Draftees

GoBears 2008 — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:12:00 -0400

After a long wait, LB Zack Follett and TE Cameron Morrah were taken the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft, over two hundred picks after Cal teammate and 21st-overall pick C Alex Mack.

Follett was taken with the 26th pick in round seven (235th overall) by Detroit, and was described as being a great competitor, a hard worker, and a potential contributor on special teams.

Morrah was praised by Mel Kiper as deserving better than a seventh-round selection when Seattle took him in the compensatory portion of the round (248th overall).

However, Kiper also stated what Jeff Tedford and Cal Bears fans already know, that Morrah left one season too early. However, Morrah was also praised for being a goal-line threat.

Mr. Irrelavent 2009 (256th overall) was K Ryan Succop from South Carolina.

Unfortunately, Cal fan favorites such as Rulon Davis, Anthony Felder, and Worrell Williams weren't able to hear their name called in New York. But there is always a chance of being signed as an undrafted free-agent.

As for other Pac-10 teams, Arizona and Arizona State each had two players drafted, all in the seventh round. Six Oregon players heard their names called, including three in round two. Max Unger was taken twenty-eight picks after Alex Mack.

Oregon State one-upped its Civil War rival with seven players picked, but only OL Andy Levitre was a second-rounder. Washington State's only draftee was WR Brandon Gibson (sixth round), but this was still one more than Washington. Stanford and UCLA were shut out.

Not surpisingly, USC had the most first-round and overall picks in the Pac-10, led by Mark Sanchez at fifth overall. Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews were also taken in round one, but Rey Maualuga fell to the early second-round.

By the time CB Cary Harris was taken in the sixth round, 11 Trojans had been selected. Only three selections were offensive players: Sanchez, Patrick Turner (third round), and K David Buehler (fifth round).

Among the Pac-10 players not drafted were QB's Willie Tuitama and Rudy Carpenter and RB's Jeremiah Johnson, Anthony Kimble, and Kahlil Bell.

Good luck to Mack, Morrah, and Follett in NFL, and to Davis and the other Cal players trying to break in at the next level the hard way.

As Cal continues to try a cement themselves as a perennial Pac-10 power, the 2009 draft class should be joined in the NFL by many more Bears in the future. Cal fans just hope that Jahvid Best will join the list of first-round picks later rather than sooner.

San Francisco 49ers Luck into Michael Crabtree, Err by Trading Everette Brown?

GoBears 2008 — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:07:00 -0400

After a roller-coaster first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers emerged as one of the major benefactors of the many trades (and one huge reach) on day one, selecting possible top-four pick Michael Crabtree without trading up from the 10th-overall position.

The first two picks of the draft were not surprising at all, considering that the Lions had already agreed to an astronomical contract with QB Matthew Stafford, and the Rams needed OT Jason Smith to replace Orlando Pace.

Kansas City continued its recent trend of drafting LSU products, selecting DE Tyson Jackson to go along with last years picks of DT Glenn Dorsey and WR Dwyane Bowe. But by passing on LB Aaron Curry, the Chiefs helped create a domino effect that resulted in the 49ers nabbing Crabtree.

Seattle was very happy to find a compliment to Lofa Tatupu in Curry in the fourth slot.

Then came the Browns trade with the Jets. Sanchez started sixteen more games at USC than Matt Cassel, and seems to have the poise and accuracy to be successful in the NFL. And although had fewer weapons than Leinart had at his disposal (although at USC, talent is always relative), Sanchez's last year at USC is statistically similar to Leinart's.

Jets fans at the draft were extremely excited at first, but were not pleased when they heard the full details of the trade. If Sanchez really is as advertised, a franchise quarterback is almost invaluable.

However, the pressure is definitely on Sanchez on the rest of the Jets to succeed, especially with Chad Pennington's success as a Dolphin.

At number six, the Bengals decided to put improving their running game over finding a replacement for T.J. Houshmandzadeh. OT Andre Smith had his issues before the draft, but in the NFL, 6'4", 332 pounds is worth quite a bit by itself.

But surely Crabtree wouldn't slip past the Raiders. who needed a talented target for JaMarcus Russell to throw to? Rightly or wrongly, by far the loudest boos of the night rained down after the announcement of the pick of WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. And the draft gurus quickly slapped an "F" on Oakland's report card.

Even if Heyward-Bey becomes a star, the question remains: why use the number seven pick on him, when trading down (even into the lower first round) would have netted picks as well as the covetted 4.30 forty-time?

In fact, the Niners could've traded up to get Crabtree (a worthwhile three-pick jump), netting second or third-round picks for the Raiders and benefiting both teams. Ten would still have been a huge reach for the Maryland wide-out, but it would have saved a bit of money and resulted in more picks.

But even when the Raiders passed, the 49ers weren't free to grab Crabtree yet, as Jacksonville and Green Bay were yet to draft. But the Jaguars went with OT Eugene Monroe, despite having lost Matt Jones and Reggie Williams in the off-season.

The Packers selected a player that was rumored to be on the 49ers radar at one point: DT B.J. Raji. Aaron Rodgers no doubt would've enjoyed throwing to Crabtree, but the Packers needed the huge Raji much more than a wideout.

Therefore, a player once considered to be a concensus top-five pick fell to the 49ers at No. 10. Crabtree should make the Niners starter look better than he actually is, and will help ease some of the problems in the passing game while a franchise QB is found (could Sam Bradford fall to them next year?).

No matter what happened after the first round, the first day of the 49ers' 2009 draft would still have been considered a success. But did they make a mistake by trading their second-round pick (Everette Brown) to the Panthers for a 2010 first-rounder?

Unless the Panthers regress dramatically next year, the future pick should be around the 25th overall. But Brown, who was once considered a candidate for the Niners to select—in the first round, could have been a significant upgrade to the Niners' existing pass rush.

The Panthers' motives for trading up to get Brown are unknown. Is Everette meant to be a compliment to Julius Peppers—or a replacement?

A major trade of a veteran like Peppers could dramatically alter the results of the draft, but as it stands now, a few teams seem to have had more day one success than others.

"Winners" in the long run could include teams such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York (Jets and Giants), and Cardinals.

The Eagles might have scored a huge coup with the acquisition of Jeremy Maclin. Paired with DeSean Jackson, Maclin could be a factor in the passing game almost immediately (as Jackson was last year).

The Giants replaced talented but problematic (and expensive) WR Plaxico Burriss with 6'4" Hakeem Nicks at twenty-eighth overall.

The Dolphins shored up their pass defense with athletic CB Vontae Davis, then used their second-round pick on Pat White, who could be lethal in the Wildcat offense.

It could have been a wasteful reach on a player whose speed advantage over college defenses might be nullified by the speed of NFL defenses, but the possibility is there for White playing multiple postions, based on the formation Miami comes out in on a given down.

The Vikings still have questions at quarterback, but picked up WR Percy Harvin to help stretch the field in the passing game. What football fan wouldn't want to see Harvin and Adrian Peterson in the same Wildcat backfield, though? In the second round, Minnesota acquired huge OT Phil Loadholt, a powerful run blocker.

The Cardinals, who did not trade Anquan Boldin, picked up power RB Chris Wells to help balance their offense attack for another playoff run.

The Patriots acquired the 40th and 41st overall picks, and with them took huge DT Ron Brace and solid CB Darius Butler.

In one of the stranger moves of the day, the Buccaneers traded up to number seventeen to take QB Josh Freeman. Freeman defines the word "project," and the rumor is that already QB-heavy Tampa Bay only took Freeman to keep him from the Vikings.

Cal center Alex Mack went slightly higher than expected, going to the Browns at No. 21 overall.

With the first two rounds completed, the 49ers look to be among the best drafters so far. But with other NFC teams improving as well, it might take a franchise quarterback to get over the top in the division.

Tony Gonzalez To the Falcons: How Valuable is a Second-Round Draft Pick?

GoBears 2008 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:31:00 -0400

Perennial Pro-Bowler and presumptive Hall-of-Fame Tight End Tony Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons earlier today for a 2010 second-round draft pick. The move comes about a month after the Chiefs spent their own 2009 second-rounder on Patriots Quarterback Matt Cassel and Linebacker Mike Vrabel.

In the NBA, second-round picks (with a few exceptions, such as the Marcus Camby salary dump) are often treated as if they aren't valuable at all, and are sometimes sold outright on draft day.

Some teams, like the Portland Trailblazers, seem to collect them. But despite the emergence of several second-round picks as good players (such as Gilbert Arenas and Manu Ginobili), a second-round pick won't usually bring a decent veteran in an NBA trade.

Assuming one pick per round, an ideal NBA draft will fill forty percent of a future starting lineup, comparable to thirty-two percent for an NFL team's draft (twenty-nine percent if kickers and punters are included).

According to the NFL draft pick value chart, the first pick of the second round is worth 580 points, making it roughly half as valuable as the ninth overall pick (1350), and one fifth as valuable as the first overall pick (3000 points). The sixty-fourth overall pick (the last of the second round) is worth 270 points, making a pick in the fifty range worth about 400.

The Falcons draft twenty-third in the second round this year (fifty-fifth overall). Assuming the Falcons draft at a similar position next year (for example, twenty-seventh in each of the first two rounds - adding a playoff win for the addition of Gonzalez and improvements in Matt Ryan's game), here are some of the recent picks in this range:

2008: RB Ray Rice (Ravens: fifty-fifth overall): One 150+ yard game in 2008.
QB Brian Brohm (Packers: fifty-sixth overall)
QB Chad Henne (Dolphins: fifty-seventh overall)
WR Dexter Jackson (Bucs: fifty-eighth overall)
G Mike Pollak (Colts: fifty-ninth overall): Started thirteen games in 2008.
CB Patrick Lee (Packers: sixtieth overall)

Best Second-Rounder (so far): WR DeSean Jackson (Eagles: forty-ninth overall)

2007: DB Josh Wilson (Seahawks: fifty-fifth overall): Four Int's (one for TD) in 2008.
DE Tim Crowder (Broncos: fifty-sixth overall)
DE Victor Abiamiri (Eagles: fifty-seventh overall)
DE Ikaika Alama-Francis (Lions: fifty-eighth overall)
C Ryan Kalil (Panthers: fifty-ninth overall): Started twelve games in 2008.
CB Samson Satele (Dolphins: sixtieth overall): Started sixteen games in both 2007 and 2008.

Best Second-Rounder (so far): LB LaMarr Woodley (Steelers: forty-sixth overall)

2006: T Andrew Whitworth (Bengals: fifty-fifth overall): Thirty-eight starts in three years.
C Chris Chester (Ravens: fifty-sixth overall)
ATH Devin Hester (Bears: fifty-seventh overall): Eleven career special teams touchdowns. Returned opening kick for TD in Super Bowl XLI.
DB Richard Marshall (Panthers: fifty-eighth overall)
T Jeremy Trueblood (Bucs: fifty-ninth overall)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Jags: sixtieth overall): Averages 4.7 yards per rush. Thirty-four career rush TD's.

Best Second-Rounders (so far): Jones-Drew, Hester, LB DeMeco Ryans (Texans: thirty-third overall)

2005: WR Roscoe Parrish (Bills: fifty-fifth overall)
DB Darrent Williams (Broncos: fifty-sixth overall): R.I.P.
DB Justin Miller (Jets: fifty-seventh overall)
WR Terrence Murphy (Packers: fifty-eighth overall)
DT Jonathan Babineaux (Falcons: fifty-ninth overall)
CB Kelvin Hayden (Colts: sixtieth overall): Critical fifty-six yard INT return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI.

Best Second-Rounders (so far): LB Lofa Tatupu (Seahawks: forty-fifth overall), DB Nick Collins (Packers: fifty-first overall)

In 2009, the late second round pick could've brought bring Kansas City a decent but not top-flight tackle like Phil Loadholt, a safety like Victor Harris, or a player who hurt his stock prior to draft day.

However, the high-second-round pick (thirty-fourth overall) that the Patriots received for Matt Cassell has a higher probablity of picking up a good player (such as Alex Mack) that somehow slid out of the first round due to team needs or other factors.

Atlanta drafted Bert Emmanuel and Brett Favre in the second round. The Chiefs acquired several of their Super Bowl IV winning team, including Willie Lanier, and in 1987, drafted The Nigerian Nightmare Christian Okoye.

Both the Raiders and 49ers have historically drafted well, especially in the 1970's and 1980's, and the second round is no exception.

Oakland acquired legends Ken Stabler (1968 - fifty-second overall), Dave Casper (1974 - forty-fifth overall), and Howie Long (1981 - forty-eighth overall).

The Niners stocked their five championship teams with Randy Cross (1976 - forty-second overall), Keena Turner (1980 - thirty-ninth overall), Eric Wright (1981 - fortieth overall), Bubba Paris (1982 - twenty-ninth overall), and Roger Craig (1983 - forty-ninth overall). Other picks included Eric Davis (1990 - fifty-third overall) and Ricky Waters (1990 - forty-fifth overall), both of whom played key roles in the last championship the franchise won.

Important second-round picks for other franchises include (* indicates won Super Bowl or starred for team other than drafting team):

Arizona: Dan Dierdorf, Tim McDonald*, Jake Plummer, Anquan Boldin
Baltimore: Jamie Sharper
Buffalo: Thurman Thomas
Carolina: Muhsin Muhammad, Kris Jenkins
Chicago: Mike Singletary, Devin Hester
Cincinnati: Bill Bergey, Chris Collinsworth, Ickey Woods, Chad Ocho Cinco (Ne Johnson)
Cleveland: Greg Pruitt, Webster Slaughter
Dallas: Todd Christensen*, Ken Norton Jr, Daryl Johnston, Darren Woodson
Denver: Curley Culp*, Clinton Portis
Detroit: Lem Barney, Doug English, Chris Spielman, Jason Hanson
Green Bay: LeRoy Butler, Darren Sharper, Greg Jennings
Houston: DeMeco Ryans
Indianapolis: Ted Hendricks, Bob Sanders
Jacksonville: Tony Brackens, Maurice Jones-Drew
Miami: Dwight Stephenson, John Offerdahl, Sam Madison
Minnesota: Ed White, Sammy White
New England: Andre Tippett, Ted Johnson, Lawyer Milloy
New Orleans: Rickey Jackson, Dalton Hilliard
Giants: Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer, Tiki Barber, Osi Umenyiora
Jets: Mark Gastineau
Philadelphia: Wes Hopkins, Randall Cunningham, Eric Allen, Brian Dawkins, DeSean Jackson
Pittsburgh: Jack Ham, Jack Lambert
San Diego: Fred Dean, Natrone Means, Drew Brees
Seattle: Kevin Mawae*, Michael Boulware, Lofa Tatupu
St. Louis: Nolan Cromwell, Isaac Bruce
Tampa Bay: Mike Alstott
Tennessee: Steve Largent* (Houston Oilers), Samari Rolle (Tennessee Oilers)
Washington: Chip Lohmiller, Fred Smoot

In general, the most successful franchises seem to have extracted the most talent from their second-round picks. Of course, this is true for the first round as well. It's very unlikely that a Hall-Of-Fame talent will fall past the first round. But second-round picks are often important pieces of a contending team, and another option at guard or second wide receiver could help build a young offense like the Gonzalez-less Chiefs.

Is a second-round pick enough for Tony Gonzalez? Considering that Gonzalez is thirty-three years old, and that the Chiefs apparently negotiated the price up from a third-rounder, probably.

Yes, the Falcons won the trade in the short-term, but that's the nature of veterans-for-picks trades. If the Chiefs draft the next Tony Gonzalez in 2010, great. But if not, they still shed payroll (and an unhappy player) from an obviously rebuilding team, and allowed Gonzalez to go to an up-and-coming contender.

Leon Powe Out for Remainder of Playoffs

GoBears 2008 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:40:00 -0400

Celtics forward Leon Powe, who left Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with an undisclosed knee injury, will not be able to return for the rest of the playoffs. After further tests, it was determined that Powe had suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.

Powe missed a season in college when he underwent reconstructive surgery on the same knee in 2004. He also suffered a minor injury to his right knee earlier this season.

The injury comes at a bad time for both Powe and the Celtics. Powe is a free agent this coming offseason, and would have seen increased playing time with the Kevin Garnett injury.

It also pretty much confirms the fears of the teams that didn't draft him in the first round (which is all of them) that his knees are not durable enough to invest starter-type money in the former Pac-10 force.

Meanwhile, the Celtics, who barely avoided a 2-0 hole in the series on Ray Allen's clutch shot, must now turn to either Brian Scalabrine (who might play in Game Three), or Mikki Moore (whose -15 rating was among the worst of any Celtic who played in Game Two) to back up Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who is a spot starter for Garnett.

Boston must now go on the road to try to salvage a series that some thought would be a cakewalk.

However, there is some good news for Celtics fans. Rajon Rondo, who will not practice tomorrow due to an ankle injury, is expected to play in Game Three. If his play in Game Two is any indication (Rondo completed a dominant triple-double after returning from the injury), Rondo should be okay.

When it comes down to it, Powe was not as critical a piece of the Celtics as Garnett was. But Ray Allen seems to have found his touch, and the C's superior talent finally broke through for a win in Game Two. And with the series tied, a victory in Chicago would restore home court advantage. But without Garnett, who provided solid interior defense as well as leadership and scoring, the Celtics' Pyrrhic victory in Game Two was not what Boston fans were looking for.

Cal Football Recruiting Off To A Fast Start

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:28:00 -0400

Jeff Tedford has a reputation of finishing each recruiting season on a strong note. However, he also has historically started slowly. It was not uncommon for the Bears to not receive their first commitment until June or even July. Therefore, for the 2010 class, an emphasis was put on targeting, offering, and closing on important recruits as soon as possible.

The new strategy has already paid off, as a potential third commit gave his verbal to Cal over the weekend. Defensive Tackle Cassius Marsh, a standout at Oaks Christian High (a Southern California powerhouse), is ranked by Scout.com as the third best DT in the country.

Marsh seems to be very solid in his commitment to Cal. According to Scout, "he had known for months Cal was the place for him." He is listed at 6'3", 270 pounds, and could eventually move to Defensive End, with 6'1"/310 (and much slower) fellow DT recruit Jay Guy occupying the Nose Tackle spot. Guy, however, is apparently still considering other offers, and is listed by Rivals as a soft commit.

Cal also received a verbal from top-10 linebacker Cecil Whiteside last week, and another linebacker, No. 8 MLB (Scout) Dan Wilkerson has Cal listed as his top choice. If Wilkerson commits soon, over 50 percent of a future Cal 3-4 defense could be filled with high-four-star recruits before the beginning of May.

Tosh Lupoi, who was responsible for recruiting Whiteside and now Marsh, is still targeting huge (and highly-regarded) DE/DT Gabe King. King has fluctuated in his opinions of various schools, but at one point had Cal as his favorite.

If nothing else, Cal is drawing serious interest from top athletes, as evidenced by Junior Day and the first three commits of the season. The Bears will no doubt look to strengthen the Wide Reciever and other positions in this class, but so far, it looks like the 2010 commits could address more needs than those of 2009.

Marshawn Lynch: Beast Mode and The Show

GoBears 2008 — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:56:25 -0400

He grew up in Oakland in a household that lacked a father-figure. Nevertheless, he managed to stay out of trouble and develop his athletic skills, mainly due to his drive and strength of character. His drive to succeed led him to high school stardom, and a chance to play in the Pac-10 at Berkeley.

He seized the opportunity, and professional scouts noticed. A fan-favorite at the college level, he decided to forgo his senior year and realize his dream at the next level.

Marshawn Lynch took this route to the NFL, and achieved his childhood dream. Yet Lynch has been in trouble with the law twice in the past 12 months, and has now been suspended from going "Beast Mode" for three games.

Lynch is in some ways the anti-Terrell Owens.

Owens exudes arrogance and immaturity. He doesn't support teammates when things go south on the field. His need for attention and tantrums are rivaled by only a few players in the NFL.

Lynch, on the other hand, always seems to wear a goofy smile that shows off his grill. He doesn't blame teammates for a loss, especially when he heavily contributed to it. He tries to loosen up his teammates before games with jokes.

Yet for all T.O.'s issues, he has never been arrested or investigated by the police as Lynch has.

As many others have said, Lynch is not Adam "Pacman" Jones. But Lynch would be wise to follow the path of former Oakland Tech basketball teammate and fellow Cal star, Leon Powe.

Powe grew up under circumstances similar to (but worse than) those of Lynch. He, like Lynch, never joined a gang or sold drugs. He took care of his brothers and sisters when his mother was unable to, and neglected his basketball talent to be helpful to the family. Lynch's "family first" motto was also practiced by Powe.

However, when he was in his teens, Powe had begun to hang out with a friend who was making trouble. Luckily for Leon, he met his friend's older step-brother, who helped channel Powe's goals to making good grades and excelling on the court.

Powe's friend ended up with multiple prison sentences. It was a wake-up call that Powe took to heart, and Leon has never been anything but a role model for the Oakland community and the Bay Area since that time.

Like Powe, Lynch is active in charity events. Marshawn also recently bought his mother the house she promised. Most importantly, he has expressed remorse for his actions over the past year, and has stepped up to take a more proactive role in ensuring that he won't be involved in anything similar in the future.

Lynch is still popular in the Bay Area and at Cal. But he has a chance to become a legend by following the example of Leon Powe, and responding when confronted with an issue that reflects poorly on his character.

Fair or not, the only way Marshawn can silence most of his critics, especially those in Buffalo that haven't followed Marshawn's career since high school or college, is probably to be what Powe is—a model citizen. Powe still remembers where he came from, and has impacted both the Bay Area and his reputation positively.

If nothing else, staying out of trouble will allow Lynch to do what he enjoys the most, going "Stupid Fast" on the gridiron.

Baron Davis Back to the Golden State Warriors?

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:10 -0500

Marcus Thompson of the "Inside the Warriors" section of the Contra Costa Times reported late yesterday that Baron Davis "wouldn't mind being traded back to Golden State."

A trade that includes forward Corey Maggette and forgotten point guard Marcus Williams for Davis has previously existed only in the parallel universe that is the ESPN trade machine.

But why would the Clippers take Maggette back, and abandon the Davis experiment so early?

Davis hasn't exactly been best friends with his new coach Mike Dunleavy, and has made no secret of the fact that he had wanted to stay in Oakland. Maggette, on the other hand, is younger at 28 years of age, has three million fewer dollars per year, and provides more scoring.

The Clippers average less than 94 points per game, making it difficult to stay competitive with Western Conference teams. Maggette would be an aggressive scorer, something that isn't needed on a Warriors team full of scorers.

The article states that Maggette is a favorite of Donald Sterling, the Clippers' owner.

The benefits for the Warriors would be more obvious. Baron is averaging 8.2 assists per game, and would make Jamal Crawford expendable. The addition of Davis would also restore a fan favorite to the Oracle Arena.

When Baron is unhappy, he can ruin a team's chemistry, especially when they are 8-21 (half a game ahead of the Warriors, for the record).

Is this rumor likely to spur the Warriors' front office to action? Unlikely.

Stephen Jackson is starting to lobby for Baron's return.

We Believe Boom!

Could Golden State please also trade Crawford for J-Rich, or is that too much wishful thinking?

What Should The Warriors Do With Corey Maggette?

GoBears 2008 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:17:44 -0500

When the Warriors lost Baron Davis to the Clippers in free agency, Corey Maggette was signed to a 5-year, $50 million dollar contract. Maggette is finally able to be traded, as NBA rules state that December 15th is the first day recently-signed free agents may be included in deals. The ESPN Trade MAchine will probably go down any minute now, as Warrior fans across the world vainly attempt to come up with a way to dump Maggette on a poor, unsuspecting team. Of course, in typical Warriors fashion, Maggette is now injured - again. "There was a like a little strain tear in there, which was what I probably expected, being that this is like the fourth time it's been happening," Corey was quoted by the Canadian paper National Post as saying. Which means that Maggette's trade value is now probably somewhere between Antoine Walker's and Eddy Curry's. The Warriors need to get creative to get rid of Maggette, err give him an opportunity to better utilize his skills elsewhere. Here are a few suggestions:

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CC Sabathia Signs Monster Deal: Does Free Agency Need Equally Big Changes?

GoBears 2008 — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:21:59 -0500

Yesterday, the Yankees reached an agreement on a seven year, $161-million deal with CC Sabathia.

Was there ever doubt that CC would end up in New York? Who wouldn't take a contract that big, especially with the seven-year length, which no other team offered?

The only question was: By how much would CC's contract break the record for largest ever offered to a pitcher?

And, predictably, the Bombers weren't done. Next up: A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and possibly even Mark Teixeira.

Interestingly, without using Darth Boras as his agent, CC managed to get an escape clause, an option to become a free agent after just three years, at which time he can: A) Go to another team (San Francisco?)

B) Pretend to want to go to another team and receive a contract offer than would make his wife faint (I still think this is how CC was signed to the current contract, despite both Sabathia's desire to stay on the West Coast).

Not to be outdone, the Nationals (yes, the Nationals) are reportedly offering Teixeira eight years at $20 million per year.

Don't think that contract sounds that big? Note that the Nationals' seven highest-paid players make $20 million per year combined.

The Yankees, meanwhile, will have seven players making over $13 million next, and that's assuming that Sabathia is their only acquisition. In fact, it's conceivable that the Yanks could have double the payroll of the second-place Mets next season, even with K-Rod's new contract finalized.

But, as the saying goes, you can't buy championships.

For what it's worth, 2008 MLB salaries (from ESPN.com), with division and playoff finishes added:

(Bold indicates playoffs, bold italics indicates division winner)

1. NY Yankees     207,108,489; 3rd place; AL East
2. NY Mets     137,391,376; 2nd place; NL East
3. Detroit     137,290,196; 5th place; AL Central
4. Boston     133,220,112; 2nd place; AL East - ALCS
5. Chicago White Sox     121,189,332; 1st place; AL Central - Division Series
6. LA Angels     118,825,333; 1st place; AL West - Division Series
7. LA Dodgers     118,188,536; 1st place; NL West - NLCS
8. Chicago Cubs     117,954,333; 1st place; NL Central - Division Series
9. Seattle     116,876,482; 4th place; AL West
10. Atlanta     102,849,666; 4th place; NL East
11. St. Louis     99,624,449; 4th place; NL Central
12. Toronto     97,001,500; 4th place; AL East
13. Philadelphia     95,479,880; 1st place; NL East - World Series Champions
14. Houston     88,930,414; 3rd place; NL Central
15. Cleveland     78,970,066; 3rd place; AL Central
16. San Francisco     76,194,000; 4th place; NL West
17. Milwaukee     74,687,499; 2nd place; NL Central - Division Series
18. Cincinnati     74,117,695; 5th place; NL Central
19. San Diego     72,626,616; 5th place; NL West
20. Colorado     68,655,500; 3rd place; NL West
21. Baltimore     66,806,249; 5th place; AL East
22. Texas     66,312,326; 2nd place; AL West
23. Arizona     66,202,712; 2nd place; NL West
24. Kansas City     57,855,500; 4th place; AL Central
25. Minnesota     56,932,766; 2nd place; AL Central
26. Washington     54,166,000; 5th place; NL East
27. Pittsburgh     48,689,783; 6th place; NL Central
28. Oakland     47,167,126; 3rd place; AL West
29. Tampa Bay     43,422,997; 1st place; AL East - World Series
30. Florida     22,650,000; 3rd place; NL East

So, four of the division winners were in the top eight in spending, with the obvious exceptions being World Series participants Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.

In other words, there appear to be three distinct approaches to MLB success:

Build the team slowly, draft pick by draft pick, dumping busts on other teams through good trades for other prospects with higher potential. (Rays)
Use payroll wisely, keeping superstars on the team while adding key, but not necessarily blockbuster, free agents. (Phillies)
Heck with it, let's just buy the darn thing. (Yankees)

This sentence came up in one site's discussion of a potential Mike Cameron-for-Melky-Cabrera trade: "The Brewers became upset when the Yankees asked them to pay a portion of Cameron's $10-million salary for 2009, just a day after New York landed CC Sabathia with a seven year, $161-million deal by outbidding the Brewers by $61 million (and two years)" (rotowire.com). Who says the Yankees management doesn't have a sense of humor?

The Red Sox have, in recent years, become somewhat like the Yankees in that they afford to buy (or, via trade, take on the salary of) almost whomever they want. However, many key players have come through the system (such as new AL MVP Dustin Pedroia).

So, what should baseball do about all this?

Here, also, there is no obvious answer.

The Rays defied every projection/prediction and made a miracle run. Keeping the system the way it is has produced many different winners of the Fall Classic, and several surprise playoff runs, including the 2007 Rockies.

However, the fickle nature of fans, as well as the perception that salaries are just too big, even when there isn't a recession, suggests that baseball might need to make a few adjustments to the system.

Here are my suggestions:

(Disclaimer: I realize that neither the big-market owners nor the Player's Union would ever consider any of these proposals)

Problem No. 1: Free agent contract size

As Yogi Berra might say, baseball needs to cap salaries, but doesn't need a salary cap.

A cap on team salary (which is what a salary cap usually is) would artificially level the playing field. Baseball is a unique sport, and I think forcing the Yankees to have the same payroll as the Marlins would ruin the spirit of the division and pennant races.

Most teams can only hope to stay in the race into September, and when your favorite club makes a run, it's something that's remembered for a long time.

However, the size of contracts is a problem. It increases ticket prices, and, in some cases, turns off fans.

One radical solution would be for every player to be limited to one-year contracts. In an ideal world, every player would play as if every year was a contract year. But this would be a nightmare in practice: Hundreds of arbitration cases per year? Just what the world needs—more bureaucracy.

But what if the most a free agent was allowed to make was, say, $10 million?

This would put many small-market teams in the mix for Teixeira and Sabathia, for example. Ten million is less than 20 percent of Kansas City's budget, for example. There would be no limit on the number of years. If the Giants wanted to offer CC nine or 10 years, so be it. The age of free agents (27 or 28-year-olds are among the youngest this year) would help to naturally limit the length of contracts.

There are loopholes in this system, however.

Loophole No. 1: Small-market teams can't afford to keep their own players

If the Yankees can scoop up $150 million free agents like they're paperclips, how easy would it be for them to buy the best free agents every year?

For $10 million a year, the entire lineup, rotation, and bullpen could be stocked with talent from top to bottom with great players and not exceed 2008's payroll.

Also, what is to stop Boston or New York from offering an 18- or 20-year contract, blowing away every other offer? Small-market teams would still lose their superstars.

To combat this, two franchise players could be designated by each team for a year. The salary of this player would be over the salary limit (say, $15 million), giving the player an incentive to stay home. The franchise players’ salaries would be paid in varying degrees, determined by the revenue generated by the team.

Why two franchise players?

Because one great pitcher is better with a good hitter to compliment him, and vice-versa. One pitcher and one batter wouldn't automatically make a team good: the pitcher would only throw every four or five days, and a hitter can be walked (Lincecum and Bonds come to mind). But having at least a few exciting players on each team would increase revenue across the league.

A team could choose to put their franchise player into the free agent pool. The player would then become an "A+"-type free agent—any team that signed him would have to give up multiple picks.

In addition, the cost per year would rise. The team would have to pay $20 million per year for the length of the contract—$10 million to the player and $10 million to the team from whom they signed the free agent.

To discourage the selling of franchise players by greedy management (Marlins?), the team would then have to designate a new franchise player, as well as pay a cash penalty (rather than taking a cap hit as NFL teams do when releasing players).

Like the waiver wire, if no one was willing to pay the extra price, the original team would have to keep the player for a year.

But there would still be one major loophole.

Loophole No. 2: Draft picks are often based on affordability, not talent.

The NBA has guaranteed rookie contracts, so why not MLB? After all, the first pick should be the most talented, not the best player who doesn't have a crazy agent. A fixed scale would also stop cheap owners who want to maximize profit by keeping signing bonuses low.

However, I think that performance bonuses should be a sizable portion of a rookie's salary. Tim Lincecum should be making much more than his approximately $450,000 a year. He will get paid eventually, but look what a similar season did for Sabathia.

Under the new hypothetical scenario, the Yankees would be flush with cash, and could probably snatch up draft picks that other teams were unwilling to take, due to the demands of signing bonuses, etc. A fixed rookie contract system would take care of this problem.

Unlike the NBA, the number of years wouldn't be fixed. If a rookie wanted to be Ray or Yankee for life, so be it, if the team was willing to accommodate.

To further promote responsible farm team management, teams could receive a discount in franchising a player that played all of his major league games for that team.

These changes wouldn't fix all of baseball's problems, and they would probably never be adopted anyway, but as free agency season is in full swing, it's interesting to think of possible alternatives to the current system.