Bleacher Report - Articles by Greg Jansen

A Modest Proposal For the New York Mets

Greg Jansen — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:26:10 -0400

(Apologies to Jonathan Swift)

Ah, the New York Mets. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you have to admire the way they're able to lose. But hey, you have to give them credit. We started early this year, finally realizing that if we lose earlier in the season, we can't give Phillies fans any feelings of smug satisfaction when we lose in September.

Of course, it might not just be the fact that we wanted to lose; it might be because of injuries to our top five players (it took a while, but David Wright and Johan Santana finally got the memo). But either way, we still lost. Almost enough to convert some of our fans into Yankee fans (dare I say it!).

Obviously they didn't want to lose, but it seems to be in their blood. But luckily, there are some fantastic ideas out there to improve the team for 2010, maybe even enough to start winning more than one game in a row!

Start Johan Santana every day in 2010

Now, this one is a no-brainer. He seems to be the only starter that can hold opposing teams under three runs in a start. Although now that I think about it, the Mets only provide him about two runs per game...

Vow to give at least one new minor leaguer a chance to play in a major league game in each game next season

Who knows? We may find that some player from St. Lucie can't hit a single-A fastball but can crush Major League curveballs 500 feet.

And the kicker...

Trade Jose Reyes

Okay, so that was the first non-sarcastic thing I've said so far. But yes, I think they need to trade away a player that's considered one of the most dynamic players in the game today. That was the second non-sarcastic comment. And also the last.

Now this may be outrageous. But think of all of the upsides to this.

First of all, there are teams out there that can benefit from having a leadoff man who doesn't enjoy playing baseball. Ever since Jimmy Rollins called Reyes out on his extravagant on-field celebrations a year or two back, Reyes treats baseball more like a job instead of going out there and playing the game the way he knows how to play it. Ever since, he's been more serious than Jerry Seinfeld during that episode of Seinfeld where he promised George he would be serious.

Plus, what team wouldn't want a leadoff guy that gets injured every year? It's like he thinks that his winter break isn't long enough, and so he decides to take another one in the middle of the summer. "Yeah, it's that time of the year again, so I'm going to go back home to the Dominican for a week or two and then go back to Florida and work out at the training complex there. I didn't get enough beach time...my offseason was only four months. Oh, that's right, we missed the playoffs again last year. So five months. But that's still not long enough."

This year he even decided to pull the string on the season back in May. He would get the front office excited with his "hey, I'm making progress, I may be able to get back in two weeks" mantra, only to realize how much he was enjoying his time off, and find some other injury to blame it on. At this rate, he won't be ready for Spring Training 2010 like we're all hoping.

The Mets would definitely gain some minor league talent (I say, three AAA prospects? or two AAA and a high-end AA?) pulling a Minnesota- or Florida-like trade (Johan Santana trade, anyone? Luckily Carlos Gomez is the only one who was immediately major-league ready, and he even cost the Twins in Game Two of the ALDS with his baserunning miscue). We would have to fill a few holes (most notably at shortstop, but I'm sure there are players at other positions planning on taking an early offseason vacation as well), but it can't be any worse than filling holes this past year. At least the minor leaguers might seize the opportunity of playing in the majors before the fame gets to their head. I think we'd have about two or three years until that happens.

Well, folks, that's my (somewhat) modest proposal. When you think it's all too outrageous, think about how much good this would do for so many people!

Mets Drop Another Heartbreaker, All But Erase Last Week's Winning Streak

Greg Jansen — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:16:01 -0400

"This team is cursed."

These were the words of my father, a longtime, die-hard New York Yankees fan. Except these words were not said about the Red Sox back in 2003.

He said these words tonight, watching as Albert Pujols launched a grand slam, abolishing the Mets' hopes of recovering from yet another decimating loss.

This one was especially tough. Johan Santana gave up five runs in eight innings, but the Mets finally gave him some run support, scoring seven through the first five innings.

But in the seventh inning, it all came apart.

Every game drops hints of a curse. The first hint tonight was Luis Castillo's freak injury. A surprising bright spot for the team this year, Castillo slipped down the dugout steps and reportedly sprained his ankle.

Then Francisco Rodriguez gave up two runs in the ninth, blowing a save in the process.

Then I believed the team's fortunes were turning back into their favor. David Wright walked, and Angel Berroa tapped a hit that squeaked past Cardinals' pitcher Kyle McClellan. But Daniel Murphy ended the threat by swinging at a 58-footer.

The Cardinals loaded the bases in the top of the 10th, and Pedro Feliciano struck out Skip Schumaker. With two outs, Mark DeRosa came to bat. Sean Green came in to relieve Feliciano. Righty verse righty. Advantage: Mets.

At least, on paper. But Sean Green has as much control lately as Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn before he got glasses. He hit DeRosa on the first pitch making it 8-7 Cardinals.

But Green wasn't done yet. Facing Pujols, he threw the third slider of the at-bat. Same pitch, same location, same speed. Any Major League batter would recognize this and smack one into the outfield.

When you're Albert Pujols, you launch it into the left field seats.

The Mets threatened, but failed to score, in the bottom of the 10th, and moved to six games below .500 for the year.

Sadly, this game is becoming commonplace. Just when the Mets show enough grit to come back, they show that they can implode just as quickly. Sometimes their defense fails them. Sometimes their offense does.

Or, as in the case tonight, it's their relief pitching.

There's no other explanation. The Mets are cursed. For their fans, every game is just another game to lose. It doesn't matter how it happens, they just know it will happen.

Last week the Mets won five games in a row. Things were looking up. A run at the wild card spot was considered a possibility.

Now we're back to square one, just praying for the end of the 2009 season.

Gary Sheffield: A Better Deal for the Mets Than Manny Ramirez?

Greg Jansen — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:27:33 -0400

Today it was reported that Gary Sheffield signed with the New York Mets to a one-year contract after being released by the Detroit Tigers earlier this week.

Since Sheffield was owed $14 million by the Tigers this season, the Mets will only have to pay him $400,000 to play for them this year.

The Mets had a chance for Manny Ramirez in the offseason, but after a few signings that included closer Francisco Rodriguez, GM Omar Minaya said he had his team, and was happy continuing on without Manny.

I think most fans saw that as bull, but had to accept it, as much as they were dying to see Manny in the Mets' lineup. Today proved that we were right once Minaya offered Sheffield a decent amount of playing time.

Now, everyone believed that Manny (synonymous with his agent Scott Boras) was an idiot for expecting a four- to five-year contract worth $25 million per year. Even when the offer was down to two years, Minaya still refused to take the bait.

This was when Minaya came out and said he was satisfied with the players they were bringing out onto the field. In his defense, he had no choice. But he still had a nagging bug in the back of his mind that would not let him forget the fact that he let a dangerous right-handed hitting outfielder slip through his fingers.

Then, out of nowhere, an out. A way to get what he did not get earlier in the off-season. Seizing the chance to make his team better, he jumped on Sheffield to make him a Met.

Sometimes, good things come to those who wait.

Now, I'm not saying that Sheffield is the player that Manny Ramirez is now. Far from it. Ramirez, in my opinion, has always been the better player, even if just by the slimmest of margins, and especially now.

He seems to ward off age, slugging 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in every year since 1995 except for two, the latest being in 2007 when there was obvious drama going on between his ego and the rest of Boston.

Last year, after a much-publicized trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he went on fire, hitting 17 home runs in just 53 games, not including 4 home runs and a .520 average in 8 playoff games.

It is impossible for Sheffield to tear it up like Manny. At 40 years old injuries have begun to creep up on him, hitting only 41 home runs in the last three seasons.

But the fact of the matter is that if Sheffield has some pop in his bat. And if he stays healthy this season, the Mets can expect him to hit about 20 home runs with a .260 average over the course of the season. He won't nearly be the Sheffield of his prime, but will still produce in a potent Mets lineup.

Sheffield's attitude is also better than Manny's. I realize that is a bold statement, given some of the drama Sheffield created across town as a member of the Yankees.

However, he has worked with manager Jerry Manuel before, and won a World Series with him in 1997. Sheffield will get any benefit of the doubt if the decision is between him and Ryan Church in right field.

With Sheffield, the Mets don't get the offensive numbers they would get with Manny Ramirez. But they do get a proven power-hitting outfielder. While age has not been as kind to Sheffield as it has to Manny, I still believe Sheffield has one good year left in him.

The Mets also get Sheffield for about 2 percent of what they would have to pay Manny. Any general manager that thought $400,000 was too much to take a risk on Sheffield is absurd.

Omar Minaya didn't think it was absurd. And somewhere, right now, he's breathing a sigh of relief.

Gary Sheffield Agrees To Become a New York Met

Greg Jansen — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:29:55 -0400

Gary Sheffield has agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Mets, according to MLB.com.

Sheffield, 40, was released by the Detroit Tigers earlier this week, prompting interest from the Reds, Phillies, and Mets. The Mets jumped at the chance to add another power bat to their lineup. It will cost them only $400,000, with Detroit picking up the rest of the $14 million owed to him this year.

Signing Sheffield gives the Mets a solid right-handed hitter in their outfield. This also gives the Mets some depth in case Daniel Murphy struggles and Ryan Church continues his slump against left-handed pitching.

The move will probably force the Mets to option Nick Evans to Triple-A. Evans was supposed to be on the roster until Livan Hernandez started on April 11. The Mets could also move Angel Pagan or Jeremy Reed to Triple-A.

Everyone's main concern with Sheffield is his injury history and his age. Typically, those are not a good combination. However, the Mets have seen him and believe that he can still compete, both at the plate and in the outfield.

Also, with Murphy and Church guaranteed to get a decent amount of playing time, Sheffield is guaranteed to get a decent amount of rest.

When Sheffield plays, he will extend the Mets' lineup and provide a good eye and good power in the bottom half of the order.

With Murphy in left and Sheffield in right, the lineup looks like this:

Reyes, Murphy, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Sheffield, Schneider, Castillo, Pitcher

With Sheffield in left and Church in right, the lineup looks like this:

Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Sheffield, Church, Schneider, Pitcher

When Sheffield doesn't play, he gives the Mets a power pinch-hitter late in games.

This pickup is a steal for the Mets, both in salary and in talent. Sheffield only adds depth to the team's outfield, and will give them an extra punch in their already-potent lineup.

Jerry Manuel Suggests Murphy Will Bat Second in New York Mets' Lineup

Greg Jansen — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:05:11 -0400

According to MLB.com, Mets manager Jerry Manuel is leaning toward batting Daniel Murphy second in the Mets lineup to begin the 2009 season.

Earlier this winter, Manuel hinted shortstop Jose Reyes might bat third. While every indication shows that he is returning to the top of the lineup, I was beginning to warm to the idea that Reyes could provide speed in the middle of the order with guys like Wright, Delgado, and Beltran right behind him.

If Reyes was going to bat third, I would welcome with open arms the possibility of Murphy batting second.

Otherwise, there's no benefit.

With Murphy batting second, the lineup looks like something close to this:

Reyes, Murphy, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Church, Schneider, Castillo, Pitcher

This is a great lineup, however, the bottom of the order is used inefficiently. Castillo has been shining this spring, but putting him right before the pitcher does not allow him to use his strong ability to get on base to the Mets' full advantage. Schneider would prove to be an easy out where the Mets would still probably have runners on base.

With Castillo batting second, the lineup looks like something close to this:

Reyes, Castillo, Wright, Delgado, Beltran, Church, Murphy, Schneider, Pitcher

This lineup is stronger. Reyes, with a .358 OBP last year, and Castillo, with a career OBP of .367, set the table nicely for the heart of the order. After Beltran, Church is a solid hitter that will get his share of RBIs in the six hole.

Murphy, if he continues his solid hitting from 2008, will also get a good amount of chances for RBIs from the seventh spot.

In this order, the Mets would use Murphy as a contact hitter rather than a guy to get on base. Castillo has been doing that his whole career, and have proved to be successful at it. Murphy, if he continues his success from 2008, is a solid hitter much like Church.

Murphy is being compared to great hitters already in his young career. The Mets can ride his success and use his hitting and work ethic to their advantage to get runs in the bottom of their order.

One good thing about lineups is that a manager is free to change it from day to day. If one order doesn't click, he can change it up for the next day. However, with a tight race all but guaranteed in the National League East, the Mets can't afford to lose a day fixing something that could already be fixed.

The Alex Rodriguez Steroid Scandal: Who Are The Other 103?

Greg Jansen — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:24:40 -0500

This past weekend, word leaked that Alex Rodriguez failed an anonymous drug test in 2003. Today, he came clean and confessed to taking something, but that he's unsure of what he took.

As fuzzy as this sounds, I feel like I cannot fault him. I believe he has since put steroids behind him, evident by the fact that his home run production has dropped by about 10 home runs per season since joining the Yankees in 2004, the year after he said he stopped.

There's a lot of talk that A-Rod should be banished from the Hall of Fame and that his credibility, as well as that of the home run record he is expected to hold one day, is ruined.

I am not here to decide whether action (organized or not) should be taken against him. Maybe another day. But now that A-Rod's name has been leaked from the drug testing, others are calling for the other 103 names to be released.

Hope that it never happens.

The results of the anonymous (let me say it again, anonymous) drug testing should be destroyed, as they should have been back in 2003 after the testing was done.

Rodriguez's name was leaked. It should not have been, but as a result he has had to fess up to his mistakes. I at least have to give him credit for attacking his allegations head-on while staying, as far as we know, honest.

But that doesn't mean that others should have to face the same fate as him. Not only would it deface the credibility of the test, but it could further hurt the reputation of baseball beyond the damage already done.

I do not believe that some players would be as willing to address the media as Rodriguez has. Those who would avoid the media would bring us back to the not-so-long-ago days of Clemens, McGwire, and Bonds evading the media and making us all the more skeptical.

If the names come out, we're throwing ourselves into something that we say we don't want.

If the names come out, we would be hearing more "false positive" or "I don't know why it came out wrong" alibis that discredit the player even further.

If the names come out, we would not know who to trust, and thus we would trust no one.

So who are the other 103?

I don't give a damn. And neither should you.

Clemson-Duke: Tigers Defense Stands Up, Holds Blue Devils to 47 in Rout

Greg Jansen — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:24:33 -0500

Before tonight's game, Clemson coach Oliver Purnell asked the Tigers to build off of their win against Duke in last year's ACC tournament.

They not only built off of last year's win, they built a foundation.

Clemson held the Blue Devils offense to 31 percent shooting in a 74-47 thrashing. The Tigers shot 47 percent from the floor, with Trevor Booker leading the way with 21 points, including two dunks that shook all of Clemson.

The real story, though, is Clemson's stingy defense. The same defense that had questions after games against Wake Forest and North Carolina buckled down and choked a mighty Duke offense.

Clemson forced 16 turnovers, including 12 steals. Booker blocked three shots, and Demontez Stitt and Jerai Grant each blocked two of their own.

Ultimately, the Tigers proved that their defense can hold up against the best when called upon. Duke averages almost 80 points per game, third in the ACC behind Wake Forest and North Carolina. Before tonight, Duke had not scored less than 66 points in a game this season. Tonight, only two of their players, Gerald Henderson and Lance Thomas, scored in double digits.

Clemson now has a base upon which to build. I know a two-game winning streak isn't something to shout from the mountains, but after ending a 20-game regular season losing streak against Duke, the determination to become a nationally-recognized team has never gone higher.

And the Tiger's roar is echoing over the Blue Ridge with growing confidence with every passing game.

Omar Minaya Wants Pedro Back in Queens

Greg Jansen — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:28:58 -0500

According to mlb.com, Mets General Manager Omar Minaya wants to bring Pedro Martinez back for one more year to compete for one of the two remaining spots in the Mets' starting rotation.

Reports from a source close to the general manager confirmed that he traveled to Pedro's home country of the Dominican Republic. Minaya has not offered a contract, but wishes to keep open the possibility of bringing Pedro back.

But as likeable and classy as Pedro is, the Mets cannot afford to have him in their rotation. He had his worst year by a long shot in 2008 and still cannot be trusted to be injury free.

In seasons where he has pitched at least 100 innings, Martinez, now 37, had his worst season for ERA by over a full run per nine innings. His ERA down the stretch was an astronomical 7.77 in five starts, losing his three decisions in that month.

He had the least amount of wins, worst winning percentage, and lowest strikeout total in his career.

Pedro has also failed to start 30 games per season since 2005, his first contract year with the Mets. This has put a strain on the Mets to find other starters to fill his spot while he's out with injury. And while he started 20 games last year, he pitched past the sixth inning only three times, and never past the seventh.

This kind of pitching put a strain on a bullpen that was terrible in the second half of the season.

Sorry, Pedro.

I think you're a great person and you'd be great for the clubhouse, especially if Minaya signs Manny Ramirez. But the Mets cannot afford to take a chance with an aging pitcher who has been slowly fading over the last four years.

The New York Mets Design 2009 Jersey Patch, Welcome Fans With a Doormat

Greg Jansen — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:06:35 -0500

Above is the design for the patch that the Mets will be wearing on their jersey sleeves when they take the field for the first time in 2009.

No, stop laughing. I'm serious.

So far, the patch has been ridiculed on Web sites such as Yahoo! Sports and ESPN, and I'm sure there are others that have made mention of its absurd design. But how absurd is it?

Well, let's look at the positives first. The patch is blue and orange, which are the accepted colors of the Mets. Great.

It is in fact their first season in Citi Field, so the words "Inaugural Season" make sense. Chalk up another point.

And hey, look, the first season they play in Citi Field is 2009. They must know what they're doing.

Only one tiny problem: the design looks more like a doormat than anything else. The design lacks any mention of the Mets or Citi Field on it.

But most importantly, there is no representation of the heralded architecture of the building.

Since building began, there has been talk of how the stadium architecture will represent the Mets' connections to New York City, as well as the connections between their past and future.

There has also been continuous mention of how the exterior of the building will bring back memories of the old brickwork of Ebbets Field. A plaza around the stadium is designing to give an open, welcoming feeling to the ballpark.

So many designs making use of the beautiful stadium could have been used to create a patch that would have been the envy of Major League Baseball (i.e. the patch the Yankees are using for their first season in their new ballpark). Instead, the doormat reigns.

Are you kidding me?

January 17th addition:

My brother showed me this video from the Colbert Report comparing the Yankees' and Mets' patches for this upcoming year. The first 1:30 captures it all...

http://www.the700level.com/2009/01/stephen-colbert-gives-the-mets-their-propers.html

Yaba "Dabo" Doo! Clemson AD Phillips Calls on Swinney to Lead Tigers

Greg Jansen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:15:05 -0500

In a press conference on Monday, Dabo Swinney began to tear up as he realized what just happened.

Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips had just put the orange jacket on Swinney's back. He had received the head coaching job at Clemson University.

This choice definitely became more obvious when Swinney defeated the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday. But Phillips did not have to pick Swinney.

Phillips interviewed many people, from ex-NFL head coach Lane Kiffin (who is recently reported to have accepted Tennessee's head coaching position) to Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Bud Foster, who have had experience as coordinators and coaches.

Swinney has had none of this experience. But a look at the Tigers' performance in the last six games, and you can see Phillips had no choice but to pick Swinney, whose contract is reported to be for five years.

Senior wide receiver Aaron Kelly is averaging one more catch and 64 more yards per game under Swinney. Quarterback Cullen Harper is playing better despite going up against tougher defenses. Running back C.J. Spiller has emerged as a receiving threat, catching as many touchdown passes as Kelly and Jacoby Ford.

Ultimately, Swinney has turned a team around that looked down and out for the season. The Tigers have won four of the last five, including an offensive breakout game against South Carolina, to qualify for a bowl game. The players have attached themselves to Swinney's "make-no-excuses" approach, and have proved themselves a valiant team.

Maybe most importantly, Swinney has embraced the fans. He opened a practice to Clemson students and began the Tiger Walk to help them and the fans feel a part of the team. He gets fired up along the sidelines during games, congratulating players and coaches.

In only six games, Dabo has rallied the fans around the team and gotten them excited about Clemson football again.

If Terry Don Phillips did not pick Swinney to be Clemson's head coach, the backlash from the fans would be severe. In just seven short weeks, Swinney has shown fans that the appreciation they give week in and week out is never in vain, and that the Tigers will always fight to the end.

Imagine what he can do in five years.

In Dabo We Trust: Clemson Qualifies For a Bowl Game Against South Carolina

Greg Jansen — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:25:44 -0500

The seniors were the first players in the stadium. One by one they rubbed Howard's famed rock and ran down in an aisle between two groups of screaming students. It was Senior Day in Death Valley. Their turn to shine.

The Clemson Tigers won 31-14 today against a South Carolina Gamecocks team with a defense in the top 10 in the nation all year until a 56-6 loss to Florida dropped their rank. Clemson took advantage of South Carolina's failing run defense, rushing for 184 yards on 47 attempts.

Once the running game started working, the passing game fell into place. Senior Cullen Harper arguably had his best start this season, completing 12 passes (on only 17 attempts) for 199 yards with one touchdown.

Senior Aaron Kelly caught four passes for 76 yards, including a crucial first down pass on 3rd-and-long, keeping the clock running for the Tigers in the fourth quarter.

James Davis rushed for 91 yards on 24 carries. Davis opted out of the draft to return and help a Clemson team reach national prominence. However, Davis was rarely used over the season, getting only 15 rushing attempts twice before today.

Davis scored three of the Tigers' four touchdowns today, prompting chants of "Ja-ames Da-vis" as the clock wound down.

Seniors Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons also took advantage of their last day at Death Valley, each grabbing eight tackles and one interception.

But as the seniors played their last game at Death Valley, Coach Swinney's time may just be beginning.

Swinney won his first game as Clemson's head coach against the in-state rival. With the turn-around season the Tigers have had since Swinney took over in October, it looks more and more like it will not be his last.

Swinney took over the team Oct. 13 after a late-game meltdown against Wake Forest put the Tigers' record at 3-3 (1-2 ACC). Swinney took over a team with shattered BCS hopes, and has since gone 4-2 (3-2).

Swinney will also be leading the Tigers to a bowl game, the tenth consecutive year the Tigers are bowl-eligible. With the Tigers surging again, they have given themselves a chance at an after-Christmas bowl in an ACC where everyone is beating everyone else.

But maybe more importantly, Swinney may have guaranteed himself a job here at Clemson. He is riding a three-game winning streak heading into the postseason. While Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips is traveling around the country looking for prospective head coaches, many Clemson fans are hoping he stops and gives Dabo Swinney the chance.

At the close of the game today, Swinney was given two Gatorade showers.

The players have made their choice known.

Is Willie Korn The Answer To The Clemson Tigers' Offensive Woes?

Greg Jansen — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:49:56 -0400

For many Tiger fans, the glorious day has arrived. Willy Korn has been named the starting quarterback for the Georgia Tech game, and coach Tommy Bowden has all but guaranteed he will take all of the snaps in the game.

Not a moment too soon.

Clemson has been having all kinds of trouble on offense. They have only scored one offensive touchdown in their last six quarters, which came on their only scoring drive against Wake Forest. The loss against Wake on Thursday Night brought the Tigers' record to 3-3 (1-2 ACC).

One reason for this is that Offensive Coordinator Rob Spence has not opened up the playbook. Clemson's offense has looked the same in each of their six games this year.

The second reason is quarterback Cullen Harper. He has not looked comfortable in the pocket all year. He has thrown as many interceptions so far as he did all of last year, and has only four touchdown passes.

Playing Korn will provide Clemson with the second dimension this offense needs. So far this year, the offense has run draws, screens, and short passes over and over. With Korn, there's the extra possibility of a scramble that must worry defenses. In his career he has two rushing touchdowns, and has proven to be a threat on the ground.

Even though Korn is quick on his feet, he has shown that he can also be accurate with his passes. Over the last two years, he is 22 for 29 with 257 yards and two touchdowns in scattered time as Harper's backup.

However, all of Korn's stats have come when the game has been out of reach, so running Clemson's offense from the beginning will be something new for him. But when he's in, has shown great poise and leadership even in his short time on the field.

The Tigers' offense should reach a new level in their next game against Georgia Tech. Korn will not be spectacular, but after Harper's inconsistencies, he will prove that he can lead the Tigers to victory.

Bad Coaching Killing Clemson Tigers' Chances For Greatness

Greg Jansen — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:30:18 -0400

Just when the Tigers show signs of life, they give it right back.

Clemson (3-2, 1-1 ACC) squandered an 11-point halftime lead to lose to the Maryland Terrapins (4-1, 1-0 ACC) 20-17 on Saturday afternoon.

I will be the first to tell you that I was expecting it all from this team this year. Many people were. Even after the loss to Alabama, the team finally seemed to be putting it together against the Citadel, NC State, and SC State.

Not anymore.

Clemson played a fantastic first half today. Despite a muffed punt and lost fumble that twice gave Maryland the ball in Clemson territory, Clemson's defense tightened up and only allowed two field goals on those two Maryland possessions. James Davis and CJ Spiller combined to rush for almost 200 yards.

After the half, Maryland's defense shut down James Davis and CJ Spiller. Their offense rallied with two touchdowns to go ahead and stay ahead with 10:25 left in the game.

One reason for the loss was Clemson's quarterback Cullen Harper. Expected by some to be a sleeper in the Heisman Race before the season, Harper has shown inconsistencies all year, throwing five interceptions against three touchdowns. Although he was 15 for 22, he looked uncomfortable in the pocket, missing receivers on several occasions.

But all things considered, despite Harper's inefficiencies and the defense allowing two touchdowns in the second half, I can't help but place this loss on Tommy Bowden.

In fact, both losses have been the fault of Bowden. And while I'm on the subject, Bowden has shown terrible coaching all season.

I'll come right out with it. I hate Bowden. In my opinion, he's done a terrible job, especially of late. So far this year, Bowden has not been able to lead Clemson to wins in games that they should win.

Now, historically, Bowden is a good coach. He has never had a losing season as a head coach, he has consistently high recruiting classes, and through the end of 2007, he has only four less wins than his father, legendary coach Bobby Bowden, did after 133 games.

But that's not enough. This is Bowden's tenth year at Clemson, and he is 3-5 in bowl games. For the last three years, he has had talent with the likes of names like Gaines Adams, Aaron Kelly, CJ Spiller, James Davis, and Jacoby Ford. He has had numerous chances to win the big games. But the fact of the matter is when it counts, he chokes.

Now, a lot of people will tell me that Bowden is not the one taking the snaps, catching the ball, or defending the rush. This may be true, but Bowden, along with offensive coordinator Rob Spence, call the offensive plays.

The screen pass seems to be the backbone of Bowden's offensive scheme. And screens are good, every once in a while. However, screen passing on consecutive plays (which has happened on numerous occasions this season already) will greatly dilute its effectiveness.

Bowden rarely uses play-action passes. He does not throw long either. It seems all he knows how to do are screen passes, mid-range passes, and running. But even with good running backs, the defense has an easier time defending because they know the ball will not be thrown downfield.

He also cannot adjust his offense. In Clemson's opener against Alabama, when the running game faltered, he went to the pass and stayed with the pass the rest of the game. When the passing game wasn't working, he continued with the pass.

In today's game against Maryland, the running game slowed in the second half. Instead of mixing plays, he went exclusively to a pass offense.

But possibly the worst thing about Bowden's coaching is that he does not show any passion for the game and for his players. Throughout the Alabama game, Bowden did not try to talk to or inspire his players. He just stood on the sideline without any facial expression while Alabama bowled over his Tigers.

Clemson has way too much talent to lose to a Maryland team. I will give Maryland credit; they outplayed Clemson in the second half. But Clemson lost the game because they were out-coached by a Maryland coaching staff that adjusted their offense and exposed weaknesses in Clemson's defense.

Tommy Bowden's inability to coach has already cost the Tigers two games this year. If this continues, Clemson will be lucky to reach a bowl game.

Clemson Continues Resurrection from 0-1 Start

Greg Jansen — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:49:05 -0400

The Clemson Tigers have just won another football game, this time shutting out the South Carolina State Bulldogs 54-0 on Saturday afternoon. This win puts the No. 23-ranked Tigers (3-1 overall, 1-0 ACC) in a position to possibly re-crack the top 20 in the AP Poll.

The Tigers' (No. 9 Preseason) loss came against then No. 24-Alabama after high hopes for this team were shot in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Clemson has since won three straight against the Citadel, North Carolina State, and South Carolina State.

To have a chance at the elusive ACC Title, Clemson will have to play like they did today against South Carolina State. Today was the first day Clemson put great offense and great defense on the field in the same game.

The Tigers will first have to show they can beat a resurgent Maryland next week. Maryland, after going 1-1 to start the year, upset last week's No. 23 California before crushing Eastern Michigan today. The Terrapins are visiting Death Valley to play in their ACC opener.

The Tigers should continue winning games for the rest of the season. Their secondary has finally settled after giving up 338 passing yards against the Citadel. The offensive line has stepped up and allowed James Davis and C.J. Spiller to start running wild again.

The only thing that may get into the Tigers' way is their ACC road schedule. Coach Bowden must find a way to outplay conference opponents Florida State, Boston College, and Wake Forest away from the comforts of Death Valley.

The Tigers should win at least 10 this season with a legitimate chance at a spot in the ACC Title game. But everyone knows the Tigers lose a game they should win every season. They can only hope that the Alabama game was their one allowance.

Mets Bullpen Blows Two Leads, Gives Up Six Runs in Loss to Marlins

Greg Jansen — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:54:42 -0400

A day after Johan Santana pitches the Mets' first complete game since September 2006, the Mets bullpen blows two one-run leads in a 7-3 loss to the Florida Marlins. John Maine left after one out in the fifth with a 2-1 lead, reportedly with shoulder stiffness.
In a 2-2 game in the eighth, David Wright went from first to third on a Carlos Delgado ground out when the Marlins' shift backfired and left third base open. He later scored on Fernando Tatis's ground out. In the bottom of the inning, the Marlins recorded five consecutive hits on Joe Smith and Scott Schoeneweis.

When the damage was done, the Marlins hit two doubles and four singles to bring home five. They were also helped by two wild pitches by Schoeneweis. The Mets couldn't muster any offense in the ninth, going down in order. The resulting loss leaves the Mets a half-game in front of the Phillies, and one game ahead of the Marlins.

It is only the Mets' fifth loss in their last 20 games. However, it seems the bullpen is now dictating the game's outcome for the Mets. In the five losses, they have given up 22 runs in 19 innings. In the fifteen wins, they have given up 13 runs in 44.2 innings.

Forget about a 7-run breakdown against Philadelphia July 7 (a Mets win), and the bullpen has a stunning ERA of 1.54 in 14 wins. Now, there's no need to panic with tonight's bullpen meltdown. In each of the last two series against the Phillies and the Cardinals, the bullpen gave up runs in the late innings to lose the game.

In addition, in each of the series, it was the only game the Mets lost. The offense has been responsive after these losses, and given much support to the starting pitchers in these games. However, to be honest, these meltdowns are getting old. These are all games the Mets should win. The games the Mets win are spectacular to watch.

However, the games they lose lately are heartbreaking. They are not dominated, but seem to crack at just the wrong time. The offense cannot bail out the relief pitching every time. They will not score ten runs per game every game. There will be games that they do not score many runs.

In these close contests, the relief pitching must come through for the team. The problem in the Mets' bullpen isn't limited to one reliever. Duaner Sanchez, Aaron Heilman, Carlos Muniz, Smith, and now Schoeneweis have all been guilty of giving up late-inning runs to opposing teams.

Lately, since the All-Star break, it seems Wagner is the only consistent reliever, converting seven consecutive save opportunities. Two of a team's offense, starting pitching, or relief pitching performing well will get any team into the playoffs. All three firing on all cylinders win a World Championship.

Right now, the Mets have two. All they need is relief pitching to complete the trifecta.

Fred Wilpon's Apology Comes Too Late For Willie Randolph

Greg Jansen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:53:25 -0400

Mets Owner Fred Wilpon apologized for the way General Manager Omar Minaya handled the firing of former manager Willie Randolph.

Finally.

Already 32 games into Jerry Manuel's tenure as Mets interim manager, Wilpon said that he met with Minaya to find out when Minaya would fire Randolph. When Minaya said he would fire Randolph after the Mets' June 16 game against the Angels, Wilpon said nothing to detract him.

As a result, the firing occurred after the game, a 9-6 win over the Angels. The game, on the West Coast, lasted three hours and ten minutes. Already considered a late game for most newspapers in the Eastern time zone, Minaya waited until close to midnight on the west coast to fire Randolph. The firing went public at 3:18 am, June 17, back in New York.

A few weeks of backlash ensued against the Mets front office, especially geared toward Minaya and Wilpon. Many criticized them, saying that Willie deserved better than to be fired in the early hours of the morning after a game the Mets had won.

32 games and 38 calendar days later Wilpon admits he made a mistake.

Many things have changed in little more than a month. The Mets have gone from fourth place in the NL East to having sole possession of first after today's matinee win over the Phillies. The pitching staff has shown great improvement and the offense is more consistent than they were the first half of the season. The team shows more life when they seem to be out of the game.

Whether or not the firing of Willie Randolph and two coaches (including pitching coach Rick Peterson) is the cause of the team's resurgence is not the issue. The fact still remains that Wilpon decided to admit his mistake now, when his Mets are playing like a good, if not dangerous, team heading into the last sixty games of the season.

Willie Randolph, you deserve better.

Mets Bullpen Falls Apart Without Wagner

Greg Jansen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:59:40 -0400

Just when the Mets were beginning to look like a good team, they prove they cannot consistently win without stutter-stepping.

After closer Billy Wagner was diagnosed with a shoulder spasm (listed as day-to-day), the Mets gave the ball to Duaner Sanchez to shut the Phillies down.

Sanchez showed the Mets he's not ready to close games in Wagner's absence.

The Phillies jumped on the Mets in the ninth, getting six hits and five runs off of Sanchez, Joe Smith, and Pedro Feliciano before recording an out. Aaron Heilman finally ended the onslaught, but not before the Phillies recorded another run to make it 8-5.

Endy Chavez opened up the Mets ninth with a walk and came around to score against Phillies closer Brad Lidge, but the Mets could only muster the one run and lost the game 8-6.

The Mets connected twice off of Phillies starter Joe Blanton and chased him after six innings, scoring five runs on eight hits. And Johan Santana was everything they expected when they got him in the off-season. In eight innings, Santana scattered eight hits and walked no one, giving up two runs on an RBI single in the first and a solo home run in the seventh.

But again, the bullpen squandered the lead and lost another game for the Mets.

For the last thirteen games, the Mets had been playing good baseball. They had won eleven of the last thirteen, and two games were won in the late innings with timely hits.

But tonight the Mets were on the other side, giving up the runs late in the game. And while you can't win them all, the Mets are not in a position where they can lose games the way they lost this one. With a very inconsistent start to the season, they must hold late-inning leads if they want to reach the playoffs.

They have shown they can play good baseball, especially in the last few weeks. But to have a chance at the playoffs, they must prove they can play good baseball for the rest of the season. If they cannot win games like tonight's, they won't have a chance.

Despite a Series Split With Cincinnati, Mets Look Better Than Ever

Greg Jansen — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:09:38 -0400

The Mets came into this series riding a nine-game winning streak—seven games over .500 and one game behind Philadelphia for the NL East Lead before the All-Star Break. Four games later, they're still seven games over .500, but are tied for the division lead after the Phillies lost 2 of 3 against the Marlins.

Now, many Mets fans are disappointed, given that the four-game set was against Cincinnati, with a Won-Loss record four games under .500. They believe we should have won three if not all four games of the series.

But they are not the same team that they were during the win streak that ultimately reached 10 games. To expect them to play the way they did during the win streak is just unfair.

The offense was firing on all cylinders, and most importantly, the pitching was impeccable. To expect a team to do that day in and day out is too much to ask.

The Mets pitching was much below average this weekend. Mike Pelfrey had his first bad start of his last seven, giving up five runs in seven innings, the only starter to go past six.

Even Johan Santana, the most consistent starter in the rotation, gave up five runs in only four innings. Overall, the starters pitched 21.2 of the 35 innings pitched with an ERA of 7.06. The bullpen pitched the remaining 13.1 innings with a 4.73 ERA. Cincinnati scored at least five runs in every game.

But this weekend was not a complete disappointment. In the first game, the Mets were down 5-2 and 8-6 before coming back with four runs in the ninth against Cincinnati closer Francisco Cordero.

They became the final team in baseball to win a game after being down three or more runs. The fact that the pitching took a terrible turn from their performance in the win streak makes it that much more surprising that the Mets salvaged a split.

But if anything, it's a testament to their offense. Delgado went 8-13 with five RBI in the series. Wright hit two HR and drove in six. In the two wins, the Mets amassed 28 hits and scored 17 runs. More importantly, they got timely hits in those two wins from players who aren't household names.

In the first game, Argenis Reyes hit a single that began the six-hit barrage of Cordero. Fernando Tatis had an RBI and Damion Easley scored a run. In the 7-5 win on Sunday, Robinson Cancel hit a double in the 10th inning and was driven in on a ground ball by Argenis Reyes (who reached on an error).

Ultimately, there are four classifications you can put games in:

Games that should be lost, and are lost.

Games that should be lost, but are won.

Games that should be won, but are lost.

Games that should be won, and are won.

In my opinion, good teams have three classifications of games:

Games that should be lost, and are lost.

Games that should be lost, but are won.

Games that should be won, and are won.

While they didn't play well in their losses, and their pitching overall was nowhere near stellar, their offense bailed out the team and salvaged the series split. The team was far from perfect, but they won games they should have lost.

In the two wins, they came from behind and won in the late innings. They are getting timely hits, and getting them from everyone in the lineup and everyone on the bench. And that is how good teams win.