Bleacher Report - Articles by James Auchincloss

Red Sox Outsmarting Yankees This Offseason: New York Needs a Backup Plan

James Auchincloss — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:54:53 -0500

It is very hard to look at the New York Yankees' offseason so far and qualify it as anything but a success. With $88 million coming off the books for free agency, New York has been able to sign two very good starters, CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, while also beating out the rival Red Sox for the services of 28-year-old first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Although these moves drew criticism from fans and management figures around the game, it was not in fact an example of "spending like drunken sailors." New York had a number of pressing issues to address, and they were able to bolster both their lineup and starting rotation with young, excellent players, all while cutting their overall payroll from last year.

The one area that the Yankees have failed to address, however, is the one area that the Red Sox have once again done such a good job of bolstering: the bench and overall depth of the 25-man roster.

During the course of a baseball season, no team makes it through the 162 games without suffering at least some injuries. You would think that the Yankees, of all teams, would know this best, considering the remarkable number of crippling injuries the team has suffered in the past couple of years.

In 2006 the Yankees lost Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui for the bulk of the season, and were constantly searching for a No. 5 starter with Carl Pavano out for the season.

2007 brought more of the same, with Mike Mussina and Chien-Ming Wang both missing time in April, Phil Hughes going down for three months after only two starts, and Jason Giambi only managing to play in 83 games.

As if this wasn't enough, the Bronx Bombers were once again ravaged by injuries throughout the 2008 season.

On the offensive front, Matsui struggled with bad knees and only managed to play in 93 games.

Jorge Posada had a nagging shoulder injury throughout the year, playing in only 51 games and hitting three home runs.

Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez both went on the 15-day disabled list as well, leaving the Yankees with only three players who played at least 150 games (Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Bobby Abreu).

Pitching wise, things weren't much better, as Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte were the only starters from the Opening Day rotation that made more than 15 starts.

Wang injured his foot in June and never returned, while Hughes and Ian Kennedy were never able to stay healthy or effective throughout the season. Joba Chamberlain had a great two-month stint in the rotation, but he also went down with an injury in August and never returned as a starter.

All of these injuries can't and shouldn't be used as an excuse for why the team hasn't made the ALCS since 2004, but there is a lesson to be learned from all this: You can never have enough good players, especially when it comes to pitching.

In each one of the last three seasons the Yankees have seemed to be scrambling to find starters throughout the year, and they have been very hit-or-miss on this front.

In 2006, the Yankees got six good starts from Jeff Karstens, but saw Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small struggle after their great 2005 seasons. New York used seven different rookie starters in 2007, and ended up with nine pitchers who made at least five starts. Of those nine, three posted ERAs over 6.00, and only two of them were able to win at least 15 games.

In 2008 the Yankees trotted out 13 starting pitchers, and had to endure 20 starts from Darrell Rasner (5-10, 5.40 ERA) and 15 starts from Sidney Ponson (4-4, 5.85).

Obviously the easiest formula for success is to have all five starting pitchers stay healthy throughout the year. There is no better example of this than the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays, who got at least 27 starts by everyone in their rotation and cruised to 97 wins and a division title even though none of those five starters received a single Cy Young vote.

It is rarely that simple, though, so every team needs a contingency plan. For the 2009 Yankees, it is hard to see what that is.

Going into the season, the Yankees' rotation as it currently stands is Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Chamberlain, and Hughes, with Alfredo Aceves and Ian Kennedy waiting in the wings. On paper this looks great, especially with the top four, but there are a number of question marks.

Although Burnett stayed healthy last year, he has missed an alarming amount of starts throughout his career and has only won 15 games or more once.

Wang has been a 19-game winner twice, and should be fully healed from his foot injury, but he needs to prove once again that he can stay healthy and win games for the team.

Chamberlain had a great nine-start stretch in the rotation last season, when he posted an ERA of 2.04 and the team was 8-1. However, he is operating under an innings limit employed by the team and has never had a full season as a starter.

Finally there is Hughes, who despite all of the hype has only won five games in the Major Leagues, with a career ERA of 5.15 and two lengthy stints on the disabled list.

If any one of these starters goes down, the Yankees have almost nobody that they can confidently send out to hold down the fort.

This lack of depth extends beyond the pitching staff, as New York's bench is alarmingly thin. Beyond Jose Molina, who is a very good backup catcher, there is almost nobody who jumps out as being a quality bench player.

When Teixeira was signed and became the everyday first baseman, the Yankees deemed that they had a surplus of corner outfield/DH types, and decided that they want to trade Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher.

Either one of these players could fit in as the team's starting right fielder. Swisher is the better fielder and power hitter, but Nady is the more solid average hitter and run producer.

If the Yankees do swing either of these two in a deal, however, they will once again put themselves into a hole when it comes to the team's depth.

The Yankees want to hold a spring training battle between Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera for the center field spot, but both struggled greatly last year and it's possible that neither is full-time Major League outfielder material. The loser of that competition would serve as the fourth outfielder, not exactly a promising situation for the Yankees.

While all of this has been going on, the Red Sox have once again been making a number of savvy, low-risk moves in order to bolster their own bench.

The team signed Rocco Baldelli from the Rays, and he can play all three outfield positions and is a solid all-around player. Boston then brought back Mark Kotsay, who can help out in the outfield as well as first base.

While neither player is a star, they could both fill in when someone needs rest or gets injured, and the Sox would hardly miss a beat.

Even more important for the Red Sox, however, has been their ability to build one of the deepest rotations in baseball.

Last season, without Curt Schilling and with a struggling Tim Wakefield and Clay Bucholz, Boston seemed to only have three quality starting pitchers down the stretch. Instead of spending big money to bring in one starter, the Sox went out and signed Junichi Tazawa, Brad Penny, and John Smoltz to relatively cheap deals, giving the Red Sox eight potential starting pitchers heading into the season.

Although Penny and Smoltz are injury risks, they are quality pitchers when healthy and are not needed by Boston to be aces. Instead, they will be back of the rotation guys who may not even end up starting in the playoffs if the Sox are able to get back, but will certainly help them throughout the long and grueling season.

According to a number of sources, negotiations between the Yankees and Andy Pettitte went south when Pettitte rejected a one-year, $10 million deal that Brian Cashman and New York offered.

What I don't understand is why, assuming that Pettitte doesn't return, the Yankees wouldn't want to take a page out of the Boston playbook and use that money to sign another starter or two, or a starter and a fourth outfielder.

Despite the number of players who have already changed locations this offseason, there are still a number of free agents who are available and could be signed at a relatively cheap price considering the current market.

As far as starting pitchers go, the Yankees might be wise to use some of that $10 million on someone like Jon Garland, Randy Wolf, or Braden Looper. Any one of them could help out as the No. 5 starter until Hughes proves he is healthy and ready to win or could stay in that role for the whole season.

The Yankees did make one move to bolster their bench, signing former American League Rookie of the Year Angel Berroa, but there are a number of players that they could acquire at a low price who may prove to be very valuable down the stretch. These hitters include Eric Hinske, Gabe Kapler, Rich Aurilia, and Craig Counsell.

It is unlikely that the Yankees will do too much to alter their lineup before Opening Day, as they have already exhausted the majority of their financial resources for this offseason.

New York could acquire a starting pitcher by trading either Nady or Swisher, and still could make a trade for a center fielder, with the main name that has been discussed being Mike Cameron. In addition to these moves there is the potential that Cuban defects Yadel Marti and Yasser Gomez, a pitcher and center fielder who are currently working out in New York, could end up signing with the Bronx Bombers.

If the Yankees do anything, though, it should be to follow Boston's lead and take advantage of the current market, signing a number of players at lower cost to build a more complete 25-man roster. Until they do, it is hard to project that a team as susceptible to injury as New York will be able to catch the Red Sox or Rays, even with their significant upgrades.

NBA Top 10: Power Forwards

James Auchincloss — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:05:20 -0500

The ideal NBA power forward would be have a solid post-up game, the ability to step out and hit shots from mid-range, and tenacity on both the boards and on defense. While no player in the league has every skill, there are a number of very talented power forwards playing today.

With almost 20 players having a strong case to make this list, it was very difficult to compile the top 10 power forwards in the NBA. But here, without further ado, is that list.

* (A quick note: espn.go.com position rankings were used, which list Al Jefferson, Al Horford, and Rasheed Wallace as centers).

10. Antawn Jamison (WAS)

Troy Murphy, Kenyon Martin, Zach Randolph, Rashard Lewis, and LaMarcus Aldridge all were also up for this spot, but Jamison gets it because of his versatility. At 6'9", the Wizards All-Star possesses the body of a forward but the game of a perimeter player.

Although he averages 9.6 rebounds per game and is very creative with his back to the basket, Jamison does much of his scoring either shooting from long range or attacking with his dribble.

He has made more than one three-pointer per game each of the last five seasons, and while his shooting percentage from deep leaves something to be desired, it is hard to argue against a player who has scored over 19 PPG every season since 1999-2000 except one, when he came off the bench for Dallas.

Jamison and teammate Caron Butler are two of the top forwards in the game, even if the Wizards are struggling.

9. David West (NOH)

West plays the role of silent assassin for the Hornets, allowing teammates to steal the headlines while he dominates teams from 15 feet and in. He has steadily improved every year, and finally displayed his true potential last season by averaging 20.6 PPG and 8.9 RPG.

His numbers are very similar this season while his efficiency has improved, shooting 50 percent from the field and 92 percent from the free-throw line. Expect the Hornets to be contenders every year that they are able to keep Chris Paul and West together and healthy.

8. Elton Brand (PHI)

Brand has been a slight disappointment since signing with Philadelphia, where his numbers have dipped for a sub .500 76ers squad. That being said, Brand is still one of the dominant forwards in the league, as evidenced by his career averages of 20.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 2.1 blocks per game.

Brand is deadly from mid-range and with his back to the basket, and since his days at Duke has been solid on the boards at both ends of the court and on defense. He has to prove that he can be part of a championship contender, but it is hard to that Brand is one of the most talented power forwards in the NBA.

7. Pau Gasol (LAL)

Gasol's placement at number seven on this list speaks to the strength and depth of this class. At 7'0" feet tall Gasol has played center in the past, but with Andrew Bynum starting for the Lakers, the Spaniard has made a smooth transition to the power forward position for Los Angeles.

Gasol uses his size and quickness to exploit most match-ups, and has shot over 50 percent from the field every year but one in his career.

Pau is not as dominant a scorer as some of the other players on this list and has never averaged double-digit rebounds, but he does as good a job at his role as almost anyone on this list, and could easily win a championship with the Lakers within the next few years.

6. Carlos Boozer (UTH)

The 6-9 lefty, also out of Duke, has quickly become one of the most dominant big men in the NBA. After averaging 21.1 PPG and 10.4 RPG last season, Boozer is going for 20.5 and 11.7 this year, showing his ability to score inside and rebound the basketball.

He is an incredibly strong player and often establishes great position, which has led to his career shooting percentage of 54 percent.

If you are looking for flaws in his game, Boozer has struggled from the free throw line and passing the basketball, but these are not large contractors when looking at the beast from the Jazz.

5. Chris Bosh (TOR)

Bosh is skyrocketing up this list, as he in the midst of a career year for the Raptors. Sometimes forgotten as part of the spectacular 2003 Draft class, Bosh is third in the NBA at scoring with 26.1 PPG and is seventh in rebounding at 10.1 RPG.

He's exceptionally athletic for a 6'10" player, Bosh has good range, can finish at the basket with authority, and is always improving on defense.

Only 24 years old, Bosh is on a fast track towards NBA superstardom and a huge payday when he hits free agency in two seasons.

4. Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)

Ranking the top four players was very difficult, as all four have an argument to be number one. Nowitzki, the NBA MVP in 2006-2007, has an absolutely remarkable tool set at 7'0" feet tall.

The German star is a career 38 percent shooter from three point range, and uses his size to get off his shot over almost anybody. Nowitzki is a seven-time All-Star and was two games away from leading Dallas to an NBA championship.

Dirk has scored over 21 PPG every year since 2000-2001, and may be the most versatile power forward in the league, if not the best.

3. Kevin Garnett (BOS)

The 2003-2004 NBA MVP, Garnett has been one of the most physical, dominating forwards in the league ever since he was drafted straight out of high school in 1995. Garnett is a dominant inside scorer and rebounder and has career averages of 20.3 PPG and 11.2 RPG.

It is his intensity, however, that is his greatest attribute and has been prominently on display since arriving in Boston last season.

Garnett was the inspiration behind Boston's title run last season, willing his team and teammates to victory by giving his all every game and providing a number of clutch plays.

The only reason Garnett comes in at No. 3 is that, on the wrong side of 30, his most productive statistical days are behind him, and as his points and rebounds dwindle, so does his value.

However, as long as Boston is a title contender and Garnett continues to display his trademark intensity, he will be one of the best players in the league.

2. Amare Stoudemire (PHO)

The most exciting and physically gifted player on this list, Stoudemire is preposterously athletic considering he is 6'10" and 250 pounds. Stoudemire is a perfect fit for the Suns, where he is able to hit mid-range jumpers, blow by bigger defenders, and finish at the basket with powerful dunks as well as anyone in the league.

Stoudemire has had two seasons of over 25 PPG, and has lost little off his vertical leap or explosiveness despite knee problems throughout his career.

Still only 26 years old, Amare is improving, and should be good for 20 points, 10 rebounds, and at least a couple of plays that bring the fans to their feet every night for years to come.

His team might not have had the success yet as some other players on this list, but Amare will likely play in at least a couple of NBA Finals before his career is over.

1. Tim Duncan (SAS)

Although he may not be as exciting to watch as some of the other stars in the league, there is almost no denying that Duncan is the best power forward of this generation and possibly of all time. Methodical, consistent, and fundamentally sound, Duncan has a career track record that is nearly unparalleled by anyone who has played the game.

Using his size, intelligence, and bank shot, Duncan has won four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP Awards, the NBA MVP in 2002-2003, and has career averages of 21.6 PPG and 11.8 RPG. What's truly remarkable is that, after a decade in the league, Duncan is still a dominant force and should keep the Spurs title contenders for the foreseeable future.

NBA Top 10: Small Forwards

James Auchincloss — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:44:32 -0500

In the NBA, small forwards are generally the most versatile players. Some are pure scorers, like Danny Granger and Richard Jefferson. Others, such as Ron Artest, Tayshaun Prince, and Andrei Kirilenko gain notoriety through their defense. And obviously a number of them are complete superstars, most notably last year's Finals MVP and a certain King in Cleveland.

Here are the top 10 in the game today, based on their ability to dominate in a number of different ways.

10. Hedo Turkoglu (ORL)

There are a number of players deserving of consideration who won't be listed here. Gerald Wallace is a great dunker and defender in Charlotte, but does not have the complete game yet. Kirilenko is good at almost everything on the court, but has struggled to get solid playing time in Utah. Rudy Gay probably has the best argument, as he has turned into a potential All-Star in Memphis, but he has yet to have his game match his potential.

This leaves Turkoglu to take this spot, and he is very deserving of it. Hedo has taken on a huge role for the Magic over the past two years, scoring 19.5 PPG last season and handling the ball during a number of key moments. He is a very good shooter and is deceptively athletic at 6'10", able to dribble past his man and also crash the boards.

Turkoglu is a very good player who is finally getting national credit for his play.

9. Shawn Marion (MIA)

Marion has struggled to find his role in Miami, but still is one of the better all-around players in the league. His scoring has dipped for the Heat, but he has a career average of 18.2 PPG, and is remarkable in his ability to guard almost any position.

Marion played his best ball as part of the high-flying, up tempo Phoenix Suns in recent years, where his penchant for steals, blocks, key rebounds, and alley oops shone through. His jump shot is extremely awkward, but he is able to hit a good number of outside shots and is a career 82 percent free throw shooter.

The Heat's decision to draft Michael Beasley might mean Marion is on his way out, but with his ability to stuff the stat sheet he would be a good acquisition by any team.

8. Richard Jefferson (MIL)

Very few people realize that Jefferson was ninth in the NBA in scoring last year at 22.6 PPG, leading the Nets ahead of Vince Carter. It is easy to question Jefferson's defense and shooting, both areas in which he is inconsistent, but it is hard to deny his ability to put up points.

At 6'7" Jefferson is a great dunker and finisher, and his jumper is solid enough that he is shooting 40 percent from three-point range this season. If the Bucks hold onto him and Michael Redd, they should be a high scoring team for the next couple of seasons.

7. Tayshaun Prince (DET)

Prince might be one of the most important players to his team, but his lack of statistical production makes it harder to place him any higher on this list. Prince gained fame for his defensive and offensive play in helping the Pistons win the 2004 NBA Championship, and has continued to be a valuable cog in Detroit's system ever since.

With a long wingspan, Prince is known for his clutch blocks and rebounds, but he is a fairly productive scorer as well, averaging a career high 14.8 PPG this season. Prince is not the kind of player that can carry a team, but he has been a great second or third option for Detroit and helps make them a Championship contender every season.

6. Danny Granger (IND)

2008-2009 is quickly becoming Granger's breakout season, as he is scoring 24.4 PPG while making nearly three three-pointers per game. He settles for the jump shot too often, but luckily for the Pacers it is clearly his greatest asset, and should only improve.

Granger is not yet the defensive player or rebounder that many of the other players on this list are, but he is quickly becoming the go-to guy in Indiana and one of the elite scorers in the NBA. As long as he stays healthy, Granger should become a more complete player and lead the Pacers to the playoffs, potentially as early as this season.

5. Ron Artest (HOU)

Hate him or love him, it's hard to deny everything that Artest can bring to the basketball court. Possibly the best on ball defender in the league, he has one of the most complete skill-sets of any small forward.

If you look past some of his character issues and at his game, you'll find a player who can shoot extremely well, will shut down the opponent's best player, and brings it almost every night.

The Rockets made a great move in acquiring him, and as long as he stays out of trouble he has a good chance of leading them far into the playoffs, finally bringing some toughness to Houston.

4. Caron Butler (WAS)

It's hard to notice how good Butler has been on a 3-13 Wizards team, but he is clearly one of the better players in the East and deserving of an All-Star spot. Butler has averages this year of 21.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 4.2 APG, and is capable of going for a triple-double any night despite playing on such a depleted and struggling team.

Caron is a terrific blend of size and speed, and is one of the best in the NBA at taking his man off the dribble but also able to post him up on the block.

Perhaps it is because he plays for Washington, perhaps it is his personality in comparison to teammate Gilbert Arenas, but Butler has become one of the most underrated players in the league today.

3. Carmelo Anthony (DEN)

It is easy to compare Anthony to the other members of his draft class, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and say that he has been somewhat of a disappointment. This would be an unfair assessment, however, as "Melo" has exceeded expectations as a scorer and play-maker.

It was obvious that Anthony, who led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA Championship, would be a good NBA player, but he has lifted his game to another level, going for as high as 28.9 PPG three seasons ago.

Carmelo is a deadly mid-range shooter and finisher, and is one of best pure scorers in the game. With Chauncey Billups on board, Anthony should assume even more of a scoring role, and should lead Denver to another strong season this year.

2. Paul Pierce (BOS)

Playing with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen will make anyone better, but Pierce has stepped his game up to a whole other level since last season. He has always been one of the game's elite scorers, averaging 23 points per game for his career, but it was in the Finals last year that Pierce really defined his legacy as a superstar.

Pierce was outstanding in winning the Finals MVP, coming up with huge baskets and plays whenever the Celtics needed them. Garnett and Allen may have gotten Boston over the hump, but Pierce is still the straw that stirs their drink, and should only improve on his legacy in the years to come.

1. LeBron James (CLE)

Consider me a witness. LeBron is probably the most physically dominant player since Wilt Chamberlain—too quick to be stopped by any forward and strong enough to muscle his way past any guard. The numbers speak for themselves, as he is averaging 27.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 6.3 APG this season, but his game and presence extend way beyond the numbers.

LeBron's one weakness is his sometimes inconsistent jumper, but as he continues to mature and improve he is becoming virtually unstoppable. A lot of the talk is about his impending free agency in 2010, but LeBron continues to lead Cleveland towards a possible title run, as the team has gotten off 15-3 start.

LeBron has already won a number of playoff games and series almost single-handedly, and this year's club is deeper and stronger than any he has been on before, which should allow him to keep his legs fresh and prepare for another long season.

King James is the face of the NBA, and will likely remain in that office for the foreseeable future.

NBA Top 10: Shooting Guards

James Auchincloss — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:52:38 -0500

Other than a dominant center, having a superstar shooting guard has always been a recipe for a championship run. No better example of this is the 1990's Chicago Bulls, who rode the greatest shooting guard and player ever, Michael Jordan, to six NBA championships.

While its possible that nobody will ever be able to match Jordan's productivity and success, there are still a number of great shooting guards lighting up the box score. Here, in my opinion, are the top 10 in the league today.

10. Tracy McGrady (HOU)

McGrady has been struggling to such an extent this year that I considered dropping him from this lost all together, especially with the play of OJ Mayo early this season. McGrady still has the ability to dominate any game with his explosiveness and jump shot, and its hard to ignore his two scoring titles. He has become the second or even sometimes third option in Houston behind Yao Ming and Ron Artest, and his scoring is down to 15.6 PPG. He still has a great combination of size and athleticism, however, and even though he is on the decline, is still one of the better all around players in the league.

9. Kevin Durant (OKC)

At 6-9, Durant has the height of a forward, but he plays as a guard in the Thunder's system. With Durant's incredible gifts on the basketball court his play so far could be considered disappointing, but he still has become one of the better scorers in the league. With a great size advantage over must of the defenders assigned to him, Durant has shown an ability to hit contested jumpers from almost anywhere. His shot selection and accuracy have been questioned, but this year he is shooting 46 percent from the field and 44 percent from three, both large improvements over last year. Throw in his ability to utilize his wingspan for rebounding and defense, and Durant is on his way to being an All Star in the Western Conference.

8. Vince Carter (NJN)

Carter was the most difficult player to rank on this list. On some nights he can be the one of the best players in the league, and on others he can look absolutely terrible. He comes in at number eight because of his team's lack of success and his sometimes lackluster effort, but no matter what you think of him, you have to acknowledge the skills that Carter possesses. Vince, who has a career average of 23.8 PPG, is one of the most athletic and creative finishers in the league. Whether he throws down one of his jaw-dropping dunks or spins in a wild lay-up, there's almost no stopping Carter driving the lane. He tends to settle for too many jumpers, but when he's hitting them he is capable of dominating any game.

7. Joe Johnson (ATL)

Slightly too one-dimensional to rank any higher, but he certainly has shown to be pretty good at what he does. Johnson can shoot and score the ball as well as anyone in the league. Since coming to Atlanta from Phoenix, Johnson has stepped his game up to a new level, scoring over 20 points per game every year and leading Atlanta to the playoffs last season. Johnson is a great three point shooter, and has added a great midrange game over the past few years. Johnson is able to get rebounds and assists in the Hawk's system, but won't move up on this list until he takes them on his back and leads them past the first round.

6. Richard Hamilton (DET)

Hamilton is a perfect fit in the Pistons system, where his constant movement on the offensive end and ability to hit jumpers coming off screens is unparalleled. "Rip" might not put up the statistics that some of the other players on this list do, but he has scored 17.8 PPG for his career, and more importantly has won championships at both the collegiate and NBA level. Hamilton has greatly improved his three point percentage, is an outstanding free throw shooter (career 85 percent), and always seems to hit a big shot in the fourth quarter.

5. Brandon Roy (POR)

Some people might say that Roy doesn't belong here because he doesn't have the sustained or team success yet, but if you watch him play you know that he's on the way to being an absolute superstar. Roy is physical, can handle the ball, is a very good passer, and a great scorer. He also has shown early in his career that at crunch time, he wants the ball in his hands and more often than not will come through. The Rookie of the Year from 2006 is scoring 20.9 PPG, dishing out 5.3 assists, and needs to start getting some recognition as the best player on a very good Portland team.

4. Ray Allen (BOS)

In the same mold as Hamilton, Allen does his best work without the ball. He has seen his scoring take a dip since arriving in Boston, but his true value came through in helping the Celtics to the championship last season. Allen has a career three point percentage of 40%, as well as shooting 89 percent from the free throw stripe. Ray topped out at 26.4 PPG two years ago in Seattle, but has scored at least 17 PPG every year since 1997, and has established himself as potentially the best pure shooter over that time. A great shooting guard, and now, a champion.

3. Allen Iverson (DET)

Although he is currently playing the point in Detroit, AI has spent the bulk of his career as a shooting guard and should be judged as one. Iverson is a truly remarkable player, ranking third all-time with 27.6. PPG despite standing at a diminutive 6-0 feet. Iverson is a superb ball handler, is as quick as anyone in the NBA, and manages to finish at the basket over men a foot taller. The biggest knocks on "The Answer" have always been his shoot first mentality and his inability to win a championship, but Iverson has averaged 6.3 assists per game for his career and always plays his best ball during the playoffs.

2. Dwyane Wade (MIA)

There have always been skeptics of Wade, who say that he's injury prone and his jump-shot is too inconsistent. While he has struggled to stay on the court at times and is only a 26 percent shooter for his career, Dwyane understands his strengths and is once again displaying him for the world this year. At 6-4, Wade has a ridiculous ability to knife through the defense and finish, no matter how hard he's fouled. He also attacks the ball on both ends of the court, averaging 2.5 steals, 4.9 rebounds, and amazingly 1.5 blocks per game this season. Nobody will ever forget Wade's dominance in the 2006 NBA Finals, where he took home the Finals MVP Award, but at only 26 his best days may be ahead of him.

1. Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Who did you think it was going to be, Jamal Crawford? Kobe is head and shoulders above the rest of this group, and may just be the best player in the league. Despite his scoring and playing time dipping this year, Bryant may be more valuable to his team now than ever before. His career has progressed in three stages: playing Robin to Shaq's Batman as the pair led the Lakers to three straight championships, losing all of his support and becoming the primary and secondary scoring options for LA, where he showed his scoring ability by scoring 35.4 PPG one year, and finally his role now as the smarter, veteran superstar who passes more and is keeping his legs rested as the Lakers roll towards the Western Conference top seed. Kobe's strength as a basketball player comes not only from his shooting and athletic ability, which are unmatched, but also from his competitiveness and intensity. He isn't and will never be Jordan, but he certainly is as close as we have to MJ in the NBA today.

NFL Week 13: Picks and Predictions

James Auchincloss — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:18:13 -0500

Usually at this point in the NFL season, the contenders start to separate themselves from the pretenders. In 2008, that hasn't happened yet. As I write this following Thursday's triple header, 22 of the 32 NFL teams still find themselves legitimately in the playoff hunt.

This list includes the favorites (NY Giants, Tennessee, Pittsburgh) and some teams that are on life support (Philadelphia, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Diego), but most of them are in the middle of the pack, unsure of whether they'll be watching the playoffs from home or participating in them.

Due to this fact, every week remaining will have an inordinate number of significant, important games. This week, only the Chiefs-Raiders and Jaguars-Texans games have no significant playoff implications.

Every other match-up features either a team trying to move up in the standings or hold onto their position, including many that pit these teams against one another.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some previews and picks for this upcoming week.

San Francisco (3-8) at Buffalo (6-5)

The story of this game will be whether Buffalo's offensive explosion last week was a fluke due to playing Kansas City or a sign of things to come.

Marshawn Lynch has exploded for 198 rushing yards, 15 receptions, and 2 touchdowns the past two weeks, while Trent Edwards had his best game of the year against the Chiefs.

San Francisco has been more competitive under Mike Singletary and since changing to Shaun Hill at quarterback, but Dallas uncovered a soft spot in their defense when Terrell Owens went for 213 yards, and I expect Lee Evans and Edwards to take advantage of this match-up. Bills 27 - 49ers 17

Baltimore (7-4) at Cincinnati (1-9-1)

Baltimore proved against the Eagles that their big loss to the Giants was more a statement about New York than the Ravens. It would be nice for Baltimore to establish a more solid running game, but Joe Flacco has played very well as a rookie and their defense is excellent in nearly every phase.

About the only thing the Bengals have going for them is they're playing at home, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, Chad Ocho Cinco on the sidelines, and a defense that hasn't stopped anyone besides the Eagles, expect Baltimore to win comfortably. Ravens 31 - Bengals 13

Indianapolis (7-4) at Cleveland (4-7)

How impressive would it be if the Colts were able to bounce back from a 3-4 start to get a Wild Card spot? With their next four games against Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Jacksonville, they should be in pretty good shape.

I know that Drew Brees and Kurt Warner have been great, but doesn't Peyton Manning deserve some MVP consideration for how he's turned around this team.

During their four-game winning streak, he's thrown for 1,069 yards, nine touchdowns, and only one interception.

The Browns, meanwhile, have completely fallen apart. They tried out Brady Quinn, whose now out for the year, and now have to turn back to Derek Anderson. Their coach is on the hot seat, and GM Phil Savage is swearing at fans in emails. Not a good recipe to beat a hot Colts team. Colts 24 - Browns 10

Carolina (8-3) at Green Bay (5-6)

This is one of the most interesting games of the week, and questions abound. Are the Panthers for real? Can the Packers rebound from their Monday night debacle in the Superdome? Can Jake Delhomme get things together?

Despite their performance last week, the Packers still have a strong secondary, while the Panthers biggest struggle has been in the passing game.

Expect the Packers to contain Steve Smith, Ryan Grant to exploit a Panthers D that allowed Michael Turner four touchdowns last week, and Green Bay to stay in the playoff hunt with a close victory. Packers 24 - Panthers 21

Miami (6-5) at St. Louis (2-9)

The Rams are lucky that they got those two wins over Washington and Dallas, or they might have joined the Lions in pursuit of infamy.

With Marc Bulger and Stephen Jackson both injured and possibly out, St. Louis is running out of offensive weapons. Their defense isn't much better, allowing 27 or more points each of the last four weeks.

The Dolphins defense has been susceptible as well, but containing the Rams shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Expect Chad Pennington, Ronnie Brown, and Ricky Williams to have a field day, and Miami to take this one in a rout. Dolphins 36 - Rams 6

New Orleans (6-5) at Tampa Bay (8-3)

New Orleans comes into this game with the third-ranked scoring offense in the league (28.8 PPG), while Tampa Bay is third in allowing 16.4 points a contest.

Drew Brees is on fire this year, as he is projected to break Dan Marino's record for passing yards of 5,084 yards, and Reggie Bush is expected to make his return to the field for this game.

The Saints were able to beat Tampa Bay 24-20 in Week One, and as long as they contain Jeff Garcia, they should be able to pull out another tight one this week, building even more momentum in their late playoff push. Saints 28 - Buccaneers 23

New York Giants (10-1) at Washington (7-4)

Always a great game, the New York-Washington rivalry is one of the best in the NFL. The defending Super Bowl champion Giants come in on a six game winning streak, and bruising running back Brandon Jacobs is expected to return to the field after missing last week's game.

Washington should be inspired with the one year anniversary of Sean Taylor's tragic murder occurring this week, but their struggles of late and the way they looked in losing 16-7 to the Giants in Week One point towards another New York victory.

Expect the Giants to establish the run early, and Eli Manning to be the difference late in a defensive battle. Giants 21 - Redskins 13

Atlanta (7-4) at San Diego (4-7)

This match-up features an interesting subplot with the return of Michael Turner to San Diego, in a season which he has greatly outperformed LaDainian Tomlinson.

The Chargers have becoming more of a passing attack behind Philip Rivers and his 23 touchdown passes, but rank dead last in pass defense.

Matt Ryan and Roddy White are salivating over this game, and should hook up for several big plays.

In a game that could go either way, I'm looking for the rookie Ryan to show once again that he doesn't play like a rookie as Michael Turner's Falcons get to stick the nail in San Diego's coffin. Falcons 35 - Chargers 24

Pittsburgh (8-3) at New England (7-4)

These teams, who have already met in two AFC Championship games this decade, are once again two of the best in the AFC.

The Steelers are a solid 4-1 on the road this year, and have the top-ranked defense in the NFL. Everyone has fallen in love with Matt Cassel these past two weeks, but remember that it was the Jets and Dolphins he exploited, not Pittsburgh.

Expect a barn-burner at Gillette Stadium, with the Steelers pulling it out in the fourth quarter. Steelers 21 - Patriots 17

Denver (6-5) at New York Jets (8-3)

The Broncos will likely make the playoffs this year as the AFC West Champion, but it is mostly by default. They certainly did not look like a playoff team last week, losing to lowly Oakland 31-10.

Denver has almost no healthy running backs left, and have had to ask Jay Cutler to do everything, leading to eight interceptions in the past six weeks.

The Jets, meanwhile, might be the hottest team in the NFL, mainly because they have turned to their running game and taken pressure off of Brett Favre.

As long as New York continues to ride Thomas Jones and Dustin Keller continues to get open, the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets should coast to an easy one at home. Jets 27 - Broncos 14

Kansas City (1-10) at Oakland (3-8)

Neither of these teams have inspired much hope for their fans this season, but recently Oakland seems to be working towards being competitive. The Raiders have kept games against Carolina and Miami close before romping Denver last week.

Tyler Thigpen has been a revelation for the Chiefs, posting 11 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions in the past five weeks, but Kansas City has failed to win any of those games.

Even with Larry Johnson back, the Chiefs can't win if their defense, which allowed 54 points last week, doesn't improve. Raiders 19 - Chiefs 10

Chicago (6-5) at Minnesota (6-5)

This Sunday Night game at the Metrodome is vital in determining the champion of the NFC North. These teams played to a bizarre and wild 48-41 final in Week Seven, with the Bears coming out on top, but don't expect a game like that again.

The Bears have done a good job of shutting down the run this year, allowing only 80.7 yards per game, and will attempt to stop league-leading rusher Adrian Peterson.

If Chicago is able to do so, and the game becomes a battle between Gus Frerotte and a healthy Kyle Orton, the Bears should have a big advantage.

Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson will have their impact, but Chicago will win because of its passing game. Bears 31 - Vikings 20

Jacksonville (4-7) at Houston (4-7)

Probably the most disappointing game of the week, as both Houston and Jacksonville have struggled to live up to expectations.

The Jaguars, whom many thought would build on last year's playoff run and possibly make the Super Bowl, have struggled to establish the run or stop it, ranking 19th in each category.

Houston, also given a good chance to make the playoffs, have struggled to stop anybody despite their solid passing attack.

Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson will get their yards, but look for the Jaguars to better utilize Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor in picking up a Monday Night win that might be too little, too late. Jaguars 24 - Texans 16

NBA Top 10: Point Guards

James Auchincloss — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:26:16 -0500

As the NBA moves away from the high-scoring, fast-paced action of the 1980s and '90s and into an era of defense and halfcourt offense, solid point guard play is becoming that much more important and appreciated.

In 2005, Steve Nash, with the run n' gun Phoenix Suns, became the first true point guard to win an MVP award since Magic Johnson in 1990, and Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker have both won Finals MVP awards in the past five years. An infusion of youth at the position, led by Deron Williams and Chris Paul, have made point guards one of the deepest classes in the league.

Before I begin ranking my top 10, I'd like to offer my apologies to TJ Ford, Andre Miller, Mike Bibby, and Rajon Rondo. In my opinion, Bibby's best days are behind him, and Rondo's are yet to come.

I realize Rondo won a championship ring last year with the Celtics and has shown the ability to dominate games, but he is not a big enough factor in their success or a good enough all-around player to make this list yet. Also, as a clarification note, I'd like to say that I look at Allen Iverson as a shooting guard, not a point guard. Other than that, here it is: the top 10 point guards in the NBA.

10. Devin Harris (NJN)

Maybe I'm biased as a Nets fan, but this guy clearly belongs here and might only rise on this list. This year, Harris is scoring 22.5 points per game, averaging 6.3 assists, and is reaching the free throw line an astounding 11.3 times a game.

His biggest weakness is his jump shot (he's shooting 45 percent from the field), but Harris is so fast with and without the ball that he can score with only layups in traffic and free throws. Harris is the forgotten guy in the discussion of the best young point guards in the league, and might be the best scorer out of the group.

9. Derrick Rose (CHI)

I am completely sold on this guy. He has a chance to become one of the best players in the NBA, never-mind point guards. Rose is remarkably explosive with the ball, getting into the paint almost effortlessly. His jump shot is a concern, but he's shown an ability to score from mid-range as well as at the basket.

Rose has posted 18.4 PPG, dishing out 5.8 dimes, and shooting 85 percent on free throws. Poohdini (no really, that's his nickname) is just scratching at the surface, and was well the worth the Bulls' No. 1 pick in the draft.

8. Jason Kidd (DAL)

This is a more of a lifetime achievement recognition than anything else, as Kidd is not playing like a top ten point guard this year. His shooting is still a huge question mark, and as his legs have slowed down his defense and play on the fast-break has suffered.

All of that being said, Kidd is still one of the best rebounding guards in the league and a constant triple double threat. It will be very interesting to see if he can pick up his play and lead Dallas to the playoffs this year, or if he really is on his last legs.

7. Jose Calderon (TOR)

Probably the most unheralded player on this list, Calderon is one of the most efficient players in the NBA. The Spaniard is a career 50% shooter, and is 40-40 from the free throw line for an unbeatable 100 percent.

In addition, Calderon has an assist to turnover ratio of 4.73:1, easily the best in the league. Although he's not a big scorer, averaging only 13.2 PPG, he makes the Raptors better every-time he steps on the court with his ability to hit open jump shots and find open teammates.

6. Baron Davis (LAC)

Davis has had his struggles this year both on the court and off it with coach Mike Dunleavy, but is one of the most athletically gifted guards in the league. Baron is scoring 17.1 PPG and dishing out 8.1 assists, and his ability to overpower smaller guards (he is 6-3, 215 pounds) might be unmatched.

Davis needs to start shooting fewer threes, as he's only hitting 29 percent of them, but his ability to score, play physical defense, and his track record place him at No. 6 on this list.

5. Chauncey Billups (DEN)

Billups is another very under-appreciated point guard in the league, despite leading the Pistons to a championship in 2004. He's been showing just how valuable he is since his trade to Denver, who are 9-3 since his acquisition. Chauncey is physical, a great shooter, and the consummate professional. Billups was exactly what Denver needed, and they're a much better team with him.

4. Deron Williams (UTH)

I know that a lot of people want to bring up the Williams/Paul debate, but I'm not totally sold on Deron yet. Obviously this season is not a good barometer, as he has been hurt and not playing at his top level, but he has yet to show that he even is in the same class as Paul or Nash.

He is a very good passer, a career 47 percent shooter, and is great at using his strength to dominate on both sides of the ball. He has a tendency to commit too many turnovers, however, and has yet to show he is a true star. A very, very good player, but not one of the top three point guards yet in the NBA.

3. Tony Parker (SAS)

Probably the quickest player in the NBA, the 2007 Finals MVP has been silencing critics for years. His jump shot is worlds better than it was at the beginning of his career, and his three rings are proof that he can lead his team to success.

He has always been more of a scoring guard than a distributor, as evidenced by his 55 point outburst earlier this year, but Parker has still averaged over 5.0 assists every year since 2002. Parker is an explosive player, and how can being Mr. Eva Longoria not give him a little extra credibility on this list. He's not a superstar, but Parker is probably the most under appreciated point guard in the NBA.

2. Steve Nash (PHO)

There's a good reason that Nash is a two-time NBA MVP, and it's that he's one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league.

Nash was a good player in Dallas, but he has become a star in the Suns' high octane offense, where his ability to shoot the basketball and his create off the dribble has come through. The Canadian is probably the best pure passer on the planet, and continues to dribble circles around the league despite being 34 years old.

The main reason that I ranked him behind Paul is he is a serious liability on defense, where he is not physical or aggressive enough to match up with many of the other players on this list. Speaking of which...

1. Chris Paul (NOH)

Chris Paul, also known as CP3, might just be the most complete player in the NBA. At 23, he is a perfect fit in the New Orleans offense, where he penetrates the defense with ease before either finishing at the rim, lobbing to Tyson Chandler, or kicking it out to one his three point specialists.

Paul has almost no weaknesses on the basketball court: he can dribble, guard the ball, play the passing lanes, shoot from the outside, finish at the rim, and always finds the open man. Not many players in the NBA could go for 20.3 PPG, 11.6 APG, and average 2.8 steals, but CP3 seems to do it with ease.

He has already established himself as the best point guard in the league, outplaying Nash in almost all of their head-to-head match-ups, and, as scary as it is, he's only going to get better.

Yankee Offseason: What I'd Do If I Were Brian Cashman

James Auchincloss — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:27:25 -0500

What I love most about the baseball off-season, other than that I am a Yankees fan, is how ridiculous the hours and hours of fan conversation, debate, and conjecture is. People go on and on talking about where they think players want to sign, what teams are going to do, and how much players are going to end up getting paid, when at the end of the day the only people who have any idea what's going on is the players, management, and family and friends involved, and select members of the media. With that thought out of the way, here are the moves I think the Yankees should make this off-season.

Sign CC Sabathia

I know, I know, really creative. But like a lot of Yankee fans (and I think the people making these decisions) I think that signing an ace like Sabathia is a must for the Yankees to establish some consistency in the rotation. What I love most about the big lefty is how durable he is. He has made at least 28 starts and pitched at least 180 innings every year since 2001, winning at least 11 games every one of those seasons.

Secondly, he's getting better, with his best two statistical seasons coming the last two years. Finally, he's only 28 years old, and there is no reason to think his performance will drop off in the foreseeable future. This guy is too good to miss out on, and I think New York will spend as much as is needed to ensure they get him.

Sign Adam Dunn

One of the big surprises of this off-season so far is how little interest Dunn has drawn, despite the fact that Arizona has made it clear they wont be able to re-sign him. I understand that most people want Mark Teixeira, but I think it would be impossible to get him and Sabathia, due to how much they both will draw. Dunn, while not cheap, will not burn the Yankees pockets nearly as fast as Tex, and can provide nearly as much production.

The problem most people have with him is similar to that they have with Nick Swisher: low average and too many strikeouts. While this is true, you need to appreciate what Dunn can do. He has a career OBP of .381 and OPS of .899, as well as having hit at least 40 homers five years running. These numbers would likely rise in New York, with its short porch in right and the better protection up and down the lineup. Sounds like a good fit to me.

Trade Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano and a fourth prospect for Jake Peavy

Can you imagine a rotation of Sabathia, Peavy, Wang, and Joba? That's three of the best arms in the game, and a guy in Chien Ming whose proven he's a winner when healthy. Peavy has had an ERA under 3.00 in four of the past five years, and like Sabathia has been able to consistently make over 25 starts a year.

If the Yankees (or any team) were able to pair the 28-year-old CC and the 27-year-old Peavy, they would be a championship contender for years to come. As far as the outgoing players, Kennedy is expendable, and Cabrera is an odd man out after the addition of Swisher, the emergence of Brett Gardner and the presence of Austin Jackson in the minors. Cano is a tough player to part with, considering how young he is and how much potential he has, but you have to give up talent to get talent, and I think Cano is a guy that could entice the Padres into making this trade. He would need to be replaced, which brings me to my next point.

Sign Orlando Hudson

I don't think its unrealistic to think the Yankees could sign Sabathia, Dunn, and Hudson considering what has been discussed as possibilities. Hudson is good defensively, a hard worker, and a pretty consistent hitter, and would do a good job at the bottom of the lineup as a replacement for Cano. He is a career .282 hitter, but has been better than that each of the last three years, and is only thirty years old.

Sign Odalis Perez

Another player who might not be at the top of some fan's wish lists but would make a great fit. I think the Yankees should sign him instead of bringing Andy Pettitte back, as he would be considerably cheaper and could have a big impact.

Perez is only 31 years old, and would likely do a good job of holding down the fort at the back end of the rotation until Phil Hughes proves himself ready to be a major league starter. Perez also provides depth in the rotation along with Alfredo Aceves if anyone were to get hurt, and could work in long relief down the stretch run and into the playoffs.

These moves would give the Yankees a rotation of Sabathia, Peavy, Wang, Chamberlain, and Hughes/Perez. I feel that Swisher is a better defensive outfielder than Dunn, meaning he would be a better fit for the vacant center field spot, while Dunn could fill in at first.

This positioning would let Xavier Nady play in right, Johnny Damon in left, and Hideki Matsui as the designated hitter, and Joe Girardi would be able to rotate that lineup easily in order to give people days off. To me, this team would immediately become a title contender on paper, but as we have learned as Yankee fans, that isn't good enough. Even so, it would be hard to not get excited about such a talented club in the gem that is the New Yankee Stadium.

Nets Do More with Less While Eyeing LeBron James in 2010

James Auchincloss — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:17:04 -0500

The New Jersey Nets have no intention of contending in 2008-09. They have no intention of contending in 2009-10.

Like half the teams in the NBA (most notably their neighbors across the Hudson), the Nets are shredding their core nucleus from the last few seasons in order to have money to spend in July 2010.

First to go was Jason Kidd and his $21,372,000 per year contract in a trade to Dallas. All-Star Richard Jefferson, at $13,200,000, was next to go, getting shipped to Milwaukee for Yi "The Chairman" Jianlian and Bobby "I won't be here in two years" Simmons.

In the same offseason, the Nets let starting center Nenad Krstic leave to sign in Russia instead of giving him a new deal. Vince Carter is still there, for now, but his departure seems imminent.

The only explanation for these moves, which isn't a bad one, is the Nets are preparing to enter the LeBron sweepstakes in two summers ready to duke it out with anyone else in the league. James is good friends with New Jersey part owner Jay-Z, and has said he loves Brooklyn, where, very conveniently, the Nets plan to move in 2010.

While all the talk is about the Knicks, the Nets could be the dark-horse club that ends up with The King.

New Jersey, for this reason, have a club that currently resembles a combination of an NBDL and a FIBA Europe team. The other day I turned on YES and the five Nets on the court were Keyon Dooling, Trenton Hassell, Jarvis Hayes, Eduardo Najera, and Josh Boone.

It was the second quarter of a close game. I think that five wouldn't be in the Top 25 of the AP poll.

And yet, the Nets have gotten off to a 7-7 start, with wins over Detroit, Atlanta (twice), and Toronto, and in position to possibly make a playoff run in a watered down Eastern Conference. If Philadelphia continues to be a bust, Miami continues to be inconsistent, Toronto fails to take the next step, Derrick Rose continues to be the only Bull who can play, and Washington continues to suck, the Nets could conceivably get themselves a No. 4- or 5-seed and be in position to make the second round.

Obviously they're not close to the level of Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, or Detroit, but as long as they keep on playing this way they could make a season that was supposed to be nothing into one that's somewhat exciting.

The main reason for their fast start is the rejuvenation of Carter and the play of Devin Harris.

Carter, always one of the league's most dynamic and creative scorers, has stepped up his play this year, shooting less off-balanced threes and playing the inspired ball that made him a fan favorite at the beginning of his career.

Harris, a steal in the Kidd trade and one of the fastest players in the league with the ball, has shown an uncanny ability to get to the free throw line as well as make great decisions on the fast break. If the Nets hold onto him, he could become one of if not the best point guards in the Eastern Conference.

In addition to these two, several young draft picks and acquisitions have displayed promise. Brook Lopez, despite his extreme awkwardness, has shown that he could be one of those goofy guys who still manages to go for 15 and 10 a night. Sean Williams jumps as high as anyone in the league, and is sure to provide highlights on both ends of the floor, even if he can't hit a jumper to save his life. And Yi, despite not living up to his high expectations, is an athletic seven-footer capable of scoring 25 any night.

All of you Nets fans out there (if there are any), I understand if you've decided to stop paying attention to the court until July 2010, seeing as management seems to be doing the same thing.

If you're doing so, though, you're missing out on a team that probably won't win a championship, but won't be winning the Draft Lottery either.