Bleacher Report - Articles by Razi Syed

Attention Alex Smith Haters: He Isn't Going Anywhere

Razi Syed — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:04:36 -0500

Let me first say that I have been a die hard 49er fan for 15 years. I am 24-years old and I've been spoiled with Hall of Fame QBs or Pro Bowl QBs on my team. So I'm going to call out all my fellow 49er fans who proclaim that Smith is a "bust".

All of you should have your 49er fan cards removed this very moment, and the ones who keep saying we need to get rid of him are on false hopes. Listen, I never coached or was in player personnel decisions for professional teams.

But I do know this: Alex Smith is NOT going anywhere until 2011. There is no quarterback coming into free agency or worth drafting at the pick they make their first selection. He signed a two year deal for six million (I believe) and the way he is playing is remarkable for a guy who had missed two years from injuries.

The talent level overall has improved for the 49ers but overall its still light years away from the perennial contenders in Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Steelers, Giants, Phily and Dallas.

The talent that Smith had in his first three years were fourth string at best. All the from his offensive line to his wide receivers to his coaches. Smith is 1-4 this year as a starter but his stats are worthy of a better record. He has a 61 percent completion rate, 9 TDs, 7 picks, and 1,035 yards (207 yards per game).

The reason he has been under the microscope is because his defense has been a failure when its needed to make key stops in the games. Against Indianapolis they got burned with Addai's throw to Wayne that won the game 18-15.

Against Tennessee they couldn't contain Chris Johnson in the backfield on a fourth and goal from the two up 20-17, and against Packers he rallied them back from a 23-3 hole to make it a one score game with five minutes and 46 seconds left. The defense couldn't stop them on two third downs and Smith never got the ball back.

Our offensive line is terrible, our defense I thought would play better than this, and quite frankly when your the quarterback of a team that's won five super bowls and had two hall of fame qb's you will be judged more than other QBs in the league.

Smith has great rapport with Vernon Davis and Crabtree. He has a hammering running back and solid wide outs with Josh Morgan and Delanie Walker. If you're looking to blame someone, blame Singletary and Raye.

Raye's run the ball on first down and second down takes Smith and the offense completely out of their rhythm. When the team is down by nearly two or three scores then the offense goes into spread formation and Smith is more effective.

Our GM has made some dumb draft decisions (Lawson, Baas, Reggie Smith, Rachal) but signing Smith into a two year deal is a smart move. He knew that it would take matter of time before Smith is the starting QB and start producing. Smith will be starting QB NEXT season for us. This team has too many holes just to spend a draft pick on another quarterback.

Our OL is terrible and bottom five in the NFL, our pass rush is anemic at best and our secondary needs a makeover. We need to draft a blue chip RT and then address our pass rush or secondary with the second first round pick for next spring.

If Smith performs well next season (and I don't see any reason why he shouldn't based on his performance this year). He will be franchised next season because teams are looking for that qb. Carolina, Oakland, Cleveland, Washington and others, and they will overpay for Smith.

Smith is on pace for 2277 yards 20 td's 14 picks and 60% completion rate. Those are remarkable numbers considering he's in his FIFTH different offensive coordinator and playing only 11 games. It's like going to a college and you pick out your major and you have five different professors teaching you the same thing year in and year out.

Another comparison could be made you get hired by a company and you have five different bosses asking you to do something different each year. That's what Smith is going thru right now, and I am very impressed with his maturity and his poise. He is handling and saying all the right things for a guy whose been very scrutinized pressure on a franchise that was the most envied team in the NFL back two decades ago.

Smith in the most fans eyes and most experts was a failure before he started. He had to come and save a salary cap dumped team and revive a once proud franchise. He was suppose to be the "next" hall of fame quarterback in northern California. Smith is who he is, he won't change for the fans, the experts or his owner.

He needs to come back next season and work more with Josh Morgan and Brandon Jones and who two big targets in Davis and Crabtree. Hopefully he will have an offensive line that can block for an entire game and has a defense that doesn't take plays off when he needs to get the ball back.

But shame on haters, I remember once Jim Plunkett was the first overall pick in 1972 and was considered a bust before he went to the hated Oakland Raiders and won them a Super Bowl.

Smith is only 25 and he has more talent to work with and hopefully with the right offensive mind he can fulfill his potential that comes from being an overall number one pick in the draft. It could be worse for us, we could have JaMarcus Russell as our qb, and on that note lets pray that Smith's career matches his maturity and character.

Eric Wright: A 49er That Should Never Be Forgotten

Razi Syed — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:22:46 -0400

The San Francisco 49ers won four titles in the 1980s.

Most of the attention went to star and future Hall of Famer Joe Montana, who was excellent in big pressure games, and safety Ronnie Lott, who punished WRs coming over the middle with his trademark bone-crushing hit.

But there is one person who the media, or for that matter the 49er faithful, have forgotten about: Eric C. Wright (I am using his middle initial to distinguish him from the other Eric Wright who plays CB for the Cleveland Browns).

Eric Wright was drafted by the 49ers in 1981 in Round Two. He was sandwiched in between Ronnie Lott and Carlton Williamson in Rounds One and Three. For much of his career he wasn't talked about due to the man who wore No.42.

Wright left his own impact on opposing defenses and coordinators. He was targeted very frequently around his era. He stood in at 6'1" and weighed in at 183 pounds from Missouri. He had interceptions in Super Bowls 16 and 19.

He finished his career at age 31, with only eighteen interceptions. Wright's a two-time Pro-Bowler and in those two seasons he finished with two interceptions in 1984 and one in 1985.

In his best statistical season he wasn't selected to the Pro Bowl. In 1983, he finished with seven interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and one fumble recovery.

According to www.profootballreference.com he was an All Pro in 1985, and he finished with the most return yards in 1983, with 164.

He had two injury-plagued seasons at ages 27 and 28 which are considered by many to be a player's prime. Two years which would have made all the difference in the world, for him and the 49ers, in 1986 and 1987.

The NFL draft is this weekend and guess what?

The 49ers need a starting corner opposite to Nate Clements.

Maybe history repeats itself with Singletary taking a corner in the first day of the draft, and we return to the glory days.

Top Five Pitchers Dodgers Should Try to Trade for Their Rotation

Razi Syed — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:58:32 -0400

So the LA Dodgers have suddenly no questions on their lineup. They retained Manny, and Casey Blake. In doing so, they also ignored one key fact that helped them all of last season, their pitching. Last season the Dodgers lead the NL in team era with 3.68. They were fourth in shutouts with four, and for CG's they were tied for fourth with fifth.

Last year's pitching ace was Derek Lowe, the 35 year old lead the team with a 14-11 record but a 3.24 ERA and a team high 211 Innings Pitch. Derek wanted approximately four years worth close to $70M total. They Dodgers front office let him walk and he signed with the Braves for about four years $60M.

To make matters worse 2007 NL All Star Brad Penny's club option for about eight million was declined. He signed with the Boston Red Sox at a relatively low bargaining price for three million with incentives.

Penny, was never more than a five or six inning starter for the Dodgers. In fact, when he won a career 16 games for LA in 2007 his average innings per start 6.3. The problem with this is that for the longest time I can remember (I am only 24 years old) the Dodgers were ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS about pitching.

From Sandy and Don to Fernando and Orel and Kevin Brown to Chan Ho Park. Suddenly I don't see myself being too thrilled with the fact that we have Eric Stults, and James McDonald to eat those innings by Lowe and Penny.

I am ecstatic at the fact that we have Chad "Bills" Billingsley and Clayton "CK" Kershaw. Both have the same powerful arms as their once former predecessors in Koufax and Drysdale.

I know it's too early to put pressure on these potential pitching pair that we have but it seems to me that they are the only ones on the club that has any future value.

Let's face it Hiroki Kuroda is 34 and is a free agent next year, James McDonald who has a good arm needs more seasoning whether it be here or at AAA, and the once most famous pitching prospect before CK came along in the name of Scott Elbert has fizzled and struggled with his control here in the Majors.

What the Dodgers need are some veteran arms who still have the potential to be great in this year and the next couple of years. I am going to show who we need and what do we need to offer that particular team for the person of interest.

Bare with me while I am doing this I am not aware if any of these pitchers are available by the trading deadline.

5) Jeremy Accardo from the Blue Jays.

Analysis: With Joe Beimel gone and Saito now a Red Sox, the Dodgers lost one of their bridge gappers to the ninth with Broxton inheriting the closers role. They still have Kuo and Wade but Wade seems to be more of a seventh inning guy.

Accardo has closer's experience in case Broxton is injured or falters (I highly doubt it) and he also is a reliable setup man to get the ball into Broxton's hands.

Package: Blue Jays need a 3b along with some young arms. The Dodgers should package up Josh Bell, and right hander Nathan Eovaldi. Bell is 22 years old and he can play 1b or 3b. Meanwhile Eovaldi has a good fastball which tops at 92 and a curveball has good sink and movement on it. He can be a closer in waiting once B.J. Ryan's contract is up.

4) Jeremy Guthrie, from Baltimore Orioles.

Analysis: Guthrie is 30 years old and is the "ace" of a deprived pitching team known as the Baltimore Orioles. The O's need tons of impact in their farm system. They need middle infield help as well as bullpen needs. This might be the most logical solution for the Dodgers.

Package: Dodgers should offer RHP James McDonald and Devaris Gordon. Gordon is 20 years old and has tons of upside in the his young career but Raffy being locked for another three or four years and Ivan DeJesus moving on up the pecking order so to speak. The Dodgers can let him slip away.

Guthrie's a true horse and even though his stuff doesn't impress most baseball junkies like myself, he has the ability to escape out of jams and minimize the damage. A place like Dodger Stadium would work wonders for him.

3) Kevin Milwood, from the Texas Rangers.

Analysis: Milwood is a veteran guy who can set the tone for the young kids in the rotation. He has pitched a no hitter for the Braves in 2003. He has playoff experience while being a Brave and most important of all he has a club option of $12M after this year.

I don't think that Nolan Ryan wants him to walk for nothing so he will try to get a good price on Milwood. Milwood is 35 but he has gone 150IP in all but twice in his 13 year big-league career.

Package: Rangers need potential pitching studs in their rotation. After they traded John Danks to the White Sox foolishly and let Danks become one of the fast and rising stars of the AL they need to get immediate impact in this trade.

Dodgers need to offer 2007 First-Round Pick Chris Withrow, he is only 20 years old and yes I know he is a first round pick but according to www.baseball-intellect.com Withrow is nothing more than a No. 4 guy on a five-man rotation.

Another player who should be dangled in trade talks is James Adkins, he is 23 years old and is looking at the term "bust" all over him. Adkins continues to regress in his minor league career and a potential change of scenery would work wonders for this kid.

2) Cliff Lee, from Cleveland Indians.

Analysis: Lee had a Koufax/Johan 2008 type season. He lead the league in wins and ERA and the Indians haven't offered him an extension yet. He is about to turn 30 and needs to have a fantastic 2009 season to establish himself as one of the most prized pitching FA's out this off season.

Package: Indians need INF help also. DeRosa is 34, and they have the weak hitting Cabrera at 2b. Dodgers can afford to let Ivan DeJesus go as well and Ethan Martin for Cliff lee.

1) Roy "Doc" Halladay, from the Blue Jays.

Analysis: Doc is the best AL pitcher PERIOD. He has great control, great poise, and he is a complete game machine. He rarely loses a game for his team, and he is voiced his displeasure about not pitching in October.

I can go on and on about how Doc is great and what he would bring to the table, but for the sake of argument, you, me, and the entire baseball world knows what this guy is about.

Package: This would have to be the mother load of all packages. Doc is 31 and is entering free agency after the 2010 season. Blue Jays are reluctant in signing him to an extension and he is going to command at least $15M per season type of money.

Here is the package you would offer for him.

1) Scott Elbert, they need a proven left handed setup/starter and Elbert is the best on the board.

2) Josh Lindbolm, he has a great fastball reaching the mid 90s and a well established curve and a new splitter he has just used in rookie ball.

3) Andrew Lambo, he is a switch hitting OF who has pop and speed. He can play himself into the second or sixth hole in the lineup. Also he is a great athlete and has a phenomenal arm.

4) Austin Gallagher, he has the pop to play 3b regularly and can contribute to the team early as 2010. He has RAW power and a good contact hitter he hit .293 last year with an OPS of near .809. In this trade the Blue Jays would acquire a starting pitching (Lindbolm), a bullpen reliever (Elbert), everyday 3b (Gallagher) and an everyday OF (Lambo).

The Dodgers wouldn't have to send Kemp, Ethier, Loney, Russ, or touch any of their young arms in the pen or rotation to complete this deal. With Doc being only 31 he can still pitch well into his low 30s and possibly early 40s.

Hopefully you enjoyed this series and watch out for my "Top Five Hitters that LA needs to trade for" in the next week or so.

NFL Mock Draft: April 13, 2009

Razi Syed — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:28:15 -0400

We all have read almost 21531 mock drafts on Bleacher Report (ok maybe not that many). Here is my final mock draft before the actual draft which takes place in less than 12 days.

1) Jason Smith, OT, Detroit Lions.

Analysis: Why? It's easy, Lions need the SAFEST pick for their crumbling fan base and franchise. They cannot afford to take a QB at No. 1 and let him be an epic failure.

The Lions will select Jason Smith, who is a converted TE, has the best feet in the draft and is a franchise Left Tackle. Book him and Gosder Cherlius at the tackles and let Kevin Smith run his way to 1000 yards for the next couple years if healthy.

2) Eugene Monroe, OT, St Louis Rams.

Analysis: There was no secret that the Rams were coveting Jake Long in last year's draft. They let go Orlando Pace and have Alex Barron heading into a free agency year. They need stability up front for Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger to have a chance in '09.

3) Aaron Curry, ILB, Kansas City Chiefs.

Analysis: Curry is the best PLAYER in this year's draft. Better than Crabtree, Stafford, Smith, Monroe and etc. He is the perfect defensive force that new GM Scott Pioli wants in KC. Curry and Johnson along with Dorsey would give KC some much needed punch on defense.

4) Mark Sanchez, QB, Seattle Seahawks.

Analysis: A lot talk has been that the 'Hawks will take WR Michael Crabtree. However, with the signing of WR TJ Houshmandzadeh this offseason, I think Seattle can't afford to give two starting WR's mammoth salaries. Hasselbeck is in his last year with Seattle and Jim Mora wants a QB who has leadership skills and knows how to win big games.

5) Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Cleveland Browns.

Analysis: Orakpo is the second best defensive pass rusher on the board. He is very strong and quick to the ball. Orakpo would give Wimbley much needed relief on the outside and helps him go single coverage vs the opposing team's tackles.

6) Andre Smith, OT, Cincinnati Bengals.

Analysis: Smith's stock has been falling worse than the Dow Jones in recent months. He has questionable work ethic, and discipline. However on a team like the Bengals he would be the perfect fit. Palmer is coming off a torn rotator cuff and needs time to throw to his only target now in Chad Johnson.

Smith is the most gifted OT in the draft and with the right people around him he could be the steal of this year's draft in another two or three years.

7) B.J. Raji, DT, Oakland Raiders.

Analysis: A lot of people have Al Davis taking Crabtree here. No I do not because in the past 20 years Davis has taken only ONE WR in the first round. His name? Tim Brown. The Raiders run defense is just atrocious and needs help on the defensive front. Raji is the best inside lineman in this year's draft and can cause havoc in Oakland.

8) Everette Brown, LB/DE, Green Bay Packers.

Analysis: Packers implemented a new 3-4 defense this past off season. They have two choices, Aaron Maybin who is 20 and doesn't have the NFL body just yet or Brown who can dominate his opponents with a quick step and has a great motor.

Brown has the intangibles to be a star in this league, and GB needs a player to produce now rather than three or four years down the line.

9) Michael Crabtree, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars.

Analysis: Wow the Jaguars must be laughing at the way the draft has turned out. They have two choices, take the franchise QB in Matt Stafford or the potential future all pro WR in Michael Crabtree. Del Rio takes the WR for his offense.

They have the OL, QB who they just signed to a huge extension and the RB in Maurice Jones-Drew. Crabtree at the ninth spot is like Fitzgerald at the three spot back in 2004.

10) Aaron Maybin, DE, San Francisco 49ers.

Analysis: I am a diehard 49er fan, I know we need the franchise QB. However we also need a pass rush. I can't see Issac Sponaga line up at LE anymore. Maybin is 20 years old, ran a 4.59 and had a 10x10 broad jump. With this selection Mike Singletary gets the game changing pass rusher that this team desperately needed.

11) Robert Ayers, DE, Buffalo Bills.

Analysis: Bills need a pass rush so desperately. Since Bruce Smith left for Washington after the 1999 season (I believe?). They haven't had a dominant pass rusher who can get at QB's throughout the course of the season. Ayers is the best run stopping/pass rushing DE in the draft. Clearly a no brainer for the Bills.

12) Michael Johnson, DE, Denver Broncos.

Analysis: I have heard from a couple sites that Denver plans on trading up to the #2 pick and get Aaron Curry and screw the Chiefs out of their star player. Only fitting right after what the saga of Matt Cassel happened?

However, Denver has the luxury of two first round picks and they take Michael Johnson who had a poor 2008 season. Johnson also has incredible size, speed and agility. The new 3-4 Broncos finally get a pass rusher since Trevor Pryce was foolishly let go back a couple years ago.

13) Michael Oher, OT, Washington Redskins.

Analysis: Chris Samuels is 30, Jon Jansen is injury prone and old now. They need new blood on the line, and Oher who is physically gifted can excel in the run first scheme of the 'Skins.

With spending already 150M on Haynesworth and D'Angelo Hall, 'Skins take a OT who can stabilize the position for the next 10-15 years, hopefully just as good as Jansen did in his prime.

14) Vontae Davis, CB, New Orleans Saints.

Analysis: Well Tracy Morgan was a failure, he got injured midway of the 2008 season and was placed on the IR. Meanwhile they let go CB Mike McKenzie.

With options of S/CB Malcolm Jenkins and Davis here, Payton goes to the speedy Davis who has the luxury of containing WR Steve Smith, Roddy White and Antoino Bryant in his division. The turf will make him much more dangerous and quick once he gets the ball in his hands.

15) Brian Cushing, OLB, Houston Texans.

Analysis: Houston is a sexy pick for the playoffs next year. They have Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans and Amoki Okoye and they also signed Antonio Smith a key member of the surprising Arizona team that almost shocked the world.

With Cushing on the perimeter the Texans have the two best perimeter LB's in the NFL. Also another pass rusher who can harass Peyton Manning.

16) Malcolm Jenkins, S/CB, San Diego Chargers.

Analysis: To LT? or not to LT? was the question this past offseason. Chargers reworked LT's contract and tagged epic folklore hero Darren Sprioles last month. So they can wait on the running back situation next year.

However they lack a physical safety since letting go of Rodney Harrison. Jenkins has the tools to be an excellent safety under the SD's pressure attack defense. With Merriman and Castillo and company coming after the QB, you have to contend with Jenkins trying to knock the WR's socks off over the middle.

17) Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, New York Jets.

Analysis: Rex Ryan loves big backs who can pound away at the opposing teams defenses. Beanie is injury prone yes, but he also has the best size speed and quickness in the RB crop this year.

Thomas Jones is 30 and I don't see him doing well this year, and they can use Beanie in selective situations to keep him fresh and most of all healthy.

18) Rey Maualuga LB, Denver Broncos.

Analysis: With the trade of Jay Cutler to the Bears two weeks ago, Denver has its second first round pick to help the defense. Rey is a play maker and a physical hitter that McDaniels loves in this system. With DJ Williams and Maualuga on the front seven, teams have to respect the run defense (I know it's a oxymoron).

19) Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Bucs.

Analysis: The new Morris regime in Tampa needs a QB to start with. Freeman has the best tools and size to be a MONSTER star in this league. He is a prospect but if he is given time and care he can develop into a franchise QB that Tampa hasn't had in nearly forever.

20) Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions.

Analysis: The law of averages have to even out eventually when you go 0-16 and have won only ONE playoff game in the past 51 years. This draft will go PERFECTLY for the Lions. Stafford has immaturity issues and mental lapses during games but he has the best talent overall to come out this year in the QB spot. City of Detroit must be rocking after this selection.

21) William Beatty, OT, Philadelphia Eagles.

Analysis: Andy Reid loves his big OL, and Beatty is no exception. With Tra Thomas leaving to Jacksonville and William Thomas is just about done. Eagles need new blood on the OL to help McNabb stay healthy in his twilight years. Beatty had a great combine and his stock is improving, so now is the time to get him.

22) Eben Britton, OT, Minnesota Vikings.

Analysis: Viking fans will cry foul after losing out on Jay Cutler to their arch rivals the Bears and now losing Matt Stafford to the Lions. Vikes lost Matt Birk to Baltimore this past off season and they need the right side of the line to be more productive than ever.

Britton is huge and has amazing strength, something that the Vikes love and another blocker for Adrian Peterson, lord have mercy on the NFC North defenses.

23) Connor Barwin, LB, New England Patriots.

Analysis: Barwin played TE in college, also he is a great motor guy who can rush the passer or drop down into coverage (sound familiar of a certain Ex Pats LB?). Pats have an amazing first four picks in the first two rounds. They can choose need here right away.

24) Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Atlanta Falcons.

Analysis: QB Matt Ryan was a phenomenal story last year, same with RB Michael Turner and the entire offense. Imagine how to contain that offense if they select Pettigrew who is an excellent run blocker and pass receiver. Matt Ryan must be licking his chops after this pick.

25) D.J. Moore, CB, Miami Dolphins.

Analysis: Moore is the best cover corner in the draft, and Miami's secondary is terrible. Jason Allen is an incredible bust and the DB's they have starting are pure garbage. Moore is a ball hawk and a great return man. He would help Miami's improving defense into the realm of respectability.

26) Jeremy Maclin, WR, Baltimore Ravens.

Analysis: Flacco needs a big time WR to make him go to the next level as a star in this league. WR Derrick Mason is unhappy with his contract situation in Baltimore and is entering free agency this year.

Maclin is a great athlete and can cause match up problems for any AFC North team. He is a big time player and Ravens don't look back on this selection.

27) Peria Jerry, DT, Indianapolis Colts.

Analysis: Indy's run defense has been their Achilles heel since forever. Jerry is a monster in the middle and would already be their best interior lineman if selected. He had a good combine and Colts would be laughing all the way to the bank with this selection.

28) Kenny Britt, WR, Philadelphia Eagles.

Analysis: McNabb wanted a WR added this offseason. He didn't get the WR he wanted but Britt is pretty good. He has great size and leaping ability and would solve their Red zone problems in the near future.

29) Clay Matthews, LB, New York Giants.

Analysis: Giants need LB's and Matthews is a tough nosed competitor who brings intangibles and work ethic. He can learn from Antonio Pierce and the Giants defense would be amazing with yet another elite young player creating havoc.

30) Victor Harris, CB, Tennessee Titans.

Analysis: Titans need CB's and with Nick Harper turning 34 and into free agency they likely get one. Harris can blitz and cover, something that Jeff Fisher loves in his CB's. His time isn't an issue either, he ran a 4.46 at the combine.

31) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Arizona Cardinals.

Analysis: James is finished and Hightower is nothing more than a good third-down RB. Moreno has the complete package as a running back. With him being in the backfield and Fitz and Boldin on the outside it would give opposing defenses the heeby jeebies.

32) Alex Mack C, Pittsburgh Steelers.

Analysis: Steelers need OL for Roethlisberger, its well documented. Mack is one of the best C prospects to come out in a LONGGGGGGG time. He can carry the tradition of the Steelers elite C's and pickup where Webster, Dawson, and Hartings left off at.

Notes: I can see Eagles trading up for Crabtree if he falls out of top 10. Denver can make a run at Aaron Curry at No. 2, and also the 49ers making a run at Matt Stafford if he falls out of top 15. Cleveland also can trade players for some picks (Edwards and Rogers and possibly Quinn.

San Francisco 49ers' 2009 Mock Draft

Razi Syed — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:25:45 -0400

Hello 49er fans, it is almost THAT time of the offseason for all thirty-two NFL teams. A sign of hope and fruitation leads some teams to believe they are contenders rather than pretenders. Here is my 2009 NFL Mock Draft for the San Francisco 49ers. Hope you enjoy, and try to hold your comments until the end.

Begin Slideshow

Top 10 Greatest MLB Shortstops Of All Time (Round Three)

Razi Syed — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:03:45 -0500

Welcome to the third part of my mini-series. This week I will rank the greatest shortstops to ever play on the diamond.

10) Lou Boudreau
Played for: Cleveland Indians (1938-1950), Boston Red Sox (1951-1952)

Numbers: .295 Batting Average, 1779 Hits, 68 Home Runs, 789 RBI.

Analysis: An outstanding defensive shortstop and adept hitter. An eight-time All-Star selection, four-time .300 hitter and 1948 American League Most Valuable Player. He designed the "Ted Williams Shift."

9) Luke Appling
Played for: Chicago White Sox (1930-1943, 1945-1950)

Numbers: .310 Batting Average, 2749 Hits, 45 Home Runs, 1116 RBI, and 179 SB.

Analysis: He twice captured the American League batting title. The seven-time All-Star selection was also selected as the White Sox greatest player by the Chicago fans.

8) Luis Aparicio
Played for: Chicago White Sox (1956-1962, 1968-1970), Baltimore Orioles (1963-1967), Boston Red Sox (1971-1973)

Numbers: .262 Batting Average, 2677 Hits, 83 Home Runs, 791 RBI, and 506 SB.

Analysis: He took Rookie of the Year honors in 1956, collected nine Gold Glove awards, led the American League in stolen bases nine seasons and was named to the All Star squad 10 times. When he retired in 1973, he held the career record for shortstops for games played, double plays and assists.

7) Ernie Banks
Played for: Chicago Cubs (1953-1971)

Numbers: .274 Batting Average, 2583 Hits, 512 Home Runs, 1636 RBI.

Analysis: Banks is the greatest power hitting shortstop of all time. Banks was chosen to play in the All-Star Game during 11 seasons, was twice voted the National League Most Valuable Player. He played his entire 19-season career with the "Lovable Losers." He will be simply regarded as "Mr Cub." He was voted as the greatest Cub of all time.

6) Robin Yount
Played for: Milwaukee Brewers (1974-1993)

Numbers: .285 Batting Average, 3142 Hits, 251 Home Runs, 1406 RBI, and 271 SB.

Analysis: Playing his entire 20-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers, he collected more hits in the 1980's than any other player and finished with an impressive career total of 3,142. Yount earned MVP awards at two positions and his 1982 MVP campaign carried the Brewers to the World Series.

5) Omar Vizquel
Played for: Seattle Mariners (1989-1993), Cleveland Indians (1994-2004), SF Giants (2005-2008), Texas Rangers (2009)

Numbers: .273 Batting Average, 2657 Hits, 77 Home Runs, 892 RBI, and 385 SB.

Analysis: Vizquel is considered one of baseball's all-time best defensive shortstops, winning nine consecutive Gold Gloves (1993-2001) and two more in 2005 and 2006. Vizquel is the all-time leader in games played at that position, passing Luis Aparicio and is the all-time leader shortstop in double plays made.

4) Ozzie Smith
Played for: San Diego Padres (1978-1981), St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996)

Numbers: .262 Batting Average, 2460 Hits, 28 Home Runs, 793 RBI, and 580 SB.

Analysis: “The Wizard of Oz,” Ozzie Smith combined athletic ability with acrobatic skill to become one of the game’s great defensive shortstops. His ninth-inning home run won the fifth game of the 1985 National League Championship Series. The 13-time Gold Glove Award winner set major league shortstop records for assists, double plays, and total chances.

3) Derek Jeter
Playing for: New York Yankees (1995-Present)

Numbers: .316 Batting Average, 2535 Hits, 206 Home Runs, 1002 RBI.

Analysis: Jeter is the captain of the current-day Yankees. He is fifth in career batting average of all active players. He is a four-time World Champion, the 1996 AL Rookie of the Year, nine-time All Star, and 2000 World Series MVP. He is known as "Mr November." He also has the most hits in postseason history.

His plaque at Cooperstown is probably already made and needs a storybook ending.

2) Honus Wagner
Played for: Pittsburgh Pirates (1900-1917)

Numbers: .329 Batting Average, 3430 Hits, 101 Home Runs, 722 SB.

Analysis: One of the Hall of Fame's five original inductees in 1936, Honus Wagner combined rare offensive and defensive excellence throughout a 21-year career. He had eight National League batting titles. He had 215 of the 226 votes for eligibility.

1) Cal Ripken Jr
Played for: Baltimore Orioles (1981-2001)

Numbers: .276 Batting Average, 3184 Hits, 431 Home Runs, 1695 RBI.

Analysis: Ripken played in 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, shattering Lou Gehrig's "unbreakable" mark of 2,130. Ripken methodically put together a remarkable career, notching 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, 19 straight All-Star appearances, and two Most Valuable Player Awards.

His solid, steady play earned him hero status throughout America. His "2131" game was ranked as No. 1 of all time MLB Moments by the fans on MLB.com. Simply put, Ripken is the reason why fans came back to MLB after the strike in 1994. You can argue that Ripken had almost an impact in the game of baseball as Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson.

This was my hardest position to rank all-time greats. They were so many players that were left out (Pee Wee Reese, Joe Tinker, and others.) Ripken was my favorite player growing up. My first MLB game I ever watched was his 2131 game on ESPN. This is biased as you'll ever see me towards an all time list.

Next Week: The greatest second basemen of all time.

Michael Huff To The 49ers? Really?!

Razi Syed — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:43:21 -0500

Well, Al Davis has done it again. He has taken a guy out of the first round of the NFL Draft based on "40 Time" at the NFL Combine.

Sources say that Oakland will "likely" cut the former first round pick from Texas back in 2006. Huff was benched by former Oakland coach Lane Kiffin in just five games thru the 2008 season. Huff would be immediately come cheap considering he is considered damaged goods. The 49ers will need a free safety considering they have Mark "Dazzling" Roman on the roster for now.

Huff is still relatively young, he is only 25 and turning 26 next month. Imagine a secondary with corners Nate Clements and Vontae Davis (selected with the tenth pick in late April), and safeties Michael Huff and Michael Lewis. This would greatly improve the pass coverage for the defense.

Let's hope that management realizes that Roman is NOT the answer. Sign Huff to a four year deal worth $12M and extra $4M with bonus and incentives.

I Hate the Yankees, But Not the "Yankees"

Razi Syed — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 03:05:53 -0500

This is coming from a Dodger Fan.

I hate the Yankees, don't get me wrong, but not the Yankees everyone else suspects. I hate the Yankees from 1996-present.

In 1920, Yankee baseball was born with Ruth being traded for with Boston, and until 1996 I had tremendous respect for them. Their legends are simply mesmerizing and are once in a lifetime time players.

Starting with Ruth, DiMaggio, Gehrig, Mantle, Maris, Berra, Stengel, Huggins, Gomez, Lazzeri, Ruzzito, Reggie, Munson, Billy Martin, Ford, and finally Mattingly. They epitomized what the Yankees were all about.

They were talented, intelligent, and simply had the desire to win more than any given team's collection of players in MLB history. Even though they would beat your favorite teams year in and year out, you knew they didn't have to buy everyone and treat the media like crap.

I simply cannot stand the 1996-present New York Yankees era.

Whether it's Jeter's famous "fist pump when they win" (very overrated) to Clemens being a *****, throwing a broken bat to Mike Piazza, then claiming to blackout during the incident.

Another one is A-Rod's bush league play in Game Six of the 2004 ALCS where he tried to swipe at the glove of then Boston pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

These Yankees aren't respected by their peers. Perhaps just a few core of players like Torre, Rivera, Jeter, and Posada, but the rest of the country doesn't give a care about everyone else.

The Yankee fans can rip on me all they want. I respect and am in awe of their history from 1919-1996 as much as anyone else who has ever watched the game of baseball. To be honest, this version of the Yankees is getting irritating to bare. Bring back the Yogi's and the Scooter's and the Ironhorse's.

Top Ten MLB Players By Position - Round 2: Third Basemen

Razi Syed — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:28:53 -0500

Greetings! Welcome to the Second Weekly Edition of my "Greatest Players in MLB according to their respective positions." Let's dive right into this week's edition - Third Baseman.

10) Jimmy Collins. Played for: Louisville Colonels (1895), Boston Beaneaters (1895-1900), Boston Red Sox (1901-1907), Philadelphia A's (1907-1908).

Numbers: .294 Batting Average, 1998 Hits, 65 Home Runs.

Analysis: Collins was a fantastic player with his glove and he was a terror with the bat. A feared clutch hitter for the Boston ball clubs, he batted .346 in 1897 and the following season, led the National League in home runs with 15. Collins led his club to the World Championship in 1903.

His defensive abilities at the hot corner neutralized the opposition's bunting tactics.

9) Freddy Lindstorm. Played for: New York Giants (1924-1932), Pittsburgh Pirates (1933-1934), Chicago Cubs (1935), Brooklyn Dodgers (1935).

Numbers: .311 Batting Average, 1747 Hits, 103 Home Runs, 779 RBI.

Analysis: Lindstorm became the youngest player to appear in a World Series game while with the Giants. Although he had a powerful arm and good range, hitting was always his game. Lindstrom had seven .300 seasons and twice garnered 231 hits. Lindy’s lifetime batting mark was an impressive .311.

8) George Kell. Played for: Philadelphia A's (1943-1946), Detroit Tigers (1946-1952), Boston Red Sox (1952-1954), Chicago White Sox (1954-1956), Baltimore Orioles (1956-1957).

Numbers: .306 Batting Average, 2054 Hits, 78 Home Runs, 870 RBI.

Analysis: George Kell worked at all facets of the game. He relied on constant practice to become a solid hitter and a sure-handed fielder. Blessed with a strong and accurate throwing arm, Kell led the league in double plays six times, assists four times and in putouts twice.

In 1949, Kell dramatically captured the AL batting title when he edged out Ted Williams, .34291 to .34276.

7) Frank Baker. Played for: Philadelphia A's (1908-1914), New York Yankees (1916-1919, 1921-1922).

Numbers: .307 Batting Average, 1838 Hits, 96 Home Runs.

Analysis: Frank Baker developed a reputation as a slugger when he hit 11 home runs in 1911, plus two more during the World Series for the Philadelphia Athletics. Earning the nickname "Home Run" Baker would lead the American League in homers during four seasons, but with never more than 12 in any one year.

Baker was a .307 lifetime hitter, twice led the American League in RBI and batted .363 in six World Series.

6) Eddie Matthews. Played for: Boston Braves (1952), Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965), Atlanta Braves (1966), Houston Astros (1967), Detroit Tigers (1967-1968).

Numbers: .271 Batting Average, 2315 Hits, 512 Home Runs, 1453 RBI.

Analysis: A feared left-handed slugger, Eddie Mathews became the seventh player in major league history to hit 500 home runs, 512 to be exact. A member of two World Championship teams, Mathews was the first athlete featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Ty Cobb said it best “I've known three or four perfect swings in my time. This boy's got one of them.”

5) Brooks Robinson. Played for: Baltimore Orioles (1955-1977).

Numbers: .267 Batting Average, 2848 Hits, 268 Home Runs, 1357 RBI.

Analysis: Known as the 'Human Vacuum Cleaner,' Robinson played 23 seasons for the Orioles, setting major league career records for games, putouts, assists, chances, double plays and fielding percentage.

Robinson earned the league's MVP Award in 1964 and the World Series MVP in 1970, when he hit .429 and made a collection of defensive gems. Simply put, THE greatest defensive 3b in the history of Major League Baseball.

4) Wade Boggs. Played for: Boston Red Sox (1982-1992), New York Yankees (1993-1997), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-1999).

Numbers: .328 Batting Average, 3010 Hits, 118 Home Runs, 1014 RBI.

Analysis: Utilizing great bat control and a good eye, Boggs won five batting titles, strung together seven consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits. A knack for getting on base, Boggs often batted leadoff, and scored at least 100 runs every season from 1983 to 1989.

Despite failing to get a chance to play in the big leagues regularly until he was nearly 25 years old, Boggs is a member of the 3,000-hit club. Boggs retired with a lofty .328 batting average.

3) George Brett Played for: Kansas City Royals (1973-1993).

Numbers: .305 Batting Average, 3154 Hits, 317 Home Runs, 1596 RBI.

Analysis: Brett became the first player in history to accumulate 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, 600 doubles, 100 triples, 1,500 RBI and 200 stolen bases. The 12-time All-Star played his entire 21-year career for the Kansas City Royals, earning an American League Most Valuable Player Award, a Gold Glove, and three batting titles. His .390 average in 1980 was the highest since Ted Williams .406 in 1941.

2) Alex Rodriguez. Played for: Seattle Mariners (1993-2000), Texas Rangers (2001-2003), New York Yankees (2004-Present).

Numbers. .306 Batting Average, 2404 Hits, 553 Home Runs, 1606 RBI's.

Analysis: A-Rod is simply on path to be the greatest player in the history of the game. He is a 12-Time All Star, three-Time MVP, two-Time Gold Glover, and is on pace to break every single meaningful offensive stat in MLB History.

Yet for all his accolades he has yet to win a World Series. He is the Ted Williams of modern day baseball right now.

1) Mike Schmidt Played for: Philadelphia Phillies (1972-1989).

Numbers: .267 Batting Average, 2234 Hits, 548 Home Runs, 1595 RBI.

Analysis: An unprecedented combination of power and defense molded Mike Schmidt into one of the game's greatest third basemen. He established a major league record by hitting four consecutive round-trippers in a single game in 1976.

A three-time National League MVP, he was a 12-time All-Star, won 10 Gold Gloves, and was named the “Sporting News” Player of the Decade for the 1980s. The Greatest Third Baseman in MLB History (until A-rod wins multiple titles).

There you have it, the greatest third basemen of all time. Hopefully within the next decade the names of David Wright, Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Zimmerman and Evan Longoria will be on the brink of being added to this list.

The 10 Best NFL Teams Never To Play in the Super Bowl

Razi Syed — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:20:42 -0500

There are certain times when you know a team has a "golden chance" to appear in the Super Bowl and try to seize the moment. Not only this list shows the teams that failed to appear in the big game, but also what happened to the core of that team in the next five years.

10. 2007 Dallas Cowboys

Analysis: Twelve pro bowlers, a 13-3 season, 455 points scored, 325 given up. Romo's franchise record 36 touchdown passes. This team had it all, offense, defense, a coach who couldn't win the big one. Dallas cruised all the way to the postseason and a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Result: Dallas faced its arch-nemesis in the New York Giants. Dallas defeated them twice in the regular season by a combined score of 76-55. Giants ability to rush Romo in this game was the biggest factor in this Dallas 21-17 loss. The Cowboys drought of playoff wins to eleven years and tied the NFL record of six straight playoff games lost.

After shock: 2008 season was a waste, Dallas signed troublesome corner back Adam "Pacman" Jones and traded picks for disgruntled wide out Roy Williams. Dallas finished a disappointing 9-7, and got blown out in its must win season finale at Phily 44-6.

9. 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: Rookie quarterback taking over in Week Two, impressive physical defense, and a hard nosed running game led the Steelers to a franchise best 15-1 record. Nine Pro Bowlers and had home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Result: People were skeptic to believe in Roethlisberger who was a rookie QB and led them to a 13-0 record. Pitt barely got by the upstart New York Jets 20-17 in Overtime. In the AFC title game they faced the repeating champions New England Patriots at Hines Field. Pittsburgh was overwhelmed and exposed by the experience of the world champs as they handed the Steelers a 41-27 trashing in their own backyard.

After shock: Steelers barely got into the playoffs the following season as the sixth seed. They ran the table beating the Bengals, Colts, and Broncos before winning their fifth Lombardi trophy in controversial matter against the Seattle Seahawks. Fans to this day of the 'Hawks believe that the refs were the reason Steelers won that game.

8. 1996 Denver Broncos

Analysis: 13-3 record, Nine pro bowlers, and Elway, Sharpe, Romo all in their primes.

Result: Denver started out that season 12-1 and average margin of victory at 12.3. Denver had home field throughout the playoffs but fail to capitalize on it yet again. This marked Elway's 14th NFL Season. An upstart Jacksonville Jaguars team upset them at Mile High in the Divisional Rounds 30-27.

After shock: Denver came back with Elway, an experienced Terrell Davis, and upcoming wideout Rod Smith. Denver won it's first franchise title over the defending champion Green Bay Packers 31-24. The next year, Elway came back for a fairy tale ending to a Hall of Fame career. Denver started 13-0 and finished 14-2 and easily ripped the AFC before manhandling the NFC Champions Atlanta Falcons. Elway was named Super Bowl MVP and retired later that year.

7. 1972 Oakland Raiders

Analysis: Oakland finished tenth in total points, and third in points given up.

Result: Oakland went 9-4-1 in the '72 season. They found their QB in Kenny Stabler at the time. Stabler once backed up Joe Namath at Alabama in 1964 National Title run. Oakland manhandled the Steelers 33-14 in Oakland and found themselves facing the defending world champion Miami Dolphins. Miami won 27-10 and won it's second of the back to back titles in the early 1970's.

After shock: Oakland then floundered with playoff mediocrity until 1976. They finally beat the two time world champions Pittsburgh Steelers 24-7. Oakland won Super Bowl XI 32-14 over the Minnesota Vikings.

6. 1985 Miami Dolphins

Analysis: Miami went 12-4 and defeated the Chicago Bears. You know which one I am talking about. They had the fourth most scored in the NFL and the twelfth least points given up. They lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC title game 31-14. It was the Pats first win in Miami since 1966.

Result: Marino thought he would make it to the Super Bowl again in his career because he was only 24. Marino still remains as the ultimate comparison for a guy who couldn't win the big one.

5. 1987 Cleveland Browns

Analysis: Cleveland finished the season with a 10-5 record. They were trying to recover from the heartbreak from Elway the year before. They romped the Colts 38-21 in the divisional round before having a rematch with Elway.

Result: They came back from a 21-3 halftime deficit and had a chance to tie the game with the score 38-31 and Denver up. Cleveland drove to the Denver eight yard line with 1:12 left. Browns running back Ernest Byner took a hand off and appeared to be on his way to score the game-tying touchdown. But he was stripped of the ball at the three yard line and it was recovered by Denver. Denver gave the Browns an intentional safety and the final score was 38-33.

After shock: Browns never recovered from that loss, and it's the ultimate moment of the lack of success by the Cleveland Browns. "Close but no cigar."

4. 2005 Indianapolis Colts

Analysis: Indy started 13-0 and finished 14-2. Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and etc came back and finally captured home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Indy was focused on capturing it because the previous two seasons their seasons came to an end in New England.

Result: Indy faced the sixth-seeded Steelers and fell short 21-18. Indy missed a FG from PK Mike Vanderjagt who was perfect at home all season long.

After shock: Indy came back the next season but with a suspect run defense, few experts thought they could make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. Indy's run defense improved miraculously and it prompted them to finish their season with a 29-17 Super Bowl XLI victory over Chicago Bears.

3. 1994 Dallas Cowboys

Analysis: Two time defending world champions. Irvin, Aikman, Smith, and company finished 12-4. Dallas finished second in total points and third in total points given up and first in total defense. New coach Barry Switzer was brought in to replace former coach Jimmy Johnson that season.

Result: Dallas faced the 49ers for a third straight year for the right to go to the Super Bowl. San Fran signed many key free agent players to clean up their suspect defense. Dallas was down 21-0 in the first quarter and never recovered. They lost 38-21 and the 49ers were the first team to win five super bowls.

After shock: Dallas came back the next season signing corner back Deion Sanders who played for the 9ers in 1994. Dallas stormed through the regular season and won against the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. The next season Dallas finished 10-6 and lost in the Divisional Round vs the Carolina Panthers. Dallas has yet to win a playoff game since 1996.

2. 1990 San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: Like Dallas, the 49ers were also the two time defending champions. Montana, Rice were in their primes and they had home field throughout the playoffs. They finished 14-2 and 8th in total points and second in total points given up. They beat the Washington Redskins 28-10 in the divisional round and played their playoff rival New York Giants for the NFC title.

Result: 49ers were the CLOSEST team to three-peat on this list. They were up 13-12 with less than two minutes remaining in the NFC Title Game. FB Tom Rathman fumbled and Giants recovered and went down field to kick the game winning field goal. Giants win 15-13, and that was the last time Joe Montana was in a 49er jersey playing in January.

After shock: Montana never played in another game for the 9ers. Steve Young era started in 1992, and by 1994 they finally won their fifth world championship. But the magnitude of this loss won't ever be forgotten. A possible 3-Peat was less than two minutes away before it was snatched from underneath beneath them.

1. 1998 Minnesota Vikings

Analysis: Here it your epic, choke job, fail to appear in the Super Bowl team. Vikings had EVERYTHING this season. Career year from QB Randall Cunningham, RB Robert Smith, Wide outs Cris Carter and rookie Randy Moss. Moss set a rookie record by catching 17 touchdowns in 1998. Vikes finished 15-1 and had home field advantage and few thought it would be the Denver Broncos who had a chance to defeat this well oiled machine.

Result: Vikes ripped the Arizona Cardinals 41-21 in the divisional round. It setup an epic 14-2 Falcons vs the 15-1 Vikes match up. Many considered this to be the greatest championship game ever played. Vikes were up 20-14 at halftime and by the middle of the fourth it was 27-17 Vikings. PK Gary Anderson missed his FIRST field goal of the season and it turned out to be his worst possible time of his career. Atlanta came back and won the game 30-27.

After shock: Entire NFL nation was in a state of shock. Carter, Cunningham, Smith everyone of these players were so close to the Super Bowl and never got to taste it. Moss meanwhile went to the Patriots after a short stay with the Raiders for two seasons and wound up in the Super Bowl last year vs the Giants and loss 17-14.

The ten most infamous teams in NFL history not to appear in the Super Bowl. Who knows maybe in ten to fifteen years from now we'll revisit this list and add a couple more teams to this list. A list that no player present or future pray they don't belong on.

49ers Finally Have an Offensive Coordinator

Razi Syed — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:55:34 -0500

This just in! The San Francisco 49ers have hired an offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, most recently the New York Jets running-backs coach. While I am not upset with this decision, I am however slightly dazed and confused.

Raye has no background at calling offensive plays, and this basically looks like a feel out process with the team. The Niners had other candidates they had interviewed prior to making this selection. From the top of my mind I can mention Jeff Jagonzinski, Rob Chudzinski, and Hue Jackson.

"Jags" has an offensive background with being the former Boston College headcoach and before that he was an OC for the Green Bay Packers in 2006. He was my favorite to land the job as the OC of the Niners. Chudzinski was also mentioned for the job but he took a TE coaching job with Norv Turner in San Diego. Jackson is the QB's coach for Baltimore and was credited with developing rookie Joe Flacco into a major centerpiece for the Ravens.

This is just another move that continues to frustrate, upset, and more importantly, question the intelligence of John York and GM Scott McCloughan the past three seasons. Now if Alex Smith falters in 2009 (assuming he is brought back), is it his fault that the Niners gave him a rookie OC to work with?

I understand that there is a major hole in the OC since the Mariucci days. We need an OC who will stay here for a number of years and not bolt for a head coaching job somewhere in the collegiate or professional ranks.

Only time will tell how this move will translate into success for a team that's expectations have risen since naming Mike Singletary the head coach. It's playoffs or bust for the Niners in 2009, let's hope it's not offensive coordinator or bust either.

Top 10 MLB Position Players of All Time - Round 1: Catchers

Razi Syed — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:32:02 -0500

Welcome to my mini-series entitled "Top 10 ____ (insert MLB Position) Of All Time!

Being a Catcher in baseball is the most difficult position in the sport. Not only do you have to call a masterful game for your pitcher, but you also have to be the captain of the Infield and make sure everyone is on the same page for each pitch/play.

On top of all that, you need to shutdown the opponents running game, block the plate, and be an consistent hitter in your career.

Catcher is my favorite position in baseball, you have so much control of the game from what pitch selection to what defensive alignment the infield plays. It's like being another manager on the field.

Here are my Top 10 Greatest MLB Catchers of All Time!

Mickey Cochrane, Philadelphia Athletics (1925-33), Detroit Tigers (1934-37).

Numbers: .320 Batting Average, 1652 Hits, 119 Home Runs, 832 RBI.

Awards: Two-Time All Star, Two-Time AL MVP.

Analysis: "Black Mike" was the best AL Catcher in his generation. He was a fiery competitor and a winner. His playing career came to a screeching halt when in 1937 he was beaned in the head. He returned only as manager and the next season he was replaced in the middle of the season.

Cochrane, was a great blocker of the plate (A lost art now in baseball). He wouldn't budge at all when a runner at third was trying to score based on contact. Arguably the best blocking catcher in MLB History.

9) Gabby Hartnett, Chicago Cubs (1922-1940), New York Giants (1941).

Numbers: .297 Batting Average, 1912 Hits, 236 Home Runs, 1179 RBI.

Awards: 1935 NL MVP and Six-time All Star.

Analysis: Hartnett was underrated in an era where catchers weren't suppose to hit. He was consummate pro and a great leader for the Cubs. In an era with Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Cobb, and others...Hartnett's name was always left out.

A lethal hitter with a great cannon of an arm. He was the first MLB Catcher to play both offense and defense. He led the NL in putouts, assists, and fielding average multiple times.

8) Gary Carter, Montreal Expos (1974-1984, 1992), New York Mets (1985-1989), San Francisco Giants (1990), Los Angeles Dodgers (1991).

Numbers: .262 Batting Average, 2092 Hits, 324 Home Runs, 1225 RBI.

Awards: Two-Time NL All-Star Game MVP. Three-time Gold Glover.

Analysis: "Kid" was a wizard behind the dish. He was a really hard catcher to run on. He was overshadowed my Johnny Bench, but if Carter's knees didn't go out in Montreal because of the turf, he would rank top three in every statistical category at this position.

7) Mike Piazza, LA Dodgers (1992-1998), Florida Marlins 1998, New York Mets 1998-2005, San Diego Padres 2006, Oakland Athletics 2007.

Numbers: .308 Batting Average, 2127 Hits, 427 Home Runs, 1335 RBI.

Awards: 12-Time All Star, 1993 NL Rookie of the Year, 1996 MLB All Star MVP.

Analysis: Piazza is regarded as the greatest hitting catcher of all time. In his prime, he was usually picked over Ivan Rodriguez in terms of the best catcher in the game. Piazza was never known as a great defender, he usually let opponents steal off him at a high rate in every season.

Piazza is a sure lock in the HOF in 2013.

6) Roy Campanella, Brooklyn Dodgers (1948-1957).

Numbers: .276 Batting Average, 1161 Hits, 242 Home Runs, 856 RBI.

Awards: Eight-Time All Star, Three-Time NL MVP.

Analysis: The only multiple MVP award winner at his position in NL history. Camp was a great defender and he started the tradition for the Dodgers with great catchers. Camp's career was short due to a terrible automobil

Five NBA Players on the Verge of Superstardom

Razi Syed — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:25:17 -0500

We know Kobe, King James, CP3, the man-beast Dwight Howard, and Dwayne Wade. These guys are clearly top 10 NBA players today, if not top five. But who is on the cusp of being great?

Here is my top five list:

5) Devin Harris, PG for the Brooklyn, errr , I mean New Jersey Nets.

Why? Harris has simply been a beast in his first full season in NJ. He is averaging 21.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.4 apg, with 1.6 spg. He is also shooting 44.6 percent from the field and playing almost 35 minutes per game.

Season highlight: Playing against his former team and Jason Kidd—the man he replaced—at home, Devin put on a vintage Isiah Thomas game. Checkout this box score: 41 points, 3 rebounds, 13 assists, 4 steals, 14-of-25 field goals, 5-of-9 from three-point range, and 8-of-8 free throws in 38 minutes. And this is just a sample of what Devin can and will do in his prime at only just shy of 26 years old.

4) Kevin Durant, SF for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why? Attention Portland fans...THIS is the guy who you should have drafted in 2007. Durant is on the verge of being one of the top five overall players in the NBA. He has come a long way with his three-point shooting this season. Last year, he was shooting a dismal 28.8 percent from long distance.

This season, he's shooting almost 42.6 percent. He is averaging 24.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.9 percent from the field, 85.7 percent from the line, and averaging almost five more minutes per game in his sophomore season.

Season highlight: Dec. 8 vs. Golden State: 41 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 15-of-27 field goals, 6-of-10 three-point shooting, and 5-of-5 free throws.

3) Al Jefferson, C for the Minnesota TimberWolves.

Why? Rarely in the NBA do you see two big men get traded and it works out for both teams. Garnett, the face of the T'Wolves since 1995, was traded for Jefferson and won his first title last season with the Celtics. Meanwhile, Jefferson is arguably the best young post-up player in the Western Conference.

Stats: 22.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 bpg, 49.0 field goal percentage, 74.7 free-throw percentage.

Season highlight: In a matchup vs. Amare Stoudamire, Jefferson finished with 28 points, 17 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 assists, 11 field goals, and 6-of-8 on free throws. Jefferson is younger and a better post-up version of KG. KG has a better perimeter game, though.

2) Brandon Roy, SG for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Why? Roy, the 2006 ROY, has been simply sensational since coming from Washington in 2006. Averaging 22.2 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.7 rpg, and a 46.3 field-goal percentage, including 33.7 percentage from behind the arc, and 81.8 percent from the charity stripe.

Season highlight: Easiest pick so far. He went off for 52 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists in a win against the Suns at home. Roy went 14-for-27 from the field, 5-for-7 from three-point land, and connected on 19-of-21 free throws.

52 points was a career-high for him in the 124-119 victory over Phoenix. Roy is a taller version of Dwayne Wade and has a better perimeter game.

1) Danny Granger, SF for the Indiana Pacers.

Why? Granger is amazing this year, averaging 26.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.4 bpg. He is shooting 44.8 percent from the field, including 39.7 percent from three-point land, and has made 85.7 percent of his free-throws.

Granger is the most improved player in the NBA, in my humble opinion. His progression is the stuff superstars are made of. It's too bad they don't have a true big man inside for him, but with Granger in Indy, the Pacers have a shot in any game.

Season highlight: 42 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists 13-of-21 shooting from the field, 3-of-7 from three-point land, and 13-of-13 free throws vs. the Pistons on Dec 12. Indy lost that game, 114-110, but Granger had a coming-out party to let the Eastern Conference know that he is ready to be a thorn in every team's side.

Honorable Mentions: David Lee, Jameer Nelson, Rajon Rondo, Andre Iguodala, and LaMarcus Aldridge.

San Francisco 49ers: Can Alex Smith Save Alex Smith?

Razi Syed — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:57:21 -0500

What a difference five years makes.

Five years ago, the San Francisco 49ers went 2-14 and had the number one pick in the draft. They fired coach Dennis Erickson and brought in Baltimore's Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan.

I will honestly tell you that I wanted Aaron Rodgers back on draft day. Rodgers played against a better conference and against a better defense in USC. However, Smith was versatile and had great athletic ability, but he turned out to be a product of Urban Meyer. I think because of what happened to Alex Smith so far in his career, Tim Tebow will be passed by many teams in the 2010 draft.

Mike Nolan had to make the most important decision in his brief coaching career with the 49ers. By the way, Nolan was fired midway through the 2008 season with a 2-5 record and a 18-37 record in three and a half years.

Back to the topic at hand, there is a tough question to ask: do you draft the QB who is very intelligent and possesses great athleticism in Alex Smith, or the QB who is a true pocket passer, possessing a strong and accurate arm with good mobility and can make plays with his legs?

Nolan believed that Smith was a part of a new generation of quarterbacks, someone who can make plays with his legs while still being a dominant passer. He chose Alex Smith for the number one overall pick in the 2005 draft. In 2005, Smith was regarded as the new Rich Gannon, with superior leadership and intelligence.

In the 2005 season, Alex Smith had Mike McCarthy, current Packers head coach, as his Offensive Coordinator. Smith did not even make his first NFL start until Week Five at home, playing the Indianapolis Colts led by Peyton Manning. What a great way to have your NFL starting debut...versus a future Hall of Famer with two NFL MVP awards, at the time.

The final score was 28-3 and Smith completed only nine passes out of twenty three attempts, garnering 74 yards to go with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Just for the sake of comparison, Peyton completed 23 passes in 31 throws, for 255 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

I kid you not, Smith finished the 2005 season with a 40.8 passer rating, one touchdown, and 11 interceptions in nine games, seven of which he started.

In his defense, Alex Smith did not really have an offensive play maker that season. His most productive wide receiver was Brandon Lloyd; who had 48 catches, 733 yards, and five touchdowns; and a broken down Johnny Morton at age 34. The 49ers finished the 2005 season with a total of 17 Offensive Touchdowns.

Frank Gore had only 608 yards, but a respectable 4.8 yards per carry. Gore was splitting time with Kevin Barlow, and rightfully so. He had a serious knee injury in his senior season at the University of Miami, so Nolan was cautious about him being the workhorse.

Moreover, Smith's offensive line was pathetic. Here are is his starting offensive linemen for the 2005 season: Left Tackle Adam Snyder, Left Guard Justin Smiley, Center Jeremy Newberry, Right Guard Eric Heitmann, and Right Tackle Kwame Harris. It is not very easy to come into a salary cutting franchise with few play makers and set the league on fire.

This season was a wash just because of the Quarterback-by-commitee approach that Mike Nolan used. The other quarterback, Tim Rattay, started nine games that season, taking time away from Alex Smith.

In the 2005 off-season, Offensive Coordinator Mike McCarthy left for greener pastures and became the Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers. Former Oakland coach Norv Turner, recently fired, was hired by the 49ers to call the offense for the 2006 season. In the 2006 draft, the 49ers tried to help Alex Smith discover his potential by picking Tight End Vernon Davis from Maryland. Davis ran a 4.38 40 yard dash and had a 42 inch vertical jump.

Also in that off-season, the 49ers signed troubled Wide Receiver Antonio Bryant in the hope that he would straighten his character issues out with a new team. Smith's second season leap was incredible. He went from one touchdown, 11 picks, and 40.8 rating in 2005 to a 74.8 rating, 58 completion percentage, 16 touchdowns, and 16 picks. Many thought this was a breakout season in which Smith figured out how to play in the NFL.

Norv Turner was instantly acclaimed a genius by many fans and experts. Bryant had 40 catches, 733 yards, and three touchdowns. Davis had 20 catches, 265 yards, and three touchdowns. Davis missed six games with an injury and was slow on the blocking schemes that were essential for a Tight End to learn. Gore had a breakout season with 1695 yards and eight touchdowns.

Turner also left the 49ers after the 2006 season to become San Diego Chargers Hed Coach after they fired Marty Schottenhiemer. Once again the 49ers and Alex Smith were left without an Offensive Coordinator. They chose Jim Hostler as Offensive Coordinator, the Quarterbacks coach in 2005 and 2006. However, they cut Wide Receiver Antonio Bryant, and once again Smith was without a number one Wide Receiver. Again they failed to improve the Offensive Line for Smith, who was getting punished in the 2006 season.

In 2007 Smith had to learn his THIRD offense in his first three years. Not to mention the lack of an Offensive Line, and no play making Wide Receivers were added. From the start Smith was in trouble, Hostler had lost this team quickly, and teammates were secretly admitting that they had lost faith in Hostler.

Smith's first game in 2007 was a comeback victory over Arizona on Monday Night Football. But in week four, Smith had injured his throwing shoulder after Defensive Tackle Rocky Bernard of the Seattle Seahawks landed on him. Smith didn't need immediate surgery and was told to play it through.

However, he would miss the next three games. When he came back in week nine, he had a poor performance. He completed 17 of 38 passes, accumulated 149 yards, for no touchdowns and three interceptions. Smith had told the media that he believed he wasn't ready to be back yet with the added pressure on Mike Nolan's job security. Nolan quickly rushed him back to start, thinking Smith was healthy enough to play out the remaining 2007 season.

Smith went for a second opinion, turning Dr. James Andrews, a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon. Andrews informed Smith and Nolan that the shoulder didn't heal in time as hoped for. Therefore, Smith had to get season ending surgery on his shoulder in December.

To make matters worse, the team fired the offensive coordinator Jim Hostler and replaced him with offensive guru extraordinaire Mike Martz. Smith was excited to play in a Mike Martz system. However, Martz admitted to the media that Smith wasn't quickly learning the complicated offensive scheme and he was placed as a backup in a preseason game.

Martz brought his own Quarterback in from his days in Detroit, J.T. O'Sullivan. Smith entered Training Camp competing for the starting quarterback job with Shaun Hill and O'Sullivan. J.T. won the starting job hands down while Smith was struggling to learn the difficult offensive packages. This led to Smith being dubbed the backup Quarterback, for the first time in his NFL career.

Smith was labeled as a 'bust' by former NFL head coach Jim Mora. Smith made another step back in his career with a broken bone in the same shoulder previously injured. Neither the 49ers or Smith remember how this injury took place and as a result Smith had another season ending surgery in 2008.

General Manager Scott McCloughan said that the 49ers were willing to cut Smith before the 2009 season so they can escape paying him $9.6 MM. This changed with the firing of Mike Nolan in middle of the 2008 season. Smith will most likely be back in 2009 by taking a very hefty pay cut alikely have to earn the job from Shaun Hill. Hill played terrific in his audition, and likely will be the front runner in the 2009 job.

Here's my take. Yes, I have been hard as anyone on Alex Smith. Yes, I realize that he should belong with previous busts: Ryan Leaf, Joey Harrington, Akali Smith, and Todd Marinovich.

But, I have realized something. Instead of being the next Ryan Leaf, why can't he be the next Jim Plunkett? Plunkett was a former starting Quarterback with the Patriots; and then was cut by the 49ers; only to lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl 15 victory over Philadelphia, an MVP, and a Super Bowl 18 victory over the defending champions Washington Redskins.

This got me thinking, as great as the 49ers Quarterbacks whom played from 1979-2004, we as fans are spoiled. We think, just because those 25 years were the best in the history of this league, we should expect that Alex Smith will be the same as Montana, Young, and Garcia.

The truth is: had Montana, Garcia, or Young been given the same scenario: four new offenses in their first four seasons, no Offensive Line, and no big play making Wide Receivers, they would also suffer the same fate as Smith. It's very easy to criticize and say "Smith does suck" or "Smith's a bust."

But, I refuse to believe that, I think the 49ers honestly should bring him back for the following reasons: Warner or McNabb will not be testing Free Agency, Shaun Hill is a career backup, and finally, Smith will be motivated and focused more than ever in his football playing career starting from HS to Pro.

Players like Smith realize that everything is given to them, and you don't have to earn it. I think they should resign him for one year, paying him two million dollars, and tell him straight up: "Smith you will be a backup unless Hill falters, or if you win the job hands down in preseason." If Hill and Smith both perform below expectations you can cut them both and then go after the big prize in the 2010 Free Agency: Quarterback Carson Palmer, who wants to come back to California.

With Oakland and San Diego having franchise quarterbacks already there, Palmer will love to come and play for Singletary, Running Back Frank Gore, Tight End Davis, as well Joe Staley, a solid young Left Tackle, and Right Guard Chilo Rachal. No one would get hurt here.

There are not going to be any long term contracts to Hill or Smith if Palmer is going to test free agency in 2010. And why wouldn't he? Houshmanzadeh is about to leave, and Chad Johnson will most likely end up traded. Would he want to remain a Bengal with CEDRIC BENSON? I dont think so!

Smith, who did not have Wide Receiver Issac Bruce, or Joe Staley, or Rachal, certainly did not have the trust of Mike Nolan. If Smith does come back next season and plays well, plays at a level where he won't be dubbed as a bust but more as a franchise Quarterback, then we as 49er fans should rejoice in that. Mike Nolan is now the Defensive Coordinator at Denver with new coach Josh McDaniels.

Think about it, Smith will WANT to shed off his label, he will want to prove Nolan and all the haters all wrong. There's a reason why this guy went from one touchdown and 11 picks to 16-16. It's not because of luck, or the scheme. It's because he has TALENT, and since 2006 he has not had the opportunity to meet that talent.

The only way that happens is if he can save his career and save his name and perform like a franchise Quarterback should.

Here's to you, Alex Smith! For your sake, and the organization's sake, I hope you get your career back on track.

2009 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Additions and Order Update

Razi Syed — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:19:52 -0500

All the deadlines have passed. All the speculation is done. Now here where the real fun begins. This is the first round mock draft right after the NCAA football season is done.

Let's get it started!

1) Andre Smith, OT from Alabama. Detroit Lions

Analysis: Smith's last couple weeks with the Crimson Tide werent' his best. He has weight issues but he is the most decorated OL in this year's draft. He is strong, physical, and nasty.

With Smith at the LT, Detroit will have a solid young tackle core with Gosder Cherilus the first-round pick from last year. Who do the Lions select with the 21st pick later in this round? Stay tuned!

2) Michael Oher, OT from Arkansas. St Louis Rams

Analysis: I have heard from any people on this site that they past two seasons in St Louis because of a lack of a true OT protecting Bulger and helping RB Steven Jackson. Rams management cannot put another season on the health of Orlando Pace.

Oher will give Bulger another shot at redemption. Also, Bulger signed a six-year extension before 2007 (stupid move). So I don't have Stafford being selected here.

3) Matt Stafford, QB from Georgia. KC Chiefs

Analysis: New GM Scott Pioli will almost want to draft a QB of HIS choice and I believe that he will either hire Rex Ryan or Clancy Pendergast. If KC selects Rex Ryan as their coach, he has first hand knowledge on how to build up a rookie quarterback a la Joe Flacco.

4) Michael Crabtree, WR from Texas Tech. Seattle Seahawks

Analysis: I can't believe the garbage at the WR corps Seattle had this year. Engram is 36 and done, Burelson is coming off a torn ACL, and they lost D.J. Hackett last season to Tampa. Crabtree has the best hands, body control, and quickness for this year's WR's. A slam dunk here at No. 4.

5) Chris Wells, RB from Ohio State. Cleveland Browns

Analysis: New coach Eric Mangini is going to select a franchise back with this pick. Wells is injury prone yes but when he's healthy he can be a load. In the 2009 Fiesta Bowl he had close to 100 yards rushing vs a speed defense like the Longhorns.

Wells, is a hometown hero and will help Quinn develop in 2009 and help TE Winslow and WR Edwards get more one-on-one matchups.

6) Jason Smith, OT from Baylor. Cincinatti Bengals

Analysis: Smith has the best feet in this draft, Palmer who is coming off an injured 2008 season needs to be protected much as possible. When LG Eric Steinbach left for Cleveland the Bengals couldn't run or pass the ball effectively, this should change with Smith.

7) Eugene Monroe, OT from Virginia. Oakland Raiders

Analysis: Oakland has the QB, the RB and they should now get the OT. If they ever want Russell to lead them back to the promise land, draft Monroe who is an All-American second teamer and should start from day one.

8) Malcolm Jenkins, CB from Ohio State. Jacksonville Jaguars

Analysis: Jags need OL help, but with the top four OL already selected, they will address another big issue at CB. Drayton Florence last year's free agent signing is a bust and they need a true No. 2 CB with Indy and Houston in the same division. Jenkins isn't fast but he is physical and a smart player, the kind which coach Jack Del Rio loves.

9) Everette Brown OLB/DE from Florida State. Green Bay Packers

Analysis: 3-4, or 4-3...either way, the Pack need to update their pass rush. With Brown, they get a hybrid LB/DE. Brown had an amazing 2008 season at FSU and should be a no brainer here for GM Ted Thompson.

10) Vontae Davis, CB from Illinois. San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: 49ers hoped FS Taylor Mays was at this position, but they will still draft a DB. With Davis who has the best hips and speed his position, he will upgrade the mediocre secondary for the 9ers.

11) Brian Orakpo, DE from Texas. Buffalo Bills.

Analysis: Bills were a great story starting out 4-0 and then finishing 7-9. Somehow Dick Jauron is back for the 2009 season. They need to upgrade their pass rush and with Orakpo and Schobel next year that will be two pass rushers that will make it a hard time for Tom Brady or Brett Favre be comfortable next year.

12) Rey Maualuga, ILB from USC. Denver Broncos.

Analysis: New coach Josh McDaniels will go 3-4 and with Maualuga that will be a great value pick here. Maualuga will make D.J. Williams much better and the rushing defense much more respectable.

13) Aaron Curry, OLB from Wake Forest. Washington Redskins.

Analysis: Sources say that 'Skins will release OLB Marcus Washington and save $4 Million. Curry will immediately start at Washington's position and upgrade their defense which stumbled in the 2nd half of the season.

14) James Laurinaitis, ILB from Ohio State. New Orleans Saints.

Analysis: Saints need lots of help on defense and Laurinaitis will give them the prototypical 4-3 MLB. He is smart, fast and will bring an attitude on defense.

15) William Moore, FS from Missouri. Houston Texans

Analysis: Moore had a terrible 2008 season but he is still projected first-round pick. Houston needs a play maker in the secondary. Moore would be great value and need here.

16) Jeremy Maclin, WR from Missouri. New York Jets

Analysis: Coles is out on his way in NY, and Favre will be back I believe. They need a threat on the offense. Someone who is a home run hitter, and has to be accounted for opposing defenses.

17) Michael Johnson, DE from Georgia Tech. Chicago Bears

Analysis: Bears need to upgrade their pass rush. Alex Brown is a motor guy, and Oguneyle is a FA after 2009. Johnson will help their pass rush and with Tillman and Vasher 100 percent next year it'll make a world of difference.

18) Knowshon Moreno, RB from Georgia. San Diego Chargers

Analysis: LT is 30, Sproles will be gone to another FA so the Bolts need a true RB for Rivers and Gates. Moreno is the most complete back at his position. No worries San Diego fans the heir to LT is Moreno.

19) LeSean McCoy, RB from Pittsburgh. Tampa Bay Bucs

Analysis: RB's are disappearing in Tampa the past couple years. Graham, Cadillac, and others. McCoy will be a great feature back for Tampa for years to come.

20) Mark Sanchez, QB from USC. Detroit Lions

Analysis: Lions get Smith and now the signal caller. Sanchez is unproven but had a great game vs Penn State. Giving the QB situation in Mo' Town, chances are this is the QB from the next 10 years in Detroit. Still feeling like your ready for the show Mark?

21) Eben Britton, OT from Arizona. Minnesota Vikings

Analysis: The left side of the Vikes OL is set but the right side needs help. Ryan Cook is garbage and Britton is athletic enough to play RT.

22) D.J. Moore, CB from Vanderbilt. New England Patriots

Analysis: Are there corners in New England or was it a 11-9 season in 2008? Moore would instantly help their secondary situation. Along with the defensive player of the year in Jarod Mayo this year, Moore will give the Pats a little youth movement on the defense.

23) Duke Robinson, G from Oklahoma. Atlanta Falcons

Analysis: Story of Matt Ryan was incredible, but he needs help on the OL. With Robinson at RG it would protect Ryan for 10-15 years and helps RB Michael Turner get more holes to run through.

24) Clint Sintim, OLB from Virginia. Miami Dolphins

Analysis: Wow talk about pure luck! Imagine defenses having to account for Porter and Sintim. This would help their secondary issues immensely.

25) Alex Mack, C from Cal. Indy Colts

Analysis: Jeff Saturday is done, Peyton needs a new C, and with Mack the best C available for quite some time, it's very easy. Mack is athletic and huge at 6'5" 316lbs. An easy slam dunk for the new coach Jim Caldwell.

26) Donald Brown , RB from UConn. Philly (from Carolina)

Analysis: Westbrook is 30 and getting slower and injury prone. Phily needs a home-run threat and Brown had a sick 2008 season in the Big East. Imagine having to defend Westbrook and Brown. Good Luck NFC East Defenses.

27) Percy Harvin, WR from Florida. New York Giants

Analysis: Burress will be gone from NY this offseason. Eli needs a real WR and a threat for six every time he touches the ball. Harvin is a hybrid RB/WR, and you can tell Eli's confidence in having a true No. 1 WR.

28) B.J. Raji, DT from Boston College. Tennessee Titans

Analysis: Haynesworth will be gone, Jeff Fisher needs a mammoth DT in the middle and Raji is the best DT available.

29) Phil Loadholt, OT from Oklahoma. Philly Eagles.

Analysis: McNabb will be back and so will Reid. Eagles need a OT after letting go either William Thomas or Jon Runyan.

30) Brian Cushing, OLB from USC. Baltimore Ravens.

Analysis: Baltimore might lose Bart Scott or Terrell Suggs maybe both. Cushing would fill either hole and will make sure the LB tradition in Baltimore continues.

31) Chase Coffman, TE from Missouri. Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: All the premier RB's will be gone by then and Leonard Pope isn't a difference maker, so the Cards need a threat from the TE spot. Coffman is the best TE this year, with Pettigrew and Grehsam both staying in school.

32) Alex Boone, OT from Ohio State. Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: Pitt's line is horrendous this year, and they need to address this in a hurry. Boone's stock has risen since dominating DE Brian Orakpo in the Fiesta Bowl.

Top 10 Fantasy Wrestling Matches of All Time

Razi Syed — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:47:30 -0500

We often wonder what would it like to have an all time great competing vs another all time great dont we? For example, Ruth vs Bonds, Ali vs Tyson, Jordan vs Kobe, and now in WWE the Hogans vs the Cenas. These are my top 10 matches I want to see happening if WWE ever wants to gain creditability back.

10) John Cena vs Hulk Hogan Last Man Standing Match. Neither of these superstars can perform a real technical move in the wrestling ring. Both are controversial yet both generate ratings big time. Cena is the new Hogan, with no moves and a mediocre finisher just like his idol.

9) HBK vs Macho Man Ladder Match. Two of the greatest high flyers in the history of this business. HBK became HBK after Macho Man left the WWF in 1994. This would be truly a match for the ages considering both men were great on the mic and in the ring.

8) Austin vs Cena Street Fight. Cena vs Austin, this would be an all out brutal match. Austin was never himself deemed as a pure wrestler and Cena is just well Cena. This would be great for the old school guys who don't give a damn about authority vs the new look guys who never back down from a fight.

7) Undertaker vs HBK Steel Cage match. Undertaker vs HBK, two of the industry's long time tenured wrestlers engage in the most memorable fight since Andre and Hulk in 1987.

6) Bret Hart vs Kurt Angle in an I QUIT match. Hart vs Angle, the best two technical wrestlers in history. The sharpshooter vs the ankle lock. This match gives me shivers down my spine.

5) Ric Flair (prime) vs HHH (present) steel cage match. The man vs the man to be in about five to 10 years. 16 titles vs 12 titles. Best friends and mentor vs student in this match. Flair always said if he was in his prime he would love to wrestle Trips. Trips is the closest thing to Flair that we will ever see in terms of wrestling ability and mic skills.

4) Austin vs Orton in a first blood match. Orton is a legend killer, Austin is one of the all time legends in this business. Orton's ability to hit the RKO vs Austin's stunner. Simply a pure hellacious match.

3) Triple H vs Bret Hart in a last man standing match. Hart vs HHH. Best example of pure wrestling ability facing each other at its finest.

2) Andre the Giant vs Undertaker Punjabi Prison Match. Two of the biggest phenoms in WWE history. Current vs former. It would take a freight train to stop these wrestlers.

1) The Rock vs HBK iron man match. The people's champion vs the showstopper. Rock bottom vs sweet chin music. Rock vs HBK would be the most impressive match in WWE history. Rock cannot stand HBK and vice versa. This would surpass Hogan vs Rock at WM 17.

My Top Five WWE Wrestlers from 1990-Present

Razi Syed — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:18:46 -0500

I am a WWE fan since 1994 at the age of nine. I have witness the great legends like Triple H, Rock, Undertaker, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle, John Cena, Austin, Foley, and HBK. So for my top five list there really isn't much think about.

This list composes the following: Number of World Titles won, impact matches, pure wrestling ability, charisma, pure dominance.

5) Shawn Michaels. Four Time Heavyweight Champion, Original Triple Crown Winner, The legendary match with "The Hitman" and many more. No wrestler has been able to do more with given less. Michaels, has the ability to make it an aerial high paced match or grind it out and wrestle on the mat floor. His biggest strength is to adapt to his opponent.

Match of his career: Wrestlemania 10 vs Razor Ramon. The first ever ladder match for the IC title. Often imitated but never duplicated this match is the standard of all ladder matches to ever come across the industry.

4) Kurt Angle. Angle is the only Olympic gold medal winner in wrestling history. He has two world titles to his resume. Angle, was a classic to watch in the ring. His mic skills were never that great but when you stepped into the ring with him you knew you he was going to bring 100% pure intensity.

Match of his career: Wrestlemania XIX against Brock Lesnar in which he defeated Brock in a highly tested match. Angle left the WWE way too early and on a sour note. I only hope that Vince realizes that he must induct him into the HOF once his TNA career is over.

3) Bret Hart. The " Excellence of Execution" as he was so often labeled. Hart a seven time world champion, and arguably the greatest technical wrestler that has ever lived. Hart's WWE career also was cut way too short with the infamous "Montreal Screwjob."

Match of his career: Montreal Screwjob 1997 Survivor Series. If you want to learn why Hart had the respect of the fans and his peers look no further in then when he won his first WWF Title vs Ric Flair. Although the match was not televised on tv, it showed Hart's dedication and passion to become a champion.

2) Undertaker. 16-0 at Wrestlemania, six time world champion, and the best ring entrance in the history of sports entertainment. He has beaten EVERYONE that there is to beat. From Hogan all the way to Batista. He has methodically and sadistically out wrestled, outclassed and outsmarted his way to becoming an all time legend. It's no wonder why Vince thinks of Taker as the gatekeeper to the WWE.

Match of his career: Wrestlemania XIII vs Sycho Sid for his second world title and first in almost seven years.

1) Triple H. Yes, he has slept his way to the top of the industry. Yes he lost to Taker at Wrestlemania 17. But with the pressure of being Vince's son in law and Shane's brother in law, doesn't he have to be in top matches year in and year out or otherwise people will question his ethic, ability and desire to be the greatest of all time.

He has won the world title 12 times. He is tied with Hulk Hogan for second all time in wrestling history. He has the two best stables since the Hart Foundation and the Four Horseman. Triple H is the most cold blooded the most diabolical and the most intelligent wrestler since Ric Flair in his prime. He has beaten everyone except the guy at No. 2. Some people argue that he lost to Undertaker so he shouldn't be No. 1.

I disagre. The guy has been out for almost one year total with his two quad injuries. He is obessed with beating Flair's 16 time world title record. He is only 39 and if he stays healthy he can surpass that within the next five or six years. Triple H is the most dominant wrestler since Hulk Hogan or Bruno Sammartino. He has seven WWE titles and six world heavyweight titles. He has conquered both smackdown and raw.

To make this understandable he has won the the title twelve times in almost ten years. And almost three of four of his reigns are before he married Stephanie McMahon. He has put stars such as Cena, Orton, Batista, and Jeff Hardy to win the titles. The only thing missing from this resume...

...A win against Taker in Houston at Wrestlemania 25. If that happens then Triple H is not only the greatest wrestler in the past 20 years, he is the best wrestler in the history of this industry. Taking out the "Joe DiMaggio" record of pro wrestling. Here is to "The Game", Woooooooo!

Time for 49ers to Implement Plan B for 2009 First Round Pick

Razi Syed — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:28:50 -0500

OK, so my hopes of Taylor Mays staying in California and being a 49er have been dashed. Mays, the All-American Safety from Southern Cal, announced he will come back for his senior season. It is a win for the Trojans considering the talent that will be jumping to the NFL in about three months on defense. But now that Mays is staying in school for another year, the 49ers need a "Plan B."

The biggest need this offseason was a playmaking safety from either free agency or the draft. The 49ers went 7-9 this season and wound up with the 10th draft pick. With the needs of other teams this draft season, Mays would almost have surely wound up in the 49ers' lap. But now that he won't be there, who will we choose?

Here are the following possibilities.

1) Everette Brown—OLB/DE from Florida State

He has a motor that won't stop and has a projected 4.60 40 time. He had an amazing 2008 season with 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. I'm not sure if I want Brown considering that OLB Manny Lawson was "supposed" to be that Shawne Merriman-type pass rusher coming off the edge. I want Lawson to fulfill his potential at LOLB and still be a 49er, and if that means we don't select Brown, then so be it.

2) Vontae Davis—CB from Illinois

Yes, we know there is already ONE Davis on this team. But we would select another Davis with raw athletic ability; he is 6'0", 200 pounds, and his projected 40 time is 4.39. He would make Reggie Smith, the team's third round pick last season switch to free safety, and with Davis and Clements, this potentially would be a great duo to stop the young, talented, and very amazing Cardinal duo of WRs with Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.

3) Jason Smith—OT from Baylor

Smith has the best athletic ability here at this position. He has the best feet and is a great run blocker. Also, Singletary wants to have a more physical run-oriented attack now, and what better way to start than drafting an OT?

With selecting Smith they can now have this OL in 2009: LT Staley, LG Baas, C Heitman, RG Rachal, RT Smith. Also, I have a feeling that RT Jonas Jennings will be a salary cap casualty, and Smith would replace Jennings immediately. The Giants and Titans showed us how it's done; with a great RB and OL, teams do get far in the playoffs (somewhat). I don't have us selecting two OL in three years though.

4) Matt Stafford—QB from Georgia

SAY WHAT?! Stafford has the POSSIBILITY of falling to the 10th spot. Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow all are staying next season for their senior seasons. I think Stafford's stock has just risen dramatically.

If the 49ers do have a chance to select Stafford, I think they should snatch him immediately because he has the arm, the accuracy, and has played with the best speed defenses in the SEC and had impressive numbers. Also, he would upgrade a position that has been like musical chairs since Jeff Garcia was foolishly let go after the 2004 season.

Other players that I could see 49ers drafting here are CB Malcolm Jenkins, LB Rey Maualuga, LB Aaron Maybin, and C Alex Mack.

There are my possibilities. Hopefully Singletary realizes that if we cannot get Mays, the best thing for him to do is select Davis. Make Reggie Smith a safety, and then go after a pass rusher in the offseason. My pick now is hopefully Vontae Davis.

Takeo Spikes, San Francisco 49ers: Match Made in Heaven?

Razi Syed — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:00:55 -0500

Takeo Spikes has been everything and more since then-GM Scot McCoughlin signed him in early August 2008. He has brought the swagger, leadership, enthusiasm, experience, and playmaking ability to the weak LB spot, a weak position since the Yorks foolishly let ROLB Julian Peterson go to division rival Seattle in 2006.

Like Peterson, Spikes was also a playmaker on the defense this season. Spikes' 2008 total for a 32 year old LB is pretty amazing considering the past two seasons in Buffalo and Phily he had to deal with injuries. He had 96 total tackles, one sack, three interceptions', two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections.

Spikes is a free agent this season, and McCoughlin and Jed York (Denise and John's eldest son) want him to be back next season. To make things even more pleasant for negotiations, Spikes himself says that he wants to be play here next to star MLB Patrick Willis.

Spikes, who said in his previous stays in Cincy, Buffalo, and Phily, he did not regret leaving those teams. If he were let go after his only season as a 'Niner, then he would be bitterly disappointed that he can't be part of something "great" happening in San Fran.

Spikes has made Willis better and, of course, any 49er fan would know that Willis has made Spikes better. But these two have mutual respect for each other. They want to play next season together in hopes of ending a soon to be seven-year playoff drought in the Bay Area.

With Spikes patrolling the weak side on the defense, and Willis patrolling sideline to sideline, you have a formidable duo in the second level. Add the addition of star 2008 free agent right end Justin Smith from Cincy (whom Spikes played with in his first two seasons) and it's no wonder why the players would love to have him back in the locker room.

If Spikes signs for the 2009 season, he will have more experience in the Coach's defensive scheme as well as strengths that Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky will exploit in 2009.

If they do not sign Spikes for next season, they have a few options. Put ROLB Parys Haralson in the weak spot that would neutralize his pass rushing ability which allowed him to led the team in sacks with eight. Also resign Roderick Green and let him fill in Spikes position.

Ultimately, those guys are good because of Spikes and Willis. Their coverage is excellent as well as their range and anticipation in each play. Remember how the 49er defense sunk in 2006 without Peterson? Those who fail history are only doomed to repeat it.

Let's hope that it doesnt' come to that.

Detroit Lions: Decision 2009

Razi Syed — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:26:05 -0500

Well back to square one again for the Lions. After a "promising" 6-2 start in 2007, the team went on to lose its final seven of eight games to finish 7-9. They select a RT from Boston College in Gosder Cherilus.

Cherlius has performed like a solid rookie. But they were other glaring weaknesses on the team that prompted the Lions to finish 0-16. Yes, that's right, the Lions did not win a single game. Even DUKE's football program won a game (four, to be exact) and all the Lions can muster is "good effort"?

They have the first overall pick in the 2009 Draft. A lot of mock drafts have them selecting one of the following: QB Sam Bradford from OU, QB Matt Stafford from Georgia, OT Andre Smith from Alabama, and finally OT Michael Oher from Arkansas.

The popular pick is either Bradford or Smith, since they won the nation's top awards at their respective positions. Bradford won the Heisman, while Smith won the nation's best OL award. I believe BOTH will be busts in three to five years.

When's the last time you heard a BIG 12 QB perform at an all-pro level? Bradford is being made to look something that's molded from gold with the season he has been having.

In reality, the Big 12 isn't as fundamentally sound as the SEC or even the Big 10 in terms of defense. SEC teams really try to pressure the QB and try to harass them instead of getting comfortable. Big 10 teams rely on good tackling and playing man to man.

If you are going by history, then it's simple: You take QB Matt Stafford. He is from SEC and runs a similar pro-style offense at Georgia. The most famous QB's from SEC colleges : Peyton Manning, Fran Tarkenton, Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, Joe Namath, and plenty more.

The names of famous QB's from Big 12? Uhhhh....does Troy Aikman count? I mean he DID play their for a brief part of his collegiate career before transferring to UCLA where he finished third in the 1988 Heisman Race. Now, I'm not a rocket scientist here, but it is pretty logical on who you should take if your selecting QB.

The Lions went 0-16 not because of their inability at the Quarterback position (although that is a MAJOR part of it also). No, it's because their lack of success in the ground game. Kevin Smith, a second round pick in 2008 played 16 games and had 976 yards and eight touchdowns and an above average 4.1 Yards Per Carry.

I can count at least five games in where the Lions were ahead and lost because they couldn't run the ball to milk the clock. The simplest of solutions here : You take the best OL available (Michael Oher) and you plug him in the LT spot for the next 10-15 years and switch the current LT Jeff Backus to LG.

Backus is a good run blocker and would be ok with changing positions. He has the prototypical guard frame at 6'5", 305lbs, and is only 31 years old. If you select Oher, you solidify not one but two spots on the OL.

I believe since the Lions finally got something right (besides selecting Calvin Johnson of course) when they traded disgruntled WR Roy Williams to Dallas for a great haul of picks 2009 first, third, and seventh-round picks.

Now, if you select Oher (which I am projecting them to do), you need to focus on getting a REAL defense. DT Cory Redding is vastly overpaid and they still do not have a solid pass rusher since Robert Porsche retired earlier this decade. I have the Lions taking DE George Selvie here from South Florida.

With Selvie here they will have a good speed edge rusher to help out the poor secondary throughout the 2009 season.

Now here comes the tricky part. OT, and DL were selected in the first round but the Lions will not sniff .500 for another decade if they do not upgrade what they have in the secondary and quarterback. Leigh Bodden was a major disappointment after trading star DT Shaun Rogers for him.

The Lions need a ball hawk Cornerback to help out ROLB Ernie Sims and the DL. They should get CB Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest. He is very raw and athletic and he led the NCAA Division 1-A Schools in INT's with 6 this year. With Bodden and Smith on the outside, opponents will have to respect their pass defense.

Listed below are my 2009 Detroit Lions Draft Projections.

1) Michael Oher OT from Arkansas

1) George Selvie DE from South Florida

2) Alphonso Smith CB from Wake Forest

3) Kam Chancellor S from Va Tech

3) Curtis Painter QB from Purdue

4) Ray Feigina OG from BYU

5) George Hypolite DT from Colorado

6) Eric Wood C from Louisville

7) Derek Nicholson ILB from Florida State

7) Jason Williams OLB from Western Illinois

I have no major free agents signing in Mo' Town because 0-16 is incredibly hard to sell.

Here are your 2009 Detroit Lions

QB Drew Stanton

RB Kevin Smith

FB Jerome Felton

WR Calvin Johnson

WR Mike Furrey

TE Michael Gaines

LT Michael Oher

LG Jeff Backus

C Dominic Roiola

RG Ray Feigini

RT Gosder Cherilus

LE George Selvie

DT Cory Redding

DT George Hypolite

LOLB Jason Williams

MLB Paris Lenon

ROLB Ernie Sims

CB Leigh Bodden

CB Alphonso Smith

FS Daniel Bullocks

SS Kam Chancellor

PK Jason Hanson

P Nick Harris

Now, when you have seven rookie's on your team, you will have a lot of growing pains, but with the right coach and scheme, I believe Lions won't be as bad as this year. If Stanton doesn't pan out in '09, then you have Curtis Painter for 2010.

A city such as Detroit with a rich sports history and diehard fans don't deserve a 0-16 team. Let's hope for the NFL and Lions sake that Bill Ford starts getting the belt moving again in Mo' Town.

2008 49ers Season Recap, 2009 Draft Needs, and Free Agent Moves

Razi Syed — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:24:20 -0500

Well, it's officially the offseason for about 24 teams in the National Football League. More specifically, it's the most important offseason for the 49ers since 1993. If you are a die-hard 49er fan, you know what happened in 1993—the second consecutive defeat at the hands of those hated Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Title Game.

In that offseason, the 49ers picked up possibly the biggest FA during the offseason when they signed prototypical cornerback and star Deion "Prime Time/Neon" Sanders. With Sanders in the secondary, the 49ers were able to contain WR Michael Irwin and went on to win Super Bowl 29 vs. the San Diego Chargers, 49-26.

Why am I bringing up something that happened 15 years ago? No, I am not a Yankee fan or Celtic fan by saying "five for five." I am stating this because since that offseason, the 49ers haven't had this much pressure in the front office, coaching, and players to deal with.

Let me give you a synopsis on the 2008 49ers season.

They started out of the gate 2-1 after beating the Lions, which was a very, and I mean very, poorly contested game. The SAME Detroit Lions who went 0-16 this past season. They followed that hot start with four straight losses in which they either had the lead in the fourth quarter or had a chance to tie it.

First, at New Orleans, the outcome was 31-17, but more importantly, it was the first real game that QB J.T. O'Sullivan showed that he is no more but than a career backup. He threw TWO red zone picks in the game, and that was the difference.

Next up was a home game vs. New England, and they were up 14-7 after the first quarter only to lose 30-21.

Then came the biggest and possibly most disappointing loss in the Mike Nolan Era—a heartbreaking 40-26 loss that showed the ineptness and stubbornness of offensive "guru" Mike Martz, in which simply he did not run the ball enough in the fourth quarter to milk the clock.

49ers were AHEAD 26-17 at the start of the fourth quarter. Boom, two touchdowns and three field goals later by the Eagles, and you had a 40-26 loss. Finally (and mercifully), the 49ers fired their head coach of almost three-and-a-half years in Mike Nolan, if you can even call him a coach.

Who replaced him? None other than Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, who was the assistant head coach for Nolan. In his first game the 49ers were the team like the one that was playing under Nolan for three-and-a-half years and were blown out by Seattle (YES, SEATTLE!).

What followed was one of the most confusing and anguished moments of the season—a botched fourth and goal attempt on Monday Night Football versus the Arizona Cardinals in which Mike Martz DID NOT use Frank Gore in the backfield at the two-yard line. Instead he put him at wideout trying to "create a diversion."

After that the 49ers split their next two games against the Rams and Cowboys. Then, you could start to see the change in the team with an impressive 10-3 win at Buffalo in the cold weather, followed by a dominating victory against the then AFC East leading New York Jets and future Hall of Famer (possibly when he turns 50) Brett Favre.

The next week saw another narrow defeat to an upstart and amazing Miami Dolphins team who were 1-15 the year before and suddenly became America's Sweethearts.

A fourth quarter comeback victory against the Rams in which they trailed 16-3 with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter was another bright spot on the season. QB Shaun Hill (who was nearly benched for J.T. O'Sullivan at halftime) won the game with a TD pass to WR Josh Morgan.

The season finale was at home against the Washington Redskins. Many believed that if the 49ers beat the Redskins, Singletary would get the permanent head coaching job for 2009. In an emotional and gutty effort the 49ers won 27-24 on a last second game-winning field goal by PK Joe Nedney. Moments after the game, Singletary agreed to a four-year deal worth $10 million dollars.

Now here's my real reason I wrote this article. The 49ers have a no nonsense type of coach who will NOT tolerate losing, no intensity, and no effort. Singletary fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz (and rightfully so) and is now in the process of looking for the team's seventh offensive coordinator in the past seven seasons. This HAS to change if the 49ers are looking to be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

I recommend that Singletary look real hard at the QB coach for the Atlanta Falcons (another America's Sweetheart), Bill Musgrave. Musgrave brings an impressive résumé. He coached the offensive rookie of the year in the NFL, QB Matt Ryan. Many believe that Ryan is the best QB to come out as a rookie since Peyton Manning or Dan Marino.

Another reason to make him the O.C. is he was a FORMER 49ers backup quarterback to the most heralded QB combination in NFL history, Joe Montana and Steve Young. He has worked with Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren and the great Bill Walsh. He knows what the West Coast offense is about and what being a 49er is about.

Now moving on to the 2009 NFL Draft. There are glaring weaknesses at free safety, defensive end, offensive tackle, quarterback, and WR. Here are my proposed draft selections for next April.

1) Taylor Mays, free safety from USC

6'3", 235 who runs a 4.29. Hits like Polamalu and runs like a deer. With him playing center field, it allows Singletary to use more blitzes and pressure and let CB Nate Clements play man to man, which he is excellent at.

2) Alex Boone, OT from OSU

He has first round talent, but in a draft full of defensive needs for other teams, he's almost sure to drop to the second round. Boone would give the 49ers a real good-looking young offensive line with LT Joe Staley, LG David Baas, C Eric Heitmann, and RG Jonas Jennings. Everyone except Jennings is under 30 and is locked up for at least 3-4 years. A strong OL is a must for the franchise player, RB Frank Gore.

3) WR Brian Robiskie from OSU

He is a great route runner, has excellent hands, and is very quick. He would be the ideal possession WR for Singletary and Musgrave.

4) QB Cullen Harper from Clemson

49ers need an upgrade at QB with an all-time bust in Alex Smith going to be cut and journeyman O'Sullivan not coming back. Harper has first round talent and had a real bad senior season mainly due to his coaches' mistakes and not using Harper effectively. Hill can be the starter for 2009 and let Harper figure out what it takes to be in the NFL and then let him have the keys to the engine so to speak in 2010.

5) RB Devin Moore from Wyoming

He runs a 4.32 but is only 5'9" and 192 pounds. He is perfect as a complimentary back to the power running style of Frank Gore. This would be the new Thunder and Lightning in the NFC.

6) CB Wopamo Osaisai, Stanford

Like Moore, Osaisai runs a 4.39 and could be a great nickel corner. With Clements, CB Reggie Smith, and an upcoming Tarrell Brown locking down the first three cornerback spots, Osaisai would be a great fourth cornerback and depth at a position that is almost necessary due to teams using more passing attacks in the NFL.

7) Eric Kettani, Navy

The 49ers haven't had a real short yardage fullback since they let go of Fred Beasley after the 2004 season. With Kettani they get a reliable blocker who has 4.56 speed to get out in the open field and make some tacklers miss.

Now for the free agents that they need to sign.

DE Julius Peppers

A pass rusher at his caliber, and he wants an enormous contract. The 49ers have the cap due to letting go of Smith and a couple others. With him harassing QBs, it allows MLB Patrick Willis to be more range free.

CB Dunta Robinson

Teaming him up with Clements would be ideal for this defense.

WR Bobby Engram

Familiar with the NFC West and would ideally be a mentor to WRs Hill, Morgan, and Robiskie.

Here are your 2009 starters.

QB Shaun Hill

RB Frank Gore

FB Eric Kettani

WR Jason Hill

WR Bobby Engram

TE Vernon Davis

LT Joe Staley

LG David Baas

C Eric Heitmann

RG Chilo Rachal

RT Alex Boone

LE Julius Peppers

NT Kentwan Balmer

RE Justin Smith

LOLB Manny Lawson

ILB Takeo Spikes

ILB Patrick Willis

ROLB Parys Haralson

CB Nate Clements

CB Dunta Robinson

FS Taylor Mays

SS Michael Lewis

PK Joe Nedney

P Andy Lee

With that team in 2009, I have no DOUBT that they would go 10-6 (tough road schedule) and be an upcoming team with Singletary. Remember, it's the GREAT coaches who make their adjustments between Year One and Year Two. Let's hope that Singletary rediscovers the magic in the Bay Area.

Los Angeles Dodgers 2009 Team Preview

Razi Syed — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:42:12 -0500

I am so sick and tired of hearing the words "CC Sabathia and LA Dodgers" in the same sentence. This team does NOT need MORE pitching. If anything, they need a capable hitter who can get the RISP in successfully. The 2008 Dodgers ranked second in NL in overall team ERA, and second in team ERA for NL bullpens. They need to shorten up the holes on the offensive side. Here is what I think the LA Dodgers should do in the offseason.

Trades

1) Juan Pierre and Ethan Martin (great power fastball and pinpoint location) for Justin Duscherer.

2) Andruw Jones for Austin Kearns (neither player is flashy, but this would be a bad contract swap for a bad contract swap, plus AJ wants to play back in the NL East.)

3) Brian Roberts for Blake DeWitt, Scott Elbert, and Tony Abreu.

Free Agent Signings

1) LF Emil Brown, who gives them a power lefty off the bench; two years for six million.

2) First baseman Richie Sexson, which is nothing flashy here, but they need a right handed 1B for Loney's days off; one year for five million.

3) Chad Cordero, who is coming off injury, is only 26 years old but LA needs a backup in case Saito doesn't do well; give him a one year deal with four million and a club option for 2010 for six million.

4) Joe Crede; two years for 20 million (2009: one year for eight million, club option in 2010, and a $3 million buyout.)

5) Cintron; one year for 800,000. He is simply for INF backup/depth.

2009 LA Dodgers Starting Lineup

2B Roberts
C Russ
1B Loney
CF Kemp
LF Ethier
3B Crede
RF Kearns
SS Hu

Bench: 1B Sexson, LF Brown, C Ardoin, RF Young, and INF Cintron

Pitching

SP Bills
SP Ck
SP Kuroda
SP Duscher
SP McDonald/Schmidt (if he is healthy)

Relief

LHP Kuo
LHP Tronsco
MHP Proctor
MHP Brazoban
SU Broxton
SU Saito
CP Cordero

You cannot rely on Saito being healthy and ready for the start of the 2009 season at age 39. Cordero is a cheap and effective closer, while I believe Broxton doesn't have the mental strength for being a closer just yet.

Offensively, you see a very deep and powerful bench from both sides of the plate. Also, you see a capable lead off hitter who can get on and cause havoc for the opposing team's infield and catcher. You trust that your young "Boys in Blue" can handle the spotlight after reaching the 2008 NLCS, and put Ethier for 600 at bats per season. Let him and Kemp start in CF and LF.

Overall, this is a deeper Dodgers ball club than previous years, where if someone went down for a good two to three months, no one would be ready to fill in. If they ALL stay healthy and raise their game up for the following season, I see them winning at least 105 games. 21 years and counting is too long for a franchise that was seemingly in almost every World Series from 1977-1988.