Bleacher Report - Articles by Gabe Havalack

2009 Buffalo Bills Predicted Starting Lineup

Gabe Havalack — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:55:57 -0400

Offense

QB- Trent Edwards

RB- Fred Jackson (at the start of the season until Marshawn comes off of his suspension)

FB- Corey McIntyre

WR1- Lee Evans

WR2- Terrell Owens

TE- Shawn Nelson

LT- Langston Walker

LG-Andy Levitre

C- Geoff Hangartner

RG- Eric Wood

RT- Brad Butler

Defense

LDE- Aaron Maybin

LDT- Marcus Stroud

RDT- Kyle Williams

RDE- Aaron Schobel

OLB1- Nic Harris

MLB- Paul Posluszny

OLB2- Kawika Mitchell

LCB- Terrence McGee

RCB- Leodis McKelvin

FS- Donte Whitner

SS- Bryan Scott

Special Teams

KR- Leodis McKelvin

PR- Roscoe Parrish

LS- Ryan Neil

P- Brian Moorman

H- Brian Moorman

K- Rian Lindell

The Buffalo Bills' Current State

Gabe Havalack — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:43:36 -0400

The Buffalo Bills have made a lot of noise throughout the NFL and the sports world recently with their addition of high profile wide receiver Terrell Owens.

But there are other areas that need to be focused on as well. Something that I really want to focus on throughout this article is that the Bills need to fill the void at left guard, defensive end, linebacker, and tight end. Those are the top four areas where the Bills need to either sign or draft someone at each of those positions.

The Bills so far have signed five free agents, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, C Geoff Hangartner, CB Drayton Florence, WR Terrell Owens, and LB Pat Thomas. Fitzpatrick was a good signing because we did need a quarterback to back up Edwards after the departure of JP Losman.

I hope that Hangartner will be able to give us a huge boost over Duke Preston and Melvin Fowler, because center last year was a huge issue for the Bills.

I really liked the Bills picking up Drayton Florence; he will be a solid nickel back for us and he could start if either McGee or McKelvin were to go down. Knock on wood that it doesn't happen.

T.O. was a huge addition for us; I was shocked and surprised that the Bills went out and signed him. I just hope that he isn't going to be a distraction for us like he has been with every other team. The Bills are a very young team and they don't need any distractions.

I know that T.O. will perform on the field; I just hope that he also performs in a good way off the field as well.

The signing of Pat Thomas was very mediocre. Thomas is not starting material; at best, he's just here for depth at linebacker and special teams.

I don't think the Bills are done in free agency yet, because they still need to address four very important positions. For the Bills to even be considered a potential playoff team, they have to find the guys to fill those four vacant positions.

I was really hoping the Bills would acquire left guard Brian Waters from the Kansas City Chiefs. Waters would be a great fit for the Bills at right guard; the guy is experienced and has been to many Pro Bowls.

The Bills would still have to draft some offensive linemen in the draft for depth. Who knows what's going to happen with Peters and if Hangartner can really be the number one guy at center? The Bills right side of the line is set, with Walker at right tackle and Butler at right guard.

The Bills most likely will address the tight end and defensive end positions in the upcoming NFL draft. At linebacker, I was also really hoping the Bills would sign free agent LB Cato June.

June has already won a Super Bowl with the Colts. He's an experienced linebacker who would definitely start with the recent departure of Angelo Crowell, who is a Buccaneer now.

I think the Bills' first round draft pick will be a defensive end and that they will draft either Brian Orakpo from Texas or Aaron Maybin from Penn State. In the second round, I think the Bills will try to go after tight end Shawn Nelson from Southern Miss.

Hopefully the Buffalo Bills will be able to fill the voids that need to be filled. I truly think they are capable of doing this; they might have to trade some players or draft picks to get what they need, but as long as they are determined to find the right people then they should hopefully have a successful season.

This is the Bills' time to get back to the playoffs. It has been way too long since the Bills were in a playoff game. Fans are getting sick of the Bills missing the playoffs, so now is the time to put together a playoff winning team that can take us back.

The Bills are a team on the rise. Look for them to be a successful team going into the 2009 season, determined to get back to the playoffs and maybe the Super Bowl.

I will be writing more articles about the Bills following up to the NFL Draft and so on. Any feedback is greatly appreciated on my article, thanks.

Buffalo Bills Must Follow Path of Ravens, Titans, and Steelers

Gabe Havalack — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:48:39 -0500

I think that in order for the Buffalo Bills to be successful in 2009, they need to bolster up their defense even more.

The franchise needs another big defensive tackle opposite Marcus Stroud. They could possibly address this in the draft or free agency. I have nothing against Kyle Williams—I think that he is a great defensive tackle. The problem is, I just think they need a bigger guy up there. Williams could still be in a rotation.

A defensive end opposite Aaron Schobel would be nice as well. I know that the Bills have a slim chance of adding Julius Peppers to the roster because he wants to play in a 3-4 scheme and he will cost way too much. Chris Ellis—Buffalo's third round pick last year—should get a shot at starting opposite Schobel.

The linebackers are all set in place as long as they re-sign Angelo Crowell, which is questionable at this point. I think that they should re-sign him. If he comes back at full health, he should be a presence in Buffalo's defense. He is a great young linebacker and the Bills shouldn’t let him go.

The main problem this year for the Bills defense was that they couldn’t get a pass rush. If they get a quality defensive end and another big defensive tackle, they should improve their pass defense a great deal.

I understand that Buffalo’s offense had its troubles and that it was awful this year.

In reality, the defense wasn’t bad at all. I thought that it improved by a lot and that it was a very successful group. Their defense will be dangerous next year.

Going back to the offense, I think they need a new center and maybe another offensive lineman. Buffalo’s offense just needs to manage the game. If the defense can get takeaways and hold their opponents to a few points, then I think they are going to be a threat to any team and could potentially be a playoff team.

I will write another article about the Bills offensive needs when I get a chance. Stay tuned.

Buffalo Bills' 2008 Record Predicted

Gabe Havalack — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:51:44 -0400

Week Opponent Result

1 Seahawks W

2 @Jaguars L

3 Raiders W

4 @Rams L

5 @Cardinals W

6 Bye

7 Chargers L

8 @Dolphins W

9 Jets W

10 @ Patriots L

11 Browns (MNF) W

12 @Chiefs W

13 49ers W

14 Dolphins (in Toronto) W

15 @Jets W

16 @Broncos L

17 Patriots L

Predicted overall regular 2008 season record 10-6, and the Bills will make the postseason

Ken Griffey, Jr., Welcome to the 600 Club!

Gabe Havalack — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:31:05 -0400

Last night, Ken Griffey Jr. made history by being only the sixth player in the 600 home-run club. Along side names as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds. Griffey is sixth on the all-time home run list, and at some point this season, he will surpass 609, which is currently held by Sosa.

It is quite an impressive milestone for Griffey Jr., who has had an incredible baseball career.

Coming into last night's game, Griffey's career numbers were 2,615 hits, 486 doubles, 1,730 RBI, and a .289 batting average. Now that is an impressive resume right there.

He is an obvious first-ballot Hall of Famer when he does decide to retire.

The man has had a ton of awards, a few to mention that are important are his MVP award back in 1997, seven-time Silver Slugger (1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999), 10-time Gold-Glove winner (1990 through 1999), 13-time All-Star selection (1990 through 2000, 2004, 2007).

He is arguably one of the best players to play the game.

The man is not only marvelous on the field, but off the field as well. He has his own charity called the "Ken Griffey Jr. Family Foundation", which supports a variety of causes like the Boys and Girls Club of America and several children's hospitals around the U.S.

He also is a father of three.

Once again, I congratulate Ken Griffey Jr. on his marvelous journey to home run number 600. It was well deserved. Hopefully Griffey Jr. can keep on hitting more home runs to move up on the charts, because he does deserve to be where he is now. To me, he was the best hitter of the '90s and he still is doing what he did when he was younger.

Dontrelle Willis Stumbles in Detroit—Will He Recover for Tigers?

Gabe Havalack — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:35:01 -0400

During the offseason, ex-Marlins Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera were traded to the Detroit Tigers, and Willis has really been struggling ever since. His stats and numbers are way down—they are just not Willis type numbers. It's hard to watch and believe this, but he is really struggling alot.

This season, Willis has started in four games and has appeared in five total. He is posting an 0-1 record currently. And his ERA is way up, its an 10.32.

He has given up 13 runs in just 11.3 innings this season. He has walked 21 batters and has only struck out five. This is just really hard to believe, but unfortunately it is all true.

Career-wise his numbers aren't as ugly as this seaons' are. He is 68-55 lifetime posting an 3.86 ERA with 762 strikeouts.

The Oakland native pitched in seven games in the 2003 postseason and started two of them for his former team, the Marlins.

No one really knows why he has been pitching so poorly this season. I mean the guy is an outstanding pitcher overall.

He won Rookie of the Year back in 2003, was a National League All-Star in both 2003 and 2005, and also led the NL with 22 wins in 2005.

Back in April, Willis suffered an hyperextended right knee, possibly adding to his pitching problems. His command this season has been really off compared to that of previous seasons.

Maybe he is shaken by his rough start this season and cannot get that out of his head. If he has to be sent down to the minors to get his confidence and pitching mechanics back, then that's what they will have to do. Whatever it takes to get the old "D-train" back will be worth every cent of his paycheck.

Do I see Dontrelle bouncing back from his poor start in '08? Yes I do—I don't know when though, it could take weeks, or even months, to get back to his proper form.

This guy is a very good pitcher, and he is one of the best around, so yes I do see him getting back on track sometime soon—this guy has the stuff to do it.

Yankees Interested in Brian Fuentes?

Gabe Havalack — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:39:20 -0400

The Denver Post has reported that the Yankees are interested in Colorado Rockies' pitcher Brian Fuentes.

The pitcher would be a great addition to a Yankees' bullpen that is currently lacking left handed options following the demotion of Billy Traber to AAA earlier this year.

Fuentes has been hard on left handed batters this season, limiting them to just a .118 batting average.

It's unclear what the Yankees would have to give up, but he would be a worthwhile addition to the New York bullpen if the deal is right.

In 25 games this season Fuentes has posted a 2.78 ERA, with six saves and 21 strikeouts..

In his career, he has appeard in 396 games with a 3.49 ERA and 419 strikeouts. He is 16-24 lifetime. Fuentes started his career in 2001 with the Seattle Marineers before moving to Colorado in 2002. He is a three-time All-Star and he played in the World Baseball Classic in 2006 for the U.S.

New York Yankees: Case of the Missing Bats

Gabe Havalack — Sat, 17 May 2008 03:31:47 -0400

The Yankees recent trip to Tampa was a disaster. The Yanks only won one game and lost three against the red-hot Rays. The Yankees were outscored 15 runs to 6 runs.

The only game that the Yanks won was a 2-1 victory. In all, it was just an ugly series for the Yanks.

The Yanks look forward going back home to the Bronx, Hopefully, they will be able to win the first subway series against the also-struggling Mets.

Both New York teams have had their struggles this season, and both are evenly matched.

The Yankees have struggled because some their hitters haven't been hitting well. These hitters include Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, Jose Molina, Morgan Ensberg, and Shelley Duncan.

With the absence of A-Rod and Posada, the Yankees have struggled at the bat.

With A-Rod's absence, Morgan Ensberg playing third is only hitting .217.

Here's a rundown of the Yankees who are hitting poorly:

Jose Molina .203
Jason Giambi .181
Robinson Cano .207
Johnny Damon .255
Shelley Duncan .200

Out all the players on this list, the one who is improving is Cano.

But I don't see these Yankees players hitting in a slump for much longer. Their averages will hopefully go up.

When A-Rod and Posada come back, the Yankees offense should be much improved over the tandem of Morgan Ensberg and Jose Molina.

I look forward for the Yankees' improvement. I really don't see them struggling too much longer at the bat.

Around the trade deadline, as usual, the Yankees will trade for someone. I predict that it will be someone big who can contribute to this club at the bat.

This team, like last season, will start to get hot once summer starts, and I believe they will be the wild card team in the American League.

Either way, they will get into the postseason. It's not like the Yankees to miss a postseason. As long as the bats start to get hot and the pitching and the bullpen continue to improve, then this team will be a threat in the remainder of this season.

As a Yankees fan and as a sports fan, I want the Yankees to improve and make a push at the postseason.

Top Moments From Bills 2007 Season

Gabe Havalack — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:54:58 -0400

The Buffalo Bills had alot of ups and downs throughout the 2007 season. It was a rollercoaster year for the team. From losing close games and to losing 17 guys to the injuried reserved list, & almost losing Kevin Everett to a spinal cord injury. Some moments that made Bills fans feel proud and joyful about their team are...

Moment number five- Trent Edwards gets his first win in his young career in the NFL. The rookie out of Stanford picked up his first win when he and the Bills defeated the NY Jets in Orchard Park, NY on September 30th. A sellout home crowd watched as the Edwards and the Bills picked up their first win of the year. Edwards threw his first career touchdown pass to ex-Bills tight end Micheal Gaines. Edwards passed for 234 yards and went 22 for 28 on the day. Not a bad way to win your first game.

Moment number four- The Bills defense/special teams owning the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. It was the first Monday Night home game for the Bills in over 12 years. Even though the Bills lost on the last play of the game, they still played their hearts out until the end. It was an electricfying game. With Chris Kelsey intercepting a Tono Romo pass and returning it for a touchdown, along with George Wilson's interception for a touchdown, and Terrence McGee's kick return for a touchdown.

Moment number three- Marshawn Lynch's first one hundred yard rushing game, came against the Cincinati Bengals. In week 9 the rookie out of Cal rushed for 153 yards on 29 attemps along with two touchdowns. Lynch had a 56 yard rushing touchdown along with an passing touchdown to Bills tight end Robert Royal. This is not the last time Lynch will be having 100 yard plus games and 50 plus yard runs.

Moment number two- Bills defeat the Washington Redskins on the last play of the game. Bills kicker Rian Lindell booted a 36 yard field goal to defeat the Redskins 17-16. Lindell went five for five on the day, basically he was the Bills offense in this game.

Moment number one- Knowing that Bills tight end Kevin Everett was going to be ok from recovering from his spinal cord injury. That was a major relief knowing that he was going to be ok and live. It was a scary moment when he went down on opening day. But it was a sign of relief later knowing that he was going to be fine, that was the highlight of the year. I would rather have him live and be ok than to win a Super Bowl any day. The man is doing good, keep up the good work Kevin.

Podlesh gearing up for year two

Gabe Havalack — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:54:50 -0400

Adam Podlesh is punter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he is entering his second season. Podlesh was born and he grew up in Pittsford, NY and he attened Pittsford Sutherland High School. He played his college ball for the Maryland Terrapins.

He is measured at 5'11 and weighs 202 pounds.

Podlesh was drafted in the 2007 NFL draft in the 4th round and pick 101 overall.

In high school Podlesh played for his school team the Pittsford Panthers. Podlesh was a Three year letterman in football as a punter, fullback and linebacker as well. He was named first team All State as a scholar athlete by the New York Coaches' Association and earned All-Region honors from Super Prep. Adam also Earned first team All State honors as a senior punter from the New York State Writers Association. Also competed in track, posting the fastest 200-meter (21.58) and 400-meter times (50.5) in the state as a junior, he ran the third leg of the state title-winning 4x100 relay team in 2000.

Some career highlights of Podlesh are that he is the only four-time All-ACC selection in his school's history. He is currentyl ranked fourth in school history with 216 punts for 9,314 yards with an 41.3 average which is the second-best average in school history and ninth-best in ACC history. He is also ranked second in school history for career punting yards. He also recieved the Terrapin Club Award, given to the player that gave the greatest career contribution to football.

Adam Podlesh finished last season with the Jaguars with 54 punts for 2,249 yards. He posted a 41.6 average. His longest punt of his young NFL career was 76 yards. Podlesh looks to gear up for year two, and continue to be a young successful punter in this league. Maybe he could compete with Brian Moorman this upcoming season for a bid to the Pro Bowl.

Numbers Game: What the New York Yankees and "Lost" Have in Common

Gabe Havalack — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:38:12 -0400

The connection between the New York Yankees and ABC's hit television show Lost lies within the recurring numbers that are some sort a theme within the show.

These numbers are seen as the code that needs to be entered into a computer every 108 minutes inside the Swan base on the island or else the earth is destroyed.

The numbers are 4-8-15-16-23-42.

These numbers also reflect different retired Yankee players’ jersey numbers.

The number four represents Lou Gehrig's jersey number.

The eight represents Bill Dickey's jersey number.

Fifteen represents Thurman Munsons.

Number 16 represents Whitey Ford's jersey.

The number 23 represents Don Mattingly's jersey number.

And the number 42 represents Jackie Robinson's jersey number.

As you know Gehrig, Dickey, Munson, Ford, and Mattingly were all Yankees except Robinson. Robinson's number is a retired jersey number for the Yankees and every other Major League Baseball team.

On April 15, 1997, Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was retired by the MLB. Thus, no future player on any major league team could wear it.

Players wearing No. 42 at the time of this, some of whom said they did so as a tribute to Robinson, were allowed to continue wearing it. The last player currently wearing the number is New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.

It’s a kind of weird how six of the 17 retired Yankees jerseys just happen to be 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42.

Somehow, TV and sports came together to make these unusual and strange coincidences.

Buffalo Bills Resign Safety Bryan Scott

Gabe Havalack — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:36:06 -0400

The Buffalo Bills resigned Safety Bryan Scott, today.

Scott can play both of the safety spots, free and strong.

Scott plays much better on the strong side. Scott filled in a bit for free safety Ko Simpson last season when he got injured. Donte Whitner is the definite starter at strong safety this upcoming season, but Ko Simpson might start to be a little bit cautious.

After losing Simpson last season for 15 games to a broken left ankle, Simpson might start to worry. The Bills need to depend on a guy who can stay healthy for most of the season.

Some career highlight of Scott are that he was drafted in the 2003 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round and pick number 55 overall. He played his college ball at Penn State. He played with the Falcons from 2003-2005. And he played one season with the Saints in 2006 and the Titans in 2007. Early in the 2007 season Scott was released by the Titans and the Bills picked him up last season.

Notable achievements by Scott are he was a three sport standout at Central Bucks East High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He was a consensus first team All-American and was named the Associated Press Pennsylvania Big School Player of the Year and the USA Today Pennsylvania Player of the Year his senior year. He rushed for more than 3,000 career yards and 53 tackles with three interceptions as a senior defensive back.

In basketball he averaged nearly 20 points per game in as a senior and he was a Pennsylvania state prep champion in the 100 and 200 meter dashes.

In 2003 while he was with Penn State he played in the Senior Bowl.

Scott will gives the Bills veteran leadership and depth at the Safety position. Scott is listed at 6-1 and weighs 219 pounds. Since the Bills didn't sign Marlon McCree, they needed to sign Scott to add depth to the safety position. Scott knows the system pretty well, after all he played here last season.

Overall the addition of Scott will improve the safety position for the Bills, and will be a complementary backup if either Whitner or Simpson do go down next season. The Bills really did their homework here by resigning Scott.

2008 NFL Draft: Bills To Visit with Michigan State Receiver Devin Thomas

Gabe Havalack — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:54:38 -0400

The Buffalo Bills have scheduled a meeting with Michigan State University wideout Devin Thomas, who is among the top five wideouts coming out of the upcoming NFL draft.

Thomas played high school ball at Canton High in Canton, Michigan. He is listed at 6'2" and weighs 215 pounds.

Some career highlights include his selection as the second team all KJCCC in 2005 and the second team all Big Ten in 2007. Last season his team played in the 2007 Champs Sport Bowl where they loss to Boston College.

Thomas is a junior and with impressive career numbers: 164 receptions for 2,610 yards with a 15.9 yards per catch average and 17 career touchdowns. He has good size and speed, and he can move the chains with his yards and catching ability.

Thomas' 40-time was 4.40 and for the board jump his distance was 10'6". He was a top performer in both of the events recently at the NFL combine, and would be a good fit for the Bills' offense with his height and speed.

The Bills need a guy like Thomas because he does rack up yards after the catch, and he can move the chains. Thomas would be a great addition to the Bills' offense, whether they do or do not secure Malcolm Kelly.

Thomas can really bring a lot to the struggling Bills' receiving corps.

The connection between the Buffalo Bills and LOST

Gabe Havalack — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:57:48 -0400

The connection between the Buffalo Bills and ABC's hit television show LOST is quite visible if you read between the lines.

It lies in Hurley's lottery numbers.

The numbers are also seen as the code that needs to be entered into the computer every 108 mintues inside the Swan base on the island.

The numbers are 4-8-15-16-23-42.

The number 4 represents the number of Super Bowls that the Bills have been to. The Bills went to four straight Super Bowls from 1990-1993. Unfortuantely they didnt win any of them, but some day they will, and its coming soon.

The number 8 represents the nubmer of ties in the franchises history. They have tied 2 times in the AFL and 6 times in the NFL.

The number 15 represents the last time that the Bills have gone to the Super Bowl, which was in the 1993 season and that was 15 years ago.

The number 16 represents the nubmer of years that it has been since the Bills came back to defeat the Houston Oilers in the AFC wildcard game. The game was in 1993 but during the 1992 season, which makes it 16 years. The Bills were down at halftime 35-3 to came back to win the game in overtime 41-38.

The number 23 represents the numbers of years since the Bills have had the No. 1 overall pick. The pick was spent on the legendary Bruce Smith in the 1985 draft.

And the number 42 represents the number of years since the Bills have last won a championship game which was in 1965. The Bills have never won a Super Bowl, but before they were in the NFL they were in the AFL and in 1965 they defeated the San Diego Chargers to become the AFL champions.

The numbers from LOST do represent different events in Buffalo Bills history.

As we see here tv series's and sport teams can come together and have connections.

Billy Crystal Strikes Out with the New York Yankees

Gabe Havalack — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:33:37 -0400

Actor and comedian Billy Crystal made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees on Thursday.

The Yankees took on the Pittsburgh Pirates in a spring training game. Crystal was wearing uniform number 60, as the day marked his 60th birthday.

Crystal led off the game as the designated hitter. In his at-bat, he fouled off a 1-0 fastball, and then worked to a full count against Pittsburgh's left-hander Paul Maholm before striking out on an 88 mph cutter.

Crystal took six pitches. After his one and only at-bat, he was replaced by Johnny Damon.

Crystal was released Friday, on his 60th birthday.

The is an avid Yankee fan and a New York City native. "It was unbelievable and the greatest moment of my life," Crystal said. "I don't really know how to describe it. It was intensely good."

What a way to celebrate your birthday! Your dream comes true: you're a Yankee for a day.

Josh Stamer: Good Fit for the Tennessee Titans?

Gabe Havalack — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:27:29 -0400

Former Buffalo Bills special teamer and backup linebacker Josh Stamer visited with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday. Stamer was orginally signed by the NY Giants in 2001 as an undrafted free agent, he spent the two season on their practice squad, from 2001-2002.

After his short stint with the Giants he went to the Seattle Seahawks and spent his time their on the pracitce squad in 2002. After that he went to the Buffalo Bills and made it onto their 53 man roster, and played their from 2003 until last season.

Stamer is an undrafted free agent, and played his college ball at South Dakota. His highlights over his career are that he was selected as an Academic All-NCC in 2000, Second-team All-Midwest Region in 2000, and the Cactus Bowl West All-Star team in 2000. During his days at high school he was an All-State honoree in football and track.

Stamer would bring great special teams ability to the Titans. He has played on a great Bills speical teams sqaud from 2003 until last season. The Bills since 2003 have always been at the top of the list, in the special teams category. Stamer also played some goal line defense when he was with the Bills.

Stamer is listed at 6-2 and is 236 pounds. He was really never given a chance to play linebacker for the Bills, which is his position. Maybe if he went to the Titans he would get a better to chance to play more often.

Stamer is a very athletic player, and shows great special teams play. He would be a great addition to any team looking for speical teams help, and a above average backup linebacker.

Buffalo Bills Entertaining Free Agents

Gabe Havalack — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:55:52 -0400

Former Eagles cornerback Will James visited with the Bills on Wednesday.

Last season, James lost his nickelback role in Philadelphia, but he could compete for playing time in the Bills secondary. The Bills secondary last season ranked 29th overall. So the addition of James could boost the Bills poor secondary.

James was drafted in 2001 in the third Round and was the 16th pick in that round. He played his college ball at Western Illinois. James played with Giants from 2001 to 2005, and played with the Eagles from 2006 until last season.

Another free agent the Bills are going to meet with is Titans outstanding special teamer and backup strong safety Donnie Nickey. Nickey was drafted in 2003 by the Titans in the fifth round and he was the 154th pick overall. Nickey played his college ball at Ohio State.

During Nickey's days at high school he was selected as an All-Ohio running back and safety. He also was selected as an co-captain with Mike Doss on the 2002 NCAA National Championship team. Nickey is known as an outstanding special teamer for the Titans, and as mentioned he can play the safety position as well.

Another player that the Bills have drawn interest in is wide receiver Rashied Davis. Davis formerly played for the AFL San Jose Sabercats from 2002-2005 and the Chicago Bears from 2005 until last season. Davis is an undrafted wide receiver out of San Jose State.

Any of these players would bring some sort of an improvement to their positions for the Bills. James could fill the void at nickelback that was formerly held by recently released Kiwaki Thomas. Nickey would bring experience to the safety position for the Bills, and can excell on an already great special teams.

And last but not least, Davis could help improve the wide reciever positon for the Bills, with the Bills looking for an experienced player at the wide reciever spot.

Look for the Bills to continue to be active in the free agent market, and to help improve and team that looks to do good things in the upcoming season.

What Can the Yankees Expect from Phil Hughes?

Gabe Havalack — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:12:02 -0400

Can the young Yankee pitcher Phil Hughes rebound from the injury he suffered last season?

Hughes pulled his left hamstring last season on May 1st against the Texas Rangers, and he did not return until August 4th against the Kansas City Royals.

The Yankees are counting on Hughes to have a great season, now that he is recovered from his injury. They are hoping he can deliver the success and skill they expect from him.

Hughes shows great ability on the mound, and he is a proven starter in the majors. He’s one of the best young pitchers in baseball right now.

Hughes will be a major part of the Yankees winning their 27th World Series. He needs to stay healthy if the Yankees want a chance at postseason success.

Last season Hughes' debut season record was 5-3 with an ERA of 4.46 and 58 strikeouts. He’ll be a great pitcher for the Yankees for years to come. With the starting rotation looking good for the Yankees, they can really make a run at number 27.

Buffalo Bills Sign TE Courtney Anderson

Gabe Havalack — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:42:29 -0400

The Buffalo Bills today signed free agent tight end Courtney Anderson.

Anderson had only visited with the Bills over the free agent period and promptly signed a contract for an undisclosed amount of time. He visited with the Bills last Wednesday and within less than a week he signed with them.

It was obvious that Anderson wanted to sign with the team, because he had several positive things to say about the Bills and the Buffalo community.

I see this signing as a good one. Anderson adds depth to the tight end position for the Bills, and he could even possibly compete with starter Robert Royal, and backups Derek Schouman, Teyo Johnson, and Tim Massaquoi.

I see the starting tight end coming down to whoever performs well in training camp and in the preseason. Most likely it will come down to either Anderson or Royal.

The Bills could also draft a tight end to add to the competition for the starting job.

I would prefer Anderson as the starter over Royal and all the other tight ends. Royal hasn't been consistent throughout his career and hasn't proven that he can be a starter in this league.

This is why the Bills are bringing in tight ends to compete with Royal for the starting job. It's time for a change.

Anderson is listed at 6’6” tall and 270 pounds. The 27-year-old, five-year veteran played his college ball at San Jose State. Overall this was a great signing by the Bills, to improve a weak tight end position.

Don't ask too much of Anderson if he is the starter. He's a good player though, and good enough to get another chance to start in the NFL for the Bills.

New York Yankees: Who's On First?

Gabe Havalack — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:00:11 -0500

The Yankees have many options at first base.

Some of the top contenders for the first base job are Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit, Morgan Ensberg, and Jason Giambi.

Duncan would be a great fit at first base.

Duncan, in his young MLB career, has proven to be a great hitter since being brought up by the Yankees last season. If the first base job goes to him, he clearly has shown why he would get it. He is a dependable hitter that the Yankees need. Duncan has also shown his athletic ability on the playing field as well.

Ex-Dodger Wilson Betemit, who was brought in last season through a trade that sent Scott Proctor to the Dodgers, has proven to be a good backup infielder.

You can rely on Betemit when A-Rod or whoever was playing first would rest. Betemit can play first, second, and third. He is a very good option as a bench player, his hitting abilities at the plate aren't that bad either. I don't see Betemit starting at first, but I do see him making the team as a bench player.

Another player who has played first base in his day is ex-Astro Morgan Ensberg.

Ensberg, over his career, has shown that he can start at first base and prove to be a good player. He has the abilities to start at first, but just lacks something. Ensberg is reliable at the plate and on the field.

The only place that you could put Giambi at, besides DH, is at first. Giambi has had some struggles at first in the recent past, and has had some success as well. Giambi probably is the best option at first base for the Yankees—not for his athletic ability, but as a hitter in the everyday starting lineup.

Giambi will be the starting first basemen on Opening Day. Overall, he is the better hitter, and he can play first, as he has shown that throughout his career.

I see the starting first base job coming down to Giambi and Duncan. I wouldn't be surprised if either of them got the nod to start. And if one starts over the other, I can see them rotating every now and then.

Whoever the Yankees select as their starting first basemen, they should be successful.

Buffalo Bills: Cornerback is a Draft Priority

Gabe Havalack — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:14:29 -0500

The Buffalo Bills were limited on cornerbacks last season.

First of all, the Bills lost Nate Clements when he signed a monster deal with the 49ers during last offseason.

Second, the Bills lost starting cornerback Jason Webster for the season during the team's opener against the Broncos. The Bills were then forced to put undrafted Jabari Greer into the starting corner spot opposite Terrence McGee.

McGee is the only proven starting cornerback on the Bills roster as of now. The only cornerbacks the Bills have under contract for this season are starter Terrence McGee, Jabari Greer, Ashton Youboty, and Dustin Fox.

Greer played well enough to be an emergency replacement corner last season, but shouldn't start again this season. He just got burned most of the time during the season by the NFL's top playmaking wide receiver. As an undrafted player, he is a great story, but just isn't starting material. But, he is a great player to have at depth for the team. Greer can contribute in a variety of ways on the field, but just dosen't fit the job of a starter.

Ashton Youboty hasn't really gotten a chance to prove himself just yet due to his injuries. The Bills were really high on Youboty coming out of the draft, and he might turn out to be an excellent corner.

The last cornerback the Bills have is Dustin Fox, who they signed toward the end of the year due to their lack of corners. And, face it, Fox isn't qualified to be a starting cornerback at all. He's just a guy to have at depth for the Bills—an emergency player.

One corner who would fit the Bills' system is Mike Jenkins from South Florida. If he is available for the Bills to get in the first round, they should draft him.

A lot of people are leaning toward the Bills drafting wide receiver Malcolm Kelly out of Oklahoma. If the Bills get a deal done with ex-Cardinal receiver Bryant Johnson, then there should be no need to draft Kelly.

Jenkins would be a great fit to start opposite Terrence McGee this upcoming season. The Bills defense is in great hands with all of the offseason moves they have made. By drafting Jenkins, well, it would make it even more impressive.

Jenkins is 5-foot-10, weighs 197 pounds, and runs a 4.40. He has very good size and long arms, good speed for a corner, and great cover skills. He also has experience at both corner and safety, and is just a great natural athlete.

Jenkins would be an great player to add on to this very impressive Bills defense.

Bills News: Who Will Start at Fullback in 2008?

Gabe Havalack — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:17:27 -0500

The fullback position for the Buffalo Bills hasn't been stable since the departure of Sam Gash after the 2003 season.

The Bills have had Damion Shelton and Ryan Neufeuld at the fullback position since the Gash's deperature .

Right now the Bills have two fullbacks under contract: journery man Darian Barners and youngster Jonathan Evans.

But the two have failed to be productive on a consistent level.

And this upcoming season the Bills are going to have to get the fullbacks involved in the game to support running back, Marshawn Lynch, and open up the offense.

Barnes is the more solid option between him and Evans. Barnes outplayed Neufield last season but I still see the need for the Bills to get a proven starting fullback this offseason.

The Bills were entertaining ex-Falcon fullback, Corey McIntyre, this week.

The other option I see the Bills bringing in at fullback is in the upcoming draft—West Virginia fullback, Owen Schmitt. He would be a great upgrade at the fullback position for the Bills.

Schmitt and Gash have similar styles of play. Both backs are energetic players to watch, and they are fun to watch. Schmitt shows great power at his position. He can block and he's a very powerful runner when he breaks loose.

If the Bills sign McIntyre or draft Schmitt, it would be a huge upgrade for them at the fullback position.

Buffalo Bills: Better since Offseason Releases and Additions?

Gabe Havalack — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:25:21 -0500

The Bills can make a run at the playoffs this year. They have really upgraded their team this offseason, especially where defense is concerned.

With the additions of Kawika Mitchell, Marcus Stroud, and Spencer Johnson, their defense should be a lot better than it was in 2007. Mitchell is a significant upgrade over former starter Keith Ellison.

With the recent release of Larry Tripplett, Stroud will have a huge impact on the Bills defensive line this season. Stroud is known to be a huge run stopper, and is a three-time Pro Bowler.

Spencer Johnson might be a no-name player, but he has some experience playing behind the Williams's in Minnesota.

Johnson is also a big upgrade over Tripplett. And the Bills don’t appear to be done yet as they still have more free agents coming in, and of course they’ll have the draft in April.

Look for the Bills to draft a cornerback in the first round, if they do sign Bryant Johnson in free agency.

This team is destined to do good things in the upcoming season.