Bleacher Report - Articles by Zeke Fuhrman

Vikings' Wide Out Rice Earns NFC Offensive Player Of The Week Honors

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:58:04 -0500

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice was awarded the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Detroit Lions.

Rice caught seven passes for 201 yards, including a 56-yard reception that helped the Vikings pull away early in the fourth quarter.

Rice leads the NFC in receiving yards with 786, although he has caught only two touchdown passes. Tight end Visanthe Shancoe leads the Vikings by catching six of Brett Favre's 17 touchdown passes.

In his first two NFL seasons, Rice had a total of 537 receiving yards. He has topped that in just his last four games with a combined 553 yards.

Rice's 201 yards were fourth most in Vikings history. He also becomes the first Vikings WR to win Player of the Week honors since Randy Moss in 2001.

Rice becomes the Vikings fifth Player of the Week, joining linebacker Chad Greenway (week one vs Detroit), kick returner Percy Harvin (week three vs San Francisco), and QB Brett Favre (week four vs Green Bay and week eight vs Green Bay).

Denard Span in Centerfield: The Way It Was Meant To Be for Twins

Zeke Fuhrman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:49:46 -0500

When the Minnesota Twins drafted Torii Hunter in the 1993 MLB Draft, there was no question that he would become Kirby Puckett's replacement in center field for the Twins.

Hunter was selected with the 20th overall pick out of Pine Bluff (AR) High School.

When Puckett retired in 1995, the Twins filled center field with Rich Becker and Otis Nixon until Hunter played his first full year in 1999.

Hunter was a staple for the Twins during the 2000s, winning seven of his nine Gold Gloves, making two of his three All-Star appearances, and leading the Twins to four of their five division titles.

When the Minnesota Twins drafted Denard Span in the 2002 MLB Draft, there was no question that he would become Hunter's replacement in center field for the Twins.

Span was selected with the 20th overall pick out of Tampa Catholic High School.

When Hunter departed the Twins via free agency after 2007, the Twins took a hard look at Span to be the starting center fielder, who had been waiting for Hunter to depart to take his spot.

But then the unexpected happened: Carlos Gomez.

Gomez was acquired in the Johan Santana trade from the Mets and competed with Span for the starting job.

And won.

Gomez started the season in center field against Hunter's Los Angeles Angels, and Span began the season at AAA-Rochester.

Too bad that Span became everything that Twins management hoped Gomez would become.

During their two seasons with the Twins, Span had a better batting average (.305 vs. .246), more hits (282 vs. 221), more runs scored (167 vs. 130), and finished better in every other major offensive statistic than Gomez.

Gomez began the year at the leadoff spot but finished at the bottom of the order. Span took over the leadoff spot.

Span also finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2008 (the season he started in the minors) and led the league in triples in 2009.

But thankfully, the Carlos Gomez experiment is over. Gomez was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, leaving center field open for its rightful owner.

Just as Puckett mentored Hunter and worked out with him in the offseason, Hunter did that for Span.

Span is next in the line of proteges that will roam center field for the Twins...the way it should have been to begin with.

What's Next for Larry Johnson?

Zeke Fuhrman — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:23:17 -0500

Seventy-five yards is all that ex-Kansas City Chief Larry Johnson needed to become the franchise's all-time leading rusher.

Not that it would have mattered anyways.

Amidst the controversy of criticizing his coach’s experience and his gay slurs, the Chiefs released the one-time Fantasy Football behemoth on Monday, the day he was to return from a two-week suspension for his controversial actions.

This wouldn't be the first time Johnson has been suspended or criticized for his off-field antics.

Chiefs fans have began a petition to have all of Johnson's stats, which include a two 1700+ yard seasons and NFL record 416 carries in 2006, removed from the team's record books.

Now that he no longer plays for the Chiefs, it is time for Johnson to try to find a new team to play for.

Try.

By essentially quitting on the 1-7 Chiefs midseason, he has now officially earned the title as a "cancer."

It is too bad that the teams who usually sign cancers aren't interested in Johnson.

In fact, Johnson easily cleared waivers, making him a free agent.

The teams who would normally select a player of Johnson's stature (Dallas, Cincinnati or Oakland) don't need him. Dallas is full of talented running backs, Cincinnati already has one of the leagues best rushing attacks, and Oakland is a rebuilding team that Johnson probably wouldn't sign with anyways. (He would have to play in Kansas City again this season.)

There are a couple options for Johnson, however.

The New England Patriots have a reputation for taking cancerous players (Randy Moss or Rodney Harrison) and turning them into team players. Bill Belichick could easily turn Johnson around. New England's running game, which is currently ranked 16th in the league, could use an upgrade as well.

The 4-4 Chicago Bears are the only team listed that does not have a winning record. If Chicago wants to save their season (The NFC North is lead by the 7-1 Minnesota Vikings), they need to improve their running game, which is ranked 28th in the league. The Bears traded for Pro Bowl QB Jay Cutler in the off-season, so don't be surprised if the Bears make a run at Johnson.

I'm sure Johnson would love to return home to Pennsylvania (he played his college ball at Penn State), and would like to play for either the Eagles or the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He has a far better chance of signing with the Philadelphia Eagles , although the chances are slim. Philly took a chance signing Terrell Owens in 2004.

While TO did help lead Philly to the Super Bowl, he was let go following the 2005 after rifts with head coach Andy Reid and QB Donovan McNabb. Although it is rumored that RB Brian Westbrook is somewhat injury prone...

The Pittsburgh Steelers has reportedly been interested in Johnson, although I'm not sure why. Pittsburgh is having a breakout season from Rashard Mendenhall, and along with Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore, I'm not sure where LJ would fit in.

The Houston Texans would be a great fit for Johnson. The Texans are ranked 21st in rushing offense, and have recently benched RB Steve Slaton. The Texans are on the verge of becoming a playoff team, but are still missing a few of the pieces. Johnson could be a big piece.

Given that he has seen his carries diminish every season since 2006, and the fact that he has played for a losing team (7-33 since 2007), Johnson is not an elite back anymore. Johnson will turn 30 next week, and it has been shown that backs who have a lot of carries start to diminish at that age.

Griffey Farewell Tour Back for an Encore in Seattle

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:52:52 -0500

The Kid isn't done yet.

After signing with the Seattle Mariners, the team he spent his first 11 seasona with, during the 2008 off season, many baseball fans thought that it would be their last chance to see Ken Griffey, Jr. on the ball field.

But on November 11th, Griffey astonished fans again (as he has done his entire pro career) by signing another one-year contract with the Mariners.

Griffey, who won 10 Gold Glove awards and the 1997 AL MVP during his first stint in Seattle, hit .214 with 19 homeruns and 57 RBI last season for a Mariners club that won 24 (hmmm...odd coincidence) more games during the 2009 campaign than it did the year before.

Griffey, who played all but 26 of his 117 games at DH, returns to a promising Seattle club that could make a run for the playoffs next season.

Griffey, who is second on list of games played (2638) without a World Series game behind Rafael Palmeiro (2831), returns to Seattle in hopes a young team making a run in the 2010 season.

Junior has made the postseason with the Mariners twice times (1995 and 1997) and once as a member of the Chicago White Sox (2008). The Mariners reached the ALCS in 1995 but lost to Cleveland in six games.

Griffey is ranked fifth in career homeruns (630), and is 30 home runs behind Hall of Famer Willie Mays (660). The closest active player to Griffey is Alex Rodriguez (583).

Michael Vick Has Options After the 2009 Season

Zeke Fuhrman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:24:47 -0500

In an age where the "Wildcat" offense is emerging, the Philadelphia Eagles have the perfect wildcat player.

And they are not using him.

Eagles backup QB Michael Vick has so many weapons: break away speed, laser cannon arm, and a juke that has ripped hamstrings to shreds.

The Eagles have failed to utilize Vick's versatility, but the Philadelphia club finds themselves 5-3, good for second in the NFC East and first in the Wild Card standings.

Although Eagles head coach Andy Reid has downplayed Vick's limited playing time, it has been Eagles fans (and NFL fans, really) that have been disappointed by Vick's limited activity in the Eagles offense.

Through Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Vick is 2-6 with six passing yards, and has 27 rushing yards on 12 attempts, his longest run being 11 yards.

Although nobody thought that Michael Vick would be an NFL starter following his 18-month prison sentence, this is ridiculous.

The Eagles signed Vick to a two-year contract, with the second year being a team option worth up to $5M. Unless Reid has some specially designed plays for Vick that he is saving for the postseason (if his team can get him there), it is unlikely that the Eagles will pay Vick to back up McNabb next season.

And then the free agent saga will start all over again.

But this time, it is better news for Vick. When he was reinstated by the NFL in 2009, there were multiple NFL teams that verbally stated that they were not interested in signing the former number one draft pick.

This time, that has changed.

Former head coach Tony Dungy has been spending time with Vick and frequently visited him while he was in prison. Vick and Dungy have stayed in contact.

According to Dungy, the Buffalo Bills were interested in signing Vick before he signed with the Eagles.

And now, following abysmal 2009 campaigns from several other NFL teams, you could probably throw the St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, and Cleveland Browns into the mix as well.

The Rams (1-7) are dead last in the NFL in points scored (77 points through eight games) and are averaging only nine points per game. Their lone win has come at the hands of the 1-7 Detroit Lions. Rams quarterbacks Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller have a combined 1437 passing yards and five touchdowns.

The Washington Redskins are in a similar situation. After drafting QB Jason Campbell in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, the Redskins have put together three mediocre seasons with Campbell as the starter, including a 2-6 start in 2009. The Skins are ranked 29th in points scored (113, avg. 14 per game).

Nothing has gone right for the Cleveland Browns in 2009. After 2007 first round pick QB Brady Quinn was benched after two games, QB Derek Anderson hasn't played much better. The Browns are 1-7. The Browns are 30th in points scored (78, avg. 9 per game).

The Browns have three passing touchdowns, and their two rushing touchdowns have come from Anderson. KR Josh Cribbs has more return yards than Anderson has passing yards, and has as many return touchdowns as Anderson has passing touchdowns.

Similar situation for the Oakland Raiders. After a couple of key defensive victories (13-10 over Kansas City and 13-9 over Philadelphia), the Raiders have their own quarterback troubles. The first overall pick in 2007, QB JaMarcus Russell has been as inconsistent as they get.

Since becoming the starting quarterback in 2008, Russell has has led the Raiders to a 7-17 record. Oakland has scored only 78 points this season. Russell has thrown for two scores but has also thrown nine picks.

The Buffalo Bills would probably be the best fit for Vick if he wants have a chance to start. A roster that is full of untapped talent and seasoned veterans, the Bills were chosen by many to have a breakout season. But due to QB Trent Edwards injury and minimal production from WR Terrell Owens and Lee Evans, the Bills have slumped to 3-5, which includes a 6-3 loss to the 1-7 Cleveland Browns.

Minnesota Twins Trade OF Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee Brewers

Zeke Fuhrman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:09 -0500

The Twins wasted no time making offseason moves, dealing CF Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for SS JJ Hardy.

Gomez, who was acquired in the 2007 Johan Santana trade, had 900 AB for the Twins during his two years in Minnesota. Although he was heralded for his speed, he only hit .248 as a Twin, and .229 during the 2009 season.

Gomez started the season in center field for the Twins in '09, but was benched due to his slumping bat. He was used mainly as a pinch runner and defensive replacement for the second half of the season.

Gomez hit for the cycle in May of 2008. He led the league with 30 bunt hits, but also led all center fielders with eight errors.

The fielder was strongly criticized for being a free-swinging hitter and for his slow development.

In exchange for Gomez, the Twins get an experienced shortstop in JJ Hardy. Hardy, who was an All-Star in 2007, has a reputation as a potential power shortstop, hitting 50 home runs for the Brewers in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Hardy got off to a rough start in 2009, and was demoted to AAA-Nashville in July. He was called up the following September, and finished the season hitting .229 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI.

By trading Gomez for Hardy, the Twins have filled their shortstop void, and should not be in the running to re-sign SS Orlando Cabrera.

New York Yankees Cash In For World Series No. 27*

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:28:22 -0500

As many people at the beginning of the 2009 season predicted, the New York Yankees have returned to glory to win their 27th World Series.

But this one shouldn't count.

As with Barry Bonds, who used steroids throughout much of the 2000's, the Yankees have also used an unfair advantage that 29 other major league clubs aren't able to use.

Money. $210 billion to be exact.

In my opinion, the Yankees would not have won this title had there been a salary cap in baseball.

During their World Championship teams in the late 1990s, the core of the Yankees team were all homegrown players: Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Orlando Hernandez, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte.

Although there were some major free agent acquisitions (Tino Martinez, Roger Clemens, Scott Brosius) and trades (Paul O'Neill and Chuck Knoblauch) the team revolved around the homegrown talent.

Today is the complete opposite.

Since free agency began in 1969, the Yankees have always been in the talks for every player on the market. The first major Yankee free agent acquisition was Reggie Jackson in 1977.

Today, the Yankees team is built around their free agent signings:

3B Alex Rodriguez (the Yankees traded for A-Rod in 2003, but he opted out of his contract and became a free agent in 2007, and re-signed with the Yankees as a free agent) has won two MVP awards with the Yankees, and has hit 238 home runs with 716 RBI since 2003, second most in the majors during that span.

DH Hideko Matsui was signed in 2003 after nine years in the Nippon Professional Baseball League. Matsui, who won three MVP awards in the NPB, hit 312 homeruns and earned the nickname "Godzilla" for his power. Matsui hit 50 homeruns in 2002 before signing with the Yankees. Matsui was the MVP of the World Series.

1B Mark Teixeria was one of three highly-coveted free agents during the 2008 offseason. The Yankees signed him to an eight-year $180M contract.

SP CC Sabathia was one of three highly-coveted free agents during the 2008 offseason. The Yankees signed him to a seven-year $161M contract.

SP A.J Burnett was one of three highly-coveted free agents during the 2008 offseason. The Yankees signed him to a five-year $82.5M contract.

OF Johnny Damon, who had just led the Red Sox to a 2004 championship, signed a four-year $52M contract in 2005.

Of the Yankees starting players, only four players went through the Yankees minor league system, and only two of them are under 26 (2B Robinson Cano and OF Melky Cabrera. SS Derek Jeter and C Jorge Posada are the other two players. Jeter is 35 and Posada is 37)

60% (8/13) of the Yankees bench consists of free agent players, as does 50% (7/14) of the Yankees pitching staff.

The only reason the Yankees have succeeded at all this decade is due to all the money they have to throw around. If all 30 MLB clubs had $210M to throw around, the Yankees wouldn't be able to compete for every free agent player.

Oh, wait. Yes they would. They would just bid higher.

The Yankees payroll is $62M higher than the second place club (New York Mets). That $62M is higher than the payroll of the Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Yankees could pay for Pittsburgh's payroll for the next decade with this years paychecks alone.

The Yankees payroll is almost double that of the NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Championship seasons should not be bought. The Yankees of 2009 bought their way back to glory. Teams should built from the ground up, not be purchased.

Packer Fans: It Takes a Waffle to Know a Waffle

Zeke Fuhrman — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:16:29 -0400

For the past decade-and-a-half, Sunday afternoons in Wisconsin have sounded something like this:

"Our Favre,
Who art in Lambeau,
Hallowed be thine arm.
The bowl will come,
It will be won.
In (insert Super Bowl city here) as it is in Lambeau.
And give us this Sunday,
Our weekly win.
And give us many touchdown passes.
But do not let others pass against us.
Lead us not into frustration,
But deliver us to (insert Super Bowl city here).
For thine is the MVP, the best of the NFC,
and the glory of the Cheeseheads,
now and forever. Amen"

Well, at least 16 of the past 18 years.

This Sunday, when Favre's Vikings (oh, you haven't heard? Favre plays for the Vikings now...) goes to Green Bay to take on the Packers, there will be nothing but a hateful respect.

Meh, who am I kidding. It will be down-right, blinded by rage hate.

Green Bay mayor Jim Schmitt asked Packerland for "tasteful" ways to welcome the former Green Bay god back to Lambeau field. The itinerary for Sunday's game includes waffle fries (reflecting on the quarterback's retirement troubles) and has requested that fans wear flip-flops to the game.

Packer fan site cheeseheadtv.com wants to have a video montage of Favre's interceptions, concluding with his last pass as a Packer, which was an interception in a 23-20 loss to the New York Giants in the 2007 NFC Championship Game. The Pack was 13-3 that season, which was tied for the best record during the Favre era.

They have even temporarily renamed Minnesota Ave in Green Bay to Aaron Rodgers Place.

Never mind that Favre broke every offensive passing record while with the Packers. Never mind the three consecutive MVP awards. Never mind a Green Bay's first NFL championship in 30 years. Never mind that Green Bay had two winning seasons from 1970 to 1992. Never mind that Green Bay had one losing season from 1992-2007. Never mind that he is one of the most recognizable and respected NFL stars over the last 20 years.

Never mind that he still wanted to play for the Green Bay Packers when they traded him to the New York Jets in 2008.

If anything, Packer fans should be grilling Packers General Manager Ted Thompson for trading the legend in the first place. Favre has shown that he can still obviously play, going 15-8 since leaving the Pack.

If you think that that is interesting, read this:

On KFAN-1130 AM out of St. Louis Park, MN, radio host Dan Barreiro read an e-mail from a fan:

"Aaron is the second best quarterback ever in Green Bay after Bart Starr."

I don't know if this was a sincere e-mail from a sincere Packer fan, but it wouldn't surprise me.

After all, last year's 6-10 season is behind them. The Packers are 4-2, and one of their losses has come from Favre's Vikings.

Last Wednesday, there was a long discussion on a local Milwaukee radio station debating A-Rodg's bid for the Hall of Fame.

Are you kidding me? Obviously it is a case of withdrawal from trading one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. A-Rodg doesn't have a winning record. He hasn't won a playoff game, let alone made the playoffs.

Yes, you can argue that he has put up some lofty numbers, but how many legit teams has he beaten?

Rodgers has a career 10-12 record. In 2008 they beat the Lions twice (0-16), they beat the Seattle Seahawks (4-12). Yes he beat the Indianapolis Colts (12-4), the Chicago Bears (9-7), and the Vikings (10-6).

In 2009, off to their hot 4-2 start, they have beat the Chicago Bears (3-3), the Detroit Lions (1-5), the Cleveland Browns (1-6), and the St. Louis Rams (0-7), while they have lost to the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) and the Vikings (6-1).

We will see what stage Rodgers is at when he plays the tougher part of his schedule (at Pittsburgh, vs. Baltimore, at Arizona) later during the season.

Favre is the only quarterback to have beaten every NFL franchise.

In a August 2008 interview, Rodgers was quoted as saying, "The things I can't understand and take personally is when I'm punching in my punch code and somebody says (bleep) you to me. It kinda bothers me. Or when a little kid is yelling swear words. That kinda gets to me.

"The boos, they expect a high level of play and they miss Brett Favre. I understand that. But the (bleep) you, and the little kids saying swear words to me? I don't understand that. "

It has gone from there to Packer fans, being what they are (waffles) who used to wear at their quarterback now swear by him.

I have nothing against Aaron Rodgers. The guy is a class act and will probably have a good career.

But seriously, Packer fans. All the hype and all the pressure you are putting on this kid is way too much.

You used to have the greatest pressure-situation quarterback of all-time. And you traded him. Brett Favre only comes once in a lifetime. You could have had him for his entire non-bench-sitting career. He would have been remembered as a Packer and only a Packer.

But from now on, when you mention Brett Favre, the Vikings are going to come up.

And for Vikes fans, there is nothing sweeter than to have the best player in your franchise history extend all of his records and play for the "best team he (Favre) have ever played for", have dramatic come-from-behind wins, be all over the media in Minnesota when you could have kept him in Green Bay.

The only explanation for the sudden Rodgers swing is having Favre in purple. Before, Packer fans didn't care much. Favre was traded to New York. He was in the AFC.

But now he is back, and he is playing in the division.

The entire anti-Favre pro-Rodgers saga is a defense mechanism. Fans, in my opinion only love Rodgers to get back at Brett Favre.

It is love at second sight. And the only reason that it is love at second sight is that they are desperate.

Contrary to Published Reports, Former Viking Orlando Thomas Is Not Dead

Zeke Fuhrman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:49:51 -0400

The NFL world was shocked Wednesday evening when it was reported that former Minnesota Vikings player Orlando Thomas had passed away at the age of 37 after a four-year battle with ALS.

I'm sure the person who was most shocked was Orlando Thomas himself, as he was watching TV with his family when the report was broadcast on ESPN.

The Vikings reported Thomas' death on their website Wednesday evening after officials from Louisiana-Lafayette, Thomas' alma mater, called to inform them that he had died. The Star Tribune followed with a blog post, citing the Vikings' website as the source of the information.

According to Thomas' agent, Mark Bartelstein, the rumor started on somebody's MySpace page.

"You know how in today's world once rumors start, it spreads like wildfire," Bartelstein commented. "You know how people communicate nowadays. But it's totally false. He's sick, but he's good and and he's fighting the battle he fights every day. He's fighting like heck, and he's alive and well."

Former Vikings WR Jake Reed, who is very close to Thomas and his family, has been frantically Tweeting from his page JakeReed86 all evening, trying to spread the world that Thomas is still here.

"OT (Orlando Thomas) has not died! I just spoke to him! Please reprint!!!!" was sent to the Star Tribune's Twitter page.

"What? ESPN reporting it too??? Wow, he is not dead!" another tweet said.

The Vikings had already planned a pre-game ceremony in honor of Thomas during their November 15th game against Detroit.

Thomas has been battling with ALS, more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, since 2004 and is no longer able to speak.

Thomas had 22 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries for the Vikings from 1995-2001.

Gophers Star WR Eric Decker Done for the Year

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:09:37 -0400

Despite opening a state-of-the-art stadium this season, life hasn't been easy for Gopher fans this season.

After starting the season a promising 2-0, the Gophers have lost four of their last six games and have seen their offense sputter as of late.

The Gophers scored 20 or more points in five of their first six games but have scored only seven in their last two.

And it is only going to get worse.

The University of Minnesota announced today that Eric Decker, the two-time Biletnikoff Award nominee, will miss the rest of the season with a sprained foot. Decker suffered the injury against Ohio State on Saturday late in the first quarter.

Decker was on crutches for the rest of the game and may have to undergo surgery, according to head coach Tim Brewster. Decker says that he will play in the season finale vs. No. 7 Iowa in what will be his final college game.

It doesn't get any better for Minnesota. They play four more conference games (Michigan State, Illinois, Indiana, and No. 7 Iowa) and South Dakota State for their homecoming.

Decker's injury is one of many things to go wrong during Tim Brewster's tenure as coach. Brewster was 1-11 in 2007, his first year with the Gophers. His lone win came in triple overtime against Miami (OH) in Week Two. The Gophers lost their next 10 games but only played two ranked opponents.

The Gophers started 7-1 in 2008, with their only loss coming at the hands of No. 13 Ohio State, and Brewster won his first conference game with a win against Indiana. The Gophers would eventually be ranked No. 20 in the country before losing their next five games, including a 55-0 loss to Iowa and a 45-21 loss to Kansas in the Insight Bowl.

Now, at 4-4 and in year three of a four-year contract, fans can't help but wonder if the former Denver Broncos TE coach is the right fit for the team.

Decker is the school's all-time leader in receptions and is among the top three receivers in the NCAA along with Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant and Georgia's A.J. Green. He has been projected as a late first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Decker has also been drafted by the Minnesota Twins as an OF (Decker hit .328 with three home runs and 28 RBI in 2008), so he will have to choose between playing pro football or pro baseball.

Fun fact: Twins C Joe Mauer was offered a scholarship at Florida State to be a quarterback and probably could have gone pro but elected to play baseball in Minnesota.

Minnesota has a track record of bringing in Minnesota-grown players (Mauer, Kent Hrbek, Glen Perkins, Michael Restovich, Pat Neshek, Paul Molitor, Dave Winfield, Terry Steinbach, Jack Morris, and Tom Kelly).

Whatever Happened to: The 2002 Minnesota Twins

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:22:17 -0400

The 2002 Minnesota Twins, revamped with young players, won their first division title in over a decade. The Twins gave their fans many reasons to cheer, including an appearance in the 2002 ALCS. And although most fans know what happened to a few of these players (Torii Hunter, Johan Santana, Michael Cuddyer, Brad Radke, David Ortiz) there are the select few that seemed to have disappeared. Although once beloved icons in Minnesota, it seems that many of the core players from that team seemed to disappear completely. Here is a look back at what happened to some of Minnesota's most electrifying players earlier in the decade.

Begin Slideshow

Remember Me? Alex Smith Named 49ers' Starting QB

Zeke Fuhrman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:21:50 -0400

In the words of Texans DE Mario Williams, "Who?"

Along with most of football nation, Williams was unsure who was taking the snaps during the second half of the Texans-Niners game on Sunday.

Lo and behold, it was Alex Smith, the former first overall pick out of Utah.

To give readers some form of how far Smith has fallen, consider this: When you type "Alex Smith" into the Bleacher Report photo archive, you will get photos from Sunday's game against Houston. Then you get a slew of pictures of Eagles TE Alex Smith. (Smith has appeared in five games for Philadelphia this season with no stats. The pictures I found were from his last three years as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.)

Then come some pictures from the National Welsh PGA Tournament. Then you get some QB Alex Smith training camp pictures. Then you get pictures of MLL Star Alex Smith of the Washington Bayhawks.

Then you get some in-game photos of QB Alex Smith.

Smith, who was the first player taken in the 2005 NFL Draft, was named the starting quarterback for the Niners after Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Texans.

Sunday's loss, which dropped the Niners to 3-3, doesn't sound as devastating as it could have been.

QB Shaun Hill, who has been the starting quarterback, was 6-for-11 with 45 yards through one half in Sunday's game with the Niners down 21-0. Smith entered the game in the third quarter and finished 15-for-22 with 206 yards and three touchdowns.

Smith, who has a career record of 11-19 as a starter, hasn't started a game since November 2007, when he broke a bone in his shoulder. He was replaced by J.T. O'Sullivan.

Smith re-aggravated his shoulder injury three days before the 2008 season and missed the entire season due to the injury. He was the second stringer behind O'Sullivan when the injury happened.

The Niners, who began the season 3-1, play at 6-0 Indianapolis on Sunday, against whom Smith made his first career start. Smith was 9-for-23 with 74 yards and four interceptions in a 21-3 loss.

During his rookie season, Smith threw 11 interceptions and one touchdown, which came in Week 17 in a win against the Houston Texans.

After playing for five different offensive coordinators in five years (Mike McCarthy, Norv Turner, Jim Hostler, Mike Martz, and Jimmy Raye), Smith has completed 54 percent of his career passes for 4,885 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions in 33 games.

The Common Man: Epitome Of an On-Air Factual Error

Zeke Fuhrman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:52:20 -0400

We all make mistakes.

Bill Buckner let the ball by him in the 1986 World Series, Steve Bartman interfered during the 2003 NLCS, Scott Norwood missed the field goal to win Super Bowl XXV, Chris Webber called timeout in the 1993 NCAA Championship game, and Barry Bonds took steroids and single-handedly put a blemish on the most heralded record of all time.

But all of those are very forgivable compared to what happened this afternoon.

On his daily radioshow for 1130-KFAN in Minneapolis, Dan "Common Man" Cole and his interim producer Brandon "Tenna-B" Mileski were having a debate on whether or not Joe Montana is the greatest quarterback of all-time.

After a fan writes in to say that the 49ers didn't have Jerry Rice during the 1989 Super Bowl (he was the MVP), they wondered whether Rice was on the 1981 championship team.

"The first one they won, they didn't have Rice, correct?" asked Tenna-B. "It was the Dwight Smith Immaculate Reception. Or was it Roger Craig?"

Are you kidding me? Even though I was born five years after that historical day in January 1982 on the frozen tundra of North Dakota, my first word was "Franco."

And by Franco, I don't mean João Franco, the former prime minister of Portugal. I mean Franco Harris, Hall of Fame Steelers halfback who, in the 1972 AFC playoffs, caught a deflected ball and ran it into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, thus earning the name "Immaculate Reception" from Pittsburgh broadcasting legend Myron Cope.

In my professional, amateur journalism opinion, I believe that the play Tenna-B was referring to was called "The Catch," which by the way is much easier to say (and type) than Immaculate Reception.

If I have trouble remembering a given name of a play, I find if much simpler to say "The Catch." Like, "Did you see Brandon Stokley make that catch against the Bengals?" or "Did you see Greg Lewis make that catch against the 49ers?"

I would bet cash money that every reader would know which plays I was talking about.

Furthermore, perhaps Tenna-B remembered that it wasn't Roger Craig OR Dwight Smith who made "The Catch." Roger Craig was blocking for Joe Montana, and Dwight Smith was only four-years-old (and by Dwight Smith, I mean journeyman CB who has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions).

According to my professional, amateur journalism expertise, it was in fact Dwight Clark who caught the 20-yard Joe Montana TD pass with six seconds left in the NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys.

If you go to his Fan-on-Demand page, and listen to "10/20 Next to Nothing" at 37:35 and on, you can hear the immaculate misconception and how Common "reels in" his listeners to yank their chains.

The Common Man program airs weekdays from noon to three. For more information about the Common Man, visit his web site.

New York-Los Angeles: Yankees' Collapse Gives Angels New Life

Zeke Fuhrman — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:18:29 -0400

Since the New York Yankees' first year in 1913, they had been 30-0 when leading by three runs in the postseason.

They are now 30-1.

After leading the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 in Game Three of the ALCS, the Yankees went on to lose a nail biter in 11 innings.

SS Derek Jeter, 3B Alex Rodriguez, CF Johnny Damon, and C Jorge Posada all hit solo home runs to account for New York's four runs.

Down 3-0 in the fifth inning, second baseman Howie Kendrick hit a solo homer of his own against Yankees starter Andy Pettite. DH Vlad Guererro added a two-run shot in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 3-3. A Maicer Izturis sac fly scored Kendrick after he tripled in the bottom of the seventh to give the Angels a 4-3 lead.

Posada hit his homer in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 4-4.

The game would remain scoreless until backup catcher Jeff Mathis doubled to score (guess who?) Kendrick from first base to win the game in the bottom of the 11th inning.

The Angles' win cuts the Yankees' series lead in half at 2-1. It is their first loss in the 2009 postseason after going 5-0 after a sweep of the Minnesota Twins and winning the first two games of this series.

Kendrick was 3-for-5 with a triple, home run, and three runs scored.

Game Four will be on Tuesday and will feature Yankee C.C. Sabathia (on three days rest) against Scott Kazmir, who has a career record of 6-5 with a 2.67 ERA against the Bombers.

Five Things the Twins Need To Do In The Offseason

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:30:38 -0400

The thrills of 2009 are done. After clinching the AL Central in a one-game playoff, the Minnesota Twins were swept by the New York Yankees in the ALDS. The Twins, who were the only non-90 game winner in the playoffs, have some significant issues to address this offseason if they wish to return to the postseason in 2010.

Begin Slideshow

Jared Allen, Vikings Record Eight Sacks in Win Over Packers

Zeke Fuhrman — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:11:54 -0400

On primetime Monday Night Football, the Minnesota Vikings showed that they still have one of the premier defenses in the NFL.

Despite a career-high 384 passing yards from Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings held the Pack to two offensive touchdowns in a 30-23 victory.

This was mostly in part to Minnesota's eight sacks.

Jared Allen led the way with 4.5 sacks, including one for a safety, his third safety in two games against the Packers. DE Brian Robeson had 1.5 sacks, and LB Ben Leber and DT Jimmy Kennedy each had one.

The Vikings have three Pro Bowl players on their defensive line with Jared Allen, and DTs Pat and Kevin Williams.

Green Bay's opening drive ended with a strip-sack by Allen, with the fumble recovery by LB Chad Greenway that resulted in a Visanthe Shiancoe touchdown.

Midway through the third quarter, the Packers had first and five from the Vikings five yard line. After Packers RB Ryan Grant ran for a four yard gain, the Vikings shut down the Packers the next two downs after a run by RB John Kuhn and a reception by Jermichael Finley, both resulting for no gain.

On Fourth and One from the one yard line, TE Donald Lee dropped a pass from Rodgers that would have resulted in a touchdown.

Rodgers also threw a red zone interception to CB Antoine Winfield on the opening drive of the second quarter.

Jermichael Finley, Green Bay's second string tight end who had a career total of 136 yards and one touchdown heading into Green Bay's showdown in Minnesota, caught a career high six passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Finley, who's previous long was 35 yards, caught a 62 yard touchdown from Rodgers in the first quarter.

Both rushing defenses were stingy. Packers RB Ryan Grant was held to 51 yards on 11 carries, while Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was held to 55 yards with a touchdown on 25 carries.

Vikings Punter Chris Kluwe had a fantastic night as well. On his last three punts of the game, he placed the Packers on their one-, four-, and 15-yard line.

The Vikings and Packers meet again at Lambeau Field on Nov. 1.

Zack Greinke Looks to Keep Cy Young in AL Central

Zeke Fuhrman — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 03:25:45 -0400

In 2005, the Kansas City Royals were terrible. They placed 56-106, and were at the bottom of the AL Central.

Royals "ace" Zack Greinke led the team in innings pitched (183.0), strikeouts (114), and games started (33). Unfortunately, he also led the team in highest ERA (5.80), loses (17), hits (233), and was second in earned runs (118).

His nickname was Stinky Greinke.

In 2009, the Kansas City Royals are terrible. They are currently 64-94, and are at the bottom of the AL Central.

Royals ace Zack Greinke leads the team in innings pitched (233.1), strikeouts (237), and games started (32). Also, he leads his team in wins (16), runs (60), home runs allowed (11), and ERA (2.06)

In fact, Greinke leads the league in ERA, and is in position to have the league's lowest ERA since 2000, when Pedro Martinez posted a 1.74 ERA with the Boston Red Sox.

If everything goes Greinke's way, he can raise his win total to 17 with a win over the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome on Saturday afternoon.

In Greinke's only game aginst the Twins this season, he held the Twins to four hits over seven innings and allowed only one earned run.

That is how Greinke has been all season. Despite his eight losses (the most among Cy Young award candidates), Greinke has been the best pitcher in baseball.

Greinke didn't allow an earned run during his first 29 innings of work. After his first ten starts, Greinke had an ERA of 0.84, and had led the Royals to a hot start. But eventually, the Royals became the Royals, and they faded out of the picture.

All except Greinke.

Greinke made his first All-Star team after posting a 10-5 record with an ERA of 2.12 and 129 Ks.

Greinke has been even better in the second half, going 6-3 with an ERA of 1.97 and 109 Ks.

Greinke should be a lock for the AL Cy Young, right?

Wrong.

In 2005, the Baseball Writers of America contracted a serious case of Bartolo Colon syndrome. The Angels pitcher was 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA and 157 Ks. Pretty good numbers, right?

Wrong.

That season, reigning Cy Young winner Johan Santana was only 16-8, which basically cost him the Cy Young award.

Santana led Colon in ERA (2.87 vs 3.48), strikeouts (238 vs 157), innings pitched (231.2 vs 222.2), complete games (3-2), hits allowed (180 vs 215), earned runs (74 vs 86), opponent batting average (.210 vs .254), opponent slugging percentage (.346 vs .407) and opponent on base percentage (.250 vs .291).

It would seem as though Santana would be a lock to repeat as Cy Young winner, right?

Wrong.

The writers saw one stat that Colon had higher than Santana: wins (21-16). Santana's Twins missed the playoffs (they were 16 games behind the eventual World Champion Chicago White Sox). Colon's Angles won their division.

This year, Greinke faces a similar situation against his main competitor, New York Yankee CC Sabathia.

Greinke leads Sabathia in ERA (2.06 vs 3.21), strikeouts (237 vs 194), opponent on base percentage (.273 vs .284), and opponent slugging percentage (.335 vs .353).

Sabathia leads Greinke in opponent batting average (.227 vs .229), and innings pitched (227.1 vs 223.1).

Oh yeah. Sabathia plays for a winning ballclub (102-57 vs 65-94) and has more wins than Greinke (19 vs 16).

If you were to put Greinke on the Yankees, he could have won 30 games this season.

But wins are the most meaningless stat for a pitcher. Cy Young has a record 511 wins, but he also has a record 316 losses, yet he still has the honor of having the award that goes to baseball's best pitcher named after him.

The AL Central has won three straight AL Cy Young awards, and four of the last five (Colon ripped off Santana in 2005). The NL West has won eight of the last ten.

This season, Greinke has posted better or equal numbers to Johan Santana's Cy Young days in Minnesota.

There is no reason Greinke, after so much failure in the past, shouldn't be rewarded for all of his success this season.

Minnesota Sports Fans Set for Best Weekend Ever

Zeke Fuhrman — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:57:58 -0400

It doesn't get any better than this, eh?

After Brett Favre threw that game-winning touchdown pass to Greg Lewis against the San Francisco 49ers with two seconds left, I thought I had seen it all.

And that was only the beginning of the week.

The Golden Gophers open the Big Ten season at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday against the Wisconsin Badgers, a team they have not beaten since 2003.

The Gophers not only play for pride, but they also battle the Badgers for Paul Bunyan's Axe, a trophy the two teams have fought for since 1948. While the Gophers lead the all-time series, 59-58-9 dating back to 1890, the Badgers lead the Axe series, 34-24-3. The game is sold out.

The puck drops for the Wild in the season opener in Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. The Wild, who missed the playoffs last season at 40-33-9, have a new look to them.

This is the first time in franchise history the Wild have not had RW Marian Gaborik on the roster, coach Jacques Lemaire on the bench, or GM Doug Risebrough in the front office.

The Wild signed RW Martin Havlat to replace Gaborik, University of Minnesota grad Todd Richards to replace Lemaire, and Chuck Fletcher to replace Risebrough. When the Wild open the season at home at Exel Energy Center, the game will be their 289th consecutive sellout.

The Wild also have a new logo and new sweater designs this season.

The Twins, with the playoffs on the line, host the last regular season series in the Metrodome against the Kansas City Royals. The Twins are currently one game behind the Detroit Tigers with two games left.

In conjunction with the last game in the Metrodome, the Twins have brought the surviving members of the "All-Metrodome Team," bringing former Twins heros like Frank Viola, Kent Hrbek, Paul Molitor, Johan Santana, Gary Gaetti, Greg Gagne, and Rick Aguliera back to the Dome for one last hurrah. The remaining games are sold out.

After the Sunday Twins game at the Dome, the Vikings host the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. It is always an exciting game when the Vikes and Pack play. There is an added twist however...Brett Favre will be on the Vikings sideline.

Favre has beaten 31 of 32 NFL teams during his career...the one team he hasn't beaten is the team he spent 16 years of his career with. The game is sold out.

The NBA training camp opened up this week, and the new look Timberwolves are ready to go.

With potential All-Star Al Jefferson healthy again after tearing his ACL last February, a new coach in Kurt Rambis and a new GM in David Kahn, the Wolves look to bury the woes of last year's 24-58 record. After unloading players like Randy Foye, Quentin Richardson, Mike Miller, Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith, Etan Thomas, Ty Lawson, and Mark Madsen, David Kahn began to build his new regime. Tickets for the Wolves are still available.

On Saturday morning, the 27th running of the Twin Cities Marathon begins at the Metrodome, then winds around some lakes and along side the Mississippi River. The race proceeds up Summit Avenue, before ending at the state capital building in St. Paul.

Over 200,000 people are expected to line the streets of Minneapolis/St. Paul on Saturday...not to mention the 51,000 people expected at TCF Bank Stadium for the Gopher Game...or the 55,000 people expected at the afternoon Twins game.

This weekend, Minneapolis is going to be the place to be.

Odds Good Tim Tebow Could Remain in Florida As a Pro

Zeke Fuhrman — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:33:58 -0400

Things aren't great with professional football in Florida right now.

The Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a combined record of 1-8.

But there is one shining star in Florida football: The Gators.

The Gators, led by senior quarterback Tim Tebow, are the defending BCS Champions, and have won two titles in the last three years.

Tebow has been the key to Florida's success. Tebow won the Heisman in 2007 as a sophomore, throwing for 3,286 yards, 32 touchdowns, six interceptions and had a completion percentage of 67 percent. To go along with that, Tebow also had 895 rushing yards on 210 attempts, 23 rushing touchdowns, and zero fumbles.

Besides the Heisman, Tebow won the AP Player of the Year, the Davey O'Brien Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Harley Award, NCAA QB of the Year, Sporting News Player of the Year, ESPY Award for Best College Male Athlete, SEC Male Athlete of the Year, and was an All-American.

Florida lost the Capital One Bowl to Michigan that year, 41-35.

Tebow would have another good year as a junior, despite a drop in his numbers from the year before. The threw for 2,746 yards and 30 touchdowns, while rushing for 673 yards and 12 touchdowns. He would finish third in Heisman voting behind Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and Texas QB Colt McCoy.

Tebow would have the last laugh, however, beating Bradford and the Sooners in the BCS Championship, 24-14.

So, you would think that Florida would want to keep its native son in state, right?

All three Florida NFL teams are currently in the Tim Tebow sweepstakes.

Jacksonville would be the best fitfor Tebow. Jacksonville is Tebow's hometown, and he attended Nease High School 20 miles east of Jacksonville. Tebow could play Joe Mauer or LeBron James and be the hometown hero.

Gainsville is also about an hour away from Jacksonville, so the Tebow faithful would come watch him play, selling seats and adding value to the franchise.

The Jags also have many holes to fill. Tebow could eventually replace David Garrard at QB. However, some analysts (Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay) don't believe Tebow will be successful at the pro QB position. (If Tarvaris Jackson and Cleo Lemon could start last year...)

He could easily be moved to a halfback position (Tebow has 2,300-plus rushing yards and 48 rushing touchdowns). Tebow would fit into Jax nicely, because he would compliment Maurice Jones-Drew as a more physical back.

If Tebow comes out as a HB, he would fit well into Tony Sparano's Wildcat offense with the Miami Dolphins. Sparano wouldn't hesitate to take Tebow, mostly due to him selecting former QB Pat White out of West Virginia in the 2009 NFL Draft. White entered the draft as a wide receiver, and is slowly being worked into Sparano's offense.

The third option would be Tampa Bay. Tampa has many tools in place—TE Kellen Winslow, RB Derrick Ward, a healthy Carnell Williams—but is one or two playmakers short of being competitive.

Tebow's leadership, which is Tony Dungy-esque, would fit good on a Tampa team that is going to get real young real fast. Tampa Bay drafted QB Josh Freeman out of Kansas State with the 17th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, and it unlikely that Buccs head coach Raheem Morris would select another QB that high when he has many pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball.

According to many early 2010 mock drafts (can you belive people make mock drafts this early?), Tebow isn't going to be selected until the mid to late second round. Some even have him dropping into the fourth round.

Tebow will not fall into the second round, unless he expects to be a full-time quarterback.

Back in high school, Tebow was homeschooled and couldn't play prep sports until a Florida law allowed homeschoolers to play in 1996. Tebow chose to play at Trinity Christian Acadamy in Jacksonville, where he was used as a tight end and a linebacker.

Tebow wanted to play quarterback, but Trinity's offense didn't rely on the pass.

Tebow moved to St. Johns County with his mother, while the rest of his family stayed in Jacksonville, so he could play at Allen Nease High School, where he played quarterback.

If Tebow comes out of college as a QB, I could see the Miami Dolphins snatching him up. The Dolphins will have a hole at QB next season, especially if Chad Pennington decides to retire after this season (Chad tore his shoulder capsule, on which he has had two previous surgeries).

Tebow would be a renovator of the Wild Cat offense while passing, rushing, and receiving while at the QB position.

Tebow probably won't put up hall of fame numbers, but he would help his team win games.

More New York Pressure: Mark Sanchez vs Eli Manning

Zeke Fuhrman — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:17:51 -0400

During the 2004 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected Ole Miss QB Eli Manning with the first pick in the draft. He was dealt to the New York Giants for NC State QB Phillip Rivers.

During the 2009 NFL Draft, the New York Jets traded draft picks to move up to the fifth spot to select USC QB Mark Sanchez.

This offseason, Eli Manning signed a six year, $97M contract extention with the Giants.

This offseason, Mark Sanchez signed a five year, $50M contract with the Jets.

Both quarterbacks have led their teams to 3-0 starts.

Both quarterbacks play in New York (well...kind of...).

There is nothing like playing quarterback for a New York franchise. All the hype. All the spotlights. All the pressure.

Undoubtedly, there is no greater pressure on any quarterback's shoulders this season than the weight placed upon Giants QB Eli Manning and Jets QB Mark Sanchez.

Manning, the MVP of Super Bowl XLII two season ago, signed a contract that could keep him with the Giants for the rest of his career, and made him the highest paid player in the NFL.

The Giants are coming off of a 12-4 season and an early playoff exit. They have parted ways with disgruntled WR Plaxico Burress. They lost 1000 yard rusher Derrick Ward to free agency.

Sanchez was touted as the second best quarterback in the 2009 NFL Draft, behind University of Georgia's Matthew Stafford. After the Detroit Lions selected Stafford with the first overall pick, Sanchez started playing the waiting game, knowing he would be picked soon.

He didn't have to wait long, as the Jets traded up 12 spots to nab the USC standout with the fifth overall pick.

He comes to a hungry Jets team that hasn't had a back-to-back winning season since 2001-2002.

In 2008 Jets made a deal for QB Brett Favre, hoping that Favre would help them over the hump.

Favre was coming off a 13-3 season with the Green Bay Packers, throwing for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns.

After an impressive 8-2 start, the Jets' wheels fell off, and they finished the season at 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Now Sanchez has been chosen to come in and try to erase the misery of the 2008 season.

So far he has done great.

After beating the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans, the Jets find themselves at 3-0 for the first time since 2004.

Now Manning, who is coming his first Pro Bowl, and Sanchez, who is filling in the giant shoes of Brett Favre, have the entire New York media and fan base breathing down their necks.

While Sanchez has been great so far (606 yds, 4 TDs, 2 INT), and has been heralded as the next Joe Namath by many a Jets fan, it is obvious that Eli has much more riding on his shoulders.

Anybody who signs a huge contract will always be scrutinized. Especially when playing in the New York market.

And have won a Super Bowl.

And when your last name is Manning.

All in all, Sanchez has many years ahead of him. He will make rookie mistakes. These mistakes will only make him better.

But this is Eli's sixth season in the NFL. The Giants aren't paying him $13M a season to make rookie mistakes.

Eli has lived up to the pressure this season. While beating the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Manning has racked up 707 passing yards with 5 touchdowns and only one interception.

While Sanchez and the Jets are in rebuilding mode with a rookie QB and a rookie head coach in Rex Ryan, the Giants are not. As the defending NFL East champions, they are expected to defend their title.

Of the two quarterbacks, Eli Manning is under the most pressure.

But he experienced and knows the secret to handling the hype.

Keep winning.

Brett Favre Silences Critics, Shows Vikings Aren't One-Dimensional

Zeke Fuhrman — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:39:10 -0400

I read a joke in the Minneapolis Star Tribune a few weeks ago that Brett Favre needed to get a new driver's license.

He had to take "Gunslinger" out of his name.

On Sunday, Favre had the writer of that dry joke choking on his words, as he became the first Vikings quarterback since 2005 to throw for over 300 yards.

Not only that, but he also capped off an 80-yard drive with the game-winning touchdown to Greg Lewis with two seconds left, sending the previously unbeaten 49ers to 2-1.

By doing so, he avoided a week of hearing analysts say that he couldn't throw the deep ball.

And why should he have to?

During the first two games of the season, the Vikings won handily behind the rushing attack of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

Peterson, the league's leading rusher heading into Sunday's action, was held to a measly (by his standards) 85 yards on 19 carries with no touchdowns, and Taylor was held to 16 yards on six carries.

Favre showed that he can still manage the game through the air.

After compiling 265 yards with a 77 percent completion percentage, no interceptions, and three touchdowns during his first two games as a Viking, Favre went to the air, throwing for 301 yards with two touchdowns when the Niners shut down the running game.

Rookie Percy Harvin also scored on a 101-yard kickoff return, the first of his career and his third consecutive game with a touchdown.

Favre spread the ball around nicely, connecting with seven different receivers during the game, letting defenses know that they have to account for the passing game—something that has lacked in the Vikings offense the last few seasons.

Until Favre on Sunday, the last Viking to have a 300-plus-yard passing game was Daunte Culpepper in a win against New Orleans on Sept. 25, 2005, ending a 64 game skid.

Favre is the first 300-plus-yard passer in the Brad Childress era.

Favre has converted just about every hater left in Minnesota after his game-winning performance against the Niners. As one caller to the KFAN Vikings Postgame Show said, "I'm going out to buy my Favre jersey right now."

By adding another comeback win to his résumé, Favre now has 40 comeback drives in his career.

Better Chance To Make the Playoffs: Atlanta Braves or Minnesota Twins?

Zeke Fuhrman — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:25:57 -0400

I love September.

The NFL kicks off. Hockey preseason is underway. College football is in full swing. There is no NBA action.

And there are baseball pennant races.

Well, kind of.

The New York Yankees (99-56) have a lead of eight games in the AL East, the Los Angeles Angels (90-63) have a six game lead in the AL West, the Boston Red Sox (91-63) have a seven game lead in the AL Wild Card, the Philadelphia Phillies (89-65) have a six game lead in the NL East, the St. Louis Cardinals (89-65) have an eight game lead in the NL Central, and the Los Angeles Dodgers (93-62) have a five game lead in the NL West.

Basically, all the playoff spots are locked up with one week to play.

All except for two.

The two races left to watch are the races in the AL Central, with the Minnesota Twins (81-73) two games behind the Detroit Tigers (83-71), and the NL Wild Card, with the Atlanta Braves (84-70) three games behind the Colorado Rockies (87-67).

Late season combacks are nothing new for the Twins. In 2006, the Twins were one game behind the Tigers on September 27. The Tigers would lose their last five games, giving the Twins the AL Central Title.

The Tigers would represent the American League in the World Series that year.

In 2007, the Twins were three games behind the White Sox on September 21st. After a sweep of the White Sox, the two clubs finished in a tie atop the AL Central. The White Sox would win the playoff, 1-0.

This season is no different for the Twins. On September 6, they were seven games back, and would lose Justin Morneau and Joe Crede for the season one week later. But now, the Twins have won 11 of their last 12, and are only two games behind Detroit.

While Colorado has battled the San Francisco Giants for the NL Wild Card lead most of the second half, the Atlanta Braves have been lurking in the shadows.

The Braves were in fourth place in the NL Wild Card standings on September 20th, and were six games back.

Now, the Braves are in second place after winning 12 of their last 14, and are only three games back.

Neither team is going to have an easy road to their respective divisional series.

The Twins have four games against the Tigers, and four games against the Royals. They will face Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke (15-8, 2.08 ERA, 229 K) twice after dodging him all year. The four games against the Tigers are in Detroit, where the Tigers are 48-26 this season. The Twins are 31-40 on the road.

The Braves have have games left against the Nationals (52-102) who have the worst record in baseball, and the Florida Marlins (83-72). The Braves will play their last seven games in Atlanta, where they are 39-35. They are 45-35 on the road.

Of these two remaining unsolved pennant races, it is hard to decide who has the better chance to make the playoffs. The Twins' future lies in their own hands, with the critical four games series in Detroit this week. Their season could be over on Tuesday.

The Braves, by far, have the easier schedule, and are 8-4 against the Nats this season. The Rockies have one game left in their series against St. Louis, have three games in Milwaukee, and close out the season in Los Angeles to face the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have clinched a playoff spot, and unless the Rockies make a run at the division title this week, LA will more than likely rest their starters for the playoffs.

The Twins, on the other hand, are 9-5 against the Tigers. The Tigers have four games against the Chicago White Sox (74-81) and four games against the Twins.

If either of these teams are going to make the playoffs, the Twins have a better chance. Not only do the Twins have four critical games against the Tigers, they control their own destiny. Michael Cuddyer has hit .381 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. The Twins are 10-1 during that span.

And speaking of spans, Twins OF Denard Span, who is currently eighth in the AL in batting at .307, is hitting .318 with seven RBI in his last seven games.

And don't forget about Joe Mauer, who leads the league with his .370 average.

The Braves, on the other hand, are going to have to scoreboard watch the rest of the way. They need to become Brewer/Dodger fans for the rest of the season while they beat the crap out of the Nats.

But don't count out the Nats. Many times, playoff spoilers come from the most unexpected places.

Minnesota Twins: 2010 Will Decide Mauer's Future

Zeke Fuhrman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:01:06 -0400

It isn't something that Twins fans enjoy thinking about.

But it wouldn't be anything we aren't used to.

For the past several years, Twins fans have been awe-struck by the Twins ability to continually put a competitive ballclub on the field by building from the ground up.

But after having winning seasons (give or take one) since 2001, the Twins of the 2000s have returned to their winning ways of old, thanks to the GM moves and players brought up through the minor league system.

But there is one flaw to being a Twins fan: Small-market ballclub.

The Twins haven't been able to afford their past Cy Young and Gold Glove players. Why should fans think they will be able to hang on to their MVPs and Batting Champions?

Of course, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Minnesota native Kent Hrbek spent his entire 14 year career as a Twin.

In Kirby Puckett's autobiography, "I Love This Game," Puck goes into detail about how he was courted by the Yankees during the 1993 offseason, only to re-sign with the Twins.

Hopefully this will be the case for Twins star Joe Mauer.

As daunting as it is to think about, there could be a very short honeymoon for Target Field in 2011 for one main reason:

Mauer's contract runs out after the 2010 season.

If Mauer wins his third batting crown, or even the AL MVP, it will only hurt the odds of him returning to the Twins.

Unless, or course, the Twins make a World Series run.

Ichiro Suzuki, Mauer's closest rival for the 2009 AL Batting crown, is in the middle of a seven year, $100M deal.

Ichiro has won two batting titles and AL MVP award.

Many people don't understand how crucial the 2010 season will be to the future success of the Minnesota Twins.

After all, what is the point of a new stadium if you suck?

Earlier this season, Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan all publically stated that the Twins needed to make a more at the trade deadline.

Twins GM Bill Smith brought in All-Star Orlando Cabrerra.

Unless Smith wants to be remembered as the man who blew up the Twins, he needs to be more active this offseason.

If Minnesota isn't competitive in 2010, or if the front office doesn't show a competitive spirit, Mauer will be gone.

Another bad scenario for the Twins would be if they were forced to trade Mauer next season, rather than lose him to free agency. If the Twins turn out to be sellers in 2010, they could receive a hefty package for him.

In a recent interview with the Star Tribune's Sid Hartman, Hartman asked Mauer if there was a preferred time-table for a new contract.

"Not really. I'm just focused on getting to the postseason this year (Translation: If we don't make the playoffs this year, next year better be better.). I still think I have a lot of time to think about that (You better start convincing me.) Obviously, it will come down to my decision (I will let you know if I get unhappy.) I have to play through the contract (Unless the Twins suck, then I am going to want a sign-and-trade deal) I represent myself, my agent is just somebody who helps me negotiate that (I am going to have Ron Sharpio so far up your colon, you will taste Scott Boras.) I don't have to make that decision for a while here. (Put together a good pitching staff, and then we'll talk.)

Hartman also asked about Mauer playing for his hometown team.

"This is something I've been very appreciative of, and it's kind of neat. I think a lot of people always want to come back home and play for their hometown team. I've been fortunate to start off here."

So why not finish here too? Sounds like a good-bye speech to me...

Hartman concludes his column by saying he doesn't think money will play a factor in Mauer's decision.

I don't think it will either...the second time around.

Let's say, hypothetically, that the Twins lose Mauer to free agency. He signs a 10-year deal to play out east somewhere. In 2020, Mauer will be 37. He can sign a one-year deal and play 35 games in 2021 and retire a Twin.

Or, the Twins can put together competitive teams, compete for a World Series, and keep Mauer happy so he doesn't want to go anywhere.

Cause if Mauer is happy, everybody is happy.

Why Joe Mauer Has To Be AL MVP

Zeke Fuhrman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:07:36 -0400

There is no question that St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols will win the NL MVP award.

Pujols, who is looking for his third MVP award, is in position to win the NL Triple Crown. He is hitting .333 with 47 HR and 127 RBI, and would be the first NL Triple Crown winner since Joe Medwick did it for the Cardinals in 1937.

The more heated debate, however, is the AL MVP race.

Ultimately, it will come down to Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer and New York Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira.

A valid case can be made for either player.

Teixeira, an offseason acquisition for the Yankees, has hit .286 (32nd in the AL) with 35 HR (2nd in the AL) and 112 RBI (1st in AL). With the help of Tex, the Yankees are in position to claim the AL East title and return to the playoffs after their absence in 2008.

Mauer has had a career year in 2009. After missing the first month of the season with a bad back, Mauer has hit .374 (1st in ML), 27 HR (T-13 in AL...his previous career high was 13) and 87 RBI (T-13 in AL). Mauer also leads the AL in OBP (.441...Tex is 16th with .380) and SLG (.610...Tex is fourth with .533)

The one thing that will play a major factor in who will win the MVP is who makes the playoffs and who doesn't.

The Yankees have a 6.5 game lead over the Boston Red Sox, but the Twins are 4.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers.

While the Yankees will cruise into the postseason, the Twins will have a steeper climb to the postseason.

The Twins have lost 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau (.274, 30 HR, 100 RBI) and 3B Joe Crede (.225, 15 HR, 48 RBI) for the season.

With Morneau gone for the season, RF Michael Cuddyer (who came up with the Twins as an INF) will take over first base. This will force the Twins to play either Delmon Young (.262, 8 HR, 43 RBI) or DH Jason Kubel (.302, 23 HR, 87 RBI) in the outfield.

The Twins lineup is much weaker without a healthy Morneau. Morneau was hitting .100 (7-70) with 2 HR and 6 RBI in 20 games since August 15.

If the Twins make the playoffs without Morneau, it will all but secure Mauer's MVP title.

Only four players in the last 40 years have won both the AL MVP and the AL Batting Title. Ichiro (.350) did it in 2001, George Brett (.390) did it in 1980, Rod Carew (.388) did it in 1977, and Carl Yastrzemski (.328) did it in 1967.

The highest AL average in the past 10 years have been Nomar Garciaparra (.372 in 2000) and Ichiro (.372 in 2004). If Mauer can reach the 30 HR plateau, hit the 100 RBI mark, keep his average about .360, and help lead the Twins to the playoffs, it would be very difficult not to give him the nod over Tex for the AL MVP.

Dear Michael Crabtree: Shut Up and Play

Zeke Fuhrman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:14:15 -0400

Are we sure that President Obama's recent comments about Kanye West were not directed at Michael Crabtree?

Crabtree, the 10th overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, has yet to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with that, but seeing as it is Week Two in the NFL, I am a little agitated.

Crabtree, the two-time Biletnikoff award winner, is threatening to sit out the entire 2009 NFL season. If he were to do this, he would be eligible to re-enter the draft in 2010.

In my opinion there are two main reasons why Crabtree hasn't signed: He wanted to be drafted higher and paid like a higher draft pick.

Well, Michael, the reality is this: You were the 10th pick in the draft.

Who is he going to blame for not being selected with the other nine picks? If he needs to blame somebody, blame the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland had the fifth and 21st picks in the draft. The team has a need for another receiver to complement Braylon Edwards.

Instead, the Browns dealt the pick to the New York Jets, selected C Alex Mack with the 21st pick, and drafted WRs Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi with their next two picks.

Crabtree could blame the Seattle Seahawks for signing free-agent WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh during the offseason. Before the Seahawks signed T.J., ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted Crabtree to be drafted fourth overall by Seattle. After Seattle signed Houshmandzadeh, Seattle felt they had more dire needs than a receiver and drafted LB Aaron Curry of Wake Forest.

He could blame the St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinatti Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, or Green Bay Packers, who all selected linemen instead of taking the talented Crabtree.

He could also blame the Oakland Raiders for selecting WR Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick in the draft.

That has to sting a bit. A two-time Biletnikoff, the only player to win the award twice, wasn't even the first wideout drafted.

Crabtree must have grown weary sitting in the green room of Radio City Music Hall on Draft Day.

It could have been worse, though. He could have been Ben Roethlisberger, who had to sit backstage until he was selected with the 11th pick.

It could have been even worse. He could have been Aaron Rodgers, who some thought would be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Rodgers fell to No. 24, and was the second quarterback taken.

The bottom line is this: Crabtree was the 10th overall pick. There is nothing he can do about it.

Or is there?

If Crabtree sits out the entire 2009-10 season, he would be eligible to re-enter the NFL Draft. This would be one of the worst moves of his career.

I don't know what Michael is thinking, but if he were to re-enter the draft, he would not be selected higher than 10. Actually, I would have him going much lower.

Much lower.

It doesn't matter how talented a player is if his reputation is tarnished. Randy Moss was regarded as one of the most talented players in the 1998 NFL Draft, but off-field and character issues led to many teams passing on Moss before he was selected 24th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.

Moss went on to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, hold the single-season touchdown reception record (23), and play for two teams that have set the NFL record for points scored in a season (Minnesota Vikings in 1998, New England Patriots in 2007).

Further hurting Crabtree, players who have taken a year off rarely have good careers.

Take QB Kelly Stouffer for instance. Stouffer held out the entire season after being selected sixth overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987. He was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in 1988.

Stouffer would have five injury-plagued seasons in Seattle in which he would throw seven touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and have a career passer rating of 54.4 while appearing in 22 games. (He was the starter in eight of those games.)

A more recent example is WR Mike Williams. Williams, a star at USC, declared for the NFL draft at the end of his sophomore year, however there is a rule that a player must be three years removed from high school in order to be eligible. In Williams' defense, at the time Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett was challenging the rule in court.

Williams hired an agent, which made him ineligible to return to USC for his junior season, and he sat out the entire year. Despite all of this, Williams was selected 10th overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Williams lasted only three seasons in the NFL, and is currently a free agent. His career numbers are 44 receptions for 539 yards and two touchdowns.

Even if Crabtree were to sit out the entire season, his draft rights would still be owned by the Niners until next year's draft, which means he wouldn't be able to practice (or talk to) any other teams or participate in the NFL Draft Combine.

Crabtree's other issue is his paycheck. San Francisco offered Crabtree a five-year $16M contract.

The one problem? The Oakland Raiders gave Darrius Hayward-Bey a five year, $25M deal.

A similar situation: Missouri Tigers pitcher Kyle Gibson was ranked among the top five players in the 2009 MLB Draft. But a stress fracture in his forearm helped him fall into the lap of the Minnesota Twins, who had the 22nd pick.

Gibson wasn't signed until less than an hour before the deadline. His main reason? He wanted to be treated (and paid) like a top-10 pick.

Deion Sanders of the NFL Network reported that Crabtree isn't scared to sit out the entire season because he isn't in "dire need" of money.

If Crabtree isn't in dire need of money, why is he holding out for a larger contract?

There is one thing Crabtree needs to do to start regaining his reputation: play.

Crabtree was the most dominant receiver in college football for two years. He has the opportunity to be mentioned in the same sentence as Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark and play in the hallowed red and gold. He has the opportunity to help save a once-heralded franchise.

But he is squandering his chances of heroism and stardom by sitting out.

If Crabtree doesn't sign with the Niners soon, his career will be all but over.

Minnesota Vikings Fans Hate Brett Favre...Again

Zeke Fuhrman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:32:44 -0400

I am getting so sick of this guy.

It was exciting during the 2008 offseason, when Favre said he wanted to play for the Vikings but was traded to the Jets.

It was exciting during the 2009 offseason, when Favre said he still wanted to play for the Vikings.

All the parts were there.

Favre had shoulder surgery, there were dozens of phone calls between Brad Childress and Favre, he was working out with a local high school football team, and then Favre reportedly reserved a number of hotel rooms in Green Bay the weekend the Vikings play in Green Bay.

The Vikings gave Favre a July 30 deadline to decide what his future would be.

Favre decided that he would relax in Mississippi and then play for the Vikings.

Of course he would.

Vikings fans were so certain that Favre would be joining the Vikings, some lunatics began ordering custom-made No. 4 jerseys with "FAVRE" on the back.

John David Booty must feel special...

Since Favre's retirement announcement, I haven't seen any.

I figured it was over. The Favre saga was finally over. Favre had ridden off into the sunset.

I watched Sage Rosenfels light up the Colts in the preseason opener. Sage was 10-of-13 for 91 yards on his only drive of the game, which eventually led to a Chester Taylor touchdown. The Vikings would win the game 13-3, and the defense would record six sacks.

Then, lo and behold, from across the horizon, Brett Favre returns to the media spotlight.

In a Fox Sports column by Jay Glazer, Glazer reports that "nearly everyone I talked to on the team is convinced he's coming, that is not an exaggeration. People from all walks of life within the organization talk about it as if it's no secret, almost an afterthought." (Glazer also reported that John David Booty's play has eclipsed that of QBs Tarvaris Jackson and Rosenfels.)

Anonymous Vikings (probably not Jackson or Rosenfels) said that Favre will be in purple for the third preseason game.

I would have been excited if this weren't the gazillionth time that Favre has courted the Vikings.

This guy is like a bully holding your lunch money over your head, just out of your grasp, and then extending the gap as you get close to it.

Eventually, you need to kick the bully in the nuts, grab your money, and run away.

Favre has been tormenting the Vikings since coming to Green Bay in 1992. Favre has outdone the Vikings by himself. He has won more MVP awards (three) than the entire Vikings franchise (two, Alan Page and Fran Tarkenton), and has won more Super Bowls (one) than anybody in Vikings history (zero).

Favre has a record of 17-14 against the Vikings, with one loss in the playoffs, but is 147-75 record against everybody else.

This Vikings team isn't going to get any better. Pro Bowlers Pat Williams and Antoine Winfield are going to start showing their age. Hopefully, it is going to take opposing teams awhile to figure out how to cover both Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin.

The Vikings play in one of the worst divisions in football (except the NFC West...no two teams have finished over .500 since 1998) and have the easiest schedule in the NFL.

The real story is this: Brett Favre hates training camp.

He doesn't want to live at a college campus at age 40. He doesn't want to work out in the stifling sun with a bunch of kids who won't be in the league in three weeks. If he could miss camp, he would.

And he will.

Nobody can be more flustered during all of this than Brad Childress.

Chilly's job is on the line this season. If the Vikings can't make a run with all the tools they have, changes are going to have to be made.

And Childress will be the first to go.

That is the only reason the Vikings have put up with Favre's antics this offseason.

You Were Good for the Other MLB Team, but Why's Your Number Retired Here?

Zeke Fuhrman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:04:12 -0400

I have mixed emotions about retiring numbers.

In some aspects, it's great to honor your best players by putting their names on banners and plaques, solidifying their legacy. It's great to take your kids to a ballgame and have them ask, "Who is that?" while pointing to one of the names on the wall.

What better way to honor your legends than allowing them to be the last person to wear their number, to forever be known as No. "insert number here?"

Retiring numbers is not only a great way to honor players on the field, but also a great way to honor players' achievements off the field.

Take the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. The Cards retired Pat Tillman's No. 40 after he was killed in Afghanistan. Buffalo Bills fans have also petitioned for the retiring of No. 61, the number worn by Bob Kalsu, the only active NFL player to die in Vietnam.

On the other hand, retiring numbers can be more burdensome than fun, and teams are more closely choosing which players' numbers they honor. The Boston Red Sox now have a requirement of 10 years of service in Beantown and a Hall of Fame nod.

It gets complicated because some players have their numbers retired by multiple teams, and teams want to enunciate the values of the "There is no 'I' in team" rule by praising certain players.

Although there are no NFL players to have their numbers retired by two franchises, MLB has numerous players whose numbers are retired by more than one franchise: Rod Carew, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Rollie Fingers, Carlton Fisk, Reggie Jackson, and Nolan Ryan.

There should be a rule stating that only one franchise may retire a uniform number, with few exceptions.

Take Rollie Fingers, for instance.

Fingers had a remarkable career. He was one of the first closers in the game and amassed an ERA of 2.90 over a 17-year career. His career was so great that two of the franchises he played for, the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland Athletics, retired his number.

The problem? After beginning his career as a starter, Fingers slowly moved into the closer role, where he recorded 122 saves in six years in Oakland. Rollie logged nine seasons as an Athletic, posting a win-loss record of 67-61, recording an ERA of 2.91 in over 1,000 innings pitched, and saving 136 games on three World Championship teams.

Fingers then went to the San Diego Padres in 1977, where he would pitch for four seasons. He would go 34-40 with an ERA of 3.12 and 108 saves. Fingers led the league in saves in 1977 and '78, when he recorded 35 and 37 saves.

He then signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1981. Fingers went 6-3 with a 1.04 ERA and led the league again with 28 saves. He would win the AL MVP and Cy Young Award, despite only pitching 78 innings and appearing in only 47 games.

Fingers would finish his Brewers career 13-17 with a 2.54 ERA (259 IP) and 97 saves in four seasons and retired the all-time leader in saves with 341.

However, Brewers management felt that one good season was good enough for his number to be retired, so his No. 34 is on banners in Oakland and Milwaukee.

Fingers is wearing an A's cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.

Rod Carew is another case of wrongful retiring.

Carew is arguably the best second baseman in the modern era. He won seven batting titles with the Minnesota Twins and won the 1977 AL MVP, where he notably hit .388, the closest anyone had come to .400 since Ted Williams accomplished the feat in 1941 (George Brett would hit .390 in 1980).

Carew recorded 2,085 hits and a .334 average during his 12 years in Minnesota.

In 1979, Carew would sign with the California Angels. During his seven seasons in California, Carew would record 968 hits and hit .314. He recorded his 3,000th hit in 1983 against the Minnesota Twins.

If players get their numbers retired for recording their 3,000th hit, the Twins should retire Paul Molitor's No. 4 (15 years in Milwaukee vs. three in Minnesota) and Dave Winfield's No. 32 (two years in Minnesota during a 22-year career)

Carew's No. 29 is retired by both the Twins and the Angels, although he is wearing a Twins cap in the Hall.

Catcher Carlton Fisk is an unusual case. Fisk spent the first 11 years of his career with the Boston Red Sox (.284, 1,097 hits, 162 home runs, 568 RBI, 1972 Rookie of the Year, seven All-Star games) and the last 13 years of his career with the Chicago White Sox (.257, 1,259 hits, 214 home runs, 762 RBI, four All-Star games).

Had it not been for the two extra years in Chicago, Fisk's stats would be almost identical, if they are not already.

When Fisk joined the ChiSox in 1981, his No. 27 was being worn by pitcher Ken Kravec. Fisk flip-flopped his old number and thus wore the unusual baseball number of 72 on his jersey.

Although Kravec was traded just 10 days later, Fisk retained the number 72 throughout his career with the White Sox.

Although Fisk's No. 72 was retired in Chicago in 1997 and his No. 27 was retired in Boston in 2000, Fisk chose to wear a Boston cap in the Hall of Fame.

Hurler Nolan Ryan is the only player to have his number retired by three teams. Although he played nine seasons in Houston (106-94, 3.13 ERA, 1,866 K, two All-Star games), his greatest statistical tenure was in California. (138-121, 3.07 ERA, 2,416 K, five All-Star games). Ryan would finish his career with a five-year stop with the Texas Rangers (51-39, 3.23 ERA, 939 K, one All-Star game)

His No. 30 was retired by the California Angels in 1992, and his No. 34 was retired by the Rangers and Astros in 1996.

Ryan won the 1969 World Series with the New York Mets...the one team that hasn't retired his number (29-38, 3.53 ERA, 493 K in five seasons)

The New York Yankees are number-retiring fiends. The Yanks have retired 15 numbers for 16 players (No. 8 has been retired twice for Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra) and have retired all numbers between one and 10, with the exception of two and six. No. 2 will be retired for current Yankee captain Derek Jeter, and No. 6 will be retired for former Yankee skipper Joe Torre.

Other notable numbers the Yankees will consider retiring will be Jorge Posada's No. 20, Roger Clemens' No. 22, Alex Rodriguez' No. 13, Mike Mussina's No. 35, Mariano Rivera's No. 42 (already retired once for Jackie Robinson), etc....

There is one number hanging in the rafters of New Yankee Stadium that I don't think should be there.

No. 44, Reggie Jackson.

Before coming to the Yankees in 1977, Jackson had spent nine seasons with the Athletics and one season in Baltimore, wearing No. 9. During his tenure with the A's, Jackson would record 1,151 hits, 254 home runs, and 733 RBI to go along with two World Series titles and the 1973 AL MVP.

When Jackson signed with the Yankees, his No. 9 was being worn by Graig Nettles. Jackson would request No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, but newly hired pitching coach Art Fowler was wearing it. So Jackson requested No. 44 in honor of the recently retired home run king, Hank Aaron.

It would be during his time in New York that Jackson would solidify his self-proclaimed title of "Mr. October."

During his five seasons as a Yankee, Jackson would hit .281 with 661 hits, 144 home runs, and 461 RBI (during 1981, his last season as a Yankee, he hit .237 in 334 at-bats).

But during the postseason, Jackson hit .327 with 12 home runs and 29 RBI, with a .346 average, seven home runs, and 16 RBI in the two World Series he would win with the Yankees.

In the 1977 Series, Jackson had nine hits. Five of them were home runs. Four home runs in four consecutive at-bats. Three home runs in one game.

Jackson would win his second World Series MVP (his first was in 1973 as an Athletic).

The Yankees would retire his No. 44 in 1993, the same year he was elected into the Hall of Fame, with an "A" on his cap.

The Athletics didn't retire his No. 9 until 2004.

The more I write about Wade Boggs, the harder it is for me to like him. A five-time batting champion in the 1980s, all seasons where he hit .357 or higher, Boggs' Red Sox tenure included 2,098 hits and a .338 batting average.

Desperate for a ring, Boggs fled to the New York Yankees in 1993, where he would win two Gold Gloves in 1994 and 1995, as well as his elusive championship in 1996.

You would think that one of these teams would retire Boggs' number.

The team that did?

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Boggs played for the Devil Rays from 1998-99, where he amassed a whopping 210 hits with nine home runs, 81 RBI, and a .289 batting average, numbers worthy of being hoisted to the rafters.

There are a few exceptions to my one-team rule.

One of my exceptions is Hank Aaron. Aaron played for the Milwaukee Braves from 1954-1966, when the franchise moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta. Aaron stayed in Atlanta with the Braves franchise until 1974, whereupon he returned to the new Milwaukee Brewers, who had formed in 1969. Aaron's No. 44 is retired in Atlanta and in Milwaukee.

I'm okay with that.

The other exception would be a league-wide retirement, such as Jackie Robinson's No. 42. Robinson was a great player for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but the legacy he left and the doors he opened changed baseball so greatly that commissioner Bud Selig declared a league-wide retirement of Robinson's No. 42 in 1997.

Many fans and players have petitioned to have Roberto Clemente's No. 21 retired in the same way as Robinson's, citing that Clemente opened the door for Latin Americans the same way Robinson did for African-Americans.

I'm okay with that too.

Angels Do It Again in Extras, Bury Baltimore

Zeke Fuhrman — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:10:53 -0400

What a return for Torii Hunter.

In his first game since July 7 after suffering a groin injury, Hunter returned to the Angles lineup with a bang recording two hits and two RBIs, in which he hit the go-ahead run in the top of the 13th inning in Baltimore.

But the Angles didn't feel like the lead was safe enough.

The Halos scored three runs in the top of the first, then one more in the top of the third off a Bobby Abreu homerun.

But Baltimore came back for two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning off a Brian Roberts two-run shot.

LA came right back again after Chone Figgins recorded an RBI double, and Erick Aybar hit him in with an RBI single. Figgins' double was the 1,000th hit of his career.

Baltimore, now down 6-2, decided to give the 26,529 fans at Camden Yards a show, came back with two more runs in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a Luke Scott home-run and a Chad Moeller RBI double.

Nick Markakis hit a two-run homerun in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 6-6. LA would retake the lead on a Chone Figgins RBI single in the top of the sixth, then would add one more in the top of the seventh after a Mike Napoli sacrifice fly.

Down again by two runs, 8-6, Baltimore tried to come back again. Matt Weinters hit an RBI single in the bottom of the eights to bring Baltimore back within one run.

Bottom of the ninth, with the score 8-7, Brian Robers hit a double then stole third base with nobody out. Adam Jones would hit him in with a sacrifice fly to tie the game, and would eventually send the game into extra innings.

Flashback to July 31 to a game between the Twins and Angles in Minneapolis. The Twins scored five runs in the first two innings, and looked poised to cruise against the Angels. But the Angels rallied to tie it in the top of the eighth inning and took the game into the 11th inning, where they exploded for a six run 11th inning, and beat the Twins 11-5.

Now, sick of the Orioles comeback attempts, Abreu, Juan Rivera, and Kendry Morales hit back-to-back-to-back singles to load the bases for Torii Hunter, who singled himself for a 9-8 lead.

But the Angles weren't done.

When the dust cleared, the Angles had scored nine runs to take a 17-8 lead heading into the bottom of the thirteenth inning.

Finally, the Angels had enough to put Baltimore away.

Jason Buldger, who would earn the win, struck out the Baltimore side to end the game.

The Angels are now 5-3 in extra inning games, won their 70th game this season, and are second in the MLB in runs scored (649) behind the New York Yankees (554.)

AJ Pierzynski Trade Starting to Even Out for Minnesota Twins

Zeke Fuhrman — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:29:14 -0400

Mark Hermann and Chris Hinton for John Elway.

Olden Polynice for Scottie Pippin.

Vlad Divac for Kobe Bryant.

Healthcliff Slobumb for Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek.

Jim Fregosi for Don Rose, Leroy Stanton, Francisco Estrada, and Nolan Ryan.

Jesse Solomon, Issiac Holt, Darrin Helson, David Howard, Alex Stewart, Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith, Darren Woodson and Clayton Holmes for Herschel Walker.

Six years ago, you could have put the Minnesota Twins' acquisition of Joe Nathan, Boof Bonser, and Francisco Liriano from the San Francisco Giants for AJ Pierzynski on the list of most lopsided trades.

Now, looking back and examining the trade, it doesn't look as lopsided anymore.

Don't get me wrong. This was a great deal for the Twins and a terrible deal for Giants.

Can you imagine a rotation with Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, and the 2006 model of Francisco Liriano with Joe Nathan closing the door?

The deal seemed like a good idea at the time. San Francisco, with an aging Benito Santiago (age 38, .279, 11 HR, 56 RBI) was looking for a catcher.

Minnesota had one to spare.

The Twins were left with a dilema. They had AJ Pierzynski (Age 26, .312, 11 HR, 76 RBI) who had amassed career highs in every offensive category, or the unproven home-town boy Joe Mauer (Age 19, .338, 5 HR, 85 RBI in A-Fort Myers and AA-New Britian) waiting in the wings.

The Twins, who always seem to go with younger players, chose to put Pierzynski on the trade block.

The Giants called, offering Joe Nathan (24-10, 4.12 ERA, 200 K in four seasons with SF) and AA player Boof Bonser (41-28, 3.45 ERA, 512 K in four minor league seasons), who had won the SAL Pitcher of the Year award in 2001. Twins GM Terry Ryan didn't think it was even, so he asked Giants GM Brian Sabean to include 19 year old rookie ball pitcher Francisco Liriano (8-12, 2.81 ERA, 173 K in three minor league seasons).

Sabean ok'd the deal, and the rest is history.

Nathan made an immediate impact with the Twins. Taking over the closer role, Nathan recorded 44 saves (second highest season total in franchise history behind Eddie Guardado's 45 in 2002) with a 1.62 ERA, finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting, 12th in MVP voting, and was elected to his first All-Star game.

Since taking over as closer for the Twins, Nathan is 21-11 with 228 saves, 286 Ks, and a 1.81 ERA. Nathan's 228 ranks second in franchise history, and is only 26 saves behind Rick Aguilera's 254. Nathan has averaged 38 saves per season while with Minnesota.

Things haven't worked out as well for Boof Bonser.

Bonser was called up in 2006 after 30-22 with a 3.84 ERA and 404 Ks during three seasons in the minors to replace a struggling Kyle Lohse in the rotation.

Since Boof's call-up, he is 18-25 with a 5.12 ERA and 317 Ks. In 2008, Bonser started the season 2-6 with a 6.16 ERA. He was moved out rotation in favor of Scott Baker in early June. As a reliever, Bonser was 1-1 with an ERA of 5.88.

Bonser had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff, and has not (nor is he expected to) pitch in the 2009 season.

Things have been up-and-down for Francisco Lirano, as well.

Lirano, after two seasons in the minors (21-16, 3.19 ERA, 378 K) was on the Opening Day roster in 2006 as a reliever. After 12 relief apperances, he made his first start on May 19. Liriano would go 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA, and was highly favored to win the Rookie of the Year as well as the Cy Young Award.

Some news reporters were even bold enough to call Liriano and teammate Johan Santana the next Koufax and Drysdale.

But Liriano landed on the DL on August 11 after elbow inflammation, leaving him with too few innings to qualify for the ERA title and any real chance at any post-season awards. Liriano had Tommy John surgery to repair his left arm during the off-season and missed the entire 2007 campaign.

The rotation has dramatically changed since Liriano's 2006 debut. Brad Radke and Johan Santana have been replaced by Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey. Liriano has also changed. He is 11-15 with a 4.83 ERA since returning in 2008, and is 5-11 with a 5.39 ERA this season. His 11 losses are the most in the MLB.

The reason Giants fans are so bitter about the trade (other than the fact that they gave up all that talent) was that they got absolutely nothing out of the deal.

AJ Pierzynski was a San Francisco Giant for only one season.

Pierzynski played in 131 games for the Giants, hitting a meager .272 compared to his .312 in 2003. He then left for the Chicago White Sox as a free agent during the off-season. where he won a World Series in 2005.

The only reason this trade is still considered lopsided to me is that the Giants basically gave the Twins Joe Nathan, who is considered one of the top closers in the league, and opened the door for Joe Mauer.

Perhaps the reason that this trade doesn't seem as lopsided anymore is Liriano's terrible play. As of August 15, the Twins are 56-61, and are six games behind the Detroit Tigers, who are leading the AL Central while only seven games above .500.

The AL East leading Yankees are 31 games above, the AL West leading Angels are 25 games above, and the AL Wild Card leading Rangers are 16 games above.

But Liriano is still young, and has the tools to regain his old form. Only time will tell if this trade will ever be as lopsided as it once was.

Clock Ticking on Twins' Draft Pick Kyle Gibson

Zeke Fuhrman — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:52:26 -0400

The 1993 MLB Draft should have gone better for the Minnesota Twins. Twins' general manager Andy McPhail had back-to-back picks, and drafted Torii Hunter with pick No. 20.

Then, with the 21st pick, he selected catcher Jason Varitek.

Varitek did not sign with the Twins. He opted to return to college for his senior season, where he would lead the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to the College World Series.

Varitek was drafted the next season by the Seattle Mariners with the 14th pick. Varitek signed with the Independent League's St. Paul Saints before agreeing to terms with the Mariners, so he didn't appear in the minors until 1995.

Varitek was traded along with Derek Lowe to the Boston Red Sox for relief pitcher Heathcliff Slocumb in July 1997.

Varitek, who is now the captain of the Boston Red Sox, a three-time All-Star, a gold glove winner, two-time World Champion and has caught four no-hitters.

In all hopefulness, I won't have to write a similar article to this one in 15 years.

In the 2009 MLB Draft, Missouri pitcher Kyle Gibson fell into the laps of the Minnesota Twins with the 22nd overall pick.

Gibson was ranked the fourth best prospect heading into the draft last June.

The reason he wasn't taken in the first four picks?

A stress fracture in his throwing arm.

"We're just letting the process work itself out," Gibson said, "At times, it's going great. At other times, it's not so great.''

Gibson says returning to Missouri for his senior season is a possibility, but is highly unlikely.

"We're not playing games with the Twins," Gibson said. "They're a great organization. They told us from the beginning it would be a slow process, and there would be bumps in the road."

"There's two sides to it," Harold Gibson, Kyle's father said. "The Twins have to make a business deal, and Kyle has to make a business deal. Kyle hasn't made any demands, but he wants to be treated like a top 10 pick."

Drew Storen was selected by the Washington Nationals with the 10th pick in the draft and reportedly received a $1.6 million bonus when he signed.

Gibson and the Twins have until August 17th to make a deal.