Bleacher Report - Articles by Bryce Williford

2009 University of Illinois Football Preview: Proving Grounds

Bryce Williford — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:33:55 -0400

Looking Back

The 2009 Fighting Illini enter their fifth season under Ron Zook looking to prove that they belong amongst the elite teams in the Big Ten. Since joining Illinois in 2005, Zook as led Illinois to an unremarkable 18–30 record (9–36 if you remove their 2007 Rose Bowl campaign).

The 2007 Illini team looked like it had arrived as a power in the conference behind Juice Williams, Rashard Mendenhall, and Arrelious Benn. Victories over Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin, and a trip to the Rose Bowl made Illinois a trendy, preseason pick in the Big 10 going into 2008.

But 2008 turned out to be major disappointment in Champaign. Mendenhall left early and was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Illinois failed to build on their 2007 success as they struggled with inconsistency and turnovers throughout the 2008 season, ending on a sour note with three straight losses to Western Michigan, Ohio State, and Northwestern.

Illinois’ major weaknesses in 2008 was its defense, which ranked ninth in the Big 10 overall and gave up 18 passing and 16 rushing touchdowns, both ninth in the Big 10 as well. Illinois’ secondary managed only six interceptions. Only Miami (FL) and Fresno State had less amongst FBS teams.

Without Mendenhall, Zook’s offense struggled to find consistency at the running back position. Williams finished the season with 719 rushing yards, more than any of the team’s running backs. Jason Ford served as the short yardage back, scoring eight times and Daniel Dufrene rushed for 663 yards but failed to find the end zone.

The rushing attack fell to fifth in the Big 10 after leading the league the previous two seasons.

Williams led the offense with his arm and legs, throwing for over 3000 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for five more. But Williams’ success was tempered by his inconsistency.

During the final five games of the season, Williams managed just six touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions. Illinois went one and four and failed to qualify for a bowl a year after representing the Big 10 in the Rose Bowl.

2009 Preview: Strengths

On offense, Williams and Benn return to lead the Fighting Illini in what will be the final year of their successful partnership.

During spring practice, backup quarterback Terrance McGee spent time at wide receiver with promising results. McGee’s athleticism on the field with Williams and Benn will add a new dimension to the Illini offense, expected to score early and often.

A more mature Williams and a blossoming Benn give the Illini a lethal combo capable of scoring in a hurry.

Incoming freshman Bud Golden looks to be the breakaway back Illinois lacked last year. Zook also recruited the heir-apparent to Williams in Nathan Scheelhaase, a duel threat quarterback ranked seventh overall amongst duel-threat quarterbacks by Rivals.com.

Question Marks

With nearly the entire offense intact, the defense and special teams will have to improve on last year’s performance if the Illini are going to be a force in the Big 10.

Losing interception-leader Vontae Davis and sack-leaders David Lindquist and Will Davis will make things even more difficult. Fortunately, leading tacklers Martez Wilson and Travis Bellamy return to lead a unit that will rely heavily on several top recruits.

Justin Green enters the Illini secondary as Rivals.com’s seventh highest-rated cornerback while defensive linemen Michael Buchanan and Lendell Buckner should anchor the Illini in the trenches for the next four years.

Special teams are another area of weakness that Zook and the Illini will have to address in 2009. Illinois ranked 10th in yards per punt, 11th in punt return yardage, and 10th in kickoff return coverage.

The Illini offense will need to do a better job holding onto the ball as well. In 2008 Illinois ranked ninth in the Big 10 with a minus six turnover margin. Last year’s Illini also lacked discipline, finishing as the second most penalized team in the Big 10.

Coaching Staff

Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley bolted for the head coaching position at New Mexico. Zook hired TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz to replace him and also brought on Houston’s Joe Gilbert to coach the offensive line. Schultz, who groomed LaDainian Tomlinson at TCU, has ample experience developing a powerful rushing attack.

Schedule

Illinois faces one of the toughest schedules in the Big 10. With non-conference games against Missouri (preseason 25 AP), at Cincinnati (12 AP), and always dangerous Fresno State, Illinois will have every opportunity to prove it belongs in a major bowl.

In conference, the Illini travel to Columbus to face Ohio State (9 AP) and then take on Penn State (8 AP) and Michigan State (24 AP) at home.

What’s at Stake

2009 could prove to be a watershed year for Zook, Williams, and the Illinois program.

Williams, back for his senior year, needs a strong campaign to prove he’s NFL ready. A winning season, a bowl bid and Big 10 contention should result in confirmation that Zook has built a contending program in Champaign.

Five Burning Questions

Will Juice Williams become an elite quarterback capable of leading a talented Illini team to a major bowl?
Who will run the ball? Can freshman Bud Golden and new offensive coordinator Mike Schultz inject life into one of the Big 10’s worst rushing attacks?
Who will step up on defense? Are juniors Travon Bellamy and Martez Wilson ready to lead a unit that must improve for Illinois to contend?
Can Arrelious Benn live up to his billing as one of college football’s elite wide receivers?
Can Illinois survive a grueling opening five weeks which features AP Top 25 teams Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Penn State?

Prediction

Illinois makes it through its opening gauntlet with a three and two record (wins over Illinois State, Penn State, and Michigan State). Illinois finishes overall with a record of eight and four (six and two in conference play), good for third in the Big 10 and a trip to a solid bowl.

Oakland Athletics Update: Self Evaluation

Bryce Williford — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:16:15 -0400

This article is the first in a series of weekly articles that will chronicle the Oakland Athletics' season, organization, and future. If you have a topic you would like to hear about, please feel free to post your request on my message board.

May 25, 2009

For the first time in more than a decade, the Oakland Athletics entered the season with more questions about their starting rotation than their lineup.

Having added Matt Holiday in an offseason trade and veterans Nomar Garciaparra, Orlando Cabrera, and Jason Giambi via free agency, the Oakland lineup looked like a sure bet to increase their meager run production of 2008 (they finished last in the American League in runs scored in 2008).

Questions surrounded the pitching staff. With Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and Barry Zito a distant memory, and Rich Harden and Dan Haren gone as well, Oakland looked to Justin Duchscherer and a group of young starters to serve as the backbone to the new-look Athletics.

By Memorial Day the A's would find that injuries, slow starts, and inconsistency would be the hallmarks of the first quarter of the 2009 season.

Through 41 games, the Athletics sit in last place in the American League West with a record of 16-25.

Offensively, Oakland has scored 183 runs, good for 12th in the American League. Their team batting average of .243 is the worst in the American League.

Their pitching staff, however, has the fifth best ERA in the American League. This is due to their surprisingly stout bullpen. Oakland starters have posted just 17 quality starts, better only than the Baltimore Orioles in the American League.

Their bullpen, however, has posted a 3.81 ERA (good for third in the American League) while holding opposing hitters to a stingy .240 batting average, tops in the AL.

2009 Player Update

Bright Spots

Dallas Braden (SP)

Thrust into the staff ace role after injuries sidelined Justin Duchscherer, Braden has put together a solid 2009 campaign. Braden's 3-5 record is an indication of his poor run support.

His glittering 3.67 ERA and six quality starts lead all A's starters. With the exception of a May 18 start in Detroit, Braden has given up three runs or fewer in all nine of his starts.

Jack Cust (OF)

Entering the season, Cust was labeled the classic Three Outcomes type of hitter (walk, strikeout, or home run). Cust's seven home runs lead the A's, but he's also posted a respectable .262 batting average. His .362 on-base percentage leads all Oakland regulars.

Andrew Bailey (RP)

You can read more about Bailey in my 2009 Athletics Bullpen Update. Through 20 appearances, Bailey has notched a 2.20 ERA and 35 strikeouts, both of which are second on the team.

His strikeout total is higher than all starters except Braden and the entire bullpen. Bailey has also thrown himself into the closer conversation, securing a save on May 8 while Brad Ziegler was sidelined with the flu.

Kurt Suzuki (C)

Overshadowed by some of the bigger names in the Oakland lineup, Suzuki has quietly posted a .300 batting average while catching 37 of Oakland's 41 games thus far in 2009. His run total (20), hit total (45), and RBI total (17) put him on pace to easily surpass last year's mini-breakout campaign.

Help Is on the Way

There are a number of reasons to get excited about the remainder of the Athletics' season.

Matt Holliday (OF)

After scuffling through April, Holliday has turned it on in May. The Athletics' prized offseason acquisition has hit .296 thus far in May, to go along with 17 runs scored, five home runs, 15 RBI, and a .900 OPS. This is the Matt Holliday Billy Beane traded for.

Adam Kennedy (2B)

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, Kennedy has hit .400 through 14 games filling in for the injured Mark Ellis. He has hit safely in all but three games while posting a ridiculous 1.05 OPS.

His presence could allow Oakland manager Bob Geren to move Mark Ellis to third base when he returns from the disabled list, addressing a major weakness in the Oakland lineup.

Trevor Cahill (SP)

One of three members of the Athletics' next Big Three, Cahill has quietly turned in a very solid rookie campaign. He has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his nine starts. If you remove the two seven-run outings (in Detroit and home against Tampa Bay), Cahill has thrown 23.2 innings while giving up only 11 runs.

Oakland Athletics: 2009 Bullpen Review

Bryce Williford — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:55:34 -0400

The Oakland Athletics entered the 2009 season with some serious bullpen questions. After 27 games and an 11-16 record, some of those questions remain unanswered while injuries have taken the focus off of some solid developments in the Oakland bullpen.

Entering the season, Oakland manager Bob Geren had two legitimate options at closer. The submarining Brad Ziegler, who saved 11 games in 2008 after replacing Huston Street, held a tenuous hold on the position.

Ziegler was coming off a sparkling second half of 2008 in which he appeared in 28 games, notching 11 saves and two wins while maintaining a 1.62 ERA.

Ziegler's competition came from Joey Devine. Acquired from the Atlanta Braves after the 2007 season in the Tim Hudson trade, Devine was a former first round draft pick expected to be an elite closer at the Major League level.

But Devine struggled in two seasons with Atlanta and lost his closer-in-waiting status. During 2008, in the reduced-pressure role of a set up man, Devine flashed his potentially dominating stuff. While striking out 49 batters in 45 innings, Devine posted a 0.59 ERA and went the entire months of August and September without giving up a run.

But the closer competition was cut short. On April 4, the A's placed Devine on the disabled list and he underwent ligament-replacement surgery, ending his 2009 campaign. Ziegler became the team's closer.

Thus far in 2009, three pitchers have recorded saves for the Athletics. Ziegler leads the team with four, Michael Wurtz has two and rookie Andrew Bailey recorded his first career save on May 8, while Ziegler was sidelined with the flu.

Despite only seven total saves, the A's lead the majors with a 2.75 ERA after the seventh inning and are second with a 1.23 WHIP.

Santiago Casilla entered the season as a primary set up man but has been on the disabled list since late April with a knee sprain. Starting pitching prospects Sean Gallagher, Gio Gonzalez, and Jerry Blevins have all filled in out of the bullpen. Journeymen Russ Springer & Michael Wuertz were signed to provide a veteran presence and have been solid.

Perhaps the best story of the 2009 Oakland bullpen has been the rookie, Bailey. A sixth round draft pick in 2006, Bailey, 25, has been nearly unhittable in his relief role.

Through 21 innings thus far in 2009, Bailey has given up just seven hits and three runs while posting a glittering 24:7 strikeout to walk ratio and a 1.27 ERA. Opponents have hit just .087 against him in 2009 and his 0.61 WHIP is fifth amongst all pitchers with at least 10 innings pitched.

The return of Casilla in mid-May will provide a boost to a rapidly improving bullpen. Combined with Bailey's emergence, it will allow Gallagher to return to the starting rotation and Gonzalez to return to the minors where he continues to progress down the path of a top-of-the-rotation starter.

A major issue that needs to be addressed is the lack of left handed relievers out the bullpen for Oakland.

In 2008, lefties Alan Embree, Keith Foulke, and Blevins threw 130.1 innings in 137 appearances. Embree and Foulke are gone and Blevins has been less than impressive in 3 appearances thus far in 2009.

Lefty Josh Outman has thrown a couple of innings in relief and Gio Gonzalez had a five inning relief appearance on May 3.

But Outman has moved into the starting rotation and Gonzalez, the centerpiece of the Nick Swisher trade with the Chicago White Sox last season, is one of Oakland's brightest starting rotation prospects.

Oakland's ability to develop (or acquire) another left handed option out of the bullpen will directly impact their ability to contend in a wide-open American League West.

Overall, with a healthy Casilla, Springer, and Wuertz, along with the emergence of Bailey as a standout reliever, bridging the gap to Ziegler in the ninth inning, Oakland should have a solid bullpen.

Their success is critical to an Athletics team with a young, inexperienced starting rotation (albeit brimming with talent).

This is a situation many A's fans will remember in the early 2000's, when veterans like Jason Isringhausen, Foulke, Chad Bradford, Billy Koch, and Rincardo Rincon provided lights-out relief for a group of young pitchers named Zito, Mulder, Hudson, Harden, and Harang.

Player Snapshot

Brad Zielger (CL) RHP

10 App, 11.2 IP, 4 Saves, 10 K, 4 BB, 3.09 ERA, 1.54 WHIP

Andrew Bailey RHP

15 App, 21.1 IP, 3 Wins, 1 Save, 21 K, 7 BB, 1.27 ERA, 0.61 WHIP

Russ Springer RHP

15 App, 14 IP, 1 Loss, 16 K, 6 BB, 2.57 ERA, 1.57 WHIP

Michael Wuertz RHP

15 App, 16.2 IP, 2 Wins, 1 Loss, 2 Saves, 14 K, 2 BB, 1.62 ERA, 0.72 WHIP

Jerry Blevins LHP

3 App, 1.1 IP, 3 BB, 27.00 ERA, 3.75 WHIP

Kevin Cameron RHP

3 App, 5 IP, 4 K, 1 BB, 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP

Santiago Casilla (DL) RHP

9 App, 11.1 IP, 1 Loss, 7 K, 6 BB, 1.59 ERA, 0.79 WHIP

Everything's Right In Big D, Mavericks Defeat Spurs, 99-90

Bryce Williford — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:41:20 -0400

Three years ago the Dallas Mavericks were on the precipice of fulfilling their potential.

They held a two-games-to-none lead over Dwayne Wade's Miami Heat. They had completed a playoff run that included a Game Seven win in San Antonio (in overtime, no less) and a Conference Finals-clinching win in Phoenix over Steve Nash's Suns.

And then everything fell apart.

Dallas lost a heartbreaking Game Three in Miami in which the Mavericks blew a 13-point lead with six minutes remaining. Final: 98-96.

Wade, Shaquille O'Neal and Co. blew out Dallas in Game Four and then won Games Five and Six (the latter in Dallas) by a combined four points to stun the Mavericks and take home the NBA Title.

Since then, a once-proud Dallas organization has floundered.

In 2007 Dallas finished the regular season with an NBA-best 67 wins, only to be trounced in the first round by former coach Don Nelson's upstart Golden State Warriors.

In 2008 Mark Cuban shook things up and traded future All-Star point guard Devin Harris to New Jersey for aging superstar Jason Kidd. The move was vilified by analysts. They pointed out that Kidd had lost a step and could not guard the West's quicker point guards.

Dallas snuck into the playoffs as a seven seed, losing four games to one to Chris Paul's New Orleans Hornets.

The 2008-09 NBA season began with Dallas looking like the team that would fall out of contention in the West. Improving young teams like Portland and New Orleans looked to join the Lakers and Spurs at the top of the conference. Dallas stumbled out of the gate to a 2-7 record and the collapse of Big D looked complete.

And then something changed.

Whether it was new coach Rick Carlisle's system finally clicking or Jason Kidd meshing with the offense, Dallas went on an 18-5 run and never looked back. Fifty wins secured Dallas the sixth seed and a date with in-state rival San Antonio.

Much was made of the Tony Parker-Jason Kidd matchup. Most Parker would outplay Kidd by a mile.

Instead Dallas has San Antonio one loss from elimination.

In Game One, Dallas had six players score in double figures. The Mavs held Parker to 24 points (off from his 31 PPG average against Dallas in 2009) and shot better than 50% to win in San Antonio.

After the Spurs took Game Two, Dallas stormed back at home in Game Three, winning 88-67. It was the first time in San Antonio's illustrious playoff history that the Spurs had been held below 70 points.

All of this led up to last night's Game Four.

Parker started out on fire, tying the Spurs' record set by George Gervin for most points in one half of a playoff game with 31. But Dallas refused to allow the rest of the Spurs beat them. Parker and Tim Duncan scored 68 points. The rest of the Spurs could muster only 22.

Dallas, meanwhile, used a 29-16 third quarter and stifling fourth-quarter defense to beat San Antonio 99-90.

Dallas had five players in double figures, led by Josh Howard's 28 points. Dirk Nowitzki finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds while Jason Kidd scored 17 to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists.

Unnoticed in the box score was the contribution of Ryan Hollins, Dallas' second-year big man out of UCLA.

Hollins played 19 minutes, including most of the fourth quarter guarding Duncan. Hollins held Duncan to just two points in the fourth quarter while grabbing eight rebounds to go along with three blocks.

The series now heads back to San Antonio for Game Five with Duncan, Parker and the Spurs looking for answers. The Spurs have lost nine of their last 10 road playoff games while Dallas is on a 16-1 run at home since the All Star break.

The Mavericks have been getting valuable contributions from their entire roster. Jose Juan Barea has been inserted into the starting lineup to guard Parker and is averaging 10 PPG.

Despite poor shooting thus far from Jason Terry, the NBA's recently crowned Sixth Man of the Year, Dallas is getting all the offense it needs from Nowitzki, Howard, Kidd and role players Barea, Brandon Bass, Antoine Wright and Erick Dampier.

Dallas has committed the third-fewest turnovers thus far in the playoffs (a direct result of Kidd's leadership and playoff experience). They lead the NBA in playoff free-throw percentage and are fifth overall in rebounding.

No one on the Mavericks is looking ahead to the next round, not with the 2006 NBA Finals so fresh in everyone's memory. "They're not going anywhere," Kidd said after Saturday's victory. "It's not easy to put a team away, especially a team that's won championships."

But without a remarkable comeback by a San Antonio team that does not seem to have the fire power without injured star Manu Ginobili, Dallas is looking at a Round Two date with either Denver or New Orleans.

Should Dallas win one of the remaining three games in this series, focus will shift away from Parker vs. Kidd and onto whether this underrated Dallas team can take the next step toward the NBA Finals. On Tuesday, April 28, we'll begin to find out.

Chauncey Billups Comes Home: The Denver Nuggets' Return to Relevance

Bryce Williford — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:23:26 -0400

Every year the NBA season is full of trade rumors. More so than any other sport, the NBA seems to generate high-profile changes on a regular basis. Guaranteed contracts, the salary cap, and pressure to win now make nearly every player available for the right price.

But among the rumors and eight-figure salary swaps, high-impact trades can go unnoticed.

Two games into the 2008-09 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets pulled the plug on the Allen Iverson Era. After a little more than one-and-a-half seasons in Denver, Iverson left the Nuggets exactly how he found them: close but not quite good enough to compete with the elite Western Conference teams.

In his 135 games in a Denver uniform, Iverson averaged 25.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.

The Nuggets needed to acquire a true point guard. With talented wings J.R. Smith and Linas Kleiza losing minutes to Iverson, and Anthony Parker starting at the point guard position, Denver had to make a change.

Enter Chauncey Billups. Billups' heroics with Detroit are well documented. In his six seasons with Detroit, he took a developing team and led them to four conference finals and two NBA finals appearances, including the 2004 NBA Championship.

But the Detroit brass felt a change was in order. To compete with high-scoring attacks like Cleveland and Orlando, the Pistons traded their floor general to Denver for Iverson. AI's arrival in Detroit grabbed all of the headlines. Billups' arrival in Denver changed a season.

Billups' move to Denver has had the most impact of any in-season trade since the Pistons acquired Rasheed Wallace in 2004. That move led directly to a championship.

The Nuggets finished with a 54-28 record and locked up the second seed in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Statistically, Billups' season was impressive. He averaged nearly 18 points per game to go along with 6.4 assists and three rebounds per game. He shot 42 percent from the field, 41 percent from behind the arc, and 91 percent from the free-throw line (good for fourth best in the league).

Billups was one of only five players to shoot better than 90 percent from the line and the only one of those five to average more than five free throws per game.

Billups finished the season with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 18.85, nearly a full three points higher than Iverson's 15.89.

The real impact Billups had could be felt on his teammates. Carmelo Anthony dropped his turnovers per game and increased his three-point percentage. He also played a career-low 34:30 per game, keeping him fresh for the postseason.

The players to benefit most from Chauncey's arrival were J.R. Smith and Nene Hilario. Trading Iverson cleared minutes for Smith, a natural shooting guard with size (6'6", 220 pounds).

Smith averaged 15 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, all career highs. He became a bona fide second option behind Carmelo while shooting nearly 45 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three-point range. He improved dramatically as the season wore on, averaging 17.8 and 22.4 points per game in March and April respectively.

Nene finally had the breakout year Denver had been waiting for since they acquired him (the seventh overall pick) from the New York Knicks on draft day in 2002. Career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (7.8), and blocks (1.3) gave the Nuggets the true post presence they lacked to compete with the big men in the Western Conference.

Nene also shot 60 percent from the floor and 72 percent from the free-throw line, both career highs.

Offensively, Denver finished the season sixth in the league in scoring and fifth in field goal percentage. While those numbers were comparable to the season before, their defensive numbers with Billups took a giant step forward.

During 2007-08, Denver gave up 107 points per game, good for second worst in the NBA. Their rebounding was atrocious, as they allowed the third most offensive and total rebounds per game.

This season they reduced their points allowed per game to 100.9, improving to 19th overall and giving them a plus-3.4 margin—eighth best in the NBA.

Detroit, meanwhile, went from leading the league by allowing opponents 90.1 points per game in 2007-08 to finishing with the eighth best defense, allowing nearly 95 points per game. They finished outside the top three in that respect for the first time since Billups arrived in Detroit.

Three games into the NBA Playoffs, Denver holds a 2-1 series lead over the New Orleans Hornets. Both wins in Denver came on Chauncey's back; he averaged 33.5 points and six assists per game.

Detroit, meanwhile, is getting demolished by the Cleveland Cavaliers, down 3-0. Iverson is out of the playoffs with an undisclosed injury (read: Iverson couldn't relegate himself to coming off the bench as the Pistons wanted).

While Denver's run most likely ends in Los Angeles in the Conference Finals, Billups' impact on Denver's season is one of the great storylines of this season.

While all of the negatives surround Iverson's messy arrival and departure in Detroit, Chauncey Billups has quietly led his hometown team back to relevance, giving them a chance to compete for their first NBA title in franchise history.

Road Warriors: Surprising Results To Kick off the 2009 NBA Playoffs

Bryce Williford — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:22:47 -0400

Twenty-four hours ago questions swirled around the start of the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Injuries, inexperienced players, and high expectations were on everyone's mind as the Bulls and Celtics tipped off in Boston. Now, as we await the start of Sunday's game, we can begin to answer some of those questions.

Chicago, Houston, and Dallas, all underdogs playing in harsh environments, seized control of their respective series by winning game one on the road. To put that in perspective, since the NBA moved to the seven game format for round one, three road teams have never won on the opening day.

In Boston, the defending champion Celtics looked like they had never been to the playoffs before. Ray Allen, the man who has attempted and made the second most three pointers ever went 1-12 and missed a game-tying field goal as time expired in overtime.

Paul Pierce, the face of the Celtics who carried them through the regular season without Kevin Garnett, missed a free throw that would have won the game in regulation. Only Rajon Rondo, Boston's superb young point guard showed up to play. Rondo scored 29 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists.

They were all outplayed by a 20-year-old rookie with exactly zero playoff experience. Derrick Rose put on a clinic to the tune of 36 points (including 12 of 12 from the free throw line) and 11 assists. Rose's 36 point outburst tied him with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points scored by a rookie in his first playoff game.

By winning 105-103 in overtime, the Bulls seized home court advantage from the defending champs and served notice that Boston would have to do more than merely show up for round one.

Cleveland and Detroit tipped off next and the game was over at halftime as LeBron James banked in a 41 foot buzzer beater to put the Cavaliers up 57-45. Cleveland won every quarter and LeBron finished with 38 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 12 points and 10 rebounds while Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Joe Smith all scored in double figures.

For Detroit, Rodney Stuckey led the way with 20 points, but the Pistons had no answer for James despite Rasheed Wallace's pre-series confidence. Cleveland would finish the day as the only team to hold serve at home.

The evening game began in San Antonio as Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks arrived to face a banged-up Spurs team. Before the series began, analysts wondered if the Spurs could score enough points without Manu Ginobili.

Could Roger Mason, Drew Gooden, and Michael Finley pick up the scoring slack? How would Tim Duncan's aching knees hold up? And could Tony Parker exploit his advantage over Jason Kidd and carry this Spurs team?

After the first quarter, it looked like business as usual for San Antonio. Up 29-18 with Dirk saddled with three quick fouls, the Spurs were in control. And then Mavericks' coach Rick Carlisle made a change. He inserted backup point guard Jose Juan Barea into the lineup alongside Jason Kidd. Barea would help limit Tony Parker to 17 points the rest of the way (down from his 31.3 ppg average during the regular season against Dallas).

From that point on, Dallas outscored San Antonio 87-68 to finish with a 105-97 victory. Josh Howard led a balanced Dallas attack with 25 points. Dallas had six players score in double figures. The usually stingy San Antonio defense allowed the Mavericks to shoot 53 percent from the field while forcing just seven turnovers. Dallas also shot 94 percent from the free throw line.

San Antonio, despite hitting 11 three pointers, had no answers for the Dallas offense. The Spurs' bench could only muster 14 points. The Spurs only shot 12 free throws, down from the 20 they averaged during the season, a direct result of Ginobili's knack for getting to the rim. San Antonio will be forced to find new answers for this Mavericks team before game two on Monday.

In the nightcap, a promising young Portland team took the floor against the Houston Rockets. Yao Ming, who has never won a playoff series, came into the game looking to carry his Rockets without Tracy McGrady. Yao was perfect, literally, shooting 9-of-9 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the free throw line for 24 points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

The Trail Blazers, a favorite to challenge the Lakers for the Western Conference Title, looked lost from the opening tip. Ron Artest, Aaron Brooks, and Luis Scola scored 63 points and Houston ran the young Blazers out of the building, winning 108-81.

Brandon Roy and Greg Oden were the only Blazers to score more than 10 points. LaMarcus Aldridge was just 3-of-12 from the field and Portland hit just one three-pointer after finishing fourth in the league in three point shooting percentage.

Blazers coach Nate McMillan will have to find a way to get his squad ready to play again in 48 hours. He will undoubtedly turn to Roy as well as re-evaluate his strategy for containing the 7'6" Yao.

The Rockets, meanwhile, enter game two brimming with confidence. They will return to Houston with home court advantage in hand with a solid chance to advance out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

As we anxiously await Sunday's tip off between the Lakers and the Jazz, we have answered some of our questions we posed before Saturday's games. Of course, the magic of the NBA Playoffs is that Saturday's surprising results leave new questions unanswered.

The Loss of a Leader: Kevin Garnett's True Importance to the Boston Celtics

Bryce Williford — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:41:45 -0400

You know a player or a moment is important when NBA Films uses it in a montage. Since he entered the league in 1995, Kevin Garnett has supplied the NBA marketing gurus with an endless supply of chest-banging, heaven-pointing, fierce-glaring footage.

Those borderline scary eyes and his wrapped fingers clenched in fists are so familiar that they're probably a keyboard shortcut on the video editing software at ESPN.

It's this intensity that Garnett brought to Boston last year. It's this intensity that put Paul Pierce and company over the top; that focused Rajon Rondo into becoming a star; that molded Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, and Leon Powe into reliable role players.

Garnett's refusal to accept failure, something he had dealt with for so many years in Minnesota, pushed the 2007-08 Celtics to the title.

This leadership and intensity is nearly impossible to replace. So when Garnett went down in February with a knee injury, most Celtics fans were worried.

But then Boston went on to win 18 of their final 27 and all of a sudden it was ok that Garnett was out. He'll be back for the playoffs everyone said. It's great that he's getting all of this rest was another phrase heard amongst Boston supporters.

Then came the news that Garnett would most likely miss the playoffs. Teammates, coaches, executives and fans alike said all of the right things. What's to worry about right? They've still got Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rondo.

Perkins, Davis, and Powe played great down the stretch in Garnett's absence. The Boston crowd makes it nearly impossible for anyone to win in the new Garden.

But in one afternoon, a 20 year old, rookie point guard, pulled the facade down. Derrick Rose's 36 points coupled with Chicago's front court demolition of Boston's Garnett Replacement Crew took the series out of the Garden and moved into Chicago's west side. Into a building with a couple of banners over the court won by some guy named Jordan.

What's worse for the Celtics, is that their remaining Big Two let them down. Allen couldn't have played worse, going 1-12 from the field while also allowing Ben Gordon to score 20 points. Pierce missed a free throw with two seconds left that would have won the game for Boston. With Garnett on the court, that does not happen.

The intensity that Boston used to roll over the Lakers in last year's NBA Finals was nowhere to be found. Instead, it was Rose, Noah and Tyrus Thomas who had the swagger of defending champions.

So where do the Celtics go from here? Rondo was the only Celtic player to have a standout day, scoring 29 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists. In the post game press conference, the normally reserved Rivers bristled when asked about his injured (and absent) superstar.

The series in not about Garnett, Rivers said, but about the 10 guys on the court and "which set of five is bringing the most juice."

It is a mistake for Rivers to avoid the ten thousand pound gorilla in the room. This series is about Garnett's absence whether he likes it or not. Rivers should be embracing the loss of his leader, using it as inspiration.

It's not often that a defending champion can play the "No One Believed In Us" card. Of course Rivers wants to focus on the team on the court. But he cannot ignore the void created by Garnett's injury.

This could be a chance to cement Rondo as the leader of the team (something he is going to have to become if the Celtics are going to remain successful). It's a chance for Pierce and Allen to prove they are capable of carrying a team to a title.

You do not just replace a Kevin Garnett. The process has to start with Pierce, Allen and Rondo. It has to be a collective effort; a team banding together in the face of adversity. If they do not, Boston fans may not get to see their team again after game two.

The Derrick Rose Show: Bulls Upend Defending Champs; Steal Home Court

Bryce Williford — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:34:34 -0400

Last year Boston fans watched their beloved Celtics roll over the Atlanta Hawks in the opening game of the playoffs 104-81, beginning what would be a magical postseason culminating in a championship. Flash forward to present day. Boston fans were treated to another jaw dropping performance, only this time it was by Derrick Rose.

The Bulls' rookie point guard, playing in his first playoff game, carried his team to a 105-103 overtime victory against the favored Celtics. Rose, just 20-years-old, scored 36 points, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points scored by a rookie in his NBA playoff debut, and adding 11 assists. He hit all 12 of his free throw attempts.

Engaged in a battle with Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists), Rose played like a seasoned veteran, consistently hitting big shots to stem Boston runs.

But there was more to Chicago's victory than Rose's performance. Fellow baby-Bull Joakim Noah scored 11 points, pulled down 17 rebounds and played like the inspirational leader of his back to back National Championship squads from Florida. Tyrus Thomas scored 16 points, 6 in overtime, while blocking 3 shots. Ben Gordon chipped in 20 points and Brad Miller grabbed 12 rebounds off the bench.

The Kevin Garnett-less Celtics looked lost throughout the game. Paul Pierce, who carried this team for the past two months without KG, scored 23 points but missed a free throw with 2 seconds left that would have won the game. Ray Allen, the NBA's second leading 3 point shooter of all time went 1-12 and bricked a game-tying attempt at the end of overtime.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers countered Chicago's fast-paced attack by going small, playing Rando and Allen with Stephon Marbury and Eddie House. House and Marbury, scoring guards to the core, combined with Allen to shoot a horrific 3-22 for 9 points.

To make matters worse, the Celtics were out-rebounded by the Bulls 53 to 45. While KG replacements Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis outscored Noah and Thomas 32 to 27, they were out-rebounded by the Bulls duo 23 to 11.

Rose sought out former Bulls point guard (and his current agent) BJ Armstrong for advice before the game. Armstrong told him "Just go out there in the first five minutes and play like you want to be there," Rose said, "So I came out aggressive and my team followed me."

After the game, Rivers refused to talk about the absence of Garnett, instead focusing on his team's lack of intensity and focus on their game plan. "We had no defensive energy," Rivers said. "I mean, to think we worked on transition D for two days, and then the first play of the game Joakim Noah gets a dunk, now that was extremely disappointing."

No one will be overlooking the Bulls going forward. After the game, Pierce said, "Now that we got hit in the mouth, it's a series." While this match-up is a long way from over, game one showed us how much the Celtics miss Garnett.

For them to win this series, their big men will have to do a much better job on the glass. Allen will have to pick up his scoring. And someone will have to emerge as the emotional leader Garnett was. If they don't, this series could be over before it comes back to Boston.

Ready to Rumble: 2009 NBA Playoff Preview: Round One

Bryce Williford — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:34:57 -0400

When the 2009 NBA Playoffs tip off at noon on Saturday, we'll witness all of the best the NBA has to offer. From it's marquee stars and tantalizing rookies, to battle-tested teams and developing powers, the NBA's finest will be on display.

It's hard to recall a postseason with so many powerful story-lines. The next two months will yield answers to our most pressing questions:

Will Cleveland and Los Angeles continue their dominance and meet in the Finals? Is this the start of a Bird-Magic rivalry between Kobe and Lebron?

How will the litany of injuries impact the playoffs? Each of these teams has a major injury concern: Boston (Garnett's knee), LA (Bynum's knee), Orlando (Lewis' knee, Turkoglu's ankle), Cleveland (Wallace's knee), New Orleans (Chandler's ankle), San Antonio (Ginobili is out, Duncan is banged up).

How far can the Pierce carry Boston? How far can Wade carry Miami?

Will the NBA's exciting young point guards be able to carry their teams into the second round? Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrik Rose, and Rajon Rondo all face difficult first round match-ups. At least one will be left standing when the dust clears after round one (Rose and Rondo face each other).

Who can challenge the Lakers in the West?

Can Boston or Orlando give the Lebron's a run for their money?

So many questions, so little time. Without further ado, onto the picks.

Round One—Eastern Conference

1) Cleveland vs. 8) Detroit

Rasheed and company are full of confidence heading into the series. Cleveland will not make the mistake of overlooking 'Sheed, Rip, and Tayshaun. But this Pistons team is standing on the tracks as the train's coming through. After dropping an early season game in Detroit, Cleveland rattled off three straight wins by an average of 16 points.

Cleveland in four

2) Boston vs. 7) Chicago

How will Boston respond to the first round (at least) without Kevin Garnett? Will young big men Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, and Glen Davis be able to match Chicago's varied arsenal of Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, Brad Miller, and Aaron Gray? Can John Salmons keep Paul Pierce in check? How will Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich handle Ray Allen, Stephon Marbury, and Eddie House?

But no match-up is more anticipated than Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose against Rajon Rondo. And I think Rose wins.

Chicago finished the season hot, and have gelled as a team under first year coach Vinny Del Negro. New additions John Salmons and Brad Miller have had a huge impact. Miller gives them added toughness and playoff experience.

An overlooked stat in Chicago's favor is their free throw percentage. On the season, the Bulls were seventh in the league, shooting 79.6 percent from the charity stripe. Boston finished 18th, at 76.5 percent.

Much has been made about Boston's record without Garnett (18-8). But of those 18 wins, only seven came against playoff teams (one against Philadelphia). Ultimately, without Kevin Garnett, the Celtics can be beat. Chicago is tough at home, and I think they can steal one in Boston.

Chicago in six

3) Orlando vs. 6) Philadelphia

Who would have thought that Elton Brand would only play 29 games, average 13 points, and the 76ers would make the playoffs? The Andre's (Iguodala and Miller), along with Thaddeus Young, have carried an overachieving Philadelphia team as far as they can. Dwight Howard will be too much inside, and unless Orlando forgets how to shoot, this one will be over quickly.

Orlando in five

4) Miami vs. 5) Atlanta

The Hawks very quietly had an excellent year, building on the success they had against Boston in the first round last year. Mike Bibby is a gamer and always shows up for the playoffs. Joe Johnson could be the most under-publicized player in the NBA.

Dwayne Wade is no slouch in big games. However, his supporting cast is young (rookie point guard Mario Chalmers and rookie forward Michael Beasley have had up and down seasons). Jermaine O'Neal is a shell of his former self. Ultimately, the Heat go as Wade goes.

Atlanta is a less-than ideal matchup for Wade. In three games this season, Wade averaged 4.3 points per game less than his season average. He also averaged a mere six free throws per game (compared to his season average of 9.8). Credit goes to Josh Smith and Al Horford, who have been shot blocking forces all season.

Ultimately, Miami cannot keep up with the balanced Atlanta attack. Mike Bibby systematically disassembles Mario Chalmers while Johnson, Smith, Horford and Marvin Williams win round one, and give Atlanta the right to step in front of the Lebron Express in round two.

Atlanta in six

Round One—Western Conference

1) LA Lakers vs. 8) Utah Jazz

Utah limped into the playoffs, losing seven of their last 10. Meanwhile, LA was welcoming back Andrew Bynum, and getting him re-oriented in their rotation. Deron Williams is as exciting as they come but LA and Kobe will be too much to handle.

The Lakers were 40-10 with Andrew Bynum in the lineup. LA was 2-1 this season against Utah, with their one loss coming in Utah after a stretch of eight games in 12 days (seven on the road, including wins at Cleveland and at Boston).

LA in five

2) Denver vs 7) New Orleans

2009 was supposed to be the ascension of Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets. Now, Portland is everyone's darling, and the biggest story of the Hornets' season was the aborted trade of Tyson Chandler.

The Hornets are limping into the postseason. Since rattling off seven straight wins at the beginning of March, the Hornets have won just 10 of their final 21 games. Denver won 15 of their final 23 games, including 14 of their last 17.

The addition of Chauncey Billups makes this Denver team very dangerous. JR Smith has emerged as a legitimate second scoring option behind Carmelo, and he averages more than 21 points per game against the Hornets.

While Billups, Smith, and Carmelo Anthony matchup well with Paul, Rasual Butler, James Posey, and Peja Stojakovic, it's New Orleans' front court that will be their undoing. Without a healthy Chandler, the Hornets interior defense will have trouble containing Nene, Kenyon Martin, and the vastly improved Chris Anderson.

David West is a fabulous offensive player, but not a great defensive one. Denver finished the year 15th in total rebounding and second in blocked shots. New Orleans was 27th and 26th, respectively.

Paul and company have a bright future, but it will have to wait one more year.

Denver in six

3) San Antonio vs. 6) Dallas

Dallas, comes into this series red-hot. Winners of seven of their last nine games, Dirk Nowitzki has averaged better than 30 PPG in April. While Parker poses a matchup problem for Dallas, Nowitzki poses the same problem for San Antonio, averaging 26 PPG and 10 RPG against the Spurs this season. Jason Terry and Josh Howard both averaged more than 20 PPG against the Spurs as well.

No Manu Ginobili. Tim Duncan less than 100 percent. San Antonio is finished right?

Tony Parker & Co would disagree. Parker had a career year, averaging 22 points and seven assists per game. Mid-season pick up Drew Gooden has stepped up his scoring in Ginobili's absence (14.4 PPG in April). Roger Mason has averaged better than 12 PPG so far in April. But the key to the Spurs' success is Parker. In four games this year, Parker eviscerated Jason Kidd to the tune of 31 PPG.

Despite the improved play of Gooden, Mason, and Parker, San Antonio is 22-16 without Ginobili in the lineup (compared to 32-12 when he's in the lineup). These teams split their season series 2-2, each winning a game on the other's home court. This Dallas team is firing on all cylinders at the right time. Dallas will have trouble with Parker, but ultimately prevail in what could be the best first-round series.

Dallas in seven

4) Portland vs. 5) Houston

The Trail Blazers enter the postseason as the hottest team in the NBA. Winners of their last six games, 10 of their last 11, and 25 of 36 since the end of January, Portland has a balanced attack and a deep bench. This young Blazers roster is led by Brandon Roy, who is becoming one of the elite NBA stars.

Their front-line of LaMarcus Alderidge, Joel Pryzbilla, and Greg Oden average 32 points, 22 rebounds and three blocks per game. They're deep, with 10 players averaging more than 10 minutes per game and playing in at least 60 games.

Houston has played well down the stretch as well. Their story is a tale of two seasons: with Tracy McGrady, and without him.

Since McGrady went down in early February, Houston is 22-7. With Ron Artest and Shane Battier in the lineup together, Houston poses defensive matchup problems for teams. Both wings are big (6'7" and 6'8", respectively), and are both above average defenders. Point guard Aaron Brooks has averaged nearly 14 PPG as a starter (compared to less than 10 PPG coming off the bench).

This should be a hard-fought, knock down-drag out fist fight. Oden, Pryzbilla, Luis Scola, Carl Landry, and Artest are not scared of contact. Both teams have something to prove. Can Portland take the next step and become a threat to the Lakers? Can Houston finally get past the first round with Yao Ming (0-4 since Yao joined the team in 2002)?

In the end, Portland's depth, diversity, and home-court advantage prevail.

Portland in six

MLB Opening Day: One Man's 2009 Predictions

Bryce Williford — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:21:09 -0400

Tomorrow night North Carolina takes on Michigan State for the NCAA Men's National Championship. In the next week we'll determine who makes the NBA and NHL Playoffs. Last week Penn State took home the NIT Title. But tonight, at 8:00PM Eastern Time, reigning the Atlanta Braves travel to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Reigning World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Brett Myers' first pitch will kick off 7 months of fastballs, home runs, rookie surprises and compelling stories. Some questions we'll answer together: Can 2009 belong to the Chicago Cubs? So many Yankees story lines, so little time. ARod's injury, Big offseason signings, Joe Girardi on the hotseat. The Chronicles of Stephen Strasburg - Can Washington sign the pitcher many are calling the greatest prospect in baseball history? Will we see him pitching in the Nation's Capital this summer? Can the Phillies and Devil Rays repeat last year's surprising performances? Will Manny Ramirez lead the Dodgers back to the postseason? The list could go on...but let's get to some predictions. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy baseball in 2009.

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Ivan Rodriguez: Where Is the Love?

Bryce Williford — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 04:58:26 -0400

Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez has been a fixture in Major League Baseball since 1991. During that time, no catcher has been as offensively and defensively dominant as Rodriguez.

Despite his statistics, awards and championships, Rodriguez's name is not often mentioned in the conversation of the greatest players of his time.

While the Griffey's, Bonds's and other Rodriguez's often come out on top, Pudge is overlooked. Baseball's greatest catcher in the last 20 years should be on that list.

Born on Nov. 30, 1971, Rodriguez is part of a long line of great baseball players that hail from Puerto Rico. This list includes Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Orlando Cepeda and notable contemporaries Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran.

Rodriguez debuted in 1991 with the Texas Rangers. At the time, he was 19 years old and the youngest catcher ever to play Major League Baseball. Despite playing only 88 games, he finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year race (Chuck Knoblauch took home the award). What followed was more than a decade of dominance at the catcher position.

Between 1992 and 2008, Pudge won 13 Gold Gloves (10 in a row from 1992 to 2001). He won 7 Silver Slugger Awards and was the 1999 American League MVP.

In that same time period, he was an All-Star 14 times (13 as a starter). Those 14 All-Star appearances tie him with Johnny Bench for second most amongst catchers (1 behind the great Yogi Berra).

In 2003, Rodriguez left Texas and signed with the Florida Marlins. It would be his only season in the National League. At 31, he was the oldest everyday player on a young and talented team.

Offensively, he hit nearly .300, scored 90 runs and stole 10 bases, to go along with 16 home runs and 85 RBI. But his greatest contribution was to the pitching staff, which featured four promising pitchers in need of a leader.

With an average age of 23, Josh Beckett, AJ Burnett, Dontrelle Willis and Brad Penny combined to win 37 games while striking out 453 batters in 522 innings.

Willis won the Rookie of the Year Award. After beating Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series, the Marlins won games 6 and 7 in Wrigley Field, knocking off the Cubs in the NLCS.

The 2003 World Series pitted the improbable Marlins against the New York Yankees. In game 6, with a 3-2 series lead, 23 year old Josh Beckett twirled a complete game, shut-out in Yankee Stadium to wrap up the series for Florida.

Lost in Miguel Cabrera's coming-out party and Beckett's MVP, was Pudge's performance. He caught all six games (Mark Redmond got just one at-bat as Rodriguez's back-up) of the World Series and it was his veteran presence that led his young team to the title.

Historically, Rodriguez's numbers rank him amongst the best catchers of all time. Defensively, he's thrown out 47 percent of potential base-stealers while posting a .991 fielding percentage.

Only three catchers have thrown out a better percentage of base-stealers than Rodriguez, led by Roy Campanella at rate of 57 percent (based on a minimum of 200 attempts).

His 13 Gold Gloves are three more than Johnny Bench and first amongst all catchers. Only Brooks Robinson (16) has more Gold Gloves as a position player than Rodriguez.

Offensively, Rodriguez's career numbers are on the same level as five of the best offensive catchers of all time.

Ivan Rodriguez: 1253 Runs, 2605 Hits, 295 Home Runs, 1217 RBI, .301 Average

Johnny Bench: 1091 Runs, 2048 Hits, 384 Home Runs, 1376 RBI, .267 Average

Carlton Fisk: 1276 Runs, 2356 Hits, 376 Home Runs, 1330 RBI, .269 Average

Yogi Berra: 1175 Runs, 2150 Hits, 358 Home Runs, 1430 RBI, .285 Average

Gary Carter: 1025 Runs, 2092 Hits, 324 Home Runs, 1225 RBI, .262 Average

Mike Piazza: 1048 Runs, 2127 Hits, 427 Home Runs, 1335 RBI, .308 Average

Bench, Fisk, Berra and Carter are all in the Hall of Fame. Piazza retired after the 2007 season is sure to join them.

But what of Rodriguez? Like many of our generation's greatest players, his name has been linked to performance-enhancing drugs.

In Jose Canseco's book Juiced, he claims to have inject Rodriguez along with teammates Rafael Palmeiro and Juan Gonzalez with a number of steroids during their time together in Texas.

While Rodriguez denies Canseco's claim and has never tested positive, it remains to be seen how implicated involvement in the Steroid Era will impact Hall of Fame voters.

In the meantime, Rodriguez looks to continue his brilliant career. After a strong showing for Team Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic, the Houston Astros have given the 37-year-old backstop another shot at the National League.

Rodriguez has said he would like to play after this season. He should easily reach 1300 runs, 2700 hits, 300 home runs and 1300 RBI.

Throughout his career, Ivan Rodriguez has done it all. Offensively and defensively, his numbers are outstanding. He has awards and a World Series ring to go with those statistics. His name belongs in the conversation with the best players of our generation.

Fantasy Baseball Preview: Outfield: So Many Options, So Little Time

Bryce Williford — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:14:32 -0400

My outfield preview will be different than the positional previews previously published. I will rank the top 50 outfielders in groups of 10, explaining the ranking of 1 to 2 members in each group. The focus will be on why my ranking deviates (higher or lower) from average draft position and/or another expert's ranking.

Begin Slideshow

Fantasy Baseball Position Preview: Shortstop: Life After Hanley

Bryce Williford — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:24:03 -0400

NOTE: Every year, fantasy experts, enthusiasts, and rookies alike trot out their opinions for each position. Explaining that Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes are top shortstops or that Carlos Lee falls somewhere in the top tier of outfielders is not ground-breaking advice.

As I preview each position leading up to the regular season, I will list my rankings and focus on several players who I believe are under- or over-valued.

RANKINGS

1) Hanley Ramirez (FLA)

2) Jose Reyes (NYM)

3) Jimmy Rollins (PHI)

4) Rafael Furcal (LAD)

5) Derek Jeter (NYY)

6) Stephen Drew (ARI)

7) Alexei Ramirez (CHW)

8) Troy Tulowitzki (COL)

9) Michael Young (TEX)

10) J.J. Hardy (MIL)

11) Jhonny Pheralta (CLE)

12) Mike Aviles (KC)

13) Miguel Tejada (HOU)

14) Ryan Theriot (CHC)

15) Jed Lowrie (BOS)

16) Orlando Cabrera (OAK)

The shortstop position has been lead by a "Big Three" for the better part of the last decade. In 2009, Hanley Ramirez, Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes will carry on the tradition started by Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Nomar Garciaparra.

There is no other position in fantasy baseball this season that has such a significant drop in product between the first and second tier players than shortstop. Here's a look at your alternate options should you come up short on the Three R's:

FIGHTING TO MAKE IT THE BIG FOUR

Rafael Furcal (LAD)

Furcal was having a monster year in 2008 before back surgery sidelined him until the postseason. The last time he played an entire season (2006), Furcal scored 113 runs, hit .300 with 15 home runs and 37 stolen bases.

After a productive off-season playing in the Dominican Republic Winter League, Furcal says he feels stronger than ever. The Dodgers were convinced, signing him to a three-year/$30 million deal.

A healthy Furcal, hitting in front of Manny Ramirez, Andre Either and Matt Kemp, could push 120 runs with decent pop (expect 15 home runs and 60-plus RBI). While his days of 40 stolen bases are probably over (Dodgers' brass have said Furcal will get a day off each week to keep him fresh), he's still only 31 and 30 stolen bases can be expected.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

Stephen Drew (ARI)

Drew rebounded nicely in 2008 from his 2007 sophomore slump with a .291 batting average, 90 runs and 21 home runs. In fact, he became the first player since Robin Yount (1982) to record at least 40 doubles, 10 triples and 20 home runs in the same season. Drew's second half surge (.326 batting average and .927 OPS) coincide with his move to the lead-off spot in the order.

Going into 2009, look for Drew to build on his 2008 campaign. At 26, Drew is entering the prime of his career. Arizona's roster is young and there are several hitters, like Drew, looking to take the next steps in their careers.

Hitting in front of Chris Young, Conor Jackson, Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds should elevate his runs scored while some of those doubles and triples will turn into home runs. Look for 25 home runs and 100 runs scored to go along with solid peripheral stats from the younger Drew.

SLEEPER

Jed Lowrie (BOS)

Boston's shortstop of the future, Lowrie was slowed in 2008 by a non-displaced wrist fracture, which sapped him of his power. Despite the injury, Lowrie drove in 46 runs in just 260 at bats while posting an on-base percentage of .339.

Lowrie was competing with Julio Lugo for the starting job. But Lugo left Boston's spring game on March 14th with a knee injury. Early whispers say torn meniscus, effectively handing the job to Lowrie.

Hitting in the lower half of Boston's potent lineup will provide plenty of RBI opportunities for Lowrie. 2008's RBI rate projects to 97 RBI based on 550 at bats. Throw in the chance for 10-plus home runs and Lowrie could turn out to be a steal as the 19th overall shortstop being taken in ESPN drafts.

Fantasy Baseball Position Preview: Third Base, A Mighty Aramis

Bryce Williford — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:17:46 -0400

NOTE: Every year, fantasy experts, enthusiasts, and rookies alike trot out their opinions for each position. Explaining that Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes are top shortstops or that Carlos Lee falls somewhere in the top tier of outfielders does/is not ground breaking advice.

As I preview each position leading up to the regular season, I will list my rankings and focus on several players who I believe are under or over-valued.

RANKINGS

1) David Wright

2) Evan Longoria

3) Aramis Ramirez

4) Alex Rodriguez

5) Kevin Youkilis

6) Chipper Jones

7) Chris Davis

8) Adrian Beltre

9) Alex Gordon

10) Aubrey Huff

11) Joe Crede

12) Ryan Zimmerman

13) Chone Figgans

14) Garrett Atkins

15) Edwin Encarnacion

UNDERVALUED

Aramis Ramirez (CHC): With the injury to Alex Rodriguez, Aramis Ramirez moves into the No. 3 third base spot in my rankings. How can a top three player be undervalued? Because in many drafts, he's being taken fifth or sixth amongst third basemen.

Ramirez will be 31 years old this summer. Over the past eight years, he's averaged 80 runs, 29 home runs and 101 RBI with a .290 batting average. Only once in that eight year period has he struck out 100 times in a season (2001). Playing in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, and in the prime of his career, all signs point to an even bigger year for Ramirez.

In 2008, his 44 doubles and 74 walks were career highs. He accomplished those totals while hitting 29 home runs. His OBP was a career best .380. The addition of the switch-hitting Milton Bradley and a full year of a healthy Alfonso Soriano hitting in front of Ramirez results in top three fantasy 3B production from a player you'll be able to draft in the fourth or fifth round.

CONTRACT YEAR

Adrian Beltre (SEA): The last time Adrian Beltre was in a contract year (2004), his season line looked like this: 104 runs, 200 hits, 48 home runs, 121 RBI with a .334 average. While Beltre has been a solid fantasy third baseman his entire career, his 2004 numbers were clearly fueled by the dreams of a big payday.

During his four seasons in Seattle, Beltre has averaged 79 runs, 23 home runs, and 88 RBI each season. If Beltre is so motivated again and can produce somewhere in between his Seattle averages and his numbers in 2004, he will turn out to be the steal of your 2009 draft (ADP 112 on ESPN, 10th 3B taken).

SLEEPER

Joe Crede (MIN): We all know Crede can hit. But like so many other promising athletes, his potential has been limited by injury. Minnesota signed Crede to a contract laden with incentives tied to playing time, hoping a change of scenery (and the always powerful dollar) would cure his injury woes.

The Twins' brass has been outspoken this spring, insisting they will limit Crede's innings before the regular season begins. Crede should hit fifth or sixth, behind on-base machines Denard Span, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer.

The last time he was healthy for a full season (2006), Crede launched 30 home runs, drove in 94 RBI, and made the All Star team. You'll get him at the end of your draft or off the free agent wire, an excellent value for his upside.

Oakland A's Spring Training Guide: Baseball and Beyond

Bryce Williford — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:50:54 -0400

So you’re heading to Spring Training 2009 and you can’t stop daydreaming about the crack of the bat, the anticipation of your first glimpse of the next Ken Griffey Jr. and the refreshing feeling of that first cold beer going down the pipes.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got each game (and beer) planned but have yet to figure out the rest of your trip. This could be a guys’ weekend or a romantic getaway with a little baseball thrown in. No matter what the occasion, we have all the tips you need to make your Oakland A’s Spring Training experience a memorable one.

The A’s play their spring games at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, which opened its doors in 1965. Like many traditional spring training stadiums, Phoenix Municipal lacked many of the comforts found at regular Major League ballparks.

Fortunately, a 2005 renovation not only added more comfortable seating, but a variety of different areas to picnic, take a break from the sun and buy artery-clogging ballpark food.

The A’s brought their Spring Training show to the Arizona in the Spring of 1969. They played in Mesa, and Scottsdale before settling in Phoenix in 1984. In the years to follow, greats like Mark McGwire and Dennis Eckersley would grace the diamond at Phoenix Municipal while becoming the core of an Oakland team that fought their way to three consecutive World Series appearances.

Spring training games are all about hot dogs, burgers and cold beer. You’re best bet at Phoenix Municipal is a char-grilled hamburger from “the” concession stand that you will find by walking to the end of the left field line. Grab your grub and relax on the grass overlooking left field and the A’s bullpen.

For the autograph enthusiast, there’s no place like Spring Training to meet your heroes or to see the sparkle in your kid’s eyes as they meet theirs. There are three key spots you need to know to put yourself ahead of all the other Hancock seekers. First, get to the stadium early and position yourself near the corner of either dugout or near the bullpens.

Second, during the game, players often gather on the secondary field behind right field. If you get an outfield seat near the right field corner, you can grab autographs from the players on the practice field and from the visiting team’s bullpen. But the best, most fool-proof way to get autographs: find out at which hotel your favorite team is staying.

Believe it or not, there is life outside Phoenix Municipal during Spring Training. There is no shortage of hotels, resorts, motels and spas from which to choose during your stay in Arizona. For those on a budget, check out the Embassy Suites in Phoenix, which is only about a mile from the ballpark. For a bit more than a clean bed and a continental breakfast, yet still within the workin’ man’s budget, I recommend the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort which has a few nice restaurants and great pool for relief from the desert heat.

If your last name is Holliday or you happen to have Scott Boras on speed dial, it would behoove you to book yourself a room at the Biltmore, the Westin Kierland or the ever-popular Phoenician. These luxury hot spots have turned pampering into an art form and are sure to make you forget all about the 7^th hot dog you ate.

You’ll have to eat outside of the stadium at some point (unfortunately you can’t live on hot dogs and nachos for an entire weekend). For the casual diner, El Loco Patron features Mexican fare, margaritas and trucker hat-wearing L.A. wanna-be’s with level three spray tans (but you can’t beat the salsa, but be warned – have water ready for this fiery concoction).

Venture a little further up Scottsdale Boulevard and you’ll come to Sapporo. A fantastic pairing of a hip sushi joint with trendy nightclub, this unassuming-by-day hot spot is a must see while you’re in Phoenix. If you’re coming from anywhere but California, In & Out Burger is MUST—Period. For the health conscious, check out Dr. Andrew Weil’s True Food Kitchen in the Biltmore Fashion Plaza.

If you have only one night (and a little extra in the budget), take the winding drive up Camelback Mountain to The Sanctuary Resort and Spa. Perched on the side of the mountain, you can watch a picturesque sunset over Paradise Valley from Elements, a contemporary American restaurant.

Whether your visit includes a drink on the patio or dinner and desert, your experience is sure to become a part of your Spring Training memory forever. (So memorable in fact that I proposed to my fiancée on this very patio.)

Phoenix and the surrounding area abound with things to do. If you are a golfer, you could spend every morning and afternoon playing new courses. A personal favorite, the Silverado Golf Club, is a great desert course at an even better price. (For you amateur golfers, all holes dog-leg right, perfect for your slice.)

For the outdoor enthusiast, take a hike up Camelback Mountain. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a Mission Impossible hike, Camelback Mountain offers it all. From its peak, you can see the entire valley while breathing the uncommonly fresh air. The Phoenix Zoo offers a great place to take a family. If you have not had enough sports after a day at the ballpark, Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns offer an entertaining change of pace.

Whether you are looking for a quiet drink after dinner or a full-blown nightclub, Phoenix offers both and everything in between. Axis/Radius in Scottsdale is one of the oldest nightclubs while remaining one of the most popular. A younger crowd surrounds Arizona State University in Tempe. You can take a stroll through Scottsdale’s fashion square and grab an outdoor table at Olive and Ivy, a popular restaurant/bar on the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Spring Training memories are made from small, intimate ballparks that make your heroes seem larger than life. They are family moments sitting in the grass beyond the outfield fence and the joy on your child’s face as they run back to your seats with a baseball covered with autographs. Whether you see the next Jason Giambi or the next Todd Van Poppel (A’s fans cringe), Spring Training is baseball at it’s purest.

Fantasy Baseball Position Preview: Second Base, Deeper than Ever

Bryce Williford — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:35:20 -0400

NOTE: Every year fantasy experts, enthusiasts and rookies alike trot out their opinions for each position. Explaining that Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes are top shortstops or that Carlos Lee falls somewhere in the top tier of outfielders does/is not ground breaking advice.

As I preview each position leading up to the regular season, I will list my rankings and focus on several players who I believe are under or over-valued.

RANKINGS

1) Ian Kinsler (TEX)

2) Chase Utley (PHI)

3) Dustin Pedroia (BOS)

4) Brandon Phillips (CIN)

5) Brian Roberts (BAL)

6) Robinson Cano (NYY)

7) Alexei Ramirez (CHW)

8) Dan Uggla (FLA)

9) Jose Lopez (SEA)

10) Howie Kendrick (ANA)

11) Placido Polanco (DET)

12) Mike Aviles (KC)

13) Rickie Weeks (MIL)

14) Kelly Johnson (ATL)

15) Mark DeRosa (CLE)

SLEEPER:

Jose Lopez (SEA): Lopez improved his numbers across the board for this third straight major league season. Remarkably consistent, his home/road, right/left and 1st half/2nd half splits were virtually identical. (He did hit 13 of his 17 home runs at home - a good sign considering Safeco Field ranks 20th in home run efficiency according to ESPN.com's Park Factor rating.)

While Lopez is not going to hit 30 home runs (Chase Utley, Dan Uggla) or steal 20 bases (Ian Kinsler, Brian Roberts), all signs point to continued improvement for Seattle's 25-year-old second baseman. For the first time in recent fantasy baseball memory, the second base position is deep. Lopez is being drafted 143rd overall in ESPN drafts.

If you need someone to man second base and he slides to you, draft with confidence and pencil in .295, 70 runs, 80 RBI and 20 home runs. While he has not run much in his major league career (average of 5-6 stolen bases the past 3 seasons), he did steal 31 bases in 2002 while in the minor leagues. Lopez is young and will be counted on to generate runs in a very ordinary Mariners lineup in 2009.

Robinson Cano (NYY):

Plainly put, I love Cano this year. He certainly is not a sleeper, so let's call him a bounce-back candidate instead. Cano took a step backwards last year, in large part to an abysmal start to his season (.151, two home runs, six runs in April). In all fairness, the Yankees as a whole were dreadful in April.

Cano rebounded to finish with a respectable .271/70/14/72 line, thanks to a .307 average after the All Star break. While Cano has always been a second half player, his usual consistency was absent in 2008 in other areas. His .263 average against right handed pitching was an anomaly (career .305) and his .245 road average was significantly below his career mark of .308.

At 26, look for Cano to rebound towards his 2007 numbers, hitting over .300 with 20 plus home runs while approaching 100 RBI. Opportunities abound in the Yankees lineup (even without Alex Rodriguez for the first 6 weeks of the season). Cano should hit 5th or 6th (depending on Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada), putting him in prime RBI position behind new Yankee Mark Teixeira.

OVERRATED:

Mark DeRosa (CLE): Don't get me wrong, DeRosa is a solid player. Well worth owning in any mixed league. He is eligible at 2B, 3B, OF. He will hit in a very dangerous Cleveland lineup. And he had a career year in 2008 with the Cubs. I want DeRosa on my team, I'm just not paying for him like he will hit 20 home runs and score 100 runs again. At 34, DeRosa is entering just his fourth season as a full time starter.

In 2006 and 2007, he averaged 11.5 home runs and 71 runs with a very respectable .290 average. Those numbers are much more in line with his full season projections while he was a part-time player between 2000 and 2005. I have DeRosa ranked 15th amongst second basemen for 2009 (he is currently going 12th in ESPN drafts).

I like Mike Aviles to build on his 2008 breakout campaign and Kelly Johnson to continue his steady 80-90 runs, 10+ home runs, and 10+ stolen bases. I also think Rickie Weeks continues to improve his average and power numbers while stealing 20-25 bases in 2009. All three of those players are being drafted after DeRosa with higher upside.

Fantasy Baseball Position Preview: First Base...It's Votto Time

Bryce Williford — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:44:49 -0400

As I preview each position leading up to the regular season, I will list my rankings and focus on several players who I believe are under- or over-valued.

RANKINGS

1) Albert Pujols (STL)

2) Miguel Cabrera (DET)

3) Mark Teixeira (NYY)

4) Lance Berkman (HOU)

5) Ryan Howard (PHI)

6) Justin Morneau (MIN)

7) Prince Fielder (MIL)

8) Kevin Youkilis (BOS)

9) Joey Votto (CIN)

10) Adrian Gonzalez (SDG)

11) Chris Davis (TEX)

12) Derrek Lee (CHC)

13) Carlos Pena (TAM)

14) Adam Dunn (WAS)

15) Aubrey Huff (BAL)

16) Garrett Atkins (COL)

17) Carlos Delgado (NYM)

18) James Loney (LAD)

19) Conor Jackson (ARI)

20) Adam LaRoche (PIT)

21) Paul Konerko (CHW)

22) Todd Helton (COL)

23) Casey Kotchman (ATL)

24) Jorge Cantu (FLA)

25) Lyle Overbay (TOR)

BREAKOUT PLAYER: Joey Votto (CIN): The Reds' first baseman burst on the scene last year, hitting 24 home runs along with 84 RBI while hitting .297. With a full year under his belt, the sky's the limit for the 25 year old lefty.

Votto demonstrated remarkable consistency for a rookie. His home/road splits were virtually identical and he raked against both righties and lefties.

Many rookies fade down the stretch as the grind of 162 games catches up to them. Not Votto, who was better after the All-Star Break, hit .382 in August and smacked nine home runs in September.

ESPN ranks Votto as 13th best 1B for 2009. His ADP in ESPN leagues is 92, good for the 11th 1B taken. Votto will improve on his 2008 campaign, approaching 30 home runs, 90 runs and 100 RBI while hitting .300. He will also toss in 7-10 SB for good measure.

NOTE: Votto went 4-5 in Canada's round 1 loss to Team USA in the WBC. In the third inning he demolished a filthy Jake Peavy fastball to give Canada an early 2-1 lead.

James Loney (LAD): How many first basemen stole at least seven bases, drove in at least 90 runs, hit better than .280 and struck out less than 100 times? Albert Pujols and James Loney. Loney, like the aforementioned Joey Votto, is entering his second year as his team's starting first baseman.

Loney performed better against righties and on the road. He also struggled in September, hitting just .209. Loney is a line-drive hitter, which will limit his home run potential.

With the return of Manny Ramirez and Rafael Furcal and the addition of Orlando Hudson, the Dodgers will boast one of the National League's most potent lineups. Loney should approach 80 runs and 100 RBI while hitting .290.

Carlos Delgado (NYM): From 20-something first basemen we switch to the position's elder statesmen. Turning 37 during the 2009 season, Delgado bounced back from a sub-par 2007 with a monster 2008 season.

He hit 38 home runs while driving in 115 RBI and scoring 96 runs. 2009 should mark several milestones for Delgado. He needs 31 home runs to reach 500 and just 11 RBI for 1500 for his career.

After a slow April and May, Delgado averaged better than 7 home runs and 22 RBI per month for the rest of the season. Throughout his career, Delgado has been a better second-half player.

Always known for his RBI prowess (he trails only Ken Griffey Jr, Manny Ramirez, Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez amongst active players), Delgado is also a career .280 hitter.

Delgado is a safe bet for 30 home runs and 100 RBI hitting amongst Jose Reyes, David Wright and Carlos Beltran in the potent Mets lineup.

Bulls Stampede over Bucks, Take Eighth Place

Bryce Williford — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:12:47 -0500

The Bulls throttled Milwaukee on Friday night, 117-102, in Chicago. With the victory, Chicago pulled ahead of the Bucks in the standings, claiming sole possession of the eighth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

The new-look Bulls, winners of six of their last 10, employed a balanced game plan throughout the night. They were led by Ben Gordon's 34 points, one of five Bulls to score in double figures.

Derrick Rose scored 27 points on 10-of-18 field goals and 7-of-7 free-throw shooting. John Salmons, starting for the injured Luol Deng, chipped in 21. Joakim Noah continued his improvement, pulling down 13 rebounds.

Noah, who's been averaging more than 10 rebounds per game since the Bulls' Feb. 18 trades, is quietly establishing himself as a top center in the East. Noah's per-game rebounding average has climbed each month this season, is currently at 11.7 for March, and complements his 8 PPG and 2 BPG.

Milwaukee had four players in double figures, led by Richard Jefferson with 27. But beyond that group, the rest of the Bucks could only muster 15 points while shooting 7-of-25 (28 percent). Milwaukee was playing without All-Star Michael Redd (out for the year) and center Andrew Bogut.

The rest of March will determine where the Bulls stand in the East. During the three-game road trip coming up, Rose and Gordon will lead Chicago into Miami, Orlando, and Philadelphia.

Later this month, the Bulls face Boston, New Orleans, Detroit, Miami, Indiana, and the L.A. Lakers in the United Center. They end their month with road games at Indiana and Toronto.

If those in the red and black can maintain their strong play, they should emerge from March in excellent playoff position. They close their season with five of their last six at home, where they have won five in a row and six of their last seven.

Notes:

Luol Deng has not played in the last three games since injuring his leg against Houston; he could return by the middle of next week, though reports conflict on the severity of his injury. They range from a stress fracture in his leg to a muscle pull...John Salmons, starting in his absence, is averaging better than 17 PPG and 5 RPG.

Fantasy Baseball Position Preview: Catcher: Who Is John Baker?

Bryce Williford — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:49:46 -0500

As I preview each position leading up to the regular season, I will list my rankings and focus on several players that I believe are under or overvalued.

RANKINGS

1) Brian McCann (ATL)

2) Russell Martin (LAD)

3) Geovany Soto (CHC)

4) Joe Mauer (MIN)

5) Victor Martinez (CLE)

6) Pablo Sandoval* (SFG)

7) Chris Iannetta (COL)

8) Ryan Doumit (PIT)

9) Matt Wieters (BAL)

10) John Baker (FLA)

11) Ramon Hernandez (CIN)

12) Mike Napoli (LAA)

13) AJ Pierzynski (CHW)

14) Jorge Posada (NYY)

15) Bengie Molina (SFG)

*Pablo Sandoval qualifies as a catcher in some formats

SLEEPER: John Baker (FLA): Known throughout his professional career as a player who could hit for average and get on base, Baker did just that in his 61 game audition last season.

Only Joe Mauer had a higher OBP than Baker's .392 amongst catchers with at least 200 plate appearances. With the starting job all to himself, early reports out of Marlins camp are that Baker will hit second, between Cameron Maybin and Hanley Ramirez, with Dan Uggla sliding down to a more run-producing fifth in the order.

Owned in only 3.8 percent of ESPN leagues, Baker scores 70 runs in 2009 while hitting around .280 with an OBP around .400. If you miss out on your top catching choices and you want Baker, chances are you can get him at the end of draft or off your league's free-agent wire.

Chris Iannetta (COL): Iannetta's 18.5 AB/HR was better than McCann (22.1), Soto (21.4) and Martin (42.5). Several other factors point to an improved 2009 for Iannetta as well. He has demonstrated remarkable patience for a young hitter.

While his 56 walks were less than McCann, Soto, Mauer and Martin, he did it in just 407 plate appearances (compared to an average of 604 for the catching position's Big 4).

Iannetta's .895 OPS was second only to McCann's .896 amongst catchers with at least 300 plate appearances. Finally, Iannetta's Home/Away splits showed remarkable consistency.

He actually had a higher average on the road (.280 vs. .250) while he hit more home runs at home (11 to 7). While other managers spend fifth or sixth-round picks on McCann or Soto, you can grab Curtis Granderson or Carlos Quentin and take Iannetta 100 spots later.

Ramon Hernandez (CIN): Hernandez is the 15th catcher being taken in ESPN public drafts. The arrival of Matt Wieters gave made Hernandez expendable and they shipped him off to Cincinnati. Hernandez is in a contract year, playing in one of baseball's most hitter-friendly environments.

While Hernandez is not going to steal many bases or hit .300, he'll finish somewhere around .260/16/70 - not bad for a catcher going un-drafted in many leagues.

Chicago Bulls Storm Back To Top Houston Rockets, 105-102

Bryce Williford — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:50:01 -0500

The Legend that will be Derrick Rose took a big step forward Saturday night at the United Center. Saving his best for the final quarter of Chicago's tussle with Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets, the first overall choice in the 2008 draft went 7-of-9 from the field and scored 16 of his team high 22 points in a breathtaking comeback that culminated in a 105 - 102 win for the Bulls.

Trailing by 17 with under 6 minutes to play, Rose put his team squarely on his 20 year-old shoulders and calmly directed them to a key victory over a Western Conference power. Rose finished with 22 points, 8 boards and 7 assists.

His backcourt-mate Ben Gordon chipped in 16, including 11 in the fourth quarter run culminating in his 18 foot jumper with 1:07 left in regulation to tie the game at 102. Following a Houston, time out, Rose hit a jumper to put the Bulls ahead for the first time all game.

New Bull John Salmons hit a free throw to ice the game as time expired. The Bulls' three-headed front line of Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah combined for 40 points, 28 rebounds and 4 blocked shots while holding the 7'6" Yao to 17 points (nearly 3 below his average) on just 6 of 14 shooting.

Ron Artest led the Rockets with 32 points. The Bulls got 32 points from their bench compared to just 23 for the Rockets. Overall, the Bulls had 6 players in score in double figures while out-rebounding the Rockets 51-40.

The win pulled the Bulls to within a game of Milwaukee and the 8th playoff spot in the east.

While the Bulls are just 4-3 since their trade-deadline dealings, their new additions make the Bulls a team to watch down the stretch.

Three of those four wins have come over the Orlando Magic (43-16), the Denver Nuggets (39-20) and the Rockets (37-22).

The addition of Miller gives the Bulls toughness inside while John Salmons and Tim Thomas are athletic wings who can spread the floor and hit shots. Miller also provides a veteran presence for quickly developing big men Thomas, Noah and Aaron Gray.

The new Bulls give the team added dimensions they have sorely lacked for the past few seasons. Hyper-athletic big men Thomas and Noah continue to develop. Ben Gordon remains one of the best scoring guards in the NBA.

But it is Rose, the Chicago native, who holds the keys to the Bulls' season. With 22 games to play, the Bulls are right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

If Rose can continue to take over games like he did tonight (he averages 18.8 PPG in wins compared to just 14.7 PPG in losses), if he can continue to distribute the ball (6.3 APG) and if he can continue to be the go-to player the Bulls have lacked since a certain Hall of Famer donned the red and white 23, Chicagoans should have a playoff team to root for this spring.

NOTES: The Bulls suffered two injuries. Luol Deng left with soreness in his right leg. X-Rays revealed a stress fracture in his right tibia which could sideline Deng for the rest of the season. Tim Thomas, acquired from the New York Knicks for Larry Hughes, hyperextended his left knee and did not return.