Minnesota Receives: 2nd overall selection (Evan Turner) and Courtney Lee [Trades 4th overall selection, Ricky Rubio, Wayne Ellington]
Philadelphia Receives: 3rd overall selection (Derrick Favors), Devin Harris, and Yi Jianlian [Trades 2nd overall selection, Samuel Delambert]
New Jersey Receives: 4th overall selection (DeMarcus Cousins), Ricky Rubio, Wayne Ellington, and Samuel Delambert [Trades 3rd overall selection, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian]
________________________________
Minnesota's Rotation: Jonny Flynn, Courtney Lee, Evan Turner, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Ramon Sessions
Philadelphia's Rotation: Lou Williams, Devin Harris, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Yi Jianlian, Derrick Favors, Thad Young, Mo Speights
New Jersey's Rotation: Ricky Rubio, Joe Johnson, LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins, Brook Lopez, Terrence Williams, Samuel Delambert
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Three Things I Learned at the Yankee Game
Thanks to loyal Banter reader and good friend @CMG1983, I was able to attend last night's Rays-Yankees Game at the Stadium. We sat in the Legend Suites, four rows behind third base with an unlimited, 8-inning buffet.
Here's what I learned:
1) Tracy Morgan does not like being called Brian Fellows. Prior to the game, we were sitting underneath the Stadium enjoying a feast when Mr. Fellows walked in amongst a four-man posse. I called him by this name, and he returned a death stare in my direction. Lesson learned.
2) Alligator tastes delicious. At the pregame feast, we indulged in the reptilian delicacy known as "alligator fritters." I'm not sure if it was the tail or the stubby legs that tasted so good, but I had more than my fill.
Here's what I learned:
1) Tracy Morgan does not like being called Brian Fellows. Prior to the game, we were sitting underneath the Stadium enjoying a feast when Mr. Fellows walked in amongst a four-man posse. I called him by this name, and he returned a death stare in my direction. Lesson learned.
2) Alligator tastes delicious. At the pregame feast, we indulged in the reptilian delicacy known as "alligator fritters." I'm not sure if it was the tail or the stubby legs that tasted so good, but I had more than my fill.
3) Miguel Cotto, the professional boxer from Puerto Rico, is much more disciplined in preparation for his big June 5th event than I am. As Cotto stuffed his face with sushi and fruit, I was devouring reptile.
Tale of the Tape
Cotto vs Banter
Miguel -- First Name -- Miguel
Puerto Rican -- Nationality -- Croatian
5'7 -- Height -- 6'0
147 -- Weight -- 194
67" -- Reach -- 74"
30 -- Age -- 26
Stadium Slugfest -- June 5th Event -- Wedding
Tribal logo on right shoulder -- Tattoo -- None
Edge: Banter
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Trucking
I haven't seen a trucking this bad since Corey Gleason introduced himself to the catcher from Great Britain in the summer of 2004.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Fear the Deer, No Really
I picked the Hawks to win the series but if the Bucks get eliminated, we have to wait until October to see this again.
That's too long.
Let's Go Bucks, baby.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
On Second Thought...
So much for Peter King's "favorite story of the draft." Looks liek Scott Sicko has reconsidered.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sleepers
Players Drafted on Day 3 That Will Make an Impact
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida - I wish there were a place you could bet on which player would have the better career. I would take the odds on Hernandez over first rounder Jermaine Gresham. A steal wherever he gets picked from here on out.
Joe McKnight, RB / Everson Griffen, DE, USC - Will Pete Carroll pick one or both of his former players in Round 4? They each make sense for Seattle.
Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson - Explosive pass-rusher dealing with injury. He was in the first round discussion all year.
Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pitt - Physical freak. Look at these Combine numbers here, here, here, and here.
Jon Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech - A lock for the first round entering 2009, Dwyer struggled a bit while playing second fiddle to Josh(ua) Nesbitt. A failed drug test did not help matters but certainly a chance worth taking on Day 3.
Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State - A chiseled specimen, Watson figures to be a bankrupt man's Lawrence Timmons. Not bad for Round 5 or later.
Mr. Irrelevant: Jevan Snead - After a brutal junior campaign, he did little to impress at the Combine and individual workouts. Snead found himself atop the first 2010 mock draft I did back in April of 2009. It would only be fitting if he turned out to be the last pick of the draft.
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida - I wish there were a place you could bet on which player would have the better career. I would take the odds on Hernandez over first rounder Jermaine Gresham. A steal wherever he gets picked from here on out.
Joe McKnight, RB / Everson Griffen, DE, USC - Will Pete Carroll pick one or both of his former players in Round 4? They each make sense for Seattle.
Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson - Explosive pass-rusher dealing with injury. He was in the first round discussion all year.
Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pitt - Physical freak. Look at these Combine numbers here, here, here, and here.
Jon Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech - A lock for the first round entering 2009, Dwyer struggled a bit while playing second fiddle to Josh(ua) Nesbitt. A failed drug test did not help matters but certainly a chance worth taking on Day 3.
Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State - A chiseled specimen, Watson figures to be a bankrupt man's Lawrence Timmons. Not bad for Round 5 or later.
Mr. Irrelevant: Jevan Snead - After a brutal junior campaign, he did little to impress at the Combine and individual workouts. Snead found himself atop the first 2010 mock draft I did back in April of 2009. It would only be fitting if he turned out to be the last pick of the draft.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Second Round Mock Draft
Second Round
33) St. Louis Rams - Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas
34) Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit) - Nate Allen, S, South Florida
35) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
36) Kansas City Chiefs - Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana: Decided not to take an offensive lineman in Round 1. Get reprieve here.
37) Philadelphia Eagles (from Washington) - Taylor Mays, S, USC
38) Cleveland Browns - Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
39) Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: Rumors had Okland considering Campbell with the eight overall pick. They will be glad they waited.
40) Miami Dolphins (from Seattle via San Diego) - Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois
41) Buffalo Bills - Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame
42) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago) - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
43) Baltimore Ravens (from Miami via Denver) - Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
44) New England Patriots (from Jacksonville) - Daryl Washington, LB, TCU
45) Denver Broncos - Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
46) NY Giants - Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State
47) New England Patriots (from Tennessee) - Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
48) Carolina Panthers - Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
49) San Francisco 49ers - Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
50) Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta) - Brian Price, DT, UCLA
51) Houston Texans - Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
52) Pittsburgh Steelers - Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (Pa.)
53) New England Patriots - Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona
54) Cincinnati Bengals - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
55) Philadelphia Eagles - Charles Brown, OT, USC
56) Green Bay Packers - Jason Worilds, LB, Viginia Tech
57) Baltimore Ravens - Damian Williams, WR, USC
58) Arizona Cardinals - Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
59) Dallas Cowboys - Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
60) Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego) - Everson Griffin, DE, USC
61) NY Jets - Ricky Sapp, DE / LB, Clemson
62) Minnesota Vikings - Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi
63) Indianapolis Colts - Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
64) New Orleans Saints - Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern
How Did I Do?
Four Bold Predictions
1) Jimmy Clausen will be fourth QB taken - Verdict: Still alive
2) Bruce Campbell will not be selected in Round 1 - Verdict: Correct
3) The state of Oklahoma will never be prouder about their football players than they will be on April 29th. As many as six players from Oklahoma or Oklahoma State figure to be selected in the first round. In all likelihood, four of the top five overall selections in my mock draft will be from these two schools - Verdict: Correct
4) The big uglies will dominate round one. As many as eighteen offensive and defensive linemen might hear their names called on Thursday night. I also think half of the first 50 picks will be linemen - Verdict: Still alive
Mock Draft
-Hit 6 out of 32 on the nose.
-Picked Anthony Davis to San Francisco although I did not predict they would trade up to get him.
-Had 28 of 32 first rounders, including all of the first 22 picks.
-Did not have but were selected: Tyson Alualu, Jahvid Best, Dermaryius Thomas, Patrick Robinson (two Cal Bears)
-Had but were not selected: Colt McCoy, Sergio Kindle, Taylor Mays, Charles Brown (two Longhorns and two Trojans)
*Sleepers (my favorite players not drafted through Round 3) will be published tomorrow.
33) St. Louis Rams - Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas
34) Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit) - Nate Allen, S, South Florida
35) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
36) Kansas City Chiefs - Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana: Decided not to take an offensive lineman in Round 1. Get reprieve here.
37) Philadelphia Eagles (from Washington) - Taylor Mays, S, USC
38) Cleveland Browns - Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
39) Oakland Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: Rumors had Okland considering Campbell with the eight overall pick. They will be glad they waited.
40) Miami Dolphins (from Seattle via San Diego) - Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois
41) Buffalo Bills - Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame
42) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago) - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
43) Baltimore Ravens (from Miami via Denver) - Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
44) New England Patriots (from Jacksonville) - Daryl Washington, LB, TCU
45) Denver Broncos - Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
46) NY Giants - Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State
47) New England Patriots (from Tennessee) - Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
48) Carolina Panthers - Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
49) San Francisco 49ers - Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
50) Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta) - Brian Price, DT, UCLA
51) Houston Texans - Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
52) Pittsburgh Steelers - Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (Pa.)
53) New England Patriots - Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona
54) Cincinnati Bengals - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
55) Philadelphia Eagles - Charles Brown, OT, USC
56) Green Bay Packers - Jason Worilds, LB, Viginia Tech
57) Baltimore Ravens - Damian Williams, WR, USC
58) Arizona Cardinals - Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
59) Dallas Cowboys - Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale
60) Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego) - Everson Griffin, DE, USC
61) NY Jets - Ricky Sapp, DE / LB, Clemson
62) Minnesota Vikings - Dexter McCluster RB Mississippi
63) Indianapolis Colts - Chris Cook, CB, Virginia
64) New Orleans Saints - Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern
How Did I Do?
Four Bold Predictions
1) Jimmy Clausen will be fourth QB taken - Verdict: Still alive
2) Bruce Campbell will not be selected in Round 1 - Verdict: Correct
3) The state of Oklahoma will never be prouder about their football players than they will be on April 29th. As many as six players from Oklahoma or Oklahoma State figure to be selected in the first round. In all likelihood, four of the top five overall selections in my mock draft will be from these two schools - Verdict: Correct
4) The big uglies will dominate round one. As many as eighteen offensive and defensive linemen might hear their names called on Thursday night. I also think half of the first 50 picks will be linemen - Verdict: Still alive
Mock Draft
-Hit 6 out of 32 on the nose.
-Picked Anthony Davis to San Francisco although I did not predict they would trade up to get him.
-Had 28 of 32 first rounders, including all of the first 22 picks.
-Did not have but were selected: Tyson Alualu, Jahvid Best, Dermaryius Thomas, Patrick Robinson (two Cal Bears)
-Had but were not selected: Colt McCoy, Sergio Kindle, Taylor Mays, Charles Brown (two Longhorns and two Trojans)
*Sleepers (my favorite players not drafted through Round 3) will be published tomorrow.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Final First Round Mock Draft
First Round
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
2. Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
3. Bucs: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
4. Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
5. Chiefs: Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma State
6. Seahawks: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller won't set any marks for his academic prowess, but he just might be the best player in this year's class.
7. Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
8. Raiders: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho - Nothing will surprise me with Oakland.
9. Bills: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
10. Jaguars: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida - Surprisingly (at least to me), the Jags had very good success in the draft. JPP seems like the hottest name right now and will find himself in the Top 10. This seems like the most likely destination.
11. Broncos#: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
12. Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
13. 49ers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
14. Seahawks^: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
15. Giants: Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU - Another fast-riser, Hughes has the measurables and in this scenario, he is the best hybrid DE / LB available.
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
17. 49ers&: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
18. Steelers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
19. Falcons: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
20. Texans: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
21. Bengals: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - Off-field trouble? Check. He'll be a perfect fit.
22. Patriots: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
23. Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC
24. Eagles: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
25. Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
26. Cardinals: The Amazon Freak, LB/DE, Texas
27. Browns+: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
28. Chargers: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
29. Jets: Taylor Mays, S, USC
30. Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
31. Colts: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
32. Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
# Acquired from Bears
^ Acquired from Broncos
& Acquired from Panthers
+ Proposed trade with the Browns and Cowboys
$ Acquired from Redskins
* Acquired from Seahawks
Notes
-If this scenario unfolds, a team that finished fourth in the Big 12 South Division will have three of its players selected in the top four picks. Amazing.
-I feel better about this mock than I have any of my mocks in previous years. Don't know if that's a good thing or not.
-The one trade I project would look something like Cleveland's second and fourth rounders for Dallas' first rounder.
-As soon as we go to print here, Big Ben will get traded and turn this thing on its head.
-Remember not to ask Greg Middleton for any homework help.
-On November 25th, Carlos Dunalp found himself at #3 on Mel Kiper's "Big Board." Now, he's almost entitrely forgotten. You will see him tomorrow.
-I will have a second round mock draft posted on Friday morning (along with my favorite sleepers), but here are the best available on my board right now:
1) Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame
2) Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
3) Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
4) Everson Griffin, DE, USC
5) Jahvid Best, RB, California
6) Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
7) Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
8) Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
9) Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
10) Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana
11) Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
12) Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-I will be tweet-blogging the Draft tonight. If interested, follow me on Twitter @mspici
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
2. Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
3. Bucs: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
4. Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
5. Chiefs: Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma State
6. Seahawks: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson - Spiller won't set any marks for his academic prowess, but he just might be the best player in this year's class.
7. Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
8. Raiders: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho - Nothing will surprise me with Oakland.
9. Bills: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
10. Jaguars: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida - Surprisingly (at least to me), the Jags had very good success in the draft. JPP seems like the hottest name right now and will find himself in the Top 10. This seems like the most likely destination.
11. Broncos#: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
12. Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
13. 49ers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
14. Seahawks^: Earl Thomas, S, Texas
15. Giants: Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU - Another fast-riser, Hughes has the measurables and in this scenario, he is the best hybrid DE / LB available.
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
17. 49ers&: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
18. Steelers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
19. Falcons: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
20. Texans: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
21. Bengals: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State - Off-field trouble? Check. He'll be a perfect fit.
22. Patriots: Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
23. Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC
24. Eagles: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
25. Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
26. Cardinals: The Amazon Freak, LB/DE, Texas
27. Browns+: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
28. Chargers: Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
29. Jets: Taylor Mays, S, USC
30. Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
31. Colts: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama
32. Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
# Acquired from Bears
^ Acquired from Broncos
& Acquired from Panthers
+ Proposed trade with the Browns and Cowboys
$ Acquired from Redskins
* Acquired from Seahawks
Notes
-If this scenario unfolds, a team that finished fourth in the Big 12 South Division will have three of its players selected in the top four picks. Amazing.
-I feel better about this mock than I have any of my mocks in previous years. Don't know if that's a good thing or not.
-The one trade I project would look something like Cleveland's second and fourth rounders for Dallas' first rounder.
-As soon as we go to print here, Big Ben will get traded and turn this thing on its head.
-Remember not to ask Greg Middleton for any homework help.
-On November 25th, Carlos Dunalp found himself at #3 on Mel Kiper's "Big Board." Now, he's almost entitrely forgotten. You will see him tomorrow.
-I will have a second round mock draft posted on Friday morning (along with my favorite sleepers), but here are the best available on my board right now:
1) Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame
2) Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
3) Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
4) Everson Griffin, DE, USC
5) Jahvid Best, RB, California
6) Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
7) Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
8) Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
9) Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
10) Roger Saffold, OT, Indiana
11) Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
12) Brian Price, DT, UCLA
-I will be tweet-blogging the Draft tonight. If interested, follow me on Twitter @mspici
Burning Up the Bases - April 22, 2010
Five to Watch
Elvis Andrus, SS, Texas: After stealing only one base through the season's first two weeks, Elvis stole three on Tuesday night against Boston. Plus, it looks like he will bat atop the Texas lineup at least in the short term. Acquire him while you can.
Andrus ready to catch fire?
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh: McCutchen leads the league in stolen bases with seven. When trying to convince another owner to trade him to you, make sure you stress that McCutchen only has one RBI this year.
Evereth Cabrera, SS, San Diego: Like Andrus, Cabrera has minimal pop so he should be viewed as a three-category max guy. Be on the lookout for him on your waiver wire as I have seen him dropped for players like Edgar Renteria. If he's available snatch him up as he is really the only option the Padres have at the position.
Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles: Kemp, the most expensive option of these five, leads the league in one important stat: caught stealing. That means he is trying to steal often and his manager keeps giving him the green light. The more you try, the more you'll succeed (and likely, the more you will get caught).
Mike McCoy, 2B, Toronto: A short-term option until Aaron Hill returns, McCoy stole 40 bases in AAA last year. In leagues with one-game eligibility, he can start at shortstop as well.
Elvis Andrus, SS, Texas: After stealing only one base through the season's first two weeks, Elvis stole three on Tuesday night against Boston. Plus, it looks like he will bat atop the Texas lineup at least in the short term. Acquire him while you can.
Andrus ready to catch fire?
Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh: McCutchen leads the league in stolen bases with seven. When trying to convince another owner to trade him to you, make sure you stress that McCutchen only has one RBI this year.
Evereth Cabrera, SS, San Diego: Like Andrus, Cabrera has minimal pop so he should be viewed as a three-category max guy. Be on the lookout for him on your waiver wire as I have seen him dropped for players like Edgar Renteria. If he's available snatch him up as he is really the only option the Padres have at the position.
Matt Kemp, OF, Los Angeles: Kemp, the most expensive option of these five, leads the league in one important stat: caught stealing. That means he is trying to steal often and his manager keeps giving him the green light. The more you try, the more you'll succeed (and likely, the more you will get caught).
Mike McCoy, 2B, Toronto: A short-term option until Aaron Hill returns, McCoy stole 40 bases in AAA last year. In leagues with one-game eligibility, he can start at shortstop as well.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mock Drafts
First Round Mock: will be published Thursday morning around 9am.
Second Round Mock: will be published Friday morning around 9am.
Second Round Mock: will be published Friday morning around 9am.
Friday, April 16, 2010
NFL Draft - Bold Predictions
My final NFL Mock Draft will be out next week, but here are four bold predictions to hold you over until then:
1) Jimmy Claussen will be the fourth quarterback taken. Bradford goes #1 overall, then a team will trade into the late first to take Colt McCoy (Cleveland?), and then the Vikings will nab Tebow with the #30 selection. Claussen will come off the board early in the second round.
2) Bruce Campbell will not be selected in Round 1. Everyone knows by now, this guy is a workout warrior. However, a little game film study reveals a number of red flags. Incredible stat: Campbell garnered ZERO votes from ACC coaches for the All-Conference team.
3) The state of Oklahoma will never be prouder about their football players than they will be on April 29th. As many as six players from Oklahoma or Oklahoma State figure to be selected in the first round. In all likelihood, four of the top five overall selections in my mock draft will be from these two schools.
4) The big uglies will dominate round one. As many as eighteen offensive and defensive linemen might hear their names called on Thursday night. I also think half of the first 50 picks will be linemen.
1) Jimmy Claussen will be the fourth quarterback taken. Bradford goes #1 overall, then a team will trade into the late first to take Colt McCoy (Cleveland?), and then the Vikings will nab Tebow with the #30 selection. Claussen will come off the board early in the second round.
2) Bruce Campbell will not be selected in Round 1. Everyone knows by now, this guy is a workout warrior. However, a little game film study reveals a number of red flags. Incredible stat: Campbell garnered ZERO votes from ACC coaches for the All-Conference team.
3) The state of Oklahoma will never be prouder about their football players than they will be on April 29th. As many as six players from Oklahoma or Oklahoma State figure to be selected in the first round. In all likelihood, four of the top five overall selections in my mock draft will be from these two schools.
4) The big uglies will dominate round one. As many as eighteen offensive and defensive linemen might hear their names called on Thursday night. I also think half of the first 50 picks will be linemen.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Burning Up the Bases - April 15, 2010
There are only two certainties in life: your income taxes are due today and you are on your way to winning your league's stolen base crown.
I can only help with the latter.
Three to Target
Chone Figgins, 3B, Mariners: A notoriously slow starter, Figgins has not stolen a bag since Opening Day. So, why target him? In most leagues, he will gain eligibility at second base and/or middle infield this week. His lack of power can be hidden a lot more easily when he mans second than when he plays third. Act fast.
Denard Span, OF, Twins: Despite hitting below the Mendoza line, Span has a solid hold on the leadoff spot in Minnesota and has already swiped three bags this season. Might a rash owner be frustrated enough to deal him now? You'll never know unless you ask.
Rajai Davis, OF, Oakland: I'm all aboard the Davis train right now. Like Span in Minnesota, Davis has a solid grasp on the 1-hole in Oakland. He has swiped five bags to date, Oakland is winning, and there's no reason both of these trends cannot continue.
Two to Deal
Rafael Furcal, SS, Dodgers: Raffy has stolen three bags thus far while hitting over .300 and looks healthy. I have my doubts about whether both those things can last much longer. Deal him while he's hot.
Ryan Theriot, SS, Cubs: See below for the main reason I would consider dealing Theriot. Although, the .185 average does not help things. Coming off back-to-back 20+ steal seasons, you can still get a decent return for him.
One to Watch
Starlin Castro, SS, Tennessee Smokies (Cubs AA Affiliate): Manager Lou Piniella debated whether or not he should keep Castro coming out of sprint training despite the fact Castro is only 20 years old. Cooler heads prevailed and SC was shipped to Tennessee. However, Castro has raked (.364/.391/.545 including two triples) in his first five games. As an added bonus, Castro has stolen three bases so far, a year after swiping 53 across two levels of the minors last year.
Don't be surprised to see Castro get the call to the big club if either Ryan Theriot or Mike Fontenot struggle in Chicago. ETA: June/July
I can only help with the latter.
Three to Target
Chone Figgins, 3B, Mariners: A notoriously slow starter, Figgins has not stolen a bag since Opening Day. So, why target him? In most leagues, he will gain eligibility at second base and/or middle infield this week. His lack of power can be hidden a lot more easily when he mans second than when he plays third. Act fast.
Denard Span, OF, Twins: Despite hitting below the Mendoza line, Span has a solid hold on the leadoff spot in Minnesota and has already swiped three bags this season. Might a rash owner be frustrated enough to deal him now? You'll never know unless you ask.
Rajai Davis, OF, Oakland: I'm all aboard the Davis train right now. Like Span in Minnesota, Davis has a solid grasp on the 1-hole in Oakland. He has swiped five bags to date, Oakland is winning, and there's no reason both of these trends cannot continue.
Two to Deal
Rafael Furcal, SS, Dodgers: Raffy has stolen three bags thus far while hitting over .300 and looks healthy. I have my doubts about whether both those things can last much longer. Deal him while he's hot.
Ryan Theriot, SS, Cubs: See below for the main reason I would consider dealing Theriot. Although, the .185 average does not help things. Coming off back-to-back 20+ steal seasons, you can still get a decent return for him.
One to Watch
Starlin Castro, SS, Tennessee Smokies (Cubs AA Affiliate): Manager Lou Piniella debated whether or not he should keep Castro coming out of sprint training despite the fact Castro is only 20 years old. Cooler heads prevailed and SC was shipped to Tennessee. However, Castro has raked (.364/.391/.545 including two triples) in his first five games. As an added bonus, Castro has stolen three bases so far, a year after swiping 53 across two levels of the minors last year.
Don't be surprised to see Castro get the call to the big club if either Ryan Theriot or Mike Fontenot struggle in Chicago. ETA: June/July
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