The Hoch's Nest: A lot of issues for the Hawks

This weekend the Seattle Seahawks went to Minneapolis and beat the Vikings. Today they went and lost two players.

Bobby Engram the teams leading receiver last year, and a player who is upset over his contract situation, has a cracked shoulder and will miss 6-8 weeks.

While reviewing the injury, the team also released DT Marcus Tubbs, a former first-round pick who has fought injuries since his drafting. He has missed 35 games in 4 years with a myriad of injuries.

The loss of Tubbs is not a major problem for the Seahawks after they have put together a decent rotation of “high-motor” guys, including the star of Friday’s game, Howard Green. The loss of Engram is a bit more of an issue, but worst case scenario they will only miss him in the first three weeks when they go up against Buffalo, San Francisco and St. Louis; none of which are powerhouse defenses.

This works out well for the rookies that are trying to make the team as it will give them further time to show how they can contribute.

Seahawks fans, there is no need to worry or wish for the return of the oft-injured D.J. Hackett, this is a small hiccup for a team that showed they are willing to run the ball.

Get excited for the Bears game this weekend!!!

Monday Schmonday - The Olympics Are Awesome

This weekend was a veritable buffet for sports fans, especially those with a Digital Video Recorder.

The Fiancée and I spent the time with a yard sale trying to sell all of the worthless items we don’t want to move, but we had the piece of mind that everything we needed to watch was being recorded. Michael Phelps swimming for gold? Check. The Synchronized Diving Championships? Check (Don’t knock them; they are great). The Seahawks and the Vikings? Check; we could tag items without missing a single snap.

My problem is this: The entire sports world ruins my life…

Okay, not really, but they have ruined the Olympics. I understand that there are HOURS – and by hours I mean a whole crap load of hours – between the times here and in Beijing, but do I have to hear about who won before I can watch it? It is like telling me who Kaiser Soze really is before we watch “The Usual Suspects”. It ruins it.

Why is it that we can’t wait until the people that show me the video are able to air the race. For example: I was surfing the “internet” when I came across “Phelps wins first gold”. Good for him, but the race wasn’t even ON until that evening, thanks to the need to air it in primetime. I didn’t even watch the whole thing – God bless Tivo being able to fast forward…

Also, last night the relay was on TV. You all know what relay – the one that shouldn’t have won, but did…well, I was unable to actually watch it yet – that is fine, I don’t mind that I know what happened. That was my fault. My problem is this: Who was the hero? Who was the guy that put in a World Record split time as the anchor? You couldn’t tell me, because all we keep hearing is that Michael Phelps now has two gold medals.
That is wonderful; he is the best at what he does, has a lot of talent and is obviously all over the media world…but what about the other guys on the team: The guys that swam just as hard, gave just as much and touched the wall the same way?

The Olympics are about showing us that there is a way for everyone to come together (see: Georgia and Russian athletes embracing, regardless of the situation happening between their countries). However, it is almost against that theme when one man gets credit for something that a team does. That is my one gripe, though. Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to have his talent or his ability to win something; I just wish that the other guys were shown just as much.

These Olympics have been absolutely fantastic so far. Between the opening ceremonies, the connecting between countries that can’t stand each other on normal basis, the flare, the hopes, the dreams, the tears, the hopes and the nationalism, I am absolutely excited to watch some more tonight.

God bless you, Tivo.

Preseason games do matter

Every time you hear someone talk about what happened in an NFL preseason game, you hear a detractor say something about how these preseason games mean nothing.

Tell that to the Seahawks wide receivers that are trying to make a name for themselves. Tell that to the undrafted players, the unheralded players and the players who will only play during the exhibition season and in the instance of injuries.

Tell that to Michael Bumpus, an undrafted Free Agent Wide Receiver out of Washington State that is a “no name” on a Seattle squad filled with young talented receivers. Let him know that his 3 catches for 51 yards doesn’t mean anything.

Tell that to a guy like David Hawthorne who came to the team undrafted out of TCU and seemed to be everywhere, registering 5 tackles and a forced fumble.

Tell that to the Defensive Linemen like Howard Green who will see minimal playing time in the regular season, but came out during the preseason to register 5 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception.

Tell that to the guys that don’t make the team. The Running Backs that don’t fit on the roster, the Wide Receivers that won’t see playing time and the defensive backs that don’t have the speed to end up on the practice squad.

The Preseason is the time for those unheralded players to actually make the team. These are the players that no one wanted to draft even though all they want to do is play. These are the players that the preseason matters too.

It may not make a difference in the standings, in the Divisional rankings or the Super Bowl chase, but it means a lot to hundreds of players around the league that will not be on the 53-man roster. Do you still think the games mean nothing?

Matt's 2008 NFL Preseason Power Rankings - 21 through 32

Here is the third and final installment of my preseason Power Rankings.

1 through 10
11 through 20

21. Tampa Bay

End of Last Season: 22
Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant, DE Marques Douglas, RB Warrick Dunn, C Jeff Faine, TE Ben Troupe, S Eugene Wilson
Key Losses: CB Brian Kelly, DE Greg Spires, C John Wade
Reasoning: Imagine how good they would be if they had made the trade for Favre. Imagine how they may have been a real contender this season…well, they didn’t and they aren’t. So, now we know that they wanted to beef up their Defense, but they did so without really helping their Offense. The additions of Warrick Dunn and Antonio Bryant give them some depth, but the team is old and have shown that they have been unable to put together a string of good play.


22. Denver

End of Last Season: 21
Key Additions: LB Boss Bailey, WR Keary Colbert, WR Darrell Jackson, LB Niko Koutevides, S Marlon McCree, C Casey Wiegmann
Key Losses: S John Lynch, K Jason Elam, S Nick Ferguson, LB Ian Gold, WR Javon Walker
Reasoning: Done By Matt (A different one...) Last year, Denver’s run of bad luck hit a fever pitch and they held a fire sale in the off-season to try and correct it. They lost the last vestiges of their super bowl glory in Rod Smith, Matt Lepsis and Jason Elam, replaced their GM and both assistant coaches, cut their losses with Travis Henry and Javon Walker (finally learning its lesson about over-hyped free agents), gutted much of their defense and torched last year’s abysmal defensive schemes. What remains are lots of question marks. Cutler should be resurgent now that his diabetes is under control and is as strong as ever with zip back in his passes, but he still lacks enough talented targets. Also, will Young and Hall run the ball convincingly enough to keep opposing defenses honest? The biggest question mark is absolutely Denver’s defense as it returns to an eight man front. Although the secondary remains solid, there are way too many new faces on the line to know if it’ll be effective in stopping opposing offenses.


23. Chicago

End of Last Season: 24
Key Additions: WR Marty Booker, WR Brandon Lloyd
Key Losses: S Adam Archuleta, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, WR Bernard Berrian, G Ruben Brown, WR Mushin Muhammad, DT Darwin Walker
Reasoning: When you have to flip a coin to choose your QB it is not exactly a good thing. Sorry, Bears fans, but this team is going to be bad again. Drafting Forte will help and the addition of a receiver like Lloyd may help out in the passing game, but his lack of speed will be his weakness. I expect players like TE Greg Olsen to show why he was worth a 1st-Round pick last season, but don’t expect him to make a huge difference with the problems at QB.


24. Cincinnati

End of Last Season: 20
Key Additions: LB Darryl Blackstock, WR Doug Gabriel, DE Antwoan Odom, TE Ben Utecht

Key Losses: Henry, LB Landon Johnson, DE Justin Smith, S Madieu Williams
Reasoning: This team has been the weirdest over the past few years. They have one of the top-5 QBs in the league, and their 2 WRs are elite…so why can’t they win? Well, to put it bluntly: their Defense is terrible and this season they didn’t fix enough.


25. Detroit

End of Last Season: 23
Key Additions: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Chuck Darby, TE Michael Gaines, CB Brian Kelly, S Dwight Smith
Key Losses: LB Boss Bailey, CB Fernando Bryant, RB T.J. Duckett, RB Kevin Jones, S Kenoy Kennedy, DT Shaun Rogers, OL Damien Woody
Reasoning: A team that was so weak on the Defensive end should do everything they can to get better on that front. The Lions didn’t do anything but let defenders go. Shaun Rodgers is gone, Boss Bailey is gone and the only thing they did was bring in CBs. Now, they go hand-in-hand; they pass rush and coverage work together. Without one, the other fails. Expect this to fail.


26. Kansas City

End of Last Season: 29

Key Additions: K Billy Cundif, FB Oliver Hoyte, RB B.J. Sams
Key Losses: WR Eddie Kennison, CB Benny Sapp, OT Kyle Turley, C Casey Wiegmann, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, DE Jared Allen
Reasoning: The Chiefs are bad and they are going to get worse. The only reason they moved up from their position last season is because the other teams have gotten that bad. However, from everything coming from camp, their draft was the best out of all teams, and with Dorsey and Flowers on the Defense they have gotten younger and may show some strides towards winning.


27. Oakland

End of Last Season: 28

Key Additions: WR Drew Carter, DE Kalimba Edwards, CB DeAngelo Hall, DT William Joseph, WR Javon Walker, S Gibril Wilson
Key Losses: DE Tyler Brayton, QB Josh McCown, CB Chris Carr, WR Jerry Porter, RB Dominic Rhodes, DT Warren Sapp, CB Fabian Washington
Reasoning: They overpaid for several guys that would have gotten mid-line contracts anywhere else. Javon Walker gives Russell a valid receiver; however his issues may outweigh his plusses. The addition of Hall and Wilson to the Defense may get the squad back to what they were two seasons ago. Add to the Offense a man named Darren McFadden and you will have a more potent run game, but they still have issues on the Offensive line which is going to be the glaring weakness this season.


28. St. Louis

End of Last Season: 31

Key Additions: TE Anthony Becht, G Jacob Bell, K Josh Brown, WR Reche Caldwell, QB Trent Green, CB David Macklin
Key Losses: WR Isaac Bruce, LB Brandon Chillar, QB Gus Frerotte, C Andy McCollum
Reasoning: Great, they got Josh Brown who has an 80% average indoors and will be in a dome. But they had much bigger problems then kicking. Reche Caldwell has shown he is NOT a good Receiver; however Drew Bennett may be worthy to replace Bruce. Did you know that Stephen Jackson isn’t at practice? That’s right, amid the Brett Favre talk you missed that the starting back for the Rams is holding out. That doesn’t bode well for a team that ranked 24th in Offensive yardage last season.


29. Baltimore

End of Last Season: 26
Key Additions: LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Frank Walker

Key Losses: QB Steve McNair
Reasoning: Remember when they were good? Well, that was before people figured out just how bad their Offense really was. Once the word was out, Offenses were able to find weaknesses in the once strong Defense and slowly pick them apart. The Ravens decided not to be active in the Free Agent Market and had a sup-par draft, so expect them to – once again – post a losing record.

30. Miami

End of Last Season: 32
Key Additions: LB Akin Ayodele, TE Anthony Fasano, QB Josh McCown, G Justin Smiley, DT Randy Starks, LB Reggie Torbor, WR Ernest Wilford
Key Losses: RB Lorenzo Booker, WR Marty Booker, RB Jesse Chatman, QB Trent Green, QB Cleo Lemon, LB Zach Thomas, DT Keith Traylor, DE Jason Taylor
Reasoning: I guess they might be better…if not better, younger. The Dolphins have lost several potential Hall of Fame players as well as several, well, decent (?) players. They have yet another system in place and yet another possible starting QB so why couldn’t they win…3 games?


31. San Francisco

End of Last Season: 25
Key Additions: WR Isaac Bruce, RB DeShaun Foster, WR Bryant Johnson, DE Justin Smith

Key Losses: QB Trent Dilfer, DE Marques Douglas, RB Maurice Hicks, WR Darrell Jackson, T Kwame Harris, G Justin Smiley
Reasoning: How far the once great have fallen. This team is sad. The team that I grew up loving (mainly because my Dad was rooting for the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX) has become the laughing stock of the league. Now, there are reports that Head Coach Mike Nolan and QB Alex Smith had a bit of a “battle of words”. That doesn’t bode well for a team that had a lackluster Offense a season ago. They have added a good RB in Foster and a decent WR pair in Bruce and Johnson, but will it be enough to get San Francisco’s team out of the cellar?


32. Atlanta

End of Last Season: 30
Key Additions: K Jason Elam, TE Ben Hartsock, DT Kindal Moorehead, RB Michael Turner
Key Losses: DT Rod Coleman, S Chris Crocker, TE Alge Crumpler, RB Warrick Dunn, CB DeAngelo Hall, LB Demorrio Williams
Reasoning: Another off-season, another chance for the Falcons to get worse; which they did. Michael Turner is a definite upgrade, but I have questions about his durability. Can Rookie Matt Ryan lead this volatile team to victories? Well, he has to do it without the use of any decent receivers. The Defense is worse then last year as well as the team lost several starters to Free Agency. If you are a fan of the Atlanta team, I am sorry. I am truly, truly sorry.

That is that. I will be doing my yearly divisional breakdown soon.

Thursday Headlines: 08/07/08

MLB
Joba placed on 15-day DL with tendinitis
The A-Rod curse hits the Yankees once again.

Manny hits 513th homer, but Cards down Dodgers
How you feeling now, Red Sox, with your record putting you 3 games out of the lead in the East?

Everyday Eddie: Rangers name Guardado closer
As a Mariners fan: Good luck…

Fielder sorry for pushing Parra in Brewers' dugout
It was more of a “slap” wasn’t it?


NBA
Source: LeBron would consider offers from Europe
I would consider 40 Kajillion dollars to live in Europe as well…

European team makes Boykins highest-paid player
The “mediocre” exodus continues.

Magic's Arroyo signs for Maccabi Tel-Aviv
See above.

Mavericks' Howard charged in drag racing incident
Guess he wasn’t fast enough.

Brown officially signs two-year deal with Pistons
Were they really in the market for a bust?

NFL
Rams' Jackson misses workout, holdout continues
You haven’t heard about this, have you? What with the amazing saga of the Favre…

NFL implements new fan code of conduct for 2008
All I know is that I will get drunk if I want to, curse if I want to and laugh in the face of the NFL as I sit outside the stadium knowing that I have won.

Rams, Titans start joint practices with altercation
“No! We are worse!”

Broncos' Marshall vows to 'get past' suspension
No comment.

First-round pick Rivers signs contract with Bengals
Next stop: Lockup

Steroids dealer's autopsy: High testosterone levels
Well, color me surprised…


OLYMPICS
Ankle injury forces Morgan Hamm out of Games
Dude…no twins this year…no…wait…Twins, Basil...

Holden lifts U.S. men over Japan in Olympic soccer
That’s right! Eat that, Japan!! How does it taste? It tastes umami to me!!!!

Yao, Nowitzki to carry flags during Games opening
They will be small and for different countries, but they will be damned if they don’t carry them.

Federer to play Tursunov in first round of Olympics
Federer will lose as Nadal sits in the stands and gets in his head.

One of 'Lost Boys' to carry American flag in Beijing
Which Corey is it???

Kobe & Co. arrive to heroes' welcome in Beijing
Right…because the Chinese love Kobe.

Beard's nude PETA poster launch moved in Beijing
“Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amanda Beard had to launch her naked, anti-fur campaign poster outside the Athletes' Village on Wednesday after Chinese authorities canceled a planned unveiling, citing safety concerns.” Right…because of the stampede to see it!

Other
Former Toledo player charged with point-shaving
I didn’t know that Toledo had a basketball program…

Favre wants to be a "Buccaneer"

After weeks, nay, months of bickering and cross-talk, Brett Favre is going to get his wish. Reports are being thrown around by many different news organizations about a possible trade that would send Favre to Tampa Bay to become a Buccaneer. These reports are, however, wrong.

Afraidofedhochuli.com recently received a text message from Favre that stated: “No way! They got it wrong. lol. I said I wantd to b a buccaneer not get traded to TB! lol”

Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, is livid. The West Virginia native said in a teleconference: “Brett is angrier then a stuck pig in heat! The Packers once again showed the world that they don’t listen to their players. They are stupider then a one-eyed man trying to look through binoculars!”

Cook put us in contact with his client who gave us an exclusive interview:

BF: When I was growing up I always loved to sit on the knoll behind the barn and listen to my music. When I got older I started listening to Ray Stevens and fell in love with his music. This is why I want to be a Buccaneer.

AOEH: I know Ray Stevens. Well, not personally, but I have a few of his albums.

BF: Then you know his genius!

AOEH: Are you an “Ernest” fan?

BF: “Earnest Saves Christmas” is the greatest movie of all time.

AOEH: Okay, we digress. What does Ray Stevens have to do with your trade?

BF: There was a Ray Stevens song that I used to listen to, back in…I think ’85…that really struck me: “The Pirate Song.”

AOEH: Wait…I know that song…but…

BF: Look, Matt, I want to sing and dance.

AOEH:…

BF: I became a QB for the “tight, shiny pants” and now it is time for me to move on to the next part: I want to sing and dance.

AOEH: What you are saying is that you want to quit football and be in the “Pirates of Penzance”? Isn’t that a little…ummm…

BF: No! It is worth every day. The theater is what I want! I want to be on stage with the costumes and the music…everything changing on a daily basis…I want that feeling.

AOEH: Brett, you know what people are going to say, right?

BF: They can say what they want. Have you seen my wife?

AOEH: I have, Brett. I just think that, personally, this is a bit out of left field isn’t it? You are currently the record holder of several of the most prestigious records in the NFL, and you want to throw that all away to “sing and dance”?

BF: Yes. I have succeeded in everything I have done. I have reached every peak I could. I have a ring, records and all of the money I will ever need. And you know, I have spoken with a few of my teammates and they said they would join my troupe if I wanted to get this show going.

AOEH: Do you mind if I ask who it was that agreed to that?

BF: Matt, look, this is what I want. Again, we see that the Packers won’t let me do what I want, even with everything I have done for them.

AOEH: You mean that you told them this is what you wanted?

BF: Yes, and they laughed in my face. They said the closest I would get to this would be having Jeff Garcia as my backup.

That was when Favre got up and left. He didn’t like where this was going, and to tell you the truth…neither did I.

Questions on the song Favre referred to? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIW2_LoXhow

This article was totally fake…so…get over it.

Top 7: NFL Rookie Performances

With the NFL season on the horizon, it is time for us to look at the history of the game. We will do a few different articles over the coming weeks, but first:

Top 7: NFL Rookie Performances

7. Curtis Martin, New England Patriots, 1995:
The only thing that would have made this a greater story for Martin, is if he had been drafted by his home town Steelers. That was where the disappointment ends, though. The 74th overall pick by the Patriots (3rd Round) was more then impressive in his Rookie season as he rushed for an solid 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 30 catches for 261 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad start to a Hall of Fame career.


6. Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings, 1998:
Like him or hate him, you have to admit that the Marshall Graduate is a top-caliber receiver. Moss’ career began when he was drafted 21st overall and was placed across the field from Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter. This new weapon for the Vikings amassed 69 receptions for a total of 1,313 yards in his first season, and reached pay dirt 17 times, a rookie record. Now that he has been reenergized in New England will we see his bust in Canton?


5. Clinton Portis, Denver Broncos, 2002:
Portis was a surprise for the Broncos his Rookie Season. You expect your 2nd-round pick to be good, but after his 46 TOTAL yards over the first 2 games no one was expecting much from Portis. It wasn’t even until week 5 that he was the starter for the Broncos. What did he do, though? How does 1508 yards on the ground (average of 5.5 yards per attempt), 364 yards receiving and a total of 17 TDs. Injuries have plagued him through the years, but his rookie season was still fantastic.


4. Edgerrin James, Indianapolis Colts, 1999:
It is never a big surprise when the 2nd overall pick has a big year, but it may still become impressive. James, a Miami product, rushed for 1,553 yards, 13 touchdowns, and ended up with 586 receiving yards and 4 TDs. His year earned him a trip to the ProBowl as well as an All-Pro nod. This has always been James’ signature, though: the ability to gain a lot of yards from scrimmage, as he has racked up 14,867 total yards from scrimmage in his 9-year career.


3. Dick "Night Train" Lane, L.A. Rams, 1952:
This guy was one of the best to ever play the Cornerback position, which he quickly showed the world as he racked up 14 interceptions and 2 touchdowns in his Rookie campaign. His 298 return yards that year are ranked 5th all-time, his 14 picks still stands as the NFL Record and his career interception number (68) is 4th on the all-time list. What a great foreshadowing 1952 was, huh?


2. Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, 1981:
It is difficult to rank a Defensive player prior to 1982 since sacks and tackles were not official stats…but we all know who the best Linebacker of all time is right? And we know what one of the signs is: 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks and Defensive Player of the Year award his first season out of North Carolina University. Taylor played 13 seasons in the NFL, and his Rookie season in 1981 showed us just how great he would become.


1. Eric Dickerson, L.A. Rams, 1983:
The number 2 pick in the 1983 draft (selected behind John Elway) Dickerson posted the greatest rookie season in the history of the NFL. He rushed for 1,808 yards (a Rookie record) and 18 touchdowns. He was also very versatile as he caught 51 passes for 404 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 2,212 yards from scrimmage during his 1st-year is still ranked as 18th all-time. This performance showed why so many teams coveted him in the Draft and why it is so important to find that player that doesn’t bust.

Monday Schmonday – When will it end!?!? 8/4/08

Upset of the Weekend
I am tired of Brett Favre.

I was watching the Hall of Fame game last night – because I am a fan of Football – and every 10 minutes there was a discussion about Favre’s plane landing. Now, I need to commend the venerable John Madden for not slobbering all over himself at the mention of the “Green Bay Scandal”, but I need to tell NBC, ESPN, NFL Network and every other sports media company to let it go.

The game was as enjoyable as an exhibition game can be, as the Redskins had a great first drive and ended up winning - the interviews with new Hall of Famers were great - but every time you thought you had heard enough, there was Adam Schefter ready to tell us all about the type of peanuts that were on the flight. They were honey-roasted. Okay…I made that up.

Please let it go. The Packers have already folded under the immense weight of Favre’s ego, allowing an “open” battle for the QB position. The Packers have already decided that another season of Aaron Rodgers’ growth can be stunted, because Brett Favre cried a little. Green Bay has already decided that its “onions” aren’t intact since they were the ones to blink first.

Favre has already won. He has the job all but locked, he has beaten the Packers and he has gotten more television exposure then the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He is a whiny, immature, egotistical and overall annoying human being.

This may end this season…but I would put a C-note down that he will once again do this next year, the year after and well into his 50’s.

And I will be here complaining about it.

I Saw This Coming Yet Wasn’t Ready For It
How about Colt Brennan?

Well, it was a lot of fun to see one of my heroes (Jim Zorn) shine in his coaching debut. Zorn is the Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach for the ‘Skins and showed last night that he was up for it. Yes, it was an exhibition; yes, it didn’t mean anything, but for a new coach it meant a lot. He was able to march down the field on the first drive and get 6 points on three plays.

There was marked improvement in Washington players like Jason Campbell and Rock Cartwright. Undrafted free agent Chris Horton shined for the Defense as he recorded 2 sacks and recovered the onside kick that started the game.

For the Colts we saw some great running from Mike Hart who racked up 53 yards on 4 carries.
Whether you were intrigued enough to watch the game or not, one thing stands alone: Football is back.


Disappointment of the Weekend
As a Seahawks fan…

OL Chris Gray has decided to hang up the helmet today, after 16 years in the NFL – 10 with the Seahawks.

Gray had been the starting RG for the Hawks through the seasons with the solid rushing attack and the bad. He is no way a Hall of Famer, but he was a class guy who brought toughness to the line that it had been lacking before his signing. Gray felt something "pop" last week and was told by several doctors that he risked paralysis if he continued to play.

He will be missed.


Rumor of the Day
Nothing that really suits me today…


The Play of the Week
I know we shouldn’t romanticize fighting…but when it includes Miguel Olivo almost getting hit in the head AND A.J. Pierzynski getting clocked by said Olivo…I have to…



Dumbest.Thing.Ever., or: What I Am Tired of Hearing About, or: The Brett Favre Retirement Memorial Honorary Award
Smith clocks Panthers teammate, then sent home

What a fool.

Post Trade Deadline Thoughts

There were some big deals done this week, sending some impact players to other teams, yet there were some major deals that weren’t done. Why? What do teams that are 10+ games out of the race need with an aging player that is coveted by a challenging team? Example: The Mariners had a chance to trade Raul Ibanez (a 36 year-old Left Fielder) to the Blue Jays, and all reports are the same: they had the chance to get two Major League players. One option leaked was Lyle Overbay and Jesse Litsch.

The deal wasn’t done and now a team that is 26 games under .500 is stocked with big contracts.

Then M’s also had the offer to get rid of Jarrod Washburn, an inconsistent Left-Handed Pitcher (With AWESOME glamour shots) that has yet to live up to the giant contract the Mariners signed him to. The Yankees had made several trade offers to the M’s, yet they seemed to think that it was more important to not get their feeling hurt then it was to offload a terrible contract. They didn’t send him to the Bronx because they were upset that someone in the Yankee’s office leaked some of the talks.

That is great: a professional baseball franchise is upset because the media got a hold of the story.

Pathetic.

AL executive: "I really don't know how to describe that club right now. It just seems to be a train wreck out there."


Around the League.
There were two “Blockbuster Trades” that did happen, though.

Ken Griffey Jr. was shipped to the White Sox for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar. Now, this may not have been what it would have been 8 or 9 seasons ago, but it still matters. A guy that has been playing on bad teams for a long time is now on a team that has a ring in the last 5-years. The downside: they really aren’t the same team they were at that point, but this may be the spark they need. His bat has been sizzling the last few weeks, which is exactly what the Sox need. But why do they want him playing Center Field? The guy is 38 and is in his 19th season, and has NO way of covering all that ground. Also, remember he gets injured just looking at the field.

Then there was the three-team deal:
The Boston Red Sox get: Jason Bay (PIT)
The Los Angeles Dodgers get: Manny Ramirez's
The Pittsburgh Pirates get: Andy LaRoche (LAD), Bryan Morris (LAD), Brandon Moss (BOS) and Craig Hansen (BOS)

"The Red Sox don't deserve a player like me. During my years here, I've seen how they [the Red Sox] have mistreated other great players when they didn't want them to try to turn the fans against them. The Red Sox did the same with guys like Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez, and now they do the same with me. Their goal is to paint me as the bad guy. I love Boston fans, but the Red Sox don't deserve me. I'm not talking about money. Mental peace has no price, and I don't have peace here." – Manny Ramirez

I guess Boston needed to make this deal - they got a good Left-Fielder in Bay and they don’t have the distraction – but this is much better for the other teams.

The Dodgers get Manny: Good, they needed this to battle in the NL West. This division is up in the air, yet you can see that the Diamondbacks and Dodgers are going to make it interesting. The addition of Manny may put them over-the-top.

Pittsburgh gets prospects: They not only offload some contract over the next two years, but they get four very good prospects. The Pirates knew they weren’t going to go anywhere this season and they needed to get ready for the future. If that cost one guy now to get four later, then you do it. Maybe the Mariners should have looked at this.


About Wednesday
I wrote an article on Seahawks DT “Red Bryant” on Wednesday, and what happened? He injured his knee. According to Mike Holmgren (on 950 KJR this morning) it is cartilage damage and he will be having surgery today.

I just want to say that I will now only write about players that teams don’t need. Thaddeus Coleman I am looking at you.

Thursday Headlines: 7/31/08

I never actually give a header before these headlines, and you know what…this week is different. Why? Because today is the MLB Trade Deadline and I need you to know that I will put anything that has broken as of now, but this afternoon (evening EST) I will do a full list of the “Deadline Deals”.

MLB
Reds to deal Griffey to ChiSox, if he approves it
That’s what they need for the push. But in all honesty, I think that Griffey deserves to go to a team that might be able to win. MIGHT.

Surgery likely for Hudson
How the mighty Oakland “Big 3” have fallen.

Marlins add bullpen help, deal for M's lefty Rhodes
When he said he wanted to retire in Florida, I thought he meant when he was done with baseball.

Yankees acquire Pudge from Tigers
This would have mattered 3 years ago.

Angels acquire Teixeira from Braves
The rich get richer.


NBA
Donaghy sentenced to 15 months in prison
I was so close…I had 17 in the pool.

Davis, Hart excited to be part of new-look Clippers
They are the only ones excited…no one else even noticed.

Deng's new deal with Bulls could be worth $80M
It could also be worth a bucket of fried chicken.


NFL

Reports: Lynch leaves Broncos, weighs options
One of the NFL’s truly nice guys…I hope he lands somewhere he wants.

Titans bringing in Leftwich for physical, workout
Wow. I just can’t even make a joke…the word Leftwich is a joke in itself.

Dark side of Moon: Hall of Fame QB pleads guilty
Ha ha!! This title is soooooo funny! I have never seen this before!!! HA HA!!

Stupid.

Sore throwing elbow sidelines Raiders QB Russell
Nothing to do with him being fat.

Cowboys' Newman out 3 weeks with groin injury
Jerry Jones calls Bengals for possible trade.

Report: Pack offers Favre $20M to stay retired
Umm…that is a lot of Wrangler’s Brett!

Steelers P Sepulveda expected to miss season
What? A punter can’t punt without an ACL? WHAAAAAAAA?

The Hoch’s Nest: Isn't that number retired?

It isn’t often that a man wants to be just like his Father-in-law. I am sure there are a few instances out in the business world where cutthroat business has to be learned, but I am sure that there is one man in the NFL that wants to be EXACTLY like his future wife’s Dad.

There is a strange likeness on the field in Kirkland right now. The Seattle Seahawks are watching a Defensive Tackle try to make the team; all 6-foot 4-inch, 318 pounds of him.

That man is Joseph Anthony Bryant – or “Red” as he likes to be called.

The Seattle Seahawks had been looking for a run-stuffing Defensive Tackle to help out on a Line that uses a rotation as much as a wind-powered home. A mammoth of a man, built like a semi but can maneuver like a sedan, Bryant fits their need perfectly – and for a Fourth-Round pick he came at the right price.

Bryant came out of Texas A&M was a Defensive Team Captain his Junior and Senior seasons on a team that drastically improved over that period of time. According to NFLDraftScout.com, during his Senior Season he “allowed 43 yards on 42 plays directed at him (team gave up 1,491 yards on the ground) in the team's first 10 games. He recorded 41 tackles (11 solo) with an 11-yard sack, six stops for losses of 19 yards and seven quarterback pressures. He also registered a safety on his only QB sack, blocked a field goal and caused a fumble that set up an A&M touchdown drive.”

And overall: “In 42 games at Texas A&M, Bryant started 41 games. He recorded 124 tackles (37 solo) with 6 ½ sacks for minus-53 yards, 20 ½ stops for losses of 92 yards and 12 quarterback pressures. He caused three fumbles, deflected nine passes, blocked three kicks and recorded a safety.”

Great, there are his stats…but why does this matter?

He is on the field wearing the number 79, which is the number that his Father-in-Law wore when he was amassing 97.5 sacks as a Defensive End for the Seahawks. The number that Jacob Green wore.

Bryant is set to marry Green’s Daughter - Jannelle - in February, but he has already made enough clout with Jacob that he has been allowed by Green to wear the number that is all but retired by the Seahawks. A number that Offensive Tackles dreaded when they would see it lined up against them.

Green (also an alum of Texas A&M) finished his career 3rd on the all-time list in sacks (now at 25), is 1st in team history with 7 Forced Fumbles in a season and he is 1st on the team list of career Fumbles recovered (Defensive). He is a Seattle icon.

And now, his future Son-in-law is looking to follow in those footsteps.

They may be big shoes to fill, but the mountain that goes by “Red” is more then big enough to put them on.

What does an American League Title sound like?

I couldn't tell you the actual sound, but if you were sitting anywhere near me when I just got the news that the Angels traded Casey Kotchman and pitching prospect Stephen Marek to Atlanta for Mark Teixeira.

If you were near me, you would have heard the sound of my head hit the desk; my brain centered on the knowledge that the switch-hitting, power-swinging 1st baseman was going to a team that already leads the majors in win percentage with a record of 65-40. It sounds to me like a Murderers Row, and if the pitching can come together - which shouldn't be too difficult, seeing as how they are 8th in the league with a 3.90 team ERA - this team will be hoisting a trophy at the end of the season.

What happens if they sign him to a long-term contract? Watch out AL West...it will in fact be a one team race for the next few years.

Top 7: Worst MLB Trade Deadline Deals

12:00PM EST: The MLB Trade Deadline. This is one of the great days in sports…for some teams. Some of them…not so much.

7. Freddie Garcia, Carlos Guillen and John Halama (Astros) for Randy Johnson (Mariners) -July 31, 1998
Johnson went 10-1 with a 1.28 ERA in the second half of 1998 with Houston, leading the Astros to the NLDS – where they lost to San Diego. He would later become a Diamondback.

Amid the angry fan base Garcia was a key to the Mariners' success in 2001 where he went 18-6 with an ERA of 3.05. Guillen replaced A-Rod at shortstop in 2001 and was a solid option with the M’s, who let him go due to health and injury concerns. Halama…well…he was John Halama.


6. Scott Kazmir (Mets) for Victor Zambrano (Devil Rays) – July 30, 2004
Victor Zambrano was supposed to help the Mets’ playoff push…well, he wasn’t exactly that guy. Zambrano was injured at the time of the trade and was sent immediately to the DL. Zambrano would pitch a total of 201.6 innings with the Mets over the next three years and post an ERA of 4.92.

Scott Kazmir has developed into an All-Star. He has fought some injuries, but has a career ERA of 3.53 and a total of 43 Wins for a team that is only now starting to have an offense.


5. Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek (Mariners) for Heathcliff Slocumb (Red Sox) - July 31, 1997
Ouch…Mariners fans will never let this go away. We all know about Derek Lowe (who is still pitching in the majors) and Varitek is the Captain of the Boston Red Sox and has been behind the plate on the way to two World Series titles.

Slocumb, on the other hand, threw only 95 innings for Seattle in 1997 and 1998 with an ERA near 5.


4. Jay Buhner, Rick Balabon and Troy Evers (Yankees) for Ken Phelps (Mariners) - July 21, 1988
Frank Costanza: "How could you have traded Buhner for Ken Phelps?" Steinbrenner thought that Phelps would be the piece to catapult the Yankees into the playoffs. He hit just .224. The Yankees finished 5th in the Division that year, and would later deal Phelps to the A’s.

Buhner played 14 seasons with the Mariners; hitting 307 HRs and 951 RBIs. He was a fan favorite as fans would show up early for the promotion: “Buhner Buzz-cut night”.


3. Mark McGwire (A’s) for T.J. Mathews, Eric Ludwick and Blake Stein (Cardinals) - July 31, 1997
The quintessential expiring contract deal: McGwire was to become a Free Agent at the end of the 1997 season and they A’s would not be able to afford the deal they were sure was to be asked for. So they sent him to the Cardinals where McGwire would 220 HRs (including 70 in 1998) for the Cards before finally retiring.

The A’s had to watch all of this as Ludwick went 1-4 with an 8.25 ERA the rest of the season, Stein would go 5-9 in 1998 before being dealt to the Royals and Mathews would retire in Houston with an ERA of 3.82.


2. John Smoltz (Tigers) for Doyle Alexander (Braves) - Aug. 12, 1987
Alexander was exactly what the Tigers wanted in the trade: a hired gun. He went 9-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 11 starts for Detroit taking the Tigers to the ALCS. He would then go 20-29 in two more seasons in Detroit before retiring.

Smoltz on the other hand is an eight-time All-Star with a Cy Young award, with 210 wins and 154 saves. His ERA is a sparkling 3.26. He has been with the Braves since.


1. Jeff Bagwell (Red Sox) for Larry Andersen (Astros) - Aug. 31, 1990
Bagwell, a Double-A third baseman, was sent to Houston for the 37-year-old Anderson who was to help the Sox during the final months of the 1990 season. The Red Sox would finish first in the AL East and get swept by the A’s in the ALCS. Andersen would be out of the Red Sox system the next season.

Bagwell, though, spent 15 seasons in Houston, logged 2314 hits, 449 HRs, 1529 RBIs, 4 All-Star appearances, the 1991 Rookie of the Year, the 1994 Major League MVP and the 1994 NL MVP. All numbers that should put him in the Hall of Fame.

Monday Shmonday – The Trade Deadline Approaches and Other Ruminations

This will again be a free form Monday Shmonday; none of those silly header. Since this is a slow time of year in the sporting world there are only a few things we can discuss, and really, putting it into “Upsets” and “Surprises” isn’t that appealing.

Then what are we going to talk about? Well the two biggest sports and their goings-on.


First off:
Major League Baseball

The biggest thing in baseball right now is the trade deadline which comes up on Thursday. This is great year for some teams since so many players are on the block. Teams with Division leads can extend them, while teams that are trying to usurp the leaders will have the ability to pick up some help.

It is also a great time for some floundering teams. The teams whose seasons are dead now have the ability to offload salaries and possibly get some prospects in return.

Let’s look at some examples of teams and the help the need, as well as players and where they might go.

3 biggest player rumors:
Mark Teixeira – This 1st baseman was traded to the Braves last season when the Rangers realized that they wouldn’t be able to afford him when it came to contract time. It is a shame that the Braves didn’t think the same thing, and now they have been discussing offloading him before the deadline. The positive: Teixeira is a solid player with pop from both sides of the plate. He will bring the Braves a few solid prospects.

Manny Ramirez – Manny being Manny is just not the love of Bean-town anymore. His shtick has gotten old and now he is back to his old form. It has been 3 or 4 seasons since he was causing a problem with the trade requests, but this one may be the last. "I'm tired of them. They're tired of me." This will go one of two ways (obviously): 1) if he stays the team has a great chance of winning but will have to deal with the negative situations that will arise; 2) if he goes the Sox could get a lot in return including prospects and possibly a solid starter as of today. I think they should make it happen; cut bait and go in a new direction.

Jarrod Washburn – What the heck? Washed-Up is getting looked at by the Bronx Bombers? Well, they have been in talks with the Mariners on bringing Washburn to New York. The sticking point: compensation. There have been a lot of different options on the table: Kei Igawa to Seattle, but Seattle has enough issues with mediocre pitching. The M’s are reportedly looking for an outfielder but New York is hesitant to let go of Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner or Justin Christian. It all seems to be hinging on how much of the contract the Mariners will pick up.

2 Biggest Buyers:
New York Yankees – No one should be surprised that the construction of this team is finally showing weaknesses; that IS what happens when you have a roster made up of aging superstars. Now, with age and injuries hampering guys like Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui, the Yankees are watching the Red Sox and the Rays win, and hoping that they could pull a big trade that will launch them back into the cream of the AL East.

New York Mets – Have you ever seen “Trading Places”? You know when they decide that orange juice will sell and everyone starts buying? Well, that is the Mets this year…they are in need of Outfielders (stocks) and have heard that some are better fits then they really are (orange juice). We’ll see when the moves start happening who is left with the money and who has gotten fleeced.

1 Biggest Seller:
Seattle Mariners - Jason Stark wrote the following on ESPN.com:
“It could be an action-packed week in Seattle. When we surveyed teams this week on players they expect to see moved, Jarrod Washburn was voted most likely starter to get traded and Arthur Rhodes was voted most likely left-handed set-up man to relocate. The Mariners are driving a slightly harder bargain on Raul Ibanez, but if they don't move him, too, it won't be for lack of interest…Despite reports that the Twins have given up on their attempts to pry Adrian Beltre away from Seattle, we're hearing those discussions are far from dead. The Twins' No. 1 trading priority is to upgrade at third base. One team that reportedly has packed it in on Beltre is the Dodgers, after they learned that Beltre's no-trade list specifically blocks his return to Chavez Ravine.”

What a list! And you can assume that the M’s will ask too much for each of them.

As the deadline approaches, expect a lot of movement this year.


National Football League

The time has come when fans like me get exactly what they have been waiting for: Training Camp. The time when our local stations start to do shows from team headquarters, interviews with the stars and the time of complete speculation.

There is no stronger time in the league then Camps. This is the last time all teams are still undefeated; when they all have a shot. It is also the time when seasons can be destroyed and hopes shattered.

Is there any other 6 week period in sports that is as anticipated as camps and preseason?

Here are some important dates
- August 2 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008 Enshrinement Ceremonies
- August 3 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Redskins at 8:00 p.m (NBC).
- August 7 – Preseason Football starts!
- August 26 – Roster cut down to 75 players.
- August 30 – Roster cut down to 53 players.
- September 2 – NFL teams can sign up to 8 players to their practice squad.
- September 4 - First game WAS @ NYG, 7:00 PM (NBC).

“I am as happy as a little giiiirl”

Matt's 2008 NFL Preseason Power Rankings - 11 through 20

Part One (1-10) had a few good comments, and I want to challenge you to continue this!

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