Fans of BYU football will certainly be hopeful for their team's future after Jake Heaps - the top Quarterback in the nation - choose the Cougars over Washington. Former Texas (soft) commit Ross Apo, a highly-regarded (and six-foot-four) Wide Receiver, and Zac Stout (fifth-ranked Middle Linebacker, Scout.com) also verballed, making it an impressive package deal for a team that won ten games in 2008. All three recruits are LDS, but Heaps himself was apparently also instrumental in helping ensure that Apo and Stout followed him to Salt Lake City.
And thanks to BCS rules recently put in place, the team could soon be in the hunt for a bowl no non-BCS school has ever participated in: The Grandaddy of Them All.
BYU rival Utah's perfect 2008 season and 2009 Sugar Bowl win set the bar for future Mountain West success very high. By beating a highly-ranked SEC team, the Utes showed that they had a compelling case not only for national recognition, but for a top-two ranking as well.
A few days earlier, USC had finished up their third consecutive win win over a Big-10 opponent. Since World War II, only a few teams outside the Big-10 or Pac-10 have played in Pasadena, no matter what their record or pedigree. Notre Dame, for example, has made one appearance - in 1925. Texas, of course, recently played in the Rose Bowl two years in a row, but one of those meetings was in the National Championship Game.
But after the new BCS contract takes effect, all this will change. If the Pac-10 or Big-10 champion qualifies for the National Championship, the Rose could then select a BCS-eligible team from the Mountain West, WAC, or other non-BCS conference instead of a second-place team such as Illinois.
Elitist or not, the Rose has a decades-long tradition of pitting the Pac-10 against the Big-10. But fear not, Pac-10 fans, the above change would apparently only take effect once in the four year BCS cycle. Besides, in a given four year span, the MWC (or WAC) leader is probably going to be as good or better than the Pac-10 or Big-10 runner-up at least once anyway. Utah was clearly a better team than Illinois last year, for example (although the Sugar Bowl ended up being a great showcase for them).
In the meantime, BYU has scored a major coup, with the added bonus of further rankling Washington fans who hoped local star Heaps would stay close to home. Heaps to Apo could be a refrain that MWC defenses become sick of hearing, while Stout takes some of the sting off of disappointment of losing Manti Te'o during the last recruiting cycle. And there is one thing most Pac-10 and MWC fans can agree on: at least the latest trio of commits didn't choose USC.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Lottery Gods Must Be Crazy: Clippers Win First Pick
While last night's Nuggets-Lakers was the NBA's main event (no WWE pun intended), especially for fans of the four remaining NBA playoff teams, the draft lottery promised to help some of the unfortunate playoff bystanders back onto the road to respectability.
The 2009 lottery order is:
1. L.A. Clippers
The always stoic Blake Griffin made a good show of it when Memphis was awarded the second pick, meaning that the man paying Griffin tens of millions of dollar would be Donald Sterling. While an Eric Gordon-Ricky Rubio pairing in the back-court would be something to watch, Baron Davis would no doubt be less than pleased.
Drafting Griffin would create a logjam with Zach Randolph (whose contract runs until 2010/2011). And Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby (who is tradeable with an expiring contract in 2009/2010) are also owed more than eight million per year. But L.A. will most likely still select Griffin and try to trade off Camby to create more financial flexibility. Besides, Griffin is much more likely to be the next Boozer/poor man's Malone than the next Olowokandi . . . right?
2. Memphis
Memphis already has Mike Conley, and there are rumors that Memphis might be considering taking Hasheem Thabeet instead of Rubio. But Rubio has the potential to be much better than Conley, and having too many points guards is a good thing in today's NBA.
A shot-blocking center is definitely an asset to any team, and seven-foot-one Marc Gasol playing alongside the seven-foot-three Thabeet would be formidable. But Thabeet, who often dominated on the defensive end, is very raw offensively, and was six-seven DeJaun Blair's twenty-three point, twenty-two rebound performance against Thabeet a fluke or a sign of future struggles against stronger NBA big men? In addition, Thabeet improved his .513 free-throw percentage from his freshman year to around seventy pecent . But no one will confuse him with Yao at the charity stripe, either, especially after that number declined to around sixty-three percent in 2008/2009.
Ricky Rubio plays the game with a flair that would compliment O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay much more than the plodding Thabeet. Besides, if they want to go that route, many more teams would be willing to trade up to get Ricky than Hasheem.
3. Oklahoma City
At third overall, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a interesting (and possibly uncomfortable) position. Thabeet could be the answer, but if he turned out to be another Saer Sene or Robert Swift, how would fans react? Conspiracy theorists were proven wrong when OKC didn't in fact receive the first overall pick, and now they might see if another team wants to trade up.
Failing a trade, OKC still has some excellent options other than Thabeet. Jordan Hill plays the same position as Jeff Green, but is a good defensive presence and very athletic, and would add overall size. However the Thunder just invested money in Nenad Krstic, so OKC might look to shooting guard first. Luckily for them, six-foot-five James Harden will still be on the board.
Harden at third-overall might be a bit of a reach, but a Russell Westbrook, Harden, and Kevin Durant trio could be too good to pass up. Besides, next year's draft looks to be full of athletic big men.
4. Sacramento
For Sacramento Kings fans, drafting at number four has to be a huge disappointment. The number four spot could also be a trade target for other teams if OKC doesn't take Thabeet. The Kings don't need Jordan Hill as much as they did before the emergence of Jason Thompson late last season. For the third pick in a row, Thabeet will be discussed, and passed over. The Kings like passing centers, and Vlade Divac or Brad Miller Thabeet is not. Besdies, if Spencer Hawes returns to form after his injury fully heals, Thabeet (although a superior defensive player) would be superfluous.
The Kings' true need is at point guard, where Bene Udrih was a large disappointment.Any PG taken after Rubio will be somewhat of a gamble. Brandon Jennings appears to be the best available after Ricky, and the Kings would instantly acquire an athletic compliment to Kevin Martin. In addition, the Kings could either hurt their NorCal and division rivals the Golden State Warriors by snagging Jennings, or concoct a trade with them. The Warriors' seventh pick could be used to take a gamble on Tyreke Evans at the point, or to reach for Ty Lawson.
5. Washington
More than the four teams above them in the draft, the Washington Wizards will be looking to advance to the playoffs next season, thanks to the return of Gilbert Arenas. While Jordan Hill would help them in the long run as Antawn Jamison ages, Hasheem Thabeet would provide interior defense and rebounding, critical for a playoff run. Washington has more than enough firepower to overcome Thabeet's offensive deficiencies, and although Hasheem could struggle trying to run the floor when Arenas pushes the ball quickly, it's the half-court possessions that often make the difference in tight games during the stretch run.
6. Minnesota
Although the sixth pick is not ideal for Minnesota, trading up or down might be a tough sell after the Kevin Love-O.J. Mayo trade last year. The trade did net Mike Miller, but the Wolves still need a consistent play-maker in the back-court to compliment Randy Foye. Guard Tyreke Evans has shown that he can run the point, and his athleticism would be welcome.
But upside is often king in the NBA Draft, and six-foot-six Guard/Forward DeMar DeRozan has the potential to be a dominant force, O.J. Mayo in a bigger body.
Jordan Hill falls once again, since with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love already in the fold, there is little reason for Minnesota to draft a big man.
7. Golden State
It would be an understatement to say that the Golden State Warriors don't need another Shooting Guard on their roster. So it would be a relief if the temptation to take DeRozan was removed before their pick.
Instead of DeRozan, the Dubs might be tempted by Jordan Hill, who would bring power and athleticism to the front-court. Some say Earl Clark is the next Anthony Randolph, but if Clark was drafted in a reach at number seven, Warriors would be probably be lighting their torches and sharpening their pitchforks. The need for a legitimate point guard is too pressing.
Don Nelson loves tall, athletic ball-handlers who can score. Stephen Curry has shown himself to be one of college basketball's greatest pure shooters, and yet also could effectively distribute of needed. But although defensive prowess isn't a prerequisite for receiving playing time with the Warriors (Curry is not a great defender), the lack of success experienced by J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison might hurt Curry's draft stock. In addition Anthony Morrow is an incredible three-point shooter, nullifying some of the need for Curry's sharpshooting.
Jordan Hill would be a tremendous pick if he fell to the seventh spot, but Nelson would love having a six-five point guard running plays in Oakland. Tyreke Evans' height, athleticism, and upside would be too much for the Warriors to pass up. If Evans is gone, the Dubs might take a look at Eric Maynor, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday, or Ty Lawson.
8. New York
New York seemed set on taking Curry, although a new rumor has them trying to trade up to get Ricky Rubio. As with Golden State, Jordan Hill could be used as part of a trade package for the number two pick. However, if they keep the pick, many of the players that New York is supposedly interested in would still available, including Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson. However, Stephen Curry's combination of size, NBA pedigree, and shot-making ability (which could be used to space the floor for you-know-who) should make him the Knick's pick come draft day.
9. Toronto
The Raptors will need an athletic Forward to replace Shawn Marion, who will probably not stay in Toronto much longer, or (even worse) Chris Bosh. Jordan Hill drops to them in this scenario, although Earl Clark might be a more realistic possibility on draft day.
Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, or even Chase Buddinger would be an option if the Raptors opted for depth at Shooting Guard.
10. Milwaukee
Milwaukee needs someone to replace Yi Jianlian and probably Charlie Villanueva. Although Jordan Hill is gone, Earl Clark is big, versatile, and athletic, able to play both Small Forward and Power Forward. Once Michael Redd comes back, a distributor would be nice as well. If Clark is gone, Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, or Jonny Flynn could attempt to fill in for Ramon Sessions, who Milwaukee might not be able to re-sign.
11. New Jersey
The Nets are one of the few teams in the lower lottery that is set at the Point Guard position (with Devin Harris). However, with Vince Carter aging (or not caring), Shooting Guard will become an issue soon. Although Gerald Henderson would most likely still be on the board, Chase Buddinger can play Shooting Guard and Small Forward, and is a player in the mold of last year's pick Ryan Anderson.
12. Charlotte
The Bobcats need a replacement for Jason Richardson. Wayne Ellington is big, skilled, and played at UNC. If he's available at twelve, Ellington could be one of the most automatic non-Griffin picks of the draft. If the Bobcats draft for need at other positions, Forwards DeJuan Blair and James Johnson are options as well, but Ellington or Gerald Henderson (even though he's from Duke) would probably be able to make more of an impact sooner.
13. Indiana
When the Jermaine O'Neal trade netted T.J. Ford, the Pacers had a Point Guard they could rely on - except when he was injured. Ty Lawson will most likely be available, and his speed and ability to steal the ball could help get Danny Granger out on the break more effectively.
The Roy Hibbert pick last year might rule out someone like Blair, although Blair is in some ways the opposite of Hibbert (short but effective) and could help replace some of O'Neal's production down low. Earl Clark would have been nice, but Indiana will probably go with a point guard.
14. Phoenix
The Suns are in the lottery for the first time in a while, and could miss out on the quick Lawson by a few spots. Just like New York, Phoenix could blow up the entire draft by trading up to number two to get Rubio as a replacement for Nash (Amare anyone?). If they swapped picks in the trade, they could take a gamble on a project like Austin Daye, or go with a beast down low like Blair to replace Amare.
Assuming that the Suns don't trade up, it would be a tough choice between the usual Point Guard suspects: Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, and Jonny Flynn. Flynn, the Big East Tournament MVP, had thirteen games with eight or more assists last season, and proved his tenacity in the thrilling win over UConn. Learning to play the point with Steve Nash should help Flynn cut down on turnovers and maximize his potential.
The 2009 NBA Draft may be somewhat low on star power, but it could prove to be a deep draft for solid (if not exceptional) guards. And some high-profile veterans (such as Amare Stoudemire) could find themselves on different teams. Some teams outside the lottery could find that prospects such as Jrue Holiday have fallen into their range. As draft day draws nearer, the picture will most likely become clearer, but for now, teams are rightfully scouting a wide variety of potential draftees.
The 2009 lottery order is:
1. L.A. Clippers
The always stoic Blake Griffin made a good show of it when Memphis was awarded the second pick, meaning that the man paying Griffin tens of millions of dollar would be Donald Sterling. While an Eric Gordon-Ricky Rubio pairing in the back-court would be something to watch, Baron Davis would no doubt be less than pleased.
Drafting Griffin would create a logjam with Zach Randolph (whose contract runs until 2010/2011). And Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby (who is tradeable with an expiring contract in 2009/2010) are also owed more than eight million per year. But L.A. will most likely still select Griffin and try to trade off Camby to create more financial flexibility. Besides, Griffin is much more likely to be the next Boozer/poor man's Malone than the next Olowokandi . . . right?
2. Memphis
Memphis already has Mike Conley, and there are rumors that Memphis might be considering taking Hasheem Thabeet instead of Rubio. But Rubio has the potential to be much better than Conley, and having too many points guards is a good thing in today's NBA.
A shot-blocking center is definitely an asset to any team, and seven-foot-one Marc Gasol playing alongside the seven-foot-three Thabeet would be formidable. But Thabeet, who often dominated on the defensive end, is very raw offensively, and was six-seven DeJaun Blair's twenty-three point, twenty-two rebound performance against Thabeet a fluke or a sign of future struggles against stronger NBA big men? In addition, Thabeet improved his .513 free-throw percentage from his freshman year to around seventy pecent . But no one will confuse him with Yao at the charity stripe, either, especially after that number declined to around sixty-three percent in 2008/2009.
Ricky Rubio plays the game with a flair that would compliment O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay much more than the plodding Thabeet. Besides, if they want to go that route, many more teams would be willing to trade up to get Ricky than Hasheem.
3. Oklahoma City
At third overall, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a interesting (and possibly uncomfortable) position. Thabeet could be the answer, but if he turned out to be another Saer Sene or Robert Swift, how would fans react? Conspiracy theorists were proven wrong when OKC didn't in fact receive the first overall pick, and now they might see if another team wants to trade up.
Failing a trade, OKC still has some excellent options other than Thabeet. Jordan Hill plays the same position as Jeff Green, but is a good defensive presence and very athletic, and would add overall size. However the Thunder just invested money in Nenad Krstic, so OKC might look to shooting guard first. Luckily for them, six-foot-five James Harden will still be on the board.
Harden at third-overall might be a bit of a reach, but a Russell Westbrook, Harden, and Kevin Durant trio could be too good to pass up. Besides, next year's draft looks to be full of athletic big men.
4. Sacramento
For Sacramento Kings fans, drafting at number four has to be a huge disappointment. The number four spot could also be a trade target for other teams if OKC doesn't take Thabeet. The Kings don't need Jordan Hill as much as they did before the emergence of Jason Thompson late last season. For the third pick in a row, Thabeet will be discussed, and passed over. The Kings like passing centers, and Vlade Divac or Brad Miller Thabeet is not. Besdies, if Spencer Hawes returns to form after his injury fully heals, Thabeet (although a superior defensive player) would be superfluous.
The Kings' true need is at point guard, where Bene Udrih was a large disappointment.Any PG taken after Rubio will be somewhat of a gamble. Brandon Jennings appears to be the best available after Ricky, and the Kings would instantly acquire an athletic compliment to Kevin Martin. In addition, the Kings could either hurt their NorCal and division rivals the Golden State Warriors by snagging Jennings, or concoct a trade with them. The Warriors' seventh pick could be used to take a gamble on Tyreke Evans at the point, or to reach for Ty Lawson.
5. Washington
More than the four teams above them in the draft, the Washington Wizards will be looking to advance to the playoffs next season, thanks to the return of Gilbert Arenas. While Jordan Hill would help them in the long run as Antawn Jamison ages, Hasheem Thabeet would provide interior defense and rebounding, critical for a playoff run. Washington has more than enough firepower to overcome Thabeet's offensive deficiencies, and although Hasheem could struggle trying to run the floor when Arenas pushes the ball quickly, it's the half-court possessions that often make the difference in tight games during the stretch run.
6. Minnesota
Although the sixth pick is not ideal for Minnesota, trading up or down might be a tough sell after the Kevin Love-O.J. Mayo trade last year. The trade did net Mike Miller, but the Wolves still need a consistent play-maker in the back-court to compliment Randy Foye. Guard Tyreke Evans has shown that he can run the point, and his athleticism would be welcome.
But upside is often king in the NBA Draft, and six-foot-six Guard/Forward DeMar DeRozan has the potential to be a dominant force, O.J. Mayo in a bigger body.
Jordan Hill falls once again, since with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love already in the fold, there is little reason for Minnesota to draft a big man.
7. Golden State
It would be an understatement to say that the Golden State Warriors don't need another Shooting Guard on their roster. So it would be a relief if the temptation to take DeRozan was removed before their pick.
Instead of DeRozan, the Dubs might be tempted by Jordan Hill, who would bring power and athleticism to the front-court. Some say Earl Clark is the next Anthony Randolph, but if Clark was drafted in a reach at number seven, Warriors would be probably be lighting their torches and sharpening their pitchforks. The need for a legitimate point guard is too pressing.
Don Nelson loves tall, athletic ball-handlers who can score. Stephen Curry has shown himself to be one of college basketball's greatest pure shooters, and yet also could effectively distribute of needed. But although defensive prowess isn't a prerequisite for receiving playing time with the Warriors (Curry is not a great defender), the lack of success experienced by J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison might hurt Curry's draft stock. In addition Anthony Morrow is an incredible three-point shooter, nullifying some of the need for Curry's sharpshooting.
Jordan Hill would be a tremendous pick if he fell to the seventh spot, but Nelson would love having a six-five point guard running plays in Oakland. Tyreke Evans' height, athleticism, and upside would be too much for the Warriors to pass up. If Evans is gone, the Dubs might take a look at Eric Maynor, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday, or Ty Lawson.
8. New York
New York seemed set on taking Curry, although a new rumor has them trying to trade up to get Ricky Rubio. As with Golden State, Jordan Hill could be used as part of a trade package for the number two pick. However, if they keep the pick, many of the players that New York is supposedly interested in would still available, including Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson. However, Stephen Curry's combination of size, NBA pedigree, and shot-making ability (which could be used to space the floor for you-know-who) should make him the Knick's pick come draft day.
9. Toronto
The Raptors will need an athletic Forward to replace Shawn Marion, who will probably not stay in Toronto much longer, or (even worse) Chris Bosh. Jordan Hill drops to them in this scenario, although Earl Clark might be a more realistic possibility on draft day.
Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, or even Chase Buddinger would be an option if the Raptors opted for depth at Shooting Guard.
10. Milwaukee
Milwaukee needs someone to replace Yi Jianlian and probably Charlie Villanueva. Although Jordan Hill is gone, Earl Clark is big, versatile, and athletic, able to play both Small Forward and Power Forward. Once Michael Redd comes back, a distributor would be nice as well. If Clark is gone, Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, or Jonny Flynn could attempt to fill in for Ramon Sessions, who Milwaukee might not be able to re-sign.
11. New Jersey
The Nets are one of the few teams in the lower lottery that is set at the Point Guard position (with Devin Harris). However, with Vince Carter aging (or not caring), Shooting Guard will become an issue soon. Although Gerald Henderson would most likely still be on the board, Chase Buddinger can play Shooting Guard and Small Forward, and is a player in the mold of last year's pick Ryan Anderson.
12. Charlotte
The Bobcats need a replacement for Jason Richardson. Wayne Ellington is big, skilled, and played at UNC. If he's available at twelve, Ellington could be one of the most automatic non-Griffin picks of the draft. If the Bobcats draft for need at other positions, Forwards DeJuan Blair and James Johnson are options as well, but Ellington or Gerald Henderson (even though he's from Duke) would probably be able to make more of an impact sooner.
13. Indiana
When the Jermaine O'Neal trade netted T.J. Ford, the Pacers had a Point Guard they could rely on - except when he was injured. Ty Lawson will most likely be available, and his speed and ability to steal the ball could help get Danny Granger out on the break more effectively.
The Roy Hibbert pick last year might rule out someone like Blair, although Blair is in some ways the opposite of Hibbert (short but effective) and could help replace some of O'Neal's production down low. Earl Clark would have been nice, but Indiana will probably go with a point guard.
14. Phoenix
The Suns are in the lottery for the first time in a while, and could miss out on the quick Lawson by a few spots. Just like New York, Phoenix could blow up the entire draft by trading up to number two to get Rubio as a replacement for Nash (Amare anyone?). If they swapped picks in the trade, they could take a gamble on a project like Austin Daye, or go with a beast down low like Blair to replace Amare.
Assuming that the Suns don't trade up, it would be a tough choice between the usual Point Guard suspects: Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, and Jonny Flynn. Flynn, the Big East Tournament MVP, had thirteen games with eight or more assists last season, and proved his tenacity in the thrilling win over UConn. Learning to play the point with Steve Nash should help Flynn cut down on turnovers and maximize his potential.
The 2009 NBA Draft may be somewhat low on star power, but it could prove to be a deep draft for solid (if not exceptional) guards. And some high-profile veterans (such as Amare Stoudemire) could find themselves on different teams. Some teams outside the lottery could find that prospects such as Jrue Holiday have fallen into their range. As draft day draws nearer, the picture will most likely become clearer, but for now, teams are rightfully scouting a wide variety of potential draftees.
Monday, May 18, 2009
AA Update: Bumgarner Lowers ERA to 0.75, Wins Second Start
In a completion of a game suspended in the first inning by fog on Saturday, Madison Bumgarner took the mound for Connecticut yesterday, and showed that his first start at the AA level was not a fluke.
After allowing a lead-off double in the second, it appeared as if Bumgarner would be in for another start of battling hitters with men on base. However, this time there was little drama as Madison proceeded to no-hit the opposition for the next six innings.
While Bumgarner notched only two strikeouts in his last start, on Sunday his dominance was never in doubt. Nine strikeouts helped him cruise, and in four of his six innings, Bumgarner faced only three batters. Two out of the three walks surrendered on the day came in the fifth, but a pick-off and two strikeouts ensured that no runner reached second base.
Bumgarner no doubt felt some pressure throughout the game, since he exited the game leading only one to nothing. But fellow 2007 draftee Joe Paterson relieved Bumgarner in the eighth, pitching into the ninth and maintaining his 0.00 ERA through thirteen appearances. Connecticut's closer then ensured that Bumgarner received the win.
Tim Alderson, the original starter on Saturday, pitching a scoreless first before the suspension of play.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, who went one-for-four with two strikeouts, has now struck out twice in each of his last four games. Although Crawford is hitting .467 with the bases empty, he is two for eighteen with runners on, and is hitting .091 with runners in scoring position.
Crawford now has only one walk and eleven strikeouts in eight games since his call-up. He has thirteen total bases and one RBI, with three extra-base hits. At single-A San Jose, Crawford's batting average was nearly one hundred points higher (.371 vs. .273), and Brandon tallied six home runs and seventeen RBI's in twenty-five games.
After allowing a lead-off double in the second, it appeared as if Bumgarner would be in for another start of battling hitters with men on base. However, this time there was little drama as Madison proceeded to no-hit the opposition for the next six innings.
While Bumgarner notched only two strikeouts in his last start, on Sunday his dominance was never in doubt. Nine strikeouts helped him cruise, and in four of his six innings, Bumgarner faced only three batters. Two out of the three walks surrendered on the day came in the fifth, but a pick-off and two strikeouts ensured that no runner reached second base.
Bumgarner no doubt felt some pressure throughout the game, since he exited the game leading only one to nothing. But fellow 2007 draftee Joe Paterson relieved Bumgarner in the eighth, pitching into the ninth and maintaining his 0.00 ERA through thirteen appearances. Connecticut's closer then ensured that Bumgarner received the win.
Tim Alderson, the original starter on Saturday, pitching a scoreless first before the suspension of play.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, who went one-for-four with two strikeouts, has now struck out twice in each of his last four games. Although Crawford is hitting .467 with the bases empty, he is two for eighteen with runners on, and is hitting .091 with runners in scoring position.
Crawford now has only one walk and eleven strikeouts in eight games since his call-up. He has thirteen total bases and one RBI, with three extra-base hits. At single-A San Jose, Crawford's batting average was nearly one hundred points higher (.371 vs. .273), and Brandon tallied six home runs and seventeen RBI's in twenty-five games.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mullin Offically Out As Warriors GM: The Coup Is Complete
Earlier tonight, the Warriors have made the expected (and inevitable) official, announcing that Chris Mullin's contract as General Manager will not be extended when it expires on June 30th. Assistant GM Larry Riley will replace Mullin.
Mullin's departure was seen as inevitable for many months, dating back to the Warriors' refusal to extend Baron Davis in the 2008 off-season. However, when the Warriors announced today that Riley would replace Mullin as Golden State's representative to the Draft Lottery next week, it was clear that the end was near.
Mullin's tenue, marked by the assembly of the We Believe team and some second-round draft gems but also picks such as Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Patrick O'Bryant, started out rocky. But Mullin's decisions to trade for Baron Davis and unload Murphy and Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson largely redeemed him in the eyes of fans.
Riley, meanwhile faces an uphill battle winning over fans. He will be seen as a yes-man to Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell, and even if the Warriors find a way to make the playoffs again, Don Nelson will probably get the credit. However, in the current environment, it's tough to see a way in which Riley can succeed, at least in the short-term. The Warriors have few trade assets, and the projected number seven pick in what is expected to be a weak draft isn't likely to draw a large amount of interest. And cap space is tight, thanks in part to the Stephen Jackson extension.
If the Warriors somehow receive one of the top two picks in the draft, Riley's job will become much easier. But will the basketball gods allow such luck to a franchise that has accumulated so much negative karma over the course of the season?
Mullin's departure was seen as inevitable for many months, dating back to the Warriors' refusal to extend Baron Davis in the 2008 off-season. However, when the Warriors announced today that Riley would replace Mullin as Golden State's representative to the Draft Lottery next week, it was clear that the end was near.
Mullin's tenue, marked by the assembly of the We Believe team and some second-round draft gems but also picks such as Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Patrick O'Bryant, started out rocky. But Mullin's decisions to trade for Baron Davis and unload Murphy and Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson largely redeemed him in the eyes of fans.
Riley, meanwhile faces an uphill battle winning over fans. He will be seen as a yes-man to Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell, and even if the Warriors find a way to make the playoffs again, Don Nelson will probably get the credit. However, in the current environment, it's tough to see a way in which Riley can succeed, at least in the short-term. The Warriors have few trade assets, and the projected number seven pick in what is expected to be a weak draft isn't likely to draw a large amount of interest. And cap space is tight, thanks in part to the Stephen Jackson extension.
If the Warriors somehow receive one of the top two picks in the draft, Riley's job will become much easier. But will the basketball gods allow such luck to a franchise that has accumulated so much negative karma over the course of the season?
Bumgarner Follows Alderson's Gem With Six Solid Innings
Drafted in the same round in the same draft, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson's paths through San Francisco's minor league system were bound to be compared. Both were named High-A All-Stars in 2008, with Bumgarner also earning the Minors Most Spectacular Pitcher and several other awards. Given their success in the lower minors, it was not surprising that both were called up to AA Connecticut in the same week.
While Bumgarner posted a 3-1 record with a 1.48 ERA in San Jose this season, Alderson allowed opponents to hit .292. Tim finished with a 1-1, 4.15 line. Nevertheless, the more pitcher-friendly confines of Connecticut's park seemed to have brought out the best in Alderson. In 6.2 innings, Alderson struck out ten, and did not allow a single hit. Alderson walked only one hitter.
Bumgarner was not perfect against New Britain, but displayed an ability to limit damage and eventually escape trouble. He allowed a single to the second hitter he faced, but then induced a pop-up before picking the runner off first. In the second inning, a lead-off single was erased by a double-play. And in the third, a two-out triple was followed by a grounder back to Bumgarner.
Connecticut scored two in the top of the fourth to give Bumgarner a small cushion, the only run support he received in his six innings of work (a change from the offensive steamroller of the single-A Giants and a preview of the big league Giants). But Bumgarner gave up back-to-back two-out doubles in the bottom of the inning, allowing his first AA run.
It appeared as if New Britain might ruin Bumgarner's debut when a double and a bunt single resulted in runners at first and third with none out in the fifth. But Bumgarner showed great composure, getting a double play on a line-out before notching his second strikeout of the evening.
After pitching a scoreless sixth, Bumgarner left leading two to one. A three-run eighth pushed the Connecticut margin to 5-1, ensuring the win for Madison.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, a fourth-round pick in 2008, had three hits (including a double and a triple) in his second game at the AA level.
Connecticut catcher Adam Witter was recently promoted to AAA Fresno. While Witter was replaced by a catcher brought off of Connecticut's disabled list, could Buster Posey hear the call to AA soon?
While Bumgarner posted a 3-1 record with a 1.48 ERA in San Jose this season, Alderson allowed opponents to hit .292. Tim finished with a 1-1, 4.15 line. Nevertheless, the more pitcher-friendly confines of Connecticut's park seemed to have brought out the best in Alderson. In 6.2 innings, Alderson struck out ten, and did not allow a single hit. Alderson walked only one hitter.
Bumgarner was not perfect against New Britain, but displayed an ability to limit damage and eventually escape trouble. He allowed a single to the second hitter he faced, but then induced a pop-up before picking the runner off first. In the second inning, a lead-off single was erased by a double-play. And in the third, a two-out triple was followed by a grounder back to Bumgarner.
Connecticut scored two in the top of the fourth to give Bumgarner a small cushion, the only run support he received in his six innings of work (a change from the offensive steamroller of the single-A Giants and a preview of the big league Giants). But Bumgarner gave up back-to-back two-out doubles in the bottom of the inning, allowing his first AA run.
It appeared as if New Britain might ruin Bumgarner's debut when a double and a bunt single resulted in runners at first and third with none out in the fifth. But Bumgarner showed great composure, getting a double play on a line-out before notching his second strikeout of the evening.
After pitching a scoreless sixth, Bumgarner left leading two to one. A three-run eighth pushed the Connecticut margin to 5-1, ensuring the win for Madison.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, a fourth-round pick in 2008, had three hits (including a double and a triple) in his second game at the AA level.
Connecticut catcher Adam Witter was recently promoted to AAA Fresno. While Witter was replaced by a catcher brought off of Connecticut's disabled list, could Buster Posey hear the call to AA soon?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Follett, Morrah Selected In Seventh Round, Join Mack As 2009 Cal Draftees
After a long wait, LB Zack Follett and TE Cameron Morrah were taken the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft, over two hundred picks after Cal teammate and twenty-first-overall pick C Alex Mack.
Follett was taken with the twenty-sixth pick in round seven (235th overall) by Detroit, and was described as being a great competitor, a hard worker, and a potential contributor on special teams.
Morrah was praised by Mel Kuiper as deserving better than a seventh-round selection when Seattle took him in the compensatory portion of the round (248th overall). However, Kuiper also stated what Jeff Tedford and Cal Bears fans already know, that Morrah left one season too early. However, Morrah was also praised for being a goal-line threat.
Mr. Irrelavent 2009 (256th overall) was K Ryan Succop from South Carolina.
Unfortunately, Cal fan favorites such as Rulon Davis, Anthony Felder, and Worrell Williams weren't able to hear their name called in New York. But there is always a chance of being signed as an undrafted free-agent.
As for other Pac-10 teams, Arizona and Arizona State each had two players drafted, all in the seventh round. Six Oregon players heard their names called, including three in round two. Max Unger was taken twenty-eight picks after Alex Mack.
Oregon State one-upped its Civil War rival with seven players picked, but only OL Andy Levitre was a second-rounder. Washington State's only draftee was WR Brandon Gibson (sixth round), but this was still one more than Washington. Stanford and UCLA were shut out.
Not surpisingly, USC had the most first-round and overall picks in the Pac-10, led by Mark Sanchez at fifth overall. Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews were also taken in round one, but Rey Maualuga fell to the early second-round. By the time CB Cary Harris was taken in the sixth round, eleven Trojans had been selected. Only three selections were offensive players: Sanchez, Patrick Turner (third round), and K David Buehler (fifth round).
Among the Pac-10 players not drafted were QB's Willie Tuitama and Rudy Carpenter and RB's Jeremiah Johnson, Anthony Kimble, and Kahlil Bell.
Good luck to Mack, Morrah, and Follett in NFL, and to Davis and the other Cal players trying to break in at the next level the hard way. As Cal continues to try a cement themselves as a perennial Pac-10 power, the 2009 draft class should be joined in the NFL by many more Bears in the future. Cal fans just hope that Jahvid Best will join the list of first-round picks later rather than sooner.
Follett was taken with the twenty-sixth pick in round seven (235th overall) by Detroit, and was described as being a great competitor, a hard worker, and a potential contributor on special teams.
Morrah was praised by Mel Kuiper as deserving better than a seventh-round selection when Seattle took him in the compensatory portion of the round (248th overall). However, Kuiper also stated what Jeff Tedford and Cal Bears fans already know, that Morrah left one season too early. However, Morrah was also praised for being a goal-line threat.
Mr. Irrelavent 2009 (256th overall) was K Ryan Succop from South Carolina.
Unfortunately, Cal fan favorites such as Rulon Davis, Anthony Felder, and Worrell Williams weren't able to hear their name called in New York. But there is always a chance of being signed as an undrafted free-agent.
As for other Pac-10 teams, Arizona and Arizona State each had two players drafted, all in the seventh round. Six Oregon players heard their names called, including three in round two. Max Unger was taken twenty-eight picks after Alex Mack.
Oregon State one-upped its Civil War rival with seven players picked, but only OL Andy Levitre was a second-rounder. Washington State's only draftee was WR Brandon Gibson (sixth round), but this was still one more than Washington. Stanford and UCLA were shut out.
Not surpisingly, USC had the most first-round and overall picks in the Pac-10, led by Mark Sanchez at fifth overall. Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews were also taken in round one, but Rey Maualuga fell to the early second-round. By the time CB Cary Harris was taken in the sixth round, eleven Trojans had been selected. Only three selections were offensive players: Sanchez, Patrick Turner (third round), and K David Buehler (fifth round).
Among the Pac-10 players not drafted were QB's Willie Tuitama and Rudy Carpenter and RB's Jeremiah Johnson, Anthony Kimble, and Kahlil Bell.
Good luck to Mack, Morrah, and Follett in NFL, and to Davis and the other Cal players trying to break in at the next level the hard way. As Cal continues to try a cement themselves as a perennial Pac-10 power, the 2009 draft class should be joined in the NFL by many more Bears in the future. Cal fans just hope that Jahvid Best will join the list of first-round picks later rather than sooner.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
49ers Luck Into Crabtree, Err By Trading Brown?
After a roller-coaster first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers emerged as one of the major benefactors of the many trades (and one huge reach) on day one, selecting possible top-four pick Michael Crabtree without trading up from the tenth-overall position.
The first two picks of the draft were not surprising at all, considering that the Lions had already agreed to an astronomical contract with QB Matthew Stafford, and the Rams needed OT Jason Smith to replace Orlando Pace.
Kansas City continued its recent trend of drafting LSU products, selecting DE Tyson Jackson to go along with last years picks of DT Glenn Dorsey and WR Dwyane Bowe. But by passing on LB Aaron Curry, the Chiefs helped create a domino effect that resulted in the 49ers nabbing Crabtree.
Seattle was very happy to find a compliment to Lofa Tatupu in Curry in the fourth slot.
Then came the Browns trade with the Jets. Sanchez started sixteen more games at USC than Matt Cassel, and seems to have the poise and accuracy to be successful in the NFL. And although had fewer weapons than Leinart had at his disposal (although at USC, talent is always relative), Sanchez's last year at USC is statistically similar to Leinart's.
Jets fans at the draft were extremely excited at first, but were not pleased when they heard the full details of the trade. If Sanchez really is as advertised, a franchise quarterback is almost invaluable. However, the pressure is definitely on Sanchez on the rest of the Jets to succeed, especially with Chad Pennington's success as a Dolphin.
At number six, the Bengals decided to put improving their running game over finding a replacement for T.J. Houshmandzadeh. OT Andre Smith had his issues before the draft, but in the NFL, 6'4", 332 pounds is worth quite a bit by itself.
But surely Crabtree wouldn't slip past the Raiders. who needed a talented target for JaMarcus Russell to throw to? Rightly or wrongly, by far the loudest boos of the night rained down after the announcement of the pick of WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. And the draft gurus quickly slapped an "F" on Oakland's report card.
Even if Heyward-Bey becomes a star, the question remains: why use the number seven pick on him, when trading down (even into the lower first round) would have netted picks as well as the covetted 4.30 forty-time? In fact, the Niners could've traded up to get Crabtree (a worthwhile three-pick jump), netting second or third-round picks for the Raiders and benefiting both teams. Ten would still have been a huge reach for the Maryland wide-out, but it would have saved a bit of money and resulted in more picks.
But even when the Raiders passed, the 49ers weren't free to grab Crabtree yet, as Jacksonville and Green Bay were yet to draft. But the Jaguars went with OT Eugene Monroe, despite having lost Matt Jones and Reggie Williams in the off-season.
The Packers selected a player that was rumored to be on the 49ers radar at one point: DT B.J. Raji. Aaron Rodgers no doubt would've enjoyed throwing to Crabtree, but the Packers needed the huge Raji much more than a wideout.
Therefore, a player once considered to be a concensus top-five pick fell to the 49ers at number ten. Crabtree should make the Niners starter look better than he actually is, and will help ease some of the problems in the passing game while a franchise QB is found (could Sam Bradford fall to them next year?).
No matter what happened after the first round, the first day of the 49ers' 2009 draft would still have been considered a success. But did they make a mistake by trading their second-round pick (Everette Brown) to the Panthers for a 2010 first-rounder?
Unless the Panthers regress dramatically next year, the future pick should be around the twenty-fifth overall. But Brown, who was once considered a candidate for the Niners to select - in the first round, could have been a significant upgrade to the Niners' existing pass rush.
The Panthers' motives for trading up to get Brown are unknown. Is Everette meant to be a compliment to Julius Peppers - or a replacement?
A major trade of a veteran like Peppers could dramatically alter the results of the draft, but as it stands now, a few teams seem to have had more day one success than others.
"Winners" in the long run could include teams such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York (Jets and Giants), and Cardinals.
The Eagles might have scored a huge coup with the acquisition of Jeremy Macklin. Paired with DeSean Jackson, Macklin could be a factor in the passing game almost immediately (as Jackson was last year).
The Giants replaced talented but problematic (and expensive) WR Plaxico Burriss with 6'4" Hakeem Nicks at twenty-eighth overall.
The Dolphins shored up their pass defense with athletic CB Vontae Davis, then used their second-round pick on Pat White, who could be lethal in the Wildcat offense. It could have been a wasteful reach on a player whose speed advantage over college defenses might be nullified by the speed of NFL defenses, but the possibility is there for White playing multiple postions, based on the formation Miami comes out in on a given down.
The Vikings still have questions at Quarterback, but picked up WR Percy Harvin to help stretch the field in the passing game. What football fan wouldn't want to see Harvin and Adrian Peterson in the same Wildcat backfield, though? In the second round, Minnesota acquired huge OT Phil Loadholt, a powerful run blocker.
The Cardinals, who did not trade Anquan Boldin, picked up power RB Chris Wells to help balance their offense attack for another playoff run.
The Patriots acquired the fortieth and forty-first overall picks, and with them took huge DT Ron Brace and solid CB Darius Butler.
In one of the stranger moves of the day, the Buccaneers traded up to number seventeen to take QB Josh Freeman. Freeman defines the word "project," and the rumor is that already QB-heavy Tampa Bay only took Freeman to keep him from the Vikings.
Cal center Alex Mack went slightly higher than expected, going to the Browns at number twenty-one overall.
With the first two rounds completed, the 49ers look to be among the best drafters so far. But with other NFC teams improving as well, it might take a franchise Quarterback to get over the top in the division.
The first two picks of the draft were not surprising at all, considering that the Lions had already agreed to an astronomical contract with QB Matthew Stafford, and the Rams needed OT Jason Smith to replace Orlando Pace.
Kansas City continued its recent trend of drafting LSU products, selecting DE Tyson Jackson to go along with last years picks of DT Glenn Dorsey and WR Dwyane Bowe. But by passing on LB Aaron Curry, the Chiefs helped create a domino effect that resulted in the 49ers nabbing Crabtree.
Seattle was very happy to find a compliment to Lofa Tatupu in Curry in the fourth slot.
Then came the Browns trade with the Jets. Sanchez started sixteen more games at USC than Matt Cassel, and seems to have the poise and accuracy to be successful in the NFL. And although had fewer weapons than Leinart had at his disposal (although at USC, talent is always relative), Sanchez's last year at USC is statistically similar to Leinart's.
Jets fans at the draft were extremely excited at first, but were not pleased when they heard the full details of the trade. If Sanchez really is as advertised, a franchise quarterback is almost invaluable. However, the pressure is definitely on Sanchez on the rest of the Jets to succeed, especially with Chad Pennington's success as a Dolphin.
At number six, the Bengals decided to put improving their running game over finding a replacement for T.J. Houshmandzadeh. OT Andre Smith had his issues before the draft, but in the NFL, 6'4", 332 pounds is worth quite a bit by itself.
But surely Crabtree wouldn't slip past the Raiders. who needed a talented target for JaMarcus Russell to throw to? Rightly or wrongly, by far the loudest boos of the night rained down after the announcement of the pick of WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. And the draft gurus quickly slapped an "F" on Oakland's report card.
Even if Heyward-Bey becomes a star, the question remains: why use the number seven pick on him, when trading down (even into the lower first round) would have netted picks as well as the covetted 4.30 forty-time? In fact, the Niners could've traded up to get Crabtree (a worthwhile three-pick jump), netting second or third-round picks for the Raiders and benefiting both teams. Ten would still have been a huge reach for the Maryland wide-out, but it would have saved a bit of money and resulted in more picks.
But even when the Raiders passed, the 49ers weren't free to grab Crabtree yet, as Jacksonville and Green Bay were yet to draft. But the Jaguars went with OT Eugene Monroe, despite having lost Matt Jones and Reggie Williams in the off-season.
The Packers selected a player that was rumored to be on the 49ers radar at one point: DT B.J. Raji. Aaron Rodgers no doubt would've enjoyed throwing to Crabtree, but the Packers needed the huge Raji much more than a wideout.
Therefore, a player once considered to be a concensus top-five pick fell to the 49ers at number ten. Crabtree should make the Niners starter look better than he actually is, and will help ease some of the problems in the passing game while a franchise QB is found (could Sam Bradford fall to them next year?).
No matter what happened after the first round, the first day of the 49ers' 2009 draft would still have been considered a success. But did they make a mistake by trading their second-round pick (Everette Brown) to the Panthers for a 2010 first-rounder?
Unless the Panthers regress dramatically next year, the future pick should be around the twenty-fifth overall. But Brown, who was once considered a candidate for the Niners to select - in the first round, could have been a significant upgrade to the Niners' existing pass rush.
The Panthers' motives for trading up to get Brown are unknown. Is Everette meant to be a compliment to Julius Peppers - or a replacement?
A major trade of a veteran like Peppers could dramatically alter the results of the draft, but as it stands now, a few teams seem to have had more day one success than others.
"Winners" in the long run could include teams such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York (Jets and Giants), and Cardinals.
The Eagles might have scored a huge coup with the acquisition of Jeremy Macklin. Paired with DeSean Jackson, Macklin could be a factor in the passing game almost immediately (as Jackson was last year).
The Giants replaced talented but problematic (and expensive) WR Plaxico Burriss with 6'4" Hakeem Nicks at twenty-eighth overall.
The Dolphins shored up their pass defense with athletic CB Vontae Davis, then used their second-round pick on Pat White, who could be lethal in the Wildcat offense. It could have been a wasteful reach on a player whose speed advantage over college defenses might be nullified by the speed of NFL defenses, but the possibility is there for White playing multiple postions, based on the formation Miami comes out in on a given down.
The Vikings still have questions at Quarterback, but picked up WR Percy Harvin to help stretch the field in the passing game. What football fan wouldn't want to see Harvin and Adrian Peterson in the same Wildcat backfield, though? In the second round, Minnesota acquired huge OT Phil Loadholt, a powerful run blocker.
The Cardinals, who did not trade Anquan Boldin, picked up power RB Chris Wells to help balance their offense attack for another playoff run.
The Patriots acquired the fortieth and forty-first overall picks, and with them took huge DT Ron Brace and solid CB Darius Butler.
In one of the stranger moves of the day, the Buccaneers traded up to number seventeen to take QB Josh Freeman. Freeman defines the word "project," and the rumor is that already QB-heavy Tampa Bay only took Freeman to keep him from the Vikings.
Cal center Alex Mack went slightly higher than expected, going to the Browns at number twenty-one overall.
With the first two rounds completed, the 49ers look to be among the best drafters so far. But with other NFC teams improving as well, it might take a franchise Quarterback to get over the top in the division.
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