Atlanta Braves - #BravesBash

For those of you devout Braves fans like myself, you were probably taking part in Braves Bash this past weekend. I was one of many fans to sit in on a conference call with some of the Braves’ biggest names last Sunday, following a tough loss to the Cubs.  I took the opportunity to write down a lot of what players like Chipper Jones, Tommy Hanson, Craig Kimbrel, and others had to say. Below I’ve listed some of the highlights from the call for your enjoyment.

Chipper Jones:

On the end of Dan Uggla’s 34-game hitting streak (he went 0-3 vs. Chicago):

“We were all caught up on the streak. He got a standing ovation we he walking into the clubhouse. I’m sure he’s going to start another one soon though. Good things happen to good people and he’s hotter than a dancing bobcat.”

On their chances of making the playoffs:

“I’m not concerned with winning the division or getting home field because I don’t worry about where we play. I just want us to get into the playoffs. Then, if we’re healthy at the end of the year, anything can happen.”

On adding an additional wild card team:

“If that happens we would have to shorten the regular season. The playoffs already take over one month to get through. We need to cut the season down to 144 or 150 games honestly, just to get a break. The World Series winners play nearly 200 games and that is A LOT of baseball.”

Tommy Hanson:

On his recent shoulder injury and DL-activation:

“My shoulder is fine. [We] just wanted to be careful. I’m not worried about it. It’s very similar to the first time I injured it. I expected the MRI to come back clean again and it did.”

On the success of the bullpen this year:

“They’ve been outstanding! You know that if you leave with a lead it is going to stick. Without a doubt they’re the best bullpen I’ve ever had behind me. It’s really shocking if they give one up.”

On the difference between former manager Bobby Cox and current manager Fredi Gonzalez:

“Bobby’s loyalty [to his players] was second to none. But Fredi is very similar to him. He does a tremendous job communicating with everyone.”

On whether or not he changes his approach as they near the playoffs:

“I don’t really change anything. You do start looking at the scoreboard of the other games and track the other teams. You can’t help it. Not that the early games don’t count, but those [late season games] seem to count a little more.”

Craig Kimbrel (Rookie of the Year Candidate):

On being raised in ‘Braves Country’:

“I was born and raised here in ‘Braves Country’ and it was my childhood dream to play for the Braves. As I got older I just wanted to play pro ball but [when I was selected by the Braves] it was a dream come true.”

On the fans across the country:

“It’s really amazing. We go on the road and we have fans everywhere. We just played a series in Colorado and we had a bunch of fans there supporting us.”

Michael Bourn:

On the Designated Hitter position:

“Either we need to get rid of it altogether or we install one in both leagues. It’s an unfair advantage to [American League] teams. They’ve got guys that can cycle the lineup back through where there has to be a strategy to make a pitcher’s at-bat a useful one.”

Derek Lowe:

When asked if he wasn’t paid would he still play:

“Honestly, no. Ha-ha. But it is my job and it takes a lot of sacrifice. Obviously they pay us handsomely for it now but you don’t get to see your family often and despite what people think, it’s a year round job. But at the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

When asked to give advice to young pitchers:

“DO NOT throw curve balls or junk pitches until you’re at least 16.”

On the funniest prank he’s seen in his career:

“Last year a guy lit [Kenshin] Kawakami’s translator’s shoe on fire!”

My Take: While the Braves are stuck in a division with arguably the best team in major league baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies, they have proven they can hold their own against them. With Hanson being retro-actively placed on the 15-day DL to rest, the Braves should be able to be strong contenders in the playoffs.  Johnny Venters and Craig Kimbrel have established themselves as the best set-up & closer combo in the league right now. 

With the addition of Michael Bourn at the lead-off spot, Uggla finally getting his swing back, and McCann returning from the DL the Braves could make serious waves come October. They are an extremely strong line up with a great bullpen holding it down. I expect Fredi and the Tribe to be right in the hunt and a viable opponent in the playoffs. Oh, and Heyward, if you can get your swing back before the season ends, that’d be really nice of you.

If there are any of you out there who have other questions or comments from the #BravesBash that you didn’t see here please post a comment and let me know!!

-X

Ladies and Gentlemen Your Tampa Bay Buccaneers!

Despite an even 3-3 record in the NFC South last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the season with a 10-6 record and solidified the perception that the NFC South is the strongest division in the NFL playing host to 3 teams with 10 or more victories (we’ll pretend the Panthers don’t exist since for all intensive purposes they don’t). The Bucs were only a last second touchdown reception by Megatron himself from holding the Green Bay out of the playoffs and moving themselves in (the Pack did win the Super Bowl last year for those of you who forgot).

Offense:

Now there are plenty of teams that have had those talented seasons where they missed it by a hair and we all dream of what they could have done on the big stage, but few teams show such raw talent with such young players. Josh Freeman, who was in his second year, threw for nearly 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns while only giving away 6 interceptions. His total season QB rating was an astounding 95.9. He didn’t get it done tossing to a cast of veteran wide outs or dumping down to a proven back. His number one target last year was rookie wide receiver Mike Williams. His counterpart and fellow rookie, Arrelious Benn, tore his ACL early on in the season and should be returning to the cast this year fully heeled (pun intended). Kellen Winslow, who is entering his 8^th year, is tied for the most experienced guy at a skill position with fullback Earnest Graham.  Winslow was a great target for Freeman this year and wound up snagging six touchdowns. A surprising break out, LeGarrette Blount, better known for smashing faces in Oregon has changed his style to smashing holes and breaking off big runs.  Rushing for over 1,000 yards and 6 touchdowns over 13 games in his second year in the league, Blount proved that he could handle the bulk of the carries as an every-down back. 

The backbone of every offense, the O-Line is also one of the youngest in the league. Donald Penn, Davin Joseph, and Jeremy Trueblood entered the league together in 2006. Bucs’ center, Jeff Faine, is the oldest guy on the line entering his 9^th year. Ted Larsen, the Bucs’s newest acquisition at left tackle, was selected by the Patriots in 2010. Now, like every offensive line, none of these guys ever really have or ever really will start making headlines. But from watching these guys play together (especially Davin alongside Trueblood) their cohesiveness is outstanding. And with their legs being so young I can only imagine they will improve.

Defense: 

The defensive line sets the pace for the defense. Great penetration can result in stuffed runs and inerrant passes by the QB. Roy Miller is the number two DT who was drafted in the 2009 draft. He was joined by Gerald McCoy who took over the #1 DT spot and recorded 3 sacks and 9 stuffs in his rookie year. Now the defensive line saw two major acquisitions in 1^st round pick Adrian Clayborn from Iowa, where he recorded 11 sacks in his final season, and Da’Quan Bowers from Clemson, where he recorded 15.5 sacks in his final season. These two rookies could wreak havoc from the DE positions, a much needed add for the Bucs following the bust selection of the late Gaines Adams a few years ago. 

At linebacker, arguably the weakest spot on the entire Buccaneers squad, Tyrone McKenzie (2^nd year), Quincy Black (5^th year), and Geno Hayes (4^th year) will be vital to Tampa’s success. They have the raw ability to become big time linebackers but their lack of experience is working against them. The loss of Barrett Rudd to the Tennessee Titans actually seems to benefit Tampa’s squad as he seemed to lose his ability to make tackles last year. 

In the secondary, Aqib Talib is a very talented corner who has the ability to shut down receivers and make plays on the ball (6 INTs in 2010 and 5 in 2009). Ronde Barber is arguably the smartest corner in the game but has lost a step or two entering his 15^th season. I hoped to see the Bucs make a trade in the draft to grab, now Giants’ corner, Prince Amukamara as Ronde’s predecessor. But, with that being a thing of the past, Ronde is a guy who can make up for his lesser athleticism with his uncanny ability to read the play before the snap. At safety, Sean Jones will return to Tampa to play SS and the young Cody Grimm will be at the FS position. These two are not dominant at their position but are great role players in a solid and extremely young Tampa Defense. And let's not forget the rookie out of Florida, Ahmad Black, who has been making serious waves in camp this off season. The kid has serious speed and the ability to lay wood on those who try to bring the rock his way. He's not currently listed as a starter on the depth chart but I expect him to be seeing a lot of the field after a few weeks.

In Review:

Arguably the strongest young team in the NFL behind reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are poised to become one of the strongest teams in the league over the next few years. Josh Freeman has shown an uncanny ability to read defenses and make strong and accurate throws quickly. He is young but capable of leading a team through the season and eventually into the playoffs. The defense is very young and they will make their mistakes but with another few years under their belt they will be ready to shut down the opposition. 

-X

A 'Gross' Exaggeration

I really didn’t want to write this article. Even acknowledging Rex Grossman’s threats to win the NFC East makes me die a little inside. In Rex’s career he has only completed one full season and is not even the declared starter for the abysmal Washington Redskins. The Redskins are one of the members of the NFC East among the struggling but strong New York Football Giants, the underperforming Dallas Cowboys, and the preseason favorite Philadelphia Eagles. To imagine that Sexy Rexy can surpass Eli Manning, Tony Romo and the reemerged Michael Vick with a receiving corps starring Santana Moss and supported by a backfield starring a rookie (Roy Helu) and injured question mark (Ryan Torain) seems a bit crazy. 

With a move to the NFC West, where a 7 and 9 record can mean winning your division, looking unlikely, I see no way the Redskins could possibly make the playoffs. Well that, or a bomb being dropped in Philly during their game against the Cowboys. Not only do they face a challenge in their division but with a schedule that puts them up against a new Arizona Cardinals and the always deadly Jets, Pats, and Vikings, nothing appears to be easy in the Redskins’ future.

Now Rex Grossman seems to love their position as the “underdogs” in this year’s season. For the 2011 Redskins there is a difference between being the underdog and the undertalented. But one thing is for sure, Rex’s quote will be getting a lot of air time all season long. And, with the opposition they have in their way, it probably won’t be for the reason he had in mind.

Watch his prediction here: Rex Grossman Predicts NFC East Win : ESPN.com

-X

Biggest Trade / Free Agency Signing: By You for You

I asked you, my beloved followers, which trade / free agency acquisition made the biggest splash this offseason. These are your answers!

@FantsySportsNow : The Nnamdi deal. It  improves them to a top 3 Defense in the league.

@FantasySportz4u : The McNabb trade bc it showed they want to win now. It keeps them two-sided and helps Peterson.

@Fieldsoffantasy : I say Nnamdi bc they got him at a good rate he completely solidifies the DB's, brings confidence to the entire D #gamechanger

@Fantasybteam : love Sproles to New Orleans, best move hasn't happened yet the #titans have to resign Chris Johnson

@FFChamps_Bill : I like the potential OchoCinco has w/ the Patriots. Not crazy about Bush going to the Dolphins. Think Sproles has good upside

@Bgunner : Plaxico to the Jets. He still has it and he's angry.

@FantasyFBinfo : Obvious choice for FA is the Nnamdi move. But I think Chad to the pats is going to be the best off season move for sure!

@FantasySports81 : I believe the trade of Kevin Kolb was biggest move but in FA I'm going out on a limb -most productive move Mike Sims-Walker

@Kennedy76ca : I would say Manning n Joseph for HOU and they will finally make the playoffs this yr with a pass defense

@SportsBou : They easily win their division now. most philly signings were great. green bay & philly going up in nfc game? gives them edge needed to beat GB

@NFLsoapbox : if I have 2 pick 1 - Asomugha, huge dif-mkr.

  

Now for me, I think that the Haynesworth trade really changed the game for the NE Patriots. If Belichick can convert Haynesworth back to his original form than it could totally change the game for the Patriots. A season with anywhere from 6 to 8.5 sacks, like he had in his prime in Tennessee, could provide the Pats with a new defensive personality forcing opponents to change their game plan against them.

Got an opinion you didn’t see here or just want to get your name up on the blog?! Send a tweet to @FRATasySports and I’ll make sure to add your input too!

UPDATES:

@FantasyGuyProbs : Big? Haynesworth. Dude looks like he used to have friends til he ate them

@FantasyDouche : the non-trade of Kyle Orton. I think it hurt B. Marshall. As to deals that actually went down - Braylon Edwards. I think he'll be a good WR2.

@NFLSoupKevin : 1st has to be Nnamdi. then kolb, maybe ocho 3rd.

@SportsTalkTVEE : Tulluch #restoretheroar


-X

The Rich Get Richer - Steve Smith to the Eagles

Since the start of Free Agency, the Eagles have lured just about every worthwhile talent into the city of Brotherly Love. Former New York Football Giant and division rival, Smith joins an Eagles team that hardly even looks like the team that finished the 2010 season. Steve Smith will most likely find himself at home in the slot position, replacing, former University of Florida wideout, Riley Cooper. That is, he will once he is fully recovered from micro-fracture surgery he had on his left knee in December.

So, while the addition of Steve Smith could be great for the Eagles if he is 100% by the playoffs or even the last couple weeks, don’t go jumping to draft the man who is optimistic to post WR3 numbers in this style of offense. Even if Smith was completely healthy going into the season I find it hard to envision Andy Reid pulling Maclin for his newest toy. The tandem of DeSean Jackson (4.35) and Jeremy Maclin (4.45) with LeSean McCoy (4.49) in the backfield means that Vick has three weapons that can run sub-4.5 40 yard dashes. So when Smith does finally return (which is expected to be about midseason) he will most likely take on a roll of a possession style receiver targeted on 3^rd down plays while Maclin and Jackson scorch the secondary on longer routes.

Fantasy Value: Currently none. But come mid-late November/early December when your fantasy football playoffs are kicking off and Smith is finally feeling 100% he could become a valuable WR2/3 or flex position player in a bind. If Maclin can’t shake his cold or one of those burners gets hurt Smith will become a primetime fantasy threat. He has the talent to be a stud and Philly’s buy-low strategy on the Smith acquisition could pay big come the end of the year.

-X

My Newest Squad

Team #1 – Off Constantly

QB:         Philip Rivers, Chargers

RB:         Ray Rice, Ravens

RB:         Matt Forte, Bears

RB/WR: Jonathan Stewart, Panthers

WR:        Vincent Jackson, Chargers

WR:        Austin Collie, Colts

TE:          Jason Witten, Cowboys

D/ST:     Patriots

K:            Mason Crosby, Packers

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Bench:

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons

Ryan Williams, RB, Cardinals

Roy Helu, RB, Redskins

Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Rams

Montario Hardesty, RB, Browns

Steve Breaston, WR, Chiefs

Todd Heap, TE, Cardinals

Please Comment and Tell Me What You Think!

-X

New NFL HGH Testing Policy

During the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the NFL and the NFLPA both sides agreed to allow testing for HGH. The test will be administered throughout the year selecting, at random, players from teams all over the NFL and conducting a blood test to check for the presence of HGH. Test are allowed to be given during the preseason, regular season, postseason, and even the offseason. Adolpho Birch, NFL Senior VP of Law and Labor Development, told the Associated Press that it is, “constant threat of testing that provides the key to deterrence under this particular program.” 

We have seen the NFL try to make moves to ban performance enhancing substances from the league to no avail. This new process may be a step in the right direction. But we all know how rapidly modern medicine is advancing and it won’t be long until there is a new ‘HGH’ on the market for these athletes. But that is not to say these efforts are in vain. This move by the NFL and NFLPA is great not only for the sport but for the lives of these athletes during and most importantly after their careers.

You can watch the video interview on Outside the Lines here:  http://search.espn.go.com/nfl-hgh/

-X