NL-
NLDS-
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets (NYM wins 3-1)
The Mets will feed off the frenzy produced by the postseason in a new ballpark (Citi Field). With the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana, the Mets are sure to be guaranteed at least one game in every series they play. The Dodgers’ starters will struggle against a finely tuned Mets offense fueled by Jose Reyes, David Wright and Carlos Beltran. Expect strong postseasons from these three.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs (PHI wins 3-2)
This will be the closest of any of the division series. The Cubs will be motivated to break a 101 year curse, whereas the Phillies will be looking to repeat as World Series champions. Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez will slug it out against Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Expect the Phillies to need a strong game 5 performance from Cole Hamels to advance.
Look for my ALCS and NLCS picks tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
ALDS Playoff Predictions
AL-
ALDS-
Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox (BOS wins 3-0)
The Red Sox will take care of the Twins in convincing fashion. Beckett, Lester and Matsuzaka will take on Baker, Liriano and Slowey in 3 favorable matchups for the Red Sox. As long as the Red Sox lineup is healthy, it should be firing on all cylinders by the time the postseason rolls around!
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (NYY wins 3-1)
The Yankees offense will carry them by the Angels. If A-Rod does not have any setbacks from hip surgery during the season, a lineup of Damon, Jeter, A-Rod, Teixeira, Matsui, Posada, Cano, and more will be too much for the Angels pitchers to handle. With Ervin Santana and John Lackey having injury concerns during spring training, who knows if they will even hold up for the playoffs.
I will post my NLDS predictions later today or tomorrow.
ALDS-
Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox (BOS wins 3-0)
The Red Sox will take care of the Twins in convincing fashion. Beckett, Lester and Matsuzaka will take on Baker, Liriano and Slowey in 3 favorable matchups for the Red Sox. As long as the Red Sox lineup is healthy, it should be firing on all cylinders by the time the postseason rolls around!
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (NYY wins 3-1)
The Yankees offense will carry them by the Angels. If A-Rod does not have any setbacks from hip surgery during the season, a lineup of Damon, Jeter, A-Rod, Teixeira, Matsui, Posada, Cano, and more will be too much for the Angels pitchers to handle. With Ervin Santana and John Lackey having injury concerns during spring training, who knows if they will even hold up for the playoffs.
I will post my NLDS predictions later today or tomorrow.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
2009 MLB Preview: National League
NL-
East:
y- New York Mets: 93-69
w- Philadelphia Phillies: 91-71
Florida Marlins: 85-77
Atlanta Braves: 81-81
Washington Nationals: 66-96
The Mets took care of their glaring weakness, the bullpen, and should be in position to win the East. The Phillies still have the core of their team together but have some injury concerns (i.e. Chase Utley coming off of hip surgery and Cole Hamels having some elbow issues during spring training). As long as those two are healthy, though, the Phillies will have a strong enough record to take the Wild Card. The Braves made some quality offseason additions to their starting rotation and should be back around .500 (Bobby Cox always gets the most out of his players.)
Central:
y- Chicago Cubs: 92-70
St. Louis Cardinals: 81-81
Milwaukee Brewers: 80-82
Houston Astros: 78-84
Cincinnati Reds: 76-86
Pittsburgh Pirates: 68-94
Although I don’t think they will win 97 games again, the Cubs are clearly still the best team in the Central. The Brewers will struggle to play .500 baseball after losing their two horses C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets, and the rest of the teams in the division are mediocre at best. The Reds, with Dominicans Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto, have two young studs but will always have their difficulties pitching at Great American Ball Park. The NL Central is the biggest lock in the majors.
West:
y- Los Angeles Dodgers: 89-73
Arizona Diamondbacks: 82-80
San Francisco Giants: 79-83
Colorado Rockies: 71-91
San Diego Padres: 68-94
The Dodgers will win the West for the second year in a row. Although Manny Ramirez killed the Red Sox team chemistry, he was on his best behavior in L.A. and nearly led them to a World Series. Re-signing Man-Ram was a necessity for the Dodgers, and two years for $45 million is a pretty fair deal. Keeping Rafael Furcal and signing Orlando Hudson were also good moves. The Diamondbacks are going to have a good team, mostly because of their starting pitching, but may not have enough offensive consistency. The same goes for the San Francisco Giants.
There you have it: my projections for the American League and National League.
AL East: Boston Red Sox (96-66)
AL Central: Minnesota Twins (85-77)
AL West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (89-73)
AL Wild Card: New York Yankees (92-70)
NL East: New York Mets (93-69)
NL Central: Chicago Cubs (92-70)
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers (89-73)
NL Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies (91-71)
As a generality, while many of the game’s best teams are still holding their ground, the league’s worst teams have made improvements (there are two 95 loss club in my projections, compared to four last year).
I will begin posting my playoff predictions tomorrow.
East:
y- New York Mets: 93-69
w- Philadelphia Phillies: 91-71
Florida Marlins: 85-77
Atlanta Braves: 81-81
Washington Nationals: 66-96
The Mets took care of their glaring weakness, the bullpen, and should be in position to win the East. The Phillies still have the core of their team together but have some injury concerns (i.e. Chase Utley coming off of hip surgery and Cole Hamels having some elbow issues during spring training). As long as those two are healthy, though, the Phillies will have a strong enough record to take the Wild Card. The Braves made some quality offseason additions to their starting rotation and should be back around .500 (Bobby Cox always gets the most out of his players.)
Central:
y- Chicago Cubs: 92-70
St. Louis Cardinals: 81-81
Milwaukee Brewers: 80-82
Houston Astros: 78-84
Cincinnati Reds: 76-86
Pittsburgh Pirates: 68-94
Although I don’t think they will win 97 games again, the Cubs are clearly still the best team in the Central. The Brewers will struggle to play .500 baseball after losing their two horses C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets, and the rest of the teams in the division are mediocre at best. The Reds, with Dominicans Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto, have two young studs but will always have their difficulties pitching at Great American Ball Park. The NL Central is the biggest lock in the majors.
West:
y- Los Angeles Dodgers: 89-73
Arizona Diamondbacks: 82-80
San Francisco Giants: 79-83
Colorado Rockies: 71-91
San Diego Padres: 68-94
The Dodgers will win the West for the second year in a row. Although Manny Ramirez killed the Red Sox team chemistry, he was on his best behavior in L.A. and nearly led them to a World Series. Re-signing Man-Ram was a necessity for the Dodgers, and two years for $45 million is a pretty fair deal. Keeping Rafael Furcal and signing Orlando Hudson were also good moves. The Diamondbacks are going to have a good team, mostly because of their starting pitching, but may not have enough offensive consistency. The same goes for the San Francisco Giants.
There you have it: my projections for the American League and National League.
AL East: Boston Red Sox (96-66)
AL Central: Minnesota Twins (85-77)
AL West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (89-73)
AL Wild Card: New York Yankees (92-70)
NL East: New York Mets (93-69)
NL Central: Chicago Cubs (92-70)
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers (89-73)
NL Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies (91-71)
As a generality, while many of the game’s best teams are still holding their ground, the league’s worst teams have made improvements (there are two 95 loss club in my projections, compared to four last year).
I will begin posting my playoff predictions tomorrow.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Top 5 Football Coaching Rants
Over the next five days, On to the Pike will feature the top five football coaching rants of all-time.
Here is #5
Here is #5
Pats Roster Breakdown Part II
The much-awaited part two of the roster breakdown is here!
• Matt Light-His age and a quick pass-rusher worry me.
• Mark LeVoir-Good backup who did well in two starts last year at RT.
• Damane Duckett-Recently signed tackle played as a defensive lineman in his first few seasons in the NFL.
• Logan Mankins-I hope the Pats can resign him.
• Dan Connolly-The former Redhawk is a decent reserve.
• Dan Koppen-Great center.
• Russ Hochstein-Warren Sapp’s favorite player.
• Al Johnson-Should add some depth at center and guard.
• Ryan Wendell-Who?
• Stephen Neal-His age and mileage are troubling.
• Billy Yates-Did well starting at guard early on last season.
• Nick Kaczur-Okay RT.
• Ryan O’Callaghan-Sufficient backup.
• Wesley Britt- Provides depth and competition along the line.
• Ty Warren-Great DE who is locked up through 2013.
• Le Kevin Smith-Solid backup who keeps getting better and had a great game at Seattle last year.
• Vince Wilfork-A good NT is imperative in a 3-4 and Wilfork is one of the best in the game.
• Mike Wright-I’m glad the Pats resigned him as he can play both NT/DE and does well on special teams.
• Richard Seymour-A healthy Seymour in a contract year? Expect a great season.
• Jarvis Green-He will perform well this season and the Pats will resign him.
• Titus Adams-The former Cornhusker stayed on the practice squad for most of last season.
• Pierre Woods-If the season started today, he would start at OLB. Thankfully it doesn’t.
• Tully Banta-Cain-A decent backup who can rush the passer better than most anyone else the Pats currently have.
• Vince Redd-Faces a tough road to get on the 53-man roster, but the practice squad remains an option as he was only active for six games last year.
• Jerod Mayo-Should have another terrific season after an unbelievable rookie campaign. Since Vrabel is gone, will he now handle the on-field communication?
• Eric Alexander-Unless he plays great in camp, I think his time is up in Foxborough.
• Bo Rudd-Spent last season on IR and is a long shot to make the 53-man roster.
• Matt Light-His age and a quick pass-rusher worry me.
• Mark LeVoir-Good backup who did well in two starts last year at RT.
• Damane Duckett-Recently signed tackle played as a defensive lineman in his first few seasons in the NFL.
• Logan Mankins-I hope the Pats can resign him.
• Dan Connolly-The former Redhawk is a decent reserve.
• Dan Koppen-Great center.
• Russ Hochstein-Warren Sapp’s favorite player.
• Al Johnson-Should add some depth at center and guard.
• Ryan Wendell-Who?
• Stephen Neal-His age and mileage are troubling.
• Billy Yates-Did well starting at guard early on last season.
• Nick Kaczur-Okay RT.
• Ryan O’Callaghan-Sufficient backup.
• Wesley Britt- Provides depth and competition along the line.
• Ty Warren-Great DE who is locked up through 2013.
• Le Kevin Smith-Solid backup who keeps getting better and had a great game at Seattle last year.
• Vince Wilfork-A good NT is imperative in a 3-4 and Wilfork is one of the best in the game.
• Mike Wright-I’m glad the Pats resigned him as he can play both NT/DE and does well on special teams.
• Richard Seymour-A healthy Seymour in a contract year? Expect a great season.
• Jarvis Green-He will perform well this season and the Pats will resign him.
• Titus Adams-The former Cornhusker stayed on the practice squad for most of last season.
• Pierre Woods-If the season started today, he would start at OLB. Thankfully it doesn’t.
• Tully Banta-Cain-A decent backup who can rush the passer better than most anyone else the Pats currently have.
• Vince Redd-Faces a tough road to get on the 53-man roster, but the practice squad remains an option as he was only active for six games last year.
• Jerod Mayo-Should have another terrific season after an unbelievable rookie campaign. Since Vrabel is gone, will he now handle the on-field communication?
• Eric Alexander-Unless he plays great in camp, I think his time is up in Foxborough.
• Bo Rudd-Spent last season on IR and is a long shot to make the 53-man roster.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
2009 MLB Preview: American League
Here are my predictions for the 2009 MLB Season, starting with the American League.
I used Baseball Mogul 2010 as my simulation tool and adjusted the standings as I saw fit. It was a very painstaking process: when I added a win for one team, I had to find another team to add a loss to. I also took into consideration last year’s results, as well as the teams’ improvements over the offseason.
AL-
East:
y- Boston Red Sox: 96-66
w-New York Yankees: 92-70
Tampa Bay Rays: 91-71
Toronto Blue Jays: 76-86
Baltimore Orioles: 73-89
The AL East is still the best overall division in baseball. Unlike last year, the Rays will be the odd team out. Demoting an impact player like David Price, whether it is for salary purposes or for player development, could be a crucial mistake in such a highly contested division. The guy proved in the 2008 ALCS that he is ready for the show. Although the Yankees will miss A-Rod for the first six weeks of the season, Price’s demotion should help them make up a couple of crucial games.
Central:
y- Minnesota Twins: 85-77
Cleveland Indians: 83-79
Detroit Tigers: 79-83
Chicago White Sox: 78-84
Kansas City Royals: 77-85
Cleveland could easily win the division, too. I simply admire the teams that Bill Smith and the Minnesota Twins put together year in and year out and don’t see Cliff Lee repeating his 2008 performance. The Twins have a nice core rotation with Liriano, Baker and Slowey. As long as Mauer’s back isn’t a long term issue, the Twins should have enough to win the Central.
West:
y- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 89-73
Oakland Athletics: 79-83
Texas Rangers: 78-84
Seattle Mariners: 74-88
They should take a team out of the NL Central and stick it here (kidding!) The Angels are still the best team in the AL West. They were smart to replace Teixeira with a greatly discounted Bobby Abreu and, if healthy, have one of the best rotations in the game. While Oakland made some nice offseason moves, their rotation has too many question marks. Texas isn’t going to win anything until they move out of that bandbox of a ballpark!
I used Baseball Mogul 2010 as my simulation tool and adjusted the standings as I saw fit. It was a very painstaking process: when I added a win for one team, I had to find another team to add a loss to. I also took into consideration last year’s results, as well as the teams’ improvements over the offseason.
AL-
East:
y- Boston Red Sox: 96-66
w-New York Yankees: 92-70
Tampa Bay Rays: 91-71
Toronto Blue Jays: 76-86
Baltimore Orioles: 73-89
The AL East is still the best overall division in baseball. Unlike last year, the Rays will be the odd team out. Demoting an impact player like David Price, whether it is for salary purposes or for player development, could be a crucial mistake in such a highly contested division. The guy proved in the 2008 ALCS that he is ready for the show. Although the Yankees will miss A-Rod for the first six weeks of the season, Price’s demotion should help them make up a couple of crucial games.
Central:
y- Minnesota Twins: 85-77
Cleveland Indians: 83-79
Detroit Tigers: 79-83
Chicago White Sox: 78-84
Kansas City Royals: 77-85
Cleveland could easily win the division, too. I simply admire the teams that Bill Smith and the Minnesota Twins put together year in and year out and don’t see Cliff Lee repeating his 2008 performance. The Twins have a nice core rotation with Liriano, Baker and Slowey. As long as Mauer’s back isn’t a long term issue, the Twins should have enough to win the Central.
West:
y- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 89-73
Oakland Athletics: 79-83
Texas Rangers: 78-84
Seattle Mariners: 74-88
They should take a team out of the NL Central and stick it here (kidding!) The Angels are still the best team in the AL West. They were smart to replace Teixeira with a greatly discounted Bobby Abreu and, if healthy, have one of the best rotations in the game. While Oakland made some nice offseason moves, their rotation has too many question marks. Texas isn’t going to win anything until they move out of that bandbox of a ballpark!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
NCAA Tournament Picks
Here are my picks for the NCAA Tournament games on Thursday and Friday:
Midwest
Louisville over Arizona
Kansas over Michigan St.
West
Connecticut over Purdue
Memphis over Missouri
East
Pittsburgh over Xavier
Villanova over Duke
South
North Carolina over Gonzaga
Syracuse over Oklahoma
*Picks are not against the spread.
Midwest
Louisville over Arizona
Kansas over Michigan St.
West
Connecticut over Purdue
Memphis over Missouri
East
Pittsburgh over Xavier
Villanova over Duke
South
North Carolina over Gonzaga
Syracuse over Oklahoma
*Picks are not against the spread.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Providence Bruins Goalie Tuukka Rask Goes Cuckoo
If the Bruins need a certifiably INSANE goalie in net, they know who to call up.
Pats Roster Breakdown Part I
As promised, here is part one of my Pats roster breakdown. Look for part two over the next few days.
• Tom Brady-He’s Tom Brady.
• Kevin O’Connell-I hope we don’t find out how good he is.
• Matt Gutierrez-Looked decent in preseason last year.
• Sammy Morris-Good, physical runner.
• Fred Taylor-Great signing. He excites me.
• Laurence Maroney-Anything from him will be a bonus.
• Kevin Faulk-Clutch performer who catches and blocks well-what more can you ask for?
• BenJarvus Green Ellis-Filled in well in the middle of the season, but still doesn’t have an easy path to making the roster.
• Randy Moss-Is 20 TDs too much to ask for?
• Wes Welker-Is 110+ catches too much to ask for?
• Joey Galloway-Could have a great season as the #3 receiver. Had three 1,000+ yard seasons in 2005-2007.
• Greg Lewis-Former Eagle will battle with Galloway for the #3 receiver spot.
• Sam Aiken-Good special teams player could see some offensive action if someone gets hurt.
• Matthew Slater-Will need to do well on ST to get a roster spot.
• Ben Watson-Contract year/most likely his last in New England.
• Chris Baker-Former Jet will be a good 2nd TE. Good blocker and decent in the passing game.
• David Thomas-Wasn’t he good at Texas?
• Tyson DeVree-Backup TE and STer will have to compete in camp for a spot.
• Brad Lisorti-He played at UMass.
• Tom Brady-He’s Tom Brady.
• Kevin O’Connell-I hope we don’t find out how good he is.
• Matt Gutierrez-Looked decent in preseason last year.
• Sammy Morris-Good, physical runner.
• Fred Taylor-Great signing. He excites me.
• Laurence Maroney-Anything from him will be a bonus.
• Kevin Faulk-Clutch performer who catches and blocks well-what more can you ask for?
• BenJarvus Green Ellis-Filled in well in the middle of the season, but still doesn’t have an easy path to making the roster.
• Randy Moss-Is 20 TDs too much to ask for?
• Wes Welker-Is 110+ catches too much to ask for?
• Joey Galloway-Could have a great season as the #3 receiver. Had three 1,000+ yard seasons in 2005-2007.
• Greg Lewis-Former Eagle will battle with Galloway for the #3 receiver spot.
• Sam Aiken-Good special teams player could see some offensive action if someone gets hurt.
• Matthew Slater-Will need to do well on ST to get a roster spot.
• Ben Watson-Contract year/most likely his last in New England.
• Chris Baker-Former Jet will be a good 2nd TE. Good blocker and decent in the passing game.
• David Thomas-Wasn’t he good at Texas?
• Tyson DeVree-Backup TE and STer will have to compete in camp for a spot.
• Brad Lisorti-He played at UMass.
Asian Baseball is Officially the World's Finest
After an all-Asian World Baseball Classic final it is official: Asia has surpassed America (that includes Latin America, too) as the center of the baseball universe. Anyone who watched Korea vs. Japan last night noticed the scouting goldmine that exists in the Far East. While some players have begun to come over from Asia, many of them do not enter MLB until they are well into their prime years (can you imagine how many hits Ichiro Suzuki would have compiled had he started his career in America?) Evidently some of the best players in the world are in Asia, and it is only a matter of time before they become a vital part of player development in America.
Watching the World Baseball Classic has also shown me how many elite level prospects there are who have yet to be signed by Major League clubs. Can you imagine the amount of money that Yu Darvish and Aroldis Chapman are going to command when they are released by their current obligations in Japan and Cuba respectively?
Daisuke Matsuzaka commanded a $51.1 million posting fee just to talk to him (he then received a $52 million contract on top of that). Would it be crazy to think that the 22 year old Darvish, with his 97 MPH fastball and outstanding breaking pitches, could command an $100 million posting fee (well, maybe not in this economy...) with a lucrative contract in excess of another $100 million? How about the 21 year old left-handed Aroldis Chapman, with his effortless 100 MPH fastball and developing offspeed pitches? Could he command the same amount, if not more? These are just two of the biggest names. A number of other foreign players would be adequate regulars in the big leagues, too.
Yet again, Asia takes a step forward in its pursuit of global domination (China has owned our asses economically for years). Who knows, perhaps major league players will start going over to the Japanese league, rather than vice-versa? Doubtable, but not as farfetched as it once seemed. U.S.A. must tip its cap to Japan, who has now won back-to-back championships, and prepare for the next W.B.C. in 2013.
Watching the World Baseball Classic has also shown me how many elite level prospects there are who have yet to be signed by Major League clubs. Can you imagine the amount of money that Yu Darvish and Aroldis Chapman are going to command when they are released by their current obligations in Japan and Cuba respectively?
Daisuke Matsuzaka commanded a $51.1 million posting fee just to talk to him (he then received a $52 million contract on top of that). Would it be crazy to think that the 22 year old Darvish, with his 97 MPH fastball and outstanding breaking pitches, could command an $100 million posting fee (well, maybe not in this economy...) with a lucrative contract in excess of another $100 million? How about the 21 year old left-handed Aroldis Chapman, with his effortless 100 MPH fastball and developing offspeed pitches? Could he command the same amount, if not more? These are just two of the biggest names. A number of other foreign players would be adequate regulars in the big leagues, too.
Yet again, Asia takes a step forward in its pursuit of global domination (China has owned our asses economically for years). Who knows, perhaps major league players will start going over to the Japanese league, rather than vice-versa? Doubtable, but not as farfetched as it once seemed. U.S.A. must tip its cap to Japan, who has now won back-to-back championships, and prepare for the next W.B.C. in 2013.
Monday, March 23, 2009
More Picks!
The NFL announced compensatory draft picks today and the Pats were awarded three picks:
-3rd rounder (97)
-5th rounder (170)
-7th rounder (207)
It should be noted that the Pats have the highest compensatory pick available (97) and that compensatory picks cannot be traded. Also, the Pats now have six picks in the top 100, so let’s hope they add some young talent on defense. More draft stuff on the way over the next few weeks as draft day approaches.
-3rd rounder (97)
-5th rounder (170)
-7th rounder (207)
It should be noted that the Pats have the highest compensatory pick available (97) and that compensatory picks cannot be traded. Also, the Pats now have six picks in the top 100, so let’s hope they add some young talent on defense. More draft stuff on the way over the next few weeks as draft day approaches.
NFL Opening Weekend
On to the Pike has confirmed reports that the Pats will open the 2009 season at home on Monday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. against the Buffalo Bills.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
J-Roll Video- Yeahhh
Although I hate the Phillies, this is a funny video of Jimmy Rollins by Dick's Sporting Goods. A clear knockoff on one of my favorite movies, Happy Gilmore.
Upcoming Posts...
Hey guys,
We're having some issues indenting on HTML, but we hope to get that sorted out soon enough!
Within the next couple of days I am going to write a couple of posts concerning the following topics:
1. 2009 MLB Baseball Preview
Will include projections for all 6 divisions- Division Champions, Wild Card winners, overall records. Included will be playoff predictions and a World Series pick. I will also look at the AL East more closely and talk about each team's strengths and weaknesses.
2. Red Sox 2009
We're having some issues indenting on HTML, but we hope to get that sorted out soon enough!
Within the next couple of days I am going to write a couple of posts concerning the following topics:
1. 2009 MLB Baseball Preview
Will include projections for all 6 divisions- Division Champions, Wild Card winners, overall records. Included will be playoff predictions and a World Series pick. I will also look at the AL East more closely and talk about each team's strengths and weaknesses.
2. Red Sox 2009
A specific look at my favorite team: the Boston Red Sox. Including lineup breakdown, pitching staff analysis and statistical projections. 2009 outlook and beyond as well. Will comment on the minor leagues, too.
I hope to begin work on these articles within the next week. Thank you!
Friday, March 20, 2009
What's next for the Pats?
As Andrew eloquently wrote, I will focus mostly on the NFL, particularly the Pats. To this end, I've created a list of what I think the Pats should do from now to the draft.
1. Contract Extensions
a. Extend Wilfork. The Pats need him.
b. Extend Mankins for reasonable money. Mankins is a terrific guard, but he still is a guard. Don’t give him tackle money.
c. Don’t resign Seymour. Seymour will have a great season and then the Pats should let another team overpay for him since he won’t sign a discount to stay in New England. At 31, he won’t be worth the money. Plus, I can’t see him working as hard after getting a big contract as he will this year to get that big contract.
2. Signings/Trades
a. Pass rusher/OLB
i. I personally don’t see Peppers coming to the Pats. He wants a big contract and the Pats don’t want nor have the cap room for that type of deal. Concerns also abound Peppers transitioning to OLB in a 3-4. Plus, Wilfork won’t be happy about an outside player who hasn’t proven himself in the Pats system getting a big contract before him.
ii. The more obvious route in my mind is signing Jason Taylor. He won’t cost as much and would give the Pats the pass rusher they desperately need.
iii. Rosevelt Colvin remains a (rather lackluster) possibility. He would be cheap and, when he’s not injured, he can still play. I just worry about his age and his injury-filled past.
b. Most everything else has been filled and/or can be addressed in the draft. The Pats will sign some mediocre free agents to compete in camp.
3. NFL Draft-Armed with #23, #34, #47 and #58, the Pats are in a good spot to strengthen the defense.
a. Draft an ILB, S and Pass rusher/OLB on day one
i. ILB-Bruschi doesn’t have the speed anymore. I like Gary Guyton, but he isn’t a Pro-Bowler by any means. Adding a talented, fast ILB with one of the first two picks seems like a great move.
ii. Safety-I don’t see Rodney Harrison coming back. They did resign James Sanders, who is an adequate starter but nothing more. Picking up a safety would be nice.
iii. Pass rusher/OLB-Pierre Woods isn’t a starter in the NFL, Shawn Crable remains a project and Tully-Banta Cain can’t be the answer. The Pats really need a pass rusher and if they don’t add one before the draft, this becomes arguably the biggest need.
b. Trade a 2nd rounder for a 2010 1st rounder
i. Adding future picks is good business.
c. Add some depth in later rounds
i. DL, G, T-The Pats could use some youth along the lines.
I’ve been impressed by the free agent acquisitions by the Pats so far. I think Bodden was a great signing in particular. I will post a more detailed position breakdown in a few days.
1. Contract Extensions
a. Extend Wilfork. The Pats need him.
b. Extend Mankins for reasonable money. Mankins is a terrific guard, but he still is a guard. Don’t give him tackle money.
c. Don’t resign Seymour. Seymour will have a great season and then the Pats should let another team overpay for him since he won’t sign a discount to stay in New England. At 31, he won’t be worth the money. Plus, I can’t see him working as hard after getting a big contract as he will this year to get that big contract.
2. Signings/Trades
a. Pass rusher/OLB
i. I personally don’t see Peppers coming to the Pats. He wants a big contract and the Pats don’t want nor have the cap room for that type of deal. Concerns also abound Peppers transitioning to OLB in a 3-4. Plus, Wilfork won’t be happy about an outside player who hasn’t proven himself in the Pats system getting a big contract before him.
ii. The more obvious route in my mind is signing Jason Taylor. He won’t cost as much and would give the Pats the pass rusher they desperately need.
iii. Rosevelt Colvin remains a (rather lackluster) possibility. He would be cheap and, when he’s not injured, he can still play. I just worry about his age and his injury-filled past.
b. Most everything else has been filled and/or can be addressed in the draft. The Pats will sign some mediocre free agents to compete in camp.
3. NFL Draft-Armed with #23, #34, #47 and #58, the Pats are in a good spot to strengthen the defense.
a. Draft an ILB, S and Pass rusher/OLB on day one
i. ILB-Bruschi doesn’t have the speed anymore. I like Gary Guyton, but he isn’t a Pro-Bowler by any means. Adding a talented, fast ILB with one of the first two picks seems like a great move.
ii. Safety-I don’t see Rodney Harrison coming back. They did resign James Sanders, who is an adequate starter but nothing more. Picking up a safety would be nice.
iii. Pass rusher/OLB-Pierre Woods isn’t a starter in the NFL, Shawn Crable remains a project and Tully-Banta Cain can’t be the answer. The Pats really need a pass rusher and if they don’t add one before the draft, this becomes arguably the biggest need.
b. Trade a 2nd rounder for a 2010 1st rounder
i. Adding future picks is good business.
c. Add some depth in later rounds
i. DL, G, T-The Pats could use some youth along the lines.
I’ve been impressed by the free agent acquisitions by the Pats so far. I think Bodden was a great signing in particular. I will post a more detailed position breakdown in a few days.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Welcome to On to the Pike!
Hello everyone,
Welcome to “On to the Pike” a sports blog written by two college students. We are both Boston area sports fans, save hockey, where my allegiance lies with the New York Rangers (elrey is a Bruins fan, Boston all the way for him). I will cover baseball, where my greatest passion lies, and my friend will cover football, mostly focusing on the Patriots. The Celtics, Rangers and other general sports news will also be discussed. While the blog will mostly consist of sports chat, we will also comment on miscellaneous topics such as poker, fantasy sports, music, and world news. We will also post amusing YouTube videos.
After much deliberation, we arrived upon “On to the Pike” as the title for our blog. Other options included “How did you get so many K’s?” (A play on the ESPN commercial where Shaq jacks all of the Q’s) as well as “The price is wrong” (Referencing our love for the movie Happy Gilmore). We decided the first was too lengthy, and the second one was taken, so “On to the Pike” was the winner.
Now, anyone who follows the Red Sox or has been to Fenway Park (the most storied ballpark of all time- Yankee Stadium can go bite me) has noticed how close it is in proximity to the Massachusetts turnpike, or as locals refer to it “the pike.” Very few hitters come along who are able to launch one that far, partly because you have to be a right-handed power hitter, but mostly because you have to be exceedingly strong and gifted to do so. It takes a homerun in excess of 425 ft, as well as a pretty lucky bounce from the parking lot behind the left field wall. Mark McGwire’s Home Run Derby performance in 1999 saw one land on the pike. So did a classic Manny Ramirez walk off bomb in Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS (A memorable Manny Ramirez press conference followed the game as well):
47 seconds in: “When you don’t feel good and you still get hits, that’s when you know you are a bad man.” That one gets me every time.
If a homerun is hit “On to the Pike” it is sure to be a no doubter that has left some opposing pitcher kicking the dirt in disgust and the Fenway faithful singing along to the intolerable “Dirty Water” by The Standells (Sorry, but only in Boston could “Dirty Water,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Shipping Up To Boston” become such cult classics!)
We hope for this blog to be entertaining and informative. A lot of people comment on sports news, but we feel confident that this blog will contain a unique perspective. Posts will vary in length and should appear once or twice a day.
Thank you for your support!
Welcome to “On to the Pike” a sports blog written by two college students. We are both Boston area sports fans, save hockey, where my allegiance lies with the New York Rangers (elrey is a Bruins fan, Boston all the way for him). I will cover baseball, where my greatest passion lies, and my friend will cover football, mostly focusing on the Patriots. The Celtics, Rangers and other general sports news will also be discussed. While the blog will mostly consist of sports chat, we will also comment on miscellaneous topics such as poker, fantasy sports, music, and world news. We will also post amusing YouTube videos.
After much deliberation, we arrived upon “On to the Pike” as the title for our blog. Other options included “How did you get so many K’s?” (A play on the ESPN commercial where Shaq jacks all of the Q’s) as well as “The price is wrong” (Referencing our love for the movie Happy Gilmore). We decided the first was too lengthy, and the second one was taken, so “On to the Pike” was the winner.
Now, anyone who follows the Red Sox or has been to Fenway Park (the most storied ballpark of all time- Yankee Stadium can go bite me) has noticed how close it is in proximity to the Massachusetts turnpike, or as locals refer to it “the pike.” Very few hitters come along who are able to launch one that far, partly because you have to be a right-handed power hitter, but mostly because you have to be exceedingly strong and gifted to do so. It takes a homerun in excess of 425 ft, as well as a pretty lucky bounce from the parking lot behind the left field wall. Mark McGwire’s Home Run Derby performance in 1999 saw one land on the pike. So did a classic Manny Ramirez walk off bomb in Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS (A memorable Manny Ramirez press conference followed the game as well):
47 seconds in: “When you don’t feel good and you still get hits, that’s when you know you are a bad man.” That one gets me every time.
If a homerun is hit “On to the Pike” it is sure to be a no doubter that has left some opposing pitcher kicking the dirt in disgust and the Fenway faithful singing along to the intolerable “Dirty Water” by The Standells (Sorry, but only in Boston could “Dirty Water,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Shipping Up To Boston” become such cult classics!)
We hope for this blog to be entertaining and informative. A lot of people comment on sports news, but we feel confident that this blog will contain a unique perspective. Posts will vary in length and should appear once or twice a day.
Thank you for your support!
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