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Angels Preview: Shortstop

The biggest question facing the 2008 Angels can be found at the shortstop position where experience and durability remain key issues.

Over the offseason GM Tony Reagins dealt Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for starting pitcher Jon Garland, who is known as an innings eater. Replacing Cabrera at short will be the young Erick Aybar and the experienced Maicer Izturis.

With Cabrera playing shortstop every day in 2007, Aybar and Izturis were still able to received valuable playing time at second and third due to injuries to Howie Kendrick and Chone Figgins.

Despite an opportunity for playing time, Aybar struggled in 2007, largely due in part to injuries. While playing left field in Baltimore on July 1, he suffered a right hand contusion in an attempt to make a diving catch. He underwent surgery four days later and did not return to the lineup until August 5. However, Aybar promptly strained his left hamstring and returned to the DL on August 20, effectively ending his season. He only received 18 September at-bats, and ended the season with a dismal .237 average while appearing in only 79 games.

Despite a sub-par 2007 campaign, Angels manager Mike Scioscia still feels confident in the young shortstop due to his lively young arm and great range in the middle of the diamond. Many experts also feel Aybar's speed on the base paths is reminiscent of a young Chone Figgins. Because of his upside, Aybar is considered by many to be the front runner for the starting shortstop position.

However, if the Angels want a more dependable option at shortstop, they would be wise to tab Maicer Izturis as the starter. Last season Izturis impressed the Angels handsomely with his bat, as well as his glove. While spending much of the season at second and third, he led the club in hitting with runners in scoring position at .406 in addition to 51 runs in just 336 at bats (half a season). He also batted .289 with six homers and 17 doubles, and he committed just four errors.

"Izzy had a remarkable season," Scioscia said. "He came up big for us time and time again. He was as good as anybody we had with runners in scoring position. He's a smart, talented player with outstanding versatility."

While Aybar and Izturis are expected to be the starters for 2008, the future appears to be in the hands of Brandon Wood, whose defense, both at shortstop and third base, is already Major League-caliber. However, Scioscia still feels that Wood needs to improve his command at the plate by avoiding pitches way out of the strike zone.

"Brandon needs time," Scioscia said. "He's an exciting player with some unbelievable upside. But, he's got a little ways to go. He just needs to smooth out some things offensively."

Many some scouts feel Wood has the potential to be a player in the mold of 2002 World Series MVP Troy Glaus. However, Wood still has a long way to go before he can prove to fans that he is more like Glaus than Dallas McPherson.

Overall Grade: C+. The Angels are relatively inexperienced at this position and Brandon Wood is still a year away from taking over the reigns.

2008 Angels Preview: Second Base

After an injury plagued 2007 campaign, questions regarding experience and durability surround the Angels young second baseman Howie Kendrick.

Kendrick's 2007 season almost ended before it even got started. On April 18th while facing Chad Gaudin of the Oakland A's, Kendrick was drilled by a pitch in the left hand. Hitting .327 at the time, Kendrick did not return to the lineup until May 22, which caused him to miss 32 games with a fractured left middle finger.

After recapturing his form with 21 hits in just 22 games, Kendrick was injured once again on July 9th. While taking a swing, he was hit by a pitch that fractured his left index finger. This latest trip to the disabled list cost him an additional 35 games.

Despite missing significant playing time as a result of these to injuries, Kendrick still managed to finish the season with a solid .322 average, a .435 slugging percentage and a .332 on-base average in 88 games. While these are certainly respectable numbers, Kendrick certainly needs to improve his plate discipline with just nine walks in 338 at-bats.

According to manager Mike Scioscia, "He's never walked a lot, and he's probably not going to walk a lot. His plate discipline is getting better. He has the potential to be an outstanding offensive player. We want to see what Howard can do with 600 plate appearances."

Defensively, Kendrick has been steadily improving since entering the big leagues in 2006. Scioscia has noticed a difference in his defense, remarking that he, "has made big strides, and he's going to continue to get better."

Despite the Angels perceived confidence in the young second baseman, he has still been subject to multiple trade rumors. Over this past offseason, he was prominently mentioned in trade talks with the Marlins involving Miguel Cabrera and with the White Sox regarding Paul Konerko. Despite the persistent rumors, Kendrick is as confident as ever.

"I'm confident I can continue to develop and do some good things," Kendrick said. "I've never had injuries like the ones I had with my hand, so that was all new to me. I'm just looking to be healthy and productive. I really like this team, what we're capable of doing."

If for whatever reason, Kendrick is unable to perform due to injuries the loser of the shortstop battle will likely take his spot in the lineup. Currently, Maicer Izturis and Erik Aybar are competing for the starting shortstop position. Izturis has proven to be a dependable utility player over the past few season while Aybar is still relatively unproven. Both will be more than capable of providing solid relief for a potentially injured Kendrick.

Overall Grade: B. Kendrick has been a highly regarded prospect but he is still relatively unproven as a major leaguer.

2008 Angels Preview: First Base

With Casey Kotchman starting at first base, it is clear that the Angels lack the traditional big, brawny basher that could hit for thirty home runs in a single season. While Kotchman won't rack up a bunch of home runs, he will still be more than capable of producing and scoring runs.

Last season the 25 year old Kotchman was on his way to a career year before being derailed by injuries over the second half of the season. Despite the nagging injuries, he still finished with a .296 batting average and a career highs in doubles (37), home runs (11) and RBIs (68). His .372 on-base percentage was third-best on the team after Vladimir Guerrero's .403 and Chone Figgins' .393.

Kotchman had a particularly tough postseason as he was forced to watch the final two games of the Divisional series from a hospital bed after being taken down by an illness in Boston.

While the left handed first baseman certainly had a solid season at the plate, he was even more phenomenal in the field. According to a statistical study of fielders by John Dewan, author of The Fielding Bible, only the Cardinals' Albert Pujols was found to be superior at first to Kotchman, who committed only three errors for a .997 fielding percentage.

Unfortunately for the young first baseman, injuries made it tough to get in any sort of offensive groove over the second half of the season. In mid-June, Kotchman was struck in the helmet by a pickoff throw from Dodgers catcher Russell Martin. Kotchman, among the AL's top 10 in batting average, slugging and on-base percentage at the time, sustained a mild concussion.

When he returned to action, Kotchman wasn't the same, as he struggled to regain his stroke, and subsequently, his numbers dropped. Another injury occurred on August 22nd, Kotchman was hit by a cut fastball from Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, which caused a hand injury that Kotchman battled through for the rest of the season.

As long as Kotchman stays healthy the Angels will have a legitimate player that can bat .300 and get at least 70 RBIs. However, if Kotchman falters for whatever reasons, the Angels will have he the switch-hitter Kendry Morales waiting in the wings. Last season, Morales showed some serious pop from the left side of the plate in 119 at-bats with the club, batting .294 with four home runs and 15 RBIs. He also had a .479 slugging percentage that was only surpassed by Guerrero's .547 and Garrett Anderson's .492.

The Angels are hoping that lefty specialist Robb Quinlan, a .290 career hitter, can bounce back from a disappointing 2007 campaign in which he batted just .247. In 2006, he had a .491 slugging percentage while batting .321. His presence coming off the bench will be very important to the fate of the club.

Overall Grade: B. Kotchman is a top notch defensive player but he has failed to show consistency at the plate to warrant a higher grade.

Jefferson to the NBA: Really?

Earlier this week the Los Angeles Times reported that USC freshmen forward Davon Jefferson is leaning toward declaring for the NBA Draft following this season.

"Jefferson's steadiness on the court has elevated him to a late first-round
selection in the NBA draft in the estimation of one league executive. A source
close to Jefferson said he intended to declare for the draft after this season."

Let it be clear that Jefferson is quite the talent and in the right system, he could become an excellent pro player. However, if he were to declare for the draft following just one collegiate season, than he would be jeopardizing his future in the NBA. As of right now, Jefferson's game does not translate well to the association for several reasons.

At 6'8" and 215 pounds, Jefferson is the prototypical tweener, who is not an ideal fit at either the small or power forward. If Jefferson is going to play small forward in the NBA, he must be capable of facing up to shoot and scoring off the dribble. So far this season, the 6'8" freshmen has struggled do either of these things. During multiple games this season, Jefferson has proven to be incapable of handling the ball consistently in traffic. On multiple occasions, defenders will strip him of the ball as he attempts to dribble down court.

If Jefferson is to become a power forward in the NBA then he will need to greatly improve his strength and post game. At just 215 pounds, even Keith Wilkinson is heavier, Jefferson will have trouble battling forwards and centers for rebounds. In addition to his slim frame, Jefferson lacks a solid repertoire of post-up moves that are necessary to become a power forward in the NBA.

Through numerous quotes in the newspapers, Jefferson has become to be known as a fairly cocky player, calling UCLA and other Pac Ten teams out. Because of this attitude, he could easily be influenced by agents, who will encourage him to test the waters of the NBA Draft. Clearly, Davon would be best served to return to USC for at least another year in order to work on his game, but as of right now, I wouldn't bet on it.

Top NFL Unis: #5 San Francisco 49ers

Color Scheme: 10
Helmets: 8
Flashiness/Sharpness: 8
Tradition: 10
Overall: 36

Final Thoughts: From the days of Joe Montana in the 19980s to the Steve Young era of the 1990s, these 49er uniforms have witnessed great success on the field. All together they have been through five Super Bowls and multiple division titles since the early 1980s. These famous uniforms are some of the most classic uniforms in all of the NFL. As you may already know I really love the classics.

YouTube Tuesday: Coach K. v. Roy

Now, this is a pretty funny video! The Bookie Mom has made a video using an Aladdin doll for Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, and some other doll for Roy Williams. Their argument is classic.

Korver Making a Big Difference in Salt Lake

After an NBA trading deadline that included a flurry of moves (Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers, Jason Kidd to Dallas Mavericks, and Ben Wallace to Cleveland Cavaliers), the Utah Jazz's acquisition of Kyle Korver has gone unnoticed by the typical NBA fan.

Since acquiring the former Sixer in late December, the Jazz have been nothing short of magnificent, as they have gone 19-3. since Korver is only averaging 23.3 minutes per game, but his career-high 46.9 shooting percentage has given the Jazz new life. By providing the three-point range that they've long needed, the Jazz big men, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have more room in the paint to score. Korver has enabled his teammates to attack the lane as a result of spreading the floor.

This trade may not have had the flash of some of the others but it is still proving to be quite valuable for the Jazz.

Top NFL Unis: #6 Dallas Cowboys

Color Scheme: 10
Helmets: 10
Flashiness/Sharpness: 6
Tradition: 10
Overall: 36

Final Thoughts: "How about them Cowboys!" The Cowboy's logo and uniforms may be the most recognizable of all of the NFL jerseys. However, these famous uniforms lack some of the flash that would be able to land them a top three finish. Even with the simplistic look, when the Cowboys take the field on Sundays, they still sport some of the NFL's best uniforms.

One More Year for Grossman

Yesterday, the Chicago Bears re-signed the infamous Rex Grossman to a one-year deal worth around $3 million. Both the Bears general manager, Jerry Angelo, and head coach Lovie Smith wanted to give Grossman one more chance as the team's starting quarterback.

So far in his far from illustrious career as a Bear, Rex's has posted shaky numbers at best (489 for 900, 54.3 completion percentage, 5,907 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 33 interceptions, and a 70.9 QB Rating). His best season was in 2006 when he led his team to Super Bowl XLI, only to lose to Peyton Manning and the Colts. Despite an NFC Championship, Grossman was far from spectacular and rode the coattails of a stifling defense. During the Bears Super Bowl run, Rex threw 20 INT's, and only completed 54.6% of his passes, with a QB Rating of 73.9.

Personally, I don't see why the Bears still want him. Grossman has been in the league for five years and the former Florida Gator has likely already peaked. He did manage to lead the Bears tp the Super Bowl in 2006, but even Ryan Leaf could have managed that. Chicago's Defense was just too good that year.

I am also surprised Grossman still wants to suit up in a Bears uniform, especially with the way he has been treated in Chicago. Moving to other suitors, San Francisco or Miami, would allow for a change of scenery that could potentially aid Grossman. The Bears also just released wideout Muhsin Muhammad, and Bernard Berrian is also a Free Agent so his status is uncertain. With Cedric Benson returning to the Windy City, it is entirely possible that the Bears offense could be worse. I can't imagine Grossman taking pressure off guys like Benson or Devin Hester.

While the signing was a poor move by Bears management, the structure of the deal isn't too bad. If he underperforms than he will surely be gone by 2009 and no sweat. However, a breakup would certainly serve well for both the Bears and Rex.

Top NFL Unis: #7 Miami Dolphins

Color Scheme: 8
Helmets: 8
Flashiness/Sharpness: 9
Tradition: 10
Overall: 35

Final Thoughts: Some people may hate the teal green and orange look but what other colors would you want for a team named after a marine animal. These uniforms still look pretty flashy while maintaining the traditional look of the 1970s. The Dolphins have had Super Bowl victories and an undefeated season while sporting these uniforms so the tradition factor has to be a ten.

Why Sports are Important to the Community

Earlier this week the county and the city of Miami agreed to spend millions of dollars in order to finance a baseball stadium for the Florida Marlins. Miami's decision to donate millions toward a public stadium raises the question whether it is a idea good to have a sports team in your city? While some may complain, sports do indeed have a positive impact on a city's economy and morale.

From the warm nights of summer to the cold afternoons of the fall, sports franchises employ thousands of poeple, and not just players and coachers. Marketing executives, cheerleaders, concession stand workers, janitors, groundscrew, and even scalpers, all profit from the existance of sports teams. Street Venders and local sports stores also profit off the local teams.

Over the past few years the city of Los Angeles has debated the idea whether to remodel the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in order to attract a NFL team. While Los Angeles citizens complain that its not the city council's job to worry about pro football, it is their job. If there is a NFL team in the Los Angeles area it brings and creates new jobs for the community. Thousands of people will have new jobs, as a concession stand worker outside gate 27 or mowing the grass before each the game. I haven't even talked about the construction of the stadium. Thousands of people will take part in the multi million dollar construction project and earn money for themselves and their families.

When games are played, traveling fans will want first class accomodations. I am talking about hotels here. Hotels in the greater Los Angeles area will be advertising like crazy in order to get visiting fans to spend money at and stay at their hotels. Their money keeps the hotels in business, along with the people who work there. Can you imagine what Super Bowl weekend would be like? Hotels and restaurants would earn millions of dollars taking care of the city's visitors.

The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays, previously known as the Battle Creek Yankees, are a Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After this season they will be moving to Midland, Michigan. Now, hundreds of team workers will be without a job, while hundreds of new people in Midland will have new jobs. This goes to show how a sports team can greatly change the makeup of a city.

In addition to financial reasons, sports teams unite the community. All Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Van Nuys, and other surrounding cities can recall the Lakers' title runs in 2000, 2001, and 2002. They all remember seeing the Laker car flags and banners that people so proudly displayed. Everyone felt apart of something special as the Lakers kept winning basketball games.

The same thing happened throughout Michigan in 2004 when the Pistons took home championship glory. People proudly wore championship hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. They could relate to this blue-collar, hard working basketball team, as they were blue-collar themselves. They understood Ben Wallace's drive and determination to push Detroit over the top, even though he lacked the physical size and offensive touch of Shaq. Sports don't just provide financial security to a city, but hope and pride as well.

So, the city of San Diego is considering building a new stadium for the Chargers. What should they do? Should they meet the Chargers demands or give 'em the boot. Well, judging by what I've previously written, what do you think I'll say?

2008 Fantasy Baseball Preview: Catchers

1. Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers
When was the last time we had a 20/20 catcher in the big leagues. Last year Martin was one home run shy of that mark and he should be able to reach it in 2008. Unlike most catchers Martin is able to hit for average and power, while also able to produce runs with his legs. In his first full season a year ago, Martin nearly had a .300 batting average in addition to 87 runs and RBIs. The young catcher should be even better in 2008 as more young Dodgers, James Loney, Matt Kemp, and Andy LaRoche continue to improve. With the addition of Loney and LaRoche to the everyday lineup Martin's overall stats should make him the top fantasy catcher in 2008.

2. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians
Victor Martinez had an incredible year at the plate in 2007, batting .301 with 114 RBIs, and 25 home runs. Martinez is arguably the top power hitting catcher with a slugging percentage over .500 in 2008. However, he fails to meet Martin’s ability to steal bases and score runs with his legs. Martinez may post great power numbers once again but expect Martin to have a better overall season.

3. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
McCann was a little inconsistent in 2007, but he still turned out a pretty successful campaign while sharing time with Jarrod Saltalamacchia. His numbers dropped a little bit, but the left handed catcher still wound up with some solid power numbers, 18 home runs and 92 RBIs. With Saltalamacchia shipped out of town to Texas, McCann will once again be the Braves' every day catcher. Because of this, expect him to hit for a decent average but lead all catchers in homers and RBIs.

4. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
If Mauer was able to stay healthy in 2007, maybe he would have reverted back to his 2006 form in which he was named A.L. rookie of the year. However, even when Mauer is healthy he does not look like the ultra-catcher that he’s hyped up to be. So far in his big league career Mauer has failed to post more than 13 home runs and 80 RBIs in one season. These aren’t bad numbers but Mauer has failed to prove that he is the undisputed top catcher.

5. Jorge Posada, New York Yankees
Posada picked a good time to have a career year in 2007. While in the final year of his contract, Posada hit .338 with 20 home runs and 90 RBIs. However, do not be delusional and expect these same numbers from Posada in 2008. Jorge has always puts up respectable numbers, but for most of his career he has failed to post stats similar to last year's. At 36 years old, expect there be a significant drop off in his production so be careful expecting too much from Posada.

Just missed...
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Texas Rangers
7. Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers
8. Kenji Johjima, Seattle Mariners
9. Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs
10. Josh Bard, San Diego Padres

Top NFL Unis: #8 New York Giants

Color Scheme: 10
Helmets: 9
Flashiness/Sharpness: 7
Tradition: 9
Overall: 35

Final Thoughts: After winning the Super Bowl against the Patriots, Eli Manning (pictured) looks pretty good now. The Giants' uniforms are not all that flashy but their color scheme of blue and red and traditional look of the 80s gives them a top ten finish here. What eventually hurts them is the lack of flare. Their home jerseys with the blue tops are a little plain. If only they used those sweet red ones more often.

YouTube Tuesday: Bad Proposal

This little skit was from last week's Kings versus Rockets game.

Top NFL Unis: #9 Atlanta Falcons

Color Scheme: 10
Helmets: 9
Flashiness/Sharpness: 10
Tradition: 5
Overall: 34

Final Thoughts: While Michael Vick (pictured) may not be wearing the black and red of the Atlanta Falcons anymore, the uniforms still look pretty solid. The black helmets with the black visors may for a pretty intimidating look. Much like the Bucaneers, Atlanta's uniforms lack the tradition aspect which makes some of the top uniforms even more special.

Top NFL Unis: #10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Color Scheme: 9
Helmets: 9
Flashiness/Sharpness: 9
Tradition: 7
Overall: 34

Final Thoughts: The Buccaneers have gone from having the worst uniforms in the 70s and 80s to having some of the best in the 2000s. It looks flashy and new, but it isn't over the top. The main problem with the current uniforms is the fact that it lacks the tradition of some of the other teams, Green Bay, Dallas, or Kansas City. However, with one Super Bowl in 2003 and some more solid seasons in the current uniforms could move them to an even higher position.