I absolutely love SI.com. Maybe even more so than ESPN.com. SI just seems to have a great combination of entertaining and indepth articles.
Anywho... the website also has a "special" weekly feature, Cheerleader of the Week.
Not really worth mentioning, until a U of M lady makes the list! Gotta love the Blue and Maize.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Royals need Orlando Hudson
Before you discard this column as just another opinion from a fan who thinks adding names is how to build a ball club, consider that the addition of second baseman Orlando Hudson could signify a true future for the Kansas City Royals.
Right now, the Royals have basically finished one of their busiest off seasons in the Dayton Moore era. Sure, we're talking about a short era right now. And, sure, Moore has already had off seasons that include the signing of Gil Meche (still a better signing than most casual fans understand) and Jose Guillen (also, a better signing than most casual fans understand). But, this past few months has the Royals poised to be successful for years to come.
Take a look at what the Royals "might" have right now, without signing any other free agents. The team has a very underrated left fielder in David DeJesus, who is finally going to play a position he was meant to play. No, he's not a superstar... but he's an above average ball player.
The Royals also have a legitimate front line worth of starters. This column could be much longer if I listed Meche's and Zack Greinke's stats from the second half, but I'll just say check them out. These two guys were quietly top 10 pitchers from about May on.
Like I mentioned before, we have a legitimate RBI man in Jose Guillen. No, he's not Manny Ramirez. But, he can hit. And, if he's healthy... he will hit. And, now, batting in front of him will be real professional baseball players, i.e. Coco Crisp, David DeJesus and Mike Aviles.
Speaking of Aviles, he joins the large cast and crew of Royals ready to finally break out. However, let's get one thing straight. All of these can't miss kids on the Royals roster will not turn out to be superstars. However, someone will. Billy Butler could develop into the 120 RBI, 35 homerun stroke we know he has. Alex Gordon could develop the sweet swing he showed at Nebraska. Mike Jacobs, Ryan Shealy and/or Kila Ka'aihue could turn out to be a pillar of power at first base. Aviles could turn out to be the real thing, giving the Royals that feel good story with a happy ending that has eluded them for years. Heck, maybe Mitch Maier or Mark Teahen finally figure something out.
Obviously, it's impossible that all of these players develop into the stud they were predicted to be years ago. But, just as the Tampa Bay Rays showed, sooner or later, all of those high draft picks turn into a group of talented players. The Royals are at that point. Someone in that list above will have a break out season in 2009. Just watch. And, someone else will show promise that more is yet to come. I guarantee it.
So, now we finally get back to Orlando Hudson. I've watched carefully what Dayton Moore has been doing with his Royals over the past few years. It's obvious he's building this team up one year at a time. He understands he'll never have a payroll over $100 million. But, he also understands that building a competitive team takes a few years. And, that's exactly what he's doing. He's over paid (just slightly, in hindsight now) for a few free agents. But, he's showing future free agents the Royals mean business. He's drafted smart, targeting players who may not be the next Alex Rodriquez. But, if they pan out to be the next Garrett Anderson, then perfect. And, he's setting the table for years to come.
So, if I'm happy with his year at a time approached, then maybe it's not time to stretch the bank for Hudson after all. Wrong. Hudson would represent that, now and for years to come, the Royals mean business. If you put Hudson at second and in the Royals lineup, and given someone steps up for the Royals, Kansas City has a legitimate shot at winning 85 to 88 games in 2009. Maybe Gordon figures it out. Maybe Greinke builds upon his 2008 success. Maybe Aviles is the real deal. Maybe our stable of first baseman decide to start bopping homers. Maybe Crisp finds his A-game again and catches everything hit to center field. Maybe the Royals prove their basically brand new stadium isn't all for not.
Now, you're a year ahead of schedule. Now, all those other high draft picks the Royals have stock piled are nothing but a bonus. Now, Kansas City can slot itself into AL Central competition for the next five or six seasons, at least. Now, a few free agents start knocking on our door. Now, Kauffman Stadium is home to a real, living, breathing major league franchise.
Or, maybe a few things don't go our way. Maybe someone hits the DL for a month or so. Maybe Meche doesn't improve. Maybe the Royals only win 75 games.
Oh well I say. Why, because Hudson shows the Royals are trying. All Hudson wants now is a one year deal worth approximately $4 million plus incentives. A few months ago, he wanted at least twice that. He's a steal. And, he's the real deal. If things don't go the Royals way, you have his salary off the books next year. Or, maybe you trade him at the deadline and pick up something that could help the Royals next year.
Really, it's a win, win. The Royals need this player. They need to send this message. Yes, Moore is probably targeting 2010 or 2011 as the ideal time to unleash the Royals. But, with this move, future plans aren't getting blown up.
So, before you say this is just another crazy opinion from a crazy fan. Think for a moment. Imagine just what your Kansas City Royals could look like. Then, decide what Orlando Hudson really means to the Royals and their future.
Right now, the Royals have basically finished one of their busiest off seasons in the Dayton Moore era. Sure, we're talking about a short era right now. And, sure, Moore has already had off seasons that include the signing of Gil Meche (still a better signing than most casual fans understand) and Jose Guillen (also, a better signing than most casual fans understand). But, this past few months has the Royals poised to be successful for years to come.
Take a look at what the Royals "might" have right now, without signing any other free agents. The team has a very underrated left fielder in David DeJesus, who is finally going to play a position he was meant to play. No, he's not a superstar... but he's an above average ball player.
The Royals also have a legitimate front line worth of starters. This column could be much longer if I listed Meche's and Zack Greinke's stats from the second half, but I'll just say check them out. These two guys were quietly top 10 pitchers from about May on.
Like I mentioned before, we have a legitimate RBI man in Jose Guillen. No, he's not Manny Ramirez. But, he can hit. And, if he's healthy... he will hit. And, now, batting in front of him will be real professional baseball players, i.e. Coco Crisp, David DeJesus and Mike Aviles.
Speaking of Aviles, he joins the large cast and crew of Royals ready to finally break out. However, let's get one thing straight. All of these can't miss kids on the Royals roster will not turn out to be superstars. However, someone will. Billy Butler could develop into the 120 RBI, 35 homerun stroke we know he has. Alex Gordon could develop the sweet swing he showed at Nebraska. Mike Jacobs, Ryan Shealy and/or Kila Ka'aihue could turn out to be a pillar of power at first base. Aviles could turn out to be the real thing, giving the Royals that feel good story with a happy ending that has eluded them for years. Heck, maybe Mitch Maier or Mark Teahen finally figure something out.
Obviously, it's impossible that all of these players develop into the stud they were predicted to be years ago. But, just as the Tampa Bay Rays showed, sooner or later, all of those high draft picks turn into a group of talented players. The Royals are at that point. Someone in that list above will have a break out season in 2009. Just watch. And, someone else will show promise that more is yet to come. I guarantee it.
So, now we finally get back to Orlando Hudson. I've watched carefully what Dayton Moore has been doing with his Royals over the past few years. It's obvious he's building this team up one year at a time. He understands he'll never have a payroll over $100 million. But, he also understands that building a competitive team takes a few years. And, that's exactly what he's doing. He's over paid (just slightly, in hindsight now) for a few free agents. But, he's showing future free agents the Royals mean business. He's drafted smart, targeting players who may not be the next Alex Rodriquez. But, if they pan out to be the next Garrett Anderson, then perfect. And, he's setting the table for years to come.
So, if I'm happy with his year at a time approached, then maybe it's not time to stretch the bank for Hudson after all. Wrong. Hudson would represent that, now and for years to come, the Royals mean business. If you put Hudson at second and in the Royals lineup, and given someone steps up for the Royals, Kansas City has a legitimate shot at winning 85 to 88 games in 2009. Maybe Gordon figures it out. Maybe Greinke builds upon his 2008 success. Maybe Aviles is the real deal. Maybe our stable of first baseman decide to start bopping homers. Maybe Crisp finds his A-game again and catches everything hit to center field. Maybe the Royals prove their basically brand new stadium isn't all for not.
Now, you're a year ahead of schedule. Now, all those other high draft picks the Royals have stock piled are nothing but a bonus. Now, Kansas City can slot itself into AL Central competition for the next five or six seasons, at least. Now, a few free agents start knocking on our door. Now, Kauffman Stadium is home to a real, living, breathing major league franchise.
Or, maybe a few things don't go our way. Maybe someone hits the DL for a month or so. Maybe Meche doesn't improve. Maybe the Royals only win 75 games.
Oh well I say. Why, because Hudson shows the Royals are trying. All Hudson wants now is a one year deal worth approximately $4 million plus incentives. A few months ago, he wanted at least twice that. He's a steal. And, he's the real deal. If things don't go the Royals way, you have his salary off the books next year. Or, maybe you trade him at the deadline and pick up something that could help the Royals next year.
Really, it's a win, win. The Royals need this player. They need to send this message. Yes, Moore is probably targeting 2010 or 2011 as the ideal time to unleash the Royals. But, with this move, future plans aren't getting blown up.
So, before you say this is just another crazy opinion from a crazy fan. Think for a moment. Imagine just what your Kansas City Royals could look like. Then, decide what Orlando Hudson really means to the Royals and their future.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Like I Said... Draft Curry
Or, technically, I guess draft Michael Crabtree. But, Aaron Curry is still my pick.
So, like I've been saying for a number of weeks now... the Kansas City Chiefs need to select Linebacker, Aaron Curry out of Wake Forest with their first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Why? Well, other than the fact that he's the highest rated defensive player in this years draft (and the second highest rated player overall), he fits into the Chiefs system from day one.
Again, why? Because he fits into pretty much any defensive scheme. He's a playmaker. He will start... again, probably from day one, for any team in the league. He's a natural Outside Linebacker, with enough speed to cover in pass defense and strong enough to fill against the run game.
And, Curry is basically a safe pick. Like I said, he'll start from day one. In the end, maybe he doesn't end up being the next Ray Lewis, but he should play, every game, for at least the next five or six years. In football, that's super solid and great for a rebuilding team.
Or, we could take the best player in this years draft, despite the fact it may not be the teams number one need, and possibly have the next Larry Fitzgerald (I still say Fitzy got screwed out of the Heisman his last year in school... 'nother story, though).
So, like I've been saying for a number of weeks now... the Kansas City Chiefs need to select Linebacker, Aaron Curry out of Wake Forest with their first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Why? Well, other than the fact that he's the highest rated defensive player in this years draft (and the second highest rated player overall), he fits into the Chiefs system from day one.
Again, why? Because he fits into pretty much any defensive scheme. He's a playmaker. He will start... again, probably from day one, for any team in the league. He's a natural Outside Linebacker, with enough speed to cover in pass defense and strong enough to fill against the run game.
And, Curry is basically a safe pick. Like I said, he'll start from day one. In the end, maybe he doesn't end up being the next Ray Lewis, but he should play, every game, for at least the next five or six years. In football, that's super solid and great for a rebuilding team.
Or, we could take the best player in this years draft, despite the fact it may not be the teams number one need, and possibly have the next Larry Fitzgerald (I still say Fitzy got screwed out of the Heisman his last year in school... 'nother story, though).
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tyler Thigpen...
...is not a franchise quarterback.
I'm tired of reading posts by people in Kansas City who believe Thigpen is the answer.
ARRGGHH!!!
That is all.
I'm tired of reading posts by people in Kansas City who believe Thigpen is the answer.
ARRGGHH!!!
That is all.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Woo-Hoo (and, Boo)
So, I continue to scour mock drafts looking for good news from the beloved, and certainly always 100% correct, pundits of the football world.
Today, I found some very good news. It appears ESPN (and/or Scout Inc.'s) Todd McShay believes the Chiefs will be selecting not a Quarterback, not an Offensive Lineman, not a Defensive Lineman... but, whom I (and a few of those super, duper pundits, too) believe to be the best talent in the draft: Linebacker Aaron Curry, Wake Forest.
Now, apparently McShay has been pouring over my previous notes on this here wonderful blog, because why else would everyone begin jumping on the Curry bandwagon... I know, exactly, because of me.
However, as I continued to read (like most good bloggers do), I found McShay made a HORRIBLE, AWFUL, downright RIDICULOUS prediction for the Chiefs in the 2nd round: Quarterback Josh Freeman, Kansas State (aka Jamarcus Russell Jr.)
Sure, it's the second round... but that is not what the Chiefs need (hell, that's not what any franchise needs... save maybe the Raiders, Broncos and Chargers... no, they didn't all select Russell, they are AFC West competition... oh you followed, gotcha). I do not want a physical speciman... I want a Dan Marino type: slow, kinda dorky... smart as hell.
Today, I found some very good news. It appears ESPN (and/or Scout Inc.'s) Todd McShay believes the Chiefs will be selecting not a Quarterback, not an Offensive Lineman, not a Defensive Lineman... but, whom I (and a few of those super, duper pundits, too) believe to be the best talent in the draft: Linebacker Aaron Curry, Wake Forest.
Now, apparently McShay has been pouring over my previous notes on this here wonderful blog, because why else would everyone begin jumping on the Curry bandwagon... I know, exactly, because of me.
However, as I continued to read (like most good bloggers do), I found McShay made a HORRIBLE, AWFUL, downright RIDICULOUS prediction for the Chiefs in the 2nd round: Quarterback Josh Freeman, Kansas State (aka Jamarcus Russell Jr.)
Sure, it's the second round... but that is not what the Chiefs need (hell, that's not what any franchise needs... save maybe the Raiders, Broncos and Chargers... no, they didn't all select Russell, they are AFC West competition... oh you followed, gotcha). I do not want a physical speciman... I want a Dan Marino type: slow, kinda dorky... smart as hell.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Spandex coming to Sprint Center
Alright, so it's not an NBA franchise or an NHL team, either. But, Kansas City will host the 2010 NCAA Volleyball Championships.
While that may not seem all that cool, it's actually a huge win for the city.
First, it will draw more attention to the wonderful arena sitting in downtown Kansas City.
Plus, it will bring in close to $5 million in revenue.
Not to mention the increase in spandex shorts.
While that may not seem all that cool, it's actually a huge win for the city.
First, it will draw more attention to the wonderful arena sitting in downtown Kansas City.
Plus, it will bring in close to $5 million in revenue.
Not to mention the increase in spandex shorts.
It just feels right...
Because I've taken some time off from posting on this lovely page, I have a good perspective on what the Chiefs have been doing lately.
I've been taking it all in, just watching, thinking about who the Chiefs should hire, who they should draft, who they can trade and how successful they will be in coming years.
Think for a minute what Clark Hunt and the Chiefs have put together in the past couple of months.
They went out and hired THE prospect at GM, Scott Pioli. This guy had been on Christmas, birthday and graduation lists for years. The Browns wanted him this year. The Seahawks and others wanted him in past years. The Chiefs got him.
And, what Pioli brings to the Chiefs is a talent evaluator.
The Chiefs also waited and waited (and waited) to land their guy for head coach. Todd Haley has only recently become a big name among coaches throughout the NFL. But, Hunt looked past Mike Shanahan, ignored Jon Gruden and fired Herman Edwards. Hunt (basically) said 'no' to Kirk Ferentz and didn't over pay for Bill Cowher.
Now, the Chiefs have an up and comer in Haley. A 41 year old kid who grew up in a football family. He's worked his way up through the coaching ranks, going from scout, to wide receivers coach, to an offensive coordinator and finally now to head coach.
And, with that background, what Haley brings to the Chiefs is a talent evaluator.
So, with these two men in charge of the midwest's beloved Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead faithful should have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
Yes, Edwards left some talented kids for the current regime to deal with, especially in Edward's area of expertise... defensive backfield. The Chiefs have some young safeties and corners to play with, which is something.
But, what the Chiefs will need to do is begin stocking the pantry full of talented players. Offensive lineman, a (future) featured running back, a quarterback, a pass rusher, another playmaking linebacker... the team needs it all.
But, who better than a pair of former talent evaluators. Pioli and Haley once got paid to simply scout and evaluate talent. This is exactly what Kansas City will need. Keep draft picks, find steals in the middle rounds and sign solid free agents with the $40 million in cap room the Chiefs have next year.
But, who better than a pair of talent evaluators?
I've been taking it all in, just watching, thinking about who the Chiefs should hire, who they should draft, who they can trade and how successful they will be in coming years.
Think for a minute what Clark Hunt and the Chiefs have put together in the past couple of months.
They went out and hired THE prospect at GM, Scott Pioli. This guy had been on Christmas, birthday and graduation lists for years. The Browns wanted him this year. The Seahawks and others wanted him in past years. The Chiefs got him.
And, what Pioli brings to the Chiefs is a talent evaluator.
The Chiefs also waited and waited (and waited) to land their guy for head coach. Todd Haley has only recently become a big name among coaches throughout the NFL. But, Hunt looked past Mike Shanahan, ignored Jon Gruden and fired Herman Edwards. Hunt (basically) said 'no' to Kirk Ferentz and didn't over pay for Bill Cowher.
Now, the Chiefs have an up and comer in Haley. A 41 year old kid who grew up in a football family. He's worked his way up through the coaching ranks, going from scout, to wide receivers coach, to an offensive coordinator and finally now to head coach.
And, with that background, what Haley brings to the Chiefs is a talent evaluator.
So, with these two men in charge of the midwest's beloved Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead faithful should have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
Yes, Edwards left some talented kids for the current regime to deal with, especially in Edward's area of expertise... defensive backfield. The Chiefs have some young safeties and corners to play with, which is something.
But, what the Chiefs will need to do is begin stocking the pantry full of talented players. Offensive lineman, a (future) featured running back, a quarterback, a pass rusher, another playmaking linebacker... the team needs it all.
But, who better than a pair of former talent evaluators. Pioli and Haley once got paid to simply scout and evaluate talent. This is exactly what Kansas City will need. Keep draft picks, find steals in the middle rounds and sign solid free agents with the $40 million in cap room the Chiefs have next year.
But, who better than a pair of talent evaluators?
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