Remember when Greg Oden was the must have, can't miss, franchise cornerstone that the Blazers were lucky enough to get? Yeah, me neither. Although, you've got to hand it to him, just 2 years into his progressing (stop rolling your eyes, he played in 0 games last year, which technically makes anything progress) career, Oden has indeed shown masterful skill in one particular area...personal fouls.
Alright, it's fun with statistics time. In Oden's last 3 games, he has averaged a personal foul every 2:45. Add to the mix that these 3 games have been against Utah, Oklahoma City and Houston - Houston being the only team with a true center - and it becomes an even more confusing statistic. Is Mehmet Okur really challenging Oden at the rack? Is it really necessary to slap Nenad Krstic on the elbow as he heaves up another 3 point attempt? You might be thinking "Go easy on him, it's just a bad 3 games." Well, push that out to Oden's last 8 games, and his average minutes per foul bumps up to a robust 3:30. Comparatively, Orlando's Dwight Howard's average is 10:40.
What's the fuss? It's simple. There are 48 minutes in an NBA game. At Oden's current rate, he'll be able to log 21 minutes maximum per game. If Oden is to ever become the franchise center that he's been touted as, it would stand to reason that he should be on the floor for more than 43 percent of the game.
Not to worry Blazer fans, Oden's statistics still provide hope. Over that same 8 game span, Oden has averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds, which equates to an amazing 12 offensive rebounds per 48 minutes. Remember that Howard guy, his current 48 minute average is 6...and he's considered the best center in the league. If Oden can ever get that 40 year old looking 7 foot frame under control, and quit hacking everyone in the area code, that potential dominance could be right around the corner.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Rounding Out The Roster
The Mariners game against the Indians Tuesday did manager Don Wakamatsu zero favors. While Wak is attempting to make the final decisions on who will make the 25 man roster to start the season, the recent performance of those players on the bubble is offering no help. Ronny Cedeno broke out the rye bread and mustard, Wladimir Balentin was 3-4 with 2 RBI and Chris Woodward was 2-5 with 2 runs scored. All this while Chris Jakubauskas was busy throwing 5 solid innings, giving up 1 run, while striking out 4 and walking none.
Bench players that seem to have a position secured based on their performance this spring include Mike Sweeney and Cedeno. The M's will need a backup catcher, which could go either way. Rob Johnson has looked decent offensively and is strong behind the plate. On the other hand, Jamie Burke is familiar with the staff, is a solid veteran option, and has even shown the ability to jump on the bump when times get tough(snicker). While the M's appear to be going with a 12-man bullpen, this essentially leaves one roster spot to fight for, and a good sized handful of players that can make a strong case for themselves.
The obvious choice would appear to be Balentin, but not so fast. Woodward has come on in the past couple of days and offers Willie Bloomquist-like utility potential. Mike Wilson did himself a solid yesterday with a 2 HR/5 RBI day, and all Chris Shelton has done is hit .460. Unfortunately, this leaves perennial odd man out Mike Morse without a home. Morse is out of options with the Mariners, and it's too bad. He seems like a player that just needs to get on a roster and get some innings, but it won't happen here. Wak has talked about playing the game right, which in baseball code, usually means more of a National League style of play, so it wouldn't surprise me to see Woodward be the final selection. He offers a little more versatility than Balentin off the bench, and would more well suited for pinch hitter/runner situations late in a game. Balentin is more of a starting outfielder/occasional DH that needs playing time, and those spots are a little jammed up right now. Look for him to head to Tacoma and become the first player called up when someone goes on the DL.
With the arms, it seems to be more of a crapshoot. Chris Jakubauskas has come out of nowhere to be the most impressive arm in Mariners camp this spring. Finding him a spot, especially after his 5 strong innings today, has to be strongly considered. He's a 30 year old journeyman who looks like he would fit nicely as a long relief/spot start option. The starting rotation seems to be set, after a combination of Morrow declaring himself a reliever and Ryan Rowland-Smith's strong outing yesterday. Garrett Olson hasn't been worthy of much talk this spring, which is disappointing, as he was potentially a nice fit for lefty long relief. This bullpen is going to be a last minute call. I say line 'em up in Vegas and have Nicole Zaloumis announce who's in and who's out, American Idol style. FSN's always looking for another reason to show her off anyway.
Bench players that seem to have a position secured based on their performance this spring include Mike Sweeney and Cedeno. The M's will need a backup catcher, which could go either way. Rob Johnson has looked decent offensively and is strong behind the plate. On the other hand, Jamie Burke is familiar with the staff, is a solid veteran option, and has even shown the ability to jump on the bump when times get tough(snicker). While the M's appear to be going with a 12-man bullpen, this essentially leaves one roster spot to fight for, and a good sized handful of players that can make a strong case for themselves.
The obvious choice would appear to be Balentin, but not so fast. Woodward has come on in the past couple of days and offers Willie Bloomquist-like utility potential. Mike Wilson did himself a solid yesterday with a 2 HR/5 RBI day, and all Chris Shelton has done is hit .460. Unfortunately, this leaves perennial odd man out Mike Morse without a home. Morse is out of options with the Mariners, and it's too bad. He seems like a player that just needs to get on a roster and get some innings, but it won't happen here. Wak has talked about playing the game right, which in baseball code, usually means more of a National League style of play, so it wouldn't surprise me to see Woodward be the final selection. He offers a little more versatility than Balentin off the bench, and would more well suited for pinch hitter/runner situations late in a game. Balentin is more of a starting outfielder/occasional DH that needs playing time, and those spots are a little jammed up right now. Look for him to head to Tacoma and become the first player called up when someone goes on the DL.
With the arms, it seems to be more of a crapshoot. Chris Jakubauskas has come out of nowhere to be the most impressive arm in Mariners camp this spring. Finding him a spot, especially after his 5 strong innings today, has to be strongly considered. He's a 30 year old journeyman who looks like he would fit nicely as a long relief/spot start option. The starting rotation seems to be set, after a combination of Morrow declaring himself a reliever and Ryan Rowland-Smith's strong outing yesterday. Garrett Olson hasn't been worthy of much talk this spring, which is disappointing, as he was potentially a nice fit for lefty long relief. This bullpen is going to be a last minute call. I say line 'em up in Vegas and have Nicole Zaloumis announce who's in and who's out, American Idol style. FSN's always looking for another reason to show her off anyway.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Official Memo: Tiger's Back
Feel free to resume watching golf again, Tiger Woods is back. With a birdie on the 72nd hold of the Bay Hill Invitational Sunday, Woods answered all questions about being ready in time for the Masters, completing a 5 shot, final round comeback and edging out Sean O'Hair by a stroke. After seeing his 12 foot birdie putt disappear into the cup on 18, Woods returned to his fist-pumping, caddy-hugging, winning ways and showed that taking 8 months off to recover from knee surgery is nothing more than a hiccup for the greatest golfer of all time.
What's more important to the game than Woods actually getting back to nailing all of his shots, is the pressure it puts on all the other golfers. It should be pointed out that going into Sunday, O'Hair had a 5 shot lead over Woods. Why did O'Hair fold? Because everyone does, and you would too if you saw Tiger coming down the fairway behind you. Having a 5 shot lead over Tiger in the final round is comparable to entering a demolition derby in a Gremlin. You're odds of taking home the trophy aren't good.
So fear not fair weather fans of golf such as myself. No longer do you have to pretend to care about names like Retief Goosen, Webb Simpson or Rory Sabatini. The reason you started watching golf in the first place has returned, and he appears ready to resume domination of his sport.
What's more important to the game than Woods actually getting back to nailing all of his shots, is the pressure it puts on all the other golfers. It should be pointed out that going into Sunday, O'Hair had a 5 shot lead over Woods. Why did O'Hair fold? Because everyone does, and you would too if you saw Tiger coming down the fairway behind you. Having a 5 shot lead over Tiger in the final round is comparable to entering a demolition derby in a Gremlin. You're odds of taking home the trophy aren't good.
So fear not fair weather fans of golf such as myself. No longer do you have to pretend to care about names like Retief Goosen, Webb Simpson or Rory Sabatini. The reason you started watching golf in the first place has returned, and he appears ready to resume domination of his sport.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday Spin
Jeff Clement was given his ticket to Triple A Tacoma Sunday. Clement had been widely regarded as the Mariners next big stud, but has failed to produce in just about every sense of the word. I'm quite confident I could rip off second base with him behind the plate, and his offensive numbers continue to disappoint. For all the hype he's received, he just hasn't developed. With Adam Moore quickly rising through the ranks, it seems Clement may be left to ponder a position change, or serve as trade bait. The plus side is Clement's widely regarded potential makes him perfect for the latter.
The Mariners also announced that Brandon Morrow, who got off to a slow start this spring due to a forearm injury, would begin the season in the bullpen. This one's a double edged sword. The plus side is it gives the Mariners a solid option at closer. The minus is that putting Morrow back in the pen is going to make it that much more difficult for him to work his way into the starting rotation. Pitching one inning every other day doesn't really allow Morrow to stretch out his arm an build up the stamina required to be a starter.
This decision was made for a couple reasons. The gaggle of chumps currently messing around in the bullpen, are all seemingly involved in a fierce game of "not it" when it comes to the closer role. The latest candidate, David Aardsma, gave up 5 earned in 2/3 of an inning to the Kansas City Royals today, so he apparently wants nothing to do with it. Miguel Batista thinks the job should be his, but then somebody reminded him that he's Miguel Batista, and he stopped talking. Spring bright spot Shawn Kelly has continued to look good, but doesn't have the overpowering repertoire that Morrow possesses. When it's all said and done, moving Morrow to the pen is not a terrible move. It gives the M's a legitimate 9th inning presence, but for those of us who subscribe the the idea of Morrow becoming King Felix's running partner of the future, it's minor setback.
Personally, my favorite part of this move is that when Morrow trots to the mound for the ninth, he does so do the intensity of Rage Against the Machine, which is a considerable upgrade versus having to sit through AC/DC's squealing every time JJ entered the Safe.
The Mariners also announced that Brandon Morrow, who got off to a slow start this spring due to a forearm injury, would begin the season in the bullpen. This one's a double edged sword. The plus side is it gives the Mariners a solid option at closer. The minus is that putting Morrow back in the pen is going to make it that much more difficult for him to work his way into the starting rotation. Pitching one inning every other day doesn't really allow Morrow to stretch out his arm an build up the stamina required to be a starter.
This decision was made for a couple reasons. The gaggle of chumps currently messing around in the bullpen, are all seemingly involved in a fierce game of "not it" when it comes to the closer role. The latest candidate, David Aardsma, gave up 5 earned in 2/3 of an inning to the Kansas City Royals today, so he apparently wants nothing to do with it. Miguel Batista thinks the job should be his, but then somebody reminded him that he's Miguel Batista, and he stopped talking. Spring bright spot Shawn Kelly has continued to look good, but doesn't have the overpowering repertoire that Morrow possesses. When it's all said and done, moving Morrow to the pen is not a terrible move. It gives the M's a legitimate 9th inning presence, but for those of us who subscribe the the idea of Morrow becoming King Felix's running partner of the future, it's minor setback.
Personally, my favorite part of this move is that when Morrow trots to the mound for the ninth, he does so do the intensity of Rage Against the Machine, which is a considerable upgrade versus having to sit through AC/DC's squealing every time JJ entered the Safe.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
No Tui, Say It Ain't So
The Seattle Mariners sent 4 more players to minor league camp on Thursday, most notably Matt Tuiasosopo - cue Boyz II Men's hit "End Of The Road". The plus side to this move is that Tui had an unbelievable spring (.404, 7 doubles, 2 homers), and the M's appear to have a strong option developing for when Adrian Beltre either gets traded in July or walks away next October.
Having Tui in Tacoma will allow him to get regular at bats, and improve his defensive skills. Let's face it, Beltre is a horse, he's not going to give up any playing time and he shouldn't have to. He's going to be a vital part of the Mariners success this year. While it's sad to see Tui sent down, he has seemingly cemented his place at the list of top Mariner prospects.
The 3 others sent down were right hander Sean White, and catchers Adam Moore and Jason Phillips. Phillips was brought in basically to help groom pitchers. He'll offer some solid veteran experience to the developing arms in Triple A, as well as serve as a mentor to Moore, and most likely Jeff Clement, who appears to be on his way back to Tacoma to start the year, after looking more and more lost on a daily basis. White is a right handed relief pitcher who doesn't really stand out.
Tui, it was fun, and you looked great. Keep your head up and we'll see you soon.
Having Tui in Tacoma will allow him to get regular at bats, and improve his defensive skills. Let's face it, Beltre is a horse, he's not going to give up any playing time and he shouldn't have to. He's going to be a vital part of the Mariners success this year. While it's sad to see Tui sent down, he has seemingly cemented his place at the list of top Mariner prospects.
The 3 others sent down were right hander Sean White, and catchers Adam Moore and Jason Phillips. Phillips was brought in basically to help groom pitchers. He'll offer some solid veteran experience to the developing arms in Triple A, as well as serve as a mentor to Moore, and most likely Jeff Clement, who appears to be on his way back to Tacoma to start the year, after looking more and more lost on a daily basis. White is a right handed relief pitcher who doesn't really stand out.
Tui, it was fun, and you looked great. Keep your head up and we'll see you soon.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
2009 Mariner Upgrades
Mariners fans, let's take a second to look at what's ahead of us. Remember how excited everyone was leading into the season last year? How analysts were picking the M's to challenge for the AL West? How the pitching was going to carry the team? Well, I'm taking this opportunity to make a case for being equally - if not more - excited about the line up this year.
Starting Pitching -
King Felix back at #1, a healthy (fingers crossed, keep rubbin' that butt Rick Griffin) Erik Bedard at #2, a healthy (keep applying magic tonic to that elbow Rick Griffin) Brandon Morrow, up-and-coming Ryan Rowland-Smith and a Carlos Silva with something to prove rounding out the rotation challenges any rotation the Mariner's have had...ever. If Morrow can't make the beginning of the season, we can parade our token trade bait Jarrod Washburn for a month to try to entice some sucker into taking his $10 million contract off our hands.
The Pen -
Come on, who's middle relief isn't a mess?! That's why they're middle relievers, because they aren't good enough to be starters, and they aren't good enough to be closers. Bright side, Chris Jakubauskas has looked great in spring, Garrett Olson is a promising lefty with spot start potential, and the rest of the misfits will work themselves out. While this may be the only area that seemingly downgraded by losing JJ Putz as the closer and Morrow as the 8th inning bridge, let me gently remind you that Putz was hurt almost the entire year and Morrow being in the rotation is the stuff dreams are made of. As soon as Chad Cordero completes his rehab, Mariner fans will be remembering good times we had with Everyday Eddie. Until then, Mark Lowe will throw smoke and hope for the best.
The Defense -
The combination of Russell Branyan/Mike Sweeney will be more than adequate. The addition of Ronny Cendeno is the wake up call Jose Lopez and Yuniesky Betancourt need. The middle infield's biggest problem has been maturity, and what better way to inspire children to try harder than to threaten to take away what they hold dearest...their starting positions. And to be honest, neither was afraid Willie Bloomquist or Tug Hulett were stealing anyone's starting position.
The days of watching Raul flopping around in left are mercifully over. Oh, and we replaced him with some guy named Griffey. He's not bad. We brought in Franklin Gutierrez - a budding star who's already known as top-tier defensive player - as a replacement for resident-greaser Jeremy Reed. And with new addition Endy Chavez and Wladamir Balentien available to fill in at all three positions, the outfield appears rock solid.
The Sticks -
Getting Griffey back is clearly the most notable, mainly because it allows the rest of the line up to settle into their respective roles. If there was one gigantic flaw with last year's lineup, it was the inability to fill roles. Griffey hitting three allows for at left-right-left-right combination in the top four spots. Jose Lopez has proven he's offensively equipped to handle the 2 spot, and Beltre is in his contract year. Put him in the 4 hole and let him show what he can do. Branyan and Sweeney are veteran hitters who will fit perfectly into the 5 and 6 spots. Gutierrez is still finding himself at the plate a bit, but offers some speed that was desperately vacant from last year's squad. Taking some pressure off Kenji and planting him in the 8th spot will assure that last season was an fluke. Betancourt needs to acquire some plate discipline, and the 9 hole is a fitting place for him to do that.
Remember September, when it seemed the mess would be impossible to clean up? Those days are long gone my friends. And if you haven't already sent Jack Zduriencik an e-card to thank him, I suggest you do so immediately.
Starting Pitching -
King Felix back at #1, a healthy (fingers crossed, keep rubbin' that butt Rick Griffin) Erik Bedard at #2, a healthy (keep applying magic tonic to that elbow Rick Griffin) Brandon Morrow, up-and-coming Ryan Rowland-Smith and a Carlos Silva with something to prove rounding out the rotation challenges any rotation the Mariner's have had...ever. If Morrow can't make the beginning of the season, we can parade our token trade bait Jarrod Washburn for a month to try to entice some sucker into taking his $10 million contract off our hands.
The Pen -
Come on, who's middle relief isn't a mess?! That's why they're middle relievers, because they aren't good enough to be starters, and they aren't good enough to be closers. Bright side, Chris Jakubauskas has looked great in spring, Garrett Olson is a promising lefty with spot start potential, and the rest of the misfits will work themselves out. While this may be the only area that seemingly downgraded by losing JJ Putz as the closer and Morrow as the 8th inning bridge, let me gently remind you that Putz was hurt almost the entire year and Morrow being in the rotation is the stuff dreams are made of. As soon as Chad Cordero completes his rehab, Mariner fans will be remembering good times we had with Everyday Eddie. Until then, Mark Lowe will throw smoke and hope for the best.
The Defense -
The combination of Russell Branyan/Mike Sweeney will be more than adequate. The addition of Ronny Cendeno is the wake up call Jose Lopez and Yuniesky Betancourt need. The middle infield's biggest problem has been maturity, and what better way to inspire children to try harder than to threaten to take away what they hold dearest...their starting positions. And to be honest, neither was afraid Willie Bloomquist or Tug Hulett were stealing anyone's starting position.
The days of watching Raul flopping around in left are mercifully over. Oh, and we replaced him with some guy named Griffey. He's not bad. We brought in Franklin Gutierrez - a budding star who's already known as top-tier defensive player - as a replacement for resident-greaser Jeremy Reed. And with new addition Endy Chavez and Wladamir Balentien available to fill in at all three positions, the outfield appears rock solid.
The Sticks -
Getting Griffey back is clearly the most notable, mainly because it allows the rest of the line up to settle into their respective roles. If there was one gigantic flaw with last year's lineup, it was the inability to fill roles. Griffey hitting three allows for at left-right-left-right combination in the top four spots. Jose Lopez has proven he's offensively equipped to handle the 2 spot, and Beltre is in his contract year. Put him in the 4 hole and let him show what he can do. Branyan and Sweeney are veteran hitters who will fit perfectly into the 5 and 6 spots. Gutierrez is still finding himself at the plate a bit, but offers some speed that was desperately vacant from last year's squad. Taking some pressure off Kenji and planting him in the 8th spot will assure that last season was an fluke. Betancourt needs to acquire some plate discipline, and the 9 hole is a fitting place for him to do that.
Remember September, when it seemed the mess would be impossible to clean up? Those days are long gone my friends. And if you haven't already sent Jack Zduriencik an e-card to thank him, I suggest you do so immediately.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Can You Hear Me Now?!
New Jersey Nets forward Sean Williams was arrested Monday in Denver, after accusations that he got into an arguement with a clerk at a cell phone store and threw a computer monitor. According to Detective Sgt. Ron Pinson of the Lone Tree police, the store's printer and signature pad (no, not the signature pad!) were also damaged in the fracas. Williams was released on bail, held out of Monday night's matchup between the Nets and the Nuggets, and faces a possible suspension.
Perhaps Williams' lawyer Howard Fisher would be best served to offer the explanation of "who among us hasn't been in a cell phone store and wanted to destroy a computer monitor?" I know if I were on that jury, I'd have no choice but to agree. It's entirely possible that all Williams wanted was to upgrade to unlimited text messages because his teammates won't stop stealing his phone and using it to vote for Holly Madison on Dancing With The Stars. Those texts add up, people.
The unfortunate part of this situation is it's not as innocent as it seems. Williams comes complete with a track record of ridiculous mischief. In February, Williams was arrested for trespassing on the Boston College Campus...I'm serious. You see, Williams was booted off Boston College's basketball team in 2007 after multiple rules violations, including, but not limited to, marijuana possession. During his trespassing arrest, police reported Williams was belligerent, and even chose to write obscenities instead of his name on the fingerprint card and trespass warning.
This all begs the question of what's the next step in crime for Sean Williams? Rumor has it, the NBA has put out an APB to all of the country's major grocery chains with a picture of Williams and a direct order to not sell the unruly criminal eggs or toilet paper.
Perhaps Williams' lawyer Howard Fisher would be best served to offer the explanation of "who among us hasn't been in a cell phone store and wanted to destroy a computer monitor?" I know if I were on that jury, I'd have no choice but to agree. It's entirely possible that all Williams wanted was to upgrade to unlimited text messages because his teammates won't stop stealing his phone and using it to vote for Holly Madison on Dancing With The Stars. Those texts add up, people.
The unfortunate part of this situation is it's not as innocent as it seems. Williams comes complete with a track record of ridiculous mischief. In February, Williams was arrested for trespassing on the Boston College Campus...I'm serious. You see, Williams was booted off Boston College's basketball team in 2007 after multiple rules violations, including, but not limited to, marijuana possession. During his trespassing arrest, police reported Williams was belligerent, and even chose to write obscenities instead of his name on the fingerprint card and trespass warning.
This all begs the question of what's the next step in crime for Sean Williams? Rumor has it, the NBA has put out an APB to all of the country's major grocery chains with a picture of Williams and a direct order to not sell the unruly criminal eggs or toilet paper.
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