Athlete Blog: David Bruton Jr.
February 27, 2009 by admin · 81 Comments
This is David Bruton Jr. again, expressing how I feel and how the combine went. The combine, in my eyes went well, but I realize that it is not just about my opinion. I ran well, jumped high and long, and worked out hard in the drills. Now it is up to the teams to evaluate me and see if they want me on their team. God willing, I have improved my stock, showed that I can compete with the best of them, and most importantly, that I know football.
The interviews were not nerve wrecking, it was the norm to me. They asked about my personal life, I told them, and they asked about football, and I told them what I know and what more I can do to improve, and how I approach the game of football. Football is what I’ve done since I’ve been 12, but I will tell you that, before the first 40 I was a little nervous. After that 40, I did loosen up and had fun with the experience.
It’s truly a blessing that I was part of something that a lot of great players before me have been involved in. The NFL combine had allowed me to make a lot of friends who are considered some of the best athletes coming out this year. I am truly and forever thankful that I was part of such a great experience…
Football is my immediate future right now, and I have seized every opportunity that I had given to me and then some throughout this process. What’s left? More training and the Notre Dame pro day. I am pleased with the numbers I had put up at the combine and I will continue to put forth effort to provide for my family…
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.”
-Vince Lombardi
I have the will to succeed and be great…I will always put my best foot forward to make myself and those around me better….
By: David Bruton Jr.
This is an exclusive ScoutingTheSports.com Athlete Blog
February 27th, 2009
Washington Signs Haynesworth For $100 Million
February 27, 2009 by admin · 40 Comments
WASHINGTON (AP) — Moving swiftly in the first hours of free agency, the Washington Redskins opened their deep pockets and snagged perhaps the biggest name available: All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.
The longtime Tennessee Titans defensive tackle agreed to a seven-year deal worth approximately $100 million early Friday morning. The Redskins, known for their expediency in such matters, wasted no time scheduling a 5 p.m. news conference for their latest marquee signing.
Haynesworth’s deal came within hours of another Redskins blockbuster: a six-year, $54 million agreement to re-sign cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
A stout, sack-producing interior lineman is just what the Redskins have needed. Haynesworth had a career-high 8-1/2 sacks last year, more than one-third of Washington’s team total (24). The 27-year-old lineman is 6-foot-6, weighs 320 pounds and has 24 sacks in seven NFL seasons since the Titans drafted him in the first round out of the University of Tennessee in 2002.
Haynesworth last year also had 75 tackles, 22 quarterback pressures, seven tackles for a loss and forced a team-high four fumbles.
The moves for Haynesworth and Hall marked a return to form for Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who for much of the decade has won the unofficial NFL offseason title with big-money signings, often negotiated within hours of the midnight start of free agency. The team was uncharacteristically quiet last year — no major deals at all during the entire free agency period — but an 8-8 season with an aging roster left holes to fill.
It was uncertain whether the Redskins would be able to fit Haynesworth under the salary cap, but the front office spent this month renegotiating several contracts of current players to clear money for the upcoming season. The team also saved money under the cap by releasing linebacker Marcus Washington.
Hall’s deal includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money, giving the 25-year-old cornerback his second big payday in as many years. He was guaranteed around $24 million in a seven-year, $70 million contract he signed a year ago with Oakland, but he struggled to adjust to the Raiders’ man-to-man defense and was waived after eight games.
The Redskins picked him up less than a week later, and he provided a needed boost to a secondary beset by too many injuries and not enough big plays. Hall played in seven games and started the last four, eventually moving ahead of Carlos Rogers on the depth chart.
Hall’s five interceptions for the season — three with Oakland, two with Washington — were three more than any other cornerback on the Redskins roster. He was a model citizen during his short time in the nation’s capital, avoiding the type of temperamental outbursts that prompted the Atlanta Falcons to trade him to Oakland in 2008.
Hall therefore became a top offseason priority, with Snyder wanting to work a deal before the cornerback had a chance to test the free agent market. The negotiations with Hall’s agents, Alvin Keels and Joel Segal, went to the last minute — and maybe a little beyond.
Rumors: Boras Tells Dodgers Manny Will Accept
February 27, 2009 by admin · 3,636 Comments
Agent Scott Boras has told the Los Angeles Dodgers that Manny Ramirez is willing to return to the team for $45 million over two years, with $25 million in 2009 and a player option for $20 million in 2010.
At first glance that appears to be the same offer the Dodgers recently made to Ramirez. However, the Dodgers’ offer included deferrals that could lessen the true value of the deal by perhaps $3 million.
The Dodgers have not yet responded to Boras’ proposal.
The Dodgers’ $45 million offer to Ramirez became very public earlier this week. What was unsaid by the Dodgers about the offer was that it was to be paid out over five years with no interest, making the actual value an estimated $42 million. In the Dodgers’ proposal, L.A. would pay Ramirez $10 million in each of the next four years and $5 million in 2013.
Boras called Dodgers GM Ned Colletti upon seeing Dodgers officials quoted as saying that the Dodgers had offered $45 million over two years with no mention of deferred money and told Colletti that Ramirez would accept the exact deal quoted in the media. Boras sent the Dodgers a letter of agreement signifying an acceptance of that presumed offer.
MLB: Preseason Power Rankings
February 26, 2009 by admin · 177 Comments
The smell of freshly cut lawn grass fills the smelling senses of professional ballplayers throughout Florida and Arizona. Some teams are less than one week away from competition. The World Baseball Classic is right around the corner. Fans all across the nation and throughout our surrounding nations are getting anxious. Like me, fans want to see flourishing fruits from the off-season seeds planted. For now though, we will have to settle with the Scouting The Sports Preseason MLB Power Rankings.
1. Philadelphia Phillies- Rec. 92-70 : The Phillies are the defending champions, and they belong in the number one spot. The off-season acquisition of Raul Ibanez will add even more power to this lineup, and an even more consistency. If Chase Utley misses the first few weeks, I still think this team will be ok, especially if someone comes out of spring training as the clear #5 starter for this team. One weakness to note though, is the bullpen.
2. Tampa Bay Rays- Rec. 97-65: The Addition of Pat Burrell gives them the veteran power they were looking for at the deadline last year, plus they also add a young Matt Joyce from the Tigers, who could get the opportunity to steal their open outfield position. On the Pitching side, they traded 14 game winner Edwin Jackson for phenom David Price. The Bullpen is where the questions are, especially without Price closing out games.
3. New York Yankees- Rec. 89-73: Is it really a tough economy out there? The Yankees wrote a new version of “Moneyball” this off-season by bringing in C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira. Get this-In .43 of an at bat, the power slugging first baseman will make 40,000 dollars. The question though will be, did the Yankees get it right pitching wise in this free agent class. At least Carl Pavano isn’t sitting on the bench (wait, he couldn’t even do that with a “butt” injury).
4. Boston Red Sox- Rec. 92-70: I probably have the Red Sox lower than they really should be, considering they have one of the premiere offenses and pitching staffs in the league. Adding Brad Penny, Takashi Saito and John Smoltz could be risky, but I ultimately think that risk will pay off. Julio Lugo contends that he is in the best shape of his life, and they add Ramon Ramirez, who could be a great setup reliever coming into his prime. If the bullpen can get the ball to Jon Papelbon, this team could be /the /team to beat.
5. Chicago Cubs- Rec. 97-64: Jim Hendry desperately wanted to add Jake Peavy to his already solid pitching staff, but that didn’t happen. They lose the very valuable Mark DeRosa, who played in the outfield and infield last season. Fan favorite Kerry Wood also departs to Cleveland, but the moves the Cubs made were not bad. Milton Bradley (when not chasing announcers) can be a real threat at the plate. Kevin Gregg will help the bullpen as well, but eventually Carlos Marmol will win the job at closer.
6. New York Mets- Rec. 89-73: Carlos Delgado turned it up a notch in the second half, and bringing in Jerry Manual seems to be a positive. Add K-Rod and J.J. Putz to the bullpen will help. If the Mets win the East, David Wright will be the MVP of the National League.
7. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- Rec. 100-62: Without Mark Teixiera, K-Rod and Jon Garland not returning, it will be tough for this team to win 100 games again. They have the rotation and bullpen though to do it. Remember, the Angels return Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo, plus bring in Brian Fuentes to close out games. Many believe the Angels will be a step behind, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be the favorite in the A.L. West.
8. Minnesota Twins – Rec. 88-75: The Twins are the most complete team in the A.L. Central, despite making few changes in the off-season. The young core (Mauer, Gomez, Young, Morneau) only will be better, and the pitching staff will be more complete, with Fransisco Lariano making a big impact in 2009.
9. St. Louis Cardinals- Rec. 82-76: What the Cardinals did this off-season was hardly nothing, but in the long run with Chris Carpenter coming back, and adding Khalil Greene at a weak position will help Tony LaRussa’s club. Expect Chris Perez to win out the closers role and have success in 2009.
10. Atlanta Braves- Rec. 72-90: The Braves move up into the top ten simply based on their off-season moves. A rotation of Lowe, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hudson and a hodgepodge of Tom Glavine, Jorge Campillo, and Tommy Hanson isn’t bad at all. While the offense is still young, they can compete.
11. Oakland Athletics- Rec. 75-86: For the Athletics, it is yet another year of maturity, mixed with more veteran talent. Matt Holliday gives a true offensive threat, and Jason Giambi, if selective, will give the younger hitters good pitches to look at. But what it really is about is the young pitching staff, led by Dana Eveland and Sean Gallagher and Justin Durocher. Throw in a good closer (Brad Ziegler), and you have the mix of a potential playoff team.
12. Chicago White Sox- Rec. 89-74: The White Sox and Indians will be very similar teams in 2009, but when it comes down to it, The White Sox rotation is just a bit better with Danks, Buerlhe, and Floyd leading the Chicago rotation.
13. Arizona Diamondbacks- Rec. 82-80: Arizona did everything but get better this off-season. They lose Brandon Lyon, Randy Johnson, Orlando Hudson and Adam Dunn, but Jon Garland is a nice addition.
14. Florida Marlins- Rec. 84-77: The Marlins were quite a surprise in 2008, but moving Hanley Ramirez into the three slot is not the solution. The rotation will face a sophomore slump. This bullpen is also a bit shaky.
15. Cleveland Indians Rec. 81-81: The Indians resemble rival Chicago simply in the fact that they have solid closers, solid bullpens, great offenses and questions in the rotation. If Cliff lee returns with the same form and Fausto Carmona is healthy, this squad can win the A.L. Central.
16. Los Angeles Dodgers Rec. 84-78: Until Manny is officially a Dodger, I cannot put this team in the top 15 after the loss of Brad Penny, Joe Biemel, Jeff Kent, Derek Lowe and Takashi Saito. There are a lot of questions on this club, that could be alleviated quickly with the sign of a dotted line.
17. Milwaukee Brewers Rec. 90-72: Losing C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets isn’t a good off-season, but it won’t hurt as much as people think. With Bill Hall out, we could see Mat Gamel impress early in 2009.
18. Toronto Blue Jays Rec. 86-76: Losing A.J. Burnett hurts, no doubt about it, but I am excited to see some of the unspoken Toronto talent, such as Travis Snider and Bret Cecil. It will be a tough road though in the A.L. East.
19. Houston Astros Rec. 86-75: Houston’s offense is unquestionably talented, but that rotation is horrendous. Will Mike Hampton be healthy? Wandy Rodriguez is not a number two starter and Brandon Backe will need to rebound from a 6.05 ERA.
20. Detroit Tigers Rec. 74-88: This is where it starts to get ugly. The Tigers are a team though, that could respond after a horrid 2008. Detroit added what was needed by bettering their defense and decreasing their payroll. An interesting team to watch in 2009.
21. San Francisco Giants Rec. 72-90: Can someone tell Brian Sabean that offense is part of the game of baseball? Adding Randy Johnson was a great move, especially with youngster Tim Lincecum still developing into a prime starter. But Edgar Renteria? Come on.
22. Kansas City Royals Rec. 75-87: The Additions of Coco Crisp and Mike Jacobs actually gives this team some form, but they are not quite there yet. The pieces are slowly coming together though for Trey Hillman.
23. Colorado Rockies Rec. 74-88: Troy Tulowitzki will move to the three hole , where he will try and hold up the middle of the order. Matt Holliday will really be missed, but the rotation will be better than last year.
24. Cincinnati Reds Rec. 74-88: One more year with some really good talent, but it will still have to come together. If Jose Cueto or Homer Bailey come around, the Reds could have a solid rotation.
25. Baltimore Orioles Rec. 68-93: Andy MacPhail is moving in the right direction, by adding Rich Hill and Felix Pie. It should be a fun season to watch, but lack of pitching depth and youth will really hurt the Orioles
26. Washington Nationals Rec. 59-102: It really can’t get worse than this. The addition of Adam Dunn adds some type of fear in the order, and youngsters Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes showed some type of promise. Garrett Mock will be fun to watch as well.
27. Texas Rangers Rec. 79-83: Elvis Andrus is intriguing, as well as seeing if Josh Hamilton will be a man possessed yet again. Let’s face it though, this pitching stinks.
28. San Diego Padres Rec. 63-99: If you are a Padres fan, I am sorry. The offense will be atrocious, the pitching, beyond Chris Young and Jake Peavy will be chasing many fans out of Petco Park 3 games a week.
29. Seattle Mariners Rec. 61-101: I really like what new management has done for the future of this team, but this year will be a lot like 2008. This rotation is scary for a team who barely won sixty games though.
30. Pittsburgh Pirates Rec. 67-95: Beyond Nate McClouth, does this team have an impact offensive player? A lot of young blood will be in the mix in 2009. Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny will have a hard tim winning ballgames under this offense.
By: Joseph Dexter
- Senior Baseball Analyst For ScoutingTheSports.com
- His content can also be found on:
dexter-sports.com, fantasycpr.com, sidelionreport.com, and motorcitybengals.com
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February 26, 2009 by admin · 39 Comments
