Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Is Trading Peters the Play?
4:00 AM | 
Posted by
Nick Mendola
When I type about contracts and personnel, which I loathe -- let's talk sports on the field, huh? -- it's generally easy enough for me to figure a title (See: "Sign Brian Campbell," and "Trade for Jay Cutler").
As folks continue to speculate about Jason Peters wanting to be the league's best-paid left tackle, and the Eagles holding two first round picks, looking to pick up protection for Donovan McNabb, it did not lead me to a new, simple personnel title like, "Trade Jason Peters."
Oh, I'd trade him, but it's not as clear-cut as you might think.
Had I typed this out a month ago, it would've been emotion-fueled, with lines about the ungratefulness of an athlete with an already-reworked deal and the economy, but that isn't the case today. The guy has a short career, and if he wants to be the little kid in the corner asking for a third helping of cake, or in his case, 33rd, then let him ask for the whole can of frosting -- rainbow chip, I suppose. Send him somewhere that wants to pay him more than $11.5 million-per-year, and pick up something nice in return.
Now those of you pencilling the Bills in as a Super Bowl contender may want to disagree, and that's fine. In fact, I go into any season thinking any team with a defense can make a move, and with the uncertainty regarding Tom Brady, the Jets' lack of quarterbacking and my belief that the Dolphins are overrated, Parcells or not, the Bills aren't a playoff impossibility.
Trading Peters obviously makes the draft a lot more interesting, and pops a lot of questions:
A) Do you move Langston Walker to left tackle, Kirk Chambers to right tackle and draft a guard in the second or third round (Oklahoma's Duke Robinson, Oregon State's Andy Levitre and LSU's Herman Johnson would be in the mix)? Then, that first rounder can stay at Penn State DE Aaron Maybin or Texas-sized monster Brian Orakpo.
2) Do you use that first pick on a tackle, and use your second first rounder -- if it were the Eagles, the pick would be No. 21 or 28, on a linebacker like Southern Cal's Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing or maybe, just maybe, Oklahoma State's tight-end-du-jour Brandon Pettigrew.
D) Do you sign Orlando Pace or another veteran left tackle to a one-year deal and put Chambers at guard? Then use both first round picks on whatever the heck you want. Heck, trade one to the Giants for their two second rounders.
34b) Trade Peters and use both No. 1's to trade up with Detroit, then take UB's Drew Willy. Lure Turner Gill away from the North Campus. Then... next year, trade Marshawn Lynch and use the pick on James Starks. After Owens' resigns at a discount, draft Naaman Roosevelt, too. In two years, you'll want Davonte Shannon as free safety, so keep that in mind.
If you don't trade him, and give the man his money, let's get nutty with trivia. What do these players have in common: Mike Gandy, Max Starks, David Diehl, Matt Light, Tarik Glenn, John Tait, Marvel Smith, Walter Jones, and Tra Thomas.
They are the last nine left tackles to start a Super Bowl, and only three (Gandy, Starks, Diehl) have not been Pro Bowlers. The other six have 20 selections for Hawaii. Of those guys, only Jones has been the highest paid tackle in football, and the Seahawks couldn't even win the NFC West last year.
So, do you believe those tackles made their quarterbacks better, or were they better because guys named Brady, Manning and McNabb were making decisions behind them?
There's a brilliant book out there by Michael Lewis that many of you have heard of or read called, "The Blind Side." It deals with two stories; How Bill Walsh turned the tackle covering the quarterback's blind side into the most important position on the field, and how a young man named Michael Oher became the most sought-after tackle recruit in the nation.
Now, you'd think after reading an entire book on how important left tackle is -- and agreeing -- I'd find it imperative to ink Peters to a deal. However, I do not. Also, it's Oher's draft year out of Ole Miss, and our own Joe Buscaglia has him slotted in the first round of his latest mock draft.
Or...
You can let him rot for as long as possible on the sidelines. It's a terrible idea for the locker room and the field, but it's funny. The guy seems to be a real piece of work.
Lots to think about, but would you deal Donohoe's diamond?
I would: nick@wgr550.com
As folks continue to speculate about Jason Peters wanting to be the league's best-paid left tackle, and the Eagles holding two first round picks, looking to pick up protection for Donovan McNabb, it did not lead me to a new, simple personnel title like, "Trade Jason Peters."
Oh, I'd trade him, but it's not as clear-cut as you might think.
Had I typed this out a month ago, it would've been emotion-fueled, with lines about the ungratefulness of an athlete with an already-reworked deal and the economy, but that isn't the case today. The guy has a short career, and if he wants to be the little kid in the corner asking for a third helping of cake, or in his case, 33rd, then let him ask for the whole can of frosting -- rainbow chip, I suppose. Send him somewhere that wants to pay him more than $11.5 million-per-year, and pick up something nice in return.
Now those of you pencilling the Bills in as a Super Bowl contender may want to disagree, and that's fine. In fact, I go into any season thinking any team with a defense can make a move, and with the uncertainty regarding Tom Brady, the Jets' lack of quarterbacking and my belief that the Dolphins are overrated, Parcells or not, the Bills aren't a playoff impossibility.
Trading Peters obviously makes the draft a lot more interesting, and pops a lot of questions:
A) Do you move Langston Walker to left tackle, Kirk Chambers to right tackle and draft a guard in the second or third round (Oklahoma's Duke Robinson, Oregon State's Andy Levitre and LSU's Herman Johnson would be in the mix)? Then, that first rounder can stay at Penn State DE Aaron Maybin or Texas-sized monster Brian Orakpo.
2) Do you use that first pick on a tackle, and use your second first rounder -- if it were the Eagles, the pick would be No. 21 or 28, on a linebacker like Southern Cal's Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing or maybe, just maybe, Oklahoma State's tight-end-du-jour Brandon Pettigrew.
D) Do you sign Orlando Pace or another veteran left tackle to a one-year deal and put Chambers at guard? Then use both first round picks on whatever the heck you want. Heck, trade one to the Giants for their two second rounders.
34b) Trade Peters and use both No. 1's to trade up with Detroit, then take UB's Drew Willy. Lure Turner Gill away from the North Campus. Then... next year, trade Marshawn Lynch and use the pick on James Starks. After Owens' resigns at a discount, draft Naaman Roosevelt, too. In two years, you'll want Davonte Shannon as free safety, so keep that in mind.
If you don't trade him, and give the man his money, let's get nutty with trivia. What do these players have in common: Mike Gandy, Max Starks, David Diehl, Matt Light, Tarik Glenn, John Tait, Marvel Smith, Walter Jones, and Tra Thomas.
They are the last nine left tackles to start a Super Bowl, and only three (Gandy, Starks, Diehl) have not been Pro Bowlers. The other six have 20 selections for Hawaii. Of those guys, only Jones has been the highest paid tackle in football, and the Seahawks couldn't even win the NFC West last year.
So, do you believe those tackles made their quarterbacks better, or were they better because guys named Brady, Manning and McNabb were making decisions behind them?
There's a brilliant book out there by Michael Lewis that many of you have heard of or read called, "The Blind Side." It deals with two stories; How Bill Walsh turned the tackle covering the quarterback's blind side into the most important position on the field, and how a young man named Michael Oher became the most sought-after tackle recruit in the nation.
Now, you'd think after reading an entire book on how important left tackle is -- and agreeing -- I'd find it imperative to ink Peters to a deal. However, I do not. Also, it's Oher's draft year out of Ole Miss, and our own Joe Buscaglia has him slotted in the first round of his latest mock draft.
Or...
You can let him rot for as long as possible on the sidelines. It's a terrible idea for the locker room and the field, but it's funny. The guy seems to be a real piece of work.
Lots to think about, but would you deal Donohoe's diamond?
I would: nick@wgr550.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hey America, RELAX
An open letter to the national media:
We know.
Yes, we've dug out from under our igloos and opened our eyes -- only for three seconds at a time, mind you. We don't want to risk the dreaded Buffalo Eye Frost. We know how to be safe in the cold, just as we know that when the Bills signed Terrell Owens, they took on more baggage than an intercontinental freighter.
But, please, please, please stop with the "Buffalo's crazy." We're not some outpost that doesn't get ESPN. Our city doesn't sit around trying to figure out which shovel is the best, and wishing they sold phones without cords. We know about T.O., what with his bally-hooed sit-ups in the driveway, his way-less-than-PC comments about Jeff Garcia and his engineering of a trade to keep him out of Baltimore
We have banks, restaurants and taxi cabs. We love chatting about the Bills, and we'll give you an earful, good or bad, about most NFL topics. I adore hockey, but we're just generally a football town in hibernation -- lengthy, mind-numbing, soul-destroying football hibernation brought on by years of poorly-operated and -executed refuse.
I know you think we're doofuses, tomfoolerists and neanderthals, but here's a couple quick responses to the "mainstream" media.
First, to the Denver wordsmith who penned this mighty quote about desiring Jay Cutler to be banished to Buffalo, and his words:
"Then, one night, it happens. Since there are only nine bars in Buffalo, Cutler and Terrell Owens wind up at the same place."
Nine bars in Buffalo? Really? If we've got anything it's bars and Catholic churches. My goodness, we've got more bars than Folsom Prison.
Also, to the other members of the media, who think Buffalo holds the most naive group of American football fans on Earth:
If T.O. decides to implode a locker room that boasts three consecutive 7-9 teams, that's fine by us.
If anything it allows this guy to get some extra face-time on national television, and maybe prop up his chances at the bar later that night (We're open 'til 3 a.m. It's glorious).
But if, for some ungodly reason, Owens' 70 catches or Lee Evans' speed allow either of them to be single-covered for the first time in five years, and we get to watch some entertaining football that could even extend past the regular season? Points scored, Queen City!
In summation... you can come from the same school of thought as Sean Salisbury OR you can hang out with a the thousands of folks who know how to cook and talk football on a Sunday in Western New York.
There's more fun to be had with the latter. I'm sure of it.
At least, these guys seem to be having fun.
I promise... We're having a better time than you.
Love,
Buffalo
P.S. Just so you know, Tim Russert, Mark Twain and Willis Carrier are from Buffalo. That's right, Carrier, the guy who invented modern air conditioning (We actually use it, too).
You're welcome, you ungrateful jerks.
We know.
Yes, we've dug out from under our igloos and opened our eyes -- only for three seconds at a time, mind you. We don't want to risk the dreaded Buffalo Eye Frost. We know how to be safe in the cold, just as we know that when the Bills signed Terrell Owens, they took on more baggage than an intercontinental freighter.
But, please, please, please stop with the "Buffalo's crazy." We're not some outpost that doesn't get ESPN. Our city doesn't sit around trying to figure out which shovel is the best, and wishing they sold phones without cords. We know about T.O., what with his bally-hooed sit-ups in the driveway, his way-less-than-PC comments about Jeff Garcia and his engineering of a trade to keep him out of Baltimore
We have banks, restaurants and taxi cabs. We love chatting about the Bills, and we'll give you an earful, good or bad, about most NFL topics. I adore hockey, but we're just generally a football town in hibernation -- lengthy, mind-numbing, soul-destroying football hibernation brought on by years of poorly-operated and -executed refuse.
I know you think we're doofuses, tomfoolerists and neanderthals, but here's a couple quick responses to the "mainstream" media.
First, to the Denver wordsmith who penned this mighty quote about desiring Jay Cutler to be banished to Buffalo, and his words:
"Then, one night, it happens. Since there are only nine bars in Buffalo, Cutler and Terrell Owens wind up at the same place."
Nine bars in Buffalo? Really? If we've got anything it's bars and Catholic churches. My goodness, we've got more bars than Folsom Prison.
Also, to the other members of the media, who think Buffalo holds the most naive group of American football fans on Earth:
If T.O. decides to implode a locker room that boasts three consecutive 7-9 teams, that's fine by us.
If anything it allows this guy to get some extra face-time on national television, and maybe prop up his chances at the bar later that night (We're open 'til 3 a.m. It's glorious).
But if, for some ungodly reason, Owens' 70 catches or Lee Evans' speed allow either of them to be single-covered for the first time in five years, and we get to watch some entertaining football that could even extend past the regular season? Points scored, Queen City!
In summation... you can come from the same school of thought as Sean Salisbury OR you can hang out with a the thousands of folks who know how to cook and talk football on a Sunday in Western New York.
There's more fun to be had with the latter. I'm sure of it.
At least, these guys seem to be having fun.
I promise... We're having a better time than you.
Love,
Buffalo
P.S. Just so you know, Tim Russert, Mark Twain and Willis Carrier are from Buffalo. That's right, Carrier, the guy who invented modern air conditioning (We actually use it, too).
You're welcome, you ungrateful jerks.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Schilling, Downtown Dining, Sabres and Bills/Pats
I'm going to try a brand new, scintillating brand of blog writing, using what I call "headings." I didn't have a unifying theme today, but wanted to get some writing done, so feel free to move ahead to the bolded "headings" of "Eats," "Arts" and/or "Sports."
SPORTS - BILLS:
Some quick hitters on our local American football franchise:
A) I don't think it matters that Terrell Owens missed the first day of a 12-week voluntary conditioning program unless every other Bill was there. In that case, he should've been there.
2) I figured the Bills would get a showcase game in Week One, and the announcement that the first Monday Night game of the year being Buffalo and New England on the road feels like about only a B-minus to me, but only because it's a good chance to get thrashed by Tom Brady. That said, the optimist in me says it's a fresh season, and if there ever was a time to get cracking on changing the mood of a locker room, it's MNF. By the way, a random sampling of the texts I've received on the news:
-- "0-1?" (My dad)
-- "Wow, great, Brady's back, get murdered by the Pats, set T.O. off, can't wait!" (my buddy Scoggles)
-- "My prediction: Bills, 126-3. Sam Adams, 18 sacks, four blocked field goals. Alex Van Pelt, 23/23, 600 yards, 8 TDs. Bobby Shaw, 9 receptions, 269 yds, 3 TDs. T.O. traded for Larry Centers who rushes eight times for 630 yards and 8 TDs. Boom." (my brother at school in Rhode Island, who also told me to "try hard to cover the game," and also must think Mike Hollis will miss a couple extra points).
D) View Jeremy White's reaction here. I think he's totally over-reacting, but he's my friend.
EATS:
My wife of almost eight months and I hit the road to downtown Buffalo for a trip that should've happened a while ago. For those of you who don't know, we don't eat the meats, so we headed to Merge, 439 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo. Let me tell you something, it was legit (and don't worry, there's chicken and salmon and some other stuff on the menu).
The crowning glory of any restaurant should be that you're able to separate yourself from your surroundings. Now, before you think I'm world-class goofy, let me explain -- when you head to a chain joint in Depew, you still know you're in Depew. At Merge, it was different, at least for me.
I felt like I was in a restaurant, not a location, and that's good stuff. We had a Tex-Mex wrap, Sweet Potato Calzone, kale salad, sweet potato fries and more between the two of us. The Calzone was right on, with some sort of fancy balsamic topping, and the surrounding lettuce, red pepper and onion garnish was also great. The prices were entirely reasonable, and they did convince me to try kale salad, so... that's gotta be saying something.
So this is their place, and we'll definitely be repeat customers. They sell art from local photographers and artists on the wall, with a different theme each month. To be 107 percent honest, they may have been a little overwhelmed for a busier Monday evening, but I'm not holding it against them. Plus, they were showing "Raising Arizona" at 9 p.m., which is another silver star for their cowboy shirts.
Consider it a Lenten option, too.
SPORTS - BASEBALL:
Some thoughts on Curt Schilling's retirement:
World-class mullet. Is it weird that the Phillies are the first team I think of when Schilling's name is mentioned?
I'm watching ESPN Classic right now, and it's showing the "Bloody Sock" game. Now, whatever you feel about Curt Schilling, the guy certainly was hurt, and it took onions (Thanks, Bill Raftery) to toss at Alex Rodriguez, the second batter of Game Six of the ALCS.
In retrospect, that moment set the tone for history, and I don't even like the Red Sox all that much. It's also funny to watch with Yankee fans running around the upper deck with "ghost" sheets under their Yanks caps. History was such an issue back then. Now, it's just "Count the World Championships rings" as an argument against "You haven't won since this century." Life was better then.
Is "Schill" a HOF'er? I don't know, but he will remain a polarizing figure for a while, and the way he summed up his career on his blog is a way I hope folks look at whatever I choose to do with my life once I head up to the spirit in the sky:
The game was here long before I was, and will be here long after I’m gone. The only thing I hope I did was never put in question my love for the game, or my passion to be counted on when it mattered most. I did everything I could to win every time I was handed the ball.
I am and always will be more grateful than any of you could ever possibly know.
-- Another point to ponder on his career... he'd have four World Series with three teams if Mitch Williams held regular season form in the 1993 series against Toronto.
More retrospective points on Game Six:
-- By the way, Yanks fan, if you think your team was taking the ALCS seriously with Jon Lieber on the hill, come off it (as my dad would say). This wasn't 20-win Cub-time Jon Lieber. It was "kind of a starter" Jon Lieber.
-- Also, and I can't believe I'm saying this, Tim McCarver has made at least two legitimate points about catching during this re-broadcast. Did they edit the comments in recently, or was he astute in actual time.
-- Finally, it was Game Six that A-Rod swatted the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's hand. That is by far the most embarassing moment of Rodriguez's career, including steroids, which almost everyone did. This might be the top baseball game in the last 25 years.
Yeesh.
-- Double finally, I bought Dan Cave a copy of Arroyo's cover CD for Christmas, and you haven't lived until you've heard his version of Pearl Jam's "Black."
SPORTS - SABRES:
Corey Griswold stopped by to watch a number of sporting events Saturday evening, and the Sabres performance in New York led me to pop this question:
"Has there ever been a less fun Sabres team to watch?"
(No I didn't propose).
Corey's response involved all those bad Sabres teams from the 1980s that involved winding up with the No. 1 overall pick, Pierre Turgeon, but I disagree. Those teams were just missing talent altogether, and had an aging Gilbert Perreault to go with four good players figuring hockey out (Andreychuk, Housley, Barrasso, Foligno). Plus, they had some jam, and watching Maguire, Hartman and more fight was entertaining.
It's hard to find more than a handful of inspired efforts from actual performing 2008-09 Sabres. I mean, you know you're going to get effort out of your Mairs, Pailles and Kaletas, but how many sleepwalkers have we seen, and Charlie Brown teacher comments after the game?
All-too-familiar... except it usually isn't Tellqvist
I barely believe I wrote this in February: "The Sabres Just May Be Pretty Good." Actually, I can believe it, because just like any season-high from this team, it took them approximately 10 minutes to make you throw up on your optimism. What do I mean by that? Ask Scott Gomez.
These guys have been capital-B brutal, and Harry Neale's honest Saturday comments that the Sabres worked hard in the contest shouldn't have made me want to set a rapid falcon on my face, talons-first, but they did. This team flat-out takes naps, and if the message they are trying to send is that Lindy Ruff needs an ouster, I think there's a rude awakening headed their way.
Even if he is gone, the Sabres need to send at least three faces packing this summer, and not wake up Clarke MacArthur with a qualifying offer. Any guy that's been benched multiple times without ever earning a proper roster spot in the NHL can hit the snooze button somewhere else. Maybe he can be the next former Sabre to improperly inflate his stats playing with the Sedin twins, wherever they sign.
Let's hang out on the Interweb: nick@wgr550.com
SPORTS - BILLS:
Some quick hitters on our local American football franchise:
A) I don't think it matters that Terrell Owens missed the first day of a 12-week voluntary conditioning program unless every other Bill was there. In that case, he should've been there.
2) I figured the Bills would get a showcase game in Week One, and the announcement that the first Monday Night game of the year being Buffalo and New England on the road feels like about only a B-minus to me, but only because it's a good chance to get thrashed by Tom Brady. That said, the optimist in me says it's a fresh season, and if there ever was a time to get cracking on changing the mood of a locker room, it's MNF. By the way, a random sampling of the texts I've received on the news:
-- "0-1?" (My dad)
-- "Wow, great, Brady's back, get murdered by the Pats, set T.O. off, can't wait!" (my buddy Scoggles)
-- "My prediction: Bills, 126-3. Sam Adams, 18 sacks, four blocked field goals. Alex Van Pelt, 23/23, 600 yards, 8 TDs. Bobby Shaw, 9 receptions, 269 yds, 3 TDs. T.O. traded for Larry Centers who rushes eight times for 630 yards and 8 TDs. Boom." (my brother at school in Rhode Island, who also told me to "try hard to cover the game," and also must think Mike Hollis will miss a couple extra points).
D) View Jeremy White's reaction here. I think he's totally over-reacting, but he's my friend.
EATS:
My wife of almost eight months and I hit the road to downtown Buffalo for a trip that should've happened a while ago. For those of you who don't know, we don't eat the meats, so we headed to Merge, 439 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo. Let me tell you something, it was legit (and don't worry, there's chicken and salmon and some other stuff on the menu).
The crowning glory of any restaurant should be that you're able to separate yourself from your surroundings. Now, before you think I'm world-class goofy, let me explain -- when you head to a chain joint in Depew, you still know you're in Depew. At Merge, it was different, at least for me.
I felt like I was in a restaurant, not a location, and that's good stuff. We had a Tex-Mex wrap, Sweet Potato Calzone, kale salad, sweet potato fries and more between the two of us. The Calzone was right on, with some sort of fancy balsamic topping, and the surrounding lettuce, red pepper and onion garnish was also great. The prices were entirely reasonable, and they did convince me to try kale salad, so... that's gotta be saying something.
So this is their place, and we'll definitely be repeat customers. They sell art from local photographers and artists on the wall, with a different theme each month. To be 107 percent honest, they may have been a little overwhelmed for a busier Monday evening, but I'm not holding it against them. Plus, they were showing "Raising Arizona" at 9 p.m., which is another silver star for their cowboy shirts.
Consider it a Lenten option, too.
SPORTS - BASEBALL:
Some thoughts on Curt Schilling's retirement:
World-class mullet. Is it weird that the Phillies are the first team I think of when Schilling's name is mentioned?
I'm watching ESPN Classic right now, and it's showing the "Bloody Sock" game. Now, whatever you feel about Curt Schilling, the guy certainly was hurt, and it took onions (Thanks, Bill Raftery) to toss at Alex Rodriguez, the second batter of Game Six of the ALCS.
In retrospect, that moment set the tone for history, and I don't even like the Red Sox all that much. It's also funny to watch with Yankee fans running around the upper deck with "ghost" sheets under their Yanks caps. History was such an issue back then. Now, it's just "Count the World Championships rings" as an argument against "You haven't won since this century." Life was better then.
Is "Schill" a HOF'er? I don't know, but he will remain a polarizing figure for a while, and the way he summed up his career on his blog is a way I hope folks look at whatever I choose to do with my life once I head up to the spirit in the sky:
The game was here long before I was, and will be here long after I’m gone. The only thing I hope I did was never put in question my love for the game, or my passion to be counted on when it mattered most. I did everything I could to win every time I was handed the ball.
I am and always will be more grateful than any of you could ever possibly know.
-- Another point to ponder on his career... he'd have four World Series with three teams if Mitch Williams held regular season form in the 1993 series against Toronto.
More retrospective points on Game Six:
-- By the way, Yanks fan, if you think your team was taking the ALCS seriously with Jon Lieber on the hill, come off it (as my dad would say). This wasn't 20-win Cub-time Jon Lieber. It was "kind of a starter" Jon Lieber.
-- Also, and I can't believe I'm saying this, Tim McCarver has made at least two legitimate points about catching during this re-broadcast. Did they edit the comments in recently, or was he astute in actual time.
-- Finally, it was Game Six that A-Rod swatted the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's hand. That is by far the most embarassing moment of Rodriguez's career, including steroids, which almost everyone did. This might be the top baseball game in the last 25 years.
Yeesh.
-- Double finally, I bought Dan Cave a copy of Arroyo's cover CD for Christmas, and you haven't lived until you've heard his version of Pearl Jam's "Black."
SPORTS - SABRES:
Corey Griswold stopped by to watch a number of sporting events Saturday evening, and the Sabres performance in New York led me to pop this question:
"Has there ever been a less fun Sabres team to watch?"
(No I didn't propose).
Corey's response involved all those bad Sabres teams from the 1980s that involved winding up with the No. 1 overall pick, Pierre Turgeon, but I disagree. Those teams were just missing talent altogether, and had an aging Gilbert Perreault to go with four good players figuring hockey out (Andreychuk, Housley, Barrasso, Foligno). Plus, they had some jam, and watching Maguire, Hartman and more fight was entertaining.
It's hard to find more than a handful of inspired efforts from actual performing 2008-09 Sabres. I mean, you know you're going to get effort out of your Mairs, Pailles and Kaletas, but how many sleepwalkers have we seen, and Charlie Brown teacher comments after the game?
All-too-familiar... except it usually isn't Tellqvist
I barely believe I wrote this in February: "The Sabres Just May Be Pretty Good." Actually, I can believe it, because just like any season-high from this team, it took them approximately 10 minutes to make you throw up on your optimism. What do I mean by that? Ask Scott Gomez.
These guys have been capital-B brutal, and Harry Neale's honest Saturday comments that the Sabres worked hard in the contest shouldn't have made me want to set a rapid falcon on my face, talons-first, but they did. This team flat-out takes naps, and if the message they are trying to send is that Lindy Ruff needs an ouster, I think there's a rude awakening headed their way.
Even if he is gone, the Sabres need to send at least three faces packing this summer, and not wake up Clarke MacArthur with a qualifying offer. Any guy that's been benched multiple times without ever earning a proper roster spot in the NHL can hit the snooze button somewhere else. Maybe he can be the next former Sabre to improperly inflate his stats playing with the Sedin twins, wherever they sign.
Let's hang out on the Interweb: nick@wgr550.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
On the road with U.S. Hockey
I had this grand design for a monster blog from the wonderland of Bemidji, Minn. Heck, if you can check off No. 39 on your list of states visited in our great country while doing play-by-play for a local college hockey power house about to lambaste the field on the way to a NCAA Tournament booth, you do that.
Only part of that came true, as the Purple Eagles were one -- and a consolation game -- and done, but it doesn't mean I didn't take in Minnesota... and find it as wonderful a place as I've been outside of the Windy City.
Thursday afternoon
Actually, that 10,000 lakes thing seems pretty legit.
Believe it or not, my first trip to the Niagara Falls International Airport... and I'm glad they are building a new terminal. Get on an Xpress Jet, which posed a couple of problems for my intensified flying fears, post-3407. I'd never heard of the company, but the aeroplane looked fresh and clean. Some meditating and iPod and we're all set.
Sat in the back of the plane, which was a giant mistake. I take that back, the mistake was having the seat next to the lavatory, as my older grade school substitute teachers would say. Sat near Niagara PR man extraordinaire Chris Smith, as well as defenseman Dan Sullivan and goaltender Juliano Pagliero (who will play in the league).
Turns out "Pags" and forward Ted Cook were interested in hosting sports talk. I emailed Ted to see if he was interested in maybe doing a podcast. He wrote back today. He was, but has a bit of a problem...
He just signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, home of former NU cap Barrett Ehgoetz. Perhaps the Canadiens or Predators will see a spot for him. I always wonder how these college kids do it. Fresh off a full college season, go refresh yourself with four days off and a trip to the ECHL. Nice.
(By the way, Thursday is $1 beer night at the Cyclones game. Who's up for a road trip?)
EDIT NOTE: NU captain Vince Rocco inked a deal with the Reading Royals of the ECHL as well. The Royals are affiliated with the Leafs, who signed Kyle Rogers to the Marlies after last season. Pagliero was in Ottawa's developmental camp last year, and should get a look soon.
Friday
Fresh off a Thursday evening CHA Awards banquet that saw Niagara sweep the two major awards, with Pagliero winning Player of the Year and Vince Rocco getting Student-Athlete of the Year, I'm feeling pretty good about getting a little "Niagara is going dancing" call on my resume tape, whichever sick verbage I use to confuse folks.
Quick aside... Rocco deserved the academic award, and if you think I'm wrong, consider he never scored below an A during his collegiate career. His GPA is over 4.1, and he was the top economic student in the school. Book it.
Before we get to the game, let's talk a little about Bemidji State University, which is pretty much fresh off the set of "The Wonder Years," if Kevin Arnold grew up in Minnesota. With its brick buildings and overly-polite folks, BSU is the type of school where people "go steady." I'll say it... I'd let my daughter go there if she demanded going out of town for school.
I don't have a daughter.
Anyway, the apparent "jam" and "grit" the Sabres showed Thursday against Florida was apparently stolen from Niagara, who had nothing Friday. You're bound to have a down game or two during a season, but the first round of the CHA Tournament against Robert Morris was not the best time to have it. The Purps had only a handful of truly solid games among them Friday, and left stunned. It was over as quick as it started, with only a Derek Foam goal to show for it in a 2-1 loss. Talk about depressing.
Luckily for me, they sell Newcastle on tap in our hotel.
By the way, if we really want to be Hockey Town, we're might want to step it up and move to Hockey State, which is Minnesota. Can you imagine the WNY Federation Hockey playoffs on Network TV, all-day-long for two days? Not only that, but folks were glued to it, even over the Wild/Avalanche game. The hockey was pretty good, too.
Saturday
All that remained is a consolation game, one which world provide the biggest hit I've ever seen in person, but first, I ask you:
What does a sane 27-year old man do with a few spare hours before game time?
Why, I'm glad you asked. I walked on the frozen Mississippi River/Lake Bemidji.
Nothing was altered. The sky is that blue in Minnesota.
I've gotta say, I'd like to spend more time in Central Minnesota. Chalk it up there above St. Augustine and Nashville, and below Buffalo and Chicago for my favorite all-around places in our country. Let me tell you, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are from Bemidji. The air is crisp, it's really cold and... well, it's the Southern Tier with more evergreens.
Anyway, to the hit... Sullivan absolutely unloaded on a guy from Alabama-Huntsville. The kid had just made a tip-pass outside his own blue line and still had his head down when Sullivan put his shoulder directly through the kid's chest and massaged his spine. Wow. That's what I love about college hockey. They're all super-skilled versions of 13-year old me finally getting into a Pee Wee checking league. Imagine teams with 70 percent Patrick Kaletas. NU head man Dave Burkeholder recruits some massive hitters.
Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Smith, Burkie and the coaching staff's morning hockey trivia quizzes. I think I held my own, but I've got nothing on assistant coach Jerry Forton. Not only does he have about 10-15 years of hockey love on me, and played D-I soccer, but he knows names I've never heard of.
Hopefully they let me come back, cause I'm training. Hope you know about Hakan Loob, Jerry...
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Only part of that came true, as the Purple Eagles were one -- and a consolation game -- and done, but it doesn't mean I didn't take in Minnesota... and find it as wonderful a place as I've been outside of the Windy City.
Thursday afternoon
Actually, that 10,000 lakes thing seems pretty legit.
Believe it or not, my first trip to the Niagara Falls International Airport... and I'm glad they are building a new terminal. Get on an Xpress Jet, which posed a couple of problems for my intensified flying fears, post-3407. I'd never heard of the company, but the aeroplane looked fresh and clean. Some meditating and iPod and we're all set.
Sat in the back of the plane, which was a giant mistake. I take that back, the mistake was having the seat next to the lavatory, as my older grade school substitute teachers would say. Sat near Niagara PR man extraordinaire Chris Smith, as well as defenseman Dan Sullivan and goaltender Juliano Pagliero (who will play in the league).
Turns out "Pags" and forward Ted Cook were interested in hosting sports talk. I emailed Ted to see if he was interested in maybe doing a podcast. He wrote back today. He was, but has a bit of a problem...
He just signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, home of former NU cap Barrett Ehgoetz. Perhaps the Canadiens or Predators will see a spot for him. I always wonder how these college kids do it. Fresh off a full college season, go refresh yourself with four days off and a trip to the ECHL. Nice.
(By the way, Thursday is $1 beer night at the Cyclones game. Who's up for a road trip?)
EDIT NOTE: NU captain Vince Rocco inked a deal with the Reading Royals of the ECHL as well. The Royals are affiliated with the Leafs, who signed Kyle Rogers to the Marlies after last season. Pagliero was in Ottawa's developmental camp last year, and should get a look soon.
Friday
Fresh off a Thursday evening CHA Awards banquet that saw Niagara sweep the two major awards, with Pagliero winning Player of the Year and Vince Rocco getting Student-Athlete of the Year, I'm feeling pretty good about getting a little "Niagara is going dancing" call on my resume tape, whichever sick verbage I use to confuse folks.
Quick aside... Rocco deserved the academic award, and if you think I'm wrong, consider he never scored below an A during his collegiate career. His GPA is over 4.1, and he was the top economic student in the school. Book it.
Before we get to the game, let's talk a little about Bemidji State University, which is pretty much fresh off the set of "The Wonder Years," if Kevin Arnold grew up in Minnesota. With its brick buildings and overly-polite folks, BSU is the type of school where people "go steady." I'll say it... I'd let my daughter go there if she demanded going out of town for school.
I don't have a daughter.
Anyway, the apparent "jam" and "grit" the Sabres showed Thursday against Florida was apparently stolen from Niagara, who had nothing Friday. You're bound to have a down game or two during a season, but the first round of the CHA Tournament against Robert Morris was not the best time to have it. The Purps had only a handful of truly solid games among them Friday, and left stunned. It was over as quick as it started, with only a Derek Foam goal to show for it in a 2-1 loss. Talk about depressing.
Luckily for me, they sell Newcastle on tap in our hotel.
By the way, if we really want to be Hockey Town, we're might want to step it up and move to Hockey State, which is Minnesota. Can you imagine the WNY Federation Hockey playoffs on Network TV, all-day-long for two days? Not only that, but folks were glued to it, even over the Wild/Avalanche game. The hockey was pretty good, too.
Saturday
All that remained is a consolation game, one which world provide the biggest hit I've ever seen in person, but first, I ask you:
What does a sane 27-year old man do with a few spare hours before game time?
Why, I'm glad you asked. I walked on the frozen Mississippi River/Lake Bemidji.
Nothing was altered. The sky is that blue in Minnesota.
I've gotta say, I'd like to spend more time in Central Minnesota. Chalk it up there above St. Augustine and Nashville, and below Buffalo and Chicago for my favorite all-around places in our country. Let me tell you, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox are from Bemidji. The air is crisp, it's really cold and... well, it's the Southern Tier with more evergreens.
Anyway, to the hit... Sullivan absolutely unloaded on a guy from Alabama-Huntsville. The kid had just made a tip-pass outside his own blue line and still had his head down when Sullivan put his shoulder directly through the kid's chest and massaged his spine. Wow. That's what I love about college hockey. They're all super-skilled versions of 13-year old me finally getting into a Pee Wee checking league. Imagine teams with 70 percent Patrick Kaletas. NU head man Dave Burkeholder recruits some massive hitters.
Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Smith, Burkie and the coaching staff's morning hockey trivia quizzes. I think I held my own, but I've got nothing on assistant coach Jerry Forton. Not only does he have about 10-15 years of hockey love on me, and played D-I soccer, but he knows names I've never heard of.
Hopefully they let me come back, cause I'm training. Hope you know about Hakan Loob, Jerry...
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A second bag of mail on Owens
Back by popular demand, and due to boatloads of more email, it's the T.O. mailbag. Here are some more emails to Howard, Jeremy and myself:
As excited as I am for TO coming to Buffalo, the one thing no one is talking about is that this is the year that will determine if Trent Edwards is an NFL quarterback.
This year will show if Trent can truly handle the pressure. With the weapons that Trent now has, there is no reason for the offense to succeed.
Tim in Tonawanda
Tim, you're absolutely right. Edwards' offseason has to be 90 percent excitement and 10 person nerves... and if he can't shake those presumed 10 percent nerves, would you really want him to be your quarterback?
===
The one stat not mentioned is yards after the catch. T.O.'s yards after the catch have gone down each season and last year he was the among the worst in the league. He is a quarterback killer, has had problems with all 3 quarterbacks he's played with. Problems with offensive coordinators. These things will not go away, his negatives outweigh his positives, other wise he'd still be playing for the 49ers! You'll be sorry Bills fans.
Marc
Maybe, Marc, but the first problem with your argument is the whole “throwing out stats that don’t matter/lying” thing.
Would you take Andre Johnson, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Reggie Wayne, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards or Lee Evans? Of those six, only Johnson had a better YAC than Owens, and it was by .1 yard-per-catch.
Then again, Jonnie Lee Higgins, Devery Henderson and Chansi Stuckey out-YAC’ed Owens by a mile. Go get ‘em.
When you catch the ball in the end zone, you can’t get any more yards after the catch, by the way. He had that happen several times. That’s why I’m not going to reply to the rest of your email. Great Job!
===
Does the T.O. move make other big names wanna come here?
Jim in Rochester
I don't know about big names, but I think if you're Cato June, or Derrick Brooks -- I suppose former big names -- it certainly becomes a more appealing locale. I mean, now there are two Pro Bowlers from other teams on the Bills! Attaboy, Marcus Stroud 2003-05! Get into it.
===
Can't believe that I'm really awake and the Bills have T.O. ! I don't think there is anything but upside to this deal as T.O. surely must realize by now that his image is such that he is known throughout the league as "selfish" and to put it bluntly, a real jerk! I don't fault him for wanting to win, it's the manner in which he displays his frustration that is the problem, and has been since his days in San Fransisco.
That being said, he does put up numbers and has for quite some time. Owens can show these younger Bills what type of work you need to put in daily to be able to perform and be succesful in the NFL. I think his agent Drew Rosenhaus is smart enough to relay to Owens that he needs to smarten up and start being a "team" guys as his "act" is getting old.
Not only is this a chance for Owens to show that he can still be the elite player he has been for most of his career , but it also gives the Bills the chance to show other prospective free agents that Buffalo is a place, where you can go and be successful, and lose this perception other players have towards Buffalo as being a place where your career ends !
As Owens said in his press conference , he is intense, passionate and demanding of himself as well as his teammates, which can only bring out the best (hopefully) from the younger players . His intensity will rub off on some of these guys making this Bills team better already! Wow, I still can't believe we have this type of "gamebreaker" in a Bills uniform !
Anthony in Tonawanda
First, and foremost, don’t presume that anyone has learned something because he is in his mid-30s. You’d think after getting off a double-murder charge would help O.J. change his ways, but those memorabilia dealers would beg to differ.
That said, I’m about 95 percent in for throwing a spice bomb into that locker room.
===
Your caller Russ just stated that Lee Evans is an elite receiver it just wasnt shown because no one could get him the ball deep!! Who the hell does he think is going to get TO the ball deep????? Edwards can’t throw deep to evans but miraculously can get the ball deep to T.O.?? Right!
Edwards will not be able to get the ball deep to Owens, his line cant protect him long enough and then like Vesuvious (sic) Owens will erupt and the avalanche will begin and this malignant mass will slowly destroy the team.
The original Jeremy hater
Dear TOJH,
How long have you known Jeremy?
I don’t disagree – and who could – that Owens is a threat to the “locker room,” but I’d also like to stick to the idea that this “locker room chemistry being amazing” thing means much. How much would you love Owens and Aaron Schobel hating each other and showing up on game day just to show each other up?
That said, I’m not sweating the avalanche, because the snow would probably melt quickly. I’m sweating the lava. That stuff is hot. The debris may end up getting you, but the lava is really scary.
===
Just a thought I had regarding TO I think it is a good move and here’s why: Last year when the Bills lost to San Fran on the Sunday after Thanksgiving at home I believe 13-3 that was my low point of the year, you guys had Joe D. on the show I believe the next morning and he said something to me that really stuck with me. He said what bothered him the most was after the game he saw some of the players up at the casino laughing it up having a great time.
That’s all fine and good but when you just lost a game like that to a team you should of beat you should be ticked off and upset and he said he didn’t get that feeling at all, I honestly feel in a situation like that TO would be all over some of the players and giving them a earful because he takes it so personnel nothing wrong with that, another example
Back in the glory years everyone remembers Jim Kelly on national TV giving Howard the House Ballard a earful after he missed a block and got clobbered he went off on him on the sidelines nothing wrong with that, Howard Ballard had a better year ended up getting a big contract and moving on my point is WE NEED SOMEBODY to do that again and if he’s the man so be it.
I like the last point the most. Again, it’s okay to dislike the move, but who would debate that this team could use a disciplinarian or two. Say what you will about London Fletcher, but I always felt like he had a certain command of that defense… not that they were world beaters…
===
Not sure if you’ve seen it, but Hitler sure is mad about the T.O. signing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okhiJjuefPw
Check out this video on you tube.
We’ve seen it. It’s clever. I promise, promise, promise, promise to you that we’ve seen it. Plus, Hitler was one of history’s biggest atrocities, so if he’s mad… that’s probably a good thing. The only Reich worth a hill of beans was Frank.
===
Howard, The addition of T.O. to our team will certainly make the upcoming season an exciting one. We are certain to get some more prime-time games. Did anyone bring up the question of which game we will lose to Toronto this year? I'm hoping that it is not the New England game. I would love to see Moss Vs Owens here on a Monday Night. Your thoughts?
Steve in Bflo
I’ve heard whispers of New England and Buffalo on MNF or SNF to open the season. I think you’ll see New Orleans in Toronto in December. That’s just a guess, but it seems to make sense. Maybe Indianapolis to get Peyton Manning up there, but I would hope the Bills would try to weigh in on that one… Manning in a dome would be a field trip for the Colts. That said, the Bills didn’t have much say in the Miami game being moved…
===
I had to laugh listening to the interview with Randy Galloway. It was refreshing to hear somebody being honest & actually pointing out what a jerk Owens is, & what a negative impact he will almost certainly have on a team. I have this mental picture of you guys sputtering over your microphones, panic-stricken over the fact that somebody actually believes this is a horrible idea. Personally, I find it disturbing that the vast majority of the local media, print & broadcast are fawning over this ridiculous choice. Don't you find it strange that ( according to many sources, including Vic Carucci ) apparently no other team seemed interested in signing this clown? It comes across to me as nothing but a marketing move, granted a brilliant one. I don't disagree that as a pure football move, it is an improvement at the position. However, the negatives far outweigh the positives. It seems like Edwards is already a little fragile mentally, can you imagine when Owens gets inside his head?
I have visions of Edwards on the bench, in the fetal position, telling Jauron, "Make him go away!! History has shown that he is a bad teammate & a bad influence in the locker room.”
This can't be ignored, yet the majority view seems to want to. Lastly, if I hear that this idiot "makes us relevant" one more time, I'm going to scream. We need Terrell Owens to make us relevant as a city? Really?!!! Remember this e-mail when the poop hits the fan, (I give it 3 weeks into the regular season ) As far as T.O.'s "get the popcorn ready " quote, while You are all reaching for the popcorn bags, I'll be reraching for a vomit bag.
Larry Murphy
Larry, first off… loved your work with the Red Wings and Penguins.
I – and we – just don’t see what’s ridiculous about it. If Edwards isn’t tough enough to handle Owens, then he isn’t tough enough. Elway, Kelly, Favre… showed moxie at a young age. Edwards seems to be at least keen on being a leader, if not a leader already. That’s a good sign. Worst case scenario, you spent $6.5 million on a mistake during a season that sets up as 5-11 or 6-10 without the risk. There’s an inherent risk in the signing, yes, but you have to break eggs to make an omelet (that phrase is completely irrelevant, but I wanted to use it).
I probably won’t remember the email when the “poop hits the fan.” Instead, I’ll duck.
===
T.O. is known for stirring things up on the sidelines and challenging players and coaches. The media makes the way that he goes about it controversial, and calls it divisive and deems him a cancer in the locker room. I think the reason that people point the finger at him is because he is such a high profile player and speaks his mind, and he brings such a great expectation to the team, that when the team loses all fingers point to T.O. but when the team wins, it’s a team effort.
Here in Buffalo, this is exactly what we need. Right now there is no voice of the Buffalo Bills. The coach is emotionless and shows no passion whether they win or lose. The players give politically correct answers when asked questions and sit on the sidelines content to be a 50% team and collect their paycheck. T.O. can help bring emotion and passion back to Buffalo, whether it is good or bad, at least we will show some sign of life… something that we haven’t had since Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas.
I tend to agree. The story that Owens was with two wide receivers when he went to Jason Garrett to talk about Tony Romo targeting Jason Witten… I wonder how many of those will continue to come out. The star is the target. It just so happens with Owens, that it’s usually reported to be on the mark.
===
I'm leaning towards liking this move more than not but let me say that I am concerned about this point: If players in Dallas and Philly, markets loaded with controversy, were distracted by Owens's shenanigans, how are the Bills players going to handle all the extra attention around their team? Buffalo hasn't exactly been a hotbed of relevancy in the football world for awhile. Owens will change all that now. It's likely to be much tougher to concentrate on football related matters such as game preparation just because the team hasn't really experienced before what is yet to come.
Dale
Well, here’s one thing that could work in Buffalo’s favor – Do you remember how the players freaked out about finally getting a Monday Night game and almost beating the Cowboys if not for some remarkable coaching failures in the last two minutes? Yeah, that happened, and it seems pro athletes love getting in ESPN the Magazine and SI, even if the questions aren’t about them.
===
The signing of TO definitely gets filed in the “nothing to lose” category. I love the signing! If we didn’t make the playoffs Jauron was going to be gone and the team imploded anyway. Worst case scenario that still happens. Notice that the only times he has caused trouble is when he is losing. When any of the teams he was on were winning he caused no problems. He just wants to win and we desperately need some of that in Buffalo. For years it seemed as if the fans cared more about winning than the team. You can’t say that anymore! I think we are going to turn a lot of heads this year.
Forget the naysayers. Go Bills.
I like this email, mostly because it says “Go Bills.”
===
1. Obviously, his presence on the field will immediately produce double coverage. Isn't that what we all wished Lee Evans had, a second threat to allow him to get lose?
2. He will draw NATIONAL ATTENTION. If T.O. isn't happy about the players (lack of motivation) the coaching (can't use time outs properly) he will voice his opinion. The national news will cover it and now the BILLS can't ignore the national media. They can blow off or jerk the local media around but they will have to respond to the National Media. Everyone will be accountable "FOR ONCE". He may be head case but everyone listens when he talks and this will allow the National Media to listen and dissect the situation.
3. T.O. is a big receiver. James Hardy is a big receiver. TO has a "Work Ethic" that most of the media choose to ignore. If he can work with Hardy and show Hardy how to use his large frame to his advantage, this would help Hardy achieve more confidence which will increase his production on the field. Place T.O. , Evans, and Hardy on the field together and Edwards can't miss hitting one of these guys.
1. Right… or Evans will be double covered and Owens will see the most single coverage in years.
2. Sure.
3. The work ethic one is an interesting one. I remember reading about Owens training with Jerry Rice on his crazy offseason hill-running deals a while back. I really don’t think the question is Owens’ ability.
===
I listen to you guys every day that I am able. I have to tell you, when I first heard the news about T.O. on Saturday, I thought it was a joke. Much like the one going around where someone had their car broken into and the criminal left their Bills' tickets on the dash.
Then, when I realized it was true, I was angry. "How could the Bills be so stupid?, what a waste of money!! Has Ralph gone completely over the edge?" That was just the beginning. After that shock though has somewhat worn off, I couldn't be happier. The Bills are relevant again. The fact that I have heard a number of times on national broadcasts "North America's Team". The idea that ESPN will be following the Bills this summer. Other players may want to actually think about playing for Buffalo. The game in Toronto may actually be a home game. I can't wait.
Thanks for the great show guys.
Dan Barone
In the words of Cameo, “Word Up.” I think we all went through the shock cycle, and many agree with you. Having Buffalo in the spotlight for potentially positive reasons just works for a lot of us.
===
Yeah, it's March... nick@wgr550.com
As excited as I am for TO coming to Buffalo, the one thing no one is talking about is that this is the year that will determine if Trent Edwards is an NFL quarterback.
This year will show if Trent can truly handle the pressure. With the weapons that Trent now has, there is no reason for the offense to succeed.
Tim in Tonawanda
Tim, you're absolutely right. Edwards' offseason has to be 90 percent excitement and 10 person nerves... and if he can't shake those presumed 10 percent nerves, would you really want him to be your quarterback?
===
The one stat not mentioned is yards after the catch. T.O.'s yards after the catch have gone down each season and last year he was the among the worst in the league. He is a quarterback killer, has had problems with all 3 quarterbacks he's played with. Problems with offensive coordinators. These things will not go away, his negatives outweigh his positives, other wise he'd still be playing for the 49ers! You'll be sorry Bills fans.
Marc
Maybe, Marc, but the first problem with your argument is the whole “throwing out stats that don’t matter/lying” thing.
Would you take Andre Johnson, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Reggie Wayne, Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards or Lee Evans? Of those six, only Johnson had a better YAC than Owens, and it was by .1 yard-per-catch.
Then again, Jonnie Lee Higgins, Devery Henderson and Chansi Stuckey out-YAC’ed Owens by a mile. Go get ‘em.
When you catch the ball in the end zone, you can’t get any more yards after the catch, by the way. He had that happen several times. That’s why I’m not going to reply to the rest of your email. Great Job!
===
Does the T.O. move make other big names wanna come here?
Jim in Rochester
I don't know about big names, but I think if you're Cato June, or Derrick Brooks -- I suppose former big names -- it certainly becomes a more appealing locale. I mean, now there are two Pro Bowlers from other teams on the Bills! Attaboy, Marcus Stroud 2003-05! Get into it.
===
Can't believe that I'm really awake and the Bills have T.O. ! I don't think there is anything but upside to this deal as T.O. surely must realize by now that his image is such that he is known throughout the league as "selfish" and to put it bluntly, a real jerk! I don't fault him for wanting to win, it's the manner in which he displays his frustration that is the problem, and has been since his days in San Fransisco.
That being said, he does put up numbers and has for quite some time. Owens can show these younger Bills what type of work you need to put in daily to be able to perform and be succesful in the NFL. I think his agent Drew Rosenhaus is smart enough to relay to Owens that he needs to smarten up and start being a "team" guys as his "act" is getting old.
Not only is this a chance for Owens to show that he can still be the elite player he has been for most of his career , but it also gives the Bills the chance to show other prospective free agents that Buffalo is a place, where you can go and be successful, and lose this perception other players have towards Buffalo as being a place where your career ends !
As Owens said in his press conference , he is intense, passionate and demanding of himself as well as his teammates, which can only bring out the best (hopefully) from the younger players . His intensity will rub off on some of these guys making this Bills team better already! Wow, I still can't believe we have this type of "gamebreaker" in a Bills uniform !
Anthony in Tonawanda
First, and foremost, don’t presume that anyone has learned something because he is in his mid-30s. You’d think after getting off a double-murder charge would help O.J. change his ways, but those memorabilia dealers would beg to differ.
That said, I’m about 95 percent in for throwing a spice bomb into that locker room.
===
Your caller Russ just stated that Lee Evans is an elite receiver it just wasnt shown because no one could get him the ball deep!! Who the hell does he think is going to get TO the ball deep????? Edwards can’t throw deep to evans but miraculously can get the ball deep to T.O.?? Right!
Edwards will not be able to get the ball deep to Owens, his line cant protect him long enough and then like Vesuvious (sic) Owens will erupt and the avalanche will begin and this malignant mass will slowly destroy the team.
The original Jeremy hater
Dear TOJH,
How long have you known Jeremy?
I don’t disagree – and who could – that Owens is a threat to the “locker room,” but I’d also like to stick to the idea that this “locker room chemistry being amazing” thing means much. How much would you love Owens and Aaron Schobel hating each other and showing up on game day just to show each other up?
That said, I’m not sweating the avalanche, because the snow would probably melt quickly. I’m sweating the lava. That stuff is hot. The debris may end up getting you, but the lava is really scary.
===
Just a thought I had regarding TO I think it is a good move and here’s why: Last year when the Bills lost to San Fran on the Sunday after Thanksgiving at home I believe 13-3 that was my low point of the year, you guys had Joe D. on the show I believe the next morning and he said something to me that really stuck with me. He said what bothered him the most was after the game he saw some of the players up at the casino laughing it up having a great time.
That’s all fine and good but when you just lost a game like that to a team you should of beat you should be ticked off and upset and he said he didn’t get that feeling at all, I honestly feel in a situation like that TO would be all over some of the players and giving them a earful because he takes it so personnel nothing wrong with that, another example
Back in the glory years everyone remembers Jim Kelly on national TV giving Howard the House Ballard a earful after he missed a block and got clobbered he went off on him on the sidelines nothing wrong with that, Howard Ballard had a better year ended up getting a big contract and moving on my point is WE NEED SOMEBODY to do that again and if he’s the man so be it.
I like the last point the most. Again, it’s okay to dislike the move, but who would debate that this team could use a disciplinarian or two. Say what you will about London Fletcher, but I always felt like he had a certain command of that defense… not that they were world beaters…
===
Not sure if you’ve seen it, but Hitler sure is mad about the T.O. signing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okhiJjuefPw
Check out this video on you tube.
We’ve seen it. It’s clever. I promise, promise, promise, promise to you that we’ve seen it. Plus, Hitler was one of history’s biggest atrocities, so if he’s mad… that’s probably a good thing. The only Reich worth a hill of beans was Frank.
===
Howard, The addition of T.O. to our team will certainly make the upcoming season an exciting one. We are certain to get some more prime-time games. Did anyone bring up the question of which game we will lose to Toronto this year? I'm hoping that it is not the New England game. I would love to see Moss Vs Owens here on a Monday Night. Your thoughts?
Steve in Bflo
I’ve heard whispers of New England and Buffalo on MNF or SNF to open the season. I think you’ll see New Orleans in Toronto in December. That’s just a guess, but it seems to make sense. Maybe Indianapolis to get Peyton Manning up there, but I would hope the Bills would try to weigh in on that one… Manning in a dome would be a field trip for the Colts. That said, the Bills didn’t have much say in the Miami game being moved…
===
I had to laugh listening to the interview with Randy Galloway. It was refreshing to hear somebody being honest & actually pointing out what a jerk Owens is, & what a negative impact he will almost certainly have on a team. I have this mental picture of you guys sputtering over your microphones, panic-stricken over the fact that somebody actually believes this is a horrible idea. Personally, I find it disturbing that the vast majority of the local media, print & broadcast are fawning over this ridiculous choice. Don't you find it strange that ( according to many sources, including Vic Carucci ) apparently no other team seemed interested in signing this clown? It comes across to me as nothing but a marketing move, granted a brilliant one. I don't disagree that as a pure football move, it is an improvement at the position. However, the negatives far outweigh the positives. It seems like Edwards is already a little fragile mentally, can you imagine when Owens gets inside his head?
I have visions of Edwards on the bench, in the fetal position, telling Jauron, "Make him go away!! History has shown that he is a bad teammate & a bad influence in the locker room.”
This can't be ignored, yet the majority view seems to want to. Lastly, if I hear that this idiot "makes us relevant" one more time, I'm going to scream. We need Terrell Owens to make us relevant as a city? Really?!!! Remember this e-mail when the poop hits the fan, (I give it 3 weeks into the regular season ) As far as T.O.'s "get the popcorn ready " quote, while You are all reaching for the popcorn bags, I'll be reraching for a vomit bag.
Larry Murphy
Larry, first off… loved your work with the Red Wings and Penguins.
I – and we – just don’t see what’s ridiculous about it. If Edwards isn’t tough enough to handle Owens, then he isn’t tough enough. Elway, Kelly, Favre… showed moxie at a young age. Edwards seems to be at least keen on being a leader, if not a leader already. That’s a good sign. Worst case scenario, you spent $6.5 million on a mistake during a season that sets up as 5-11 or 6-10 without the risk. There’s an inherent risk in the signing, yes, but you have to break eggs to make an omelet (that phrase is completely irrelevant, but I wanted to use it).
I probably won’t remember the email when the “poop hits the fan.” Instead, I’ll duck.
===
T.O. is known for stirring things up on the sidelines and challenging players and coaches. The media makes the way that he goes about it controversial, and calls it divisive and deems him a cancer in the locker room. I think the reason that people point the finger at him is because he is such a high profile player and speaks his mind, and he brings such a great expectation to the team, that when the team loses all fingers point to T.O. but when the team wins, it’s a team effort.
Here in Buffalo, this is exactly what we need. Right now there is no voice of the Buffalo Bills. The coach is emotionless and shows no passion whether they win or lose. The players give politically correct answers when asked questions and sit on the sidelines content to be a 50% team and collect their paycheck. T.O. can help bring emotion and passion back to Buffalo, whether it is good or bad, at least we will show some sign of life… something that we haven’t had since Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas.
I tend to agree. The story that Owens was with two wide receivers when he went to Jason Garrett to talk about Tony Romo targeting Jason Witten… I wonder how many of those will continue to come out. The star is the target. It just so happens with Owens, that it’s usually reported to be on the mark.
===
I'm leaning towards liking this move more than not but let me say that I am concerned about this point: If players in Dallas and Philly, markets loaded with controversy, were distracted by Owens's shenanigans, how are the Bills players going to handle all the extra attention around their team? Buffalo hasn't exactly been a hotbed of relevancy in the football world for awhile. Owens will change all that now. It's likely to be much tougher to concentrate on football related matters such as game preparation just because the team hasn't really experienced before what is yet to come.
Dale
Well, here’s one thing that could work in Buffalo’s favor – Do you remember how the players freaked out about finally getting a Monday Night game and almost beating the Cowboys if not for some remarkable coaching failures in the last two minutes? Yeah, that happened, and it seems pro athletes love getting in ESPN the Magazine and SI, even if the questions aren’t about them.
===
The signing of TO definitely gets filed in the “nothing to lose” category. I love the signing! If we didn’t make the playoffs Jauron was going to be gone and the team imploded anyway. Worst case scenario that still happens. Notice that the only times he has caused trouble is when he is losing. When any of the teams he was on were winning he caused no problems. He just wants to win and we desperately need some of that in Buffalo. For years it seemed as if the fans cared more about winning than the team. You can’t say that anymore! I think we are going to turn a lot of heads this year.
Forget the naysayers. Go Bills.
I like this email, mostly because it says “Go Bills.”
===
1. Obviously, his presence on the field will immediately produce double coverage. Isn't that what we all wished Lee Evans had, a second threat to allow him to get lose?
2. He will draw NATIONAL ATTENTION. If T.O. isn't happy about the players (lack of motivation) the coaching (can't use time outs properly) he will voice his opinion. The national news will cover it and now the BILLS can't ignore the national media. They can blow off or jerk the local media around but they will have to respond to the National Media. Everyone will be accountable "FOR ONCE". He may be head case but everyone listens when he talks and this will allow the National Media to listen and dissect the situation.
3. T.O. is a big receiver. James Hardy is a big receiver. TO has a "Work Ethic" that most of the media choose to ignore. If he can work with Hardy and show Hardy how to use his large frame to his advantage, this would help Hardy achieve more confidence which will increase his production on the field. Place T.O. , Evans, and Hardy on the field together and Edwards can't miss hitting one of these guys.
1. Right… or Evans will be double covered and Owens will see the most single coverage in years.
2. Sure.
3. The work ethic one is an interesting one. I remember reading about Owens training with Jerry Rice on his crazy offseason hill-running deals a while back. I really don’t think the question is Owens’ ability.
===
I listen to you guys every day that I am able. I have to tell you, when I first heard the news about T.O. on Saturday, I thought it was a joke. Much like the one going around where someone had their car broken into and the criminal left their Bills' tickets on the dash.
Then, when I realized it was true, I was angry. "How could the Bills be so stupid?, what a waste of money!! Has Ralph gone completely over the edge?" That was just the beginning. After that shock though has somewhat worn off, I couldn't be happier. The Bills are relevant again. The fact that I have heard a number of times on national broadcasts "North America's Team". The idea that ESPN will be following the Bills this summer. Other players may want to actually think about playing for Buffalo. The game in Toronto may actually be a home game. I can't wait.
Thanks for the great show guys.
Dan Barone
In the words of Cameo, “Word Up.” I think we all went through the shock cycle, and many agree with you. Having Buffalo in the spotlight for potentially positive reasons just works for a lot of us.
===
Yeah, it's March... nick@wgr550.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Praise and Fallout: The T.O. Mailbag
It isn't yet T-Overkill in Western New York, but folks are coming out of the proverbial woodwork to talk Terrell. Let's see what we can do about that. It's an Owens Mailbag! Here is a sampling of an email day that rivaled a Bills Game Day.
Nick,
To cancel a whole day of radio to talk T.O is ridiculous and will not matter until he steps on the field. T.O. that stands for Toronto. Go there and I won’t waste my tax dollars on that stadium upkeep anymore.
Sincerely,
Mick from Holland
Mick,
First off, I did go there. Saturday, for the World Baseball Classic. No joke: I can\'t believe how much construction is going on in Toronto's suburbs.
To be honest, Mick, I appreciate your opinion, and am not wild about going in to work an extra shift on Sunday (though at the same time, very excited about the unknown).
It\'s a weird world, Mick,
Nick
===
Nick,
Nobody has mentioned yet anything about T.O. getting a chance to go head to head with Randy Moss twice a year. Not a huge deal, but I'm sure T.O. has that in the back of his mind and thinks he's the No. 1 No. 81, not Moss. I think Moss being younger and having Brady is an advantage for Moss, but either way, it should be interesting.
At first I was disgusted with this move. But the more I think about it, the Bills weren't winning the Super Bowl anyway. I hope the Bills finally make the playoffs just to give us something, but even if they don't, with T.O., at least we\'d be a talked about loser than just a loser.
-Mike
Yeah, Mike, Moss is younger, but it's like saying a team can't win the Stanley Cup or O'Brien Trophy as a No. 8 seed. You hope for the best in a league that has tumult year-after-year. Let's put it this way -- for the first time in a long time, the Pats, Jets and Dolphins had to look at a move the Bills made and say, "Oh, crap." At the very least, it\'s a very exciting day to be a Bills supporter.
===
Nick,
I've heard a few callers say T.O. is a jerk ...and I like most agree with that.
The difference now is, HE IS OUR JERK.
Don't like him but I love the move. Hey, it's one year, what's the harm? T.O., unlike Lynch, has never had run-ins w the law
Great Show...
BuffalOwens
JOHN In SUNY Fredonia
See, John, when I came up with Buffal-Owens, I figured that was the worst-case scenario, that the Bills would become a circus, but it is going to be funny. Here's an amazing thing to think about -- Buffalo's schedule was already a bear before T.O., and I was thinking 5-11 or 6-10 with an average draft. Owens was so good last year, even with the drops, that I think you can add at least two wins. Heck, if you limited Owens to the 2008 Hardy role, you're talking five more touchdowns.
===
Nick,
I’m listening to you now.. i know we're old friends but.. I'm a Dallas fan first and I can tell you....T.O. didn't cause as many problems as it seemed... it was just a bunch of media junk.. you know it.. I know it.. unfortunately, Owens wears his heart on his sleeve and it makes a great story.. but as a Dallas fan... I never had a problem with him.. The only problem I had with him was he dropped 10 balls.. but hey... Marshawn dropped 8 balls!
Josh in E. Aurora
John Clayton made a good point about the dropped balls... most of the players around him on that list (Roddy White, Braylon Edwards, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Marshall) are very talented but very young. A veteran like T.O. shouldn\'t have an issue with drops. That said, you have to have a lot of balls tossed your way to drop them. I loved that Marshawn stat, and I'm glad you heard that discussion. As for heart on his sleeve, that sounds good and bad. Also, glad you moved back, friend. We need as many good folks around as possible
By the way, there were a lot of people comparing this to the Sabres signing Sean Avery. I agreed at first, but then I remembered that Avery would have to be a 35-goal scorer for this to be true. This is big, for better or for worse.
===
Nick,
Question: If all works well with Owens here in Buffalo, can he get an extenson to his contract? By signing him to one year, one would speculate that its to see how well he behaves before adding more seasons right away. I as a fan of the Bills welcome this addition and hope everything works out.
Thank you,
Rick from Amherst
Rick,
They'd have to sign him to an in-season extension, and even so, I'm leery of that. I'm also leery of saying "If it all works well." It's like my dad's ancestors saying, "If it all works out well with Mussolini..." Well, not really at all like that, but you get the idea.
===
Nick,
While I love this signing and I think Terrell immediately makes the Bills a better team. I am worried this may distract the front office from our long term goals. This is a short term fix and you can guarantee Terrell will be gone next year. The Bills draft plans need to remain the same as they were last week. Just because we don’t need a tied end this year, doesn’t mean we will not need one next year when Torrel is gone.
Brent
Ontario, Canada
I get that concern, but I also think that if Owens performs well, there will be an idea around the league that a free agent wide-out can come to Buffalo, grab 75 balls and 10 scores, and play the "T.O. role" alongside Lee Evans. Again, let's wait to see if they drown, let alone sink or swim.
===
Nick,
First thing I thought...."No Way!"
First Thing I did....Change my Madden roster... he looks pretty in a Bills uniform, boys!!!
Now The bills will have a respectable madden rating...WOO!
-Brett in Pensacola (Rochester transplant)
I was going to make a joke, but then I remembered how that Dustin Pedroia commercial makes me want to buy a baseball video game. This is 2009, Brett, and there's no going back...
...and I think that if you didn't think, "No way," you're lying!
===
Nick,
I support the move to bring TO in, but I am apprehensive about the drama it might(will) bring. We just lost our starting center (Folwer) Backup center(Preston) and our starting left guard (Dockery). I am concerned about the protection for a young quarterback in Buffalo considering we face Jenkins and Wilfork twice a year. Not to mention our defensive needs.
My point, I'm excited about the move, BUT we have more to do. We need to bring in or trade for a center/gaurd and a strong side backer (Cato June). If we don't get protection and sure up the defense, TO might be a headache.
Cheers,
Bobbo in Rochester
Yes, it's just one move, but it's a big one. I would love getting Cato June, but I'm curious as to whether Owens being in town would be a plus or a minus to the remaining free agents. I can't help but think it's a plus in that you'd be on TV all the time.
As for losing Fowler and Preston, new signee Geoff Hangartner better be better than both. If Hangartner isn't, then everyone ever should be fired, right? I love a post I saw on Two Bills Drive that said, "Trade Roscoe and a sixth for Waters from KC." I'm not saying No. 11 is the guy, but you can think about dealing a wide-out for a disillusioned guard out there. You can think about trading Edwards, Lynch or Peters for an upgrade somewhere. You can think about anything, terrible or wonderful, because the Bills have proven they are willing to do something out-of-the-box for Buffalo now.
===
Nick,
Here is my take:
After the initial shock wore off, I think the the signing is great for all the reasons you stated. What I would like to know is what the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins are thinking. They can't be thrilled! How about posting some comments from their media or better yet get some quotes from their coaches and players. I can't wait to hear Randy Moss and T.O. chirping at each other and trying to out play each other! How about T.O. vs Parcells? This is going to be a blast!
Dave in NT
Sounds like some tickets sold, doesn't it, Dave? I don't think the AFC East is thrilled, but it'll take a signing or two more and a good draft before we think legitimacy, right?
===
Nick,
This is wishful thinking but I would be ecstatic if the BIlls could find a way to package Parrish and maybe a 3rd or 4th-round draft pick for a guy like Tony Gonzalez. He signed a 5-year extension in 2007 and just turned 33. He's not young, but still has plenty of ability and probably 2-3 years of productivity left in him. Who knows if Gonzalez would agree to a Buffalo trade, but GM Scott Pioli is most likely thinking future so trading an aging TE for younger assets while another team still wants Gonzalez seems reasonable. Plus, Pioli was in New England when they brought in Wes Welker who is a very similar player to Roscoe Parrish. Throw in a draft pick for the Chiefs to build with and maybe Pioli would consider it.
I love the excitement Parrish brings on punts, but other than that, the Bills don't get much out of him and now they have too many WRs. I say trade him and his $2+ million salary for something they can use more often. McKelvin or Fred Jackson can handle punts.
-Mike
That's a lot to swallow, man, but it sure is worth talking about, isn't it? Gonzalez did already turn down a Buffalo trade, but it gets back to the free agent conversation from the previous email. Here's what I think, what if Buffalo used Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed like a Wes Welker? Do you think Turk Schonert didn't stay up with a pizza and a bottle of Maker's, drawing up formations with Evans, Owens, Reed, Parrish and Stevie Johnson? Heck, put Justin Jenkins or James Hardy at quarterback.
That said, which of those wide receivers is leaving town. Jenkins is a special teams mainstay, but I'm sure he'd be the fans first pick. Can I Hardy or Parrish trade be that far out-of-the-question? I doubt it.
===
Nick,
Just want to say very impressed with you on GR, they should give you more to do. Plus more money that would be good. I just want to say that Saturday 3/7/09 was one of the weirdest sports days of my life. I got out of work at 4:30 and turned GR on and heard Clayton talking to the tight end draft prospect from Missouri and mention something about him possibly playing w/ TO in the fall and my heart started racing and I was like, WHAT?!!!. So I thought there has to be an update or something, nothing; waited through all the commercials and he came back on and had Mark Gaughan on from the NEWS and I still couldn\'t believe it, and I have heard the news a hundred times now and I still don't know what to think, just like Joe D told you, as a fan you are almost torn, cause what are you getting?, and is this just another big heavy rock waiting to shatter the hearts of all Buffalo sports fans again? Thanks again for listening.
LB
LB,
I always like to end an email with compliments and recommendations for more money. That would be nice, since my wife and I would like to add a regular breakfast back to our lives. The Recession Diet... take that "The Biggest Loser!"
I had a very similar scenario go down. You can read about it here in full, but Lacey and I were leaving the US/Canada game of the World Baseball Classic in Toronto, trying not to hit pedestrians on King Street, when John Clayton tried to make me drive into the Eaton Centre. It was a text message orgy.
Welcome to Buffalo, pal. The media might not be as crazy, but the fans are about to step it up a notch for you. Yes, I know you played in Philadelphia and Dallas. Just wait. You can endorse BBQ pig toes around here and people will buy them.
===
Thanks for the emails, guys. Keep 'em coming, anytime. In the words of Tim and Eric, this should be
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
FUN.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Nick,
To cancel a whole day of radio to talk T.O is ridiculous and will not matter until he steps on the field. T.O. that stands for Toronto. Go there and I won’t waste my tax dollars on that stadium upkeep anymore.
Sincerely,
Mick from Holland
Mick,
First off, I did go there. Saturday, for the World Baseball Classic. No joke: I can\'t believe how much construction is going on in Toronto's suburbs.
To be honest, Mick, I appreciate your opinion, and am not wild about going in to work an extra shift on Sunday (though at the same time, very excited about the unknown).
It\'s a weird world, Mick,
Nick
===
Nick,
Nobody has mentioned yet anything about T.O. getting a chance to go head to head with Randy Moss twice a year. Not a huge deal, but I'm sure T.O. has that in the back of his mind and thinks he's the No. 1 No. 81, not Moss. I think Moss being younger and having Brady is an advantage for Moss, but either way, it should be interesting.
At first I was disgusted with this move. But the more I think about it, the Bills weren't winning the Super Bowl anyway. I hope the Bills finally make the playoffs just to give us something, but even if they don't, with T.O., at least we\'d be a talked about loser than just a loser.
-Mike
Yeah, Mike, Moss is younger, but it's like saying a team can't win the Stanley Cup or O'Brien Trophy as a No. 8 seed. You hope for the best in a league that has tumult year-after-year. Let's put it this way -- for the first time in a long time, the Pats, Jets and Dolphins had to look at a move the Bills made and say, "Oh, crap." At the very least, it\'s a very exciting day to be a Bills supporter.
===
Nick,
I've heard a few callers say T.O. is a jerk ...and I like most agree with that.
The difference now is, HE IS OUR JERK.
Don't like him but I love the move. Hey, it's one year, what's the harm? T.O., unlike Lynch, has never had run-ins w the law
Great Show...
BuffalOwens
JOHN In SUNY Fredonia
See, John, when I came up with Buffal-Owens, I figured that was the worst-case scenario, that the Bills would become a circus, but it is going to be funny. Here's an amazing thing to think about -- Buffalo's schedule was already a bear before T.O., and I was thinking 5-11 or 6-10 with an average draft. Owens was so good last year, even with the drops, that I think you can add at least two wins. Heck, if you limited Owens to the 2008 Hardy role, you're talking five more touchdowns.
===
Nick,
I’m listening to you now.. i know we're old friends but.. I'm a Dallas fan first and I can tell you....T.O. didn't cause as many problems as it seemed... it was just a bunch of media junk.. you know it.. I know it.. unfortunately, Owens wears his heart on his sleeve and it makes a great story.. but as a Dallas fan... I never had a problem with him.. The only problem I had with him was he dropped 10 balls.. but hey... Marshawn dropped 8 balls!
Josh in E. Aurora
John Clayton made a good point about the dropped balls... most of the players around him on that list (Roddy White, Braylon Edwards, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Marshall) are very talented but very young. A veteran like T.O. shouldn\'t have an issue with drops. That said, you have to have a lot of balls tossed your way to drop them. I loved that Marshawn stat, and I'm glad you heard that discussion. As for heart on his sleeve, that sounds good and bad. Also, glad you moved back, friend. We need as many good folks around as possible
By the way, there were a lot of people comparing this to the Sabres signing Sean Avery. I agreed at first, but then I remembered that Avery would have to be a 35-goal scorer for this to be true. This is big, for better or for worse.
===
Nick,
Question: If all works well with Owens here in Buffalo, can he get an extenson to his contract? By signing him to one year, one would speculate that its to see how well he behaves before adding more seasons right away. I as a fan of the Bills welcome this addition and hope everything works out.
Thank you,
Rick from Amherst
Rick,
They'd have to sign him to an in-season extension, and even so, I'm leery of that. I'm also leery of saying "If it all works well." It's like my dad's ancestors saying, "If it all works out well with Mussolini..." Well, not really at all like that, but you get the idea.
===
Nick,
While I love this signing and I think Terrell immediately makes the Bills a better team. I am worried this may distract the front office from our long term goals. This is a short term fix and you can guarantee Terrell will be gone next year. The Bills draft plans need to remain the same as they were last week. Just because we don’t need a tied end this year, doesn’t mean we will not need one next year when Torrel is gone.
Brent
Ontario, Canada
I get that concern, but I also think that if Owens performs well, there will be an idea around the league that a free agent wide-out can come to Buffalo, grab 75 balls and 10 scores, and play the "T.O. role" alongside Lee Evans. Again, let's wait to see if they drown, let alone sink or swim.
===
Nick,
First thing I thought...."No Way!"
First Thing I did....Change my Madden roster... he looks pretty in a Bills uniform, boys!!!
Now The bills will have a respectable madden rating...WOO!
-Brett in Pensacola (Rochester transplant)
I was going to make a joke, but then I remembered how that Dustin Pedroia commercial makes me want to buy a baseball video game. This is 2009, Brett, and there's no going back...
...and I think that if you didn't think, "No way," you're lying!
===
Nick,
I support the move to bring TO in, but I am apprehensive about the drama it might(will) bring. We just lost our starting center (Folwer) Backup center(Preston) and our starting left guard (Dockery). I am concerned about the protection for a young quarterback in Buffalo considering we face Jenkins and Wilfork twice a year. Not to mention our defensive needs.
My point, I'm excited about the move, BUT we have more to do. We need to bring in or trade for a center/gaurd and a strong side backer (Cato June). If we don't get protection and sure up the defense, TO might be a headache.
Cheers,
Bobbo in Rochester
Yes, it's just one move, but it's a big one. I would love getting Cato June, but I'm curious as to whether Owens being in town would be a plus or a minus to the remaining free agents. I can't help but think it's a plus in that you'd be on TV all the time.
As for losing Fowler and Preston, new signee Geoff Hangartner better be better than both. If Hangartner isn't, then everyone ever should be fired, right? I love a post I saw on Two Bills Drive that said, "Trade Roscoe and a sixth for Waters from KC." I'm not saying No. 11 is the guy, but you can think about dealing a wide-out for a disillusioned guard out there. You can think about trading Edwards, Lynch or Peters for an upgrade somewhere. You can think about anything, terrible or wonderful, because the Bills have proven they are willing to do something out-of-the-box for Buffalo now.
===
Nick,
Here is my take:
After the initial shock wore off, I think the the signing is great for all the reasons you stated. What I would like to know is what the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins are thinking. They can't be thrilled! How about posting some comments from their media or better yet get some quotes from their coaches and players. I can't wait to hear Randy Moss and T.O. chirping at each other and trying to out play each other! How about T.O. vs Parcells? This is going to be a blast!
Dave in NT
Sounds like some tickets sold, doesn't it, Dave? I don't think the AFC East is thrilled, but it'll take a signing or two more and a good draft before we think legitimacy, right?
===
Nick,
This is wishful thinking but I would be ecstatic if the BIlls could find a way to package Parrish and maybe a 3rd or 4th-round draft pick for a guy like Tony Gonzalez. He signed a 5-year extension in 2007 and just turned 33. He's not young, but still has plenty of ability and probably 2-3 years of productivity left in him. Who knows if Gonzalez would agree to a Buffalo trade, but GM Scott Pioli is most likely thinking future so trading an aging TE for younger assets while another team still wants Gonzalez seems reasonable. Plus, Pioli was in New England when they brought in Wes Welker who is a very similar player to Roscoe Parrish. Throw in a draft pick for the Chiefs to build with and maybe Pioli would consider it.
I love the excitement Parrish brings on punts, but other than that, the Bills don't get much out of him and now they have too many WRs. I say trade him and his $2+ million salary for something they can use more often. McKelvin or Fred Jackson can handle punts.
-Mike
That's a lot to swallow, man, but it sure is worth talking about, isn't it? Gonzalez did already turn down a Buffalo trade, but it gets back to the free agent conversation from the previous email. Here's what I think, what if Buffalo used Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed like a Wes Welker? Do you think Turk Schonert didn't stay up with a pizza and a bottle of Maker's, drawing up formations with Evans, Owens, Reed, Parrish and Stevie Johnson? Heck, put Justin Jenkins or James Hardy at quarterback.
That said, which of those wide receivers is leaving town. Jenkins is a special teams mainstay, but I'm sure he'd be the fans first pick. Can I Hardy or Parrish trade be that far out-of-the-question? I doubt it.
===
Nick,
Just want to say very impressed with you on GR, they should give you more to do. Plus more money that would be good. I just want to say that Saturday 3/7/09 was one of the weirdest sports days of my life. I got out of work at 4:30 and turned GR on and heard Clayton talking to the tight end draft prospect from Missouri and mention something about him possibly playing w/ TO in the fall and my heart started racing and I was like, WHAT?!!!. So I thought there has to be an update or something, nothing; waited through all the commercials and he came back on and had Mark Gaughan on from the NEWS and I still couldn\'t believe it, and I have heard the news a hundred times now and I still don't know what to think, just like Joe D told you, as a fan you are almost torn, cause what are you getting?, and is this just another big heavy rock waiting to shatter the hearts of all Buffalo sports fans again? Thanks again for listening.
LB
LB,
I always like to end an email with compliments and recommendations for more money. That would be nice, since my wife and I would like to add a regular breakfast back to our lives. The Recession Diet... take that "The Biggest Loser!"
I had a very similar scenario go down. You can read about it here in full, but Lacey and I were leaving the US/Canada game of the World Baseball Classic in Toronto, trying not to hit pedestrians on King Street, when John Clayton tried to make me drive into the Eaton Centre. It was a text message orgy.
Welcome to Buffalo, pal. The media might not be as crazy, but the fans are about to step it up a notch for you. Yes, I know you played in Philadelphia and Dallas. Just wait. You can endorse BBQ pig toes around here and people will buy them.
===
Thanks for the emails, guys. Keep 'em coming, anytime. In the words of Tim and Eric, this should be
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
REALLY
FUN.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tracking T.O. from T.O.
I had the unique opportunity to follow the "Terrell Owens to Buffalo" saga as an insider on the outside. Travelling to and from the World Baseball Classic between the States and Canada in Toronto, I was listening to Sportstalk Saturday before the game, Brian Koziol after, and Sportstalk Sunday this morning. Here\'s how my weekend went, and my probably-frowned-upon opinion of Buffal-Owens (look at me getting Bucky Gleason and calling dibs on a nickname. Buck, it's probably not any better than the Skating Tomato, so that isn't a rip on you).
Before I go any further, think about this... When was the last time a Bills jersey lead the league in sales?
Saturday
Noon: Corey Griswold fires me a text that says, "If the Bills sign Owens, I'm rooting for the Rams." Thusly, I turn off At the Drive-In in our CD changer, and turn on WGR. The story is that Profootballtalk.com has a report that Owens is visiting Buffalo.
My reaction? I called it earlier in the week in a post-Howard Simon Show meeting, and re-iterated it to my wife.
"Really smart PR move. Rosenhaus will never put his client here, and the cameras are in Buffalo. Russ Brandon really does know how to market a football club."
So... I was half-right. When I thought of it last week, there was more outrage than anticipation, but the more I thought about it, I realized research was the play. Terrell Owens didn\'t run over anyone with his car and then dodge police (as far as we know). Terrell Owens hasn't taken out a contract to his pregnant girlfriend killed (as far as we know). Terrell Owens didn't make it rain on a bunch of strippers, in the process contributing to a security guard's paralysis (as far as we know). Terrell Owens hasn't filmed a Monday Night Football open with Nicolette Sheridan (oh wait...).
2 p.m.: The texts are rolling in from friends, family and acquaintances alike:
-- "T.O.'s at the airport."
-- "T.O. is getting a physical."
-- "T.O. is at Chef's with Jay Cutler and Ocho Cinco."
Meanwhile, the States are putting a hurting on Canada that they would later almost blow. I'm rooting for Kevin Youkilis, Derek Jeter and Dustin Pedroia at the same time. What the heck?
There were a ton of Venezuela fans at the game, and they had their flags flying like crazy, and their country was playing for six hours. It was hilarious, almsot entirely out-of-place, patriotic and wonderful.
5 p.m.: We're headed to Mississauga to check in at our hotel, and I get a text message that the Bills have called a press conference for 6:15 p.m. I know what that means... T.O. is a Buffalo BIll. Sure enough, John Clayton is reporting that the Bills have signed Owens. No turning back now.
SUNDAY
9 a.m.: Driving home, I decided there were several statistics I needed to develop a concrete opinion on the signing:
A) Who else were among the league leaders in dropped passes?
--- Braylon Edwards, Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe, Roddy White, et cetera. In other words... you have to be thrown the ball to drop it, and more times than not, 69 times in fact, Owens came down with the football. In 10 cases, it was in the end zone. Also, a number of those drops in his career came with a broken hand.
2) What did the rest of the Cowboys do last year?
--- Not much. Besides Jason Witten, there weren't any options taking the attention away from Owens in Dallas. The receivers were so bad that the Cowboys dealt for Roy Williams from Detroit. In other words, teams are going to have to double Owens, or double Lee Evans. Either way, life is good. If you think Trent Edwards isn't 90 percent positive and 10 percent negative about this whole deal, you might want to go out for ice cream, or treat yourself to a massage.
D) Who's more of a threat, Evans, or Owens?
--- Evans, but it's a lot closer than you might think. With Owens, the Bills now have two of the top-15 players from 2008 in yards-per-catch. Evans was tenth, Owens was 15th. That's stunning. Now, if the Bills would only trade for Jay Cutler, like I typed last week.
11 a.m.: Back in the States. First thought? Sadly, football. Dick Jauron, for all his flaws, is known as a player's coach. Wade Phillips came out yesterday and said he was happy to have coached Owens. If Owens is going to pay attention to someone, it's going to be a former player.
Noon: A couple other plusses:
-- The Bills could get a season-opening Thursday night game. At home.
-- Guaranteed multiple night games.
-- Other free agents might be jazzed to come to a team that might actually win.
-- If Owens performs this year and jets somewhere else for crazy money, another player will see that he can get 75 catches and 10 touchdowns in Buffalo. That works.
3:33 p.m. (POST-EDIT): Get ready to hear Buffalo ripped on by the national pundits who haven't been here, or haven't in a while. Expect pure vitriol from Colin Cowherd, and Buffalo may be a topic on the show for all five days this week. Be ready for it, and don't be upset. We're still one legit city.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Before I go any further, think about this... When was the last time a Bills jersey lead the league in sales?
Saturday
Noon: Corey Griswold fires me a text that says, "If the Bills sign Owens, I'm rooting for the Rams." Thusly, I turn off At the Drive-In in our CD changer, and turn on WGR. The story is that Profootballtalk.com has a report that Owens is visiting Buffalo.
My reaction? I called it earlier in the week in a post-Howard Simon Show meeting, and re-iterated it to my wife.
"Really smart PR move. Rosenhaus will never put his client here, and the cameras are in Buffalo. Russ Brandon really does know how to market a football club."
So... I was half-right. When I thought of it last week, there was more outrage than anticipation, but the more I thought about it, I realized research was the play. Terrell Owens didn\'t run over anyone with his car and then dodge police (as far as we know). Terrell Owens hasn't taken out a contract to his pregnant girlfriend killed (as far as we know). Terrell Owens didn't make it rain on a bunch of strippers, in the process contributing to a security guard's paralysis (as far as we know). Terrell Owens hasn't filmed a Monday Night Football open with Nicolette Sheridan (oh wait...).
2 p.m.: The texts are rolling in from friends, family and acquaintances alike:
-- "T.O.'s at the airport."
-- "T.O. is getting a physical."
-- "T.O. is at Chef's with Jay Cutler and Ocho Cinco."
Meanwhile, the States are putting a hurting on Canada that they would later almost blow. I'm rooting for Kevin Youkilis, Derek Jeter and Dustin Pedroia at the same time. What the heck?
There were a ton of Venezuela fans at the game, and they had their flags flying like crazy, and their country was playing for six hours. It was hilarious, almsot entirely out-of-place, patriotic and wonderful.
5 p.m.: We're headed to Mississauga to check in at our hotel, and I get a text message that the Bills have called a press conference for 6:15 p.m. I know what that means... T.O. is a Buffalo BIll. Sure enough, John Clayton is reporting that the Bills have signed Owens. No turning back now.
SUNDAY
9 a.m.: Driving home, I decided there were several statistics I needed to develop a concrete opinion on the signing:
A) Who else were among the league leaders in dropped passes?
--- Braylon Edwards, Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe, Roddy White, et cetera. In other words... you have to be thrown the ball to drop it, and more times than not, 69 times in fact, Owens came down with the football. In 10 cases, it was in the end zone. Also, a number of those drops in his career came with a broken hand.
2) What did the rest of the Cowboys do last year?
--- Not much. Besides Jason Witten, there weren't any options taking the attention away from Owens in Dallas. The receivers were so bad that the Cowboys dealt for Roy Williams from Detroit. In other words, teams are going to have to double Owens, or double Lee Evans. Either way, life is good. If you think Trent Edwards isn't 90 percent positive and 10 percent negative about this whole deal, you might want to go out for ice cream, or treat yourself to a massage.
D) Who's more of a threat, Evans, or Owens?
--- Evans, but it's a lot closer than you might think. With Owens, the Bills now have two of the top-15 players from 2008 in yards-per-catch. Evans was tenth, Owens was 15th. That's stunning. Now, if the Bills would only trade for Jay Cutler, like I typed last week.
11 a.m.: Back in the States. First thought? Sadly, football. Dick Jauron, for all his flaws, is known as a player's coach. Wade Phillips came out yesterday and said he was happy to have coached Owens. If Owens is going to pay attention to someone, it's going to be a former player.
Noon: A couple other plusses:
-- The Bills could get a season-opening Thursday night game. At home.
-- Guaranteed multiple night games.
-- Other free agents might be jazzed to come to a team that might actually win.
-- If Owens performs this year and jets somewhere else for crazy money, another player will see that he can get 75 catches and 10 touchdowns in Buffalo. That works.
3:33 p.m. (POST-EDIT): Get ready to hear Buffalo ripped on by the national pundits who haven't been here, or haven't in a while. Expect pure vitriol from Colin Cowherd, and Buffalo may be a topic on the show for all five days this week. Be ready for it, and don't be upset. We're still one legit city.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Grading the Trading
A recap of February and March for NHL teams, with the knowledge that waiver pick-ups will complete NHL general managers' designs:
Anaheim
Gets: A boatload of young players and three who immediately help out (Ryan Whitney, James Wisniewski and Erik Christensen)
Gives up: Chris Kunitz, Travis Moen, Kent Huskins, Steve Montador, Sami Pahlsson
--- Trading for Whitney is a really smart move, even at the expense of a prospect in Eric Tangradi and Kunitz. When Scott Niedermayer’s time is done, hopefully Whitney will have learned enough defensively to not be a very big drop-off.
Moen is a fun player, but the only other true non-Kunitz loss here is Pahlsson, who clears up cap room and is having a very rough year (You may recall his name from the list of guys I wanted the Sabres to acquire). You could also count Mike Brown and Sheldon Brookbank as deadline pick-ups (Feb. 3&4).
GRADE: INC (but if you really want a grade, B)
Atlanta
Gets: Eric O’Dell, Anssi Salmela, two picks
Gives Up: Erik Christensen, Niclas Havelid, Mathieu Schneider, conditional pick
--- I would’ve done a lot more if I were the Thrashers’ GM, but Salmela may really work out, and O’Dell is playing well as an 18-year old in the OHL. Christensen likely ran naked through wherever he was when he heard the news that he was leaving Atlanta. I’m hoping it was somewhere awkward, like a science museum.
GRADE: D
Boston
Gets: Mark Recchi, Steve Montador, 2nd round pick
Gives Up: Petteri Nokelainen, two prospects
--- You have to remember that the Bruins are so playing so well, and are so deep, that they could call Barney the Purple Dinosaur up, and he’d carve a guy’s face with his stick before adding two assists and a plus-2. Boston’s biggest question mark remains what it’s been all-year: Can Tim Thomas keep playing the best hockey of his career? If he doesn’t, Manny Fernandez is still hanging around. It’s funny, I wouldn’t totally fear the Bruins in the first round as a Sabres follower, but it’s also hard to imagine Boston won’t come out of the East.
GRADE: A
Buffalo
Gets: Dominic Moore, Mikael Tellqvist
Gives Up: Ales Kotalik, 4th round pick
--- Color me “not super pumped” about a guy who is finally scoring on a dump of a hockey team, and wants first line money for showing up for the first time in five years. Moore has been traded three times in his career at age 28, which means teams wanted him, but also means teams were willing to get rid of him ("Duh," right). Feel free to be excited to have a more complete player than Kotalik, but please don’t think life is gold. Moore wore an ‘A’ in Toronto, so that has to count for something.
I was completely underwhelmed when Moore’s name came up, and I hate myself for sounding that jaded, but the Sabres essentially swapped UFAs, and picked up a decent third-string goaltender. For those thinking Moore will sign… you better figure out where the money is coming from, as you’ve got Vanek (7 mil), Roy (4), Pominville (5.3) and Connolly (4.5). Toss in Hecht and Gaustad at 3.5 and 2.3, and you’ve gotta think Connolly was your 2009-offseason-signing-come-early. In fact, his signing seems to make Darcy Regier’s summer (Stafford, Sekera, Kaleta, MacArthur RFA) near-impossible. Not to look too far down the road with a playoff rush on, but trades have to go down, right?
All that said, are they better than they were before Wednesday? Absolutely, but if he can play even at Jeff Halpern's level, the grade goes up, and it's an unqualified success (If that happens, he will get 2 mil. somewhere).
GRADE: C+
Calgary
Gets: Olli Jokinen, Jordan Leopold, 3rd & 4th rounder
Gives Up: Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, Lawrence Nycholat, Ryan Wilson, Kevin Lalande, 1st & 2nd rounder
--- The Flames’ goal had to be to leap into San Jose and Detroit’s class and, already having the best backstop of the bunch in Miikka Kiprusoff, I have to think they’re at least awful close. I don’t know much about Prust, but you can handle giving up everything else except Lombardi, and you have to do sacrifice something for a Cup run. When Kevyn Adams hinted that a move might be coming because Mike Keenan saved Jokinen’s career while in Florida, it started to make sense that the move would happen. Leopold is good, but not as good as many would lead you to believe.
GRADE: B+
Carolina
Gets: Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen, picks
Gives Up: Justin Williams, Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar, pick
--- I like Cole better than Williams, and the former Oiler will be jazzed to be back in Raleigh (It reads weird, but go with me). Didn’t improve a great deal, but it’s not like they could acquire a Fountain of Selke Youth for Rod Brind’Amour. Plus, Williams has terrible facial hair.
GRADE: B-
Chicago
Gets: Sami Pahlsson, prospect, pick
Gives Up: James Wisniewski, prospect
--- It’s a trade that makes sense for both teams, and as much as I pull for the Blackhawks, they aren’t losing much in the offseason, so why not let your entire roster gain experience, since Chicago would likely have to beat Detroit and San Jose/Calgary to make the Finals.
GRADE: B
Colorado
Gets: Lawrence Nycholat, Ryan Wilson, 2nd rounder
Gives Up: Jordan Leopold
--- Eh. Yawn.
GRADE: C
Columbus
Gets: Antoine Vermette, Kevin Lalande, 2nd rounder
Gives Up: Pascal Leclaire, 4th rounder
--- Productive day, and one that will help Columbus a little more than Ottawa. Leclaire is out for the year, and Steve Mason has been as good as the World Juniors advertised. Vermette is a solid face-off guy who skates very well. They also grabbed a 2nd rounder that should be fairly high, and a goaltending prospect in Lalande, who is a former fifth round pick with dynamite AHL and ECHL stats this year.
GRADE: A-
Dallas
Gets: Brendan Morrison (from waivers), Steve Begin
Gives Up: Sean Avery (to waivers), Doug Janik
--- Morrison is alright, and can contribute immediately to Dallas’ kill. Begin will help as well.
GRADE: B-
Detroit
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- No need.
GRADE: N/A
Edmonton
Gets: Ales Kotalik, Patrick O’Sullivan
Gives Up: Erik Cole
--- On paper, you’d rather have Cole, who has underperformed in Edmonton and will surely be much better in Carolina, but in this case two bodies are better than one. The young Oilers are a sneaky team to keep an eye on.
GRADE: C+
Florida
Gets: Steve Eminger
Gives Up: Noah Welch, 3rd rounder
--- Bouwmeester goes nowhere, and Welch again moves at the deadline at a young age. Eminger helps right away, but not a ton.
GRADE: C+
Los Angeles
Gets: Justin Williams
Gives Up: Patrick O’Sullivan, 2nd rounder
--- Don’t like the move at all. To me, Williams is underwhelming on a consistent basis, and his aforementioned terrible facial hair will fit in great in L.A.
GRADE: D
Minnesota
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- Better “Connolly up” with Gaborik, and I think they will, with a core around him and no other pressing UFAs.
GRADE: INC
Montreal
Gets: Mathieu Schneider, Glen Metropolit (waivers)
Gives Up: Steve Begin, Picks
--- I’m glad I’m not a Habs fan today, though I’m not entirely sure anything short of Lecavalier or Bouwmeester would’ve appeased the centennial celebration. Will they be having some sort of feast at some point, complete with knights and maids? If so, count me in.
Nashville
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- Emblematic of the franchise, but I’m not sure what they should’ve done. A number of Western teams did what they should’ve – no buy, no sell. It would’ve been interesting to see if they could’ve received a fool’s ransom for Jason Arnott.
GRADE: N/A
New Jersey
Gets: Niclas Havelid, prospect
Gives Up: Anssi Salmela
--- They signed Brendan Shanahan earlier, and I’m not sure the Devils system ever needs crazy additions at the deadline. They kinda get Martin Brodeur at the deadline, too.
GRADE: B-
NY Isles
Gets: Conditional pick (no higher than third round)
Gives Up: Bill Guerin
--- Better pray you win that draft lottery, or relocate, because all seven true Isles fans are furious. I would’ve gone for more picks in getting rid of Doug Weight, Richard Park and more. Long Island, you might as well stink with style, like an old prom tuxedo… or Long Island.
GRADE: F
NY Rangers
Gets: Nik Antropov, Derek Morris, Sean Avery
Gives Up: Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, Dmitri Kalinin, picks
--- Thanks everything for the New York Rangers, who did so many more wonderful, garbage, New York Ranger things. Congrats on Nik Antropov, Derek Morris and Sean Avery. So solid! Antropov is a classic Ranger who will look great in one out of three games, and disappear for the rest. Derek Morris was supposed to be a Norris Trophy break-out since he was in Calgary. He’s a name, and not much else. Then, there’s Avery, who actually would be a good pick-up… if the majority of his team didn’t hate him. I’m sure him playing “less angry” will benefit his game. At least they got rid of Prucha.
GRADE: F-
Ottawa
Gets: Pascal Leclaire, Mike Comrie, Chris Campoli, 2nd round pick
Gives Up: Antoine Vermette, Dean McAmmond, 1st round pick
--- At least they still have Chris Neil. I’m not positive Leclaire will be any better than Brian Elliott’s career arch is headed. Bryan Murray needs to be fired, especially if Campoli can’t regain his form in Kanata.
GRADE: C-
Philadelphia
Gets: Daniel Carcillo, Kyle McLaren
Gives up: Scottie Upshall, picks
--- Forget giving up Scottie Upshall and a second-round pick in three drafts, the Flyers get a prototypical Flyer. Carcillo is the type of dirty mucker who will immediately endear himself to the City of Brotherly Dirty and, at 900k, that’ll work for Philly next year. He hasn’t produced offensively this year, but he’s what Patrick Kaleta may be in a year or two, mostly because he knows he has to fight (572 penalty minutes in 129 career games).
As for McLaren… uh… with Mike Rathje and Derian Hatcher out of the line-up, they needed a 1999 big name to fill the void (He’s better than both, but I have to think they put all their eggs in the Bouwmeester basket, and then placed all the heavy food on top of it in the shopping cart).
GRADE: B-
Phoenix
Gets: Scottie Upshall, Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, Dmitri Kalinin, Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, 1st & 2nd round pick
Gives Up: Derek Morris, Daniel Carcillo, Olli Jokinen
--- Is this the year? Is this the year that stockpiling prospects and getting rid of underachievers actually benefits a team? Or is this year the Coyotes move to Fiji? Lombardi and Dawes are nice pick-ups, and I don’t see a huge drop-off for Phoenix. Unfortunately, nine points is out are nine points too many, but I’m pretty sure they got better. Kalinin is a UFA, and Prucha is an RFA… so… peace out, money.
GRADE: B+
Pittsburgh
Gets: Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin, Andy Wozniewski, prospect
Gives Up: Ryan Whitney, Danny Richmond, conditional pick
--- If the Pens made the playoffs with the Kunitz deal, they earned the No. 6 seed with the Guerin pick-up. This team is very dangerous, if only because the NHL would love to fix a round for them. Did I type that? Good.
GRADE: A-
St. Louis
Gets: Danny Richmond
Gives Up: Andy Wozniewski
--- Not-plussed. See my Nashville review, and insert Keith Tkachuk for Jason Arnott. Four points out in the West.
GRADE: N/A
San Jose
Gets: Travis Moen, Kent Huskins, sixth-round pick
Gives Up: Kyle McLaren, prospects, conditional 4th round pick
--- Moen is a very nice pick-up, and makes the potential Sharks/Red Wings series that will somehow not happen all the more interesting
GRADE: A
Tampa Bay
Gets: Richard Petiot, Steve Eminger, Matt Lashoff, Martins Karsuns
Gives Up: Olaf Kolzig, Mark Recchi, Andy Rogers, Noah Welch, Jamie Heward, 2nd, 3rd &4th round picks
--- The Recchi deal was beneficial to both teams, as Lashoff and Karsuns are both extremely-promising former 1st and 2nd round picks. The Petiot deal is a head-scratcher for both teams, and the Lightning gave up a lot of draft picks.
GRADE: B-
Toronto
Gets: Olaf Kolzig, Martin Gerber, Andy Rogers, Jamie Heward, two-2nd rounders
Gives Up: Dominic Moore, Nik Antropov
--- A productive day… I guess… but the Toronto media needs to calm the heck down. Burke’s “genius” may start in the summer. Getting rid of Antropov is a nice deal, and Moore’s going to have to do a lot to be considered a first-line money guy, or second-line money guy, for me. Rogers is a former first-rounder who hasn’t done much in the minors.
GRADE: C+
Vancouver
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- Their move was signing Mats Sundin. See Nashville and St. Louis, only better.
GRADE: N/A
Washington
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- I have precious little faith in Jose "Propecia is a performance-enhancer" Theodore, but the Caps could out-score their way to a round or two. If they were going to get fleeced for Nikolai Khabibulin or Manny Fernandez, the move isn’t worth it.
GRADE: INC
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Anaheim
Gets: A boatload of young players and three who immediately help out (Ryan Whitney, James Wisniewski and Erik Christensen)
Gives up: Chris Kunitz, Travis Moen, Kent Huskins, Steve Montador, Sami Pahlsson
--- Trading for Whitney is a really smart move, even at the expense of a prospect in Eric Tangradi and Kunitz. When Scott Niedermayer’s time is done, hopefully Whitney will have learned enough defensively to not be a very big drop-off.
Moen is a fun player, but the only other true non-Kunitz loss here is Pahlsson, who clears up cap room and is having a very rough year (You may recall his name from the list of guys I wanted the Sabres to acquire). You could also count Mike Brown and Sheldon Brookbank as deadline pick-ups (Feb. 3&4).
GRADE: INC (but if you really want a grade, B)
Atlanta
Gets: Eric O’Dell, Anssi Salmela, two picks
Gives Up: Erik Christensen, Niclas Havelid, Mathieu Schneider, conditional pick
--- I would’ve done a lot more if I were the Thrashers’ GM, but Salmela may really work out, and O’Dell is playing well as an 18-year old in the OHL. Christensen likely ran naked through wherever he was when he heard the news that he was leaving Atlanta. I’m hoping it was somewhere awkward, like a science museum.
GRADE: D
Boston
Gets: Mark Recchi, Steve Montador, 2nd round pick
Gives Up: Petteri Nokelainen, two prospects
--- You have to remember that the Bruins are so playing so well, and are so deep, that they could call Barney the Purple Dinosaur up, and he’d carve a guy’s face with his stick before adding two assists and a plus-2. Boston’s biggest question mark remains what it’s been all-year: Can Tim Thomas keep playing the best hockey of his career? If he doesn’t, Manny Fernandez is still hanging around. It’s funny, I wouldn’t totally fear the Bruins in the first round as a Sabres follower, but it’s also hard to imagine Boston won’t come out of the East.
GRADE: A
Buffalo
Gets: Dominic Moore, Mikael Tellqvist
Gives Up: Ales Kotalik, 4th round pick
--- Color me “not super pumped” about a guy who is finally scoring on a dump of a hockey team, and wants first line money for showing up for the first time in five years. Moore has been traded three times in his career at age 28, which means teams wanted him, but also means teams were willing to get rid of him ("Duh," right). Feel free to be excited to have a more complete player than Kotalik, but please don’t think life is gold. Moore wore an ‘A’ in Toronto, so that has to count for something.
I was completely underwhelmed when Moore’s name came up, and I hate myself for sounding that jaded, but the Sabres essentially swapped UFAs, and picked up a decent third-string goaltender. For those thinking Moore will sign… you better figure out where the money is coming from, as you’ve got Vanek (7 mil), Roy (4), Pominville (5.3) and Connolly (4.5). Toss in Hecht and Gaustad at 3.5 and 2.3, and you’ve gotta think Connolly was your 2009-offseason-signing-come-early. In fact, his signing seems to make Darcy Regier’s summer (Stafford, Sekera, Kaleta, MacArthur RFA) near-impossible. Not to look too far down the road with a playoff rush on, but trades have to go down, right?
All that said, are they better than they were before Wednesday? Absolutely, but if he can play even at Jeff Halpern's level, the grade goes up, and it's an unqualified success (If that happens, he will get 2 mil. somewhere).
GRADE: C+
Calgary
Gets: Olli Jokinen, Jordan Leopold, 3rd & 4th rounder
Gives Up: Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, Lawrence Nycholat, Ryan Wilson, Kevin Lalande, 1st & 2nd rounder
--- The Flames’ goal had to be to leap into San Jose and Detroit’s class and, already having the best backstop of the bunch in Miikka Kiprusoff, I have to think they’re at least awful close. I don’t know much about Prust, but you can handle giving up everything else except Lombardi, and you have to do sacrifice something for a Cup run. When Kevyn Adams hinted that a move might be coming because Mike Keenan saved Jokinen’s career while in Florida, it started to make sense that the move would happen. Leopold is good, but not as good as many would lead you to believe.
GRADE: B+
Carolina
Gets: Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen, picks
Gives Up: Justin Williams, Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar, pick
--- I like Cole better than Williams, and the former Oiler will be jazzed to be back in Raleigh (It reads weird, but go with me). Didn’t improve a great deal, but it’s not like they could acquire a Fountain of Selke Youth for Rod Brind’Amour. Plus, Williams has terrible facial hair.
GRADE: B-
Chicago
Gets: Sami Pahlsson, prospect, pick
Gives Up: James Wisniewski, prospect
--- It’s a trade that makes sense for both teams, and as much as I pull for the Blackhawks, they aren’t losing much in the offseason, so why not let your entire roster gain experience, since Chicago would likely have to beat Detroit and San Jose/Calgary to make the Finals.
GRADE: B
Colorado
Gets: Lawrence Nycholat, Ryan Wilson, 2nd rounder
Gives Up: Jordan Leopold
--- Eh. Yawn.
GRADE: C
Columbus
Gets: Antoine Vermette, Kevin Lalande, 2nd rounder
Gives Up: Pascal Leclaire, 4th rounder
--- Productive day, and one that will help Columbus a little more than Ottawa. Leclaire is out for the year, and Steve Mason has been as good as the World Juniors advertised. Vermette is a solid face-off guy who skates very well. They also grabbed a 2nd rounder that should be fairly high, and a goaltending prospect in Lalande, who is a former fifth round pick with dynamite AHL and ECHL stats this year.
GRADE: A-
Dallas
Gets: Brendan Morrison (from waivers), Steve Begin
Gives Up: Sean Avery (to waivers), Doug Janik
--- Morrison is alright, and can contribute immediately to Dallas’ kill. Begin will help as well.
GRADE: B-
Detroit
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- No need.
GRADE: N/A
Edmonton
Gets: Ales Kotalik, Patrick O’Sullivan
Gives Up: Erik Cole
--- On paper, you’d rather have Cole, who has underperformed in Edmonton and will surely be much better in Carolina, but in this case two bodies are better than one. The young Oilers are a sneaky team to keep an eye on.
GRADE: C+
Florida
Gets: Steve Eminger
Gives Up: Noah Welch, 3rd rounder
--- Bouwmeester goes nowhere, and Welch again moves at the deadline at a young age. Eminger helps right away, but not a ton.
GRADE: C+
Los Angeles
Gets: Justin Williams
Gives Up: Patrick O’Sullivan, 2nd rounder
--- Don’t like the move at all. To me, Williams is underwhelming on a consistent basis, and his aforementioned terrible facial hair will fit in great in L.A.
GRADE: D
Minnesota
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- Better “Connolly up” with Gaborik, and I think they will, with a core around him and no other pressing UFAs.
GRADE: INC
Montreal
Gets: Mathieu Schneider, Glen Metropolit (waivers)
Gives Up: Steve Begin, Picks
--- I’m glad I’m not a Habs fan today, though I’m not entirely sure anything short of Lecavalier or Bouwmeester would’ve appeased the centennial celebration. Will they be having some sort of feast at some point, complete with knights and maids? If so, count me in.
Nashville
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- Emblematic of the franchise, but I’m not sure what they should’ve done. A number of Western teams did what they should’ve – no buy, no sell. It would’ve been interesting to see if they could’ve received a fool’s ransom for Jason Arnott.
GRADE: N/A
New Jersey
Gets: Niclas Havelid, prospect
Gives Up: Anssi Salmela
--- They signed Brendan Shanahan earlier, and I’m not sure the Devils system ever needs crazy additions at the deadline. They kinda get Martin Brodeur at the deadline, too.
GRADE: B-
NY Isles
Gets: Conditional pick (no higher than third round)
Gives Up: Bill Guerin
--- Better pray you win that draft lottery, or relocate, because all seven true Isles fans are furious. I would’ve gone for more picks in getting rid of Doug Weight, Richard Park and more. Long Island, you might as well stink with style, like an old prom tuxedo… or Long Island.
GRADE: F
NY Rangers
Gets: Nik Antropov, Derek Morris, Sean Avery
Gives Up: Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, Dmitri Kalinin, picks
--- Thanks everything for the New York Rangers, who did so many more wonderful, garbage, New York Ranger things. Congrats on Nik Antropov, Derek Morris and Sean Avery. So solid! Antropov is a classic Ranger who will look great in one out of three games, and disappear for the rest. Derek Morris was supposed to be a Norris Trophy break-out since he was in Calgary. He’s a name, and not much else. Then, there’s Avery, who actually would be a good pick-up… if the majority of his team didn’t hate him. I’m sure him playing “less angry” will benefit his game. At least they got rid of Prucha.
GRADE: F-
Ottawa
Gets: Pascal Leclaire, Mike Comrie, Chris Campoli, 2nd round pick
Gives Up: Antoine Vermette, Dean McAmmond, 1st round pick
--- At least they still have Chris Neil. I’m not positive Leclaire will be any better than Brian Elliott’s career arch is headed. Bryan Murray needs to be fired, especially if Campoli can’t regain his form in Kanata.
GRADE: C-
Philadelphia
Gets: Daniel Carcillo, Kyle McLaren
Gives up: Scottie Upshall, picks
--- Forget giving up Scottie Upshall and a second-round pick in three drafts, the Flyers get a prototypical Flyer. Carcillo is the type of dirty mucker who will immediately endear himself to the City of Brotherly Dirty and, at 900k, that’ll work for Philly next year. He hasn’t produced offensively this year, but he’s what Patrick Kaleta may be in a year or two, mostly because he knows he has to fight (572 penalty minutes in 129 career games).
As for McLaren… uh… with Mike Rathje and Derian Hatcher out of the line-up, they needed a 1999 big name to fill the void (He’s better than both, but I have to think they put all their eggs in the Bouwmeester basket, and then placed all the heavy food on top of it in the shopping cart).
GRADE: B-
Phoenix
Gets: Scottie Upshall, Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, Dmitri Kalinin, Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, 1st & 2nd round pick
Gives Up: Derek Morris, Daniel Carcillo, Olli Jokinen
--- Is this the year? Is this the year that stockpiling prospects and getting rid of underachievers actually benefits a team? Or is this year the Coyotes move to Fiji? Lombardi and Dawes are nice pick-ups, and I don’t see a huge drop-off for Phoenix. Unfortunately, nine points is out are nine points too many, but I’m pretty sure they got better. Kalinin is a UFA, and Prucha is an RFA… so… peace out, money.
GRADE: B+
Pittsburgh
Gets: Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin, Andy Wozniewski, prospect
Gives Up: Ryan Whitney, Danny Richmond, conditional pick
--- If the Pens made the playoffs with the Kunitz deal, they earned the No. 6 seed with the Guerin pick-up. This team is very dangerous, if only because the NHL would love to fix a round for them. Did I type that? Good.
GRADE: A-
St. Louis
Gets: Danny Richmond
Gives Up: Andy Wozniewski
--- Not-plussed. See my Nashville review, and insert Keith Tkachuk for Jason Arnott. Four points out in the West.
GRADE: N/A
San Jose
Gets: Travis Moen, Kent Huskins, sixth-round pick
Gives Up: Kyle McLaren, prospects, conditional 4th round pick
--- Moen is a very nice pick-up, and makes the potential Sharks/Red Wings series that will somehow not happen all the more interesting
GRADE: A
Tampa Bay
Gets: Richard Petiot, Steve Eminger, Matt Lashoff, Martins Karsuns
Gives Up: Olaf Kolzig, Mark Recchi, Andy Rogers, Noah Welch, Jamie Heward, 2nd, 3rd &4th round picks
--- The Recchi deal was beneficial to both teams, as Lashoff and Karsuns are both extremely-promising former 1st and 2nd round picks. The Petiot deal is a head-scratcher for both teams, and the Lightning gave up a lot of draft picks.
GRADE: B-
Toronto
Gets: Olaf Kolzig, Martin Gerber, Andy Rogers, Jamie Heward, two-2nd rounders
Gives Up: Dominic Moore, Nik Antropov
--- A productive day… I guess… but the Toronto media needs to calm the heck down. Burke’s “genius” may start in the summer. Getting rid of Antropov is a nice deal, and Moore’s going to have to do a lot to be considered a first-line money guy, or second-line money guy, for me. Rogers is a former first-rounder who hasn’t done much in the minors.
GRADE: C+
Vancouver
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- Their move was signing Mats Sundin. See Nashville and St. Louis, only better.
GRADE: N/A
Washington
Gets: Nothing
Gives Up: Nothing
--- I have precious little faith in Jose "Propecia is a performance-enhancer" Theodore, but the Caps could out-score their way to a round or two. If they were going to get fleeced for Nikolai Khabibulin or Manny Fernandez, the move isn’t worth it.
GRADE: INC
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Monday, March 2, 2009
STILL Trade for Jay Cutler
EDIT NOTE: I wrote this a couple weeks back, when rumours were circulating about a growing divide between Broncos gunslinger Jay Cutler and new head coach Josh McDaniels. On Monday morning, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Cutler has requested a trade. So, rather than write another column saying the same thing, I wanted to remind you of all the reasons I wanted the Bills to pick up Cutler... and why I feel even more strongly about it this morning.
Trade for Jay Cutler.
It's a phrase that just makes sense, as long as you aren't an NFL overthinker. Throw it up there with "Go Get a Back Rub" and "Take A Nap." If they are viable options, you take them. Just like Jay Cutler.
Look, I don't care what you think you see in Trent Edwards. Jay Cutler is better right now. He was a Pro Bowler on a team with a garbage defense. Think he's too much of a gunslinger? He had to be.
If you called me this afternoon with the news that Trent Edwards and a first round pick, or Marshawn Lynch and a second-round pick were gone, and Jay Cutler and Laveranues Coles were Bills, I'd buy two season tickets immediately, and forgive the multiple train wrecks involving the organization since the Fall.
This is the easiest opportunity to get a franchise quarterback for dirt cheap. The parameters are out there in the media, and in front of every NFL executive. The Pats were going to get a first and third, the Bucs would get Cutler, and the Broncos would get Cassel. So Denver was willing to give up its quarterback and a pick for Cassel. Give them out quarterback, running back or a pick. Easy peasy. (EDIT: NOW, Cutler has asked to leave, which may actually lower what Denver can get).
Sure, Cutler's a little cocky in the way he speaks and throws a football. You know who else was? Brett Favre. Jim Kelly. Scott Bakula in "Necessary Roughness."
Sometimes, it's just simple. If Denver is silly enough to deal Jay Cutler, you see what it will take to get him. WIll the Bills do it? I highly doubt it, but let's just toss this out there with every other dream deal out there. Someone is going to do it, and unless Cutler moves to Iceland to help export woollen goods and ferro-silicon alloys, the move will work out for the buyer.
Email: nick@wgr550.com`
Trade for Jay Cutler.
It's a phrase that just makes sense, as long as you aren't an NFL overthinker. Throw it up there with "Go Get a Back Rub" and "Take A Nap." If they are viable options, you take them. Just like Jay Cutler.
Look, I don't care what you think you see in Trent Edwards. Jay Cutler is better right now. He was a Pro Bowler on a team with a garbage defense. Think he's too much of a gunslinger? He had to be.
If you called me this afternoon with the news that Trent Edwards and a first round pick, or Marshawn Lynch and a second-round pick were gone, and Jay Cutler and Laveranues Coles were Bills, I'd buy two season tickets immediately, and forgive the multiple train wrecks involving the organization since the Fall.
This is the easiest opportunity to get a franchise quarterback for dirt cheap. The parameters are out there in the media, and in front of every NFL executive. The Pats were going to get a first and third, the Bucs would get Cutler, and the Broncos would get Cassel. So Denver was willing to give up its quarterback and a pick for Cassel. Give them out quarterback, running back or a pick. Easy peasy. (EDIT: NOW, Cutler has asked to leave, which may actually lower what Denver can get).
Sure, Cutler's a little cocky in the way he speaks and throws a football. You know who else was? Brett Favre. Jim Kelly. Scott Bakula in "Necessary Roughness."
Sometimes, it's just simple. If Denver is silly enough to deal Jay Cutler, you see what it will take to get him. WIll the Bills do it? I highly doubt it, but let's just toss this out there with every other dream deal out there. Someone is going to do it, and unless Cutler moves to Iceland to help export woollen goods and ferro-silicon alloys, the move will work out for the buyer.
Email: nick@wgr550.com`
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