All World All Sports Blog

All World All Sports

-Digger's Daily-

NFL training camps are getting ready for action. Shrewd fantasy football players are busy scouting players for their drafts. Here's my quick top to bottom rankings for 2009 QB's based on potential fantasy value...

1- Tom Brady (NE) - He's back after getting hurt in 1st game of '08. Plenty of weapons. Top notch coaching staff. If sound, Brady should be good for 4000+ yards and at least 30 td's (40+ possible).

2- Phillip Rivers (SD) - Plays for throw heavy scheme coupled with NFL top back Tomlinson is a deadly combo. Sluggish beginning to '08 season must not repeat in '09. 3800+ yards and 30+ TD's within reach once again.

3- Drew Brees (NO) - 5069 yards passing nearly eclipsed Dan Marino's NFL record (5084). Wide open attack will have Brees throwing at will again in '09. 4500+ yards, 30+ TD's. Watch out for costly interceptions.

4- Matt Ryan (ATL) - 2008 Rookie of the Year has a new weapon in record setting TE Tony Gonzalez. Acquiring Gonzo will open up deep passing lanes, gaps for running game and keep Ryan from any hints of a sophmore jinx. 3500+ yards, 25+ TD's.

5- Peyton Manning (IND) - Manning enters 13th pro season. A strong Indy running game is needed to keep opposition from focusing on passing attack. Crafty vet is hungry for another title. 4000+, 27+.

6- Aaron Rodgers (GB) - Great future in store for Rodgers if he becomes consistent from game to game. It's still a learning experience in progress. He'll make great strides in '09. 3500+ yards, 25+ TD's, 5+ rushing TD.

7- Jake Delhomme (CAR) - I like Delhomme here. He's a winner and gutsy competitor. Defenses will try clamping down on Panthers running attack after 28 rushing TD's from DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in '08. Carolina's arsenal is full for '09. Delhomme comes through with Pro Bowl type season. 3600+, 25+.

8- Tony Romo (DAL) - Warning... draft a solid backup for December games! Romo is a great 3/4 season QB with well documented end of season failures. Perhaps Cowboys will have a change of fortune down the stretch without team drag Terrell Owens mucking up team chemistry? Romo must get on same page with speedy young wideouts. Needs to drastically cut down on INT's and fumbles. 3300+, 25+. Beware of turnovers on mis-executed routes to young wr's.

9- Kurt Warner (AZ) - Risky ranking Warner this high as he's always one play away from injury. Had a terrific fantasy stat year during Cardinals '08 Super Bowl chase. Can he get it done again in '09 minus WR Boldin and Offensive Coordinator Haley (now KC Head Coach)? Arizona figures to test opposing secondaries early and often. 4000+, 30+ if healthy and winning! Buyer beware.

10- Carson Palmer (CIN) - Will Cincy have NFL's worst team chemistry again this season? Self destructing turmoil followed this team every step of the way last year before season began. Palmer might put up great numbers if infighting has subsided. Playing catchup football late in games will pad fantasy stats. If healthy, he's good for 3500+, 23+.

11- Eli Manning (NYG) - The great unknown... will any Giants WR step up as a major NFL threat in '09? New York's devastating running game will open up many play action opportunities for Eli. Stern task master Coughlin hopes for no more off field fiasco's in '09. 3200+, 23+

12- Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) - Plain a simple, a pure winner. One of NFL's strongest field generals and clutch performers. Big Ben's winning ways do not necessarily translate into solid game to game fantasy stats. One of my favorite NFL signal callers. 3100+, 20+.

13- Donovan McNabb (PHI) - Tough to rank McNabb as one never knows which QB will show up from week to week. Rebounded nicely after subpar beginning in '08. Led team to NFC Championship game with precision passing in December. Eagles fans are hoping for an encore. An enhanced WR corps should help. 3300, 20+, and a few scrambles for added yardage.

14- Jay Cutler (CHI) - Da Bears fans are hoping new arrival Cutler can jumpstart an enemic offense. He finally teamed up with a good running game and swarming defense as supporting cast. Put up nice fantasy numbers in Denver last year. Chicago needs a creative scheme to get him outside the pocket. He's my pick for 2009's anything can happen QB. Potential 3600+, 25+ and 400+ yards rushing. Also potential for 20+ INT's learning a new system.

15- Chad Pennington (MIA) - 2008 Comeback Player of the Year play action pass specialist has deep threats to compliment a wide open running attack. Excellent protector of the pigskin, usually makes smart throws and throwaways. 3300+, 19+.

16- Joe Flacco (BAL) - Upside appears to be poise under pressure. Led Ravens to 11-5 record as a rookie. Don't count on big numbers from a QB ranked this deep. But, don't be surprised to be the recipient of a few big totals when Ravens win field position battles. 3000+, 17+ and maybe a few goal line bursts from one of NFL's physically stronger QB's.

17- Matt Schaub (HOU) - At first glance, you'd better have great point producers from RB/WR is Schaub ends up being your starting QB. Then again he did complete 66.1% in 11 starts for 3,043 yards. Looks great on paper but not great scoring wise from week to week. Has great WR and spirited running attack. Defense must win battle of field position for offense to excel. Could be a great sleeper pick overlooked in most leagues. 3300+, 20+.

18- David Garrard (JAX) - One year removed from a masterful 2007 campaign. Team turmoil and injuries derailed everyone in '08. Garrard will be given a chance to rebound. 3000+, 19+ if regains old form. You're in trouble if he faulters.

19- Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) - Is his arm sound? If so, he's only one year removed from 3,966 and 28 TD's. A good sleeper pick and/or compliment to Tony Romo, Kurt Warner & Flacco if you're lucky enough to nab 2 solid starters. Another anything can happen QB. Good arm will net 3000+, 20+. Bad arm 2800+, 17+, 20 INT or worse (benching)! Training camp will determine his true value heading into '09. Keep an eye on pre-season games. They'll actually mean something for Hasselbeck.

20- Matt Cassel (KC) - Cassel's 2009 value is unknown. Downside: New QB for rebuilding franchise coming off 2-14 2008 & no future Hall of Fame target TE Tony Gonzalez. Upside: Creative new Head Coach was Arizona's Offensive Coordinator last year (Todd Haley). No doubt Haley will transform an underachieving offense. BIG question: Is Cassel a bonified NFL starting QB? He played for a talent rich Patriots team. How will he do for a less talented roster expecting miracles? 2800+, 15+. Numbers will significantly increase if KC trails by large margins and faces prevent defenses (including interceptions).

21- Trent Edwards (BUF) - Buffalo's man of the future. That's what they're hoping to get with Edwards. Bills went out and signed outspoken Terrell Owens. Whether or not TO's talent helps this team on the field or disrupts from the sidelines remains to be seen. Solid progression by Edwards is expected by fans in northwestern New York. 2800+, 17+.

22- Kerry Collins (TEN) - It's a very thin and uncertain pool of remaining QB's. No need to worry unless you play in large leagues. Collins could be a decent spot starter/backup on fantasy teams. Main advantage is an outstanding coaching staff creating solid game plans. Turnovers were always a big concern earlier in his career. Don't expect more than token points with Collins at QB. 3000+, 15+. Be wary of interceptions and sack fumbles.

No QB rankings representing 23-32 as remaining teams starters have yet to be finalized. Redskins, Jets, Browns, Lions, Bucs, Raiders, Vikings, 49ers, Rams and Broncos starting nods will be won in training camp.

(www.allworldallsports.com)

SportsRagePage.com

-Digger's Daily-

Big time players from Babe Ruth to current stars like Derek Jeter are household names in baseball country. There's also a long list of players not well known beyond the city hosting their team. They were lesser known players who electrified crowds when called into action. Some were reserves, late season call-ups or deadline beating trades.

So, I decided to have a little fun compiling a position by position list of players from my lifetime who had huge moments when it counted most. A few went onto enjoy great careers. Others had very brief golden moments. Here they are:

1B- Don Clendenon - (1969) Expos traded DC to Mets mid-season for Bill Carden, Dave Colon, Devin Collins & Steve Renko. Helped spark an enemic New York offense on their way to becoming the "Amazin' Mets" after over taking a Cubs 10 game lead to become run away winners of NL East. 12 HR in 72 games. Named World Series MVP.

2B- Brian Doyle - (1978) Filled in after popular Willie Randolph was lost for the playoffs due to injury. Batted only .192 in 54 late season AB's. Played exceptional defense earning loud ovations in Yankee Stadium. Forever remembered as helping Yanks win World Series over LA when he batted .438. Short career ended soon thereafter.

3B- Evan Longoria - (2008) An instant Tampa sensation and Rookie of the Year winner. Helped Rays to 1st ever winning season and division title. 27 regular season homers. Lead Tampa into World Series with 4 HR in ALCS. Shining star enjoying a superb 2009.

SS- Bucky Dent - (1978) Initially a popular players player but over shadowed in fans eyes by star names until his infamous homer over "The Green Monster" to win a one game winner take all game in Fenway Park vs the Red Sox. Instrumental player for NY team that trailed Boston by 14 games earlier in the year. Forever referred to by Boston fans as "Bucky F------ Dent!" Named World Series MVP in victory over Dodgers.

LF- Miguel Cabrera - (2003) June 20th call-up homered in first Marlins game becoming an instant South Florida favorite. Later homered in 1st two NLCS games and batted 10-30, 3 HR overall. A star was born vs Roger Clemens in the World Series. Clemens knocked him down with a high hard head hunting fastball. Cabrera homered on the very next pitch. Marlins eventually won Series. He's currently an MVP candidate in '09 for Detroit.

CF- Del Unser (1980) Semi-journeyman had already been a local favorite for previous teams. He was a pinch hitter extraordinaire toward the end of his career in Philadelphia beginning in '80 season. Had key PH AB in come from behind Game 5 WS win vs Royals (Phillies won in 6). Batted .455 with three doubles in 1980 post-season competition.

RF- Shane Spencer (1998) Late season call-up electrified New York by crushing everything in sight. In 73 plate appearances he nailed 10 homers, 27 RBI, .373 BA, 1.321 OPS. Had fans standing on their feat with every at bat. 8 September HR's, 21 RBI in 10 starts. Homered in both starts during ALDS vs Toronto (3-6, 2 HR, 2B). Yanks fan favorite and platoon player until the magic wore off in '02.

C- Eddie Perez - (1999) Braves super sub backstop came through with big hit after big hit. Became personal catcher for Steve Avery pitched games in '96. In '97, he was preferred by Greg Maddux who went 19-4, 2.20. Destroyed Mets pitching in '99 NLCS filling in for injured Javy Lopez. Won NLCS MVP batting 10-20, 2 HR.

DH- Edgar Martinez (1987-2004) Probably Seattle's 2nd All Time favorite player behind Ken Griffey, Jr. A pure hitting talent and potential Hall of Fame inductee. He burst onto the scene in '87 batting .372 with 7 of his 16 hits going for extra bases. Two time American League batting champ played in 7 All Star Games. Martinez was as hot as a hitter can be during Seattle's first playoff appearance ('95) vs Yankees. In a best of five series, he guided Seattle to victory by batting .571 (12-21, 6 R, 3 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI). His Game 5 bottom of the 11th inning lined shot double to LF was the game winning walk off hit. Finished career with a .312 BA in 2055 games.

SP- Don Larsen - (1956) He was hero for a day after pitching the only perfect game in World Series history mowing down 27 cross town rival Brooklyn Dodgers. Not bad for a guy who lost 21 games two years prior.

CL- Adam Wainwright - (2006) 33 save closer Jason Isringhausen got hurt at the end of '08 season. Mgr LaRussa thrust first year pitcher Wainwright into closer role for playoffs. He was absolutely stellar. Biggest highlight was striking out Carlos Beltran with bases loaded to save NLCS Game 7 vs Mets. Cardinals eventually won World Series. Wainwright was an instant sensation and playoff hero. 9 games, 9 IP, 0 runs, 15 K, 4 Saves. Currently a Cards starting pitcher.

Manager- Don Zimmer - (1965-2009) Beloved former player, fiery manager/coach spent his entire adult life in professional baseball. High's and low's throughout career. One of baseball's most colorful figures. Managed two cursed teams: Boston Red Sox & Chicago Cubs. His 1978 Red Sox blew a large late season lead and one game playoff to New York Yankees. Guided Cubs to 1989 NL East title but they lost NLCS. Joe Torre's bench coach during World Series hey-day. Yankees have not won a Series since Zimmer stormed out of NY after fueding with team owner George Steinbrenner.

Honarable mention: Rusty Staub (1973 NYM), Cesar Cedeno (1985 STL), Joe Charboneau (1980 CLE), Pat Borders (1992 TOR), Kerry Wood (1998 CHI), Tug McGraw (1973 NYM, 1980 PHI), Joba Chamberlain (2007 NYY), Bernie Carbo (1975 BOS).

(www.allworldallsports.com)

SportsRagePage.com

All World All Sports

-Digger's Daily-

Today's Major Leaguers are striking out at alarming rates. Is swinging for the fences at any cost now the "in" thing to do? It makes me wonder how batting coaches keep their jobs. Countless times this season I've watched the Yankees, Brewers and Rangers hitters strike out with runners in scoring position when putting the ball in play would probably lead to runs.

Texas Rangers first sacker Chris Davis became the quickest player to reach 100 strikeouts. He's currently leading the league with 109 and could be on his way to well over 200. How does a player batting .206 with 109 strikeouts still have a job in the majors? It's not as though he was just having an off season either. In 152 career games he's fanned 197 times. Owch!

Fundamentals of the game have been lost on most teams. Managers just aren't doing their jobs. If Milwaukee's lineup was able to "manufacture" runs they'd be running away division leaders. Yankees make some of the worst outs by swinging for homers. Strike outs are bad outs. Bad outs, by my definition is an out where base runners do not advance. No one advances on a strikeout. In a ground out, runners often advance into scoring position or score runs. Same can be said with with long fly balls.

Batters striking out is part of baseball. Always has been, always will be. I'm suggesting coaching staffs are not emphasising in strong enough terms putting the ball in play offers their teams more opportunities for success. For a fan there's nothing more frustrating than watching your favorite team not score when they load the bases. There's almost no excuse for not executing one run in this situation. Batters must be taught or reminded to put the bat on the ball. It's baseball 101.

An astounding 100 players are currently on pace to reach or surpass 100 strikeouts!

I've often been asked how strikeouts have become acceptable these days? It's a complex answer. Perhaps it's due to players believing they'll get paid more to hit 30+ homers a season. History has shown sluggers, no matter their batting average, get paid. In some cases it might be suspected PED users coming back to life. There are quite a few not even coming close to their steroid era numbers. I'll also point fingers at managers. What ever happened to position players bunting? From suicide squeezes to advancing runners into scoring position. It's become a lost art.

The most consistent teams play fundamental baseball. Los Angeles Dodgers, Angels, Cardinals, Blue Jays and young Marlins seem to have things under control by knowing how to score runs. Smart hitters up and down these lineups. They may not all hit 30 homers or bat .300. When the game is on the line they hit.

Funny looking around the league at various teams hitting instructors. Not many were consistent. Many K'd plenty. It's amazing how they think there's something to offer younger players. It certainly isn't by example.

(www.allworldallsports.com)

SportsRagePage.com

All World All Sports

-Digger's Daily-

Mariano Rivera is baseball's greatest ever closer. Nobody has done it better. Especially in clutch situations. Regular season, All Star Games, Playoffs and World Series. Sunday night, he reached a milestone. 500 career Saves.

Mariano ranks second in all time saves (Trevor Hoffman, 571, is baseball's career leader). During the Yankees Championship winning seasons, the Stadium would rock every time Joe Torre strolled towards the mound to summon Rivera from the bullpen. There was never any doubt Mariano was about to shut down opposing hitters, 1-2-3. The games greatest Fireman was lights out in post-season competition. Check out these staggering career playoff stats. 76 games, 0.77 ERA, 117.3 IP, stingy 72 hits, 93 K's, 34 Saves.

Never before was a closer more dominating. I've been fortunate to watch him pitch live many times. Only two blemishes standout in this guy's career. First, was his only career playoff loss - World Series Game 7 2001. Second, looms just as large. Perhaps larger for baseball historians. 2004, Yanks were up 3 games to 0, Sox rallied to win the game and then 3 straight on their way to erasing one of the most famous curses in sports history (Sox win '04 World Series). Nonetheless, there's never been a better closer ever to take the hill in 9th innings.

I'm guessing he'll keep going as long as his golden right arm remains faithful. By the time all is said and done, Rivera could retire as the first and only single team 600 save closer.

(www.allworldallsports.com)

SportsRagePage.com