Well, it's that time of year again. Pirate Fest occurred this past weekend and it's time for the first look at what the Pirates's roster will look like in the upcoming season. Just a brief overview of course - until pitchers and catchers report. That's February 12th, if you were counting.
Field
1B - Sanchez / Lambo
2B - Walker
SS - Mercer
3B - Alverez
C - Martin
LF - Marte
CF - McCutchen
RF - Tabata
Batting Order
1. Marte - R
2. Walker - S
3. McCutchen - R
4. Alverez - L
5. Mercer - R
6. Tabata - R
7. Martin - R
8. Sanchez - R / Lambo - L
9. Pitcher
Bench
Barmes - SS - R
Harrison - 2B - R
Snider - RF - L
Stewart - C - R
Sanchez - C - R
Polanco - RF - L
Starting Rotation
1. Liriano - L
2. Cole - R
3. Rodriguez - L
4. Morton - R
5. Volquez - R
Long Relief
Locke - L
Wilson - L
Cumpton - R
Gomez - R
Middle Relief / One Inning Relief
Watson - L
Mazzaro - R
Morris - R
Pimentel - R
Hughes - R
Mikolas - R
Closer
Grilli - R
Melancon - R
Roster Analysis:
With the exception of a few minor tweaks, it's basically the same exact roster as last year. Sadly, the roster had gotten a bit worse with the loss of Byrd and Morneau as well as with the future of Burnett still in question. If Burnett somehow still comes back, I would slide him in as the 4th starter - pushing Morton back to the 5th position. 1B is still the primary position of concern. The Pirates feel confident can step into that position so it will be interesting to see if that pays off. Also keep an eye on the fifth spot in the starting rotation, especially if Burnett is not signed. Both Locke - who was an all star starting pitcher the first half of last year - and Cumpton have shown starting pitcher stuff last year and could move up into the position if the acquiring of Volquez does not pay off. Hopefully Locke won't suffer from James McDonald syndrome and continue his downward trend from the end of last year. Only time will tell though.
Also, keep an eye out on Pirates prospects Polanco (RF - L) and Taillon (P - R). Polanco is primed to make his MLB debut this year and is looking to be the final piece to what could be the best outfield in the MLB.
Taillon has always been mentioned in the same breath as fellow Pirates pitcher Cole in that they were both first round picks and are both projected to be top tier MLB starters. If Taillon makes his debut this year, and has half the stuff Cole had towards the end of last year, the Pirates could have one of, if not the best starting rotation in baseball. And that's without A.J. Burnett.
December 17, 2013
The Upside of Injury
The Pittsburgh Penguins are hurting.
In last night's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Pittsburgh Penguins roster looked more like an AHL roster than a NHL one. Despite that, the Penguins skated away with a 3-1 victory - a trend of late as the Pens have won 9-10 - the one loss being the heart breaker to the Boston Bruins - and are doing with about half an actual NHL roster. The Penguins injury problem though is troubling, only getting worse last night in that forward Jayson Megna will be out probably the rest of the week if not more with a lower body injury sustained last night. All these injuries though could be just what the Penguins ordered.
No one can forget a few season ago when the Penguins line up was so injury plagued that the team was relying solely on Jordan Staal and his line mates (which consisted of departed forwards Tyler Kennedy and Matt Cooke) to score enough for the entire team. Sidney Crosby was out long term. Evgeni Malkin was out long term. There was no real positives to be gained form the situation. This time though, things are different. It feels different. The Penguins are not relying on any one line or person to achieve what the injured (or in James Neal's case suspended) stars did when they were in the line up. The whole team is coming together and chipping in one gritty goal at a time and it's working. The defense, down to one actual top 6 defenseman in Matt Niskanen, is playing beyond so far beyond it's years it that it looks like the Pens don't even need their fallen D regulars back.
So often around Pittsburgh you hear of how strong Pittsburgh's organization depth is, especially on D. The problem is that all that talent is left to stagnate in the minors because the Pens have such a strong product already on the ice that it would be almost impossible to change it for any one player. This recent brash of injuries has allowed the Pens D depth to do what they were always projected to do - win at an NHL level. Matta, Dumoulin, Despres and Samuelsson all seem like NHL material and at least 2 of them would be on the starting rosters of any number of NHL teams. Their play up to this point, although small, has been very impressive and during this time of the injury plague - it can only get better. This brash of injuries, horrible to the roster regulars, is a gift for those "depth" D in the Penguins organization. This is the chance for them to improve their skills at the highest level possible and prove that they belong here so that next trade deadline or offseason the Penguins won't need to go after a big name free agent - they can save money and upgrade from within.
On a short side note, the Penguins forward depth is no where near what the D is but has impressed me none the less. Specifically Megna and Connor who look like they should be on this roster instead of the likes of Chuck Kobasew. Also, the Penguins no longer need to keep aging defensive forward Craig Adams - Zack Sill has shown me in this brief stint that he is the equivalent of Craig Adams except younger and, relatively, cheaper. He should be on the Pens starting roster after Adam's contract expires. His play thus far has warranted that.
In last night's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Pittsburgh Penguins roster looked more like an AHL roster than a NHL one. Despite that, the Penguins skated away with a 3-1 victory - a trend of late as the Pens have won 9-10 - the one loss being the heart breaker to the Boston Bruins - and are doing with about half an actual NHL roster. The Penguins injury problem though is troubling, only getting worse last night in that forward Jayson Megna will be out probably the rest of the week if not more with a lower body injury sustained last night. All these injuries though could be just what the Penguins ordered.
No one can forget a few season ago when the Penguins line up was so injury plagued that the team was relying solely on Jordan Staal and his line mates (which consisted of departed forwards Tyler Kennedy and Matt Cooke) to score enough for the entire team. Sidney Crosby was out long term. Evgeni Malkin was out long term. There was no real positives to be gained form the situation. This time though, things are different. It feels different. The Penguins are not relying on any one line or person to achieve what the injured (or in James Neal's case suspended) stars did when they were in the line up. The whole team is coming together and chipping in one gritty goal at a time and it's working. The defense, down to one actual top 6 defenseman in Matt Niskanen, is playing beyond so far beyond it's years it that it looks like the Pens don't even need their fallen D regulars back.
So often around Pittsburgh you hear of how strong Pittsburgh's organization depth is, especially on D. The problem is that all that talent is left to stagnate in the minors because the Pens have such a strong product already on the ice that it would be almost impossible to change it for any one player. This recent brash of injuries has allowed the Pens D depth to do what they were always projected to do - win at an NHL level. Matta, Dumoulin, Despres and Samuelsson all seem like NHL material and at least 2 of them would be on the starting rosters of any number of NHL teams. Their play up to this point, although small, has been very impressive and during this time of the injury plague - it can only get better. This brash of injuries, horrible to the roster regulars, is a gift for those "depth" D in the Penguins organization. This is the chance for them to improve their skills at the highest level possible and prove that they belong here so that next trade deadline or offseason the Penguins won't need to go after a big name free agent - they can save money and upgrade from within.
On a short side note, the Penguins forward depth is no where near what the D is but has impressed me none the less. Specifically Megna and Connor who look like they should be on this roster instead of the likes of Chuck Kobasew. Also, the Penguins no longer need to keep aging defensive forward Craig Adams - Zack Sill has shown me in this brief stint that he is the equivalent of Craig Adams except younger and, relatively, cheaper. He should be on the Pens starting roster after Adam's contract expires. His play thus far has warranted that.
December 10, 2013
Boston Wrong - The Aftermath
Now that we've all had time to cool down following that disgrace of a hockey game last Saturday night, I need to reiterate and clarify some things from my previous post. This is also a response to those many fans in Boston crying foul at Pittsburgh LW James Neal who kneed Bruins F Brad Marchand in the head last Saturday night.
What James Neal did was wrong, there is no denying that. I, nor none of my fellow fans and writers back in Pittsburgh, will attest to anything otherwise. I feel the 5 game suspension laid down yesterday by Player Safety VP Brendan Shanahan was a perfect punishment for the crime.
What has been beyond comprehension to me for the past couple days though is how strongly Boston fans are standing behind what Bruins F Shawn Thornton did. Or, more specifically, they are letting what James Neal did be a scapegoat for Shawn Thornton. I can't tell you how many times I've heard from Boston fans since the incident:
Me: "How can you even suggest that what Shawn Thornton did was right? In any way?"
Boston Fan: "He was just sticking up for his teammates!"
Me: "So sticking up for you're teammates now includes assaulting other players and sending them to the hospital?"
Boston Fan: "Well........ahh......WHAT JAMES NEAL DID WAS JUST AS BAD!"
Me: "Those incidents were not.....
Boston Fan: "THORNTON WAS JUST STICKING UP FOR HIS TEAMMATES! NEAL IS THE REAL GOON HERE. THORNTON DID NOTHING WRONG. NEAL IS THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE SUSPENDED NOT THORNTON!"
Something like that. It varies in words used but the general gist is always the same.
Listen Boston fans, and listen good. The incidents concerning James Neal and Shawn Thornton were completely SEPARATE incidents. There should be no comparing them and certainly no hiding behind them so you can justify what Shawn Thornton did.
Don't believe me?
Here is the two incidents, broken down:
James Neal
1. Brad Marchand is one of the dirtiest players in the league
2. Sidney Crosby did NOT, contrary to popular Boston belief, slew foot or trip Brad Marchand.
3. James Neal kneed Marchand in the head while he was on the ground. For what reason? See #1.
Shawn Thornton
What James Neal did was wrong, there is no denying that. I, nor none of my fellow fans and writers back in Pittsburgh, will attest to anything otherwise. I feel the 5 game suspension laid down yesterday by Player Safety VP Brendan Shanahan was a perfect punishment for the crime.
What has been beyond comprehension to me for the past couple days though is how strongly Boston fans are standing behind what Bruins F Shawn Thornton did. Or, more specifically, they are letting what James Neal did be a scapegoat for Shawn Thornton. I can't tell you how many times I've heard from Boston fans since the incident:
Me: "How can you even suggest that what Shawn Thornton did was right? In any way?"
Boston Fan: "He was just sticking up for his teammates!"
Me: "So sticking up for you're teammates now includes assaulting other players and sending them to the hospital?"
Boston Fan: "Well........ahh......WHAT JAMES NEAL DID WAS JUST AS BAD!"
Me: "Those incidents were not.....
Boston Fan: "THORNTON WAS JUST STICKING UP FOR HIS TEAMMATES! NEAL IS THE REAL GOON HERE. THORNTON DID NOTHING WRONG. NEAL IS THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE SUSPENDED NOT THORNTON!"
Something like that. It varies in words used but the general gist is always the same.
Listen Boston fans, and listen good. The incidents concerning James Neal and Shawn Thornton were completely SEPARATE incidents. There should be no comparing them and certainly no hiding behind them so you can justify what Shawn Thornton did.
Don't believe me?
Here is the two incidents, broken down:
James Neal
1. Brad Marchand is one of the dirtiest players in the league
2. Sidney Crosby did NOT, contrary to popular Boston belief, slew foot or trip Brad Marchand.
3. James Neal kneed Marchand in the head while he was on the ground. For what reason? See #1.
Shawn Thornton
1. In the previous game for Boston - The Bruins got out
hustled badly by the Canadians and were criticized for not sticking up for
teammate Johnny Boychuk when he was injured from a hit by Max Pacioretty.
Pacioretty's hit was called for boarding (2 minute penalty) - but apart from
that there was no reason for any type of reprimanding - either from the Bruins
or from the league. But being a Canadians/ Bruins game, of course people called
for more action than actually needed.
2. Brooks Orpik delivered a crushing hit to Bruins F Loui Eriksson - the hit was open ice and was clean. Orpik does often does these open ice hits so this was nothing new. Eriksson suffered a concussion on the play. Orpik did NOT receive a penalty - nor should he have.
3. Shawn Thornton skated the length of the ice and assaulted an unsuspecting Brooks Orpik who, after the hit on Eriksson, refused to fight Thornton who is an experienced fighter. Orpik did not want to fight, as is his right. Orpik would need to be taken out on a stretcher (as he was unconscious) after receiving taking multiple blows to the head once down on the ice. He was taken to a hospital for further testing.
2. Brooks Orpik delivered a crushing hit to Bruins F Loui Eriksson - the hit was open ice and was clean. Orpik does often does these open ice hits so this was nothing new. Eriksson suffered a concussion on the play. Orpik did NOT receive a penalty - nor should he have.
3. Shawn Thornton skated the length of the ice and assaulted an unsuspecting Brooks Orpik who, after the hit on Eriksson, refused to fight Thornton who is an experienced fighter. Orpik did not want to fight, as is his right. Orpik would need to be taken out on a stretcher (as he was unconscious) after receiving taking multiple blows to the head once down on the ice. He was taken to a hospital for further testing.
I see no possible way those two incidents are in any way related.
Boston fans, what Shawn Thornton did was despicable and a disgrace to hockey.
Penguins fans, what James Neal did, although slightly less despicable, was also a disgrace to hockey.
The difference, Penguins fans are owning up to that fact. They know what James Neal did was wrong.
Boston fans on the other hand continually stand to back what Shawn Thornton did, knowing full well he was wrong in his actions. Boston fans, get you're collective heads out of you're asses. Stop playing innocent. Own up to what you did, shut up and go on living. You all, despite what you all seem to think, are not in any way the victim here. Brooks Orpik was.
Your not being Boston Strong in this case.
Your just plain Boston Wrong.
December 7, 2013
The Philadelphia....err....Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are goons. Their entire team is built, from the ground up, to play physical hockey. Now I'm not against physical hockey. But the way Boston plays, the way their players act - without class, without control - is one of the reasons they should be the most hated team in hockey. And why there is no other team I would rather see lose.
For an example of this, look no further than the events that transpired this past Saturday in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. Halfway through the first period - after a scrum in front of the Penguins net - Shawn Thornton, one of the many Bruins goons, skated the length of ice and proceeded to slew foot Penguins D Brooks Orpik. Once on the ground - he proceeded to pummel the unsuspecting Orpik until he was knocked unconscious. Following the scrimmage, Orpik needed to be carried out on a stretcher and Thornton was assessed a match penalty. Oh, and Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien decided to yell obscenities over at the Penguins bench. Because, you know, it was his player knocked unconscious on the ice.
For an example of this, look no further than the events that transpired this past Saturday in the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. Halfway through the first period - after a scrum in front of the Penguins net - Shawn Thornton, one of the many Bruins goons, skated the length of ice and proceeded to slew foot Penguins D Brooks Orpik. Once on the ground - he proceeded to pummel the unsuspecting Orpik until he was knocked unconscious. Following the scrimmage, Orpik needed to be carried out on a stretcher and Thornton was assessed a match penalty. Oh, and Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien decided to yell obscenities over at the Penguins bench. Because, you know, it was his player knocked unconscious on the ice.
The Boston Bruins are a physical hockey team. They are one of the best teams in the NHL. But they are also the most dirty. Much of that dirty play goes unnoticed though due to the success of their team. But don't doubt it - it's there. If the Bruins are not reprimanded for what happened last Saturday, then who's to say something like this won't happen again. The Bruins are a good team - but their arrogance and loose play is something that does not belong in the NHL.
The Bruins should be ashamed of what they did last Saturday.
But instead they will put what they did to Brooks Orpik as another feather in their "physical play" cap.
The Bruins should be ashamed of what they did last Saturday.
But instead they will put what they did to Brooks Orpik as another feather in their "physical play" cap.
They are goons. And should be handled as such.
November 21, 2013
NHL: The Season So Far
The NHL Season is already 1/4 over and it's time to give out the first quarter awards. Here is who, I think, if the season ended today would be up for the leagues top awards:
Hart Trophy (MVP):
1. Sidney Crosby (11 G / 22 A / 28 Pts / +4 / 22 Games Played)
2. Alex Steen (17 G / 9 A / 26 Pts / +11 / 20 GP)
3. Alex Ovechkin (17 G / 7 A / 24 Pts / -7 / 20 GP)
Analysis:
So far the league's biggest standout has been Pittsburgh Penguins C Sidney Crosby. It seems not much has changed from the past 3 seasons in that Crosby is still the best player in the NHL (or the world for that matter) and is playing like it. If the season ended today it would be hard for the NHL not to give Crosby MVP.
The big surprise on this list is of course St. Louis Blues LW Alex Steen, who has put up 17 goals (league leading) in 20 games. If he can keep up the pace he is on right now for the whole season, the MVP race will be much more headed come seasons end.
The final person in the MVP race is also a familiar one. After a two year hiatus, Alex Ovechkin has decided to start playing hockey again. Only time will tell if he can keep up his play of late or if he will drop off like he did two seasons ago. But unless he can fix that horrible +/- both Crosby and Steen would and should have the upper hand on him.
Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)
1. Ryan Suter ( 0 G / 14 A / 14 Pts / +0 / 23 GP)
2. Oliver Ekman-Larsson ( 4 G / 12 A / 16 Pts / + 12 / 21 GP)
3. Jay Bouwmeester ( 1 G / 15 A / 16 Pts / + 10 / 20 GP)
Analysis:
Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild plays more minutes than any other defenseman in the NHL - because he has too. Minnesota does not have the strongest blue line and Suter is by far their best player on the back end - and he likes it that way. Suter thrives playing upwards of 30+ minutes a night and plays in all situations. His offensive output is solid but his defensive play, to this point, has been the best in the NHL - especially considering the lack of defensive support he has behind him on his team.
Ekman-Larrson has been a nice surprise for the Phoenix Coyotes. Still only 22, him and Keith Yandle have become one of the best duos in the NHL. If he can keep up how he has been playing this year he should definitely be in the Norris mix - but considering he has Keith Yandle as a linemate and Suter has, well basically just himself, I would still give Suter the trophy up till this point. If Ekman-Larrson were to explode offensively in the next 3/4 of the season and keep his defensive play up then I believe the NHL would have a much closer race for top defenseman than it is right now.
The St. Louis Blues have the best defensive core in the NHL - bar none. They acquired former Calgary Flames D-man Jay Bouwmeester at the trade deadline last year numerous down years and he has thrived in St. Louis so far. Much like Ekman-Larrson, Bouwmeester would have to have significantly up his offensive game in order to be seriously considered in the same tier as Suter is right now - which would not be impossible due to the previous success Bouwmeester has had as an offensive defenseman.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goalie)
1. Tuukka Rask (18 GP / 12 W / 1.61 GAA / .946 Sv% / 2 SO)
2. Josh Harding ( 19 GP / 13 W / 1.48 GAA / .939 Sv% / 2 SO)
3. Marc-Andre Fleury ( 19 GP / 13 W / 1.90 GAA / .924 Sv% / 2 SO)
Analysis:
Tuukka Rask, since taking over for Tim Thomas as the Bruin's top goaltender, has been nothing less than spectacular. Posting a staggering 1.61 goals against and .946 save percentage - it would be mathematically impossible not to give him the trophy for him play up till this point. The numbers, and his play, have just been that good.
The best story in the NHL season so far, Josh Harding took the top goaltending job away from star veteran goaltender Niklas Backstrom after he went down with an injury early in the season. The feel good part of this story? Josh Harding is suffering from MS and has been since September of 2012. Yet despite battling such an illness, he is still fantastic numbers on a Wild team that is expected to win now. It is a close race between Tuukka and Josh at this point but don't be surprised if you see Harding take the trophy, despite having slightly lower stats, due to the nature of his playing condition.
Marc-Andre Fleury has rebounded very nicely from another horrendous effort in the playoffs last season. Not having a reliable backup - Fleury will be relied on heavily as he has already this year for the Penguins. His play up till this point has put him with the elite goaltenders in the league stat wise this season and due to the nature of his comeback situation, I believe he would get the nod for a nomination over goaltenders who have slightly better stats. Unless his numbers get to a point where they are scary good, I doubt he will have an actual chance of winning considering how well Harding and Rask are playing this year.
Calder Trophy (Best Rookie)
1. Tomas Hertl ( 12 G / 6 A / 18 Pts / + 7 / 21 GP)
2. Seth Jones ( 2 G / 6 A / 8 Pts / -7 / 21 GP)
3. Sean Monahan ( 8 G / 6 A / 14 Pts / -6 / 22 GP)
Analysis:
Tomas Hertl has taken the league by storm so far this year. Scoring four goals in a game against the New York Rangers back in October - no one projected this San Jose C to put up these types of numbers on a team that is already stacked with offensive talent. A true rookie, he is the clear choice for the Calder Trophy so far this season.
Seth Jones, in the upcoming seasons, will become one of the NHL's top defensemen. His pairing with Shea Weber is, in my opinion, already in the top 5 pairing in the league and will only get better as Jones gains experience. He is playing top line minutes on a team that relies heavily on it's defense which is why he gets a nod despite putting up lack luster stats. His stats may not be crystal clean - but his defensive play is something that should be recognized.
Well, this is a surprise. The Flames don't suck. Well, that's not entirely true as they are still a pretty bad team but this team is no where close to where people thought they would be and that is due largely in part to first round pick C Sean Monahan. Monahan has come into an environment with very little expectations and thrived in it. Look for him in the upcoming seasons to become the new cornerstone of a Calgary Flames franchise that is in desperate need of a player to build a team around. It look like they may have found that player in Monahan.
Hart Trophy (MVP):
1. Sidney Crosby (11 G / 22 A / 28 Pts / +4 / 22 Games Played)
2. Alex Steen (17 G / 9 A / 26 Pts / +11 / 20 GP)
3. Alex Ovechkin (17 G / 7 A / 24 Pts / -7 / 20 GP)
Analysis:
So far the league's biggest standout has been Pittsburgh Penguins C Sidney Crosby. It seems not much has changed from the past 3 seasons in that Crosby is still the best player in the NHL (or the world for that matter) and is playing like it. If the season ended today it would be hard for the NHL not to give Crosby MVP.
The big surprise on this list is of course St. Louis Blues LW Alex Steen, who has put up 17 goals (league leading) in 20 games. If he can keep up the pace he is on right now for the whole season, the MVP race will be much more headed come seasons end.
The final person in the MVP race is also a familiar one. After a two year hiatus, Alex Ovechkin has decided to start playing hockey again. Only time will tell if he can keep up his play of late or if he will drop off like he did two seasons ago. But unless he can fix that horrible +/- both Crosby and Steen would and should have the upper hand on him.
Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)
1. Ryan Suter ( 0 G / 14 A / 14 Pts / +0 / 23 GP)
2. Oliver Ekman-Larsson ( 4 G / 12 A / 16 Pts / + 12 / 21 GP)
3. Jay Bouwmeester ( 1 G / 15 A / 16 Pts / + 10 / 20 GP)
Analysis:
Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild plays more minutes than any other defenseman in the NHL - because he has too. Minnesota does not have the strongest blue line and Suter is by far their best player on the back end - and he likes it that way. Suter thrives playing upwards of 30+ minutes a night and plays in all situations. His offensive output is solid but his defensive play, to this point, has been the best in the NHL - especially considering the lack of defensive support he has behind him on his team.
Ekman-Larrson has been a nice surprise for the Phoenix Coyotes. Still only 22, him and Keith Yandle have become one of the best duos in the NHL. If he can keep up how he has been playing this year he should definitely be in the Norris mix - but considering he has Keith Yandle as a linemate and Suter has, well basically just himself, I would still give Suter the trophy up till this point. If Ekman-Larrson were to explode offensively in the next 3/4 of the season and keep his defensive play up then I believe the NHL would have a much closer race for top defenseman than it is right now.
The St. Louis Blues have the best defensive core in the NHL - bar none. They acquired former Calgary Flames D-man Jay Bouwmeester at the trade deadline last year numerous down years and he has thrived in St. Louis so far. Much like Ekman-Larrson, Bouwmeester would have to have significantly up his offensive game in order to be seriously considered in the same tier as Suter is right now - which would not be impossible due to the previous success Bouwmeester has had as an offensive defenseman.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goalie)
1. Tuukka Rask (18 GP / 12 W / 1.61 GAA / .946 Sv% / 2 SO)
2. Josh Harding ( 19 GP / 13 W / 1.48 GAA / .939 Sv% / 2 SO)
3. Marc-Andre Fleury ( 19 GP / 13 W / 1.90 GAA / .924 Sv% / 2 SO)
Analysis:
Tuukka Rask, since taking over for Tim Thomas as the Bruin's top goaltender, has been nothing less than spectacular. Posting a staggering 1.61 goals against and .946 save percentage - it would be mathematically impossible not to give him the trophy for him play up till this point. The numbers, and his play, have just been that good.
The best story in the NHL season so far, Josh Harding took the top goaltending job away from star veteran goaltender Niklas Backstrom after he went down with an injury early in the season. The feel good part of this story? Josh Harding is suffering from MS and has been since September of 2012. Yet despite battling such an illness, he is still fantastic numbers on a Wild team that is expected to win now. It is a close race between Tuukka and Josh at this point but don't be surprised if you see Harding take the trophy, despite having slightly lower stats, due to the nature of his playing condition.
Marc-Andre Fleury has rebounded very nicely from another horrendous effort in the playoffs last season. Not having a reliable backup - Fleury will be relied on heavily as he has already this year for the Penguins. His play up till this point has put him with the elite goaltenders in the league stat wise this season and due to the nature of his comeback situation, I believe he would get the nod for a nomination over goaltenders who have slightly better stats. Unless his numbers get to a point where they are scary good, I doubt he will have an actual chance of winning considering how well Harding and Rask are playing this year.
Calder Trophy (Best Rookie)
1. Tomas Hertl ( 12 G / 6 A / 18 Pts / + 7 / 21 GP)
2. Seth Jones ( 2 G / 6 A / 8 Pts / -7 / 21 GP)
3. Sean Monahan ( 8 G / 6 A / 14 Pts / -6 / 22 GP)
Analysis:
Tomas Hertl has taken the league by storm so far this year. Scoring four goals in a game against the New York Rangers back in October - no one projected this San Jose C to put up these types of numbers on a team that is already stacked with offensive talent. A true rookie, he is the clear choice for the Calder Trophy so far this season.
Seth Jones, in the upcoming seasons, will become one of the NHL's top defensemen. His pairing with Shea Weber is, in my opinion, already in the top 5 pairing in the league and will only get better as Jones gains experience. He is playing top line minutes on a team that relies heavily on it's defense which is why he gets a nod despite putting up lack luster stats. His stats may not be crystal clean - but his defensive play is something that should be recognized.
Well, this is a surprise. The Flames don't suck. Well, that's not entirely true as they are still a pretty bad team but this team is no where close to where people thought they would be and that is due largely in part to first round pick C Sean Monahan. Monahan has come into an environment with very little expectations and thrived in it. Look for him in the upcoming seasons to become the new cornerstone of a Calgary Flames franchise that is in desperate need of a player to build a team around. It look like they may have found that player in Monahan.
November 15, 2013
NHL Trade Analysis: Versteeg for Hayes / Olsen
Breaking down the trade between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers
Chicago Blackhawks
Background:
The Chicago Blackhawks are 19-2-4 with 30 points on the season. They are in second place in a very competitive west conference. This is right where a team of the Blackhawks' caliber should be.
Why:
Simply put, the Blackhawks did not need to change anything about their team. They are currently one of the top 5 teams in the league both on paper and in the standings. They had to let LW Kris Versteeg go a few years a go when they won the Stanley Cup for the first time (not last year) due to cap constraints.
Versteeg is a very undervalued player who will usually put up 20 goals and 50 points during a season. Not a bad addition to a roster that is already overflowing with offensive talent. Also, this brings back Versteeg to a familiar place which should help ease the transition. He's going back to system he knows so he should fit right into where ever the Blackhawks decide to put him in the lineup since he is a type of player that can be either a first line winger or a third line winger. He's very versatile - one of the reason I like him so much.
TPRAT:
Offense: Up
Defense: Down
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Up
Florida Panthers
Background:
The Florida Panthers once again find themselves in the league's basement, going 4-11-4 and compiling only 12 over their first 19 games.
Why:
The Florida Panthers are not a good team. They have some promising talent but it will be a few years before that talent is in their prime. They need prospects right now more than players like Versteeg who they needed to get ride of despite being one of Florida's top 3 players.
RW Jimmy Hayes, a second round pick in 2008, has shown some decent offensive talent in the AHL the past few seasons - but that talent has yet to show up in the NHL. Through 43 NHL games he only has compiled 6 goals- 7 assists ( 13 pts) - 16 penalty minutes and is a -2. Florida is hoping a change of scenery will allow him to bring some of his offensive success from the AHL up to the NHL. He will also be able to get significantly more NHL playing time considering how bad Florida's roster is.
D Jimmy Olsen was a first round pick in 2009. He has not played like a first round pick at all - playing horrible hockey both at the NHL level and at the AHL level. In 28 NHL games he only has 1 assist, 6 penalty minutes and is a -5. His AHL stats also leave a lot to be desired. I'm sure Florida is thinking the same thing with Olsen as they are with Hayes - that a change of scenery will allow them to develop into the players people projected them to be when they were drafted. He, like Hayes, will also be able to see considerable more NHL ice time than if he was still with the Blackhawks - due to Florida's roster being so weak.
TPRAT:
Offense: Down
Defense: Up
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Down
Final Word:
The Blackhawks are one of the best teams in the NHL and they just got even better. The Florida Panthers are one of the worst teams in the NHL and they just got even worse. You tell me who won.
Winner:
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
Background:
The Chicago Blackhawks are 19-2-4 with 30 points on the season. They are in second place in a very competitive west conference. This is right where a team of the Blackhawks' caliber should be.
Why:
Simply put, the Blackhawks did not need to change anything about their team. They are currently one of the top 5 teams in the league both on paper and in the standings. They had to let LW Kris Versteeg go a few years a go when they won the Stanley Cup for the first time (not last year) due to cap constraints.
Versteeg is a very undervalued player who will usually put up 20 goals and 50 points during a season. Not a bad addition to a roster that is already overflowing with offensive talent. Also, this brings back Versteeg to a familiar place which should help ease the transition. He's going back to system he knows so he should fit right into where ever the Blackhawks decide to put him in the lineup since he is a type of player that can be either a first line winger or a third line winger. He's very versatile - one of the reason I like him so much.
TPRAT:
Offense: Up
Defense: Down
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Up
Florida Panthers
Background:
The Florida Panthers once again find themselves in the league's basement, going 4-11-4 and compiling only 12 over their first 19 games.
Why:
The Florida Panthers are not a good team. They have some promising talent but it will be a few years before that talent is in their prime. They need prospects right now more than players like Versteeg who they needed to get ride of despite being one of Florida's top 3 players.
RW Jimmy Hayes, a second round pick in 2008, has shown some decent offensive talent in the AHL the past few seasons - but that talent has yet to show up in the NHL. Through 43 NHL games he only has compiled 6 goals- 7 assists ( 13 pts) - 16 penalty minutes and is a -2. Florida is hoping a change of scenery will allow him to bring some of his offensive success from the AHL up to the NHL. He will also be able to get significantly more NHL playing time considering how bad Florida's roster is.
D Jimmy Olsen was a first round pick in 2009. He has not played like a first round pick at all - playing horrible hockey both at the NHL level and at the AHL level. In 28 NHL games he only has 1 assist, 6 penalty minutes and is a -5. His AHL stats also leave a lot to be desired. I'm sure Florida is thinking the same thing with Olsen as they are with Hayes - that a change of scenery will allow them to develop into the players people projected them to be when they were drafted. He, like Hayes, will also be able to see considerable more NHL ice time than if he was still with the Blackhawks - due to Florida's roster being so weak.
TPRAT:
Offense: Down
Defense: Up
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Down
Final Word:
The Blackhawks are one of the best teams in the NHL and they just got even better. The Florida Panthers are one of the worst teams in the NHL and they just got even worse. You tell me who won.
Winner:
Chicago Blackhawks
Pittsburgh Steelers: Loosing is Better Than Winning
The Pittsburgh Steelers, for the second straight season, will not be making the playoffs. Accept it Steeler Nation.
Since this is my first time writing about my hometown football team I will say that I am not a Steeler fan in any sense of the word. I am a bandwagon fan - 100% - but that mostly stems from the lack of interest I have in the NFL as a whole. My favorite NFL team, however, is the Seattle Seahawks. Just FYI.
Ok, now that is cleared up, back to the Steelers. The Steelers are not going to make the playoffs. They flat out don't deserve to make the playoffs. This team has so many holes in it, so many weaknesses, that they shouldn't even have as good as a record as they do now. Part of that, of course, is injuries - but not all of it. Almost every facet of the Steelers game, apart from QB, is hurting right now. They need help on all fronts - from a sub par defensive line - to a torn up offensive line - to a plethora of mediocre wide receivers - to a horrible rotation at running back. The Steelers need to fix all these things to get back to being in the leagues elite. They have some building blocks right now but they solution they need to fix all these problems are, despite what Coach Tomlin keeps saying, NOT in house. They need to look elsewhere this off season to bolster this obviously struggling team.
That is why it is this writer's opinion that the Steelers should lose out. They should have blown every other game after they went down 2-6. This team is not going anywhere this season, so why even try too? The Steelers need to hit it big in the draft this year. Winning would only move them further down in draft order - something they cannot afford to happen.
I understand why the Steelers will continue to try and win. Because of the history of the franchise and they know how good a team they really are and blah blah blah. It's all BS. This is not a good team. They are not making the playoffs. Why not get a high draft pick and lose than win and have the suck stretch further on in future seasons? Why not endure a few terrible seasons instead of enduring a decade of sub par ones? I'd much rather rebuild this team in 3-4 years than 8-10. But that's where the Steelers are headed if they continue to finish - and I believe the way this team is this is exactly how they will be for the foreseeable future if noting changes - right in the middle of the league; not making the playoffs AND not getting high draft picks. It is a set up for disaster. A disaster the Steeler organization is playing right into.
Since this is my first time writing about my hometown football team I will say that I am not a Steeler fan in any sense of the word. I am a bandwagon fan - 100% - but that mostly stems from the lack of interest I have in the NFL as a whole. My favorite NFL team, however, is the Seattle Seahawks. Just FYI.
Ok, now that is cleared up, back to the Steelers. The Steelers are not going to make the playoffs. They flat out don't deserve to make the playoffs. This team has so many holes in it, so many weaknesses, that they shouldn't even have as good as a record as they do now. Part of that, of course, is injuries - but not all of it. Almost every facet of the Steelers game, apart from QB, is hurting right now. They need help on all fronts - from a sub par defensive line - to a torn up offensive line - to a plethora of mediocre wide receivers - to a horrible rotation at running back. The Steelers need to fix all these things to get back to being in the leagues elite. They have some building blocks right now but they solution they need to fix all these problems are, despite what Coach Tomlin keeps saying, NOT in house. They need to look elsewhere this off season to bolster this obviously struggling team.
That is why it is this writer's opinion that the Steelers should lose out. They should have blown every other game after they went down 2-6. This team is not going anywhere this season, so why even try too? The Steelers need to hit it big in the draft this year. Winning would only move them further down in draft order - something they cannot afford to happen.
I understand why the Steelers will continue to try and win. Because of the history of the franchise and they know how good a team they really are and blah blah blah. It's all BS. This is not a good team. They are not making the playoffs. Why not get a high draft pick and lose than win and have the suck stretch further on in future seasons? Why not endure a few terrible seasons instead of enduring a decade of sub par ones? I'd much rather rebuild this team in 3-4 years than 8-10. But that's where the Steelers are headed if they continue to finish - and I believe the way this team is this is exactly how they will be for the foreseeable future if noting changes - right in the middle of the league; not making the playoffs AND not getting high draft picks. It is a set up for disaster. A disaster the Steeler organization is playing right into.
November 2, 2013
Two Goalies: Two Crimes: Two Failures by the NHL
If you haven't been paying attention, the past week has seen two NHL goaltenders, starters at that, commit two crimes that have gone unpunished by the NHL. One crime happened off the ice, while the other happened on it. The guilty parties in question? - Colorado Avalanche goaltender - Semyon Varlamov and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender - Ray Emery.
Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov is facing charges of second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault. The kidnapping charge is a Class 4 felony - punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison. The assault charge is a misdemeanor. The event that caused him to receive these charges were as follows, as told by his Russian girlfriend, the victim of said charges:
"It happened on Tuesday at 6 a.m. My boyfriend came home drunk and acting strange and rushed at me with the intention of beating me. He grabbed my hands and twisted me. When I tried to close the door to the room and get him out of the room, he kicked me in the chest with his leg. Twice I fell on the ground, and it hurt me a lot. After that we had a small fight between the kitchen and the lobby. At this moment, he was laughing."
Sound like a great guy and role model, just the player I would want my kids emulating. The fact that this happened is not even the aggravating part of this story, the aggravating part is that Varlamov started in goal yesterday for Avalanche. He received no punishment from his coach, the Avalanche organization or, more importantly, the NHL - and got to play Friday. Why was this felon in goal - why was he aloud to step foot back in the Avalanche locker room. Obviously, he is innocent until proven guilty - but you don't let him back until that happens.
This is the first failure by the NHL within the past week involving a NHL goaltender. The new CBA allows for players under criminal investigation to be suspended. Why was that not enacted here, why is was Varlamov allowed to start yesterday in Dallas? That is a question I cannot answer.
Failure Number 1 by the NHL
Ray Emery
Semyon Varlamov was not the only felon on NHL ice yesterday. Ray Emery, starting goaltender for the struggling Philadelphia Flyers, was in goal last night during the Flyers 7-0 thumping by the Washington Capitals.....who were without star LW Alexander Ovechkin. It should be noted that Emery did not start in goal - backup goaltender Steve Mason was - but was put in after the Capitals took a 5-0 lead. Two goals later, the Flyers did what the Flyers do when they are loosing - fight anyone in an opposing uniform. Apparently, the opposing goalie is not exempt from that game plan.
In the dying minutes of the 7-0 game, a fight broke out between both teams. Every player on the ice was involved. Ray Emery, feeling left out, skated over to the other side of the ice and challenged Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby to a fight. The problem? Holtby didn't want to fight. Emery didn't care. He then proceeded to pummel the young Capitals goaltender until the referees broke it up several powerful blows (in total about 8 from Emery) later. Holtby, after the first few punches, went into what could be described as a defensive curl position in order to try and get out of the way of the barrage of punches Emery was throwing his way. This was not a fight. It was an assault. Had this happened off the ice, Emery would have joined fellow goaltender Varlamov in jail. He assaulted a defensiveness player. One that had no desire to fight him in the first place. I believe fighting has a place in hockey - but only when both players agree to it. Its part of what makes hockey special and one of the reason I love it so much. But not like this. When asked about the fight, Emery said the following:
"He didn't want to fight. And I said, basically, protect yourself. He didn't really have much of a choice."
Assault. That's what Emery admitted to after the game. He he was proud of it - and so were the people at Philadelphia, giving him the 3rd star of the game, something that disgusts me even more. Emery should be suspended for the rest of the season. The whole Flyers team should be finned, heavily, before this becomes a common thing in a season that will see the Flyers at the bottom of standings. Philadelphia is a disgrace to the league - they always have been. It's time the NHL forces them to shape up or else. Emery needs to be suspended. The Flyers organization need to be fined. But neither will happen.
Failure Number 2 by the NHL.
November 1, 2013
MLB Free Agency Analysis: Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates - coming off their first winning season in 20 years - finally are in a position of strength coming into an offseason. The Pirates lineup, flush with young talent, does not have that many gaping holes that need filling through free agency. The spots that do need filling are 1B and RF (they need one or both positions to have power or home run ability) - as well as some decent bench players and a defensive replacement for the infield. Also, there is the conundrum of what to do with RHP A.J. Burnett. Here is a list I have devised of possible in house and free agent players that the Pirates could look to in order to fill those holes as well as my opinion on the whole A.J. Burnett debate.
1B:
In House
Justin Morneau (Last Season: .259 AVG, 17 HR, 77 RBI) - $$$$
Garrett Jones (.233 AVG, 15 HR, 51 RBI) - $$
Gabby Sanchez (.254 AVG, 7 HR, 36 RBI) - $$
Andrew Lambo (.233 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI) *signed, rookie - $
Free Agents
Kendrys Morales (.277 AVG, 23 HR, 80 RBI) - $$$$
James Loney (.299 AVG, 13 HR, 75 RBI) - $$$
Corey Hart (INJURED - DID NOT PLAY) (2011/12: .270 AVG, 30 HR, 83 RBI) - $$$
Analysis:
Garrett Jones is gone. It's a foregone conclusion heading into the offseason. Gabby is no longer a starting 1B and Lambo is too young/inexperienced. That leaves the only real option In House to be Morneau - who under performed in terms of power hitting once he came to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline. Morneau would still cost a decent amount of money, despite his age and would likely only sign a 1 year deal. Still he would be a very solid player who you could count on to at least hit .250 with the occasional HR. Not the worst plan as he would still be an upgrade over the Jones/Sanchez combination last year.
I feel the better option for the Pirates would be to look into the free agent pool, as there are a few decent options at 1B. The best option, and safest, would be Seattle Mariners'-Kendrys Morales. He is only 30, so he has some time left before he starts to decline talent wise and provides a solid bit of power hitting to go along with a nice .270 batting average. The problem with him is that he is one of, if not the best, pure first basemen on the market this offseason - meaning the Pirates may not get him / can not afford him.
Next is Tampa Bay Rays' - James Loney. He is only 29 years old so, like Morales, he has some time before he starts to decline talent wise. Loney hits more for average than for power, hitting almost .300 last season, so it would not fill the power void in the Pirates lineup - but adding a .300 AVG hitter is never a bad thing. He would also be cheaper than Morales, leaving some more money to spend on other positions.
Then comes the most interesting option - Milwaukee Brewers' - Corey Hart. Hart, 31, is the oldest of the three but also the one with the most power. Since the 2010 season he has hit 31, 26 and 30 HR each hear, respectively. The problem is that he missed all of last year with multiple knee injures. GM Neal Huntington has had great success in regards to taking chances on players who were hurt the year before. The risk is there for Hart, and it's a significant one at that - but so is the possible payoff.
RF:
In House:
Marlon Byrd (.291 AVG, 24 HR, 88 RBI) - $$$$$+
Jose Tabata (.282 AVG, 6 HR, 33 RBI) *signed - $$
Andrew Lambo (.233 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI) *signed, rookie - $
Free Agents:
Nate McLouth (.258 AVG, 12 HR, 36 RBI) - $$$
Michael Morse (.215 AVG, 13 HR, 27 RBI) - $$
Chris Young (.200 AVG, 12 HR, 40 RBI) - $$
Analysis:
The Pirates best option for RF would be to sign Marlon Byrd. Byrd, who came over at the trade deadline last year, was everything he was advertised to be. He provided the power the Pirates needed in their line up and was irreplaceable leading up to, as well as in, the playoffs. The problem with Byrd is that he is 36, so his career is rounding down, where as Jose Tabata, who played well enough last year to have a starting job in the OF, is only 28. Also, Tabata is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than Byrd, who will fetch more than a pretty penny on the free agent market in the coming weeks. Lambo is, at best, a fill in for one of the two this year. He is simply too young and too inexperienced to have a starting job with other, better options out there for the Pirates. Simply put, the Pirates should try and sign Byrd who would be the power they need in their lineup. The question is whether or not they can afford him....
Stop one on the in the OF free agent pool is a familiar one. Nate McLouth, former Pittsburgh Pirate who was chased out a few years ago after the Pirates gave him another shot in which he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, found himself again with the Baltimore Orioles the past two season. He has been respectable, hitting .250+ the past two seasons. The problem here is that he does not satisfy the Pirates need for power and, in my opinion, would be a downgrade from Jose Tabata who is already signed next season. McLouth has earned a starting job somewhere, just not, in my opinion, in Pittsburgh.
Next comes Seattle Mariners - Michael Morse, who significantly under performed last year after the Mariners acquired him to add power to their line up. Back in 2011, Michael hit 31 HR while with the Washington Nationals - but has not reached the 20 HR mark since. Morse would be a relatively cheap pick up, especially when compared to Byrd, but I feel he would be best suited as a bench player because the amount of risk/reward with him just is not worth it for the Pirates this year.
Lastly, comes Oakland As' - Chis Young. Chris was a pretty good player in his early days in Arizona, hitting 32 HR in 2007 and 27 HR in 2010. His HR total since 2010 has steadily declined, going from 20 to 14 to 12 last season. Young is a relatively cheap risk for which ever team picks him up. He has proven he has the power but what's such a big concern is that he has only his above .250 once in his career. This is a last resort for the Pirates (although he would be an ok bench player), but still the options they already have are better than this.
RHP:
In House:
A.J. Burnett (10-11, 3.30 ERA, 209 K, 67 BB, 191 IP) - $$$$$
Now comes the current great debate in Pittsburgh - whether or not go keep RHP A.J. Burnett. AJ has been irreplaceable on the team the past few seasons - being a steady presence on the mound while being a leader in the locker room. His competitive nature has spread to the rest of his Pirate teammates and he should be contributed as a huge reason to the Pirates turn around the past few seasons. During the time he was here, his former team, the New York Yankees, were paying half his salary. If the Pirates were to keep AJ next year, they would have to pay all of his contract - which would be around $14 M for 1 year.
In my opinion, AJ has to stay. He means more to this team than just his pitching and to let him go now would be a step backwards. The Pirates have some money in their pocket this offseason and they should spend some of it on AJ - if for no other reason than what he means to this city and to this team.
1B:
In House
Justin Morneau (Last Season: .259 AVG, 17 HR, 77 RBI) - $$$$
Garrett Jones (.233 AVG, 15 HR, 51 RBI) - $$
Gabby Sanchez (.254 AVG, 7 HR, 36 RBI) - $$
Andrew Lambo (.233 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI) *signed, rookie - $
Free Agents
Kendrys Morales (.277 AVG, 23 HR, 80 RBI) - $$$$
James Loney (.299 AVG, 13 HR, 75 RBI) - $$$
Corey Hart (INJURED - DID NOT PLAY) (2011/12: .270 AVG, 30 HR, 83 RBI) - $$$
Analysis:
Garrett Jones is gone. It's a foregone conclusion heading into the offseason. Gabby is no longer a starting 1B and Lambo is too young/inexperienced. That leaves the only real option In House to be Morneau - who under performed in terms of power hitting once he came to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline. Morneau would still cost a decent amount of money, despite his age and would likely only sign a 1 year deal. Still he would be a very solid player who you could count on to at least hit .250 with the occasional HR. Not the worst plan as he would still be an upgrade over the Jones/Sanchez combination last year.
I feel the better option for the Pirates would be to look into the free agent pool, as there are a few decent options at 1B. The best option, and safest, would be Seattle Mariners'-Kendrys Morales. He is only 30, so he has some time left before he starts to decline talent wise and provides a solid bit of power hitting to go along with a nice .270 batting average. The problem with him is that he is one of, if not the best, pure first basemen on the market this offseason - meaning the Pirates may not get him / can not afford him.
Next is Tampa Bay Rays' - James Loney. He is only 29 years old so, like Morales, he has some time before he starts to decline talent wise. Loney hits more for average than for power, hitting almost .300 last season, so it would not fill the power void in the Pirates lineup - but adding a .300 AVG hitter is never a bad thing. He would also be cheaper than Morales, leaving some more money to spend on other positions.
Then comes the most interesting option - Milwaukee Brewers' - Corey Hart. Hart, 31, is the oldest of the three but also the one with the most power. Since the 2010 season he has hit 31, 26 and 30 HR each hear, respectively. The problem is that he missed all of last year with multiple knee injures. GM Neal Huntington has had great success in regards to taking chances on players who were hurt the year before. The risk is there for Hart, and it's a significant one at that - but so is the possible payoff.
RF:
In House:
Marlon Byrd (.291 AVG, 24 HR, 88 RBI) - $$$$$+
Jose Tabata (.282 AVG, 6 HR, 33 RBI) *signed - $$
Andrew Lambo (.233 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI) *signed, rookie - $
Free Agents:
Nate McLouth (.258 AVG, 12 HR, 36 RBI) - $$$
Michael Morse (.215 AVG, 13 HR, 27 RBI) - $$
Chris Young (.200 AVG, 12 HR, 40 RBI) - $$
Analysis:
The Pirates best option for RF would be to sign Marlon Byrd. Byrd, who came over at the trade deadline last year, was everything he was advertised to be. He provided the power the Pirates needed in their line up and was irreplaceable leading up to, as well as in, the playoffs. The problem with Byrd is that he is 36, so his career is rounding down, where as Jose Tabata, who played well enough last year to have a starting job in the OF, is only 28. Also, Tabata is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than Byrd, who will fetch more than a pretty penny on the free agent market in the coming weeks. Lambo is, at best, a fill in for one of the two this year. He is simply too young and too inexperienced to have a starting job with other, better options out there for the Pirates. Simply put, the Pirates should try and sign Byrd who would be the power they need in their lineup. The question is whether or not they can afford him....
Stop one on the in the OF free agent pool is a familiar one. Nate McLouth, former Pittsburgh Pirate who was chased out a few years ago after the Pirates gave him another shot in which he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, found himself again with the Baltimore Orioles the past two season. He has been respectable, hitting .250+ the past two seasons. The problem here is that he does not satisfy the Pirates need for power and, in my opinion, would be a downgrade from Jose Tabata who is already signed next season. McLouth has earned a starting job somewhere, just not, in my opinion, in Pittsburgh.
Next comes Seattle Mariners - Michael Morse, who significantly under performed last year after the Mariners acquired him to add power to their line up. Back in 2011, Michael hit 31 HR while with the Washington Nationals - but has not reached the 20 HR mark since. Morse would be a relatively cheap pick up, especially when compared to Byrd, but I feel he would be best suited as a bench player because the amount of risk/reward with him just is not worth it for the Pirates this year.
Lastly, comes Oakland As' - Chis Young. Chris was a pretty good player in his early days in Arizona, hitting 32 HR in 2007 and 27 HR in 2010. His HR total since 2010 has steadily declined, going from 20 to 14 to 12 last season. Young is a relatively cheap risk for which ever team picks him up. He has proven he has the power but what's such a big concern is that he has only his above .250 once in his career. This is a last resort for the Pirates (although he would be an ok bench player), but still the options they already have are better than this.
RHP:
In House:
A.J. Burnett (10-11, 3.30 ERA, 209 K, 67 BB, 191 IP) - $$$$$
Now comes the current great debate in Pittsburgh - whether or not go keep RHP A.J. Burnett. AJ has been irreplaceable on the team the past few seasons - being a steady presence on the mound while being a leader in the locker room. His competitive nature has spread to the rest of his Pirate teammates and he should be contributed as a huge reason to the Pirates turn around the past few seasons. During the time he was here, his former team, the New York Yankees, were paying half his salary. If the Pirates were to keep AJ next year, they would have to pay all of his contract - which would be around $14 M for 1 year.
In my opinion, AJ has to stay. He means more to this team than just his pitching and to let him go now would be a step backwards. The Pirates have some money in their pocket this offseason and they should spend some of it on AJ - if for no other reason than what he means to this city and to this team.
NHL Trade Analysis: Downie for Talbot
Breaking down the trade between the Colorado Avalanche and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Colorado Avalanche
Background:
The Avalanche, to the surprise of everyone, are off to one of the hottest starts in the league - winning 10 of their first 11 games and amassing 20 points in process (2 shy of San Jose's league leading 22 points).
Why:
The Avalanche are buying into new coach Patrick Roy's defensive minded system and the results speak for themselves. The results are very similar to a few years ago when current St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock came in and and implemented a defense first style which turned a mediocre St. Louis team into perennial Cup contenders. With this new system in place, the Avalanche need players that fit into it. Max Talbot is a prime example of a defense first player. He is one of, if not the best depth forwards in the league and can play in multiple situations but specializes on the penalty kill - something Coach Roy said was the basis for this trade. He will fit in nicely on a young Colorado team who is also looking for a leader in the locker room and a mentor for it's developing stars. Talbot provides all of that and more. Downie, who came over via free agency after two productive years (four total) in Tampa Bay, was a complete bust once he came over to the Avalanche. Part of that was injuries but most of it was that he just was not the same player once taken away from the likes of St. Louis, Stamkos and Lecavalier in Tampa Bay. He struggled to fit in with his new team - making this trade not that huge a surprise.
Team Position Rankings After Trade (TPRAT):
Offense: Down
Defense: Up
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Up
Philadelphia Flyers
Background:
The Flyers are off to one their worst starts in the past decade (3-8: 6 points) and management needs to do something to try and shake things up.
Why:
There are a lot of problems with this team and bringing in Downie won't even come close to fixing everything but the Flyers are hoping to reunite Downie with former Tampa Bay teammate Vincent Lecavalier in order to recreate the success Downie had his final few years in Tampa (46, 32, 26 points, respectively). Not to sound cliche, but Downie is also a stereotypical Flyer in that he is very physical and has a history to be somewhat of an agitator. Picking him up was not a surprise - considering his lack of success in Colorado and the type of player he is. Also, Downie played his first two seasons in the NHL with the Flyers so he will be returning to an organization he is somewhat familiar with - something that often goes overlooked when a player is traded in that it goes along way for a player's comfort level when coming back to a place he knows rather than entering completely new territory.
TPRAT:
Offense: Up
Defense: Down
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Down
Final Word:
Overall, this trade was about as fair as it gets. Both teams know exactly what they are getting in two very predictable players. Only time will tell if Downie can recreate the chemistry he had with former teammate Vincent Lecavalier in Philly - something that will effectively decide who won this trade. As for right now though, I think that Colorado won this trade, albeit by a very narrow margin, because I believe Maxime Talbot is a more complete player than Steve Downie.
Winner:
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
Background:
The Avalanche, to the surprise of everyone, are off to one of the hottest starts in the league - winning 10 of their first 11 games and amassing 20 points in process (2 shy of San Jose's league leading 22 points).
Why:
The Avalanche are buying into new coach Patrick Roy's defensive minded system and the results speak for themselves. The results are very similar to a few years ago when current St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock came in and and implemented a defense first style which turned a mediocre St. Louis team into perennial Cup contenders. With this new system in place, the Avalanche need players that fit into it. Max Talbot is a prime example of a defense first player. He is one of, if not the best depth forwards in the league and can play in multiple situations but specializes on the penalty kill - something Coach Roy said was the basis for this trade. He will fit in nicely on a young Colorado team who is also looking for a leader in the locker room and a mentor for it's developing stars. Talbot provides all of that and more. Downie, who came over via free agency after two productive years (four total) in Tampa Bay, was a complete bust once he came over to the Avalanche. Part of that was injuries but most of it was that he just was not the same player once taken away from the likes of St. Louis, Stamkos and Lecavalier in Tampa Bay. He struggled to fit in with his new team - making this trade not that huge a surprise.
Team Position Rankings After Trade (TPRAT):
Offense: Down
Defense: Up
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Up
Philadelphia Flyers
Background:
The Flyers are off to one their worst starts in the past decade (3-8: 6 points) and management needs to do something to try and shake things up.
Why:
There are a lot of problems with this team and bringing in Downie won't even come close to fixing everything but the Flyers are hoping to reunite Downie with former Tampa Bay teammate Vincent Lecavalier in order to recreate the success Downie had his final few years in Tampa (46, 32, 26 points, respectively). Not to sound cliche, but Downie is also a stereotypical Flyer in that he is very physical and has a history to be somewhat of an agitator. Picking him up was not a surprise - considering his lack of success in Colorado and the type of player he is. Also, Downie played his first two seasons in the NHL with the Flyers so he will be returning to an organization he is somewhat familiar with - something that often goes overlooked when a player is traded in that it goes along way for a player's comfort level when coming back to a place he knows rather than entering completely new territory.
TPRAT:
Offense: Up
Defense: Down
Goaltending: Same
Special Teams: Down
Final Word:
Overall, this trade was about as fair as it gets. Both teams know exactly what they are getting in two very predictable players. Only time will tell if Downie can recreate the chemistry he had with former teammate Vincent Lecavalier in Philly - something that will effectively decide who won this trade. As for right now though, I think that Colorado won this trade, albeit by a very narrow margin, because I believe Maxime Talbot is a more complete player than Steve Downie.
Winner:
Colorado Avalanche
October 29, 2013
Why the "Big Four" should be reduced to the "Big Three"
For those who don't know, the "Big Four" is the title given to the group of the four major sports leagues here in the United States. It is comprised of the MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA.
Let's play a game. One of these things do not belong. Can you guess which one it is?
If you said the NBA, you would be correct.
Perhaps it's because I grew up in a city that had no NBA team but I cannot, and will not, ever see the appeal of the NBA. Today was the start of the new NBA season, and as per usual, ESPN shit their pants in excitement. They didn't know what to do during the NBA offseason - eventually running out of Lebron James highlights to re run on Sports Center.
The NBA is a joke, it's not a professional sport. The Big Four should be reduced to the Big Three, due to Three Big reasons:
Ridiculous Play/Rules: Plainly put, every four seconds in the NBA there is a foul. It's not truly the league's fault, it's always been the fault of the sport. The game has no constancy, no flow. It has too many fouls, too many unscheduled stoppages of play. It's a game where there, in it's purest form, is all offensive - no defense. It's way too one sided to one sided to be a professional sport. It's just not fun to watch. (Notice how I say professional - college basketball is a different story - I will discuss that in a different article).
High Scoring Games: Professional sports should be tough, close matches. They don't have to be tremendously low scoring but enough that the professional nature of both teams involved is shown. The average professional basketball game has a team scoring in the hundreds of points. That's insane. As previously mentioned, the sport, specifically on the professional side, is far too offensively sided. There is no real way to play defense and the league punishes who ever tries too with ample fouls that lead to even more scoring. People go to NBA games to see a lot of scoring - but as I get older I realize what a load of crap that is. Just because something is high scoring does not mean it's fun to watch. When I go see a professional sport I want to see professional competition. I want close scoring games in which both teams have a chance of winning. The NBA just does not offer that - not to the extent where I would shell out any money to see it.
Pompous Stars: The starts the inhabit the NBA are flat out garbage. It may be a personal preference, but I believe professional athletes should carry themselves as such, as professionals. They should be people I would want my kids to look up too. You can say whatever you want about their work ethic but off the court they are terrible. They flaunt their stardom over everyone, over their fans, over the people who, without them, would be nothing. There is not a single NBA star currently in the league that I would support, not one I would tell my kids: "There, there's a person too look up to". I'd tell them first to look up to discouraged cyclist Lance Armstrong before even thinking about telling them to loot to an NBA star as a role model.
October 28, 2013
The Curious Case of Evgeni Malkin
There is no doubt that Pittsburgh Penguins C Evgeni "Geno" Malkin is one of the best players in the league. Not long ago, some considered him to be the best player in the league, even better than his Pittsburgh Penguins teamate, captain Sidney Crosby. Those days have past. There is no doubt that Sidney Crosby is the best player in the NHL, no, the world. Malkin, although still one of the leagues' elite players, is no spoken about in the same breath as the Crosbys, Stamkoses, Ovechkins, Toewses or even Kanes. He is no longer a player that cracks everyone's Top 10 Lists. Evgeni Malkin is on the downtrend. 3 out his 4 past seasons have been sub par, plagued with inconsistency and at times very lazy play.
Some would argue that it's due to his lack of chemistry with his linemates. With the exception of James Neal, who, at the writing of this article, is on the IR, Malkin has not meshed well with any of the wingers GM Ray Shero has supplied for him. Albeit, they have not been the most skilled of players, either being veterans at the twilight of their careers or rookies just breaking into the league. Then again, no one thought Pascal Dupuis was a top notch winger when the Pens acquired him as a throw in in the Marian Hossa trade. But Sidney Crosby MADE him a top notch winger. On the same note, Crosby MADE fellow linemate Chris Kunitz one of best LWs in the league. Crosby makes the players around him better. If you put Tanner Glass on a line with Crosby for the whole season I guarantee he ends up with at least 15 goals. That's what makes Crosby so special and what sets him apart from Malkin. Malkin needs top notch linemates, Crosby does not.
Despite Malkin's recent struggles, GM Ray Shero decided to sign him for the long term this past offseason, signing him through the 2022 season for an average cap hit of 9.5M. At the peak of Sidney Crosby's contract, who is signed through 2025, is 8.7 M. Malkin was always going to command more money than Crosby, it's just something that was a foregone conclusion entering into the past offseason. I was extremely surprised that Shero was willing to shell out that such cap heavy contracts to both D Kris Letang AND C Evgeni Malkin. Don't get me wrong, both players deserved it, but now almost half of the Pens Cap is tied up in 6 players (Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Fleury, Neal, Martin). After the second line, which right now is pretty banged up as it is, there is almost no scoring depth, or depth of any kind for that matter. With no cap space available to address the depth problem, and backup goalie Jeff Zaktoff struggling heavily in his first two NHL games, it may be time to start to consider the prospect of trading Evgeni Malkin.
It might sound like an impossibility, trading away Evgeni Malkin, but it's one GM Ray Shero HAS to start to consider. The primary reason the Boston Bruins beat the Penguins so badly last season and, on the same note, why the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, was the depth they had all throughout both of their lineups. The Penguins have ample depth at D, but the forward / goalie positions are a different story. Look no further for an example of this than the loss of LW James Neal. When Crosby doesn't have an other worldly night, the Penguins have had serious problems scoring. They have had no one to remotely fill the void left by the Canadian sniper. I mean Deryk Engelland is playing winger on the forth line. DERYK ENGELLAND. If that doesn't show the Pens lack of foward depth I don't know what does.
Trading Malkin would solve this problem in a heartbeat. Malkin is a type of player that could command a HUGE return - but that goes without saying . I am not suggesting that Shero deal Malkin for a bunch of dime a dozen roster fillers, but if there is a deal out there that would make this team a more balanced, deeper one than I would pull the trigger. Malkin would be THE man in any other city with the exceptions of Pittsburgh and Chicago. Anywhere else would love to have Malkin head their lineup. He's a player you build you're team around. Precisely why Shero should consider trading him. There are a few possible trading scenarios I have devised to show, what I believe, Malkin could command on an open trade market:
TRADE ONE:
Pittsburgh Penguins: C Evgeni Malkin
Calgary Flames: C Mike Cammalleri, 3/4 Line Forward, 2014 3nd Round Pick, 2015 1st Round Pick
Analysis: You all remember Mike Cammalleri, the player who (along with goalie Halak) sent the Pens packing a few years ago when they played the Montreal Canadians in the playoffs. Cammalleri is a very good player but is starting to enter the stage after the prime of his career (31 this year). He would fit very nicely on a 2nd line, flaked by James Neal and Beau Bennett / Jussi Jokinen. The key difference between him and Malkin is that he is a shooter first, passer second. That line would one deadly scoring machine with Cammalleri and Neal on it. But he's not even the key to this trade. The 2015 draft will feature Connor McDavid, or as some people have taken to calling him: "Sidney Crosby 2". The Flames are will be in rebuild mode for a long time, meaning they will probably be in the leagues basement for awhile. The Pens would have a serious shot of getting the first round pick in the 2015 draft meaning, if they won the lottery and got it, would have another Sidney Crosby. Just think about about that for a second - scary, right? Throw in a possible depth player on Calgary's end and the Pens would make out in this deal 10 fold. It wouldn't solve the depth problem, but would, after the 2015 draft (assuming the draft McDavid), make one of the most scary teams offensively in NHL history with Crosby and McDavid at the helm. Yes, this kid is that good.
Calgary is in full rebuild mode and will be for probably the next 5-10 years. They will be looking for a player to build their team around and Malkin would be that guy. It would also give Geno the chance to the man in a huge hockey market, a situation I think he would thrive in.
TRADE TWO:
Pittsburgh Penguins: C Evgeni Malkin, C Brandon Sutter
Buffalo Sabers: C Cody Hodgson, C Steve Ott, 2015 1st Round Pick
Analysis: I threw in C Brandon Sutter because he has been a total bust in Pittsburgh. He brings nothing to the team. C Steve Ott would fit in perfectly on the third line. He's a feisty centerman who is solid defensively and has a bit of a scoring touch. Hodgson is one of the best young players in the league and would fit in nicely on the second line. Once again though the key to this trade is the possibly of getting F Connor McDavid in the 2015 draft. Even if you didn't though, I feel this trade would make the team much more balanced as well at opening up a lot of cap space for other possible trades / FA pick ups.
The Sabers are in full rebuild mode and would be looking for a player they know they can build around - ie Malkin.
TRADE THREE:
Pittsburgh Penguins: C Evgeni Malkin, D Matt Niskanen
Edmonton Oilers: RW Jordan Eberle, LW Magnus Paajarvi, C Shawn Horcoff
Analysis: Ok, granted this trade would leave the line two center spot significantly weaker but if RW Eberle could convert to a center so that, I think, wouldn't be a huge be a problem. This trade would give the Pens some young scoring depth, along with a very reliable player in Shawn Horcoff. Jordan Eberle, in the years to come, will become one of the best players in the league - and he will get even better learning under Sidney Crosby.
The Oilers need D badly (why Niskanen would need to be thrown in) and leadership for their group of young forwards, which Malkin would supply. It's a win - win for both teams.
TRADE FOUR:
Pittsburgh Penguins: C Evgeni Malkin
Philadelphia Flyers: RW Jakub Vorachek, C Sean Couturier, C Max Talbot
Analysis: If the seas were some how to part and this trade would happen, it would actually make a lot of sense. Claude Giroux hasn't been the same player since his break out season a few years back and the Flyers need scoring. What they Flyers do have though is ample depth players that would thrive when placed in a different system - one where they are not pressured to score as much. Couterier could be replaced with any of said depth players they Flyers have in their system. Also, you would get back Mr. Depth Forward Max Talbot. But the key to this trade would be Vorachek who has really impressed me the past couple of seasons. He would fit nicely on a line with Crosby and allow Dupuis to move down to the second line, giving the second line a sturdy fixture at the RW position. Of course the downside of this trade would be that there would be no clear candidate for a second line center.
If the Flyers season continues the way it has started, and they miss the playoffs for the second year in a row, big changes are coming to Philadelphia. It wouldn't be impossible to believe that if they continue to play as bad as they have that they would rip apart their current team and look to go in a different direction - getting Malkin would be a huge step in doing so.
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