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.
November 21, 2013
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
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