Mark Leonard

February 2008 - Posts

• Savage reacting to GB's "play"

  The astonishing announcement that RFA QB Derek Anderson agreed to terms with his Cleveland Browns, though nothing has at yet been signed, may be a response to what the Packers did to Browns' GM Phil Savage concerning GB UFA DL Corey Williams. Though it is supposedly illegal to "tamper" with prospective free agents prior to the start of the official free-agency period, which this year was to begin at midnight signaling the arrival of Friday Feb. 29, it can be deduced the Pack somehow got wind of serious interest on the part of the Browns for Williams, resulting in the DT being "franchised" by GB. It can also be deduced the "leak" did not come from the Cleveland organization, though the resultant rise in cost was incurred by it. The off-shoot of that manuever is Cleve was thereafter required to forward compensation additional to the financial package the player and his representation would demand. The Browns were forced, if they wanted Williams, to part also with a second-round choice in the upcoming April 26 NFL draft, with GB receiving that bonus booty. Perhaps it was this experience which explains what is going on presently with Anderson. Savage, aware it is now too late to "franchise" the QB, has resolved to get for himself (and the franchise he represents) more compensation than he'd otherwise receive had DA simply signed on with another organization at the compensation rate of  first and third selections. Could it be that negotiation is at the heart of what is holding up the official confirmation of DA's extension? And with it the rationale for the organization's seeming reversal, having gone from a tone of resignation to his anticipated departure to this morning's Associated Press announcement that the QB and the club had agreed to a three-year contract, highlighted by an estimated $14 mil in guaranteed monies? This much seems clear: Whatever are the terms of the DA extension, they must permit the Browns easy means to liquidate him as an asset without serious salcap ramifications. Ordinarily, NFL trades are discouraged by rules pertaining to signing bonuses. Typically, the remaining guaranteed sums immediately accelerate onto the payroll of that team's salcap the year of the player's trade. In other words, barring specific language intended to supercede this stipulation, dealing DA this year would cause all of his reported $14 mil to consume an immense amount of Cleveland's available salcap space in the form of "dead money." That would essentially preclude Savage's dealing Anderson away. It might also cause him to instead consider parting with the supposed QB of the future, Brady Quinn, were he determined to get substantial return on one of his QBs this season. That Savage was likely careful to leave himself the means to safely deal Anderson explains the phrase "trade friendly" that accompanied the morning announcement of DA's agreement with the Cleveland team. At any rate, as teams become even more familiar with the ins and outs of free agency, NFL front office types evolve in their comprehension and manipulation of its loopholes. It just adds to the drama of the process, making for good theatre, intrigue and speculation.    Posted Feb 29 2008, 09:31 AM by MALeonard's Xanga

• Browns' free-agency guesses

  As is likely the case for many fans of the Seal Brown and Orange, this Cleveland Browns' observer has his thoughts on what the club might do once free agency commences Friday. It has often been written here and elsewhere that the defensive front seven should be the focus of GM Phil Savage's attention, with first-day additions expected. An edge-rusher to complement ROLB Kamerion Wimbley, a physical run-stuffer for strongside ILB, at least two immediate-impact DEs and possibly a NT constitute a must-have list for Savage, his scouts and personnel department. This does not account for youngsters, anticipated in the April 26-27 draft, to groom at a few of the spots.  The organization was remarkaby successful in rectifying its long-standing ineffectiveness offensively last season. It now must perform as profoundly in support of its needy defense. Relying solely upon first-year prospects---and let's remember the draft is full of nothing but unproven prospects---is not the recommended means toward that desired end. Therefore, the groundwork that has been executed leading up to Friday's start and the fruit it generates figures to constitute the essence of whatever improvements can be achieved in this off-season. The Browns came within one blown official's call in Arizona of being a playoff team in 2007, a ten-win achievement enabled mightily by an extremely favorable schedule and the benefit of sneaking up on a few opponents. As much will not be the case in 2008. The club will face much stiffer competition and those opponents will have had months to prepare for what Cleveland has shown a tendency to favor. Much more than smoke and mirrors will be required to approach last season's record, particularly defensively, where legitimacy must be earned in the trenches. Because the sport's decision-makers have had so many years to adjust to the realities of free agency, it is uncommon that star performers populate the market. Most clubs find the means to protect their core contributors, if only via franchise tags. Hence, the successes in the process are often predicated upon organizations being able to distinguish the up-and-coming, under-the-radar pieces, supplemented with one or two genuine high-dollar bids--- and maybe a fringe vet with the promise of a remaining strong season or two. Last year's Cleveland class, for example, brought big-ticket OLG Eric Steinbach, sleeper NT Shaun Smith and veteran discards Jamal Lewis (RB), Robaire Smith (DE) and Antwan Peek (OLB) amid a collection of lesser lights: CB Kenny Wright, OG Seth McKinney, S Michael Adams, ILB Kris Griffin, to name a few. Similarly, this year's additions could be highlighted by one sizeable investment, one retread vet reach and an assortment of low-profile bit parts discriminantly assembled, with the draft subsequently providing succession behind them. Arizona Cardinal Calvin Pace might be Savage's primary acquisition. The former Wake Forest DE, selected surprisingly high at 18 three years ago, successfully transitioned to LOLB in the desert for new head coach Ken Whisenhunt, demonstrating the requisite abilities to claim a fit there for a 3-4 unit. Just beginning, therefore, to tap his potential, Pace would provide Cleveland a long-term solution opposite Wimbley and the prospect of a consistent pass-rush, long absent along the North Coast. Because others will bid on Pace, he could be that characteristic Day One splash Savage has shown the inclination to utilize. Center LeCharles Bentley was Phil's first free agent, nabbed immediately in 2006, followed by the Steinbach signing last March. Graybeard Jeremiah Trotter could be the defensive leader Savage claims to covet, someone able to bring to that side of the ball what Lewis brought to the offense. At 6-1 262, the 31-year-old Trotter seems ideal for the role, having a legacy of impact, both on and off the field, in Philadelphia, Washington and, most recently, in Tampa, though he did so there in a reserve capacity. Trotter no longer has the speed and range that once made him special and, consequently, his coverage is not what it once was, but he's a prototype of what is needed inside among the Cleveland LBs. Tough, physical, inspiring, relentless, alert, heady, instinctive, hungry and ferocious, Trotter would bring what has too long been lacking and should be good for a year or two, until a Savage draftee can be groomed. And mentored by Trotter.  A proven winner and leader, Jeremiah would be able, also, to replace Willie McGinest's on-field guidance should the latter, in fact, slip into a less-prominent role than he so ably filled down the stretch for last season's surging defense. Furthermore, he'd nicely complement the sideline-to-sideline skills of interior running mate D'Qwell Jackson and encourage development from two other third-year men, ILB Leon Williams and Wimbley. Arguably even more important than these two aforementioned alternatives for the LB corp could be what is imported at DE. Here the pickings are understandably slim, primarily for reasons already stated, but also because so few NFL teams play the 3-4. Those that do aren't eager to part with up-front personnel. Here is where the lesser-known athletes must be uncovered. These may well be talents who've only performed in a 4-3 and must be projected into the Cleveland schemes.  SF's Marques Douglass, signed by Savage when both were formerly affiliated with the Ravens, is one vet familiar with the 3-4, both in Baltimore and with the Niners, whose head coach Mike Nolan ran the defense under Brian Billick. He's a quality pro and a clubhouse asset, but is nearly 32 and slowing. Instead, a pair of Vikings might be considered, as they are still emerging and possess longer shelf life. Spencer Johnson and Darrion Scott, both 26 and in the 6-3 285 range, joined Minn in 2004, Scott as a third-round choice out of Ohio State and Johnson undrafted out of Auburn. Both have unique combo skills versus the run and the pass. Scott led the Vikes in sacks in 2006, while Johnson was among the sport's better interior sack-artists last year. Therefore, this duo would help in both the base and the pass-down sets. What is more, they'd figure to come affordably enough to preserve payroll flexibility. Aligned beside Robaire and Shaun Smith, either of these two would complete a competent front wall, with the other assuring wave depth, particularly in the event of injury---a contingency for which Savage and his lieutenants so evidently were unprepared in 2007. Given the uncertainties associated with UFA Ethan Kelley, depth is also needed at NT, which figures to finally become Shaun Smith's sole domain after his being forced into service at LDE for too much of last year. Kelley's knee was operated upon recently, a condition necessitating micro-fracture surgery. Not only would this figure to hurt Kelley's marketability, but also delay his availability and compromise his reliability.  Therefore, this position figures to receive considerable consideration on Draft Day. In the meantime, it should be acknowledged that Tim Anderson, formerly of OSU and Buffalo, and Ian Scott, who played for Florida, the Bears and the Eagles, have been on the street and available for several months. The players might be holding out for superior opportunities or they might not be perceived by the Browns as viabilities. Louis Leonard could factor here or at end; so the urgency may be mitigated somewhat. Darwin Walker is another former Eagle and Bear who could figure for Cleveland in free agency, either for NT or DE. Though Simon Fraser is not expected back at DE, he is a restricted free agent who could be dealt for another with that designation who plays the nose. At any rate, a FA NT can be anticipated among the Savage signings of 2008. Posted Feb 25 2008, 09:03 AM by MALeonard's Xanga

• Easy to like Cavs' blockbuster

  Congratulations to Cavalier GM Danny Ferry for his efforts, culminating with a deadline deal bringing several promising pieces---and longterm benefits---for two very erratic starters and four parts that too rarely contributed. While that may seem to be a simplistic way to analyze the three-team transaction, it is also upon first blush. The team now has a physical presence inside. It is deeper among its bigs. It has pruned some large and cumbersome contracts and cleared two roster spots for parts that might better fit than did Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons. (A perimeter defender, for example, figures to be added.) A point guard they have long desired has finally been secured and Wally Szczerbiak (31, 6-7 244), whose name is no pleasure to type or to spell, may at last have landed in a place where his shooting skills will be appreciated and where his assets better fit. Ironically, in Wally, Ferry has essentially acquired himself---a problematic defensive matchup who'll probably play 2 on O and 3 on D, much as Danny did during his final Cleveland days, alternating assignments with the late Bobby Phills. In Wally and Delonte West (24, 6-4 180), the organization now also has two contracts that can come off the books after 2008-2009, with Joe Smith's expiring this summer. Given the league's rule permitting buying-out of a single expiring contract each year, Wally's joins Eric Snow's and Damon Jones' as possibilities prior to next season. In fairness, however, the same was true of Donyell Marshall's and Drew Gooden's, with Ira Newble's and Shannon Brown's up at season's end. With that being said, today's move consolidates more money in Wally's ($13 mil) and/or identifies Snow's ($6.7) as the no-brainer. Hughes' defense will surely be missed and represents a significant sacrifice, particularly as well as he played, when healthy, last post-season and is playing currently. Doubtlessly, his recent surge made himself more tradeable and allowed many of his critics to feel better about his time in Wine and Gold. Larry's ballhandling responsibilities will be absorbed by West, presumably, and it is no secret Lebron James dominates the ball much of the time anyway. James can be expected to appreciate Wally's perimeter threat as a floor-spreader. Early feedback from fans focuses too much, in this man's opinion, upon numbers, forgetting stats are mere indicators. Wallace's age (33, 6-9 240) and scoring averages are irrelevant to his value. A vet bruiser with the grit this franchise has too infrequently featured, this proven winner brings with regularity much of what Gooden contributed only sporatically---fierce D, ferocious rebounding, focused tenacity and considerable leadership, all of which should manifest prominently in the post-season. His arrival is the key component to today's proceedings. Smith (32, 6-10 225), enjoying a solid season in his own right, brings many of these same qualities. His experience as an interior player figures to nicely complement the efforts of Wallace, Z, Andy and the wingmen. The Cleveland front court is now as deep as any in the sport and could realistically propel this outfit into the finals again this season, as it already matched-up favorably against the East's perceived top two, Boston and Detroit. The Celts, in particular, are not strong off the bench. Additionally, it is not inconceivable Newble will soon be lopped by the Sonics and free to return after the requisite 30-day layoff. The quiet development of fringe pieces Devin Brown and Dwayne Jones, though not profound, enabled the club to part confidently with Ira and Donyell, particularly with Wally getting the outside shots Marshall had formerly been called upon to execute. It is difficult to conceive of fan discontent, but this is, after all, Cleveland, where the name of the local newspaper is probably an abbreviated version of The Complain Dealer. At the very least, this new configuration allows fans the privilege of watching a new chemistry emerge. Apparently, it was rightfully concluded the former mixture was not going to get it done. It might also silence those who held Ferry's conservative patience against him, for whatever that is worth. Subtracting Hughes, Gooden, Marshall, Newble, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons in exchange for Wallace, Smith, West, Wally and a second-round pick, while freeing-up two roster spots, is a day's work well done and a transaction worth waiting right up to the last second for. It is both exciting and enlightened.        Posted Feb 21 2008, 12:36 PM by MALeonard's Xanga

• NFL notes and nuggets

  Is Kellen Winslow, Jr. sensing his professional mortality? None of us can know what it is the player is feeling concerning his oft-injured body. But recent indicators suggest he may be glimpsing his own premature end. Not only has he requested a new contract, which, if granted, would place instantly-guaranteed sums into his hands, but he delayed however many surgeries he will undergo again this off-season to remain available for the Pro Bowl, to which he had been voted an alternate. Of course it came to pass that Kent State's Antonio Gates (San Diego) bowed out and Kellen replaced him, catching a single pass for 11 yards. Some have questioned the wisdom of both moves, especially the latter, inasmuch as an injured player would seem to opt for as much rehab time as possible. Perhaps it was Winslow's way of acknowledging an invitation to Hawaii may never come his way again, so ravaged are his legs. Quite likely there were a number of so-called fans who wished ill upon the former Miami Hurricane once it became known he'd damaged himself performing impulsively foolish motorcycle stunts, jeopardizing his professional future before he had done a damn thing to justify his hype, hefty rookie contract and lofty draft position. (In fact, then-head coach Butch Davis dealt a second-round choice to move up a single slot to nab Kellen at six in 2004.) Winslow promptly went out and incurred a serious knee injury in Game Two of his rookie season, defending against an onside kick in Dallas. To follow that missed campaign with cycling stunts did Winslow's reputation no favors. Now many of those same critics are hoping against the seemingly inevitable likelihood that the player's career will be remarkably shortened. As good as he's been the past two seasons, Winslow and the fans all recognize no one will ever have seen the real talent the kid once possessed, lost forever to too many unfortunate and debilitating events. -------------------- Before leaving the Browns, let this be a formal challenge to the individual widely considered the club's best defensive talent, OLB Kamerion Wimbley. It is time for him to step up into becoming a more complete football player. There is so much more to being a starting NFL OLB than getting after the oppositional passer. Much as Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards more fully emerged in their third professional seasons, Wimbley needs to elevate his overall performance for 2008 and become, among other things, far more stout and reliable against the run. Wimbley needs to close off his side of the field to opposing offenses---nothing given whether they run, screen, draw or swing pass. Down after down he needs to exhibit his being Cleveland's premier defensive asset, forcing the opposition---as Clay Matthews once did so casually to have been apparently taken for granted---to go elsewhere for its daily bread. Should he do so, the team's overall defensive efficiency would take an understandable quantum leap. Yes, he needs assistance, but he is capable of doing what many other NFL backers before him have accomplished. He won't be seeing Hawaii as a participant until he does. This is all said fully expecting Kamerion, as conscientious and hard-working as they come, to make the necessary adjustments and improvements. ---------------- The downstate Bengals made some profound news today, when it was announced backup OL Stacy Andrews would be franchised by that organization. This is the brother of Eagles' Pro-Bowl ORG Shane Andrews, who played with him at Arkansas, where Stacy also viewed the action primarily from the sidelines. Stacy is now Cinn's insurance against age, injury and decline at the OT spot, where Willie Anderson is graying and Levi Jones is limping. Andrews has also played some OLG, as the replacement for free-agent defector Eric Steinbach, now with the Browns. Nonetheless, to assure such an unheralded and still-green prospect $7.5/yr. is no small decision for an historically tight-fisted franchise. Yet, it underscores the value placed upon OL continuity. Perhaps Cinn should simply have done whatever it might've taken to retain Steinbach, thereby preserving this year's franchise tag for departing DE Justin Smith, who reportedly may be headed to Pitts. -------------------  This is a petty matter, but draft prognosticators need to remember the process has been reduced to two rounds on Day One, beginning with this year's event. This is mentioned to caution against referring to a player as a Day One pick if it is meant to communicate the expectation he'll go in one of the first three rounds. Round Three henceforth makes one a Day Two draftee. This is especially bad news for fans of the Browns and GM Phil Savage, who historically wastes the first pick of his second day, heretofore a fourth-round selection. Whereas that round for many has produced favorable dividends---perhaps attributable to a good night's sleep and the opportunity to re-evaluate the draft board with staff members before resuming the action the next morning---Phil maybe over-sleeps, over-reaches or over-analyzes, as non-factor draftees Antonio Perkins and Isaac Sowells suggest. In fact, only FB Lawrence Vickers and CB Brandon McDonald have paid off as Day Two draftees selected by Savage in his three year's atop the personnel ladder. Should Phil maintain his customary pattern, the Browns will essentially be without two of their top three draft picks this year, as the 22nd-overall choice will belong to Dallas as payment for the right to grab Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn last spring. Furthermore, Savage currently figures to have one fewer opportunity on Sunday, as a choice is heading to Phila to pay for center Hank Fraley's arrival.    Before leaving the subject of Round Four draft misses, Savage surely seems to have missed on Cleveland Heights native and Northwestern product Barry Cofield, who now sports a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New York Giants. A starter for NY from Day One, Cofield was one of the few DL who entered the 2006 draft projected as a fit in an NFL 3-4, probably at DE, where Savage is still looking for a longterm solution. Wasn't key Giant DL Justin Tuck also bypassed in Round Two by Savage for safety Brodney Pool, who, like Perkins and under-performing WR Travis Wilson, attended Oklahoma? ----------------- A testimony as to how poor an NFL QB was former Saints and Raiders starter Aaron Brooks is that he was signed by no one last year, despite the many injuries and woeful performances around the league at his position. The state of things at the QB post around the sport causes one to wonder if former Bronco Jake Plummer will reconsider his retirement, as he was doubtlessly encouraged to do several times last season. Traded by Den to Tampa after the 2006 campaign, Plummer elected not to report but to quit the game instead. Trent Green, Byron Leftwich and Daunte Culpepper comprise a partial list of others currently outside employment within the league. What is amazing is how quickly the NFL abandons athletes at the QB position who'd formerly evaluated as must-have pieces. How can it be that scouts and personnel types deem a talent worthy of Round One selection, only to have that same young man outside the sport within 2-4 years, sometimes before they even reach the age of 25?! Admittedly, players like David Carr, Joey Harrington, Akili Smith, Cade McNown and, to a lesser degree, Tim Couch demonstrated they absolutely were not deserving of top-ten---or even first-round---consideration, how can it be the sport has so little use for them after so brief a test drive? Is it due to league rules governing the practice squads? Is it about agents who demand unreasonable assurances disserving their clients? Is it all about faulty evaluative processes that fail to uncover their coachability, competitiveness, intelligence, adaptability, preparedness and/or work habits? Whatever it is, it speaks badly about the sport at so critical a position. And merits study by those assigned to protect the integrity of the game.   At the very least, these realities should suffice to discourage an organization from spending so high a pick and allocating so much of its salcap on so dubious a performance record. It seems advisable the league mandate---in the best interest of the sport in general---that all clubs employ at least four QBs at all times, given the dearth of candidates at the critical position and the damage injury can do to a team, its fans, the value of sold tickets and its legitimacy once a starter goes down. The Pro Bowl alone testifies that one needn't be highly-drafted to become elite at the QB position. All three of the NFC's passers entered the sport in the sixth round (Sea's Matt Hasslebeck and Tony Romo) or later (undrafted Jeff Garcia). The AFC had sixth-rounders, as well, in NE's Tom Brady and Cleveland's Derek Anderson. Marc Bulger, Jake Delhomme, Kurt Warner, Mark Brunell, Todd Collins, Jon Kitna, Shaun Hill, Damon Huard, David Garrard, Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfelds are just a few of other lowly-rated draftees contributing significantly in the NFL at QB---certainly far moreso than are Carr, Harrington, and too many of the others upon whom riches have been bestown. The point is, drafting a kid passer extremely high seems ill-advised and wasteful---on several counts. As the drafting of Joe Thomas and the signing of guards like Steinbach and Steve Hutchinson attest, more of the cash should go toward constructing around linemen. Without question, this year's class will again produce at least one highly-drafted clunker QB this April. And that kid will be long-forgotten in short order, except by critics of his drafting team's personnel staff---much as Phil Savage must repeatedly hear the names of Perkins, Sowells and Wilson. ------------------ It was during training camp of 2006 when OL Ryan Tucker and CB Daylon McCutcheon missed practice time to have supposedly minor surgical adjustments made to their respective knees. Tucker returned on schedule and started most of that year, as well as most of this past season. McCutcheon was never seen in uniform again. Given the demand for athletes at his position, might this summer mark the return of the former USC star? If only to cover the slot, as 'Cutch did so well here in Cleveland, Daylon would figure to have a future yet in the sport. One can only surmise his knee damage was far more extensive than had been anticipated. Whereas a hulking lineman like Tucker can perform with impaired movements in the joint, a CB must have his quickness, burst, cutting abilities and speed to survive at so challenging a post. ------------------- Hutchinson led all OL vote-getters in the Pro Bowl selection, by the way. It was just two years ago this space warned the Seahawks to invest in him rather than in RB Shaun Alexander, who was also heading into free agency. Alexander had run for 1880 yards and a then-record 27 rushing TDs, averaging 5.0 per rush. Since, Alexander's average has dropped to 3.5 and he is but a shell of his former self, likely headed toward the garbage heap this off-season, where he could be joined by Edgerrin James, LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, Travis Henry and more than a few others dependent upon quality blocking for their successes. Meanwhile, Hutch has represented the Vikings twice in Hawaii after assisting Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson to 1,000-yard campaigns---and a Pro Bowl MVP for the rookie latter. Quite possibly these facts influenced Cinn's decision concerning Stacy Andrews. I'm certain the agent for Alan Faneca has awareness of them, too.      Posted Feb 18 2008, 10:59 AM by MALeonard's Xanga

• On CC

  It is becoming sufficiently apparent Cleveland Indians' LHP and Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia is embarking upon his final season in the wigwam and will soon depart the organization as a free agent. Amazingly, reports say his representation intended to ask for even more than the New York Mets eventually agreed to pay former Minnesota Twin southpaw Johan Santana. This is outrageous because New York is a much larger market and Santana a more-awarded hurler. The Tribe front office, specifically GM Mark Shapiro, suggests the team---one win away from competing in and probably winning last year's World Series---intends to ride things out with the Vallejo, Ca. native, win as many games as possible with him and attempt to retain him before he exits for greener pastures and offers. While this is a completely understandable public stance, it is not recommended nor endorsed here. CC should be dealt well before mid-summer. Aside from wanting to optimize contention, Shapiro cites the modest package of unready prospects Minn received from the Mets for Santana, as if to suggest it would not be likely the Tribe would receive inspiring compensation for Sabathia were he to be similarly marketed. This assumption is not necessarily valid, though surely the Cleveland GM would know better than I. The Twins, according to wide-spread and much-publicized reports, had several opportunities to liquidate Santana with either the Yankees or the Red Sox; but they over-played their hands and saw the attractive packages removed from the table. Both major-market AL contenders backed out, recognizing they were merely bidding against themselves. Few American markets can afford the pricetag on an elite, in-his-prime, left-handed pitching ace. It is one of the (many) diseased aspects of what had once been the nation's national pasttime. Furthermore, remaining in contention and retaining CC are not mutually dependent. This is not an either/or proposition. It is possible to contend and dispense with the CC Sabathia sideshow, as well. It is also quite likely Shapiro is quite aware of and actively involved in exploring just such a possibility, though announcing he is would not be in his best interests. Some are opining that no one could expect the Cleveland organization to get much in return for a high-priced one-year rental. But that excludes the potential for an exchange involving another soon-to-be free agent hurler, one who'd possibly approximate CC's projected performance but cost commensurately less, thereby being more affordable long-term. Were that player to come from a market large enough to afford---and appealing enough to entice---CC, the makings of such a transaction would be in place. Since both organizations would be taking on a so-called "one-year rental," neither could claim an advantage.  As it happens, there is at least one such franchise, and it both situates Sabathia in a warm-weather West Coast environment and a league in which he'd get to exercise his long-dormant hitting prowess, simultaneously minimizing the Indians' need to worry about hitting against him. That market is Los Angeles and the ballclub would be the Dodgers, who have in RHP Derek Lowe, an established veteran hurler heading into the last year of his four-year, $36 million contract. Lowe signed that deal after reluctantly coming to grips with the reality that he could not remain, as he'd hoped to, with the Boston Red Sox. Now 34, Lowe is substantially older than Sabathia and not likely to enjoy his greatest bargaining leverage. But, since he is a sinkerballer and always---contrary to Sabathia---in excellent physical condition, Lowe could well have at least as many remaining seasons of viability, though CC's being left-handed could help extend his career. Familiar with the AL, Lowe would not experience the difficulties others changing leagues so often do. He, like CC, is an innings-eater, a staff leader, a reliable workhorse and a proven winner. What is more, extending him, were the Tribe to want to, would probably be far more club-friendly than the figures Sabathia's camp has already declined. Eleven mil/year, for example, raises his pay nicely but better fits the Cleveland payroll. What is more, it would be very realistic for the Indians to expect additional compensation in a Sabathia-Lowe exchange. And it just so happens that LA has expendable corner OFs with productive bats to offer, as either Andre Eppier or Matt Kemp figures to be squeezed out of LA's lineup this spring, owing to the off-season acquisition of CF Andrux Jones. The player Jones deposed in CF, Juan Pierre, is scheduled to open in LF for new manager Joe Torre.  Andy Marte for Nomar Garciaparra might also become part of the package. LA has a sizeable question mark at 3b. Who knows? Does anyone doubt Torre would welcome Sabathia in LA and that the Dodgers would cherish the public relations coup a CC signing would generate? Since current Dodger rotational pieces Jason Schmidt and Brad Penny are no longer spring chickens, the age disparity between Lowe and CC is another selling point. So, while it is perfectly reasonable for GM Shapiro to mouth a company line that says: "CC is staying for 2008," the reality of baseball as a business argues that liquidating him may be the more prudent and judicious posture. Getting nothing more than amatuer draft choices for a home-grown all-star talent like CC---as occurred previously when Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome walked away---simply would not be enough to either appease oft-rejected Tribe fans or to maintain the winning curve finally achieved under Shapiro and field general Eric Wedge. Shapiro owes it to all concerned to optimize Sabathia as a disposable commodity, acting proactively without over-playing his hand. That much can best be accomplished by keeping his movements under the media radar. Regardless of what he may say, his actions might best be toward getting as much as he can for the over-priced pitcher. If he is prepared to have to win without CC in 2009, he should be willing to try winning without CC---but with compensation for him---in 2008. Especially if that compensation includes a capable veteran winner and a youthful corner OF bat with power.   -------------- As for the current questions pertaining to the Tribe's LF vacancy, a spot being kept warm by the platoon of veterans David Dellucci and Jason Michaels, something significant figures to occur no later than the return to health of Shin Soo-Choo, the lefty arm and bat acquired in 2006 from Sea for 1b Ben Broussard. Choo missed most of last season with Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss all of April and May rehabbing and regaining his stroke. Out of options, Choo must be carried on the varsity roster (once healthy) or be exposed to waivers. Since it was for his many skills---throwing, defense, hitting, speed, baseball instincts---that Choo was acquired, it is reasonable to expect Dellucci and/or Michaels will become especially vulnerable upon his return. That each is experienced as an off-the-bench contributor in both leagues should make him highly tradeable. It is quite possible the duo, as well as LHP Cliff Lee, will have the opening two months to audition for placements elsewhere, with the Dodgers OF surplus, as well as that of the Washington Nationals, in Shapiro's sights. Washington not only is getting LH 1b Nick Johnson back from injury, thereby threatening the job security of NL Comeback Player of the Year Dmitri Young (who could possibly be used in LF), but they also dealt for Tampa's Elijah Dukes and the Mets' Lastings Milledge following last summer's acquisition of former Red and Red Sox OF Wily Mo Pena. This influx of available OF talent might bump Austin Kearns onto the trade market. Shapiro has reportedly long coveted Kearns' services. As for Lee, it might be wise to give him a heavy workload this spring, especially given the concern over the many innings pitched by both Sabathia and Carmona last year. Cliff needs the work, got plenty of rest last summer and needs to look sharp early if he is to gain a roster spot, rebound to former proficiency and possibly attract trade offers. With remaining options on Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers, in fact, the club may already have it in mind to open with Lee in the rotation. He carries a guaranteed MLB contract, has won at the big-league level and most helps the organization either pitching for it or dealt handsomely from it. ---------------------- The picture in today's Plain Dealer of Marte and Josh Barfield---Was I the only one to wish it were Coco Crisp and Brandon Phillips instead?  Rather than looking upon two marginal spare parts desperate to remain with the varsity this year, the club might have two quality performers in those roster spots. Marte (along with catcher Kelly Shoppach and lesser-known pieces) was the primary return on Crisp's departure for Boston. Barfield had nothing whatsoever to do with Phillips' trade to Cinn for RHR Jeff Stevens, but he did become the 2b replacement, acquired from San Diego for Kevin Kouzmanoff, a thirdbaseman who himself has had more MLB success than the heralded Marte. Phillips, of course, last season became only the second 2b (joining Alphonso Soriano) in the history of baseball to produce a 30-homer, 30-steals season.   -------------- It is rather remarkable to consider how far the Tribe went last season when DH Travis Hafner struggled to achieve 100 rbi and the next-best group fell into the rather modest range of 78-72: Blake, Sizemore, Peralta. It was truly a pitching/defense formula, with some timely and situational hitting. Amazing, too, that they survived that awful stretch of offensive impotence in late summer. -------------------- With the NFL combine about to commence Thursday in Indianapolis, considerable thought to respective team personnel objectives is gaining momentum. It is less than two weeks (Feb. 29) before the start of NFL free agency, an opportunity the Cleveland Browns, under GM Phil Savage, have characteristically celebrated with a furious flurry. Savage is hinting that "anything can happen" concerning the club's not currently having a first-round pick, but 53 marks his present drafting position. That's 22 choices into Round Two. Savage can be expected to pursue at least four key elements for his troubled front seven---two DEs and two ILBs---with one of each being an immediate impact vet and the other a to-be-groomed future starter---each a strongside performer. That is to say his defense needs a pair of LEs and a pair of good-sized, run-stuffing, physical inside linebackers. Jeremiah Trotter, Randall Godfrey and Victor Hobson are ILBs to consider, by the way. Unfortunately, these are not his only personnel voids. Not even among his front seven. He also needs a pass-rush threat to complement Kamerion Wimbley and that guy may or may not be capable of starting at LOLB, where Willie McGinest is fading and slowing and last spring's import, Willie's backup Antwan Peek, is less than reliable. With Chaun Thompson probably headed toward free agency and hoping for greater playing time, a backup for Wimbley is another possible need. (Reiterating, Rosevelt Colvin is a name to remember.) Not that anyone is counting, but that's potentially six component parts for his two-deep front seven.  Hence, expect attentiveness among Savage and his lieutenants when the defenders take the turf in Indy this week. And don't be surprised if Phil jumps the gun a bit to lock up a vet discarded (ATL's Rod Coleman? Dallas' Marcus Spears? Carolina's Kris Jenkins?) during this 12-day interim period leading up to free agency. Pickings are often slim and Savage may do what he can to prevent having to bid against all other clubs for selected pieces. Offensively, an elusively quick wideout with open-field skills and terrifying speed would be a nice weapon on anyone's roster. At least one more OL figures to come aboard, as well. With Ryan Tucker now the ORG, there is no experienced OTs behind Kevin Shaffer and Joe Thomas. A kid to groom inside is also desireable. Then, too, the club retains negotiating rights with Nat Dorsey, Lennie Friedman and Seth McKinney---at least through the normal end of this month. Incidentally, it should go without saying that the team does not appear to have a lot of tradeable assets. -------------- An intriguing rumor coming out of South Florida links Dolphins' Director of Football Operations Bill Parcells with the son of one of his former QBs. Phil Simms' boy Chris is about to be set free by Tampa, having missed all of 2007 recuperating from having his spleen removed the prior season. The left-hander from Texas was just coming into his own for the Bucs at the time of his injury, one he remarkably played with for nearly three quarters vs. Carolina. Since Miami needs a QB and Parcells is not fond of relying upon raw youngsters (such as Miami's unspectacular second-round '07 selection John Beck), Chris Simms could be the ideal solution for all concerned. Another marriage of mutual convenience may manifest in Baltimore, where former Dolphin head coach Cam Cameron has landed as O-Coor after a single campaign in Florida. There, Todd Collins, who seemingly came out of nowhere at age 36 for Washington, may finally have a huddle to call his own. Washington has a first-year head coach in Jim Zorn, who cannot be expected to invest in a starter as old as the free-agent-to-be Collins, especially with fairly recent (2005) number-one pick Jason Campbell available to him. So Collins figures to be moving on. Few clubs have as urgent a need for an immediate contributor at QB as Baltimore, whose new offensive system will not only be friendly to Collins but one he already knows something of, given its genesis in San Diego, where deposed Skins' O-C Al Saunders once worked. Collins had performed, almost exclusively as a reserve, under Saunders for years, both in Wash and earlier in KC. In fact, Collins was brought to DC to help teach the offense to Campbell, Mark Brunell and the rest of the Wash offense. -------------------- The belief around Cavs' camp is vet pt. guard Eric Snow is being retained for his post-season contribution potential. His steadying half-court floor game. His stellar defense. His heady influences. It is also conceded he is still slowly working his way back to full health after early-training-camp knee surgery. There are, however, a number of hopeful contenders searching for someone able to provide for them many of those very qualities above-listed. Houston's Rockets, for one, need someone to feed Yao Ming in the post. Denver could use someone to orchestrate the Iverson-Anthony circus. Orlando is another outfit for whom Snow might excel. His now-hometown Hawks of Atlanta had been another, prior to the Mike Bibby deal. Seemingly, only Sam Cassell exists, aside from Snow, as possible trade relief for these roundballing clubs.  For what it is worth, Snow's contract can be successfully exchanged for Orlando's bench duo of Pat Garrity (6-9 with shot) and JJ Reddick. (He could also be exchanged for Houston's Mike James, though that would have to be a three-way, since Mike is not the type of talent Mike Brown would embrace---nor does he play the defense the Magic also covets.) It is unlikely two Eastern teams so close in the standings would accomodate one another, however favorable such an exchange might be for Snow, Orlando and the Cavaliers. At any rate, recognize Snow as possibly the one piece currently employed by Cleveland who might be both expendable and desireable, thereby identifying him as the most likely to be dealt for roster assistance before the NBA trade deadline Feb. 21. It may be that a big who can bang and/or defend would bring back the greatest benefit. Posted Feb 17 2008, 05:47 PM by MALeonard's Xanga

• After Super Bowl Forty-Two

  It is not characteristic to find myself rooting for any New York team, but it was very nice to see a Boston-area favorite go down, even if that is an outfit with a lot of nice story lines and fine individuals. The Tom Brady story, involving a sixth-round pick who didn't even start in college, the youngest child from a fine family featuring three older sisters. The Mike Vrabel story, featuring a converted collegiate DL who floundered on the Steelers' bench only to eventually emerge as a winner, leader and possible all-time franchise great. The team-first focus and the excellent personnel work that has targetted precise fits to maximum return: Rodney Harrison, Junior Seau, Adalius Thomas, Wes Welker, et al. But hearty congratulations to the New York Football Giants, the champions of the NFL for 2007-08. Congrats, especially, to their embattled head coach, one of the real lifers who finally won it his way, the winner of more NFL games than anyone ever to win his first world's title. It is probably no coincidence whatsoever that he did so, too, without arguably the two top offensive talents of his NY tenure: RB Tiki Barber and TE Jeremy Shockey, reputed clubhouse lawyers who'd undermined his objectives. Congrats to Eli Manning, who surely helped establish an unbreakable NFL record by becoming the second of two consecutive quarterbacking brothers to walk off with the title-game MVP trophy. Congrats to special-team ace David Tyree, the sometimes WR who teamed with Manning on what is probably the single greatest offensive play in the storied history of that legendary football franchise. Manning's determined tug free from desperately-grasping Patriot hands in order to heave a prayer of a pass toward the leaping Tyree, climaxed with the WR pinning the ball momentarily against his own headgear, positioning the hopeful underdogs inside the undefeated rivals' 25 as the game neared its final seconds, exemplifies the spirit of the championship squad. Congrats to former Browns' center Sean O'Hara, who started more games under Butch Davis than any other Cleveland OL, but somehow was twice dismissed at the position in favor of the needless draftings of Melvin Fowler and Jeff Faine---neither of whom is still with the team and both of whom were selected when better pieces remained on the draft board.  Congrats to that gritty, tough-minded and big-play-making Giants DL, who should've collectively won the MVP trophy for its dogged relentlessness and clutch play. Congrats to its longtime inspirational leader, the venerable 15-year vet Michael Strahan for at last ending a season as a member of the sport's best team. Congratulations to the many no-name bit pieces on that Giants team who contributed sizeably to a championship campaign, especially obscure rookies like TE Kevin Boss, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Steve Smith, S Michael Johnson, DE Jay Alford and GM Jerry Reese. Congrats to all of us who have resented the perceived injustice of witnessing the Boston-area fans experiencing uncommon professional sports success with their squads. The Celtics ruled the '60's with all their titles, only to dominate again during the Bird-McHale-Parish era. Then the Bosox win a pair of titles within four years (after waiting since 1918) at the same time the Pats played for four NFL titles during a seven-year span, with this year's edition scoring more points than any team in history and nearly going unbeaten. Congratulations, too, to Head Coach Bill Belichick for cementing his reputation as a single-minded poor-sport, classless loser---regardless of his career achievements on the field. It's not as if he just couldn't wait to throw his loving arms around opposing coach Tom Couglin to share in the latter's climactic achievement. No, it's all about Billy, who somehow managed to tarnish the moment for all affiliated with the victorious Giants. So much for sportsmanship and exemplary character. Congrats to Giants' fans. May they accept their winning with greater grace, dignity and civility than their regional rivals. Yours is a storybook ballclub deserving of distinction and one all of America can be proud of. Resiliency, indeed. Champions of adversity and the entire National Football League. May it be Cleveland's turn next.       Posted Feb 04 2008, 07:26 AM by MALeonard's Xanga

• We'll know a lot more in a month

  NFL fans not otherwise preoccupied with thoughts centering upon the Super Bowl are beginning to focus on their favorite team's off-season. Among the questions being contemplated are: With coaching-staffs essentially settled around the league, what personnel adjustments will occur? Who will remain viable among 2008 free agents after the franchise tags have been applied? What trades might be out there for the hometeam? Will our team's GM attempt to move up or down in the April draft to help remedy what roster deficiencies existed last season? Are there draft sleepers worth knowing about? Can enough be accomplished in this single off-season to make our club legitimately competitive? For some, the so-called off-season carries more appeal than the actual in-season of regularly-scheduled league contests. More fanciful than fantasy football, the art of pretending to be a GM  during the trade-and-free-agency stages of the calendar year occupies more than a few classified as fans. Rumors run amok this time of the year. Speculation is rampant regarding those who might be dealt or otherwise disposed of via buyouts, releases and other measures designed to ease salcap crunches, though the sport has nicely acclimated to the free-agency era and characteristically manages to retain its most cherished commodities. Still, there is enough movement to foster a cottage industy or two. Ancillary characters subsisting almost entirely upon guessing, predicting, foreseeing and conjecture are nowadays as well known and recognized as the actual decision-makers handsomely compensated by the professional organizations employing them. This writer is not among those acknowledged or celebrated---surely for very good reasons---but those realities won't discourage him from opining a bit, nonetheless. Should it be true, for example, that Dallas is considering making available to others DE Marcus Spears, OLB Bobby Carpenter and ILB Akin Ayodele, then Cleveland GM Phil Savage would be wise to think about parting with one of his fairly-early selections in order to get those pieces in Brown and Orange. Reportedly, all three are being thought of as non-starting Cowboys, which would make their contracts burdensome, particularly since they'd not transition especially well to contributing as special-teamers. Spears and Carpenter, who has yet to emerge as a starter in Big D, were both number-one draft picks. Ayodele arrived as a fairly-expensive free-agent acquistion from Jacksonville. All three might project as strongside starters in Cleveland, though Carpenter would have a lot to learn from incumbant LOLB Willie McGinest. Were Dallas interested in packaging them, Cleveland's fourth selection (or third, if necessary)---coupled with the rights to a trio of  less-costly backups with 'team experience currently heading into restricted free agency: DE Simon Fraser, OLB Matt Stewart and swingman LB Chaun Thompson---might amount to sufficient compensation. After all, Dallas is otherwise facing outright releases, awkward restructurings or individual later-round alternatives. For a GM who has yet to get a single starter out from any of his four previous fourth-round selections, gaining three for a single one in '08 would be quite a coup, don't you think, Mr. Savage? Only Ayodele is an explosive upfield talent, but Carpenter has the requisite skill set for the strongside and Spears is already an accomplished run-defender, though he brings little to the table as a game-deciding playmaker. Pass-rushing is not a forte. Such a transaction would liberate Savage considerably on Draft Day and afford him focus on other needs. Perhaps an edge-rushing threat to collapse a pocket. Nabbing such an asset in the middle of Round Two---or dealing-up slightly to secure one---would not be a bad way to begin that spring day. (Cleveland's first-round pick already belongs to Dallas, of course, having been spent last April on the falling ND QB Brady Quinn.) This direction assumes both QB Derek Anderson and RB Jamal Lewis will be retained for at least another campaign together. WR might appear as the club's next priority, though the seemingly-patient nurturing of Phil's 2006 third-rounder, Oklahoma's Travis Wilson, might mitigate that perceived need. Should it/he not, a quick-strike target with the ability to stretch a defense and open both the crossing routes and the running lanes may manifest as essential. Someone able to replace the nearly-invisible Tim Carter and step soon into Joe Jurevicius' slot opposite Pro-Bowler Braylon Edwards would be ideal. In fact, such a weapon might even supercede the aforementioned OLB for Round Two. Another solution to consider could be Jax's Matt Jones, the former Arkansas QB whose marvelous straight-line speed and 6-6 237-lb. frame encouraged the Jaguars to nab him at 18 in Round One of Wilson's '06 draft class. Maybe Wilson, in a mutually-accomodating exchange of draft day disappointments needing a change of scenery, could bring back Jones. Or a three-way---sending Wilson to Tampa for WR Michael Clayton, who in turn moves along to Jax for Jones---may be the way to go. All three young wideouts figure to experience a career-altering development this off-season, either elevating once and for all or relocating, with or without compensation. Jones might benefit greatly from exposure to JJ's savvy as a similarly-built pass-catching NFL target.  Since the Browns cannot rely exclusively upon Lewis' endurance among the league's better running threats, identifying a sleeper at the position seems advisable. South Carolina's under-the-radar RB Cory Boyd is such a character. He is somewhat Earnest Byner-like with his toughness and versatility, a force between the tackles, as a chain-moving pass-catcher and as a blitz-stifling pass-protector. Not flashy or particularly elusive, Boyd is nonetheless formidable on delays, draws, screens and dump-offs and possesses a nose for the endzone. He is likely to merit a higher profile on the professional level than he achieved for himself collegiately. These are the kind of thoughts that occupy a fertile and imaginative mind once his team is eliminated from post-season participation. It is typical of a fan with too much time on his hands and the desire to fix what ails the roster of his favorite team. There is a lot of this going around this time of the year, becoming even more evident as time marches toward late-April. Avoid it at all costs, unless you, too, have an appetite for off-season NFL personnel conjecture.       Posted Feb 02 2008, 12:15 PM by MALeonard's Xanga