5 Minutes for Blogging, Jan. 8 (early evening)
Quick start tonight:
1. MILWAUKEE, NOT ST. LOUIS, SIGNS TREVOR HOFFMAN: Let the debate begin. Hoffman was sitting there for the Cardinals (and others), but the Brewers signed the future Hall of Fame closer to a one-year deal worth $6 million, with incentives that could push the value to $7.5 million. It will be interesting to see how he’ll do, and whether the Cardinals made a mistake in taking a pass. I wouldn’t have been opposed to Hoffman coming here on a one-year deal. I should make one thing clear: this was a baseball decision. It had nothing to do with Bill DeWitt’s unwillingness or willingness to spend money. As much as Tony La Russa and Dave Duncan respect Hoffman’s career, I detect that they didn’t have much enthusiasm over his availability. Why? The decline of Hoffman’s fastball, which would make his changeup less effective. Hoffman had two bad months for the Padres in 2008 (April and June). After July 5, he had a 1.56 ERA, saved 14 games in 15 opportunities, maintained a solid strikeout rate, and allowed a .167 batting average. Seemingly, there’s still some life left in that 41-year-old arm, though Hoffman was popped for more homers last season. He appears to be more vulnerable. But: even though the fastball comes in at around 86 mph, the wizardry of his changeup continues to baffle hitters, and Hoffman can probably finesse and connive his way to a lot of outs. Here’s a key question: as an extreme flyball pitcher, is Hoffman doomed at Miller Park Milwaukee? San Diego’s Petco Park suppresses home runs (by around 15 percent) Miller Park jacks up the home-run rate (by around 5 percent). Busch Stadium plays more favorably for pitchers. Interesting gamble by Brewers GM Doug Melvin, who last year lost his gamble on another closer, Eric Gagne. So what do you think? Were the Cardinals wise to stay clear of Hoffman on a one-year deal? Are you happy to see Chris Perez and Jason Motte get a shot at the closer’s job?
2. ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT JIM FASSEL: The former NY Giants coach interviewed for the Rams’ HC job on Thursday. Fassel deserves respect for getting the 2000 Giants to the Super Bowl with quarterback Kerry Collins. And in seven seasons, Fassel had two 10-win seasons and one 12-win season in NY. But this gives me pause: Fassel’s record as NY’s head coach was 44-35 when he had John Fox as the defensive coordinator. When Fox left to become Carolina’s head coach in 2002, Fassel went 14-18 without Fox.
3. IS JEREMY MACLIN OVERRATED? SOME EARLY DRAFT BUZZ FROM RUSS LANDE: If the Mizzou receiver declares (as expected) for the 2009 NFL Draft, how high will he go? It’s early, and many players will see their stick go up or down between now and the draft. But respected analyst Russ Lande, of the “War Room” at The Sporting News projects Maclin to go late in the first round, or perhaps early in the second round. That surprises me. But on our Team 1380 radio show Thursday, Lande said that Maclin’s speed, while very good, “doesn’t quite reach premier level.” Lande added: “And Maclin has to really polish his routes and show more explosion as he comes out of his cuts.” Lande said that Maclin can definitely improve his draft profile by clicking off some great 40-yard times for NFL scouts as a run-up to the draft. By the way, Lande does an excellent job - he touted Donnie Avery going into the last year’s NFL draft — and as as premium subscriber to the War Room, I have found it to be a great, year-round resource for draft information. Please check it out at www.sportingnews.com
4. SPEAKING OF THE NFL DRAFT: Is anyone else uncomfortable with the idea of the Rams drafting Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith with the No. 2 overall pick? Smith is the elite player at his position in this draft class, but he was bounced from the ‘Bama team before the Sugar Bowl amid allegations that he had improper dealings with an agent. And some scouts worry about Smith being able to control his weight. The Rams have made OT a priority this offseason, but is Smith too much of a risk?
5. NON-SPORTS NOTE OF THE DAY: WHO YOU GOT, THE BRADY BUNCH OR THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY? I mentioned this on my radio show, but the other night I came across a made-for-TV movie on the Partridge Family and the making of the TV show (1970-1974) and how sudden fame affected cast members. I was transfixed. I’m sorry, but I have a weakness for this stuff because it takes me back to my childhood. I was about 11 when the Partridge Family made its prime-debut on ABC. It was quite a Friday night lineup on ABC; the Brady Bunch followed by the Partridge Family. I had a crush on Marcia Brady in those days, (sorry Laurie Partridge) so I was a Brady Bunch kid. It really came down to choosing Marcia (Maureen McCormick) over Laurie (played by Susan Dey) But now that I’m 49, let me say this: I’ll go with Shirley Jones (Mrs. Partridge) over Florence Henderson (Mrs. Brady). So who gets your vote? I’m assuming that most of the women out there would pick Keith Partridge (David Cassidy) over Greg Brady (Barry Williams) but heck if I know… certainly the musical edge goes to the Partridges and their acceptable bubblegum pop. The Bradys’ weak attempt at copy-cat musical career — highlighted by the song “It’s a Sunshine Day” was incredibly cheesy. Hey, and if you don’t pick the Patridges, Danny Bonaduce will come kick your arse….
-Bernie
Bernie,
Trevor Hoffman is still a good pitcher but is a better component for Milwaukee at this time, they are still sorting through the Gagne/Turnbow debacle…
I would prefer to see the Cardinals focus on shoring up the starting pitching with another arm or two…for now Perez and Motte is a unique situation which I think can flourish if Tony and Dunc manage it right. As for a plan B, I would love to see Russ Springer back…he was a great “go to” guy in any relief situation…plus has immeasurable experience to share with the Perez’s and Motte’s of the world.
I am sure Jim Fassel wants to coach again…I think he even wrote a love letter to Al Davis…but let’s make sure all other options are covered…I am in favor of a new face…but I have to admit, if the Haslett/Martz/Capers trio is a possibility…I am intrigued…however I reserve the right to stay open minded.
I heard Russ Lande on your show and respect the hell out of his opinion but I think Jeremy Maclin can and will “play” at any level he needs to…You can’t coach game speed…he may not test out the best but he “plays fast” in games, has several dynamics to offer and sees the entire field…you can’t coach that. He is a mid first round pick, he has earned the money, time to pay himself back…have a great career in the Big Show Jeremy!
Can the Rams trade their first pick down for two number ones? Otherwise, I am fine with Andre Smith if he is the best OT available…Orlando Pace worked out well…all the way to Canton I’d say. If Andre Smith is on the Rams radar, Billy Devaney will cross check all concerns with Nick Saban who has plenty of NFL experience to relate.
Right there with you on the Partridge Family…(although I was partial to Jan Brady)…as a 10 year old watching the show, I thought Shirley Jones was a babe…She was in a recent comedy movie “Gramma’s Boy”, where she plays a dirty old sex vixen. All joking aside, for an older actress she can still “bring it”. Danny Bonaduce? What a pathetic person…never could bring it on or off screen…Dave Madden on the other hand, now there’s a great actor!!!
Enjoy your piece of the pie Florida!
Over and out
Bernie,
Susan Dey would have made my Top Ten All-TIME FANTASY team.
1. Jeannie (Tony Nelson-what a moron, should have been a Navy Astronaut)
2. Mary Ann
3. Goldie Hawn (Laugh-in)sock it to me - loved her painted bod
4. Gold Digger Dancers (Dean Martin Show)
5. Sabrina
6. Ann Margaret
7. Raquel Welch
8. Pam Greer (blaxplotation movies)she is still hot!
9. All Bob Hopes swedish bomb shells from his movies.
10.Susan Dey
Redwood
Bernie:
A question and a point:
Q: What are the braves going to do with all those pitchers? They didn’t lose any pitchers from their rotation last year, but have aquired 2, plus I believe they are ready to promote one.
P: I am not completely against Fassel. There is something to be said for a coach who can manage a game and has an eye for great coordinators.
Hollar at your boy,
Ray Ray
It seems there were not many pursuers for Hoffmans work, which to me says most baseball people are of an opinion that the pepper in his shaker is running out as you pointed out bernie in regard to his slowing fastball. Do I think the Cards letting him fly over their bird blind without pulling the trigger showed them to be cheap with there dry powder? NO. I’m just not to impressed with Hoffman and everything else left out there. They could all be hens so why pull the trigger if it could get you in trouble. I think the Cards are better off making a trade. But there may not be a salt and pepper player out there to get in a trade either without giving up some Birds of flavor. I think the Cards are going about it the best they can. Whether or not they can get something done to fill the holes, time will only tell. But the more I look at the baseball market and what is available I am not to impressed. So why throw money on a player if he is not capable of flavoring up the Birds the way you need/want it? The Cards may well be locked in to finding players from within to fill in the gaps. The year could unfold a few surprizes. But as I said, time will tell how the salt and pepper shakes out for the Cards. I am beginning to be of a mind that Mr. DeWitt and Mo should not be to blame if our hopes are not fullfilled. How does the saying go? It is what it is!
In the Susan Dey v. Maureen McCormick debate, I had to lean toward Susan Dey, but Skip just mentioned Room 222 and that brings Susan Valentine into the mix for me. Sheesh, just a little reflection takes me back.
I was more of a Partridge Family guy but the Bradys seem to have more staying power. I think all guys wanted to be Keith Partridge. I’d watch either of them on Nick at Night anytime they are on, however.
Looks like we have less and less to worry about with the Brewers. Let them have Hoffman. I cant blame the Cards for letting that one go. I think it should be noted sometime in July for all of the whining Cardinal fans who was a bust. Just to remind everyone.
I am worried about picking a loser for OT. We don’t need anymore attitudes, just somebody to fill Pace’s shoes. Who is the next best OT available?
My pick is for Brady Bunch all the way - Mrs. Brady, Alice and Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!!! Maureen McCormick is hot. My wife could never understand why I would stop the remote for those celeb-reality shows she was on.
Bernie, I know you called them cheesy, but do you remember what the Brady kids named their band for their recording session? The Silver Platters … they were trying to win some silver platter for their parents for their anniversary or something.
Oh, and was “A Sunshine Day” their only song, or was the one where Peter Brady sang “When it’s time to change” with his voice cracking as a teen-ager a different song?
Oh yes,The Partridge Family did have the musical chops.Their first song “I Thank I Love You” was number 1 on the Billboard’s Top 40 charts.Songs by the group that also charted was,”I Woke Up In Love This Morning”,”Doesn’t Someone Want to Be Wanted”,and”"I’ll Meet You Halfway”.Excellent pop music,just right for the times.When it come to musical talent,the Brady Bunch couldn’t even hold the Partridge family’s J-strap!
I’m not sure what qualifies as “premier” speed, but I’ve never seen even a decent angle consistently catch Maclin, and most games the commentators remark how quickly he gets from zero to full speed. Route running can be coached.
I haven’t read all the points here so I might have missed it but could Hoffman have helped our young guys learn an off-speed pitch. The guy’s a HOF reliever, he surely could have helped them, just maybe not at that price.