Author Archives: maddog3

01.27.14
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Ravens Offensive Coordinator candidates + Draft Needs

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Yesterday it was believed Kyle Shanahan or Jim Hostler were the top 2 candidates, which would be an absolute disaster for the Ravens. Our first priority is fixing the run game. We need an OC who has shown in the past they can establish the run. Jim Hostler is the Ravnes WR coach, so he will probably be left off this list. Shananhan has proven he can run the ball, but he had RG3 running the read option in 2012, and the running game in 2013 was not strong when they went with more pistol than read option. Shanahan has relied on his Pops big time for help, especially in the run game, so he should also be dropped off this list.

Gary Kubiak makes the most sense. He has never had a franchise QB in Houston. He has had a handful of good running backs and offensive linemen. The Ravens weakness in the beginning of the season was the offensive line. They played better toward the end of the year, but Gary Kubiack’s scheme should help improve the unit. With Flacco(franchise QB), Rice and Pierce(2 back system), and Dennis Pitta(blocking TE) entering next season healthy and ready to be back in the playoffs, the addition of Kubiack could take this Ravens team deep into the playoffs.

For the Draft, there are some pretty obvious needs.

Needs in order of importance:

1.) OT (Ravens need to take the best avaliable Offensive linemen with their first pick)

2.) WR ( No need to rush into a WR on day one, there is plenty of depth)

3.) OC (Ravens need to use 2 high picks on offensive line)

4.) TE (With Dickson gone, and Pitta hopefully returning, TE is an imporant spot. Kubiack likes to use multiple TE sets)

5.) DL (the DLine played well but depth is important. An OLB or DE would be a good look in the 3rd or 4th RD)

6.) S (Ihedjibo and Elam played well in the second half of the season but bringing in a Saftey in the 4th or 5th RD will create some solid preseason competition)

Mock Analysis:

The 2014 class is a good one and with atleast 3 QBs expected to go in RD 1, there should be some solid quality on the board at 16/17. I am big on taking the best player avaliable, but the Ravens have 6 core needs, so they should be able to get one of the best players on the board and address a need.

Players who could be avaliable: Taylor Lewin (OT, Michigan), Zach Martin (OT, ND), Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M), Eric Ebron (TE, UNC), and Anthony Barr(OLB, UCLA). There is a chance none of these players will be avaliable at this pick, but these guys are potential pro bowlers. I’d like to see Lewin or Martin go, but I would be okay with Ebron here, he could be the next Vernon Davis. Mike Evans and Sammy Watkins are a freaks, but the 2nd and 3rd rounds will be loaded with WR talent. Anthony Barr is a 2 way OLB who is a beast in the run game and is great in coverage. I don’t think he’ll make it to 16/17, but this guy is a must draft if avaliable here.

Players who should be avaliable: Kony Ealy (DE, Mizzu), Marqiese Lee (WR, USC), Louis Nix (DT, ND), Hasean Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama), Aaron Donald (DT, Pitt), Timmy Jernigan (DT, FSU), Kelvin Benjamin (WR, FSU), and Cyrus Kouandijo (OT, Alabama). There is a ton of talent avaliable late in the first round. Ealy, Clinton-Dix, Nix, Donlad, and Jernigan are all impact players on Defense. Lee and Benjamin can strech the field vertically and would be great to pair with Torrey Smith. Cyrus Kouandijo left Bama early and is rising up the board. He’s a very atheltic OL who could contribute right away.

If Lewin or Martin are avaliable, they are must picks. With these 2 gone, it might be a bit of a reach to take Kouandijo at 16/17. Ebron would probably be my next on the list, he has a rare combination of speed, size, and strength at TE that is hard to come by.

12.17.13
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O’s Ink Balfour to 2 year, 14 mil deal

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The Orioles finally spent some money. Hopefully this move will mean a few more are coming in the next few days. Still need OF, DH, and a SP. Plenty on the market. I like Balfour a lot. Was an absolute stud last year posting a 2.59 ERA with 38 saves. Only 72 Ks, but he gets the job done, and is an absolute savage.  A’s fans loved this dude, would go wild when he entered the game. He’s the perfect closer to land in B-more.

A little surprised he went so cheap. I know he has injury issues, but dude was an All-Star and reliable all season.

12.10.13
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Phillies put Papelbon, Lee, and Hamels on the block. O’s need to make a move.

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The O’s are in need of a closer and a starting the pitcher. The Phillies are willing to sell some of their top talent in the rotation and pen. The O’s need to take a serious look at some possibile moves. Papelbon, who is 33, is the first target. His 13 million a year contract is not what the Orioles are looking for, but his numbers as a closer are. His past two year in Philly have been pretty good, posting a 2.44 ERA in ’12  and 2.92 in ’13. He recorded 31 and 38 saves, also missing some time with injuries in both years. The Phillies want to move him so a deal could easily be made. We know the Phillies will be looking for pitching, and they are not going to sell him cheap, so expect one of the top O’s pitching prospects to be involved. Gausman, Rodriguez,  Bundy(probably not) are what the Phils are looking for. If the O’s want to spend, they could try and do a package deal and pick up Cole Hamels/Cliff Lee at the same time. Hamles is 29 while Lee is 35, and they are both dominate lefties. The Phillies would rather move Lee, so we’ll start with that. Cliff Lee and Papelbon are going to cost the O’s a lot. Moving JJ Hardy along with a Gausman/Rodriguez/Bundy and another top prospect would probably be the only way the Phillies move both these guys. I just don’t see the O’s moving all three prospects and likely another 1 or 2 like Schoop. The O’s will also take a huge hit on their salary, absorbing 13 mil from Papelbon and and  21.5 from Lee. JJ Hardy’s 7 million a year contract would help a little.

The O’s are set up to win this season. Both New York and Boston are missing key players from the team last year. The Rays should be without David Price. The O’s desperately need pitching, and a deal like this would give them a solid #1 pitcher, which is what they have been searching for, and a shut down closer. Looking at the division, now is the time to move prospect for proven veterans. Instead of Lee, the O’s could go for Hamels but would likely have to move Bundy, Hardy, and possibly Rodriguez.

The O’s have all the pieces to make this trade. There are not many teams with talented prospects like the O’s, and I’m sure Philly called the Orioles immediately when they decided to put this talent on the block. I like Bundy, Gausman, and Rodriguez  as the possible 1,2,3 of the future, but with the way the division looks now, this could be one of the only years the O’s have a chance to make a run for the Series. It’s do or die right now for Buck and the boys. The AL East is at its weakest its been in years(still very strong), and the O’s need to strike. Pull the trigger and bring in some veteran pitching. The Phillies are more than willing to move these players if the right deal is put on the table.

Possible Trades:

Philies have a strong minor league system and can provide a solid prospect for the O’s.

1.) Papelbon + minor leaguer for JJ Hardy + a top prospect (Rodriguez/Gausman)

2.) Papelbon + Lee/Hamels + minor leaguer for JJ Hardy 3 top prospects and 1-2 good prospects

Phillies could also be looking at Matusz, Tommy Hunter, and O’Day as possible players to land. They will need someone to close for them if they move Papelbon.

12.06.13
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Mariners sign Cano to 10 year 240mil contract, Bad News for O’s

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With the Mariners overpaying big time for Cano, this means the Yankees now have 40+ million to spend on starting pitching. This likely means they will sign two top starters for 15-20 million each, spiking the the price for pitching. As starters become more valuable as the Yanks sign them to ridiculous contacts, players like Bronson Arroyo and Paul Maholm will look to cash in. My guess is the Yankees sign Ervin Santana or Bartolo Colon to a monster deal and then sign Kuroda to a similar one. They also have their eye on Masahiro Tanaka from Japan who posted ridiculous numbers last year. This leaves the O’s with limited options with all starting pitchers now wanting huge contracts. Further down the list are unreliable pitchers like Jerome Williams(32), Tommy Hanson, Shaun Marcum(31), and Jason Marquis(35). One of these older pitchers may be a target with the market up. Tommy Hanson had some promise but has dealt with injuries his entire career. Roberto Hernandez aka Fausto Carmona before being caught for fake identification so he would be younger is available too.

O’s need to make a move quickly before the Yankees ruin the market, but if I’m a starting pitcher, I’m waiting for the Yankees to make a move and cash in.

Funny thing about the Cano deal, the Mariners will still not make the playoffs. The offense is not very good. The division is stacked(OAK, TEX, LAA, HOU[jokes]). They need to spend around 30 mil on the outfield and pick up another starting pitcher to even have a chance at the playoffs.

12.03.13
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Jim Johnson traded to A’s for prospect

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The Athletics have acquired right-hander Jim Johnson from the Orioles for second basemanJemile Weeks, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has confirmed. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sportsfirst reported the deal.

Baltimore was reportedly shopping their closer for salary relief in recent weeks. Johnson, 30, is projected to earn more than $10 million in 2014 according to Matt Swartz of MLB Trade Rumors, so the Orioles are saving a nice chunk of change with the trade.

In 74 games this past season, Johnson managed to lead MLB in both saves (50) and blown saves (nine). He had a 2.94 ERA (143 ERA+) and a 3.11 K/BB in 70 1/3 innings. Johnson also led MLB with 51 saves in 2012 and saves are an easy way to earn a huge salary through arbitration. The sinkerballer is due to become a free agent next winter.

Weeks, 26, hit .303/.340/.421 (110 OPS+) in 97 games as a rookie in 2011 but he has been unable to build on that success. He put up a .221/.305/.304 (73 OPS+) line in 2012 before spending most of 2013 in Triple-A. Rickie’s little brother did manage a .271/.376/.369 line in 130 minor league games this past season.

This move means the Orioles are looking to sign a 10 mil pitcher. This is a great move. Jim Johnson was decent but led the league in blown saves. Paying 10 mil for the league leader in blown saves makes no sense. People are complaining that the Orioles are not getting enough in return. I disagree. Jemile Weeks hit a sophomore slump in 2012 and played in the minors in ’13 after hitting .303 his rookie year in ’11. This is a young, talented prospect who needed a change of scenery. This trade also gives the Orioles a second basemen who is very capable of batting .300, stealing 30 bases, and scoring 100 runs as a #1 / #2 hitter.

Going forward, it looks like the O’s will promote a current player to the closer role. Tommy Hunter and Darren O’Day looked impressive at the end of the year and could fill in.

The O’s now have money to spend on a starting pitcher and a left fielder. Bartolo Colon must be asking for a ton if the A’s signed Kazmir the other day, so I would cancel him off the list. I would imagine Kuroda, Santana, Burnett, Garza and Ubaldo are hoping to cash in too. Looking at the recently signed contracts of Kazmir(2y 22mil), Hudson(2y 23mil), Haren(1y 10mil), and Nolasco(4y 49mil), the top tier pitchers will likely be looking for 13mil + because of the Nolasco deal. The O’s will likely not sign the top 5-6 guys available. This leaves the Orioles with options like Bronson Arroyo, Roy Halladay, Paul Maholm, Scott Feldman(resign), Joe Saunders, and a few other veterans. I don’t think any of these guys are worth 10 mil, and I doubt the O’s will move any valuable prospects for a veteran, so they will likely overpay for a Roy Halladay or Joe Saunders unless they are willing to cough up cash and years to Ubaldo or Garza.

There is plenty of talent in the outfield, but once again, the O’s will be looking for a lower contract. David DeJesus(2y 10.5) and Marlon Byrd(2y 16 mil) are mid tier outfielders that the O’s will be looking to match contracts off of. Kelly Johnson, Andres Torres, and Rajai Davis look like great targets for 5-6 million dollar outfielders. If the O’s do spend on a SP, Reed Johnson could be a 3 million dollar target. Plenty of options. Also would look at Raul Ibanez for DH. He’s 42, but was very good last year in Seattle.

According to ESPN

The Orioles also announced Monday night they tendered contracts to six of their arbitration eligible players: Matt Wieters, Chris Davis, Tommy Hunter, Bud Norris, Brian Matusz and Troy Patton.

They also re-signed Steve Pearce and Nolan Reimold

Not too sure what this means. Bud Norris being tendered means hes in the starting rotation. Hammel should walk, leaving Gonzalez, Tillman, Chen and him as starters. The O’s now have the options to sign an a top tier OF and promote Gausman/Britton /Bundy(when ready) or sign a 8-10 mil pitcher and sign a 4-5 mil outfielder to start in LF. The O’s are contenders and it would be nice if they could sign Choo, Beltran, or Nelson Cruz with a decent starter like Arroyo.

Now that the O’s have money, things should get interesting in the next few weeks with teams signing players to help the O’s mold contracts around their targets tier’s.

11.20.13
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Dennis Pitta returns to Ravens practice today

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Pitta should miss at least one more week. If he can come back next week after (hopefully) a Ravens win, things could start looking up. This is a huge(I cant stress huge enough) upgrade from Dickson and Clarke. He’s a good run blocker and safety blanket for Flacco, the offense desperately needs him. When healthy, he finds seems in the middle of zones and can stretch the field vertically. This is very good news for the down but not out Baltimore Ravens.

11.19.13
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Orioles Postseason Chatter

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Tim Hudson just signed with San Fran for 2 years 23 mil. He is coming off a serious injury and is 38. I think the Orioles should be spending their money on younger and healthier players. 11.5 a year is too much of a risk for a low market team like the O’s. There is also buzz around the Orioles looking seriously at Carlos Beltran. If the O’s are going to spend, this is the year in free agency. It sounds like Beltran wants at least a 3 year deal. Im guessing he’d make around 13-15 a year, and if a bidding war begins, it could be bad news for the O’s. Apparently the Yankees, Red Sox, Royals, and a few other teams are very interested. If the O’s are willing to spend, they should send 3 years 45 mil to Beltran, go pick up a starting pitcher for 8-10 mil a year, sign a right handed power/average hitting DH, and ink Omar Infante or trade for Ian Kinsler(Texas), Howie Kendrick(LAA), or another proven second basemen. These additions to the team could really help the Orioles over the hump of last year in which Nate McLouth slumped, Brian Roberts got hurt, the DH position could not get it together all year, and the starting pitching was miserable.

A few, but not all the avalibe veteran starting pitchers include: Ubaldo Jimenez, Ervin Santana, Bartolo Colon, Hiroki Kuroda, A.J. Burnett, Ricky Nolasco, Matt Garza, Josh Johnson, Scott Kazmir, and Phil Hughes. With Hudson signing for 2y 23mil, the top tier pitchers will be looking for the same. This means pitchers like Phil Hughes, Scott Kazmir, Ricky Nolasco and a few others could go for 8-10 mil a year. The question is, would these pitchers be worth it? With Gausman and Bundy on the cusp of being dominate pitchers, should the O’s pull the trigger? Bundy should be throwing in December and ready to go for the beginning of the season. Gausman struggled with command last year, but should preform better next season with the experience he got this year. The current rotation of Tillman, Gonzalez, Chen, Hammel, Norris, and Feldman does not cut it in the AL East. Feldman and Hammel are free agents, and I expect them to walk. Replacing Hammel with Ubaldo/Colon/E Santana/J Johnson could make a huge difference. The rotation would look like (new pitcher), Tillman, Gonzalez, Chen, and Norris. If the 2-4 and stay healthy and Bud Norris gets back to his Ace days at Houston, this could be a very good rotation.

11.19.13
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Ravens at Bears reaction

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The Ravens were finally able to move the ball on the ground, but struggled mightily in the passing game. With the running game success  one would have thought Flacco would have been calm and collected in the pocket, but it was the complete opposite. He missed WRs, threw a pair of INTs(led to 3 points), was sacked 3 times, and looked uncomfortable all game. The Ravens OLine probably had their best game of the year(not saying much), and it looks like the addition of Eugene Monroe may end up being a good move. They are starting to play as a unit. Ray Rice looks like he found that burst he has been missing all season. Could be good moving forward.

The defense was strong all game. Forte is a tough player to stop, and he was able to move the chains all game with his 125 yards of total offense. The secondary kept Brandon Marshall in check, but did allow Jeffery 80+ yards. It really is pick your poison with those two. Overall, the secondary played well. The front 7 gave up 100, but seemed to play stronger as the game progressed. The defense played well with all the talents on the Bears offense. This game came down to terrible play from Flacco.

Torrey Smith posted weak yardage again with 32 yards on 5 catches(8 targets). He did score a big TD to take the lead in the second quarter. He needs more touches, and should be in double digit targets with the amount of passing the Ravens usually do. Jacoby Jones continues to be a no factor. The TEs have not been playing well and need to step up as 3rd down targets to move the chains. The offense needs to find some sort of rhythm(and need to improve their 1-5 road record). 

Next week is a huge game at M&T Bank vs the Jets. This is a must win, especially with the Bengals playing the Chargers after their week 12 bye week. 

11.16.13
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Ravens at Bears Preview

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Is this the week the Ravens are finally able establish some sort of run game? The Bears are allowing over 129.4 rush yards per game, which is 31st in the league. The Ravens need to run the ball on early downs and use play action to stretch the field. Bernard Pierce needs to see more carries. Not knocking Ray Rice, but Pierce has been more effective. The Bears defense is banged up, playing without Peanut Tillman, Jay Ratliff, and Lance Briggs. Flacco and company should be able to move the chains all game(SHOULD).

The Bears offense will be a tough matchup for the improved Raven’s defense. They are 8th in passing yards (261.7) and 16th (111) in rushing. Playmakers Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and TE Martellus Bennett will be a handful for the secondary and linebackers. Luckily, Jay Cutler is not playing, although Josh McCown has been decent in his reserve duties. Limiting Forte will be huge. They will go to him early and often. Shutting down Forte will allow the Ravens to keep the safeties back in passing situations, which will be help the corners with the 6’4 Marshall and 6’3 Jeffery. The pass rush should pressure McCown all game. Dumervile and Suggs should have no problem against  the Bears offensive tackles. The secondary, especially the corners, will need to play like they did last week. 

Prediction: 27-20 Ravens. Rice and Pierce combine for 120 and 1 TD. Dumervile and Suggs each get at least 1 sack. Secondary holds McCown to under 250. Forte held under 100.

11.12.13
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Ravens vs Bengals reaction

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189 total yards of offense and the Ravens somehow beat the 6-3 Cincinnati Bengals 20-17. This game was painful to watch from an offensive standpoint. Neither team could get it going. Defensively, this was an impressive showing from both teams. 533 total yards of offensive, 6 turnovers, and 10 sacks combined. Other than a few miscues, the Ravens defense was dominant.

The Ravens offense is in serious trouble. The running game is pathetic and Joe Flacco continues to struggle. With the O-line in shambles, the Ravens need a new strategy. They need to  go with the Running Back who is more successful. Bernard Pierce was churning out 3-4 yard gains on his 8 carries, yet in the 4th quarter, Ray Rice(18 car, 30 yards) was getting a majority of the snaps. If Ray Rice isn’t getting 3-4 yards a pop, they need to sub Pierce in. If Pierce cools down, they need to go back to Rice. Every game it seems like one of the backs can barely get across the line of scrimmage while the other averages 3 to 4 yards a pop. Jim Caldwell needs to use more of a 1A 1B back system instead of Rice being the clear starter.

Defensively, the front 7 pressured Dalton all game. This led to 3 costly interception. James Ihedigbo capitalized off 2 pressured throws that he returned for 46 yards. The secondary played very well. Ladarius Webb, who had been picked on the previous few games, played the best game of his Ravens career. His interception was a great jump on a curl route by Marvin Jones. He was playing at 100% speed for the first time all season. Other than the Hail Mary, Webb really kept AJ Green in check. Elam and Ihedigbo finally played a full 4 quarters. The Bengals were able to move the ball on the ground, but the Linebackers and D-line were able to maintain with a 17 point lead. Terrelle Suggs and Elvis Dumervile were absolute beasts all game.

The hail mary play could have ruined the Ravens season. Ihedigbo was too tight on the pile and that quick deflection really took an unlucky hop off his hand. His reaction was what any safety would have done, so pointing a finger at Ihedigbo is wrong.

In overtime, Marvin Lewis should have never allowed the Bengals to go for it on 4th down. A punt there could have easily pined the Ravens inside the 10 yard line. The Ravens offense had been terrible all night, and after a 3 and out, the Bengals could have moved the sticks 2 or 3 times and kicked a field goal to win the game. Terrible coaching by the Bengals.

Bad news of the game: Haloti Ngata sprained his knee. This could be a huge loss in the run game. Hopefully he is good to go next week vs Matt Forte and the Bears offense.