Small Market Stars

Much talk has been made over Felix Hernandez' love affair with the Seattle Mariners and their fans. Rumors have swirled for the past few years that the small-market M's were going to trade him away for building blocks for the future, but GM Jack Zduriencik has stated repeatedly that the franchise is going to build around King Felix instead.

People can't decide whether to believe Felix when he states that Seattle is the only place he wants to be. He's become a local hero, has his own fan section in left field, the King's Court, and has apparent faith in the Mariners' front office that they will be able to build a winner with reduced payroll. He has promised to return to Seattle after his five-year, $78 million deal is up. But is he sincere, or will he just sign with the Yankees and achieve Alex Rodriguez status at Safeco?

Here are some other small-market franchise icons and their current contract situations.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates - The NL's leading MVP candidate avoided arbitration years and showed his allegiance to Pittsburgh in signing a six-year, $51.5 million extension in the offseason. The contract includes a club option for 2018, and is the largest deal in the 130-year history of the Pirates. McCutchen has lead the Bucs into relevancy, and put butts in beautiful PNC Park's seats, which will lead to the team expanding on its 26th-ranked $62 million payroll.

Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays - As a rookie, Longo originally agreed to a six-year, $17.5 million deal, with club options through 2016 that will push the deal to $44 million. Not bad for a player that has achieved superstar status. The Rays have become perennial playoff contenders, which can be  attributed to GM Andrew Friedman shaping the roster "years and years in advance." He scored big in taking a chance with then 22-year old Longoria, a guy who will be difficult for them to afford come 2016.

Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals - "Country Breakfast" inked a four-year, $30 million deal prior to the 2011 season, which includes a $14.5 million club option for 2015. As exhibited by the Royals' faithful during this season's All-Star festivities (booing Robinson Cano vivaciously for not picking him to represent the AL in the Home Run Derby), he is a hometown hero in KC. Right-handed bats like him (.302/.370/.508, 25 HR, 79 RBI this year) don't come around often, and he will be hotly pursued in a few years if he keeps up his production.

Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies - Tulo is basically a Rockie for life, as he is signed through 2020 in a deal that pays him $157.75 million is this decade. He is the best all-around shortstop in the game, and even while the team struggles with him hurt, he is not going to be traded for pitching prospects that the Rockies desperately need. Same goes for CarGo, who signed a seven-year, $80 millon agreement prior to the 2011 season. While the Rockies have a plethora of issues, keeping their superstars is not among them.

Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks - After such a downhill year and his current situation (which I'll get to), Upton doesn't really qualify in this "face of the franchise" category. An MVP candidate last year, things have gone downhill quickly for the 25-year-old, so much so that he has been placed on waivers. Reports are that he has been claimed by an unknown team, where he could receive a fresh start and another chance at stardom. Arizona might keep him and look to trade him in the offseason, or leave the team that acquires him on the hook for the rest of his six-year, $51.25 million deal.

Sixers 2012 Roster Projections

The Philadelphia 76ers head into the 2012-2013 with a 14-man roster consisting of only five players from a season ago. But among Philadelphians, there is a renewed confidence in this team even after just finishing a game away from the Eastern Conference Finals. Had it not been for the Andre Iguodala - Andrew Bynum deal (the Dwight Howard trade), much of that optimism would not be present.

With an almost entirely new roster, head coach Doug Collins will have his hands full trying to mix and match the correct lineups, leading this team to play to its caliber as a championship contender. Here is an overview of each player, how much playing time they should get, and how much time Collins will actually give them.

Lavoy Allen: Should play 25 MPG. Will play 15-20 MPG

Allen earned his stripes in the postseason with his stellar defensive showing against Kevin Garnett. KG was running all over Spencer Hawes every minute the two were matched up, but Allen was able to contain him. Unfortunately for Allen, it looks as if Doug Collins thinks more of Hawes as a player right now, as Hawes has been named the starter at PF for some goofy reason. Allen might even get stuck behind Kwame Brown on the depth chart, although I am confident Lavoy will impress during training camp, and maybe take Hawes' starting job some point during the season. In addition to his defense and consistent rebounding, the sophomore also possesses an above-average mid range jumper, and double-double potential.


Kwame Brown: Should play 5-10 MPG. Will play 15 MPG

Brown was brought in for defensive prowess. But he isn't any better on that side of the ball than Lavoy Allen is, and his offensive game is almost nonexistent. It was a scary thought to Sixers fans when Doug Collins had him at starting center before the deal was made for Andrew Bynum. Although he probably shouldn't be, Brown will probably serve as Andrew Bynum's backup, leaving less minutes for Allen and rookie Arnett Moultrie.


Andrew Bynum: Should play 30-40 MPG. Will play 30-40 MPG

The concerns for Bynum are not his basketball skills, but rather his knees, his dedication, his effort, his maturity, his decision-making, etc. He appears to be thrilled to be in Philly, and if all goes as planned, he'll sign a max deal at the end of this season. The Orthokine knee procedure he has decided to undergo in Germany should be a positive sign, as he is being proactive about his health.


Spencer Hawes: Should play 5-20 MPG. Will play 25-30 MPG

Spencer Hawes is a backup NBA big. He can get a mid-range jumper going, but is downright terrible at defense. He cannot guard any quality big man. He plays somewhat soft and isn't imposing to anyone driving straight at him. He can play in this league, but the team would be far better off if Lavoy Allen, or maybe even Arnett Moultrie were to start in his place.


Jrue Holiday: Should play 30-35 MPG. Will play 30-40 MPG

It is said the future of this team is in Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner's hands. Based on what I saw last season from Holiday, I'd be concerned. I'm not as excited about him as other Sixers fans. He plays defense lackadaisically, takes questionable shots and dribbles around pointlessly too often. As the team's starting point guard last season, he averaged a measly 4.5 assists. Last year should have been his breakout this; this year better be.


Royal Ivey: Should play 0-5 MPG. Will play 0-5 MPG

Ivey, in his second stint with the Sixers, is a guy who can provide veteran presence and can help mentor the young guys on how to be NBA players. He will rack up the DNP-CDs, and will compete with rookie Maalik Wayns for garbage time minutes at point guard.


Arnett Moultrie: Should play 15-25 MPG. Will play 0-15 MPG

If Doug Collins has a flaw as a head coach, it might be his development of young players. He was criticized for his treatment of Evan Turner last season, even if it might have been for the better. Collins' decision to play Spencer Hawes over Lavoy Allen shouldn't be encouraging for the rookie overflowing with potential, as it shows his doesn't favor his young bigs. Moultrie likely won't get enough of an opportunity to prove himself this year, barring an injury to someone.


Jason Richardson: Should play 15-20 MPG. Will play 15-25 MPG

It remains to be seen whether J-Rich will be a starter, as opposed to Thaddeus Young or Dorell Wright. The bottom line is the Sixers are a very deep team, and won't find enough playing time for everyone. Richardson can still play, and will contribute with whatever opportunity he gets.


Evan Turner: Should play 30-35 MPG. Will play 30-35 MPG

It is now Evan Turner's time. If his jump shot is the same as it's been in the past, there is cause for worry. But he is arguably the best rebounding guard in the league, and last year he showed flashes of being able to score twenty a night and put up double-doubles (yes, he's that good on the glass) with regularity. His passion during the game has the power to endear him to Philly fans if he puts up the numbers.


Maalik Wayns: Should play 0-10 MPG. Will play 0-10 MPG

He is known fondly in Philly for his starring role with Villanova. His status with the team isn't set in stone yet, but word is that he will be on the roster, meaning he'll probably get some garbage time minutes. A natural scorer, somewhat suspect defensive player and average passer, Wayns has the far-off chance to develop into Philly's next Lou Williams if Nick Young leaves after this year.


Dorell Wright: Should play 25 MPG. Will play 10-20 MPG

This guy can play. He has a killer touch from long range, can play D and will be a great late-game player due to his free-throw shooting (80% career). With the logjam of players at his position, he won't get the minutes he should, but will still be a contributor for this team.


Nick Young: Should play 10-25 MPG. Will play 15-30 MPG

I hate this guy's game. He can score, albeit very inefficiently. He is a ballhog. He doesn't play defense, and probably isn't intelligent enough to know what the word means. That being said, the Sixers struggled putting the ball in the hoop last season, and Young can go on offensive outburts a la Lou Williams. For cheap, he's not an awful pickup.


Thaddeus Young: Should play 20-35 MPG. Will play 25-30 MPG

Is he a three or a four? Probably neither; just a basketball player. He's a little small to guard power forwards, but looks a bit awkward at the three. Doesn't really matter. He causes ruckus whenever he is in the game, and will find a way to get his without ever having a play called for him. His endless energy is something Andrew Bynum should take note of.

Olympic Thoughts

So the consensus right now is that Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever. The argument is simple: he has 22 medals; eighteen of which are gold. The fastest man in the world, none other than Usain Bolt, has four golds currently. He's not really in the discussion (at least in the United States), since Phelps has fourteen more gold medals.

Phelps' sport gives away far more medals than a track athlete can achieve. People say, "Michael Phelps competes in up to ten different events, while all Bolt does is run the 100m and 200m." This doesn't make any sense whatsoever. Sprinters in track and field must sculpt their bodies entirely differently than a longer-distance runner, so it wouldn't be plausible for Bolt to win any more medals than he already does. It's the same reason Phelps doesn't compete in, say, the 1500m freestyle.

The only way the uneven medal distribution for track and swimming could be compensated for would be by events such as, say, a backwards race, which would be swimming's equivalent to backstroke.

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On a more serious note:

You might have heard about this already. Seven of Cameroon's Olympians have been missing from Olympic Village. Based on the article, is sounds like they are just fine, and there's no cause for worry, however. They have simply used their situation to their advantage. Seems pretty smart, actually.

Olympic defections date back to 1948's Olympics, which were also held in London. Marie Provaznikova, then president of the International Gymnastics Federation, refused to return to her native Czechoslovakia due to "lack of freedom."

Fifteen-year-old Ethiopian torchbearer Natnael Yemane went on the from his hotel in Nottingham this past June.

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Michael Phelps probably could have come closer to repeating his Beijing performance in this summer's Olympics. He admitted in an interview to NBC's Bob Costas how he slacked off in his training for London, saying he "relaxed" and was "just having fun." He went on to explain how he would do whatever he could to avoid the weight room, and did not start training seriously until 2010. Natural talent certainly aided him in what was still an impressive farewell Olympic performance for one of the world's greatest athletes.

BREAKING NEWS: Tune to your TV, as NBC is set to air the Kennedy assassination tonight in a number of minutes for the public to see...  Okay, but really, this tape delay has been really annoying.

At least ESPN doesn't get the Olympic coverage, or it'd go something like this:

"Usain Bolt approaching the finish, looks like a new world re..."

"We interrupt these Olympics for SportsCenter breaking news!!...Tim Tebow just completed two passes in a row at Jets training camp. Now, back to the Olympics."

"That was amazing ladies and gentlemen, a once in a lifetime race!"

A Phillies Fan's Rant

My Phillies have the highest payroll in the National League. For tonight's matchup against the Washington Nationals, our lineup isn't quite Murderer's Row, or even anything that resembles a large-market ballclub. I hate to knock on the role guys, but our card features John Mayberry, Jr., Domonic Brown, Kevin Frandsen, and Erik Kratz. But it's all going to be okay; our 46-57 club features a $50 million closer.

I guess there had to be a time Dom Brown could try to prove himself after failing a few times before. I just didn't expect it to be with us in the basement, and after trading away Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino for scrap parts, or, at least, less than they are worth. I'll talk about the trades now and get to the other stuff later.

With our current situation, Shane had to go. He'll always be beloved in Philly, but he's on the decline now, or so it appears, and we weren't going to be able to afford what he wanted this offseason. I just wish we could have gotten more than a middle reliever (Josh Lindblom) for him. If the pitching prospect, Ethan Martin, emerges, maybe I'll have to eat my words. Hopefully so.

But Pence. Why, why, why? Aside from the fact that I love his hustle, and quirky, yet effective play, I simply cannot digest this move. What is the thinking here? To shed money? If so, then GM Ruben Amaro should have trade Ryan Howard, or Cliff Lee or someone who makes more. Howard is probably never going to launch 40 home runs or even hit .260 again, but he's being paid like the player he was in 2006. Is the thinking to rebuild? Are we taking lessons from the Astros? How could we rebuild anyway with the money committed to Hamels, Halladay, Lee, Rollins, Utley, Howard, and Papelbon? Trading any of them would have made more sense than Pence, who is the one bat capable of having a team built around (even if he crumbles at times in crunch time for putting too much pressure on himself).

Sure, the thought process is...wait. Pence isn't a free agent until 2014. What the heck is going on? How did this help? If Tommy Joseph, the catching prospect included with Nate Schierholtz and another guy, makes it big, then great. But what are the chances? 2012 is a lost season but 2013 doesn't have to be. Hunter Pence remaining a Phillie would only have made too much sense.

Changing gears a bit, I cannot stand Jonathan Papelbon. When the deal was announced I pacepalmed. Not even Mariano Rivera has ever been worth what the Phils are paying Papelbon. He's on the decline for sure: when he came up he was firing 103 MPH rockets to home plate. Now he's lucky to break 94. When we're paying him as a 35-year-old, he'll be relying on a 90 fastball to get guys out. So far this year, he's blown three saves and has four losses with a mid-threes ERA. Not bad, but there are probably 30 other relievers, all for less money, that could do that. And his three blown saves have come at the most inopportune times, completely blasting the slight momentum the team tried to put together: to end a four game win streak after the All-Star break, and the team proceeds to get swept, etc.

So how does our roster look overall? Here's an overview.

Our infield: Howard, who we can only hope comes alive. Utley, the same. I hate to say this, but I don't think he has much left at all. Jimmy, a shell of his former self. Polanco is too rattled by injuries and an aging body to be effective anymore offensively.

The outfield: Juan Pierre is the best we have now that Hunter and Shane are out west. Nate Schierholtz is a borderline everyday player, but he can't hit southpaws.. Mayberry will get one last chance to prove himself for the remainder of this year, but hitting righties for him in quite an obstacle. Domonic Brown, the erstwhile top prospect, has the cannon arm but will use the next two months as a final audition to make it in the bigs. This is the outfield of a rebuilding ballclub. (Problem is, we can't rebuild with this payroll.)

Starting pitching: Well, we have six more years of Cole Hamels. He's got the big bucks, which is well deserved for him. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, it's weird to say, are great unknowns now. Vance Worley is a good three or four guy. I'm surprised Joe Blanton is still here, but we need his innings-eating.

And the bullpen? I'd prefer not to talk about it. I'll always love and support my Phils, but me and the rest of Philly are currently in what was the norm pre-2007 in Philly, the "At least the Eagles look good" outlook.

Yep. Being a Philly sports fan is rough.