Mets Didn't Give Milledge a Chance

Earlier today, the New York Mets dealt former stud prospect Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider. Schneider will replace Estrada as the top catcher on the depth chart just days after Estrada was acquired from Milwaukee. Church will most likely platoon in right with Endy Chavez. From being planned as another star to go along with Wright and Reyes, Milledge has become another Alex Escobar.

Had the likes of Johan Santana, Dan Haren, and Erik Bedard been on the block a year or two ago, Milledge would have been one of the top players requested from the Mets in a trade for one of those three. Unfortunately, Milledge dealt with injuries earlier this season, and when he did return the Mets apparently couldn't take his "attitude" problems. His stock has hit rock bottom to only garner a journeyman catcher, and a backup/platoon outfielder.

Personally, I think this is an awful trade for the Mets. I don't know if Milledge is going to become anything more than a so-so outfielder, but for Church and Schneider? Milledge's upside greatly trumps those two, as he could definitely become a big time player. Schneider won't be much better than Estrada would have been, and yes, Church had 43 doubles last year, but he has done very little in his career at the age of 29. I'm not saying don't trade Milledge, but don't give him away like they did. If you cannot get something valuable in return, give the man a chance to grow up and become a good, everyday player. Milledge and Estrada is a better combination than Schneider and Church. Or how about Paul LoDuca and Milledge? That's another story.

Milledge was given up on way too soon, and the reason is because of his questionable attitude. I find it ironic that the Mets wanted Milledge to be a saint, and ironically traded him for a player named Church. I am here to defend what have been his biggest follies in the eyes of Willie Randolph, Omar Minaya, and company. Last June, Milledge was pumped after hitting his first career homerun to send the game to extra innings that he gave high fives to a few fans down the right field line on his way out to the field. I didn't think that was a big deal at ALL. Randolph is old school and believes that shows up the other team. Come on Willie! Giving a couple high fives is nothing compared to a pitcher shouting after a strikeout or a batter posing while hitting a homerun. The kid was excited, give him a break! He did continue excited celebrations in his year and a half, but if you've watched a Mets game you usually would see Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes dancing in the dugout. It's the times we live in, Willie couldn't handle that. I don't see the difference between his celebrating and Reyes's this past year. It is just that one named Jose Reyes gets to stay.

The worst thing Milledge did was appear in a rap video in which the rapper used derogatory lyrics. Bad judgment! But what 23 year old doesn't make mistakes? And he wasn't the one using the lyrics, he just appeared in it because the artist was a childhood friend. However, the Mets did not see it that way, and just wanted rid of someone who I thought was not as bad as the media, team, etc. made him out to be. With a full season of at bats, I think Milledge could be a 25-30 homerun, 80-90 RBI, .280 type hitter. That will trump Ryan Church/Endy Chavez's output with the Mets. Terrible trade! The Mets don't have many chips anyway, so trading someone whose value could rise over the next year or so does not make sense. Anyone with a brain knows you don't sell low!

Pat Morgan

Duke Much Improved, and Singler is the Real Deal

The 2006-07 Duke Blue Devils lost 8 of their final 12 games, including being upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Virginia Commonwealth. Then, they lost probably their best player, Josh McRoberts, to the NBA Draft. I heard about the incoming class led by Kyle Singler, but I wasn't convinced that this team would be much better this year. As great as Mike Krzyzewski is, I wondered how much of his attention is divided between Duke and the USA team. Why couldn't have Roy Williams take that job?

After watching a few games, I am convinced Duke will go from an overrated #6 seed last year to no worse than a solid #3 seed in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils probably won't be a threat to win the National Championship, as I can see games where they come up dry from beyond the arch and get slapped around by a big boy down low. They will also have to play UNC 2,3 times this season, who I think is the best team in the country.

The Blue Devils are on the way back though, and hopefully this team will have 2,3 years together. Junior point guard, Greg Paulus has continued to show significant improvement he started to build upon late last year (if there was a bright spot last year it was Paulus's improvement late in the season). Senior, DeMarcus Nelson is playing better after a rotten junior season. Gerald Henderson is becoming a star, and won't just be known for breaking Tyler Hansbrough's nose. Jon Scheyer, who might have been Duke's best player last year, now comes off the bench giving Duke much more depth than they have had in years. Most importantly though, Duke has the game changing star they lacked last year.

Kyle Singler will be the real deal for Duke, and is already paying significant dividends. Singler was the MVP of the Maui Invitational, including a whale of a performance in Duke's toughest win of the early season vs. Marquette. Singler had 25 points and was a perfect 8 of 8 from the charity stripe. That isn't a early freshman year performance right there. Singler is also a bruiser, reminding me a bit of Shane Battier. Remember all the intangibles Battier added to a game, that wouldn't show in the box score, won Duke the 2001 National Championship. While Singler probably won't come close to the defensive guru Battier was, he could be a better offensive player. He can shoot the three, and can back in down low and score some too. Singler should become the leader that Duke has lacked since the likes of Battier, which could equate to title #4 in the Coach K era.

Pat Morgan

Yankees Interested in Santana

The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins are in preliminary discussions about Johan Santana possibly headed to the Bronx. To get the two-time Cy Young winner, the Yankees will have to give up one of their big three young pitchers, centerfielder Milky Cabrera, and a prospect or two. With the uncertainity of Andy Pettitte's return this would be a big time acquisition for the Yankees, but very bad for baseball.

The owner of the Twins, Carl Pohlad, is worth almost $3 billion, which ranks him 107th on the list of richest Americans. They will also be getting nearly $400 million in city subsidies for their new stadium in Minneapolis. Remember the Yankees are paying for their stadium out of pocket. Therefore, they really have no excuse not to sign Johan Santana, who is the franchise! They already let Torii Hunter go, so that's another $12 million off the books. The Twins clearly are not the Yankees, who use hundreds as toliet paper, but they are hardly strapped for cash.

However, if they want to trade Santana now is the time. They cannot bring him back next year, and risk being in contention at the trade deadline. If they are in contention, how can they sell trading Santana to their fans. They would have to keep him, and then lose him for nothing but a draft pick when he leaves via free agency. They cannot allow that to happen as Santana is too valuable. What they should do though is try as hard as possible to re-sign him, and go into the new building (which the tax payers are paying a chunk of) with Santana as the face of the franchise. Pay up, Pohlad! You are 92 years old! Are you planning a $4 billion, 100th birthday party in Vegas?

Unfortunately, this is a problem that will continue forever in Major League Baseball. Unless they do the right thing and agree to a salary cap and floor, which the MLB Players' Union will never allow, this problem will continue growing and growing. It is too bad that another one of baseball's big free agents (or soon to be in Santana's case) is going to the Yankees. Hopefully, the Twins involve the Red Sox as best they can to jack up the price as high as possible before unloading him to New York.

Pat Morgan

Halos Sign Torii Hunter

Late last night, it was announced the Los Angeles Angels signed free agent, Torii Hunter. Hunter agreed to 5-year, $80 million contract to play centerfield. The Angels hope to improve a lineup that has been dismal in the playoffs the last three times they have made it.

If the Angels think Hunter is the big bopper they need behind Vladimir Guerrero, then they will surely be disappointed. Hunter had stereotypical walk year numbers last year. He had the best year of his career by far at the age of 32. GMs continue to sign based on the previous year more than anything else, and not put much stock in the entire body of work. In a sense, they are paying their centerfielders $26 million a year, with Gary Matthews Jr. set to ride the pine. Hunter is a nice player, but he is not a clean up hitter. So, I hope the Angels don't think that and continue to pursue Cabrera.

The question now is will the Angels continue to pursue Miguel Cabrera. Should they get Cabrera, Hunter will fit perfectly as a 5, 6 hitter, being a good complement to the big two. If I were general manager of the Angels, I would go very hard after Miguel Cabrera. I would give up Jared Weaver, Howie Kendrick, and prospects if that is what it takes. I normally don't agree with trading good pitching for offense, but in this case I absolutely do. First, the Angels have lacked a big offense since the 2002 championship year. Their bats have frozen up way too many times in big spot. Since that championship, the Angels are 4-12 in the postseason. Second, Miguel Cabrera is most likely a future hall of famer and is only 24 years old! He is about as sure as a sure thing gets. Weaver is a nice arm, but is not on Cabrera's level. They should give up some good prospects too to make this happen. Finally, the free agent pool remaining stinks. The fact Hunter got $16 million a year tells you all you need to know. They won't fix their offense unless they get Cabrera to bat behind the big Vladdy Daddy!

Happy Thanksgiving every one! (Jets 33, Cowboys 29)

Pat Morgan

Eagles 23.5 Point Underdog to Patriots

The New England Patriots were installed as 23.5 point favorites today for their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

This is the second largest line in NFL history, and could end up being the highest should the line move past 24 in the next few days. Coupling the fact the Patriots are scoring at will even when the games are blowouts with Donovan McNabb's uncertain status for Sunday it calls for a giant line.

I'm not a gambling man, but how could you bet against the Pats in this situation. They have covered the spread every week except for the game in Indianapolis. I never thought I would see a spread this high. The largest I can remember is San Francisco being 17 point favorites over San Diego in Super Bowl XXIX.

As large as this spead is, just wait for Week 15 vs. the New York Jets. That spread may reach the low 30s.

Pat Morgan

Baseball Hot Stove Simmering Down

Usually baseball's top free agents wait until mid-December to early-January to sign. However, this year things have moved very quickly, and with the exception of a couple of big names left the hot stove seems to be cooling down before Thanksgiving. Here are my thoughts on the major signings and trades this offseason except for A-Rod. For those thoughts see this older post.

Mariano Rivera 3-years, $45 million
After a few days of Rivera trying to hold out for a fourth year, he has finally agreed to re-sign with the Yankees. They had to get him back with Joba Chamberlian moving to the rotation next year. $15 million a year is a lot for a 38-year old reliever, but he is still the best in the game and deserves a big check for all he has done for the organization.

Jorge Posada 4-years, $52 million
Posada was the best catcher by far in the free agent market. He has been getting better and better with age, so he may be able to live up to at least three years of this deal. Plus, he is really the unofficial captain behind Derek Jeter. Like Rivera, Posada is being overpaid, but he deserves a few extra pennies for his championship contributions.

Mike Lowell 3-years, $37.5 million
The Red Sox got a great deal for Lowell. It seemed for awhile it may have taken a 4-year, $60 million contract for someone to get Lowell, but he ended up taking the hometown discount. Behind Beckett, Lowell was really the MVP of the Red Sox this whole year with Manny having a down year and Ortiz battling knee problems. He fits Fenway Park perfectly.

Luis Castillo 4-years, $25 million
It's hard to believe that Castillo will be making $6.25 million a year, but that is where baseball free agency has headed. Castillo gives the Mets a great glove at second, and a good bat in the #2 hole. He's nothing special, but gives good experience having been a member of the 2003 Florida Marlins championship team.

Curt Schilling 1-year, $8 million
At first, I thought the Red Sox should let him go, but after surveying the free agent market where else were the Sox going to get a better #2/#3 starter. He is probably only good for 20-25 starts, but will battle in every start especially in the postseason. His experience is unmatched so bringing in someone else probably wouldn't be as good. His one year will also allow the Sox more time before throwing Clay Buchhotz and Jon Lester further into the fire.

Tom Glavine 1-year, $8 million (Braves)
It was clear Glavine couldn't go back to the Mets after his September meltdown, so where better than back home to the Braves. He returns to the team he spent the first 16 years of his career with while compiling 242 of his 303 career wins. Good move for the Braves who need a #3 starter behind Tim Hudson and John Smoltz. They also cannot rely on Mike Hampton being healthy, so Glavine gives them good depth.

Jon Garland (Angels) for Orlando Cabrera (White Sox)
Good trade for the Angels considering they have Brandon Wood not far away from taking over at shortstop. It would also free up the position should they want to trade for Miguel Tejada if they don't acquire Miguel Cabrera for third base. I don't like the trade from the White Sox perspective. Cabrera is an upgrade at short over Juan Uribe, but they leave themselves a hole in the rotation. After Mark Buehrle, it gets hazy with Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras.

Brad Lidge (Phillies) for 3 players (Astros)
The Phillies didn't give up much, so I think it is worth a gamble to bring Lidge in. It also allows them to put Brett Myers back in the rotation where he belongs. Cole Hamels and Brett Myers is about as good a 1,2 punch in the NL. I would be surprised if Lidge does well in Philadelphia as he got traded to maybe the only stadium that is more homerun friendly than Houston. However, he still is an upgrade over Gordon, Alfonseca, Mesa, or any of the other bums in that Phillies pen. Good move by Houston too, because Lidge needed a change of venue.

Edgar Renteria (Tigers) for 2 players (Braves)
I think this is a terrific move for Detroit. They did give up a pretty good prospect in Jair Jurrjens, but they upgrade an already terrific lineup. The Tigers will move Carlos Guillen to first, and be able to bat Renteria 1,2 when Granderson sits against lefties. They might move Granderson to the bottom of the order all together with solid on base percentages from Placido Polanco and Renteria. Atlanta can now start Yunel Escobar at short fulltime.

Andruw Jones and Torii Hunter remain.

Pat Morgan

Carr Forced to Retire?

On Monday, University of Michigan head coach, Lloyd Carr will announce his retirement after a roller coaster career at Michigan. Carr compiled a 121-40 record, which included five Big Ten championships. The most important moment of Carr's tenure was when he led the Michigan Wolverines to a share of the 1997 National Championship with Nebraska.

While seasonal records were somewhat consistent during his tenure, the latter years did not please Wolverines fans like Carr's first few years. Carr started 5-1 in his first six matchups vs. archrival Ohio State, but in the last seven he was 1-6. Carr also won four straight bowl games from 1998-2001, but has only won the 2003 Outback Bowl since. What have you done for me lately is what is boils down to here for Carr.

The question is though was Carr forced to retire? All the talk before last year's 2006 11-2 season was that Carr was going to need a miracle to survive. Well, the Wolverines started 11-0, and it appeared all the firing talk would be over. However, he would lose to Ohio State, and be embarrassed by USC in the Rose Bowl. In my opinion, those two losses ruined any chance of Carr being given an extension or just a vote of confidence from his superiors. Obviously they could not fire Carr after an 11-2 season, but he needed to have a special season this year to survive. The losses to Appalachian State and Oregon eliminated any chance at a National Championship this year, and all but sealed Carr's fate.

There were eight weeks between those losses and when stories of his retirement began to leak. I believe that the Michigan athletic department got together with Lloyd Carr and gave him the opportunity to retire on his own. I'm sure he got some sort of sexy buyout to agree, but it saved Michigan the bad public relations move of firing a coach who won them so many big games in the 1990s. Expect Les Miles, of LSU, to become the next Michigan coach.

Pat Morgan