The latest chapter in the Ray Lewis saga has the 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker envisioning suiting up for the Cowboys next season.
Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware told DallasCowboys.com that Lewis' "dream" was to play for Dallas, and he has been discussing it with Ware for months.
This story screams negotiating ploy as Lewis continues to try to generate a bigger market for himself. What better way is there to drive up the market than to drop hints to opposing players that he would be interested in signing there?
While it's likely that Lewis has voiced an interest in the Cowboys to Ware, there's no telling how serious he really is about playing in Dallas. Also, consider how much the All-Pro Ware would like to play with another star like Lewis. It would be easy to take a few comments and turn them into it being Lewis' "dream."
Lewis has sounded off to several media sources this offseason, but this is nothing new. He has never been afraid to speak his mind, even if it means ruffling some feathers in Baltimore.
Following an injury-plagued 2005 season, Lewis campaigned for a new defensive tackle to protect him and even went as far as requesting a trade if general manager Ozzie Newsome failed to do so. The Ravens drafted Haloti Ngata in the first round of the 2006 draft, appeasing Lewis in the process.
One thing is certain: if Lewis departs for greener (no pun intended) pastures, he will definitely leave a few burnt bridges that could potentially hurt him in the future if he plans to start any business ventures in the Charm City.
Stay tuned for the next edition of 'Ray's of Our Lives.
***
The agent of center Jason Brown and linebacker Bart Scott said Monday that he expects one of his two clients to re-sign with the Ravens before hitting the free agent market on Friday.
It's hard to believe that Brown or Scott would sign only days away from being able to field offers from other teams.
Brown is believed to be seeking guard compensation similar to what Jets guard Alan Faneca received in free agency last season. This would put the Ravens center in the $8 million per year range, likely to be more than the Ravens are willing to go.
While Brown has provided strong leadership for a young offensive line, the 2005 fourth-round pick has never been selected to the Pro Bowl.
The Ravens would like to keep Brown but are prepared to move guard Chris Chester to center, especially with the expected return of right guard Marshal Yanda.
If not for Chester's play in place of Yanda last season, the Ravens would be panicking over the potential loss of Brown, but the team seems willing to let him go if the price climbs as high as it's rumored to go.
The more intriguing possibility would be the Ravens signing Scott to a contract before Friday, leaving fellow linebacker Lewis in a precarious position.
While the team has spoken publicly about maintaining both linebackers in addition to the franchise-tagged Terrell Suggs, it is considered a long shot given the team's other free agents and salary cap situation.
Signing Scott would send a message to Lewis that the Ravens are prepared to move on without him, putting more pressure on Lewis to find a suitor that will meet his high financial demands.
My guess is that neither Scott nor Brown is inked to a contract before free agency begins.
***
Free agent safety Jim Leonhard was one of the surprises of the 2008 season, filling in for Dawan Landry after the starter suffered a season-ending neck injury.
In addition to providing solid play in the secondary, the savvy Leonhard provided a spark in the team's punt return game, replacing the oft-injured and ineffective Yamon Figurs.
Though Leonhard would be nice to retain, I have a difficult time understanding the strong infatuation with the undersized safety, especially when he's expected to be in high demand in free agency.
Leonhard is a poor tackler, an area the Ravens need to improve in the secondary as cornerback Fabian Washington is a liability in run support and safety Ed Reed's tackling has declined due to lingering neck and shoulder issues.
The Ravens need a strong tackler to complement Reed in the backfield, the type of player Leonhard is not.
With the drafting of safeties Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski in 2008 and the expected return of Landry, the Ravens should not view maintaining Leonhard as a high priority.
***
Though position players reported to Spring Training five days ago, Orioles left fielder Felix Pie is still absent due to visa issues in the Dominican Republic.
Having been acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, Pie is expected to be the starting left fielder, but general manager Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley need time to evaluate the young outfielder.
While visa issues are common in the early days of Spring Training, Pie needs as much time as he can to acclimate himself to new teammates and a new coaching staff.
Pie's absence figures to benefit outfielder Lou Montanez and prospect Nolan Reimold, two players that have seemingly been surpassed by the former Cub in the organization's plans for the future.
A strong spring by either could put more pressure on the club to find a spot for them on the 25-man roster, but with Pie being out of options; it would probably take an injury of some kind to open a spot for Montanez or Reimold.
Update: The Baltimore Sun is reporting Pie's visa issues have been resolved, and the young outfielder will report to Spring Training as early as Tuesday morning.
***
I hope 2006 first-round selection Billy Rowell is paying attention to what's happening in Fort Lauderdale. The third baseman had a disappointing season at Single-A Frederick in 2008, hitting only .248 and slugging only .368.
While the 20-year-old prospect is still in the organization's long-term plans, Trembley was complimentary of first baseman and 2005 first-round pick Brandon Snyder this week at Spring Training, citing his strong power to the opposite field.
The former catcher temporarily fell off the radar after suffering a shoulder injury in 2006, but the first baseman put up impressive numbers at Frederick last season, hitting .315 with 80 RBI.
Snyder has seen limited time at third base, and there has been discussion of giving the 22-year old more opportunities to develop at the hot corner.
The talk of Snyder potentially becoming an option at third base sends a message to Rowell that the organization will not wait forever for his development.
Critics have questioned Rowell's work ethic and openness to coaching, and Trembley's strong praise of Snyder hopefully provides a push for Rowell to step up his play in 2009.
It's too early to give up on Rowell when you consider he was drafted at the age of 17, but this figures to be a pivotal year in determining whether he will be a legitimate prospect moving forward.
The farm system's infield talent is minimal and with the impending free agency of Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff following the season, the organization needs Snyder and Rowell to continue to develop.
***
Following Maryland's shocking 88-85 overtime upset over North Carolina, the students rushed the floor of the Comcast Center, mobbing Greivis Vasquez and the victorious Terrapins.
This predictably sparked the tired debate of when it's acceptable to rush the court after a big win in college basketball.
While the celebration may be a reflection of how far Maryland has fallen over the past five seasons, critics should consider the fact that most students currently enrolled at Maryland have only witnessed one NCAA tournament appearance in their college careers.
Let them celebrate, as you never know when another win as improbable as Saturday's will take place again. As long as the rioting is kept to a minimum, the students are entitled to enjoy the win.
Now, the debate on the safety issues involved in students rushing the floor is another story entirely.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Maryland Gives Glimpse into Past in Upset Win
The dark cloud suddenly lifted as an ocean of red poured onto the floor of the Comcast Center, and Maryland was king of the college basketball world again, if only for one afternoon.
While much work remains in regards to their NCAA tournament hopes, the Terrapins enjoyed a return to their glory days as unranked Maryland shocked No. 3 North Carolina 88-85 in overtime on Saturday.
If you squinted hard enough at Greivis Vasquez, on his way to a triple-double, you could almost see Juan Dixon, or Steve Blake, or even John Gilchrist, as he carved up the Tar Heels’ defense all afternoon. In fact, Vasquez’s epic performance may have topped them all, as he led the team in points (35), assists (10), rebounds (11), blocks (3), and steals (2).
There was Cliff Tucker, draining five three-pointers in the contest, just as Dixon or Drew Nicholas used to do.
The questions about their lack of size will remain -- nobody on the court resembled Lonny Baxter or Chris Wilcox no matter how hard you looked -- as the Terrapins surrendered 22 offensive rebounds, but they still found a way.
And finally, there was coach Gary Williams, pumping his fists and storming the sidelines as he has for the past 20 years, coaching up a less-talented team on their way to victory.
Williams once again reminded us how great a coach he really is and how effective his teams can be, even against the toughest of opponents.
For one afternoon, the doubts disappeared, and everything suddenly felt right again in College Park.
The next few weeks will tell us just how much this win means to Maryland’s postseason hopes, but for Williams, the exposure of a nationally-televised upset may help to jumpstart his maligned recruiting efforts.
Yes, it was only a season ago that Maryland upset then-top-ranked North Carolina on the road. And true, the Terrapins have managed to score a major upset nearly every season in their recent dry spell of missing three out of four NCAA tournaments, but the criticism surrounding Williams and the program this season is unlike the school has faced since receiving NCAA sanctions in the early 1990s.
The image of Juan Dixon cutting down the nets in the Georgia Dome continues to grow fainter while the sting of embarrassing losses such as American last season and Morgan State this year has soiled Williams’ once-untouchable status.
Williams has defended his performance, citing just how far he has taken the program since he rescued it from the ashes of the Len Bias tragedy and the Bob Wade era, but it is difficult to overlook the lack of talent currently enrolled.
Shortly after he arrived, Williams was able to recruit a little-known forward named Joe Smith and Baltimore native Keith Booth to return the program to prominence, so he has to hope Saturday’s upset can help to spark another recruiting blitz.
While critics will continue to point to the players Williams fails to recruit, perhaps it is the talented, yet inconsistent, Vasquez who can help to right the direction of the program. The Venezuela native has continued to support his coach publicly despite rumblings about Williams’ dealings with recruits and other players.
“Every Maryland fan should be grateful because that man right there can coach,” Vasquez said to reporters following the game.
Perhaps Vasquez’s words are based purely on the emotion of an improbable win, but Maryland supporters should remember that the familiar joy experienced on Saturday is only familiar because of the man who continues to storm the Terrapins’ sideline, 20 years after raising the program from its lowest point.
Williams deserves an opportunity to do what he does best: rebuild.
As bleak as it has been at Maryland for much of the season, Williams is still coaching with that fiery persona and chip on his shoulder. If he can bring that same passion to his recruiting efforts, Maryland may regain its place in ACC and national prominence.
Whether Williams can reinvent himself as a recruiter remains to be seen, but for one afternoon at least, it felt like Maryland was again one of the elite programs in the country. You could almost see Dixon hitting the baseline jumper or Smith delivering the thunderous dunk, as the memories of past success came flooding back. And now, Vasquez can add his thrilling performance to those special images of past Terrapins.
Regardless of what Saturday’s win means for the immediate future of Maryland basketball, whether it’s the catalyst for a late tournament run or only an aberration in a disappointing season, Williams hopes it’s not only a flashback to past glory but also the beginning of a turnaround for the program he hopes to rebuild again.
While much work remains in regards to their NCAA tournament hopes, the Terrapins enjoyed a return to their glory days as unranked Maryland shocked No. 3 North Carolina 88-85 in overtime on Saturday.
If you squinted hard enough at Greivis Vasquez, on his way to a triple-double, you could almost see Juan Dixon, or Steve Blake, or even John Gilchrist, as he carved up the Tar Heels’ defense all afternoon. In fact, Vasquez’s epic performance may have topped them all, as he led the team in points (35), assists (10), rebounds (11), blocks (3), and steals (2).
There was Cliff Tucker, draining five three-pointers in the contest, just as Dixon or Drew Nicholas used to do.
The questions about their lack of size will remain -- nobody on the court resembled Lonny Baxter or Chris Wilcox no matter how hard you looked -- as the Terrapins surrendered 22 offensive rebounds, but they still found a way.
And finally, there was coach Gary Williams, pumping his fists and storming the sidelines as he has for the past 20 years, coaching up a less-talented team on their way to victory.
Williams once again reminded us how great a coach he really is and how effective his teams can be, even against the toughest of opponents.
For one afternoon, the doubts disappeared, and everything suddenly felt right again in College Park.
The next few weeks will tell us just how much this win means to Maryland’s postseason hopes, but for Williams, the exposure of a nationally-televised upset may help to jumpstart his maligned recruiting efforts.
Yes, it was only a season ago that Maryland upset then-top-ranked North Carolina on the road. And true, the Terrapins have managed to score a major upset nearly every season in their recent dry spell of missing three out of four NCAA tournaments, but the criticism surrounding Williams and the program this season is unlike the school has faced since receiving NCAA sanctions in the early 1990s.
The image of Juan Dixon cutting down the nets in the Georgia Dome continues to grow fainter while the sting of embarrassing losses such as American last season and Morgan State this year has soiled Williams’ once-untouchable status.
Williams has defended his performance, citing just how far he has taken the program since he rescued it from the ashes of the Len Bias tragedy and the Bob Wade era, but it is difficult to overlook the lack of talent currently enrolled.
Shortly after he arrived, Williams was able to recruit a little-known forward named Joe Smith and Baltimore native Keith Booth to return the program to prominence, so he has to hope Saturday’s upset can help to spark another recruiting blitz.
While critics will continue to point to the players Williams fails to recruit, perhaps it is the talented, yet inconsistent, Vasquez who can help to right the direction of the program. The Venezuela native has continued to support his coach publicly despite rumblings about Williams’ dealings with recruits and other players.
“Every Maryland fan should be grateful because that man right there can coach,” Vasquez said to reporters following the game.
Perhaps Vasquez’s words are based purely on the emotion of an improbable win, but Maryland supporters should remember that the familiar joy experienced on Saturday is only familiar because of the man who continues to storm the Terrapins’ sideline, 20 years after raising the program from its lowest point.
Williams deserves an opportunity to do what he does best: rebuild.
As bleak as it has been at Maryland for much of the season, Williams is still coaching with that fiery persona and chip on his shoulder. If he can bring that same passion to his recruiting efforts, Maryland may regain its place in ACC and national prominence.
Whether Williams can reinvent himself as a recruiter remains to be seen, but for one afternoon at least, it felt like Maryland was again one of the elite programs in the country. You could almost see Dixon hitting the baseline jumper or Smith delivering the thunderous dunk, as the memories of past success came flooding back. And now, Vasquez can add his thrilling performance to those special images of past Terrapins.
Regardless of what Saturday’s win means for the immediate future of Maryland basketball, whether it’s the catalyst for a late tournament run or only an aberration in a disappointing season, Williams hopes it’s not only a flashback to past glory but also the beginning of a turnaround for the program he hopes to rebuild again.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Suggested Reading to Survive the Ravens' Offseason
With the 2008 season in the books and the NFL Draft two months away, Ravens fans will now look for any possible outlet to get their football fix in the long days of winter and early spring.
I suggest cracking open a Natty Boh, kicking back, and reading a good book.
Here's a list of Ravens books that didn't quite make it to the publisher for whatever reason. A few titles date back to the early years of the Ted Marchibroda-led Ravens while others will be fresh in the memories of countless fans.
Feel free to add to the list as the writer who compiled it failed miserably in writing his own book How to Keep Them Laughing.
1. Making Good Decisions by Kyle Boller with an introduction by Vinny Testaverde
2. Know the Snap Count by Ethan Brooks
3. Long Snapping for Dummies by Harper LeBel
4. How to Capitalize on Your Career Day by Jay Graham
5. Keeping Your Cool in the Heat of Battle by Orlando Brown
6. God, It's Great to be a Raven! by Terrell Owens
7. Johnny Who? Baltimore's Real #19 by Scott Mitchell
8. Catching It All by Travis Taylor with special forewords by Ron Johnson and Clarence Moore
9. Shutdown Corner by Isaac Booth with a special introduction by Alvin Porter
10. Modest Man by Ray Lewis
11. Installing a Screen Door by Kipp Vickers
12. Who Needs Ray? by Edgerton Hartwell
13. Courage by Elvis Grbac
14. Silent Man by Bart Scott
15. Me Talk Pretty by Brian Billick
This list is a work of fiction. Do not attempt to contact your local Borders to see if they have these titles in print. You will be received with awkward silence.
I suggest cracking open a Natty Boh, kicking back, and reading a good book.
Here's a list of Ravens books that didn't quite make it to the publisher for whatever reason. A few titles date back to the early years of the Ted Marchibroda-led Ravens while others will be fresh in the memories of countless fans.
Feel free to add to the list as the writer who compiled it failed miserably in writing his own book How to Keep Them Laughing.
1. Making Good Decisions by Kyle Boller with an introduction by Vinny Testaverde
2. Know the Snap Count by Ethan Brooks
3. Long Snapping for Dummies by Harper LeBel
4. How to Capitalize on Your Career Day by Jay Graham
5. Keeping Your Cool in the Heat of Battle by Orlando Brown
6. God, It's Great to be a Raven! by Terrell Owens
7. Johnny Who? Baltimore's Real #19 by Scott Mitchell
8. Catching It All by Travis Taylor with special forewords by Ron Johnson and Clarence Moore
9. Shutdown Corner by Isaac Booth with a special introduction by Alvin Porter
10. Modest Man by Ray Lewis
11. Installing a Screen Door by Kipp Vickers
12. Who Needs Ray? by Edgerton Hartwell
13. Courage by Elvis Grbac
14. Silent Man by Bart Scott
15. Me Talk Pretty by Brian Billick
This list is a work of fiction. Do not attempt to contact your local Borders to see if they have these titles in print. You will be received with awkward silence.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday Musings in the World of Sports
Watching Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal share the All-Star Game MVP award reminded us how dominant the duo really was despite their dysfunctional relationship in Los Angeles.
Who knows how many championships they could have won had egos not ruined their run?
Even after receiving the award, Bryant had to remind everyone that he and O’Neal are far from being best friends.
“We are not going to go back to the room and watch 'Steel Magnolias' or something like that, you know what I'm saying, crying, all that stuff,” he said. “We had a good time. That's all.”
Yes, we get it, Kobe. You’re still insecure about being in O’Neal’s big shadow.
***
The All-Star Game is often a punch line used to point out the absence of defense in the professional game, but it’s difficult to overlook how special it is to see so many stars playing on the same court.
From LeBron James and Chris Paul to Yao Ming and Amare Stoudemire, the talent on the floor is unbelievable.
Now, if only these stars treated the contest as more than a relaxed pickup game, we could truly get excited about watching.
To create more intensity in the game, should the NBA take a page from Major League Baseball and award home-court advantage in the NBA Finals to the winning conference? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
***
General manager Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley can continue to explain how Orioles catching prospect Matt Wieters is not ready for the big leagues and needs more seasoning in Triple-A Norfolk, but no one is buying it.
Wieters’ staggering minor league numbers in 2008 proved to everyone that he’s ready to take the next step.
This move is all about the money, and it’s difficult to fault the Orioles for doing it. No matter how well Wieters performs in 2009, it will not turn the Orioles into a serious contender. However, having Wieters in 2015 would be extremely beneficial if the Orioles are seriously contending, something they plan to be doing long before then.
Wieters is represented by Scott Boras, so he will clearly be looking for the biggest contract he can get when he hits free agency. By sacrificing Wieters’ production for a few weeks in 2009, they could be saving an inordinate amount of money by keeping Wieters in 2015 when he figures to be in the prime of his career.
Could Wieters benefit from working with some of the organization’s young pitchers at Norfolk? Sure, but the young pitchers will be getting way more out of it than Wieters will. This one’s all about the money, and it’s the right move.
***
Matt Kenseth won his first Daytona 500 in a rain-shortened 152 laps. Taking nothing away from his special moment, I cannot help but shrug my shoulders.
While the weather is out of anyone’s control, it seems anticlimactic to award your sport’s equivalent of the Super Bowl or World Series to the winner after completing only three quarters of the race.
Can you imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers being awarded the title at the end of the third quarter? Can you envision the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series after the sixth inning of Game 5? Oh wait, it almost happened, but baseball made sure the Fall Classic had its proper ending.
To avoid this problem in the future, NASCAR should consider finishing the race the next day or schedule the race a week earlier, leaving an open weekend in the schedule to account for inclement weather. It may not be ideal, but it is better than having a race end when no one is even aware of it.
***
Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is just the latest example of a professional athlete completely out of touch with reality after being arrested and charged for possession of a concealed firearm over the weekend.
Where was Lynch when Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was shooting himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub last November? How many of their colleagues have to get busted to understand they are not immune to the laws we, as a society, must all obey?
Again, any athlete needing to carry a loaded firearm should hire security, or better yet, reevaluate the decision to go to these places where they feel the need to have such protection. Just using some common sense would keep more of these players out of trouble.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has received occasional criticism for the severe discipline levied on troubled players, but the message needs to be sent, especially if the legal system is unwilling to crack down on these millionaires.
***
The debate will continue on Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams’ recruiting efforts and practices, but there’s no questioning his coaching ability.
In Maryland’s impressive 83-73 home victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday, Williams pushed all the right buttons and managed a rotation that had four Terps scoring in double figures.
Williams is a victim of his own success, losing several assistant coaches over the years and being unable to replace their recruiting ties. Having always relied on his assistants to sign recruits, Williams simply lacks the troops to help him.
While the landscape of recruiting has changed with the emergence of AAU teams as an overwhelming factor, Williams has been unable, and possibly unwilling, to adapt.
Until this issue is addressed, Williams will continue to get everything he can out of his players on the court, but Maryland will continue to struggle in the talent-heavy ACC.
Who knows how many championships they could have won had egos not ruined their run?
Even after receiving the award, Bryant had to remind everyone that he and O’Neal are far from being best friends.
“We are not going to go back to the room and watch 'Steel Magnolias' or something like that, you know what I'm saying, crying, all that stuff,” he said. “We had a good time. That's all.”
Yes, we get it, Kobe. You’re still insecure about being in O’Neal’s big shadow.
***
The All-Star Game is often a punch line used to point out the absence of defense in the professional game, but it’s difficult to overlook how special it is to see so many stars playing on the same court.
From LeBron James and Chris Paul to Yao Ming and Amare Stoudemire, the talent on the floor is unbelievable.
Now, if only these stars treated the contest as more than a relaxed pickup game, we could truly get excited about watching.
To create more intensity in the game, should the NBA take a page from Major League Baseball and award home-court advantage in the NBA Finals to the winning conference? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
***
General manager Andy MacPhail and manager Dave Trembley can continue to explain how Orioles catching prospect Matt Wieters is not ready for the big leagues and needs more seasoning in Triple-A Norfolk, but no one is buying it.
Wieters’ staggering minor league numbers in 2008 proved to everyone that he’s ready to take the next step.
This move is all about the money, and it’s difficult to fault the Orioles for doing it. No matter how well Wieters performs in 2009, it will not turn the Orioles into a serious contender. However, having Wieters in 2015 would be extremely beneficial if the Orioles are seriously contending, something they plan to be doing long before then.
Wieters is represented by Scott Boras, so he will clearly be looking for the biggest contract he can get when he hits free agency. By sacrificing Wieters’ production for a few weeks in 2009, they could be saving an inordinate amount of money by keeping Wieters in 2015 when he figures to be in the prime of his career.
Could Wieters benefit from working with some of the organization’s young pitchers at Norfolk? Sure, but the young pitchers will be getting way more out of it than Wieters will. This one’s all about the money, and it’s the right move.
***
Matt Kenseth won his first Daytona 500 in a rain-shortened 152 laps. Taking nothing away from his special moment, I cannot help but shrug my shoulders.
While the weather is out of anyone’s control, it seems anticlimactic to award your sport’s equivalent of the Super Bowl or World Series to the winner after completing only three quarters of the race.
Can you imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers being awarded the title at the end of the third quarter? Can you envision the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series after the sixth inning of Game 5? Oh wait, it almost happened, but baseball made sure the Fall Classic had its proper ending.
To avoid this problem in the future, NASCAR should consider finishing the race the next day or schedule the race a week earlier, leaving an open weekend in the schedule to account for inclement weather. It may not be ideal, but it is better than having a race end when no one is even aware of it.
***
Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is just the latest example of a professional athlete completely out of touch with reality after being arrested and charged for possession of a concealed firearm over the weekend.
Where was Lynch when Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was shooting himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub last November? How many of their colleagues have to get busted to understand they are not immune to the laws we, as a society, must all obey?
Again, any athlete needing to carry a loaded firearm should hire security, or better yet, reevaluate the decision to go to these places where they feel the need to have such protection. Just using some common sense would keep more of these players out of trouble.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has received occasional criticism for the severe discipline levied on troubled players, but the message needs to be sent, especially if the legal system is unwilling to crack down on these millionaires.
***
The debate will continue on Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams’ recruiting efforts and practices, but there’s no questioning his coaching ability.
In Maryland’s impressive 83-73 home victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday, Williams pushed all the right buttons and managed a rotation that had four Terps scoring in double figures.
Williams is a victim of his own success, losing several assistant coaches over the years and being unable to replace their recruiting ties. Having always relied on his assistants to sign recruits, Williams simply lacks the troops to help him.
While the landscape of recruiting has changed with the emergence of AAU teams as an overwhelming factor, Williams has been unable, and possibly unwilling, to adapt.
Until this issue is addressed, Williams will continue to get everything he can out of his players on the court, but Maryland will continue to struggle in the talent-heavy ACC.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Five Stories Headlining Spring Training
Pitchers and catchers report on Saturday.
Six words that mean so much to a baseball fan.
A signal that spring is on the way after the harshness of winter. The hope that comes with a new baseball season. Regardless of what happened last year, there is always that chance, how slim it might be, that this year could be different; could be special.
For Baltimore fans, this annual spring hope has brought little in return in the past 11 losing seasons, but this spring almost comes as a relief.
The past week’s baseball news has been disheartening to say the least, both on the national stage with the fall of Alex Rodriguez and locally with the sagas of Miguel Tejada and Roberto Alomar.
For Orioles fans, expectations are again tempered playing in the difficult American League East, but for the first time in years, there is light at the end of the tunnel. An affluent crop of pitching in the farm system may finally put the Orioles in a position to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays in the near future.
The Orioles may be another year or two away from taking the next step, but there are five stories worth watching in Fort Lauderdale this spring.
1. Quantity, but Quality Too?
The Orioles will bring 37 pitchers to the major league camp in hopes of finding the names to fill a wide-open starting rotation and a promising bullpen.
Although ace Jeremy Guthrie and Japanese newcomer Koji Uehara are seemingly entrenched at the top of the rotation, the names that will fill the last three spots are anybody’s guess.
“The Big Three,” pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta, and Brian Matusz may not arrive until later this season or next, but several other young arms will be vying for manager Dave Trembley’s attention.
Former top prospect Hayden Penn will finally try to prove he belongs in the Orioles’ rotation. Penn has battled injuries and some freakish bad luck but will battle for a spot in the rotation or long relief.
Many are quick to write him off as a viable option, but at 24, Penn is still young enough to reinsert himself in the club’s future plans. He is out of options, so barring a disastrous spring, it would seem Penn breaks north with the club.
Newcomer David Pauley will also be a contender for the rotation. After finding success in the Red Sox system but receiving few opportunities in the majors, the 25-year old was acquired for reliever Randor Bierd. Pauley possesses a good sinker and a solid curveball. A change of scenery could be ideal for the right-hander.
Sticking with the theme of needing a fresh start, former Cubs pitcher Rich Hill was sent to the Orioles for a player to be named later. After posting a 3.92 ERA and winning 11 games in 2007, the southpaw fell apart last season, losing his command and eventually his spot in the Cubs’ rotation. The Orioles hope a reunion with pitching coach Rick Kranitz can reverse Hill’s control problems.
Other names to watch in the battle for the rotation include right-handers Matt Albers (returning from a shoulder injury), Brian Bass, Radhames Liz and lefties Chris Waters, and the reacquired John Parrish.
2. The Face of the Franchise
Severna Park native Mark Teixeira may have spurned the Orioles’ attempts to bring him home, but general manager Andy MacPhail showed the organization is willing to pay its own homegrown talent.
After failing to reach a long-term deal last offseason, the Orioles signed right fielder Nick Markakis to a six-year, $66M deal, officially branding the 25-year old as the face of the franchise.
Markakis is the type of player to build your team around, having all the tools needed to become a star. The super-reserved Markakis seemed more relaxed and comfortable at the press conference announcing the deal, possibly foreshadowing a willingness to take on a more vocal role with the club.
It will be interesting to see how Markakis performs after signing the second-richest contract in club history.
3. “Wieting” in the Wings
Catching prospect Matt Wieters will continue to be the talk of the Charm City until he arrives at Orioles Park at Camden Yards.
The organization figures to start the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year at Triple-A Norfolk. MacPhail and Trembley will speak of Wieters needing more experience calling pitches before joining the big leagues, but it’s only window-dressing.
The Orioles will pull an “Evan Longoria” by starting Wieters in the minor leagues for the first weeks of the season. This would delay the start of his service time, impeding his eligibility for free agency until after the 2015 season. With the shrewd Scott Boras serving as his agent, the Orioles would be making a wise decision to hold onto Wieters as long as they can.
Of course, all bets might be off if Wieters hits .450 in spring training and forces the team’s hand. Sound unlikely? Maybe not.
Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein wrote in January that Wieters is already the best player on the club and is “quite possibly the best catcher in the game.” Keep in mind, Wieters has never played above Double-A. Can you say hype?
4. Athletes in the Outfield
While Markakis has become the mainstay in right field, the Orioles have secured promising pieces in center and right.
Adam Jones had a solid debut in Baltimore despite missing time with a broken foot last season. The gifted centerfielder needs to improve his plate discipline with only 28 walks and 108 strikeouts in 477 at bats, but his hitting improved prior to the trip to the disabled list in early August.
Reports indicate the 23-year old added some muscle in the offseason, so his power numbers should improve in 2009.
Roaming left field will be newcomer Felix Pie, a former top prospect for the Cubs whom the Orioles attempted to acquire in the Brian Roberts’ trade talks a year ago. After struggling in 2008 in limited opportunities with Chicago, the Orioles were able to grab the 23-year old in a trade for pitcher Garrett Olson.
Pie received only 260 at bats with the Cubs in two seasons despite being ranked the top prospect in the organization at one time. He possesses four of the five tools, though some believe he can still develop more power, and is an intriguing low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
Could the addition of Pie give the Orioles the best young outfield in baseball? All three outfielders play great defense, and if Pie’s 2009 production can approach what Jones did last season, the Orioles could be looking at a dynamic trio in the outfield for many years to come.
5. A Closer Encounter
The return of hard-throwing Chris Ray from Tommy John surgery crowds the backend of the bullpen, always a good problem to have.
Ray was the team’s closer in 2006 and 2007 but will have to unseat All-Star stopper George Sherrill to regain his job.
Sherrill had a dominating first half in 2008 before struggling down the stretch with a sore shoulder, finishing with a 4.73 earned run average and 31 saves. He could be more valuable to the bullpen as a left-handed specialist, especially if veteran lefty Jamie Walker is unable to rebound from a rough 2008.
Look for Trembley to give Sherrill every opportunity to win the job, considering Trembley was not present during most of Ray’s tenure as closer.
Regardless of how the closer situation is resolved, the back of the bullpen looks to be a strength. Setting up Ray and Sherrill will be right-hander Jim Johnson who enjoyed much success in his first full season with the Orioles.
If the Orioles can somehow bridge the gap from the starting pitching to the seventh inning, these three have the ability to shorten games and give the club more opportunities to win.
Here’s an early shot in the dark of how the roster could look when the Orioles break camp and head north to Baltimore.
Lineup
2B Brian Roberts S
CF Adam Jones R
RF Nick Markakis L
1B Aubrey Huff L
3B Melvin Mora R
DH Luke Scott L
C Gregg Zaun S
LF Felix Pie L
SS Cesar Izturis S
Bench
IF/OF Ryan Freel R
IF/OF Ty Wigginton R
IF Chris Gomez R
C Guillermo Quiroz R
Rotation
Jeremy Guthrie R
Koji Uehara R
Rich Hill L
David Pauley R
Hayden Penn R
Bullpen
Matt Albers R
Mark Hendrickson L
Dennis Sarfate R
Jamie Walker L
Jim Johnson R
Chris Ray R
George Sherrill (closer) L
What will you be following as the Orioles prepare for the 2009 season in Ft. Lauderdale? Who will win a spot in the starting rotation? Leave your thoughts below.
Six words that mean so much to a baseball fan.
A signal that spring is on the way after the harshness of winter. The hope that comes with a new baseball season. Regardless of what happened last year, there is always that chance, how slim it might be, that this year could be different; could be special.
For Baltimore fans, this annual spring hope has brought little in return in the past 11 losing seasons, but this spring almost comes as a relief.
The past week’s baseball news has been disheartening to say the least, both on the national stage with the fall of Alex Rodriguez and locally with the sagas of Miguel Tejada and Roberto Alomar.
For Orioles fans, expectations are again tempered playing in the difficult American League East, but for the first time in years, there is light at the end of the tunnel. An affluent crop of pitching in the farm system may finally put the Orioles in a position to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays in the near future.
The Orioles may be another year or two away from taking the next step, but there are five stories worth watching in Fort Lauderdale this spring.
1. Quantity, but Quality Too?
The Orioles will bring 37 pitchers to the major league camp in hopes of finding the names to fill a wide-open starting rotation and a promising bullpen.
Although ace Jeremy Guthrie and Japanese newcomer Koji Uehara are seemingly entrenched at the top of the rotation, the names that will fill the last three spots are anybody’s guess.
“The Big Three,” pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta, and Brian Matusz may not arrive until later this season or next, but several other young arms will be vying for manager Dave Trembley’s attention.
Former top prospect Hayden Penn will finally try to prove he belongs in the Orioles’ rotation. Penn has battled injuries and some freakish bad luck but will battle for a spot in the rotation or long relief.
Many are quick to write him off as a viable option, but at 24, Penn is still young enough to reinsert himself in the club’s future plans. He is out of options, so barring a disastrous spring, it would seem Penn breaks north with the club.
Newcomer David Pauley will also be a contender for the rotation. After finding success in the Red Sox system but receiving few opportunities in the majors, the 25-year old was acquired for reliever Randor Bierd. Pauley possesses a good sinker and a solid curveball. A change of scenery could be ideal for the right-hander.
Sticking with the theme of needing a fresh start, former Cubs pitcher Rich Hill was sent to the Orioles for a player to be named later. After posting a 3.92 ERA and winning 11 games in 2007, the southpaw fell apart last season, losing his command and eventually his spot in the Cubs’ rotation. The Orioles hope a reunion with pitching coach Rick Kranitz can reverse Hill’s control problems.
Other names to watch in the battle for the rotation include right-handers Matt Albers (returning from a shoulder injury), Brian Bass, Radhames Liz and lefties Chris Waters, and the reacquired John Parrish.
2. The Face of the Franchise
Severna Park native Mark Teixeira may have spurned the Orioles’ attempts to bring him home, but general manager Andy MacPhail showed the organization is willing to pay its own homegrown talent.
After failing to reach a long-term deal last offseason, the Orioles signed right fielder Nick Markakis to a six-year, $66M deal, officially branding the 25-year old as the face of the franchise.
Markakis is the type of player to build your team around, having all the tools needed to become a star. The super-reserved Markakis seemed more relaxed and comfortable at the press conference announcing the deal, possibly foreshadowing a willingness to take on a more vocal role with the club.
It will be interesting to see how Markakis performs after signing the second-richest contract in club history.
3. “Wieting” in the Wings
Catching prospect Matt Wieters will continue to be the talk of the Charm City until he arrives at Orioles Park at Camden Yards.
The organization figures to start the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year at Triple-A Norfolk. MacPhail and Trembley will speak of Wieters needing more experience calling pitches before joining the big leagues, but it’s only window-dressing.
The Orioles will pull an “Evan Longoria” by starting Wieters in the minor leagues for the first weeks of the season. This would delay the start of his service time, impeding his eligibility for free agency until after the 2015 season. With the shrewd Scott Boras serving as his agent, the Orioles would be making a wise decision to hold onto Wieters as long as they can.
Of course, all bets might be off if Wieters hits .450 in spring training and forces the team’s hand. Sound unlikely? Maybe not.
Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein wrote in January that Wieters is already the best player on the club and is “quite possibly the best catcher in the game.” Keep in mind, Wieters has never played above Double-A. Can you say hype?
4. Athletes in the Outfield
While Markakis has become the mainstay in right field, the Orioles have secured promising pieces in center and right.
Adam Jones had a solid debut in Baltimore despite missing time with a broken foot last season. The gifted centerfielder needs to improve his plate discipline with only 28 walks and 108 strikeouts in 477 at bats, but his hitting improved prior to the trip to the disabled list in early August.
Reports indicate the 23-year old added some muscle in the offseason, so his power numbers should improve in 2009.
Roaming left field will be newcomer Felix Pie, a former top prospect for the Cubs whom the Orioles attempted to acquire in the Brian Roberts’ trade talks a year ago. After struggling in 2008 in limited opportunities with Chicago, the Orioles were able to grab the 23-year old in a trade for pitcher Garrett Olson.
Pie received only 260 at bats with the Cubs in two seasons despite being ranked the top prospect in the organization at one time. He possesses four of the five tools, though some believe he can still develop more power, and is an intriguing low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
Could the addition of Pie give the Orioles the best young outfield in baseball? All three outfielders play great defense, and if Pie’s 2009 production can approach what Jones did last season, the Orioles could be looking at a dynamic trio in the outfield for many years to come.
5. A Closer Encounter
The return of hard-throwing Chris Ray from Tommy John surgery crowds the backend of the bullpen, always a good problem to have.
Ray was the team’s closer in 2006 and 2007 but will have to unseat All-Star stopper George Sherrill to regain his job.
Sherrill had a dominating first half in 2008 before struggling down the stretch with a sore shoulder, finishing with a 4.73 earned run average and 31 saves. He could be more valuable to the bullpen as a left-handed specialist, especially if veteran lefty Jamie Walker is unable to rebound from a rough 2008.
Look for Trembley to give Sherrill every opportunity to win the job, considering Trembley was not present during most of Ray’s tenure as closer.
Regardless of how the closer situation is resolved, the back of the bullpen looks to be a strength. Setting up Ray and Sherrill will be right-hander Jim Johnson who enjoyed much success in his first full season with the Orioles.
If the Orioles can somehow bridge the gap from the starting pitching to the seventh inning, these three have the ability to shorten games and give the club more opportunities to win.
Here’s an early shot in the dark of how the roster could look when the Orioles break camp and head north to Baltimore.
Lineup
2B Brian Roberts S
CF Adam Jones R
RF Nick Markakis L
1B Aubrey Huff L
3B Melvin Mora R
DH Luke Scott L
C Gregg Zaun S
LF Felix Pie L
SS Cesar Izturis S
Bench
IF/OF Ryan Freel R
IF/OF Ty Wigginton R
IF Chris Gomez R
C Guillermo Quiroz R
Rotation
Jeremy Guthrie R
Koji Uehara R
Rich Hill L
David Pauley R
Hayden Penn R
Bullpen
Matt Albers R
Mark Hendrickson L
Dennis Sarfate R
Jamie Walker L
Jim Johnson R
Chris Ray R
George Sherrill (closer) L
What will you be following as the Orioles prepare for the 2009 season in Ft. Lauderdale? Who will win a spot in the starting rotation? Leave your thoughts below.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Steroid Era: The Names We Truly Seek
The Steroid Era has finally delivered the knockout blow to the jaw of the American Game.
With the revelation that Alex Rodriguez is as guilty as the many others that chose to use performance-enhancing drugs, the last hope for the purification of the home run record, and perhaps the game itself, now appears lost for good, at least in terms of perception.
Many will call for the remaining 103 names who failed drug tests in 2003 to be revealed, but what purpose will it really serve? Will knowing more names suddenly make us feel better about the state of baseball? Is it simply the shock value? Or, do we simply want to shake our heads in disappointment again and again?
The damage has been done. The list of those to blame is endless, ranging from league executives to club owners, trainers to coaches, and utility infielders to league MVPs. The Steroid Era is a period that cannot be repaired or erased, ignored or forgotten.
As time goes on and more perpetrators are revealed, my desire to seek a new set of names continues to grow. Names that will not be found in the list of the remaining 103, the Mitchell Report, or even BALCO.
What are the names of those who chose to stay away from steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in this corrupted period of professional baseball?
The question is commonly asked with a heavy dose of cynicism, but my asking it is utterly sincere.
Unfortunately, the endless lies, whether it be to the grand jury or to the court of public opinion, make it impossible to truly believe anyone that has come forward to speak out against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional baseball.
The image of Rafael Palmeiro wagging his finger before Congress in 2005, only to fail a drug test months later, is irreversibly burned into our collective memories.
We can only imagine what players ultimately chose to play the game with integrity, even if that meant making sacrifices or being passed over by others. Make no mistake, these honest, clean players did exist and do exist today, but there is simply no way of knowing who they are for sure.
These are the players for which we have no other choice but to admire, even if we’ll never find their names on a list. They are nothing more than faceless heroes in this era of corruption.
I respect the middle infielder that will never receive the big contract, because he barely hit his own weight. He may never hit home runs, but he knows he is getting everything he absolutely can out of his ability, without compromising his principles.
I appreciate the grizzly backup catcher whose time in the game has come to an end due to the emergence of a bigger, stronger, younger backstop. He could have reached out for that extra edge, but he speaks to the local high school team and gives them a positive role model.
I look fondly at the 10-time All-Star first baseman, one of the greatest players in the game, who has to deal with the scrutiny and consequences of his peers’ actions. While we’ll never truly know whether his Hall of Fame performance is authentic, he can tell his grandkids that his name legitimately belongs with the all-time greats.
I admire the career minor league outfielder, riding buses from town to town, playing for one shot at the major leagues but knowing it will not come. Even if he never receives as much as a cup of coffee in the big leagues, he can sleep at night knowing he did it the honest way, even if that meant others “succeeded” over him.
In this era of dishonesty and ultimate disappointment, these nameless players are the ones that will ultimately carry us through this dark time in baseball. There’s nothing they can really say, for we would have a difficult time believing them anyway.
All they can do is continue to take the field as they always have, competing as hard as they can against those choosing to be dishonest.
These are the players I choose to celebrate-even if we’ll never truly know who they are. And this is the saddest fact of all.
With the revelation that Alex Rodriguez is as guilty as the many others that chose to use performance-enhancing drugs, the last hope for the purification of the home run record, and perhaps the game itself, now appears lost for good, at least in terms of perception.
Many will call for the remaining 103 names who failed drug tests in 2003 to be revealed, but what purpose will it really serve? Will knowing more names suddenly make us feel better about the state of baseball? Is it simply the shock value? Or, do we simply want to shake our heads in disappointment again and again?
The damage has been done. The list of those to blame is endless, ranging from league executives to club owners, trainers to coaches, and utility infielders to league MVPs. The Steroid Era is a period that cannot be repaired or erased, ignored or forgotten.
As time goes on and more perpetrators are revealed, my desire to seek a new set of names continues to grow. Names that will not be found in the list of the remaining 103, the Mitchell Report, or even BALCO.
What are the names of those who chose to stay away from steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in this corrupted period of professional baseball?
The question is commonly asked with a heavy dose of cynicism, but my asking it is utterly sincere.
Unfortunately, the endless lies, whether it be to the grand jury or to the court of public opinion, make it impossible to truly believe anyone that has come forward to speak out against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional baseball.
The image of Rafael Palmeiro wagging his finger before Congress in 2005, only to fail a drug test months later, is irreversibly burned into our collective memories.
We can only imagine what players ultimately chose to play the game with integrity, even if that meant making sacrifices or being passed over by others. Make no mistake, these honest, clean players did exist and do exist today, but there is simply no way of knowing who they are for sure.
These are the players for which we have no other choice but to admire, even if we’ll never find their names on a list. They are nothing more than faceless heroes in this era of corruption.
I respect the middle infielder that will never receive the big contract, because he barely hit his own weight. He may never hit home runs, but he knows he is getting everything he absolutely can out of his ability, without compromising his principles.
I appreciate the grizzly backup catcher whose time in the game has come to an end due to the emergence of a bigger, stronger, younger backstop. He could have reached out for that extra edge, but he speaks to the local high school team and gives them a positive role model.
I look fondly at the 10-time All-Star first baseman, one of the greatest players in the game, who has to deal with the scrutiny and consequences of his peers’ actions. While we’ll never truly know whether his Hall of Fame performance is authentic, he can tell his grandkids that his name legitimately belongs with the all-time greats.
I admire the career minor league outfielder, riding buses from town to town, playing for one shot at the major leagues but knowing it will not come. Even if he never receives as much as a cup of coffee in the big leagues, he can sleep at night knowing he did it the honest way, even if that meant others “succeeded” over him.
In this era of dishonesty and ultimate disappointment, these nameless players are the ones that will ultimately carry us through this dark time in baseball. There’s nothing they can really say, for we would have a difficult time believing them anyway.
All they can do is continue to take the field as they always have, competing as hard as they can against those choosing to be dishonest.
These are the players I choose to celebrate-even if we’ll never truly know who they are. And this is the saddest fact of all.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Why Ray Lewis and the Ravens Need Each Other
The “face of a franchise” is a term carelessly thrown around in the world of professional sports.
What exactly does it mean? Is it simply being the team’s best player? The most marketable or outspoken? The highest paid?
More often than not, the label becomes cliché but if it were to fit one player more than any other in the National Football League, it certainly fits Ray Lewis.
Having just completed his 13th season with the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis has personified the organization since its inception in 1996. When thinking of the Ravens, it starts and finishes with an intimidating, often flamboyant, defense that will haunt your dreams. Lewis cultivated this image from the beginning, even when the players around him could not live up to his high expectations in the early years.
When considering how synonymous Lewis and the Ravens truly are, how could they now be bracing themselves for a separation?
As is usually the case in the NFL, it overwhelmingly boils down to money and the salary cap. Lewis seeks one final payday as he enters the final stretch of his surefire Hall of Fame career. On the other side, the Ravens struggle with the idea of resigning its iconic figurehead, but also a linebacker entering his 14th year, to a lucrative contract that could come at the expense of keeping other younger players on the roster.
While this scenario plays out almost every year with some player in some other city, this situation is unique. Ray Lewis is the face of the Baltimore Ravens, and Baltimore is his city.
Critics will point to Jerry Rice or Brett Favre as examples of icons finishing their careers in other cities, but these teams already had legends that had come before them. San Francisco already had Joe Montana and Steve Young; Green Bay already had Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke. With apologies to future Hall of Famer and left tackle Jonathan Ogden, Lewis stands alone for the Ravens.
It is truly rare when the face of a franchise is with the team from its very beginning. After moving from Cleveland in 1996, the Ravens were much like an expansion team with no identity. That identity quickly became Lewis’ menacing visage and has been ever since.
The Ravens simply do not feel or look like the Ravens without Lewis in the middle of the defense. While he obviously will not play forever, both Lewis and the Ravens deserve a proper departure, one that is authentic with Lewis leaving his battlefield for the final time as a Baltimore Raven.
Not only is it the way things should end for both parties involved, it also makes the most sense when looking deeper into the situation. The reality is that both the Ravens and Lewis need each other.
For the Ravens, the defense has already taken a significant hit with coordinator Rex Ryan departing to become the head coach of the New York Jets. The loss of Lewis would not only leave a hole at inside linebacker, but his football intellect may only rival Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Lewis’ reputation for watching game film is legendary and heavily influences the defense’s ability on Sundays. He has been known to call out the opponent’s exact play countless times throughout his career. Players with such instinct and intelligence come along so rarely.
Though safety Ed Reed has followed in Lewis’ footsteps with his propensity for watching film, the loss of Lewis’ mind might be a more significant loss to the Baltimore defense than his actual production at linebacker.
In addition to his intelligence, Lewis’ leadership cannot be overemphasized. Numerous players have come and gone from the Ravens’ defense and all left with a common theme: they enjoyed their best years in Baltimore. From Lional Dalton to Sam Adams, or Ed Hartwell to Duane Starks, numerous players, young and old, have left Baltimore but failed to find the success they enjoyed with the Ravens. Critics might suggest it’s the coaching staff, but many coaches have also come and gone.
The one constant has been Lewis. His ability to single-handedly raise the level of, not only his own play, but also of his teammates, is what makes a dynamic career. It’s what the greatest players in the history of professional sports are able to do time and time again.
The Ravens must also consider Lewis’ marketability. Having been the face of the franchise for 13 years, the organization cannot help but view Lewis as a valuable commodity.
Simply take a look around M&T Bank Stadium on Sundays in the fall. You’ll see an increasing number of Joe Flacco and Reed jerseys, but Lewis’ 52 is still the most commonly sported by Baltimore fans.
Lewis is not only a value to the team with his play on the field, but his name and national appeal brings an incredible amount of revenue to the organization. Lewis is clearly aware of this and wants to be compensated accordingly.
Owner Steve Bisciotti also has to be considering the potential public relations disaster of allowing Lewis to leave. The casual fan will not be thinking of salary cap implications but only that the Ravens allowed their leader to depart after a season in which they were one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl.
It would be a difficult scenario for fans to accept, especially after the Ravens have seemingly found their quarterback after so many years in the doldrums with a putrid offense.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Ravens need Lewis is there is no player ready to take his spot in the lineup.
Backup linebacker and special teams player Nick Greisen is a solid tackler and did a nice job filling in for an injured Lewis at the end of the 2007 season, but the drop-off at inside linebacker would be significant.
Rookie Tavares Gooden is a fellow University of Miami alum but would benefit from more of Lewis’ tutelage before taking his place in the lineup after spending most of last season on injured reserve.
A team that has finally found its franchise quarterback in Flacco would likely need Lewis to return for another season or two if they have any plans of building upon their AFC Championship appearance in 2009 or 2010.
Though the reasons why the Ravens still need Lewis might seem fairly obvious, a closer look shows that Lewis might need the Ravens more than he’s been claiming in recent weeks.
Lewis clearly wants one big final contract before his days as a player are over, but would it pay more in the future to accept a fair, but modest, contract from the Ravens? His earning potential in Baltimore will be very high long after his playing career is finished.
It’s unlikely that Lewis would have the same long-term earning potential after making a two- or three-year pit stop in another city.
An ugly departure from the place he’s called home for 13 years could potentially damage his marketability in Baltimore for years to come.
The reality is that Lewis has had it pretty good in Baltimore for many years. He shares a close relationship with Bisciotti and has even gotten away with occasionally criticizing the team’s shortcomings with little consequence.
In the offseason prior to the 2006 NFL Draft, Lewis complained about needing a big defensive tackle to keep blockers away from him and even talked about wanting to be traded if the team failed to get one. What happened? The organization drafted Haloti Ngata in the first round that year.
Another example of Lewis’ influence has been his role in acquiring veterans such as defensive backs Corey Fuller and Deion Sanders, decisions that may or may not have been good for the organization.
It’s difficult to envision another team giving Lewis the influence he has come to expect in Baltimore.
Lewis could also have a tough time playing in a market such as Dallas or New York if he, or the team, fails to live up to expectations.
His leadership is unquestioned when things are going well, but Lewis also has a reputation of occasionally sulking during losing seasons and sometimes slipping out the backdoor of the locker room without talking to reporters after a difficult loss.
Actions such as these are merely an afterthought in Baltimore but would be heavily criticized under the blistering media lights of New York or Dallas. Yes, Lewis could find success in these cities, but he could just as easily win another title in Baltimore as these cities.
Ultimately, Lewis needs to stay in Baltimore in order to protect his sterling legacy, something that is extremely important to him.
“I already believe I am the best linebacker in the game,” said Lewis several years ago. “Now, I have to show one more thing: that I am the most dominating, influential person in the game and the best football player to ever put on a pair of cleats.”
Lewis has a strong appreciation for the history of the game and his place within it. He already knows his bust in Canton is secure but why risk tarnishing it by going to another team, especially when the Ravens want him to return?
Yes, Michael Jordan had a final run with the hapless Washington Wizards, and Brett Favre became a New York Jet, but while history may be forgiving to its legends that finish brilliant careers in other cities, their final chapters are often ignored or completely forgotten out of necessity. Nobody wants to remember Jordan fading away in Washington or Favre throwing interceptions in New York.
That just doesn’t fit Lewis’ brash style.
When legends stay with that same team where they found so much success, they’re given a proper farewell, even if they may not be the player they once were. The city and its fans are able to truly show how appreciated their hero has been and how he will always have a virtual key to the city.
The coming weeks will show just how much these other factors will play into the decisions faced by both Lewis and the Ravens. It figures to ultimately come down to money, as it usually does, but both sides need to take a long hard look at each other before deciding to part ways.
Will Lewis finish his career in Baltimore where the legend was born and continues to thrive, or must we brace ourselves for the possibility of another legend’s final act taking place in another city and needing to be forgotten?
Regardless of the answer, Ray Lewis is the Baltimore Ravens, and the Baltimore Ravens are Ray Lewis. It should ultimately stay that way.
What exactly does it mean? Is it simply being the team’s best player? The most marketable or outspoken? The highest paid?
More often than not, the label becomes cliché but if it were to fit one player more than any other in the National Football League, it certainly fits Ray Lewis.
Having just completed his 13th season with the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis has personified the organization since its inception in 1996. When thinking of the Ravens, it starts and finishes with an intimidating, often flamboyant, defense that will haunt your dreams. Lewis cultivated this image from the beginning, even when the players around him could not live up to his high expectations in the early years.
When considering how synonymous Lewis and the Ravens truly are, how could they now be bracing themselves for a separation?
As is usually the case in the NFL, it overwhelmingly boils down to money and the salary cap. Lewis seeks one final payday as he enters the final stretch of his surefire Hall of Fame career. On the other side, the Ravens struggle with the idea of resigning its iconic figurehead, but also a linebacker entering his 14th year, to a lucrative contract that could come at the expense of keeping other younger players on the roster.
While this scenario plays out almost every year with some player in some other city, this situation is unique. Ray Lewis is the face of the Baltimore Ravens, and Baltimore is his city.
Critics will point to Jerry Rice or Brett Favre as examples of icons finishing their careers in other cities, but these teams already had legends that had come before them. San Francisco already had Joe Montana and Steve Young; Green Bay already had Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke. With apologies to future Hall of Famer and left tackle Jonathan Ogden, Lewis stands alone for the Ravens.
It is truly rare when the face of a franchise is with the team from its very beginning. After moving from Cleveland in 1996, the Ravens were much like an expansion team with no identity. That identity quickly became Lewis’ menacing visage and has been ever since.
The Ravens simply do not feel or look like the Ravens without Lewis in the middle of the defense. While he obviously will not play forever, both Lewis and the Ravens deserve a proper departure, one that is authentic with Lewis leaving his battlefield for the final time as a Baltimore Raven.
Not only is it the way things should end for both parties involved, it also makes the most sense when looking deeper into the situation. The reality is that both the Ravens and Lewis need each other.
For the Ravens, the defense has already taken a significant hit with coordinator Rex Ryan departing to become the head coach of the New York Jets. The loss of Lewis would not only leave a hole at inside linebacker, but his football intellect may only rival Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Lewis’ reputation for watching game film is legendary and heavily influences the defense’s ability on Sundays. He has been known to call out the opponent’s exact play countless times throughout his career. Players with such instinct and intelligence come along so rarely.
Though safety Ed Reed has followed in Lewis’ footsteps with his propensity for watching film, the loss of Lewis’ mind might be a more significant loss to the Baltimore defense than his actual production at linebacker.
In addition to his intelligence, Lewis’ leadership cannot be overemphasized. Numerous players have come and gone from the Ravens’ defense and all left with a common theme: they enjoyed their best years in Baltimore. From Lional Dalton to Sam Adams, or Ed Hartwell to Duane Starks, numerous players, young and old, have left Baltimore but failed to find the success they enjoyed with the Ravens. Critics might suggest it’s the coaching staff, but many coaches have also come and gone.
The one constant has been Lewis. His ability to single-handedly raise the level of, not only his own play, but also of his teammates, is what makes a dynamic career. It’s what the greatest players in the history of professional sports are able to do time and time again.
The Ravens must also consider Lewis’ marketability. Having been the face of the franchise for 13 years, the organization cannot help but view Lewis as a valuable commodity.
Simply take a look around M&T Bank Stadium on Sundays in the fall. You’ll see an increasing number of Joe Flacco and Reed jerseys, but Lewis’ 52 is still the most commonly sported by Baltimore fans.
Lewis is not only a value to the team with his play on the field, but his name and national appeal brings an incredible amount of revenue to the organization. Lewis is clearly aware of this and wants to be compensated accordingly.
Owner Steve Bisciotti also has to be considering the potential public relations disaster of allowing Lewis to leave. The casual fan will not be thinking of salary cap implications but only that the Ravens allowed their leader to depart after a season in which they were one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl.
It would be a difficult scenario for fans to accept, especially after the Ravens have seemingly found their quarterback after so many years in the doldrums with a putrid offense.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Ravens need Lewis is there is no player ready to take his spot in the lineup.
Backup linebacker and special teams player Nick Greisen is a solid tackler and did a nice job filling in for an injured Lewis at the end of the 2007 season, but the drop-off at inside linebacker would be significant.
Rookie Tavares Gooden is a fellow University of Miami alum but would benefit from more of Lewis’ tutelage before taking his place in the lineup after spending most of last season on injured reserve.
A team that has finally found its franchise quarterback in Flacco would likely need Lewis to return for another season or two if they have any plans of building upon their AFC Championship appearance in 2009 or 2010.
Though the reasons why the Ravens still need Lewis might seem fairly obvious, a closer look shows that Lewis might need the Ravens more than he’s been claiming in recent weeks.
Lewis clearly wants one big final contract before his days as a player are over, but would it pay more in the future to accept a fair, but modest, contract from the Ravens? His earning potential in Baltimore will be very high long after his playing career is finished.
It’s unlikely that Lewis would have the same long-term earning potential after making a two- or three-year pit stop in another city.
An ugly departure from the place he’s called home for 13 years could potentially damage his marketability in Baltimore for years to come.
The reality is that Lewis has had it pretty good in Baltimore for many years. He shares a close relationship with Bisciotti and has even gotten away with occasionally criticizing the team’s shortcomings with little consequence.
In the offseason prior to the 2006 NFL Draft, Lewis complained about needing a big defensive tackle to keep blockers away from him and even talked about wanting to be traded if the team failed to get one. What happened? The organization drafted Haloti Ngata in the first round that year.
Another example of Lewis’ influence has been his role in acquiring veterans such as defensive backs Corey Fuller and Deion Sanders, decisions that may or may not have been good for the organization.
It’s difficult to envision another team giving Lewis the influence he has come to expect in Baltimore.
Lewis could also have a tough time playing in a market such as Dallas or New York if he, or the team, fails to live up to expectations.
His leadership is unquestioned when things are going well, but Lewis also has a reputation of occasionally sulking during losing seasons and sometimes slipping out the backdoor of the locker room without talking to reporters after a difficult loss.
Actions such as these are merely an afterthought in Baltimore but would be heavily criticized under the blistering media lights of New York or Dallas. Yes, Lewis could find success in these cities, but he could just as easily win another title in Baltimore as these cities.
Ultimately, Lewis needs to stay in Baltimore in order to protect his sterling legacy, something that is extremely important to him.
“I already believe I am the best linebacker in the game,” said Lewis several years ago. “Now, I have to show one more thing: that I am the most dominating, influential person in the game and the best football player to ever put on a pair of cleats.”
Lewis has a strong appreciation for the history of the game and his place within it. He already knows his bust in Canton is secure but why risk tarnishing it by going to another team, especially when the Ravens want him to return?
Yes, Michael Jordan had a final run with the hapless Washington Wizards, and Brett Favre became a New York Jet, but while history may be forgiving to its legends that finish brilliant careers in other cities, their final chapters are often ignored or completely forgotten out of necessity. Nobody wants to remember Jordan fading away in Washington or Favre throwing interceptions in New York.
That just doesn’t fit Lewis’ brash style.
When legends stay with that same team where they found so much success, they’re given a proper farewell, even if they may not be the player they once were. The city and its fans are able to truly show how appreciated their hero has been and how he will always have a virtual key to the city.
The coming weeks will show just how much these other factors will play into the decisions faced by both Lewis and the Ravens. It figures to ultimately come down to money, as it usually does, but both sides need to take a long hard look at each other before deciding to part ways.
Will Lewis finish his career in Baltimore where the legend was born and continues to thrive, or must we brace ourselves for the possibility of another legend’s final act taking place in another city and needing to be forgotten?
Regardless of the answer, Ray Lewis is the Baltimore Ravens, and the Baltimore Ravens are Ray Lewis. It should ultimately stay that way.
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