2014 is a long ways away, but it is the light at the end of the tunnel for the San Diego Chargers, it is the year GM AJ Smith's contract is up. Until then the Chargers will continue to have players who will leave their blood and sweat on the field while their GM waits to give them the boot or hide behind a letter with a stamp on it.
As the Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill saga continues, we continue to see the arrogant business side of AJ Smith. He who notified his two star players, that if they did not sign their RFA tender, they're salaries would be reduced to peanuts, and they were. Being a great professional he "communicated" this to his players by sending a letter, no visit no call that we know of was made.
That is not how you treat your franchise left tackle, the one who protects your $90 million dollar quarterback, and according to holdout reports both players are willing to hold out until November and only return to play the last 6 games of the season. Which will allow them to become free agents and leave the following season. If the Chargers are to play like this for 10 games, Rivers would be in danger EVERY play, backup Tra Thomas is exactly that, a backup, he won't stand a chance against Dumervil, Seymour and Hali of the AFC West. Not to mention the effect on the running game, is Ryan Matthews supposed to run to the right side only?
The loss of Vincent Jackson would mean Antonio Gates sees more double coverages, less space for the big man to operate in. Floyd was a revelation last year but his success was based on the attention Jackson receives.
The division is still the Chargers to lose, none of the other teams seem capable of overtaking them for first anytime soon, but this is building up to be another one playoff game and out season, which would be no surprise around here. This team has been nothing but a playoff disappointment since 2004, tagged as Super Bowl favorites many times only to be a bust one or two games in.
Back to AJ, how hard would it have been to go meet with his two players? Give them a nice little speech saying, "Hey we've got a chance to do something special here, our time is now, but we need you guys, " with some "The CBA is an issue so we can only offer you this for this year, but once its all worked out we will make sure you guys get paid". That was a little much, never going to happen but I can only wish, and coming out of AJ's mouth it would have been a great big lie. He signs his franchise quarterback this past year but fails to sign his LT after 5 years? And how about Luis Castillo's contract? Not only does he draft him after taking roids in college, he then proceeds to extend him three years after he's drafted. Before Rivers, Jackson, McNeill, MERRIMAN and numerous others.
If anyone deserved a extension in 2006-2007 it was Merriman, it was his play that lifted the Chargers mediocre defense, he helped Cromartie put together that incredible season. We saw the Merriman effect the following year where teams ran and passed all over while he was gone, and its no surprise AJ tries to trade a guy who is so important to this team.
And today AJ comes out saying " It hurts" not having his players this season? Was that a joke? Sarcasm? I don't believe it one bit, if he was so hurt he would go visit his players like Mike Holmgren did in Seattle, explain some things. But he must be too good for it, or must not want to wast gas due to the BP oil spill, who the heck knows what goes on in his mind.
Now I'm just ranting, but its what happens when you love a team this much, and as much as it pains me to say it, we will continue to suffer as long as AJ is GM. And my last painful thought.
The Chargers will not win a Super Bowl as long as AJ Smith is the GM.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Top Prospect Watch: Drew Cumberland
Since being drafted in 2007, SS Drew Cumberland has shown flashes of brilliance, hitting for average and speed at Low-A Fort Wayne. But injuries slowed his development, he started off this year in High-A Lake Elsinore and has taken off, sure its a hitters league but "Cumby" is putting up some amazing numbers.
His line so far .371/.410/.546 which includes 13 2B, 4 3B's and a surprising 7 HR along with 35 RBI's. Andrew has also stolen 20-29 bases, showing his elite top of the order speed. He would be the perfect leadoff man at Petco, he hits for average and has good speed, while Cabrera has played well in his short time here its hard to believe he is the SS of the future. In his two seasons here he has been plagued with injuries, in the case he continues that way Cumberland could step in, take the SS spot and not give it back, that's how good this kid is.
Cumberland spent two years in Fort Wayne, two very succesful ones, with last year's squad winning the league championship. The Padres promoted most of that squad to Lake Elsinore and all they've done is clinch the first half championship with games to spare. All this with top prospect Jaff Decker struggling at the plate. For more on Cumberland here's an interview with Andrew Cumberland with my good friends from So Cal Gold.
His line so far .371/.410/.546 which includes 13 2B, 4 3B's and a surprising 7 HR along with 35 RBI's. Andrew has also stolen 20-29 bases, showing his elite top of the order speed. He would be the perfect leadoff man at Petco, he hits for average and has good speed, while Cabrera has played well in his short time here its hard to believe he is the SS of the future. In his two seasons here he has been plagued with injuries, in the case he continues that way Cumberland could step in, take the SS spot and not give it back, that's how good this kid is.
Cumberland spent two years in Fort Wayne, two very succesful ones, with last year's squad winning the league championship. The Padres promoted most of that squad to Lake Elsinore and all they've done is clinch the first half championship with games to spare. All this with top prospect Jaff Decker struggling at the plate. For more on Cumberland here's an interview with Andrew Cumberland with my good friends from So Cal Gold.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Minor League Update
Donavan Tate will join the Arizona Rookie League June 21st.
James Darnell will return to San Antonio this week after being with Fort Wayne this past weekend.
Top minor league club the Lake Elsinore Storm, will send five players to the High A All Star game. SS Drew Cumberland, P Brad Brach, CF Blake Tekotte, RF Dan Robertson and 2B Cole Figueroa.
James Darnell will return to San Antonio this week after being with Fort Wayne this past weekend.
Top minor league club the Lake Elsinore Storm, will send five players to the High A All Star game. SS Drew Cumberland, P Brad Brach, CF Blake Tekotte, RF Dan Robertson and 2B Cole Figueroa.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
ESPN The Magazine, Padres Yearbook
On the May 31st issue of ESPN The Magazine, the Padres were the subject of the Jock High Yearbook. With Heath Bell being the Yearbook Editor, giving us some insight on player personalities and clubhouse behavior.
Straight from the Magazine
Class Clown- Chris Young - He loves to play pranks and blame it on others. Two things he's known for: putting candy in our shows and posting embarrassing or unflattering pictures of guys on the wall.
Team Flirt- Luke Gregerson - He's got a good body, and he loves to walk around without a shirt. He also rides his skateboard to the ballpark. He's our little Mr. People magazine.
Team Nerd- Tim Stauffer- Is a bullpen guy, so he's supposed to be weird and stupid. But actually he's really smart. He's a big reader and always analyzes everything.
Teacher's Pet- Adrian Gonzalez- He loves our manager Bud Black. He calls him Harry, his real first name, and tells him we should do this or that. Then again, Adrian will probably be a manager someday, so maybe he's just picking Bud's brain about everything.
Party Animal- Now that Jake Peavy's gone, I'll say Mat Latos. He's always coming in with stories about going here or there and doing this or that. He really likes to get it going, so nobody likes to hang out with him.
Next American Idol- Oscar Salazar has a nice voice, but ill go with Jerry Hairston Jr. He may be up there in age, but he's definitely what Idol wants. He's an all around guy, a triple threat: sings, dances and looks good. Here is the scan of the article.
A great article, showing the great chemistry this team has, and the free spirit of Heath Bell. All credit to ESPN The Magazine for this content.
Straight from the Magazine
Class Clown- Chris Young - He loves to play pranks and blame it on others. Two things he's known for: putting candy in our shows and posting embarrassing or unflattering pictures of guys on the wall.
Team Flirt- Luke Gregerson - He's got a good body, and he loves to walk around without a shirt. He also rides his skateboard to the ballpark. He's our little Mr. People magazine.
Team Nerd- Tim Stauffer- Is a bullpen guy, so he's supposed to be weird and stupid. But actually he's really smart. He's a big reader and always analyzes everything.
Teacher's Pet- Adrian Gonzalez- He loves our manager Bud Black. He calls him Harry, his real first name, and tells him we should do this or that. Then again, Adrian will probably be a manager someday, so maybe he's just picking Bud's brain about everything.
Party Animal- Now that Jake Peavy's gone, I'll say Mat Latos. He's always coming in with stories about going here or there and doing this or that. He really likes to get it going, so nobody likes to hang out with him.
Next American Idol- Oscar Salazar has a nice voice, but ill go with Jerry Hairston Jr. He may be up there in age, but he's definitely what Idol wants. He's an all around guy, a triple threat: sings, dances and looks good. Here is the scan of the article.
Padres links
Great people, great blogs
www.gaslampball.com
www.topprospectalert.com
Great minor league blog, with daily stats and links of the Milb
www.gaslampball.com
www.topprospectalert.com
Great minor league blog, with daily stats and links of the Milb
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