The receiver Javon Walker in Oakland step has been eventful, but their importance in the coming season is of crucial importance. Ticket for the implementation of a group of inexperienced receivers and Walker was waiting for a catalyst for the team. If Oakland's passing game be able to use the title again this year, the marchers management and production a major step forward.
Since the Raiders to reduce the weight of football jersey the list in the off season, many thought Walker would be one of the victims. However, Walker will remain in Oakland and hopes to revive his career entering his eighth NFL season to experience. If Walker does not fulfill his contract for the second consecutive year, the fate of the Raiders receiving corps are in the balance sheet of a group depend on young players. Since accumulating 89 catches for almost 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Green Bay Packers in 2004 the production was negative walkers, on and off the field. He suffered an injury at the end of the season surpassed early in the season in 2005 and 1000 meters has input in one go. combined in the past two seasons, Walker has participated in only 16 games compiling 41 catches for 483 yards easily. More worrisome still, the inability of the hikers on the problems was to avoid off the place. Walker's disappearance began in Denver, where he was present when his former teammate and former Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was shot. Walker has followed issues in the Bay Area, even when he was in a confrontation in a Las Vegas hotel participate this summer. Walkers awareness has serious deficiencies in all aspects that would need to be passed quickly. With quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders receivers young people supported by Walker, it is certainly not without recurrence for one year from the receiver problems.
Walter had only 15 receptions for 196 yards in a disappointing first season, Oakland. The Raiders have six years and spent 鈧?55 million before last season and have sufficient results to justify a lucrative contract to see this species.
Walker's production in 2009 is difficult to predict, but their meaning is not. Walker has more experience than any other receiver and skills demonstrated break Raider game during his career. If Walker could not be restored to the skills of the past, as demonstrated in Oakland you might encounter. In addition, if you stretch the song Walker's conduct outside of football of his career in great danger.
2010年7月28日星期三
2010年7月27日星期二
Relax 49ers fans is that the pre-season
The nature of the NFL preseason serves as a show before the party a month after the regular season C can you get too excited for the football season, but still high for an accurate assessment of where and how a team is allowed to go for it .
Basically 49 years, despite bright spots and question marks had in their 17-16 victory against the Denver Broncos in the nfl jerseys preseason opener for both teams, no, it is important, too high or too low on any aspect of the 2009 San Francisco 49ers. In fact, this is to be the same for the entire preseason.
Although the statistics of the stars winner Friday night, the three interceptions for the 49ers secondary, San Francisco did not get a sack against the Broncos. After dismissing the quarterback 30 times in 2008 (good for the sixteenth of the NFL), the 49ers must pressure this season. The Niners have shown what can be defensive backs Nate Clements and behind players like Dre Bly, will present themselves, the effectiveness of the school if they show a constant heat seven quarter. But as I said, the pre-season and its only because the 49ers couldnt at quarterback against the Broncos, to obtain a larger sample is necessary to assess whether this is a problem in 2009. E and pre-season, play the starter is not much and the 49ers coaching staff does not want the sink to a computer during the preseason. On offense quarterback Shawn has a lot of competition between Hill and Alex Smith has always sparks of fireworks or the main topics of conversation. Although Smith has some reps with the first team, Hill has played as if it was work. Hill arrived, threw a two-stage (both filled in Vernon Davis) does not try to force things, and led a drive that ended in a goal in the field. Although Smith has not bad game and head coach Mike Singletary said the quarterback, still separated from each other really, so the hill to lose his job.
Frank Gore and Isaac Bruce has not played and I can not find that the two players that a game be collected prior to the game of the regular season, so I imagine probably not the real potential for failure in the next three games. In addition, the Niners in the first round, drafted has not yet been signed. His name is Crabsomething or otherwise. But it seems that the 49ers were able to give a solid race back to Gore a break from time to time, Glen Coffee.
Basically 49 years, despite bright spots and question marks had in their 17-16 victory against the Denver Broncos in the nfl jerseys preseason opener for both teams, no, it is important, too high or too low on any aspect of the 2009 San Francisco 49ers. In fact, this is to be the same for the entire preseason.
Although the statistics of the stars winner Friday night, the three interceptions for the 49ers secondary, San Francisco did not get a sack against the Broncos. After dismissing the quarterback 30 times in 2008 (good for the sixteenth of the NFL), the 49ers must pressure this season. The Niners have shown what can be defensive backs Nate Clements and behind players like Dre Bly, will present themselves, the effectiveness of the school if they show a constant heat seven quarter. But as I said, the pre-season and its only because the 49ers couldnt at quarterback against the Broncos, to obtain a larger sample is necessary to assess whether this is a problem in 2009. E and pre-season, play the starter is not much and the 49ers coaching staff does not want the sink to a computer during the preseason. On offense quarterback Shawn has a lot of competition between Hill and Alex Smith has always sparks of fireworks or the main topics of conversation. Although Smith has some reps with the first team, Hill has played as if it was work. Hill arrived, threw a two-stage (both filled in Vernon Davis) does not try to force things, and led a drive that ended in a goal in the field. Although Smith has not bad game and head coach Mike Singletary said the quarterback, still separated from each other really, so the hill to lose his job.
Frank Gore and Isaac Bruce has not played and I can not find that the two players that a game be collected prior to the game of the regular season, so I imagine probably not the real potential for failure in the next three games. In addition, the Niners in the first round, drafted has not yet been signed. His name is Crabsomething or otherwise. But it seems that the 49ers were able to give a solid race back to Gore a break from time to time, Glen Coffee.
2010年7月26日星期一
Black lining in the cloud of money
The only positive aspect of this time of the year for fans of the Raiders in recent times the emergence of a player or two has been in the Pro Bowl. That was when every corner Nnamdi Asomugha Pro-Punter Shane Lechler and around the world trip for a game that was played at half speed, and is described as a period of seven of nfl jerseys
seven rookie defensive end and linebacker Brian Orakpo Washington Redskins. After 1975 Pro Bowl, I can say quite clearly, that was the most boring All-Star Game, which I have ever seen.
In the middle movement made to leave a comment on Nnamdi Asomugha commentators informal the game so that the knee examined by medical personnel. Although no further information is available simply the fate of the Raiders have a star player injured only real defense in a game that meant absolutely nothing to the organization or Raider Nation.
When Roger Goodell NFL Commissioner has everything to do wash everything happen in the NFL in the eyes of the world these days, chances are that the injuries to players during the Pro Bowl suffered, will have no announcement of the league. However, local journalists in Oakland, and Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times, probably the information on a specific date in the week. Stay tuned.
Asomugha took a few moments to national honor before leaving that little had delivered a huge amount of support for their coach or the quarterback.
As for Russell, Asomugha said in an interview with Rich iron of the NFL Network, I think it may be the guy. I do not think he was ready for what we did last year, I had a little more willing to go into every game next season, and I think he has the opportunity this offseason.
Its got to be big for him. He knows it. He must understand that it go as far as he finds us. Hes the quarterback of the team.
Far away from the Raider Nation must believe in calling Russell. If Al Davis continues his hat, big boy with the marshes for the season hanging in 2010 armed, you had better go out all the stops to give Bruce Kowski degree and be willing to camp in three weeks, is looking at Oakland 0 -2.
Also not really the kind of Rah Rah response to a Pro Bowl book if he believes in his coach.
With a little luck was the wounds in the Pro Bowl will be a scratch Asomugha and hell on the way a good holiday before returning to Oakland for mini-camps this spring happy. And we hope that Russell reached frivolity happening in the French Quarter this week is a celebration of the players who are willing to give everything they do, something that would eventually think in his career in the NFL.
Otherwise, hell, who know the old Jerry Glanville quote for a long time.
seven rookie defensive end and linebacker Brian Orakpo Washington Redskins. After 1975 Pro Bowl, I can say quite clearly, that was the most boring All-Star Game, which I have ever seen.
In the middle movement made to leave a comment on Nnamdi Asomugha commentators informal the game so that the knee examined by medical personnel. Although no further information is available simply the fate of the Raiders have a star player injured only real defense in a game that meant absolutely nothing to the organization or Raider Nation.
When Roger Goodell NFL Commissioner has everything to do wash everything happen in the NFL in the eyes of the world these days, chances are that the injuries to players during the Pro Bowl suffered, will have no announcement of the league. However, local journalists in Oakland, and Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times, probably the information on a specific date in the week. Stay tuned.
Asomugha took a few moments to national honor before leaving that little had delivered a huge amount of support for their coach or the quarterback.
As for Russell, Asomugha said in an interview with Rich iron of the NFL Network, I think it may be the guy. I do not think he was ready for what we did last year, I had a little more willing to go into every game next season, and I think he has the opportunity this offseason.
Its got to be big for him. He knows it. He must understand that it go as far as he finds us. Hes the quarterback of the team.
Far away from the Raider Nation must believe in calling Russell. If Al Davis continues his hat, big boy with the marshes for the season hanging in 2010 armed, you had better go out all the stops to give Bruce Kowski degree and be willing to camp in three weeks, is looking at Oakland 0 -2.
Also not really the kind of Rah Rah response to a Pro Bowl book if he believes in his coach.
With a little luck was the wounds in the Pro Bowl will be a scratch Asomugha and hell on the way a good holiday before returning to Oakland for mini-camps this spring happy. And we hope that Russell reached frivolity happening in the French Quarter this week is a celebration of the players who are willing to give everything they do, something that would eventually think in his career in the NFL.
Otherwise, hell, who know the old Jerry Glanville quote for a long time.
2010年7月25日星期日
History
The history of American football can be traced to early versions of rugby football and association football. Both games have their origins in varieties of nfl throwback jerseys
football played in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century, in which a ball is kicked at a goal and/or run over a line. Many games known as "football" were being played at colleges and universities in the United States in the first half of the 19th century.[8][9] American football resulted from several major divergences from rugby football, most notably the rule changes instituted by Walter Camp, considered the "Father of American Football". Among these important changes were the introduction of the line ofnfl jerseys
scrimmage and of down-and-distance rules. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, game play developments by college coaches such as Eddie Cochems, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Knute Rockne, and Glenn "Pop" Warner helped take advantage of the newly introduced forward pass.
The popularity of collegiate football grew as it became the dominant version of the sport for the first half of the twentieth century. Bowl games, a college football tradition, attracted a national audience for collegiate teams. Bolstered by fierce rivalries, college football still holds widespread appeal in the US.
The origin of professional football can be traced back to 1892, with William "Pudge" Heffelfinger's $500 contract to play in a game for the Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. The first Professional "league" was the Ohio League, formed in 1903, and the first Professional Football championship game was between the Buffalo Prospects and the Canton Bulldogs in 1919. In 1920, the American Professional Football Association was formed. The first game was played in Dayton, Ohio on October 3, 1920 with the host Triangles defeating the Columbus Panhandles 14–0. The league changed its name to the National Football League (NFL) two years later, and eventually became the major league of cheap nfl jerseys
American football. Initially a sport of Midwestern industrial towns in the United States, professional football eventually became a national phenomenon. Football's increasing popularity is usually traced to the 1958 NFL Championship Game, a contest that has been dubbed the "Greatest Game Ever Played". A rival league to the NFL, the American Football League (AFL), began play in 1960; the pressure it put on the senior league led to a merger between the two leagues and the creation of the Super Bowl, which has become the most watched television event in the United States on an annual basis.[12]
football played in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century, in which a ball is kicked at a goal and/or run over a line. Many games known as "football" were being played at colleges and universities in the United States in the first half of the 19th century.[8][9] American football resulted from several major divergences from rugby football, most notably the rule changes instituted by Walter Camp, considered the "Father of American Football". Among these important changes were the introduction of the line ofnfl jerseys
scrimmage and of down-and-distance rules. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, game play developments by college coaches such as Eddie Cochems, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Knute Rockne, and Glenn "Pop" Warner helped take advantage of the newly introduced forward pass.
The popularity of collegiate football grew as it became the dominant version of the sport for the first half of the twentieth century. Bowl games, a college football tradition, attracted a national audience for collegiate teams. Bolstered by fierce rivalries, college football still holds widespread appeal in the US.
The origin of professional football can be traced back to 1892, with William "Pudge" Heffelfinger's $500 contract to play in a game for the Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. The first Professional "league" was the Ohio League, formed in 1903, and the first Professional Football championship game was between the Buffalo Prospects and the Canton Bulldogs in 1919. In 1920, the American Professional Football Association was formed. The first game was played in Dayton, Ohio on October 3, 1920 with the host Triangles defeating the Columbus Panhandles 14–0. The league changed its name to the National Football League (NFL) two years later, and eventually became the major league of cheap nfl jerseys
American football. Initially a sport of Midwestern industrial towns in the United States, professional football eventually became a national phenomenon. Football's increasing popularity is usually traced to the 1958 NFL Championship Game, a contest that has been dubbed the "Greatest Game Ever Played". A rival league to the NFL, the American Football League (AFL), began play in 1960; the pressure it put on the senior league led to a merger between the two leagues and the creation of the Super Bowl, which has become the most watched television event in the United States on an annual basis.[12]
Why Baseball?
I am eager to become a baseball fan again. The love of football jersey baseball was once essential to me; my very first story published in these pre-pixel-era pages was about the game, and when I went to tell my son a bedtime story in Paris it was a baseball story, too, and set in 1908 at that. Throughout the nineteen-eighties, my bedtime and bath-time reading was Bill James baseball abstracts, which I still keep in a row on my bookshelf. (And, by the way, anyone who thinks of those books as “stats annuals” or the like is crazy; what made them matter was the brio and irreverence of the writing, just as writing.) Yet last year, with new stadiums there to wonder at in the Bronx and Queens, I went out to the ballgame not once, God help me—not once, nor did my now fifteen-year-old son (or ten-year-old daughter) push me to take them. I listen to Mike Francesa blather on about the basketball brackets and smile; but I hear him talk about the fifth starter and am bored.
Now, the hardest thing for any blogger or essayist or, for that matter, stand-up comic to know is when his “I” becomes a “you”; the observational comic’s audience nod their heads happily as he leads them through airline food and first dates only to descend into an uncomfortable silence as he moves to his haven’t-we-all-been-there? bondage material. All the signs and salaries indicate that baseball is as popular as ever—each morning’s Post attests to it—and what feels like the zeitgeist may be just the very local weather. I certainly miss my team, the Montreal Expos, whose reincarnation as the Washington Nationals has perpetuated their futility while surrendering their circus-cap charm. But let me try and analyze why I have lost my larger, non-rooting interest in the game, and perhaps it will, as the poet nba jerseys says, echo in some other bosom.
1. First, there is the utter cynicism in the relation of team to player. Of course, the mercenary purpose—sign for the money and sign wherever you are offered most—is part of the ethic of professional sport, and has been openly recognized as such for decades. Only a fool or a fan (they are closely related) would have thought otherwise. But there is a difference between cynicism and utter cynicism. Something about the speed and cold-bloodedness, the absolute lack of even the pretense of solidarity in today’s game is chilling to me. The Yankees dropping Hideki Matsui was not the last straw, but it was a heavy one. A player of epic proportions—the first Japanese superstar, Godzilla, a fascinating character in a fascinating story—helps lead his team to a World Series victory, and is immediately dropped by the team and wanders off elsewhere. I don’t doubt that this is both good business and good baseball, but it lends a note of indifference that I’m not sure the enterprise can endure. Some notion of teamhood, of commonality, of shared purpose, however fictional, is part of the magnetism of spectatorship—what makes us fans.
I am well aware that the old form of permanent serfdom, which tied players to a team, was unfair and unsustainable. But the sense that these guys arrive, execute, and leave is now too strong to lead me on; the magnet switch is off. The dance of soccer jerseys shared purpose and loyalty may be merely a mime—but what else but dancing and miming do we go to games for?
Now, the hardest thing for any blogger or essayist or, for that matter, stand-up comic to know is when his “I” becomes a “you”; the observational comic’s audience nod their heads happily as he leads them through airline food and first dates only to descend into an uncomfortable silence as he moves to his haven’t-we-all-been-there? bondage material. All the signs and salaries indicate that baseball is as popular as ever—each morning’s Post attests to it—and what feels like the zeitgeist may be just the very local weather. I certainly miss my team, the Montreal Expos, whose reincarnation as the Washington Nationals has perpetuated their futility while surrendering their circus-cap charm. But let me try and analyze why I have lost my larger, non-rooting interest in the game, and perhaps it will, as the poet nba jerseys says, echo in some other bosom.
1. First, there is the utter cynicism in the relation of team to player. Of course, the mercenary purpose—sign for the money and sign wherever you are offered most—is part of the ethic of professional sport, and has been openly recognized as such for decades. Only a fool or a fan (they are closely related) would have thought otherwise. But there is a difference between cynicism and utter cynicism. Something about the speed and cold-bloodedness, the absolute lack of even the pretense of solidarity in today’s game is chilling to me. The Yankees dropping Hideki Matsui was not the last straw, but it was a heavy one. A player of epic proportions—the first Japanese superstar, Godzilla, a fascinating character in a fascinating story—helps lead his team to a World Series victory, and is immediately dropped by the team and wanders off elsewhere. I don’t doubt that this is both good business and good baseball, but it lends a note of indifference that I’m not sure the enterprise can endure. Some notion of teamhood, of commonality, of shared purpose, however fictional, is part of the magnetism of spectatorship—what makes us fans.
I am well aware that the old form of permanent serfdom, which tied players to a team, was unfair and unsustainable. But the sense that these guys arrive, execute, and leave is now too strong to lead me on; the magnet switch is off. The dance of soccer jerseys shared purpose and loyalty may be merely a mime—but what else but dancing and miming do we go to games for?
2010年5月15日星期六
And the award goes to..
Adam Lind, apparently one of the MLB jerseys few players to not have a problem with manager Cito Gaston, was rewarded for his breakout season (.305 AVG, 46 doubles, 35 HR, 114 RBI), having been named the top hitting designated hitter in the American League.
Aaron Hill (.286 AVG, 37 doubles, 36 HR, 108 RBI), already named the A.L. Comeback Player of the Year after returning from post-concussion syndrome that robbed him of the final four months of 2008, was feted as the junior circuit’s top hitting second baseman.
On Monday, both leagues named their Rookies of the Year. In the N.L. it was Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan (.321 AVG, 9 HR, 47 RBI, .390 OBP) and in the A.L., it was Oakland Athletics reliever Andrew Bailey (6-3, 1.84 ERA, 26 saves). No problem here with either of those selections as I was able to see both perform last season. Coghlan came into Toronto during Interleague and was a one-man gang, going 7-for-14 with four runs scored and three doubles as Florida swept the Jays in a three-game weekend series in June.
With the World Series now in the rear view mirror, MLB continues to keep itself in the news as awards are starting be handed out to honour those whose seasons were of note.
Last week, the silver sluggers were named and while panning through the silt of the Blue Jays forgettable 2009 campaign, a pair of hitters were singled out for their offensive exploits.
As for Bailey, he was perfect in three appearances against the Jays with two saves and a win, facing 15 hitters with not one reaching base while striking out seven.
From my seat in the broadcast booth, it seemed that he lost his arm slot due to fatigue and had trouble consistently hitting the strike zone. And over those final dozen starts, Ricky was throwing almost 20 pitches per inning which kept him from going deep into games. Building up his stamina in 2010 should be paramount.
And for Roy Halladay, it had to be a disappointing fifth place finish when the Cy Young results were announced on Tuesday, coming in behind winner Zack Greinke of Kansas City, Felix Hernandez of Seattle, Detroit’s Justin Verlander and the Yankees’ CC Sabathia. Halladay was the early-season favourite after winning 10 of his first 13 starts, but a groin injury in early June set him back followed by unneeded trade rumours and his general manager throwing him under the bus. Greinke was worthy of the award based upon his MLB-best 2.16 ERA and the fact that he won 16 games for one of the worst teams in baseball.
Many thought that Jays’ rookie left-hander Ricky Romero had a shot, certainly at mid-season, but in the end he didn’t receive a single vote. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old he, like his team, fell off the radar in the second half. After his first start in August, Romero sported a sparkling 10-4, 3.53 ERA. Then the dog days of the season kicked in and Romero seemingly ran out of gas. Over his final 12 starts, he went 3-5, with a 5.53 ERA, while opponents hit him at a .310 clip. That and the fact that his team rarely strung two wins together did in Romero’s chances at some silverware.
Aaron Hill (.286 AVG, 37 doubles, 36 HR, 108 RBI), already named the A.L. Comeback Player of the Year after returning from post-concussion syndrome that robbed him of the final four months of 2008, was feted as the junior circuit’s top hitting second baseman.
On Monday, both leagues named their Rookies of the Year. In the N.L. it was Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan (.321 AVG, 9 HR, 47 RBI, .390 OBP) and in the A.L., it was Oakland Athletics reliever Andrew Bailey (6-3, 1.84 ERA, 26 saves). No problem here with either of those selections as I was able to see both perform last season. Coghlan came into Toronto during Interleague and was a one-man gang, going 7-for-14 with four runs scored and three doubles as Florida swept the Jays in a three-game weekend series in June.
With the World Series now in the rear view mirror, MLB continues to keep itself in the news as awards are starting be handed out to honour those whose seasons were of note.
Last week, the silver sluggers were named and while panning through the silt of the Blue Jays forgettable 2009 campaign, a pair of hitters were singled out for their offensive exploits.
As for Bailey, he was perfect in three appearances against the Jays with two saves and a win, facing 15 hitters with not one reaching base while striking out seven.
From my seat in the broadcast booth, it seemed that he lost his arm slot due to fatigue and had trouble consistently hitting the strike zone. And over those final dozen starts, Ricky was throwing almost 20 pitches per inning which kept him from going deep into games. Building up his stamina in 2010 should be paramount.
And for Roy Halladay, it had to be a disappointing fifth place finish when the Cy Young results were announced on Tuesday, coming in behind winner Zack Greinke of Kansas City, Felix Hernandez of Seattle, Detroit’s Justin Verlander and the Yankees’ CC Sabathia. Halladay was the early-season favourite after winning 10 of his first 13 starts, but a groin injury in early June set him back followed by unneeded trade rumours and his general manager throwing him under the bus. Greinke was worthy of the award based upon his MLB-best 2.16 ERA and the fact that he won 16 games for one of the worst teams in baseball.
Many thought that Jays’ rookie left-hander Ricky Romero had a shot, certainly at mid-season, but in the end he didn’t receive a single vote. Unfortunately for the 24-year-old he, like his team, fell off the radar in the second half. After his first start in August, Romero sported a sparkling 10-4, 3.53 ERA. Then the dog days of the season kicked in and Romero seemingly ran out of gas. Over his final 12 starts, he went 3-5, with a 5.53 ERA, while opponents hit him at a .310 clip. That and the fact that his team rarely strung two wins together did in Romero’s chances at some silverware.
2010年5月13日星期四
Ask Buck Martinez: No match for Mauer
BUCK: Joe Mauer is a once in a lifetime player. He has already won three batting titles and an MVP. I don't think we will see too many like Mauer. Most championship clubs have a good leader back there and Mauer brings the leadership for sure. But I don't know if we have ever seen a 6'5" catcher that can play every day, call a great game, throw out runners and lead the league in hitting. Johnny Bench was about as close as you can get to Mauer, but he didn't hit for the high average. With all of the beating a catcher takes during the course of a season, Joe Mauer is truly exceptional.
ADRIAN ASKS: World Cup Soccer Jersey Hi Buck, when I was growing up and became a huge Jays fan back in '84 and '85, the Jays had great success with platoons. Specifically, Garth Iorg and Rance Mulliniks at third base and Ernie Whitt and yourself behind the plate. Is the platoon player a thing of the past or could it work for the Jays now?
BUCK: There were a number of players that Bobby Cox would use in a platoon situation. You mentioned Ernie and I behind the plate, Rance and Garth at third, but how about Dave Collins and Barry Bonnell? I think Fred McGriff and Cecil Fielder split some time early on as well. Every team has a different make up and you would like to have "regulars" at most positions. I guess if you look at the Angels behind the plate with Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis and the Rays with Dioner Navarro and Kelly Shoppach you could say they were a platoon, but you don't see it that often. I don't think Cito has those types of options with this team.
PAT ASKS: Hey Buck, good to have you back with the Jays. Watching Mark Buehrle's fielding play the other day I think he should get the pitching Gold Glove right there. Which leads to my question: Jimmy Key was good fielding pitcher. Who do you think is the best fielding pitcher now and in the past?
BUCK: Shaun Marcum is a former shortstop and is pretty good off the mound. Kenny Rogers, Mark Langston and Mike Mussina all come to mind. Greg Maddux was good as well. Maybe the best of all time was Jim Kaat. "Kitty" moved around and won a boat load of Gold Gloves, 16 straight from 1962 to 1977.
With over 40 years as a major league player, manager and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has experienced baseball from all angles. Now in his new role as the Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play announcer, Buck is taking your questions in a weekly blog for sportsnet.ca, Behind the plate with Buck.
WARREN SNIDER ASKS: Hey Buck, great to hear you again. You've been a great part of my childhood and this city. How, if any, has the position of catcher changed from the time you were behind the plate. Is it evolving with such players as Joe Mauer - as the shortstop position has over the last 10 years?
MICHAEL ASKS: Given his numbers vs. lefthanders, why does Lyle Overbay continue to start at first base with a lefty on the mound? I understand it's a rebuilding year, but is this not giving at-bats away?
SCOTT PULLES ASKS: Hi Buck, I was watching the Jays second game on Sportsnet and I noticed that when Brian Tallet throws a pitch he sometimes uses different arm angles. I was wondering why he does this and if this tips off his pitches to batters in any way?
BUCK: I think Brian tries to repeat his delivery on every pitch. When he drops his arm angle the movement tends to "flatten out". He is 6'6" and has the downhill angle to the hitters which creates problems at the plate. In my mind, against the Rangers he was pretty good in repeating the angle. The only problem he had was the back-to-back homers to Vladdy Guerrero and Nelson Cruz. He doesn't light up the gun but he will give you a chance to win every night.
CARTER ASKS: I'm curious, after 17 years as a Major League player and two as a manager, what sort of mementos have you kept from your days in a big league uniform?
BUCK: I have a few important baseballs. My first home run from my days in Kansas City. I have a couple of bats and my last catcher's glove. From my managing days I have my opening day hat from 2001 in San Juan and second base from the 2006 World Baseball Classic second round game, Korea vs. USA. I also have some interesting lineup cards. I don't have a lot of bats but I have a George Brett bat from 1976 when he won his first of three batting titles, a Reggie Jackson bat and a Harmon Killebrew bat as he was my teammate in K.C. for a year.
JEFF ASKS: Hey Buck, welcome back! Can you give me an idea on how pitchers read the signs the catchers are throwing at them when there is an opponent at second base? How does the pitcher know what the call is when the catcher is waving a variety of fingers at him? Thanks!
BUCK: The signs are more simple than they look. There are several options to camouflage which pitch the catcher wants thrown. How about a couple of easy ones? First sign after two. When I flash two fingers, the next signal will be "hot." One is a fastball, two a curve, three a slider and four a change. If I flash 1-1-3-2-2-3-1, I want a curve. The first sign after "2" was 2, a curveball.
Another more advanced set is, "ahead, behind, even." Ahead in the count, first sign, behind in the count, second sign, even count, third sign. This may allow you to have a different "hot" sign on every pitch, and is very tough for a runner on second to figure out.
There are many options a catcher may choose from depending on the pitcher. Some are very protective of their signs and don't want anything so simple, that a runner may solve the sequence and pass along the information to the hitter.
BUCK: When you go back to 2000 and check out left-handed batting first baseman you'll be surprised where Overbay ranks against them. He is fifth behind Todd Helton, Nick Johnson, Justin Morneau and Jason Giambi. He is ahead of Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Jim Thome, Ryan Howard and Carlos Pena in batting against lefties. I will not tell you Overbay is the same type of run producer as Howard, Morneau and Gonzalez, but he holds his own in average. The Jays feel he is the best they have right now and don't underestimate the value of his glove as you try to bring a good pitching staff along this year.
ADRIAN ASKS: World Cup Soccer Jersey Hi Buck, when I was growing up and became a huge Jays fan back in '84 and '85, the Jays had great success with platoons. Specifically, Garth Iorg and Rance Mulliniks at third base and Ernie Whitt and yourself behind the plate. Is the platoon player a thing of the past or could it work for the Jays now?
BUCK: There were a number of players that Bobby Cox would use in a platoon situation. You mentioned Ernie and I behind the plate, Rance and Garth at third, but how about Dave Collins and Barry Bonnell? I think Fred McGriff and Cecil Fielder split some time early on as well. Every team has a different make up and you would like to have "regulars" at most positions. I guess if you look at the Angels behind the plate with Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis and the Rays with Dioner Navarro and Kelly Shoppach you could say they were a platoon, but you don't see it that often. I don't think Cito has those types of options with this team.
PAT ASKS: Hey Buck, good to have you back with the Jays. Watching Mark Buehrle's fielding play the other day I think he should get the pitching Gold Glove right there. Which leads to my question: Jimmy Key was good fielding pitcher. Who do you think is the best fielding pitcher now and in the past?
BUCK: Shaun Marcum is a former shortstop and is pretty good off the mound. Kenny Rogers, Mark Langston and Mike Mussina all come to mind. Greg Maddux was good as well. Maybe the best of all time was Jim Kaat. "Kitty" moved around and won a boat load of Gold Gloves, 16 straight from 1962 to 1977.
With over 40 years as a major league player, manager and broadcaster, Buck Martinez has experienced baseball from all angles. Now in his new role as the Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play announcer, Buck is taking your questions in a weekly blog for sportsnet.ca, Behind the plate with Buck.
WARREN SNIDER ASKS: Hey Buck, great to hear you again. You've been a great part of my childhood and this city. How, if any, has the position of catcher changed from the time you were behind the plate. Is it evolving with such players as Joe Mauer - as the shortstop position has over the last 10 years?
MICHAEL ASKS: Given his numbers vs. lefthanders, why does Lyle Overbay continue to start at first base with a lefty on the mound? I understand it's a rebuilding year, but is this not giving at-bats away?
SCOTT PULLES ASKS: Hi Buck, I was watching the Jays second game on Sportsnet and I noticed that when Brian Tallet throws a pitch he sometimes uses different arm angles. I was wondering why he does this and if this tips off his pitches to batters in any way?
BUCK: I think Brian tries to repeat his delivery on every pitch. When he drops his arm angle the movement tends to "flatten out". He is 6'6" and has the downhill angle to the hitters which creates problems at the plate. In my mind, against the Rangers he was pretty good in repeating the angle. The only problem he had was the back-to-back homers to Vladdy Guerrero and Nelson Cruz. He doesn't light up the gun but he will give you a chance to win every night.
CARTER ASKS: I'm curious, after 17 years as a Major League player and two as a manager, what sort of mementos have you kept from your days in a big league uniform?
BUCK: I have a few important baseballs. My first home run from my days in Kansas City. I have a couple of bats and my last catcher's glove. From my managing days I have my opening day hat from 2001 in San Juan and second base from the 2006 World Baseball Classic second round game, Korea vs. USA. I also have some interesting lineup cards. I don't have a lot of bats but I have a George Brett bat from 1976 when he won his first of three batting titles, a Reggie Jackson bat and a Harmon Killebrew bat as he was my teammate in K.C. for a year.
JEFF ASKS: Hey Buck, welcome back! Can you give me an idea on how pitchers read the signs the catchers are throwing at them when there is an opponent at second base? How does the pitcher know what the call is when the catcher is waving a variety of fingers at him? Thanks!
BUCK: The signs are more simple than they look. There are several options to camouflage which pitch the catcher wants thrown. How about a couple of easy ones? First sign after two. When I flash two fingers, the next signal will be "hot." One is a fastball, two a curve, three a slider and four a change. If I flash 1-1-3-2-2-3-1, I want a curve. The first sign after "2" was 2, a curveball.
Another more advanced set is, "ahead, behind, even." Ahead in the count, first sign, behind in the count, second sign, even count, third sign. This may allow you to have a different "hot" sign on every pitch, and is very tough for a runner on second to figure out.
There are many options a catcher may choose from depending on the pitcher. Some are very protective of their signs and don't want anything so simple, that a runner may solve the sequence and pass along the information to the hitter.
BUCK: When you go back to 2000 and check out left-handed batting first baseman you'll be surprised where Overbay ranks against them. He is fifth behind Todd Helton, Nick Johnson, Justin Morneau and Jason Giambi. He is ahead of Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Jim Thome, Ryan Howard and Carlos Pena in batting against lefties. I will not tell you Overbay is the same type of run producer as Howard, Morneau and Gonzalez, but he holds his own in average. The Jays feel he is the best they have right now and don't underestimate the value of his glove as you try to bring a good pitching staff along this year.
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