Today marks an exciting day for baseball fans across the country. Today is opening day. For some teams sights are set at the World Series, while some look to improve upon last year and for some, just to brave another storm (I'm looking at you Pittsburgh Pirates). The Minnesota Twins are coming off their second straight Central Division Championship and head into the season as some of the expert's pick to win the division yet again.
Another banner will fly at Target Field, we will all cheer and look proudly at our regular season accomplishment. But, for the second year in a row, fifth year in the last eight, the Twins have failed to get past the first round of the playoffs, including two consecutive sweeps by the hands of the Yankees. As a Twins fan myself, I get caught up in the run of it. It's hard not to. My favorite team always has that "chip, chair and a chance." Well we have not seen the American League Championship Series since 2002 (that's the second round for you noobs). Our chip can't buy us anything, our chair gets pulled out from underneath us and our chances are equivalent to Lloyd Christmas's chance with Mary Swanson. The Yankees have gotten to lick their chops with us in our last three trips to the playoffs, beating us nine straight times. We did however get game one on them in 2004, coincidentally the Twins' last playoff win.
Really, there is a reason Minnesota has been dubbed "Loservillle, USA" by radio host Paul Allen. The Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild have a combined 0 championships, The Gophers hoops and football haven't done anything in decades. The Twins are the brightest spot on the list but they haven't been to the World Series since '91, almost 20 years ago.
Is this year the year? Last year the Twins won 94 games, the second-highest total under Ron Gardenhire, yet the outcome was the same. Some blame the injury on Justin Morneau's season as the reason the Twins weren't able to get over the hump. Granted, Morneau was sidelined in the midst of an MVP season, but the Twins didn't have a major problem winning games without Morneau's stick in the lineup. Starting pitching was a regular problem for the Twins last season, yet they did nothing to address the problem this year. It has been very characteristic of the Twins to give their own guys the chances and at times over-value the talent they have in their system. Not trading Brian Duensing for Cliff Lee was deemed "the best trade never made" by the Twins' broadcast crew. Basically they said Cliff Lee is no Brian Duensing. It's uncanny. They did however make a major move sending Wilson Ramos for a certified closer in Matt Capps. It was a great move to bolster the bullpen, but this season they let Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier, Brian Fuentes and Jesse Crain walk, while not attempting to sign any viable replacements. It could be a mess back there this year.
The Twins lack attitude. From the top down, the Twins project a baseball team that should play their home games on the ABC Family channel. Even the manager resembles Santa Claus. Gardy loves his clubhouse boys, regardless of skill and talent. Nick Punto hustled to first base, Cuddyer does magic tricks and has a good smile, and they are on the manager's nice list but guys like Delmon Young-arguably the MVP last season, are regularly left out of the lineup (until in Young's case, absolutely had to be in the lineup). Attitude is unacceptable here in Minnesota. We like our good guys. We'd rather lose with good guys than win with assholes.
This year there still is hope for us though. I use the term hope in its most defined sense. Danny Valencia is young and maybe picks up from where he left off last year and is our third bagger for years to come. Maybe Alexi Casilla grows up and remembers how many outs there are. Hopefully the rotation figures itself out and can keep the burden off the bullpen. We have to hope and pray that our MVP first baseman has his concussion symptoms behind him and he's able to rake like we know he can. And lastly, I can't leave out our new second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka, our hot splash last offseason. Nishioka comes in to replace the O-Dog, Orlando Hudson a great veteran leader with a nice glove. Nishioka comes over with a few Japanese League batting titles on his shelf, so here's to hoping that he can get used to American pitching rather quickly to strengthen the top of our order. The least I can say, it doesn't seem on paper, that the Twins didn't get any worse, they just failed to get better.
There's a lot of that hope I'm talking about swirling around Minnesota baseball this year, again. Hell, we could win the division again this year, even though the Chi Sox and Tigers look like they made some major improvements this year. It's going to be a tough race. Maybe battling with them 36 times this season will toughen the lovable Twins up enough to maybe even beat a team from the east. Maybe. Either way, the Twins need to prove that they aren't afraid of the big boys this year. If there isn't any improvement, the organization needs to take a long look in the mirror.
Here's to hoping. Play ball.
currently jamming on: Atmosphere
With the NFL collective bargaining agreement being a total question mark, one thing is certain: The NFL Draft is happening, even if the season doesn't. The scouting combine brought in players from all over the country to show off their skills to NFL scouts from all 32 teams. Some coaches call it "shorts skills" as players are without pads and free to showcase their talents through drills like the popular 40 yard dash, broad jump and bench press. Although importance of some drills is arguable, a player's stock can be increased and decreased with a great or sub par performance in Indy at the combine.
Here's how I see the first round going down.
1. Carolina Panthers
Needs: QB, DE, OLB
Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Although Jimmy Clausen is young and could still pan out as an NFL quarterback, nobody would fault Ron Rivera for wanting to bring in his own quarterback to start his tenure as an NFL head coach. Gabbert is a very accurate passer with a strong arm with the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. Carolina could have a great quarterback in Gabbert or strong leverage for teams pining for him.
2. Denver Broncos
Needs: DE, ILB, CB
Pick: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
The Broncos defense was seriously hurt with the loss of Elvis Dumerville last season and had trouble stopping the run and getting any pass rush. With the addition of the Fairly here in the draft, his size (297 lbs.) matched with his speed, and athleticism, the Broncos defensive line can get a major boost in both areas.
3. Buffalo Bills
Needs: QB, DE, LB
Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Although Cam had a disappointing showing in Indy, his Auburn pro day went rather seamlessly. Buffalo has multiple holes to fill this year and it goes beyond the first round. Some say Cam Newton isn't quite NFL ready, but the Bills didn't win a game until week 10 last season and sported an NFL worst -142 net points. Couldn't get much worse.
4. Cincinatti Bengals
Needs: RB, DE, OT
Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Taking a page from Matt Millen's book, using a top-10 pick on a wide receiver doesn't always work. However Green's crisp route running, speed and toughness would look very nice across the field from Ochocinco. Not to mention, with the Carson Palmer drama unfolding, it might bode well for Cinci to grab another tool for Palmer.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Needs: QB, OLB, OT
Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Arizona needs a franchise quarterback but with the top 2 already off the board they'll bring in Miller here as a perfect fit for their 3-4 scheme. Miller is fast and although typically a pass rusher in college, is athletic enough to transition to a 3 down player in the Cardinals' defense.
6. Cleveland Browns
Needs: DE, DT, WR
Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
New defensive coordinator Dick Jauron is transitioning the Browns defense into a 4-3 scheme and is in dire need of a premier pass rushing end. Da'Quan Bowers, once thought could be the first pick in the draft may fall into the lap of the Browns due to lingering concerns on his knee. With the speed and power Bowers has, he could be a potential star.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Needs: QB, DT, CB
Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Another team hoping for one of the quarterbacks to fit their new west coast scheme, but Peterson is an athlete that is hard to pass up. Drawing parallels to Prime Time, Peterson ran the second fastest 40 time at this years combine while being one of the largest corners in the draft at 6 feet and 219 lbs. His speed, athleticism and ball skills will benefit the 49ers defense and special teams for years to come.
8. Tennessee Titans
Needs: QB, DT, ILB
Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
With Dareus's size at 319 lbs and his ability to collapse the pocket by himself Tennessee is going to get a perfect replacement for their nose tackle void left by fat Albert. Dareus could go much earlier instead of Nick Fairly, but I believe Dareus is a true nose tackle versus the more versitile Fairly and is perfectly suited for a 3-4 scheme like the Titans.
9. Dallas Cowboys
Needs: DE, OT, ILB
Pick: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Smith is the best tackle in a weaker draft this year. He is surging up most people's draft boards due to his recently bulked up frame accompanied with his speed and ability to push. Smith has all the tools with a great amount of upside, could be blocking Tony Romo's blindside for many years to come.
10. Washington Redskins
Needs: QB, WR, OT/G
Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Obviously a glaring need for a quarterback, but without any playmakers it really doesn't matter who's tossing the rock. Jones at 220 lbs has great blocking ability and the speed (4.39-40) to beat defenders downfield and the size at 6-3 to jump over them. After calming concerns about a fractured foot at the combine, the Skins should be all over him at 10.
11. Houston Texans
Needs: 3-4 DE, CB, OLB
Pick: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Prototype of a Wade Phillips guy. He showed great skills and athleticism at the combine despite being 290 pounds. Watt has a great motor on him good football smarts and will help the new-look defensive line.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Needs: QB, DE, S
Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Could've been the first overall pick last season, but after a poor senior season, Locker's stock dropped a bit. But after a good showing at the combine, the scouts remember why they were all over him last year. Frazier can have his franchise quarterback in his first full year of head coach.
13. Detroit Lions
Needs: CB, OT, LB
Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Lions could go offensive line here, but they get a great opportunity to fill their biggest need here with Prince. He's not as big and athletic as Patrick Peterson but Amukamara has the instincts and the speed to be a shut-down corner in the NFL.
14. St. Louis Rams
Needs: DT, WR, OLB
Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Quinn falls through the cracks and has too much potential for the Rams to pass up. He can play opposite Chris Long and they'll form a very scary pass rush duo on that defensive line. Quinn has a great skill set and a relentless motor. Absolute steal here at 14.
15. Miami Dolphins
Needs: RB, OG, QB
Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Ingram silenced all questions about his knee as he got stronger as the season progressed. Scouts say he's the most NFL ready back in the draft and the Dolphins definitely need to upgrade their backfield with an aging Ronnie Brown and a questionable return of Ricky Williams.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: WR, DE, S
Pick: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
At 6'4'' 265, Smith has the frame to be an edge rusher in both schemes. Smith might have benefited by sticking around Missouri for another season, but he has the skills and the upside to be a very good pass rusher.
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Needs: OLB, DE, OL
Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, Califonia
Cameron is a good fit for Belichek's defense as he has enough size and strength to play the end in the 3-4. He's 6'4'' and 290 and has some of the best speed and athleticism at his position.
18. San Diego Chargers
Needs: DE, LB, WR
Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT/DE, Temple
Wilkerson can immediately beef up the Chargers' 3-man front. He's got the size to eat up blocks and is strong and athletic enough to get off those blocks and make plays on the ball carrier.
19. New York Giants
Needs: C/G, DT, LB
Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
The Giants don't really have any gaping holes to fill here, but with all the injuries they suffered last year they could look to add depth with Liuget with this pick. Liuget isn't a great pass rusher but is big and disruptive up front. Could be beneficial for Tuck and Usi.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: DE, OLB, CB
Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Kerrigan could benefit with some more bulk, but has a relentless motor and has most scouts thinking Aaron Kampman. At Purdue he led the nation with 26 TFL and at times was unblockable. The Bucs need a better pass rush as they were 30th in the league with 26 sacks.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
The Chiefs get a good anchor on the line here opposite LT Branden Albert. Carimi is very big with good footwork and is a force in the run game. Carimi will provide consistent protection and has the ability to push multiple defenders to open up holes.
22. Indianapolis Colts
Needs: OT, OG, CB
Pick: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Indy's offensive line is aging and it showed last year with their inability to run the ball effectively. Solder is a perfect fit for the Colts and has a lot of upside. He needs to be a little more consistent but with his long frame, could turn into a dominating tackle.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Needs: CB, OLB, OT
Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Smith is the 3rd best CB in the draft, but the Eagles are getting a tall, fast and athletic corner that has the instincts to read and react to the ball in the air. He was the best player and was able to be a shut down corner on a bad Colorado defense.
24. New Orleans Saints
Needs: DE, OLB, S
Pick: Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia
Houston has the versatility to be the edge rusher in a 3-4 or play the end in the 4-3. Houston is strong and fast around the edge and relentless in the pursuit of the quarterback. He'll have to work on his role in the run game, but is a very good fit for the Saints here.
25. Seattle Seahawks
Needs: OL, OLB, QB
Pick: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
A guy who is very quick off the ball, he usually gets the first punch in pass blocking. Pouncey is very big and physical in the run game and tries to put the defender's back on the ground every play. Great NFL bloodline as older brother Maurkice centers the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Needs: CB, WR, DE
Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St.
The Ravens could trade up for Jimmy Smith or take him if he falls here, but Cameron Heyward fits the Ravens defensive scheme very well. Heyward's stock has fallen since his Tommy John surgery but he curbed some of the doubts with his performance in the Sugar Bowl.
27. Atlanta Falcons
Needs: DE, OLB, OL
Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Great pass rusher and plays with active hands shedding blocks to get around the edge. Has great speed to close in on the quarterback and is agile enough to break down and pursue ball carriers.
28. New England Patriots
Needs: OLB, DE, OL
Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
New England gets a chance to fill two areas of need here in the first round with picking Castonzo with the second of their two picks. Castonzo has very quick feet given his size (6'7''-307) and has great balance at the point of attack.
29. Chicago Bears
Needs: OT, DT, OLB
Pick: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Jay Cutler took far too many hits last year and the Bears need to think about upgrading their offensive line. Sherrod is a little reach here but is the best OT left on the board. I can see the Bears trying to move up in the draft to get Carimi or Solder but Sherrod is big and versatile to play guard if needed.
30. New York Jets
Needs: DT, DE, WR
Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Paea was a beast at the combine, shattering the combine bench press record. He has the size and strength to be a true nose tackle for the Jets. He plays with good leverage and is strong enough to push the blockers straight back.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: OL, CB, WR
Pick: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
Good read and react defender and is quick to help support against the run. Better man-to-man defender than zone but is very quick and can make plays on the ball.
32. Green Bay Packers
Needs: OT, OLB, DE
Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Ayers' stock dramatically dropped after he ran a 4.8-40 at the combine. With that time, doubts are swirling about his ability to be a pass rushing OLB. However, Ayers is still crazy agile and shows a great skill at getting to the ball carrier. Not to mention, he has 6 career INTs with 2 going for TDs.
Currently jamming on: The Black Keys
