Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1414 of 1503)

Chiefs trade Hall to Rams

April 25, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

The Kansas City Chiefs traded wide receiver/kick returner Dante Hall to the St. Louis Rams for a 2007 fifth round pick Wednesday.

At first glance, trading Hall for a fifth round pick seems ridiculous for a returner so explosive just a few seasons ago. However, Hall hasn’t necessarily lit up the league the past two seasons, so a fifth round pick is more than justified. St. Louis was in dire need a returner and at 28, Hall still has plenty left in the tank and should excel on turf next year. Plus, this all but guarantees the Rams won’t take a wide out with their first pick this weekend in the draft, which has been rumored for at least a week now.

NFL, NFL Draft

Green-trade holding all the cards to the top of the draft?

April 24, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

John Clayton reported on ESPN2 Monday night that the Raiders want to acquire Daunte Culpepper from the Dolphins and then draft Georgia Tech wide out Calvin Johnson with the first overall pick. However, Culpepper likely won’t be available if Miami can’t swing a deal for Chiefs’ quarterback Trent Green, so in essence, Clayton is saying Green will determine the top picks in this weekend’s draft. The only caveat is if a deal for Green can’t be done before draft day, because then Oakland will be “forced” to take LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

I’m not buying it.

First of all, no team is forced to do anything on draft day. If you don’t want a player, nobody says you have to take him. Secondly, anyone who watched Culpepper play last year knows a deal involving him shouldn’t be the trump card in whether or not a team signs a backup kicker, yet alone the number one overall pick in the draft. And finally, if the Raiders really want Johnson, they’re going to get him at any cost. They’ll select him, continue to work with Miami after the draft for Culpepper or take Trent Edwards in the second round, etc. I respect Clayton, but no team is going to set a deadline on trying to acquire a quarterback or rush themselves into a pick they don’t want.

NFL, NFL Draft, Rumors & Gossip

Chiefs willing to part with LJ?

April 21, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

The Kansas City Star is reporting the Chiefs have shopped running back Larry Johnson. According to the article, the Chiefs are looking for extra draft picks and have shopped or are shopping Johnson, veteran quarterback Trent Green and kick returner Dante Hall.

Chalk up another team possibly not willing or unable to pay a franchise player. Johnson can void the seven-year, $9 million contract he signed in ’03 at the end of this season, leading one to believe the Chiefs are worried about signing him.

It’s doubtful the Chiefs will trade Johnson in the end, but they’re certainly flirting with disaster now that the news is public. Johnson was easily offended when former head coach Dick Vermeil told the media he might have to, “Take the diapers off”, which was in reference to the running back possibly having to play injured in a regular season game in 2004. How well is he going to take the news that the Chiefs have shopped him?

NFL, Rumors & Gossip

A-Rod tearing it up as Yanks-Sox renew rivalry this weekend

April 20, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

In just 57 at bats this season, Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez has 10 home runs, 26 RBI and 17 runs scored. He’s also hitting .357, which leads many to wonder, are Yankee fans ready to embrace A-Rod?

The MLB season is long and daunting, so to say New York fans are ready to throw their arms around Rodriguez would be a bit premature. However, what’s often the knock on A-Rod? Many complain of the way his numbers always seem hallow because he only hits when he’s not in a pressure-cooker situation. Two of his 10 home runs this season have been walk offs, so maybe he’s starting to get used to hitting in the oven that is New York City.

Rodriguez and the Yankees travel to Boston this weekend for a three game series. Besides A-Rod’s sudden set of berries while hitting in crucial situations, something to keep an eye on is Andy Pettitte vs. Curt Shilling Friday night, as well as Dice-K’s first career appearance against the Yankees on Sunday.

Will the Red Sox get a measure of revenge on the Yankees after the Bronx Bombers hammered them in Boston towards the end of last year? Will Rodriguez prove that is early season numbers are not a fluke? Let the games begin.

MLB

Squashing 10 pre-draft rumors

April 20, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

I enjoy draft rumors and speculation as much as the next guy, but I have to draw a line somewhere. With the draft just about a week away, I squash 10 pre-draft rumors – including a couple involving Calvin Johnson and whether a couple of stud prospects will fall in the first round – in my latest column for Bullz-Eye.com.

Click here to read the article.