Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 544 of 1503)

      Vince Wilfork preparing for contract battle

      January 28, 2010 /

      One name to keep an eye on this offseason in the NFL is Patriots’ defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this spring. Wilfork has already stated that he either wants a long-term deal or to be set free.

      The problem is that the Patriots have no desire to let him walk. If they can’t reach a long-term deal, they would apply the franchise tag on him, which Wilfork has referred to as being a “slap in the face.”

      The Patriots are facing quite a dilemma because they’re not a franchise known for giving players huge contracts when they become free agents, but they also know that Wilfork is a unique athlete. Anyone they would get to replace him would be a downgrade, whether it’s Ron Brace or a rookie like Alabama’s Shaun Cody. So they’ll either have to step up and meet Wilfork’s demands or risk alienating him with a franchise tag.

      It might be time for the Patriots to finally step up and pay.


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      NFL

      Yankees sign Winn, could signal the end of Damon’s time in New York

      January 27, 2010 /

      The Yankees signed free agent outfielder Randy Winn, which more than likely signals the end of Johnny Damon’s time in New York. Joel Sherman reports that the deal for Winn is a one-year contract worth around $2 million.

      Brian Cashman has maintained that he won’t go higher than $2 million for Damon, who still has pop in his bat but is the worst defensive outfielder in baseball. Winn was a disaster against left-handed pitching last year, but he’s an outstanding defender and will play a great right field in New York.

      Damon and his agent Scott Boras are reportedly still seeking a contract in the double-digit range, but considering he’s a defensive liability, he probably won’t get much more than $5 million guaranteed. The A’s and Rays are possible landing spots, but he’ll have to come down on his demands.

      Of course, if he comes down a bit on his demands, he might be able to return to New York.


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      MLB

      Arenas to be suspended for rest of season?

      January 27, 2010 /

      The Washington Post reports that Wizards’ star Gilbert Arenas will be suspended for the remainder of the NBA season.

      According to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Arenas also told Stern that he would tell the players’ union not to fight the suspension. Stern will announce his ruling later this afternoon.

      Arenas met with Stern at the league offices in New York for nearly an hour this afternoon. He was accompanied by his attorney, Ken Wainstein.

      The meeting came nearly two weeks after Arenas pleaded guilty to a felony gun charge and was expected to provide Stern with the final details before he determined a punishment for Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton, who were involved in a locker room dispute in which guns were displayed at Verizon Center on Dec. 21.

      Arenas was suspended indefinitely for his behavior after the incident was first reported, including his decision to mockingly pretend he was shooting his teammates with his fingers before a game in Philadelphia on Jan. 5. Arenas has missed the past 12 games while serving the suspension. The Wizards have 38 games remaining, which would put the total of suspension at 50 games.

      The article also notes that Arenas has no desire to play for Wizards’ President Ernie Grunfeld again, which is why it makes sense that Arenas wouldn’t fight the suspension.

      Update: It’s official, David Stern suspended Arenas the rest of the season, according to Yahoo! Sports.


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      NBA

      Report: Warner expected to retire on Friday

      January 27, 2010 /

      ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Cardinals have scheduled a Friday press conference to address Kurt Warner’s future and according to Schefter, all signs point towards Warner retiring.

      Teammate Antrel Rolle also believes Warner will hang ‘em up (From Player Press.com):

      “Judging from conversations that I’ve had with him I think he understands that he’s had a great, Hall of Fame career. I think football has taken its course. But he’s the best teammate I’ve ever had. He’s been a leader on and off the field.” -excerpt from Rolle’s January 26th blog.

      Warner has racked up 32,344 yards and 208 touchdown passes throughout his stellar career. He has also compiled a 93.7 passer rating, a 65.5% completion percentage and only Peyton manning (four) and Brett Favre (three) have compiled more MVP awards than Warner (two).

      There’s nothing left for Warner to prove and if the game isn’t fun for him anymore, then it makes sense that he would retire now. He took one hell of a shot in the Divisional Round against the Saints and it no doubt reminded him that he has other things that he wants to pursue when he’s done with football.

      There have been rumors that Arizona might pursue Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick, but it makes more sense that Matt Leinart will get the first crack at the starting QB job if Warner does retire. And if that happens, the Cardinals’ offense will definitely change from a pass-first unit to a balanced approach that features young running back Beanie Wells.


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      NFL

      Does Michael Vick make sense for the Rams?

      January 27, 2010 /

      According to beat writer Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Rams are seriously considering trading for Michael Vick this offseason, although Thomas didn’t provide much detail outside of that.

      If Thomas is right, the question now becomes whether or not Vick is a good fit for the Rams. On one hand, he provides an upgrade over Marc Bulger just based on his athletic and playmaking ability. Bulger hasn’t resembled a starting caliber quarterback since 2006 and even though Vick hasn’t taken a meaningful snap since that year, at least he would instill some life into the position.

      On the other hand, who knows how Vick would handle a full season under center. Again, he hasn’t played since 2006 and he only attempted 13 passes this season for an average of 6.6 yards per attempt. And quite frankly, he wasn’t that good of a passer even when he was a regularly starter.

      That said, the Rams are so devoid of talent that acquiring Vick just from that standpoint would be a good move. And unless they view Jimmy Clausen as a franchise quarterback (which is possible), then whom else are the Rams going to get? Bulger is a has been and Kyle Boller was a never was. At least Vick could run around and make a couple of big plays on the Edward Jones Dome carpet.

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      NFL

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