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      One and done: Cowboys cut Pacman Jones

      January 8, 2009 /

      The Pacman Jones experiment in Dallas has come to end after just one season, as the Cowboy released the cornerback on Wednesday.

      The Cowboys traded for Jones despite the cornerback’s suspension for the 2007 season after multiple off-field incidents while with the Titans. He was given another chance and cleared to play in 2008 by commissioner Roger Goodell.

      But on Oct. 7, Jones got into a scuffle with a bodyguard who was part of a team-employed security detail. A week later, Goodell suspended the cornerback indefinitely, which eventually turned into a six-week suspension. Jones missed a seventh game later in the season with an injury.

      The 25-year-old Jones spent part of his time away from football taking part in an alcohol rehabilitation program.

      Kind of funny that when the Cowboys desperately need cornerbacks to make a playoff push late in the year, owner Jerry Jones did everything in his power to get Pacman reinstated again after his most recent f-up. And now he’s promptly shoving him out the door.

      Despite Pacman netting zero interceptions and just a 4.5-yard average on punt returns, I think Jones got everything he needed out of the delinquent one. He got a rodeo clown for his circus (i.e. HBO’s “Hard Knocks”) and a warm body when the Cowboys were hurting with injuries late in the year.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Should Trevor Hoffman sign with the Dodgers?

      January 8, 2009 /

      hoffmanSince Brian Fuentes signed with the Los Angeles Angels, the market for a successful closer has significantly tightened. Last December, the Los Angeles Dodgers released closer Takashi Saito, citing his age and recent elbow injury as deciding factors. The Dodgers have struggled to fill this role all winter, on the fence as to whether young hurler Jonathan Broxton has the consistency that is needed. Now the organization is looking to all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman.

      As the San Francisco Giants consider trumping the Dodgers’ offer to Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers have offered all-time save leader Trevor Hoffman a one-year contract to be their closer.

      The Milwaukee Brewers also are in pursuit of Hoffman, who is expected to make his decision this week. It is uncertain whether the Brewers have offered a two-year guarantee to combat their geographical disadvantage, since Hoffman lives in northern San Diego county.

      Hoffman made $7.5 million last season with the San Diego Padres, who withdrew a $4-million offer to him in November. The Dodgers’ offer exceeds $4 million.

      He went 3-6 with a 3.77 earned-run average last season, including a 1.59 ERA after the All-Star break. He converted 30 of 34 saves but gave up one home run every 5.7 innings, the second-worst ratio of his career.

      By signing Hoffman, the Dodgers would return Jonathan Broxton to a setup role and add a veteran arm to a bullpen that has lost Takashi Saito, Joe Beimel and Chan Ho Park.

      At first glance, I’m not sure what to make of all this. The Dodgers are supposedly offering Hoffman at least $4 million, which is more than what Takashi Saito was asking. The two are both older players, with Hoffman at 41 and Saito at 39. Where talent is concerned, Saito was easily the best closer in the National League in ’06 and ’07. Hoffman, however, is the most consistent closer of all time. His all-time record of 554 saves is incredible, considering Mariano Rivera trails behind him at 500.

      What it comes down to is past injuries. It’s remarkable that Hoffman has pitched so long without ever seriously hurting himself. Case in point, he’s still got it. He even managed to convert 30 of his 34 save opportunities last year with the support of a pathetic Padres offense. Saito, while dominant when he’s healthy, had career-altering Tommy John surgery last year and was unable to pitch in the NLCS.

      The Dodgers and Hoffman are a good fit. He’s just the guy to mentor the young and wild Jonathan Broxton. After Broxton sets up Hoffman in the 8th inning, he can take notes while watching the saves leader in action.

      MLB

      Browns hire Eric Mangini

      January 7, 2009 /

      It’s official Browns fans:

      Eric Mangini completed his rise from Browns ball boy and public relations intern Wednesday, when he reached agreement on a contract to become the team’s fourth coach since 1999.

      Mangini went 23-25 with the New York Jets, including a 10-6 playoff season in his first year in 2006. In 2008, the Jets started 8-3 but finished 9-7 as quarterback Brett Favre faded down the stretch.

      Mangini, who turns 38 on Jan. 19, was the first person Lerner interviewed after firing coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage after a 4-12 season and 24-40 record over four years.

      A protege of former Browns coach Bill Belichick and a graduate of Belichick’s alma mater Wesleyan University, Mangini worked with Belichick for 10 years, including one in Cleveland (1995) and three with the Jets when Belichick was assistant head coach under Bill Parcells.

      Mangini could also consider keeping Crennel on as an assistant since they worked together for seven years with the Jets and Patriots.

      I shared my thoughts on the subject here.

      Fantasy Football, NFL

      Browns to hire Mangini by end of week?

      January 7, 2009 /

      Rotoworld.com (via ESPN’s John Clayton) says that Eric Mangini could be hired by the Browns as early as this week.

      ESPN’s John Clayton believes that the Browns could hold a presser by as early as Thursday to announce their new head coach.
      Eric Mangini is already trying to poach the Jets’ coaching staff for assistants, so it’s clear that a deal is imminent. Mangini’s top choice to run the offense is Bill Callahan. He may target Romeo Crennel to call the defense.

      Depending on who becomes their next GM, this is a good move. There’s no doubt Mangini learned a few things in New York – namely what happens when other teams figure out how to scheme against him. And despite popular opinion, the Browns aren’t a total mess. They have a young quarterback that has showed potential, a solid offensive line and a couple of defensive players in Shaun Rogers, Sean Jones and Eric Wright to build around. They just need a coach that will demonstrate leadership and that will instill direction.

      Mangini should be instrumental in turning around the defense, although the same thing was said when Romeo Crennel was hired. Still, this is a sound move because he’s a good football coach and he’s one of the more creative young minds in the NFL.

      NFL

      What’s wrong with the Celtics?

      January 7, 2009 /

      The Christmas Day loss to the Lakers was understandable. And maybe even the next night’s loss to the Warriors was forgivable, since it the second of back-to-back games and Oakland is always a tough place to play. But what about consecutive losses to the Knicks and the Bobcats, each with a day’s rest beforehand? After racing out to the best start in league history, the Celtics are now 2-5 in their last seven, and have lost back-to-back games to teams with a combined record of 26-42. Ouch.

      It’s tough to be the defending champs, because every night you’re going to get your opponent’s maximum effort. It’s also important to note that all five of those losses were road games, and it can be tough to win on the road in the NBA, especially when you have a big bull’s eye painted on your back.

      A quick look at the Celtics’ season stats reveals a few things:

      1. Other than Eddie House, they don’t have a legitimate three-point threat on their bench. This is an area where they miss James Posey (along with what he brought to the table defensively).

      2. Glen Davis is shooting 37% from the field, which is absolutely dreadful for a power forward. Despite bigger minutes, his points and rebounds are down. Not good.

      3. Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins are holding up to their end of the deal. Rondo is averaging 11.1 points, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds a game, and he’s fourth in the league in steals. He is quickly developing into one of the best all-around point guards in the league. Perkins hasn’t made as big of a leap, but he’s a few minutes away from averaging a double-double. Right now he’s at 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest.

      Given how important James Posey was to the Celtics’ title run, we knew heading into the season that it was a big risk to let the Hornets sign him away. He brought solid defense and good three-point shooting, which are two things that are lacking on the Boston bench right now. The C’s are toying with the idea of bringing Stephon Marbury in for a trial run (if he ever agrees to a buyout with the Knicks), and he would provide some long-range punch off the bench. I don’t see a lot of other options for the Celtics, considering they don’t have a substantial expiring contract or tradeable players. Garnett and Pierce are untouchable, and the team can’t do without Ray Ray’s outside shooting. Rondo is too good and he would leave a gaping hole at point guard, and the same goes for Perkins in the middle. What are the C’s going to get for House, Tony Allen or Glen Davis? Leon Powe would be good trade bait, but the Celtics need his toughness and rebounding off the bench. Besides, it’s doubtful that Danny Ainge would make any major changes to this group since it got them to the Promised Land last season.

      I don’t think this 2-5 stretch is a sign that the Celtics aren’t for real. They are. The NBA season is a grind and they’ll be there at the end. It’s going to be interesting to see how they play at home tonight against a good Houston team and then on Friday at Cleveland.

      Thursday (1/8) Update: The Rockets did indeed beat the Celtics in Boston.

      Fantasy Basketball, NBA

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