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Genius Unchained: Bernard King vs. Isiah, Larry, and History

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

by Chuck Modiano

Part II of Bernard King: The NBA’s Invisible Genius

“What he did to us I had never seen before. We caught him in the middle of a three-year stretch where he was playing better than any small forward in the history of the game.” –Isiah Thomas

Bernard King — The NBA’s Invisible Genius —  is also playoff legend. In his first two seasons, he led the Knicks to back-to-back first round upsets. In his very first Knick playoff game against the Nets in 1983, King scored 40 points on only 21 shots, and when he took at least 20 shots he scored 40 points seven times in eleven chances. Only once did Bernard exceed 27 shots. His two epic 1984 series against the Pistons and Celtics caught the NBA nation by storm, but the local explosion began in January.

King’s 40 game-stretch of 30 points on 60% shooting highlighted by back-to-back 50 point games was the result of an offensive genius who was finally given permission to display his artwork [see Genius Contained]. At a time when ESPN was covering rugby, King’s 40 game stretch got little attention, but his legendary post-season work is well-known. Instead, King’s playoff legacy has been hijacked.

Isiah Hijacks Bernard in 94 Seconds: You have seen the video clip. Isiah Thomas puts on a 94-second performance for the ages by sending the deciding game into overtime. Even though Isiah lost the duel (44-35), game (127-123), and series (3-2), he still won the war. Today, “16 points in 94 seconds” trumps Bernard’s historic series average of “42 points on 60% shooting”. Only Jerry West and Michael Jordan have ever surpassed 40 points in a playoff series, but neither could approach 60% shooting.

“I’ve never seen any one player dominate a team like King. There is no way to stop him.” —Dave Bing [HOF 1990]

Michael Hijacks Real Flu Game: What if you wrapped up the “Flu Game” by Jordan, “The Duel”  by Bird and Wilkins, and added a dash of Willis Reed? Then you get Bernard battling Isiah in Game 5 with a 102 fever and mangled hands that were getting freeze-sprayed throughout the game. In Jordan’s famous 1997 “Flu Game”, he scored 38 points on 48% shooting. In Bernard’s Flu/Duel/Freeze-Spray Game he topped Jordan with 44 points on 65% shooting. There would be no pictures of an old-school King bending over or being held up by his teammates — only his legendary game face. Jordan’s game ranks #2 in ESPN’s 25 best playoff games since 1978. King missed the cut. On to the Celtics.

“He had splints on both of his middle fingers, both dislocations… Bernard is ill and can’t come to the shootaround. They’re feeding him intravenously… Now, we can’t hit him on the break because he can’t dribble with the pain in his hands. So we’re thinking, how the hell are we going to win with this guy?”  – Hubie Brown [HOF 2005, Contributor]

Celtics Hijack Bernard: Watch the tapes: they literally hijacked him. They fouled him. They smacked him. They mugged him. You don’t think those Celtics played rough? Watch tape of Larry Bird leveling Bernard just a couple of years earlier. Lebron couldn’t relate, and Kevin Durant would snap in two. Now watch Larry just walk away. Not even a “my bad”. Watch Bernard dust himself off. No problem. That was basketball in the 1980’s before sports media turned every minor NBA scuffle into The Watts Riots.

“One guy would foul you, and the foul is already called, and then two other guys would hit you.  And that’s a fact.”  – Bernard King

 The Bitch Is Back: Before and during the series, those Celtics talked smack:

“He ain’t getting 40 on us. We’re going to stop the bitch.” — Cedric Maxwell [Retired Jersey, 2003]

“They’re in the grave, and we’ve got the shovel in our hands”.  — Kevin McHale [HOF 1999]   

King would drop 43 and 44 in Games 4 and 6 and bring some humility back to Boston for Game 7:

“Nothing Max and I tried to do worked.” – McHale

“We held him. We pushed him. We were draped all over him. The guy was just unreal.” — Maxwell

King vs. Hall of Fame East Wing: The 1984 Celtics played four Hall-of-Famers in their prime and their 5th best was a former NBA Finals MVP [Maxwell]. All of Bernard’s fellow starters would have been Celtic back-ups. That’s not conjecture. Guard Ray Williams — the Knicks third leading scorer at 15 points per game – became a Celtic backup the very next season and averaged only 6.4 points. Larry Bird couldn’t make Ray better.

In Game 7, Bird would turn in a stellar 39-point triple-double, King would get leveled early by Robert Parish, and the Celtics would move on and beat The Lakers for the championship. Bird’s Game 7 and series was treated by media as proof of Bird’s edge over King while few asked: “What if Bird and King swapped teammates?”

 “The best thing about having that series over was saying goodbye to Bernard King… If they had gotten by us, they would have had a good shot at a championship” – Larry Bird

King vs. Bird: Before Lebron James was born, Bernard King and Larry Bird were raising the small forward position to new heights. Both were named Most Valuable Player in a split-decision: the media chose Larry and players and coaches chose Bernard [see King of Peers]. So it was fitting they would meet. Well, they sort of met.

For seven games Bernard can be seen chasing Larry all over the court while King received tag-team beat-downs from Maxwell and Mchale.  Bird was left to “guard” an aging Truck Robinson, and float like a free safety.  Anyone who has ever played a hard game of pick-up basketball – let alone a grueling NBA series — understands this advantage.  Often missing from media analysis was how Bird’s hall-of-fame teammates made him better – especially defensively [see King of Peers]. Few asked: “What if Larry had spent his energy guarding Bernard?”

“I didn’t guard Bernard. I knew I had no chance guarding Bernard.” – Larry Bird

King vs. “The Winner Myth”: In their first five seasons, Wilt, Michael and Lebron all put up prolific numbers – except for wins. During his only five seasons without Oscar Robertson or Magic Johnson, same goes for Kareem.  Kobe after Shaq had a 3-year hangover before help came. ALL these legends had losing seasons, and only once during those 23 seasons was 50 wins exceeded. As for the Knicks, Willis Reed and Walt Frazier were definitely winners (must read: When the Garden Was Eden), but they needed each other. In their six seasons apart, the Knicks never had a winning record.

“At the end of the day, rings don’t always define someone’s career.” – Lebron James

King vs. Ewing’s Ghost: Patrick Ewing is also a winner and owns a phenomenal unsung achievement: his Knicks advanced in the playoffs for eight consecutive years. The handful of legends to match this all had superior teammates. Sadly, King and Ewing would only start one game together — the 1991 All-Star Game. Bernard’s astonishing return to All-Star status with a new knee, new team, and new game (post-up to face-up) came six years later. Think about that.

Just how many Knick championships were lost during that time? In his senior year at Georgetown, a swarmed Ewing opened up the floor for his teammates while averaging only nine shots per game –fourth most on the team. We already know how close King came with Billy Cartwright as his #2. With Bernard, Ewing gets to keep his Russellesque role, and both men experience career firsts: single-man coverage. Today, HBO would be running Knick documentaries called “When the Game was Theirs”. After finally getting The Hall call today, King reflected:

“The only regret I have is that [Ewing] and I didn’t team together. Because I believe in my heart of hearts that we would have won a championship.”. — Bernard King

 

Chuck Modiano of POPSspot, for War Room Sports

I.   “Who is Bernard King”: The NBA’s Invisible Genius
II.   Genius Unchained: Bernard King vs. Isiah, Larry, and History 
III.  Genius Contained: Bernard King vs. Hubie Brown
IV.   Genius Explained: Bernard King vs. Youtube (coming Thursday)
V.     The King of Peers: Bernard King vs. Media (coming next Friday)
VI.   The Jordan Rules: Bernard King vs. Michael (coming next Saturday)

 

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Who is Bernard King?: The NBA’s Invisible Genius

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

by Chuck Modiano

G – Magic 
G – Isiah
F – Larry
F – Bernard
C – Kareem/Moses

No last names are necessary.

These men make up the 1st team All-NBA stars in Bernard King’s last two Knick seasons before he blew out his knee in March 1985 – the same year he led the NBA in scoring. This is the company King kept.

In 1984, King would produce a half-season scoring tear never duplicated in NBA history; upset the Pistons in the greatest playoff series performance in NBA history, and almost single-handedly upend the 1984 Celtics — one of greatest teams in NBA history.  In 1984, Bernard could be found in dated Converse commercials, rap songs, and Sports Illustrated covers which bowed to “His Royal Highness”.

With an unstoppable Carmelo Anthony balling like its 1984, and reports of Bernard’s induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame, The Invisible King will receive another bow this week.

While starving King fans will naturally celebrate, something just isn’t right. King’s 15 minutes of crumbs come too little, too late – 15 years to be exact.

We could only hope this week will help jump-start the only real NBA debate. Bernard’s rightful place in the Hall of Legends.

Where did The King stand amongst the greats? Let’s ask them

“Bernard King was the toughest matchup of my career. And I say that from the heart.” – Julius Erving [HOF 1993]

“Bernard King… is the best forward in the league, hands down”.  – Larry Bird [HOF 1998]

“We are just in awe of Bernard” — Isiah Thomas [HOF 2000].

Now consider that Larry and Isiah’s praise came before the 1984 playoffs and epic Showdown in Motown where

KING AVERAGED 42 PLAYOFF POINTS ON 60% SHOOTING!

No other player in NBA history has ever averaged over 40 playoff points on 60% shooting in the playoffs – not Wilt in ‘62, not Jerry in ‘65, and not Michael in ‘88.  Not Kareem, Shaq, Kobe, or Lebron.

Only Bernard King.

King also did it while battling Isiah, the flu, and mangled hands.

Afterwards, King was asked about his “hot streak”. Bernard asked back:

“At what point is it no longer considered just a roll?”

Answer: The rest of your life Bernard. The rest of your life.

King’s perceived eruption on a national stage was no hot streak.

What happened right before it was even more historic, but never documented until now:

IN 1984, KING AVERAGED 30 POINTS ON 60% SHOOTING FOR 40 STRAIGHT GAMES! [1]

Lebron and Carmelo, please read that again.

No other player in NBA history has likely ever matched this half-season stretch [2].

In the playoffs, the unstoppable King simply took more shots. That’s all.

For the few mesmerized souls who watched those games on WWOR Channel 9, King’s “30@60for40” validates that we aren’t suffering from nostalgia gone wild.

Bernard King was who we thought he was.

Unlike Knick legends Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, and Willis Reed, no one more than Bernard transforms grown Knick fans into babbling children, gets stuffy 50 year old accountants to jump around like Spike Lee, and elicits reactions of: “I swear I saw Jesus in shorts”. No, not “Black Jesus” ala Earl Monroe’s other nickname — just “Jesus”.

Truth be told, here is what many Knick fans in bars swear to this very day: at his pre-injury peak Bernard King was a better small forward than Larry Bird and a greater scorer than Michael Jordan.

If that sounds crazy to you, please consult his peers again:

“I have never feared anybody that I’ve played against – Bird, Magic, Doctor, Michael – and I respect and love all of those guys… Bernard King is the only guy that ever scared the hell out of me.”  – Dominique Wilkins [HOF 2006]:

Listen to Dominique. Few in media will publically utter such words for fear of ridicule or straight-jacket. But we are not the crazy ones.

It is the rest of the sports universe that has gone insane.

Unless long dead, there is no other athlete in any sport whose gap between greatness and recognition is larger — even after this week.

The humiliations are endless.

Will Bernard make the Hall of Fame this year? Should King have made the NBA’s 50 greatest players list? Will the Knicks finally retire his iconic #30 jersey?

The questions themselves demean NBA history. What about media?

In February, Lebron had six straight games of 30 points on 60% shooting, and ESPN.com lost their efficient minds, but no mention of King. Last year ESPN issued its 25 greatest playoff performances since 1978, and no King again. Sorry B, your 42 @60% and legendary Game 5 just weren’t dominant enough.

In 1984, The New York Times closely chronicled King’s nuanced brilliance in “Mysterious Moves” and “Never a Knick Like Him””, but on the 25th anniversary of that magical season, another small forward stole the show with a 10,000 word profile: Shane Battier:  “The No-Stats All-Star”.

What about the greatest player in Tennessee history, half of the famed Bernie and Ernie Show, and legendary Kentucky killer? When Kentucky coach John Calipari told his 2010 team that Bernard was talking pre-game trash in Tennessee’s locker room, the youngsters responded:

“Who is Bernard King?”, ”What number is Bernard King?”, and  “I’m guarding him?”

Ouch!

How did we get here?

Is there some vast hide-King conspiracy? Not quite, but corporate interests have reduced the NBA’s Golden Era to “Magic vs. Bird”, and lesser victims include Kareem, Julius, Moses, Isiah, and the great small forward of the 1980’s.

Bernard’s knee injury alone doesn’t explain it either. No one adds up career stats for Sandy Koufax, Gale Sayers, Earl Campbell, or Bill Walton. We know what happened to them.

Reasons for King’s vanishing includes playoff-lore hijackings by Isiah, Larry, and Michael [see II: Genius Unchained]; his unspectacular style, his early-career substance abuse, his forgotten Warrior years, his teammates, and his plodding coach Hubie Brown [see III. Genius Contained].

It also involves a dysfunctional Hall of Fame and sports media largely incapable of recognizing historic greatness without historic teammates. Despite being voted Most Valuable Player by their peers, King (1984), young Michael (1989), and Lebron (2006) were all denied those awards by media, and had their status as “winners” questioned. Where players see lack of support, media perceives lack of maturity, but only a lack of imagination could deny King as champion beside Patrick Ewing [see V: The King of Peers].

King’s past has been forgotten, a healthy future rarely imagined, but most of all, his present genius was never fully realized too far beyond his own peers, local fans, and a few journalists [3].

Bernard’s game was historically unique, but he often gets lumped into a sea of history’s high-volume scoring forwards. While The Tennessee Terror stormed on the NCAA scene with 42 points in his very first game as a freshman, his truer legacy can be found in his nation-leading 62% shooting.

Lebron James is receiving great credit for shooting 56% this year, but King shot 56% over a 5-year pre-injury prime (1980-85) and did it without any all-star teammates. The playoffs are where shooting percentages go to die (see Karl Malone), but King shot a stunning 58% in 18 Knick playoff games. Only the greatest ones maintain accuracy against playoff defense — our very best test for “unstoppability” across eras.

King also defied every selfish scorer stereotype. He was not a one on one player, never needed isolations, never took bad shots, and did it all within the game’s flow. He was a scoring scientist whose quick release, midrange mastery, and disciplined shot selection have gone the way of Kareem’s skyhook [see IV: Genius Explained].

King also suffered from a pre-Jordan era where it was thought impossible to score like Mike, but win like Magic. If Jordan is any indication, Bernard was too unselfish. Jordan had more athleticism, style, and shot attempts, but not accuracy [see VI: The Jordan Rules].

Today, Bernard is mostly remembered for his 60 points on Christmas Day, and scoring 50 points on back-to back nights in 1984. Mr. Hot Streak has now become Mr. Hot Game, and The King of Efficiency has been largely reduced to Jamal Crawford – a career 41% chucker.

Before Lebron’s February outburst, the last great scoring streak came from Kobe Bryant in 2004. Back then, Scoop Jackson tried to educate the youth when he asked the obvious:

“What’s up with the love? [Bernard] had scoring stretches that lasted seasons, not just games.”

Jackson continued:

“He was a genius interrupted… The universal love that evaded his career was found scrolled inside a book penned by his peers.”

Jackson’s question was ignored, so a decade later the kids want to know:

“Who is Bernard King?”

Have a seat son and move over Mr. Battier, King’s invisible genius must be explained.

II.   Genius Unchained: Bernard King vs. Isiah and Larry (coming Tuesday)
III.  Genius Contained: Bernard King vs. Hubie (coming Wednesday)
IV.   Genius Explained: Bernard King vs. Youtube (coming Thursday)
V.     The King of Peers: Bernard King vs. Media (coming next Monday)
VI.   The Jordan Rules: Bernard King vs. Michael (coming next Tuesday)

Or you can always just ask his peers:

“Man, Bernard King, he was the truth.”  — Bob McAdoo [HOF 2003]

 

Chuck Modiano od POPSspot.com, for War Room Sports

[1] Beginning on January 14, King scored 1219 points (482-808) over the next three months spanning 40 regular season games (ending right before regular season’s final meaningless game before the playoffs)

[2] It is highly unlikely that King’s 40 games of 30 points on 60% shooting has been duplicated – even when factoring eFG. The highest FG% for a 30 PPG season is Kareem Abdul Jabbar who scored 32 points on .577 shooting in 70-71 and an incredible 35 points on .574 shooting in ’71-’72. Adrian Dantley also scored 30.3 points on 57% shooting in ’81-’82.

[3] Many journalists have helped keep King’s memory alive. Special thanks to Ira Berkow,  Dennis D’Agostino, Bobbito Garcia and Ali, Alan Hahn, John Hareas, Scoop Jackson, Bruce Jenkins,  Bill Simmons, Dave Zirin, and others.

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Did Being Asian Work Against Jeremy Lin Pre-NBA?

Monday, April 8th, 2013

by B. Austin

 

 

 

 

 

Houston Rockets PG Jeremy Lin said that if he wasn’t Asian he would have been offered a Division 1 basketball scholarship.


There is absolute validity to what Jeremy Lin is saying.  Lin is addressing the social lens and perspective with which people generally view him and people of his ethnicity through.  That isn’t preposterous, groundbreaking, or shocking.  This is just the reality of the American social landscape and the larger narrative of human nature and racial prejudices.  There are two things that I think would serve us well to acknowledge and address:
 
1) Professional sports is one of the only places where racism, prejudices, and social rifts can be mended because of the closeness of a team and a locker room.
 
2) Also the fact that competitive professional sports is the ultimate meritocracy.  It’s based on competitiveness and greed.  Once you realize the dude CAN play, all the other shit becomes irrelevant.  But let’s not act like that huge “white elephant” or “8000 pound gorilla” isn’t in the room.  “White men can’t jump”, “Asian people aren’t athletic outside of martial arts”, “Black guys are superior athletically and aesthetically in sports and porn”, “Black guys don’t score well academically and are almost all ‘gangbangers with speed'”.  These are all dumb generalizations and stereotypes that are a part of the social and (at times) morally corrupt social fabric.  We have almost all at times heard them, and we may even have allowed them to creep into our psyche.  To act as if Lin is crazy or off-base for addressing this is delusional.  The road to the NBA had to be damn-near impossible for this kid.  He started from the bottom, but now he’s here…and the NBA is going to capitalize on the international appeal and the large following in Asia (particularly China) because at the pinnacle of this thing, it’s about revenue, profits, and economics.  Lin drives revenue, increases profitability, and is economically viable – all the social issues are in the rear view mirror.  I like the fact that he’s willing to still address them and talk about his journey, and we’d do well to heed his words and look at what he’s addressing.
 
 

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Philadelphia Eagles: 2013 Preseason Schedule Released

Saturday, April 6th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

We’re in the depths of the long football offseason, but lo!  A slight vision of hope on the horizon.  The release of the Philadelphia Eagles preseason schedule.  Kinda sorta.

It’s something, right?

The exact dates and times are not yet fixed, but in the first preseason under head coach Chip Kelly, the Birds’ schedule will be as follows:

 

 

 

August 8 – 11: vs. New England

August 15 – 19: vs. Carolina

August 22 – 25: at Jacksonville

August 29-30: at New York Jets

While the preseason is typically not greeted by the most excitement, under a new regime it will provide important insights into what Kelly’s plans are for Philadelphia for the regular season, including how the quarterback situation is shaping up at that time.

So.  You ready?  Just four months to go.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles LT Jason Peters on His Recovery: ‘I’m 100%’

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Will Jason Peters return to his former glory?
(Image via Rittenhoused)

The demise of the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles offensive line began before the season even started.  It all started when Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters suffered an injury to his Achilles — two times.  That seemed to set the tone for the line for the year, with injuries to Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans befalling the o-line as the season progressed.

As the Eagles go through the earliest part of their offseason program under new coach Chip Kelly and Peters returns to work, the question of the tackle’s status following a year of rehab for his injury looms large.  Returning to a player’s previous ability level following an Achilles injury is a challenge, but it’s one that Peters plans to meet.

While participating in voluntary workouts with Philadelphia teammates at the NovaCare Peters proclaimed, “I’m 100 percent” and, according to Peters, he has been for quite some time.

“I was going to come back last year, but it was a bad season.  I could have (played), but I didn’t want to risk it with a losing season.  And the coaches kind of held me back a little bit.”

Peters is not satisfied simply to have recovered from the injury.  If he is not back at the level of play of his 2011 Pro Bowl season, he’s not taking the field.

“I’m not going to get out there if I couldn’t be back to where I was before I got hurt.”

The coaching staff will start to get a read on Peters’ post-recovery performance at the Eagles’ first minicamp on April 16. With the increased tempo anticipated from Kelly’s practices, Peters is planning to get down to 320 from his playing weight of 340 in 2011 so he can be lighter on his feet and prepared for “whatever the coaches throw at us.”

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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2013 MLB Top 10 Starting Pitchers

Monday, April 1st, 2013

by Ryan Kantor

 

 

 

 

Zack Grienke, was originally at #8, between teammates Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee.  The issue arose when he was recently shut down with elbow inflammation and although he seems to be fine, there’s just no sense in taking a risk.  There is so little deviation among pitchers in the 8-13 range.  If you’re taking a pitcher in this area, you just need a reliable ace, so Grienke drops out of the top 10 to 13th-ish.

10. CC Sabathia, SP, New York Yankees
Sabathia is as steady as they come.  He’s come back strong this Spring after an offseason elbow scope and although the Yankees offense won’t be as potent this year, he’ll still earn his share of wins.  He consistently posts 200 strikeouts, a low ERA, a solid WHIP, and 200 innings.  His injury doesn’t seem to be a concern and he’ll again lead a veteran Yankee rotation.  He’s now at the tail-end of his prime, but we can still expect very strong numbers.  Going in the 5th round of 12-team leagues, he’s a fair value too.

9. Jered Weaver, SP, Los Angeles Angels
Jered Weaver is already 30 years old.  That seemed to come so quickly… maybe I’m getting old.  He’s no longer just Jeff Weaver’s younger brother, he is a legit ace.  In his favor this year is Josh Hamilton’s arrival.  The Angels are one of the most hyped teams in baseball after Josh Hamilton’s offseason arrival.  Chasing wins is a tricky business, but Jered Weaver has a better chance to win 20 games than any other pitcher in the AL.  The only downside is the dip in velocity and strikeout rate over the past three seasons.  Despite tallying just 142 Ks in 2012, he allowed a minuscule 2.81 ERA. I’d expect both numbers to increase slightly and another very good season from the Angels’ ace.

8. Cliff Lee, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Cliff Lee only won six games in 2012 and plays this season at age 34/35, so how can I put him in the top 10?  The low win total was flukey, not due to poor pitching.  He had 21 quality starts, the 12th most in baseball, and deserved to win many more games.  The Phillies don’t have a particularly bad offense and if healthy could provide plenty of run support this season.  He has adjusted to life in the National League beautifully after spending most of his career with Cleveland, Seattle, and Texas (save a short stint with Philadelphia before joining them for a second go-round) and can be counted on to post a low ERA and WHIP in the 3.00 1.10 area along with 200 Ks.

7. Cole Hamels, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
If Hamels is worth $144 million to the Phillies, he is worth a top 36 pick to me.  He is right in his prime at age 29, he strikes out 200 (214 last season) a year.  He’ll play in the National League and do it with a quality offense.  He has overcome the health issues that were troublesome early in his career and has become a reliable, dominant workhorse. He provides essentially the same numbers as the very top pitchers at a more reasonable cost.  I love Cole Hamels this season.

6. Matt Cain, SP, San Francisco Giants
I’m not quite sure how two-time World Series Champion, Matt Cain, has become underrated, but he usually isn’t spoken of in the same breath as the pitchers I have ranked ahead of him.  Cain, 28-years-old, doesn’t post quite the strikeout totals of those being drafted ahead of him (193 last year, but expect around 175), but is every bit as dominant. He has posted three straight seasons with a WHIP under 1.10 and at his age, in AT&T Park, with a very good team around him, he’s a safe bet to have a big season.

5. David Price, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
One could make a fair argument that David Price is the best pitcher in baseball.  He won the AL Cy Young last season, besting Justin Verlander.  The Vanderbilt product won 20 games in 2012 and 19 in 2010.  2011 was a bit of down year though, as he posted a 3.49 ERA with only 12 wins.  That may be depressing his draft stock which can play to your favor. I’d be happy to take David Price in the third round instead of any other pitcher in the first or even the second round!  He plays in a severe pitchers park, but will face some of the best lineups in baseball in the rough and tumble AL East.  He’s talented enough to shut them down.  David Price is 27-years-old and is one of baseball’s emerging superstars.  Expect a sub-three ERA, 200 Ks, and a solid win total.

David Price

You won’t see me  draft anybody beyond this point for my fantasy team.  Getting these top four pitchers is just too costly, and in a standard 5 x 5 it just doesn’t make sense to pay the price they demand. While they are superstars in the same respect as Albert Pujols and Matt Kemp, quality pitching can be easily found in the 5-10 rounds with guys like Darvish, Sabathia, and Latos.

4. Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners

Seattle added a lot of offense (Morales, Morse, Bay), so the biggest knock on drafting King Felix, a lack of run support and “thusly” wins, goes out the window.  Although there was some injury talk when he was signing his extension, the Mariners pledged $175 million dollars so I feel fairly confident that he is not a serious injury risk.  If there is such a thing as a 220 strikeout lock, Felix is it.  There’s a case to be made for putting King Felix in the top three, but the tough lineups in the AL West put the kibosh on that.

3. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Washington Nationals
No more babying.  It is time to see one of the best pitching prospects in ages let loose.  He led all qualifying starting pitchers with 11.13 K/9.  He could deliver a Verlander-MVP type of season, he just doesn’t have a long track record which makes drafting him where he is being taken a bit foolish.  This guy is certainly one that I look forward to watching this season.

2. Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
Some might argue that he is the best pitcher in baseball, but entering his age 30 season with over 700 innings pitched over his past three seasons, I’m no longer crowning him the top starter in baseball and wouldn’t consider burning a first round draft pick on him (which is what it’ll take).  Nonetheless, Verlander is one of the few modern day pitchers to win the MVP and dominates the American league like no other.  He may be the most talented pitcher in baseball and still has a few more years left of his prime.

1. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
While many are ranking Justin Verlander as their top starting pitcher (and he is phenomenal), Clayton Kershaw gets the nod for me.  Both play in pitchers’ parks, but a deciding factor is that Kershaw pitches in the National League, while Verlander has the more challenging task of facing the DH.  Clayton Kershaw has posted four consecutive sub-three ERA seasons (back-to-back ERA leader).

I believe we’ll look back and be amazed at just how great a pitcher we had.  I hope to watch him pitch a bit more this season (tough on the opposite coast), as he is an extremely special talent.  Oh, and Kershaw is 24, yes only 24-years-old. The best is yet to come.

Clayton Kershaw

 

Ryan Kantor of “Reading Between the Seams”, for War Room Sports

Ryan Kantor is an author at Reading Between the Seams. He is a life-long Yankees fan and a proud Clemson alumnus, residing in North Carolina, where he works in marketing research. For more stories like this, you can visit his personal blog at RyanKantor.com and follow him on Twitter at @Ryan_Kantor.

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MLB Top 20 Closers

Monday, April 1st, 2013

by Ryan Kantor

 

 

 

 

20. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds feel comfortable enough with Broxton to move Aroldis Chapman, who would otherwise be a top five closer, to the rotation.  Broxton was excellent last season, but isn’t striking out anyone and has a track record of injuries and inconsistency.

19. Casey Janssen, Toronto Blue Jays
Everyone loves a closer on a good team, especially one coming off a year where batters hit under .200 against him.  His stats have improved three years in a row.  My biggest concern is that Sergio Santos was originally brought it to be the closer, making me wonder how long Janssen’s leash will be if he struggles.  He’s also coming off shoulder surgery and will be pushing it to get back by opening day.  What if Santos starts the year as the closer and doesn’t relinquish?  That makes me uneasy, but he was very good last season and figures to be the closer for one of the best teams in baseball.

18. Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox would like to see the young (24) Addison Reed become their stopper for the years ahead, and he has the stuff to do it.  Without other thrilling options, he will be given the first shot.

17. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers

With 39 walks, an ERA over 4.60, and the temporary loss of his closer’s gig, 2012 was not a pretty year for John Axford. On the bright side, he did record 93 strikeouts, an improvement from his two very successful prior seasons.  So his stuff is still there, he just needs to improve his control.  A bounce-back is likely.

16. Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics
I originally planned on leaving Grant off the top 20 list due to his offseason knee surgery, however he has made an ahead of schedule recovery and is expected to be ready for opening day.  The veteran Australian has been great for the last three seasons and was very effective down the stretch for the AL West champion Athletics.  Oakland management typically has a quick trigger finger with their closer, but Balfour figures to be their best option.

15. Rafael Betancourt, Colorado Rockies
The veteran Betancourt has long been an elite set-up man and last year proved he could be a top stopper.  He doesn’t get a ton of strikeouts, and they’ve been on a steady decline over the past three seasons, which is cause for concern. Nonetheless, he has a firm grip on the closer’s job and has been a steadying force for practically every bullpen he’s been in.

14. Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals
At 27 years old, Holland could be one of baseball’s bright young closers if he can improve his command.  34 walks was ugly, but 91 Ks was nasty.

13. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
Putz, at 14th, is the last established closer off the board.  If you haven’t grabbed your top closer to this point, grab Putz before he’s gone.  J.J. has posted three consecutive strong seasons with Arizona and although he’s 36 and had a tendency to get nicked up, he’s got a track record of reliability.  Putz is a solid #2 fantasy closer and the last acceptable #1 closer in my book.

http://thecloserreport.com/tag/j-j-putz/

 

12. Huston Street, San Diego Padres
I’m less concerned about him playing on a poor team (remember Soria racking up saves for a bad Royals team?) than I am his health.  He is consistent though.  He’ll pitch effectively when healthy – likely under 50 innings – and manage 20-3o saves.

11. Joel Hanrahan, Boston Red Sox
Minor struggles as he adjusts to the AL East and pitching in Fenway should be expected, but after back-to-back all-star appearances, Hanrahan is one of the more reliable players at a very volatile position.  He’ll need to tame his walk rate, which got a little wacky last season to succeed in the American League.

1o. Tom Wilhelmsen, Seattle Mariners
He pitched like a top tier closer last season, is only 29 years old, and is on a much improved Mariners team.  He has a firm grip on the closer’s job and is a great value pick for a #2 fantasy closer.  Also in his favor is his nifty new change-up.

9. Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles
Johnson had 51 saves and 41 Ks in 2012.  He is a ground ball pitcher unlike flamethrowers like Craig Kimbrel who we are more comfortable with in a closer’s role.  His 2012 post All-Star Break numbers aren’t pretty: 4.02 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, .290 BAA. His ERA was only 2.49 last season.  It may jump a whole run in 2013, but even so, he’ll be a worthwhile closer and is more of a sure thing than most.

8. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants
Three straight seasons with a sub-1.00 WHIP and the closers job is finally his.  This should be the year he becomes a household name.

Credit: Zimbio.com

 

7. Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers
Nathan is just two saves away from 300 in his career.  He is one of the great closers of our time – right behind Rivera and Hoffman – and has overcome the injury that caused him to miss 2010.  Seemingly completely over the injury, two seasons later, the only problem I have with Nathan is his age (38).

6. Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays
After an Eric Gagne-esque season, don’t pay for a repeat from a soon to be 36-year old closer who had an ERA over 4.00 every year of his career except 2005, 2006, and of course 2012.

5. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
ACL surgery, the long layoff since he last pitched (in May), and his advanced age (43) are risks, but may make the greatest closer of all-time a bargain.

4. Rafael Soriano, Washington Nationals
Soriano had a great season after taking over the closer’s role from the injured Mariano Rivera.  With the exception of 2o11, his first year in pinstripes, he’s been great since 2006.  There’s no reason to think he won’t be very effective playing for one of the best teams in the National League.

3. Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals
Not the track record of Jonathan Papelbon, but his BAA has decreased three straight seasons and he was among the very best last season.

2. Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Reliability is what you want when you draft a closer in the top 100 picks and Papelbon has seven straight seasons of 30+ saves and has never posted an ERA over 4.00.  He also K’d 92 in 2012.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
The undisputed top closer in baseball, Craig Kimbrel is the only closer worth drafting in the first five rounds of a fantasy draft.  With 127 and 116 strikeouts in 2011 and 2012 respectively, his contribution goes beyond just the saves category.

We hope this serves as useful guidance in your fantasy drafts, or just learning about the league’s best stoppers in 2013.

 

 

Ryan Kantor of “Reading Between the Seams”, for War Room Sports

 

 

Ryan Kantor is an author at Reading Between the Seams. He is a life-long Yankees fan and a proud Clemson alumnus, residing in North Carolina, where he works in marketing research. For more stories like this, you can visit his personal blog at RyanKantor.com and follow him on Twitter at @Ryan_Kantor.

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2013 MLB Top 10 Outfielders

Monday, April 1st, 2013

by Ryan Kantor

 

 

 

 

10. Atlanta Braves, RF, Jason Heyward

As tough as it was to leave guys like Bryce Harper and Adam Jones off the top 10 list, the Atlanta Braves right fielder squeaks in as the 10th best outfielder in the game.  At just 23 years of age, Heyward is only approaching his prime after completing his first 20-20 season.  With the Upton brothers, Brian McCann, and Freddie Freeman hitting around him, Jason Heyward is primed for a breakout year.  The first of many 30-20 seasons from the Braves slugger may be on the horizon.

heyward

 
9.  Los Angeles Angels, RF, Josh Hamilton

In the most exciting move of the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels used their “Grienke Money” on Josh Hamilton, giving them the best outfield in baseball.  Hamilton batted .285 with 43 home runs last season, but in the two seasons prior he donked 25 and 32 dingers, respectively.  He’ll have a less grueling summer in the mild climate of southern California, but expect some regression as he moves away from the Ballpark in Arlington after a stellar year.  Something in the neighborhood of a .290 average with 34 home runs is still realistic.

josh1

 

8.  Atlanta Braves, LF, Justin Upton

The former number one overall pick will finally join his brother, B.J. Upton, as the Braves added both to their lineup this season.  Aside from the nice story and perfect marketing ploy for a team losing their legendary third baseman, Chipper Jones, Justin and his brother offer a rare speed/power combo.  Justin Upton has hit .300, he has slugged 30 home runs, and he has stolen 20 bases.  Entering his age 25 season, this will be the year it all comes together.  A batting average near.300 with about 30 home runs and 20 stolen bases is achievable.

upton

 
7.  Toronto Blue Jays, RF, Jose Bautista

One of the best pure power hitters in baseball, Jose Bautista will now have Jose Reyes to knock in for a nasty Blue Jays ball club.  With an offseason to heal up his injured wrist, Bautista should be back to the form that saw him hit 54 home runs in 2010 and 43 with a .300 average in 2011.

Jose Bautista

 
6.  Miami Marlins, RF, Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton is one of the best up-and-coming power hitters in baseball, however he will be held back by the lineup around him.  The next best power hitter and his only hope for protection in the Marlins’ lineup may be Logan Morrison. Pitchers working around Stanton is a risk to his fantasy value, but even so, it is hard to believe he won’t record a respectable average, collect a handful of steals, and hit 30 home runs – possibly threatening the 40 home run plateau.

Giancarlo Stanton

 
 
5.  Pittsburgh Pirates, CF, Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen posted 31 home runs and 20 steals to go with his .321 batting average and .400 on-base percentage. With marginally less upside and less injury risk, he’s basically Cargo in Pittsburgh (though you could argue he’s better after controlling for field effects).  McCutchen is only 26 years old and should continue dominating in the National League Central, where he will continue to be a lock for 20-20 with potential for 30-30 and .300+.

andrew

 
4.  Colorado Rockies, LF, Carlos Gonzalez

When healthy, Carlos Gonzalez is capable of 30-30 .300.  Drafting Cargo is always a injury risk, but if you can swallow the pill you may get one of the best players in baseball.  He’s only 27 years old and should be good for 500 fantastic at bats.  If so, you’ll have one of the most well-rounded players in the game.  With a quality lineup and an advantageous home field, the sky is the limit for Mr. Gonzalez.  Plus, he is the only player to post 20 home runs and 20 steals over the past three seasons, indicating that, despite the injury woes, his floor isn’t too low.

Carlos Gonzalez

 

3.  Los Angeles Dodgers, CF, Matt Kemp

We’ve made it to the top three outfielders in baseball, and these three should be obvious, even if the order is not. Coming in at number three is Matt Kemp.  He nearly captured the NL MVP in 2011, barely being edged by Ryan Braun, but 2012 was largely derailed by injury.  Even still, he remains the closest thing to a 40-40 threat in baseball, falling just one home run short in 2011, and he is just entering his age 28 season.  With a full, healthy season in a lineup with Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Ethier, and Carl Crawford, Matt Kemp is primed for a big year. Matt Kemp 

2.  Los Angeles Angels, CF, Mike Trout

Although many are selecting Mike Trout as the top outfielder and even the top overall player in their fantasy drafts, I stop just short, ranking the youngster as the number two outfielder and number three overall player.  While it is tempting to project a ridiculous 30-60 type season, let’s just cool off and break it down for a moment.  Mike Trout has less than a full season of track record, so some risk is inherent.  He also plays the most demanding outfield position and does so with reckless abandon, again some risk.  Additionally, he’s gained a fair amount of weight over the offseason, causing some to wonder if he can steal bases with such ease in 2013 (he was 49/54 in 2012).  He also batted .284 and .257 in August in September, respectively.  While a stupendous .300, 30 home run, 40 stolen season wouldn’t shock anyone, a still great .290, a 25-35 campaign shouldn’t come as too big as a shock either.  Still, Mike Trout is a star and will likely be a stalwart as one of the games biggest stars for years to come.
trout

 

1.  Milwaukee Brewers, LF, Ryan Braun

Despite the steroid controversy, I am comfortable calling Ryan Braun the best outfielder in baseball.  He had his first 40-30 season last year, and easily could have won the NL MVP.  He’s cranked thirty home runs in all but one of his six professional seasons.  If you can overlook his inclusion in ugly steroid rumors (as an unbiased fantasy manager should) you’ll see a player that is as much as a lock for .300 30-15 with upside to reach 40 home runs and over thirty steals.  He is a career .313 hitter and at age 29, there’s no reason to expect significant drop off from the studly, Jewish-American superstar.  While repeating 40 home runs may be much to ask, a batting average over .300, over 30 home runs, and over 20 stolen bases with a long track record of reliability earn Mr. Braun the Reading Between The Seams crown as the best outfielder in baseball.

braun

 

Players who could easily crash the party:

Baltimore Orioles, CF, Adam Jones could have easily cracked the top 10 as he is the continues to rise the ranks of up and coming outfielders in MLB.  Since signing his six-year deal last season, he managed to reach career highs with a .287 batting average, 186 hits, and 32 home runs.  This season Jones will bat cleanup which should provide opportunities for him to reach the century mark in RBI.  If Adam Jones wants to crack the top 10 he will have to improve on his career OBP of .323.

Oakland Athletics, CF, Yoenis Cespedes played in only 129 games in his first season and torched opposing pitchers with a .292 batting average and 23 home runs.  He managed to steal 16 out of 20 bases.  Now he is approaching his second season, barring a sophomore slump, he should reach 20-20 and has the potential to reach 30-20. If you don’t know any Oakland A’s players by name then keep an eye on this five-tool player.  His name once again is Yoenis Cespedes.

 

Ryan Kantor of “Reading Between the Seams”, for War Room Sports

Ryan Kantor is an author at Reading Between the Seams. He is a life-long Yankees fan and a proud Clemson alumnus, residing in North Carolina, where he works in marketing research. For more stories like this, you can visit his personal blog at RyanKantor.com and follow him on Twitter at @Ryan_Kantor.

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2013 MLB Top 10 Third Basemen

Friday, March 29th, 2013

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

10. Pittsburgh Pirates 3B  Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez

When looking at Pedro Alvarez’ .244 BA last season, you may wonder how can he be part of top 10.  My take is it was his first full season in the big leagues.  Never mind the batting average, let’s talk about the power he displayed.  In his first full season at third base he smacked 30 HRs and drove in 85 RBI on an up and coming Pittsburgh Pirates team.  Alvarez will be asked to provide the same power as last season.  He will bat in the middle of the lineup once again with plenty of RBI chances.  If he can improve on his batting average, he will become even more dangerous.

2013 Prediction .249BA 29HR 99RBI.315OBP.440SLG

9. Toronto Blue Jay 3B.  Brett Lawrie

Brett Lawrie is a Canadian born player, playing right in his backyard for the hometown Tor0nto Blue Jays.  There is so much promise for the second-year stud as he has shown speed on the bases and power at the plate.  With the addition of Jose Reyes, Lawrie will now bat in the middle of the order to provide Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista with some needed protection.  Brett put up decent numbers last season before missing the last two months with an oblique strain.  The injury has been a lingering problem for Lawrie as he just removed himself from the WBC this past week.  The key for Brett Lawrie is to just get well.  He could miss opening day.

 

 

2013 Predicitons .282BA 20HR 76RBI 24SB .330OBP.450SLG

8.  San Diego 3B Chase Headley

Stats don’t lie.  31HR 115RBI and OBP of .376.  This individual was a Silver Slugger and won the Gold Glove last year.  Kind of strange that those numbers didn’t even warrant a trip to the All-Star game last season.  I mean this guy earned these numbers playing half his games in a pitcher’s park in San Diego.  Padres aren’t known for scoring a lot of runs and Mr. Chase Headley managed to lead the NL in RBI last year.  Could you imagine what type of publicity Chase Headley would receive today if he played in a bigger market?  Put Headley as the starting third baseman for the New York Mets and he would be the one with the $100 million dollar contract.

2013 Prediction .272BA 27HR 100RBI 16SB .360OBP .440SLG

 

 

7. San Francisco Giants 3B  Pablo Sandoval

If we are keeping score at home, Kung Fu Panda has two more World Series rings than the legendary San Francisco great, Barry Bonds.  Oh, I forgot, he won the 2012 World Series MVP as he joined Reggie Jackson and Albert Pujols as the only members to hit three home runs in a World Series game.  Two of the long bombs Sandoval hit were off of Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.  Pablo didn’t stop there.  He played Winter ball and was the MVP of the Venezuelan League.  With all the accolades Pablo has received, he has yet to post a 30 homer/100 RBI season.  Is this the year that the 26-year-old, 2-time all-star puts it all together?

 

2013 Prediction .297BA 28HR 94RBI .350OBP.480SLG        

 

6. Milwaukee Brewers 3B  Aramis Ramirez

Hard to believe Ramirez has been in the Major Leagues for 15 years!  He has been a pleasant surprise for the Brew Crew, as he protected MVP Ryan Braun in the lineup with the departure of Prince Fielder just a year ago.  Aramis proved to the baseball lords that he could put up numbers outside of Wrigley Field.  Ramirez led the majors in doubles with 50 last season and also maintained a .300 average.  Though he is now in his mid-thirties, expect Aramis to continue protecting Braun in the lineup and putting up MVP numbers.

 

 

2013 Prediction .300 26HR 101RBI .344OBP.497SLG

 

5. Washington Nationals 3B  Ryan Zimmerman 

Who says that the Washington Nationals aren’t serious about winning?  They paid Zimmerman over $100 million to man the position at third base.  Ryan is the second highest paid third baseman behind Alex Rodriguez because he has some serious game.  Just last year he bounced back from an injury plagued season to put up 25HR and 95RBI while batting in the #3 hole.  Zimmerman went and had shoulder surgery during the offseason and though his surgery was successful, he may come out of the gates a little slow this spring.  As the season progresses, look for Ryan to enjoy another successful season at third base.  

2013 Prediction .285BA 30HR 100RBI.350OBP.471SLG 

 

 

4. New York Mets 3B David Wright

Is David Wright ready to be the darling in New York?  Well he does wear a “C” on his uniform, just not in pin stripes.  Jeter is still the man in the Bronx while David owns Manhattan.  Mr. Wright is definitely the right man at third.  He has been a cornerstone for the Mets for the past nine seasons.  The 6x-All-Star, 2x Gold Glove, and 2x Silver Slugger will own every statistical offensive mark in a Mets uniform before he is done.  So while he is now in his prime, it’s time to go after the National League MVP.  That award is within his reach and it will be the first time a Mets player would hold such an honor.

 

2013 Prediction .294BA 27HR 89RBI.366OBP.464SLG

 

 

3. Tampa Bay Rays 3B Evan Longoria

An injury plagued season kept Evan from having another  decent year at the plate.  Any time he is in the lineup, he is sure to do damage with his wooded piece.  Just last season, he spent 13 weeks nursing a hamstring tear that cost him and his team another playoff berth.  The former Rookie of the Year hits for average, has power all over the field, is willing to take a pitch, and draws walks.  He is a 3X All-Star, 2X Gold Glove, and has a Silver Slugger’s Award at the ripe old age of 27.  He is now entering his prime and barring injuries could make a run at Most Valuable Player.

 

 

 

2013 Prediction .295BA 31HR 102RBI .365OBP.510SLG

 

 

2. Texas Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre

By far the best defensive third baseman in the majors, as he has now collected back to back Gold Gloves (total 4) since joining the Texas Rangers.  This 3x All-Star could have easily been last year’s MVP with his .321 BA, 36 HR, 102 RBI, getting on base 35% of the time, and with a slugging rate of .561!  Texas will lean heavily on Adrian’s production even more this year with the departure of Josh Hamilton and Michael Young.  Beltre is the clear leader on this team now and will bat cleanup again, protecting the likes of newly acquired Lance Berkman.  Adrian will turn 34 in early April and is entering his 16th season in the BIGs.  The question is, how much longer will the talented third baseman play at an elite level?

 

2013 Prediction .305BA 33HR 117RBI .355OBP.519SLG

 

 

 

1. Detroit Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera

Without a doubt the 7x-All-Star, Miguel Cabrera is flat out the best third baseman in baseball.  He became the American League MVP last season by achieving the triple crown (first time since Carl Yastrzemski in ’67) which primarily gave him a slight edge over Mike Trout as being the best player in baseball.  The 29 year old, Cabrera reached career highs in average, home runs, RBI, and collecting his first ever 200 hits in a season.  With the addition of Prince Fielder last season, Miguel was able to take advantage of pitchers and that contributed to his historical season.  Cabrera is now entering into his prime years with the Tigers and with Prince protecting him, so don’t be surprised if Miguel continues putting up triple crown-like numbers.

2013 Prediction .322BA 39HR 131RBI.401OBP.574SLG

 

 

 

Players who could easily crash the party.

David Freese – Freese made the All-Star game for the first time last year and the World Series MVP is capable of cracking the top 10.  2013 Prediction .300BA 22HR 86RBI.351OBP.436SLG

Will Middlebrooks – Numbers should improve even more now.  He will be the every day player for a full season and also half of his games are in Fenway, which should contribute to a successful second year.  2013 Prediction  .290BA 22HR 76RBI.310OBP.430SLG

Todd Frazier- Todd has the chance to put up some pretty nice numbers hitting in Great American Ballpark.  2013 Prediction .258BA 25HR 70RBI.314OBP.433SLG

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles Add Another Piece to New Defense with DE Clifton Geathers

Friday, March 29th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

The Philadelphia Eagles continued to make moves to shore up their new defense by acquiring DE Clifton Geathers  from the Colts on Thursday in a trade, giving up fullback Stanley Havili.

Geathers’ (6-7, 325) collegiate career

Clifton Geathers

was spent at the University of South Carolina, where he played in 36 games and finished with 72 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.  He was a sixth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2010.  Since that time, he has spent time in the NFL with Cleveland, Miami, Seattle, Dallas and Indy.  The 25-year old Geathers has appeared in 15 total games during his three years of playing professional football.  He played in eight games for Indianapolis in 2012, recording five tackles and a sack.  Geathers will bring his run-stopping skills to Philadelphia’s new 3-4 defensive front.

Havili is in his second year in the NFL.  With Philadelphia acquiring fullback/tight end James Casey and retaining Emil Igwenagu, the Birds have  options to fill the fullback role typically featured in head coach Chip Kelly’s offenses.

Tapp moves South

DE Daryl Tapp, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles for the past three years, is now a member of the NFC East rival Washington Redskins.  Tapp signed a one-year deal with the team.  Prior to his time with the Eagles, Tapp spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.  Tapp played in 13 games for the Eagles in 2012, accumulating 17 tackles in 257 snaps.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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