TouchdownTommyMVP's Blog

2008 Minnesota Wild Offseason
TouchdownTommyMaddox :: 3 months ago :: 800 views

As a Minnesota sports fan, I am very used to hometown teams in every pro sport neglecting to go after big-name free agents.  The Twins always seem to have a "that guy is still in the league!" signing, usually a player who get released halfway through the year (i.e. Tony Batista).  The Vikings used to be this way until Wilf bought the team, and the Wild have used this Minnesota "make the playoffs but don't go any further" method as well.  With the introduction of the salary cap a few years ago, I expected the playing field in the NHL free agency market to be leveled and I thought the Wild would go after top-echelon players, seeing as how they do have one of the nicest arenas and arguably the best fans.  Since then they have made average signings, like Kim Johnsson (who still probably isn't worth $4.5 mil) and Mark Parrish (hasn't done much lately), and they traded a top prospect for Pavol Demitra, but they have yet to go for a top free agent.

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Steelers' Draft
TouchdownTommyMaddox :: 3 months ago :: 708 views

Overall, Pittsburgh had a great draft this year.  In the first round, they jumped on Rashard Mendenhall when he fell down to the 23rd pick.  He will come in and immediately help the Steelers' rushing game.  Willie Parker is coming off a broken leg and may not be at 100% by the beginning of the year.  Plus, Fast Willie had over 300 carries before suffering the injury.  If they want him to be a top-flight back for a long time, he will have to start sharing carries.  Mendenhall fits this role perfectly; Parker is explosive and very capable of the home run, Mendenhall is a complete back who has the ability to run between the tackles, run through opponents, and catch passes out of the backfield.  Together, this tandem will wear out defenses.  This acquisition also moves Najeh Davenport into the short-yardage back role, where he belongs. 

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Twins must re-sign Torii Hunter
TouchdownTommyMaddox :: about 1 year ago :: 505 views

The Twins would be making an enormous mistake if they let Hunter leave in FA.  Hunter is the heart of a team which plays almost solely on heart and hustle.  They feed off his highlight reel catches.  He still plays at a very high level and has actually had his best seasons the last two years.  Carl Pohlad MUST open up his wallet and give Hunter the money.  Without him in CF, they would probably be playing Jason Tyner, Lew Ford, or some washed-up old man they always seem to find in the offseason.  Ford is a fan favorite but hits .200 every year and Tyner is ok defensively but hardly the power threat that Hunter is.  The Twins already have a lineup that lacks power and this would take away 1 of 2 or maybe 3 (Cuddyer) HR hitters.  Give the man the money he deserves Pohlad!

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