Just wondering if some kind soul could either PM or post the Rob Neyer article on the White Sox to me.

Print and Go Back ESPN.com: Baseball

Tuesday, March 8, 2005
Pitching will determine White Sox's fate
By Rob Neyer
ESPN Insider

What's it like to be a White Sox fan?

Really, I'd like to know. What's it like to follow a team that should be good every season, based on its inherent advantages? And is, sort of. Just not good enough. That must be frustrating.

In 2000, the White Sox posted the best record in the American League. They probably weren't the best club; the A's and Mariners were probably a bit better when you consider strength of schedule. Maybe the Yankees were better, too (though the Yankees won only 87 games that season, with a ho-hum run differential). Still, nobody expected the White Sox to get swept in their Division Series with the Mariners.

In 2001, the White Sox got off to a 14-29 start and wound up eight games behind the first-place Indians.

In 2002, the White Sox muddled along for most of the season, with only a late-season push getting them to .500 on the button (and a distant second place).

In 2003, the White Sox had first place all to themselves on the morning of Sept. 3. They played decently down the stretch, but not as decently as the Twins, who finished two games in front.

In 2004, the White Sox held first place as late as July 25 before pitching into a terrible slump that dropped them from contention by late August. The result was yet another second-place finish, the club's seventh in nine seasons.

What's it like to be a long-time White Sox fan? Since 1919, when the Black Sox threw the World Series, the Sox have won exactly five postseason games (in 2004 alone, the Houston Astros won six).

Since 1959, when they won two World Series games against the Dodgers, the White Sox have won three postseason games. Three postseason wins in 45 seasons. In those 45 seasons, only three teams – the Senators/Rangers (1), the Rockies (1) and the Devil Rays (0) – have failed to win more than three postseason games … and none of those teams existed in 1959.

Curse of the Bambino? Give me a break. Between the White Sox' general lack of success, their skinflint owner, the occasional relocation threats, and the last bad ballpark, when it comes to misery nobody's got anything on these Sox fans.

So will 2005 be the Year of the White Sox?

Stranger things have happened. But you'd have to be a starry-eyed optimist to think this team's going to be a lot better than it was a year ago. A lot's been made of the power-for-speed swap the Sox made in trading Carlos Lee for Scott Podsednik (and reliever Luis Vizcaino), but that's just one-ninth of the lineup. The White Sox also signed Jermaine Dye, who's far from great but does represent a slight improvement over what the White Sox had in right field last season (roughly equal parts Magglio Ordonez, Timo Perez and Joe Borchard). Japanese import Tadahito Iguchi figures to be a real improvement over incumbent co-second baseman Willie Harris, though the recent history of Japanese rookies isn't all that encouraging.

If Frank Thomas is healthy, the White Sox are going to score a fair number of runs. Then again, last season the White Sox were outscored by only the Red Sox and Yankees, and look where it got them. Granted, the new Comiskey Park is hitter friendly, but this is a good-hitting club and has been for some time. The problem is the pitching. As others have observed, White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf has generally been unwilling to pay the market rate for good starting pitchers, and it's hard to blame him. The Sox did reverse this trend recently, though, re-signing Freddy Garcia to a long-term deal.

Garcia's a fine pitcher, but he was there for half of last season so his continued presence doesn't represent a huge upgrade. And once you get past Garcia and Mark Buehrle, what's left?

# Jose Contreras has a 4.85 career ERA, and hasn't thrown more than 170 innings in a season.

# Orlando Hernandez hasn't thrown more than 146 innings in a season since 2000.

# Jon Garland's now been in the rotation for three seasons, and his ERAs in those seasons were 4.58, 4.51, and 4.89.

The White Sox do have some pretty good pitching prospects in the minors, but none is ready to help the big club in 2005. Which leaves this team in the same position as another dozen or so around the majors -- they could be good if two or three pitchers are a lot better than we think they'll be. But how often does that actually happen? Pitchers get hurt, and wind up disappointing us far more often than they surprise us.

The 2005 White Sox are a decent team, as usual, and if the Twins should stumble, the Sox have as good a chance as anybody. But it's been a while since the Twins stumbled, and there's no reason to think this is the year.

Senior writer Rob Neyer writes for Insider two or three times per week during the offseason. To offer criticism, praise, or anything in between, send e-mail to [email protected].

Thank you very much!!

Sure thing! And a bonus...

Print and Go Back ESPN.com: College Football

Tuesday, January 18, 2005
CB Washington, WR Mathis impress with workouts
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider

With just a few weeks remaining before the 2005 NFL draft there is plenty of shuffling happening on the draft board thanks to the results of the NFL combine and individual workouts.

Utah quarterback Alex Smith remains my choice as the No. 1 overall pick in my latest first-round projection, but Auburn running back Ronnie Brown has become the top overall prospect and moved into the No. 2 slot in the first round where he would be a great fit for the Miami Dolphins.

Overall, two quarterbacks and three running backs make up the top five in my latest mock draft, while offensive players occupy seven of the top 10 spots. There are 11 underclassmen (10 juniors and a third-year sophomore) among the 32 picks in this projection.

And keep an eye on the following players, who are on the fringe of the first round and could jump into the top 32 picks depending on workout results and shifting team needs: Khalif Barnes, OT, Washington; Justin Miller (jr.), CB, Clemson; Roscoe Parrish, WR, Miami; Matt Roth, DE, Iowa; Odell Thurman (jr.), LB, Georgia.

1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah
A smart player who will pick up an NFL system quickly, Smith has good size, is mobile enough to hurt teams with his running ability and is also an efficient passer who can make all the necessary throws. The Niners likely won't get a good enough deal to move down because there is not a particular player creating a buzz as the surefire No. 1 prospect, but getting Smith would be a good start toward revamping a struggling offense.

2. Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
Brown is the top running back available after his outstanding combine workout. He showed impressive speed for a 230-pounder, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and also has excellent instincts and quickness, something new Dolphins coach Nick Saban knows all about having coached against Brown in the SEC while at LSU.

3. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California
Rodgers is a smart, accurate passer with a quick release. His arm strength is adequate and he put height questions to rest at the combine. Rodgers is a better prospect at this point in his career than former Cal QB Kyle Boller, now the starter for the Baltimore Ravens.

Cedric Benson
It takes more than one arm tackle to bring down Cedric Benson.
4. Chicago Bears: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
The Bears addressed their need for a big-time wideout with the free agent signing of Muhsin Muhammad and Benson would give quarterback Rex Grossman two topflight weapons to help out on offense. Benson is a tough, productive runner who can go the distance and always showed up in his team's biggest games.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn
A creative, deceptive runner with tremendous natural skills. Williams can get tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size, a point illustrated by his 29 rushing TDs over the last two years, and Tampa coach Jon Gruden is very familiar with him after coaching Williams in the Senior Bowl.

6. Tennessee Titans: Adam Jones (jr.), CB, West Virginia
A good cover man who will also contribute as a kick returner, Jones has very good closing speed and is a willing tackler in run support. That may be his most important quality with the NFL hurting pass defenses by focusing on downfield infractions by defensive backs. Jones also fills a major need after hits in free agency.

7. Minnesota Vikings (from OAK): Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Edwards' size, strength, speed and overall athleticism would go a long way toward filling the void left by the trade of Randy Moss, which is how the Vikings acquired the selection in the first place. Minnesota also has needs on defense but can address them later in the first round.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
The best pure linebacker in the draft, Johnson has sideline-to-sideline speed and is always around the ball. His consistency would be welcome on a defense looking for playmakers.

9. Washington Redskins: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC
Williams has the size and strength to dominate corners with his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame. He must answer questions about his speed, but beyond that his hands, body control and natural receiving skills make him a very attractive package for a team that needs to help quarterback Patrick Ramsey.

10. Detroit Lions: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma
The Lions need their front seven to get more pressure on the quarterback and Cody would help with his fiery attitude and relentless motor. He stepped up in big games and was one of the most consistent performers on a defense full of stars.

11. Dallas Cowboys: Shawne Merriman (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme. He fits the mold of Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, who was the first draft pick of Cowboys coach Bill Parcells when Parcells began his tenure in New England.

12. San Diego Chargers: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU
The Chargers need more playmakers on the front seven and Spears would be a good option for providing pressure along the defensive front. He boosted his stock immensely with a great week of work at the Senior Bowl.

13. Houston Texans: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
Texans quarterback David Carr is improving but needs more protection, making the versatile Barron an ideal fit. He is very strong in the lower body and has quick feet in pass protection.

14. Carolina Panthers: Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina
Williamson showed great speed at the combine and would be a nice option for a team that lost Muhsin Muhammad in free agency. Williamson did not play in a passing offense in college but has the speed all teams are looking for.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
The Chiefs likely will dedicate most of their draft to defense, and Rogers is a good place to start. He was Auburn's best defensive player last season, Rogers can support the run or excel in pass coverage and has plenty of experience against top-shelf collegiate competition.

16. New Orleans Saints: Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Brown is equally adept in pass and run blocking, using his quick feet and long arms to move defensive linemen away from the action.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State
Johnson has the size and strength to be a force up front. He raised his stock throughout the 2004 season and would give the Bengals some beef along the defensive front.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Fabian Washington (jr.), CB, Nebraska
Washington was the talk of the combine after running the 40 in 4.28 seconds, and his speed and athleticism are just what the Vikings need in a secondary that struggled against top wideouts and quarterbacks last season.

19. St. Louis Rams: David Pollack, DE, Georgia
Pollack plays with tremendous intensity and his motor does not stop. He makes up for a lack of size with good initial quickness and great closing speed, but his 40 time at the combine was a bit disappointing and he will have to show more speed during his individual workout.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from BUF): Roddy White, WR, UAB
Averaged 20 yards per catch during his senior season and was very good at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The acquisition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe means the Cowboys will have to find him some help in the passing game.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
The Jags are thin in the secondary and need a player with Rolle's speed and toughness, a player who can be solid in coverage and also a force in run support.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
James is an outstanding pass rusher who also plays the run very well thanks to his strength and quickness. He will have to answer a bit of a speed question after a disappointing 40 at the combine, and there are also durability concerns since he missed all of 2003 and part of 2004 with various injuries.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Shaun Cody, DE/DT, USC
Cody would be a nice addition to a line that already includes Pro Bowl player Chad Brown. Cody has the size and versatility to play end or tackle and was a major force for the nation's leading rush defense.

24. Green Bay Packers: Thomas Davis (jr.), S/OLB, Georgia
Davis played safety in college but has the size and speed to move to outside linebacker at the pro level. He is a punishing tackler who is always around the ball and would form a nice outside tandem with Nick Barnett.

25. Denver Broncos: Demarcus Ware, DE/OLB, Troy
Ware would fit perfectly in Denver's new 3-4 scheme with his ability to either play on his feet or put his hand on the ground in a three-point stance. He is not physically imposing but has shown the necessary speed and burst.

Marlin Jackson
CB Marlin Jackson is beginning to rebuild his reputation with NFL scouts.
26. New York Jets: Marlin Jackson, CB, Michigan
His combine performance showed Jackson has the speed to be a true corner and not a safety/corner combo like he was in college.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Brodney Pool (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Another OU standout, Pool has tremendous instincts and is always in the middle of the action. He led the Sooners in tackles last season, showing his willingness to mix things up in run support, and he is adequate in pass coverage.

28. San Diego Chargers: Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma
Clayton has speed, quickness and elusiveness that make him dangerous after the catch. He would round out a receiving corps bolstered by the addition of WR Keenan McCardell and the emergence of TE Antonio Gates.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Channing Crowder (3rd so.), MLB, Florida
An impressive physical specimen who adjusted immediately to top-level collegiate competition, Crowder has ideal size and athletic skills for a man in the middle.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Heath Miller (jr.), TE, Virginia
There is some question whether Miller will be able to work out before the draft due to a pelvic injury, but he still remains the best tight end prospect and would give Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger a nice option in the middle of the field.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton
Played at the Division I-AA level in college but showed at the Gridiron Classic and the combine he belongs with the big boys. He dominated Hampton's playoff game this season and was the best player on the field at the Gridiron thanks to his overall athleticism.

32. New England Patriots: Barrett Ruud, LB, Nebraska
His speed and athletic ability made him Nebraska's all-time leading tackler and Ruud would help the Patriots get younger at a key position, a big key with the health of Teddy Bruschi in question.

Click here to send a question to Mel Kiper for possible use on ESPNEWS.

Could someone post the following article for me?

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2035439

thanks in advance

here you go....

Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Leonard determined to turn Rutgers around


<HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1>By Joe Bendel
Special to ESPN.com

Brian Leonard is a distinguished member of college football's Anonymity Club.



That's because he is the star of a struggling program, a multifaceted fullback who performs great feats to little fanfare.



You probably didn't know that he led the Big East in all-purpose yards at 125.0 per game in 2004. Or that he caught 61 passes for 518 yards, both tops in the nation among running backs. Or that he's amassed 100 or more all-purpose yards in 15 consecutive contests.



The 6-foot-2, 230-pound redshirt junior is living a lonely existence at Rutgers, yet he has no regrets about choosing the Scarlet Knights over Penn State, Syracuse and Missouri.



"Not in the least," said Leonard, who's endured three losing seasons and a 10-25 record during his Scarlet Knights career. "The coaches treat me great here and I love this area. I know I could be at other places right now, but that isn't what I wanted. I wanted to be part of a great turnaround. People think it can't be done, but I'm here – along with my teammates – to make history."



Leonard clarified the last statement.



"We're going to make history," he said.



Despite his optimism, Leonard must understand that dreams don't always become reality in Piscataway, N.J. It was only last season that the Scarlet Knights briefly teased the college football world with a season-opening upset of Michigan State, only to lose the following week to Division I-AA New Hampshire and finish with a 4-7 record.



In four years under coach Greg Schiano, the Scarlet Knights are 12-34. They haven't had a winning season since 1992 and have been to just one bowl game in their history. Many in the program are holding out hope that this will be a breakthrough season, with 17 starters returning, but the Knights returned 17 starters from a 5-7 team last year and failed to improve.



Moreover, they yielded 96 points and 1,100 yards in their final two games.



"I can see where people look at the record and say we didn't get better, but that's not true," said Leonard, who grew up about 20 minutes from the Canadian border and two hours from Syracuse in Gouverneur, N.Y. "We learned a lot of lessons about ourselves last year. We beat Michigan State and we were on a huge high. Then we felt a huge low in our loss the next week. Those things aren't going to happen again. We're having a good spring and the guys understand what it takes to win on a consistent basis."



Leonard has been a model of consistency in his two active seasons with the Knights. The all-time leading prep scorer in New York state history has amassed 2,618 all-purpose yards (1,612 rushing, 1,006 receiving) and 23 touchdowns in 22 games.



He'll look to lead an offense in '05 that is in need of a leader.



Rutgers thought it had that leader in quarterback Ryan Hart, but the senior struggled last season with turnovers, prompting Schiano to open his starting job to either Mike Teel or Terrence Shawell. That's why it is incumbent upon Leonard to be a stabilizing force in spring drills, which conclude April 23, and into fall training camp. He must make Rutgers his team, while also attempting to remove that anonymity tag.



"People recognize you when you win," said Leonard, who patterns his style after NFL bruiser Mike Alstott. "That's what we plan to do next season. I feel really good about our chances."



Mountain Errors
The West Virginia football team seemingly failed to take notes while watching the hoopsters race to the Elite Eight of the NCAA basketball tournament with grace and precision. How else to explain all the fumbles, botched snaps, interceptions and faulty kicks during last Saturday's scrimmage?



"We have no leadership on offense, nobody who will step it up," said coach Rich Rodriguez, noticeably perturbed by his team's lack of effort. "So, I'll either move another guy from defense to take charge or I'll put a new guy in there when they come in the fall."



WVU is feeling the effects of losing top passer Rasheed Marshall, top receiver Chris Henry and top running back Kay Jay Harris. The Mountaineers have no offensive rhythm and there is no telling if things will change at the spring game Saturday afternoon.



In 17 series last week, the first and second teams combined for two interceptions, three lost fumbles, two missed chip-shot field goals and only one touchdown. It should be noted that injuries have impacted the offense's growth, considering the line is down to single digits in personnel and TB Jason Colson and WR Brandon Myles missed the scrimmage with injuries.



"You have to look at the big picture," said sophomore QB Dwayne Thompson. "We've got a lot of guys banged up, a lot of new guys moving in and out. It's pretty much like starting back at square one. And that's frustrating because the defense is already established. We're playing catch-up and we've got to catch up and learn pretty quick."



Thompson and redshirt freshman Pat White are sharing snaps at QB, as they attempt to take over for Marshall. Thompson, playing mostly with the first team, went 11-of-14 for 75 yards in the scrimmage. White went 7-of-21 for 45 yards and two interceptions.



Rodriguez threatened to continue his current practice of moving defensive players to offense if things don't get better soon. Clearly, the WVU coach is worried that his one-time juggernaut offense might turn into a jugger-not in '05.



Around the Big East
Greg Robinson is adding a West Coast flavor to his East Coast program. The first-year Syracuse coach disposed of Paul Pasqualoni's complex running schemes for the pass-driven West Coast style. New coordinator Brian Pariani, who worked with West Coast enthusiast Mike Shanahan with the Denver Broncos, is the brains behind the operation. Pariani will look to balance an offense that ran the ball 477 times last season and threw it only 319 times en route to a 6-6 record. The change in philosophy has already caught the eyes of incoming freshmen wideouts Lavar Lobdell, Bruce Williams and Jeremy Horne, all of whom have been regulars at spring drills. ... Connecticut K Matt Nuzie more than made up for a subpar freshman season by drilling 20 of 28 field goals in '04 and earning second-team All-Big East honors. He even nailed a 51-yarder at the end of the first half against Pittsburgh that fueled a 29-17 upset. But Nuzie is not resting on past success. He's been working diligently this spring to improve his leg strength, which might be a necessity for a Huskies team that is expected to lose offensive firepower with the departure of decorated QB Dan Orlovsky. Nuzie, who is 3-of-12 from 40 yards or longer, is using a book by Dr. Bob Rotella entitled, "The Golfer's Mind" to improve his numbers. "If you have a positive subconscious image about yourself, it's going to relate onto the field," Nuzie said. "It's just positive thoughts and positive reinforcement."



Cincinnati redshirt freshman Dustin Grutza is the early leader in the battle to replace four-year starter Gino Guidugli at quarterback. Grutza's pinpoint passing and mobility, along with the knowledge he gained with a season in the system, has launched him ahead of junior college transfer Nick Davila, who put up big numbers in the juco ranks. Sophomore Todd Spitzer and freshman Tony Pike are also still in the hunt for Guidugli's old job. ... Dave Wannstedt is taking the show on the road this spring. The first-year Pitt coach decided to hold this year's Blue-Gold game – and all subsequent ones during his reign – at an area high school. Nearby Gateway, which produced top Penn State recruit Justin King, plays host to Saturday's scrimmage. "We've been talking all along about making a big push with the high schools in the community," Wannstedt said. "This will be a real positive for our program and for recruiting." Recently, Pitt picked up a verbal commitment from Gateway's Dan Loheyde, one of the top linebackers in Western PA. A knock on former coach Walt Harris was that communication lines had broken down between Pitt and many of the local high schools.



The high-powered Louisville offense, which led the nation in scoring last season, sputtered in its first spring scrimmage last week. But the unit returned to form on Saturday thanks to the passing of sophomore quarterback Brian Brohm, who went 21-of-33 for 247 yards with a touchdown. Brohm, who completed 15 of his final 20 passes, is rounding into the form that made him one of the nation's top recruits and the USA Today high school player of the year in 2003. ... While the quarterback battle continues between South Florida returning starter Pat Julmiste and Auburn transfer Courtney Denson, backup Louis Gachette, a redshirt freshman, has moved from QB to free safety. Meantime, Denson was slowed by an ankle sprain while scrambling in a practice session and missed USF's final scrimmage. His status for Saturday's spring game is still to be determined. Julmiste and Denson are joined in the battle by sophomore Anthony Severino, who is enjoying a solid spring. Also, two freshmen – Matt Grothe and Carlton Hill – arrive for fall camp.



Joe Bendel covers the Big East for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Is someone actually charging for access to an article that contains the "word" jugger-not?

Is someone actually charging for access to an article that contains the "word" jugger-not?
I can imagine QS blowing up a building over something like this...

wait.. the Big East is still a football conference?

sorry for the threadjack here, but I thought ESPN dumped Mel Kiper?

sorry for the threadjack here, but I thought ESPN dumped Mel Kiper?

no no no no.. Lindsay Lohan dumped Mel Kiper. I think that happened in between her relationships with Fez and Christian Slater.

No, no, no. Espn only gets rid of good people. Oh and Max Kellerman, but he is horrible.

sorry for the threadjack here, but I thought ESPN dumped Mel Kiper?

They did not extend his contract when it expired, but they worked out a new one.

no no no no.. Lindsay Lohan dumped Mel Kiper. I think that happened in between her relationships with Fez and Christian Slater.
Dear God, I miss the QOTM...

Dear God, I miss the QOTM...
REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?

;)