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Seattle Mariners’ Players of the Decade for the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s

March 11th, 2010

 

Established in 1977, the Seattle Mariners have competed in three complete decades: the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

The Mariners have featured few true "franchise players," who could be instantly noticed as the face of the franchise. Edgar Martinez, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ichiro Suzuki have all had a turn, but other prominent players, such as Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, and Tino Martinez, have come and gone.

In the three tumultuous decades of Mariners history, there have been studs (Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, etc.) and duds (Richie Sexson, Jeff Cirillo, etc.). In this article, I will try and sort out the best players from each decade on both sides of the ball. 

For each decade, I nominated two hitters and two pitchers, and then selected the one that I considered to be the "Best Hitter/Pitcher of the Decade."

Please comment below with any agreements, disagreements, compliments, or criticisms.

 

Best Hitter of the 1980s

Alvin Davis – 1B (Years Active: 1984-1989)

Nicknamed “Mr. Mariner,” Alvin Davis is a fitting player to start this article. One of only four members of the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame (along with Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner, and Dave Niehaus), Davis broke into the Majors with the Mariners in 1984. Davis quickly established himself as a key member of the team, earning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1984 while slugging 27 home runs and driving in 116 runs.

During the 1980s, Davis played six seasons for the Seattle Mariners, averaging nearly 147 games played, 22 home runs, and 88 runs batted in per season. In 1987, Davis hit a career-high 29 home runs, and in 1989, Davis posted a career-high .305 batting average.

In all, Davis ranks fourth in Mariners history in runs batted in (667), fifth in at-bats (4,136) and home runs (160),  and sixth in games played (1,166). Davis’ tenure with the Mariners ended in 1992, but his most productive years certainly came in the 1980s. 

Harold Reynolds – 2B (Years Active: 1983-1989)

A scrappy, defensive standout, Harold Reynolds spent seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners in 1980s; his time in the 1980s was easily the majority of his career.

Drafted by the Mariners in the First Round in 1980, Reynolds made his Major League debut in 1983, but did not earn a starting position until the 1986 season. By the end of the 1980s, Reynolds had established himself as one of the premiere defensive second basemen in Major League Baseball.

From 1986-1989, Reynolds averaged nearly 67 runs scored and 38 stolen bases per season. Additionally, Reynolds earned an All-Star appearance in 1987 and 1988, and three consecutive Gold Gloves from 1988-1990. Also worth mentioning, albeit outside of the 1980s, Reynolds was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award (for sportsmanship and community involvement) in 1991. 

In all, Reynolds ranks third in Mariners history in stolen bases (228), sixth in total at-bats (4,090), and seventh in runs scored (543). His career continued after the Mariners with one year stints with the Baltimore Orioles and then-California Angels, but his best years came in the late 1980s.

Verdict: Alvin Davis

 

 

Best Pitcher of the 1980s

Mark Langston – SP (Years Active: 1984-1988)

Maybe known better for his stint with the California Angels from 1990-1997, Mark Langston emerged in the Seattle Mariners organization in the mid-1980s and took Major League Baseball by storm. In 1984, his rookie season, Langston led the American League in strikeouts (204), while posting a 17-10 record and a 3.40 ERA. 

Langston played four more seasons for the Seattle Mariners before being traded to Montreal in 1989. In his Mariners tenure, he compiled three Opening Day starts (1987-1989), two Gold Gloves (1987-1988), an All-Star appearance (1987), and three American League strikeout crowns (1984, 1986-1987). 

Despite playing only five seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Langston ranks fourth in Mariners history in wins (74), third in strikeouts (1,078), and fourth in games started (173). 

Yes, he was traded to the AL West rival California Angels, but that transaction was very sweet for the Seattle Mariners. First, the Mariners received a guy named Randy Johnson in return (not bad), and second, Langston was with the Angels in 1995… Something involving a comeback and an AL West Crown for the Mariners…

Regardless of his years in California, Langston went down as one of the most influential pitchers in Mariners history.

Mike Moore – SP (Years Active: 1982-1988)

With the first overall pick in the 1981 Major League Baseball Draft, the Seattle Mariners selected starting pitcher Mike Moore. Moore ascended the minor league ranks quickly, making his Major League debut in April 1982, and staying on with the Mariners for another six seasons.

In seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Moore started 217 games, but never quite lived up to his potential. After leaving Seattle, Moore won a World Series Championship with the Oakland Athletics and earned an All-Star selection in 1989. With the Mariners, however, he was hit or miss.

Moore’s best year as a Mariner came in 1985, in which he posted a 17-10 record with a 3.46 ERA. In all, he ranks third in Mariners history in Games Started (217), fifth in Wins (66), first in Complete Games (56), and fourth in Strikeouts (937).

Moore was never an outstanding pitcher, but he contributed for the majority of the 1980s, and was one of the most tenured pitchers in Seattle Mariners history.

Verdict: Mark Langston

 

 

Best Hitter of the 1990s

Ken Griffey Jr. – OF (Years Active: 1990-1999)

“The Kid” is probably the most recognizable face in Seattle Mariners history. Making his Major League debut in 1989, at 20 years old, Griffey spent the entirety of the 1990s with the Seattle Mariners. 

Griffey’s resume in the 1990s is unbelievable. From 1990-1999 (ten seasons), Griffey earned the 1997 American League MVP Award, 10 All-Star Appearances,  10 Gold Gloves, seven Silver Slugger Awards, four American League Home Run Crowns, three Home Run Derby Championships, countless endorsements and video game deals, and even a candidacy for President of the United States in 1996. Quite simply, Griffey dominated the American League for the majority of the 1990s.

Griffey’s numbers are impressive in the All-Time lists, but in Seattle Mariners history, they are incredible.  Griffey ranks first in Mariners history in Home Runs and second in Runs Batted In, as well as second in Mariners history in Games Played, At-Bats, and Runs Scored (behind Edgar Martinez in each category). 

Griffey was one of the greatest players in all of baseball in the 1990s, and accordingly, he was one of the greatest Mariners in that span as well.

Edgar Martinez – 3B/DH (Years Active: 1990-1999)

Edgar Martinez played alongside Ken Griffey Jr. for the entirety of Griffey’s first sting with the team. While Griffey was busy wowing the fans with top-tier defense and elite home run power, Edgar Martinez kept happy by roping doubles, earning RBIs, and collecting batting titles. 

In the 1990s, Edgar Martinez earned four All-Star appearances, three Silver Slugger Awards, two American League Batting Titles, and even an American League RBI Crown (it was in 2000, but close enough…). 

Martinez’s career certainly continued to be successful into the 2000s, where he earned three more All-Star appearances, two more Silver Slugger Awards, and a Roberto Clemente Award, but he was instrumental to the Seattle Mariners successful years in the 1990s. 

In all, Edgar Martinez ranks first in Mariners history in games played, at-bats, hits, total bases, doubles, runs scored, and runs batted in, and second in batting average. 

In maybe his finest hour, Martinez hit the series-winning double that scored Ken Griffey Jr. to defeat the New York Yankees in the 1995 American League Divisional Series. By Martinez’s own admission, that double “defined [his] career.”

Still one of the two or three greatest fan favorites in Seattle (along with Griffey and Ichiro), Martinez enjoys a place in the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame, a soon-to-be retired No. 11 in the Mariners history books, and even a street named after him next to the stadium. In Seattle, the man is an icon.

Verdict: Ken Griffey Jr.

 

 

Best Pitcher of the 1990s

Chris Bosio – SP (Years Active: 1993-1996)

The 1990s is a wasteland of Seattle Mariners pitching talent. For every Mariners pitcher not named Randy, the 1990s were forgettable. Throw in the eclectic mix of Chris Bosio (four seasons), Erik Hanson (four seasons), and Jamie Moyer (four seasons), and you get a forced choice of mediocrity. Even the Mulleted Sheriff Norm Charlton only tossed three seasons for the Mariners in the 1990s… It’s slim picking.

Sure, other pitchers exist, but they are below John Halama (at No. 13) on the Seattle Mariners All-Time wins list, and I refuse to recognize any pitchers below that point. That is, any pitchers that haven’t thrown a No-No…

Chris Bosio is known for one thing, and one thing only. I remember this because I was eight years old at the time and wondering who the pudgy bald man was that was jumping around on TV. Bosio tossed the second no-hitter in Mariners history in 1993 (see below for the first one), cementing him with at least one all-time highlight reel clip to play at Mariners game.

Kudos to you, Bosio. You get the Silver Medal in the most one-sided competition since that high school basketball game down in Texas … 

Randy Johnson – SP (Years Active: 1990-1998)

Randy Johnson has some of the most memorable highlights in Seattle Mariners history. In 1990, he threw the first no-hitter in franchise history. In 1995, he earned the first Cy Young Award in franchise history. Also in 1995, he froze Tim Salmon and launched the one of the most memorable post-game celebrations in franchise history. Oh, and the mullet wasn’t bad either…

Johnson is clearly the Seattle Mariners’ best pitcher of the 1990s. In his time with the Mariners in that decade, he earned five All-Star appearances, four American League strikeout crowns, and an American League Cy Young Award. Not too shabby.

In all, Johnson ranks second in Mariners history in wins and games started, first in complete game shutouts, and first (by 900 or so) in strikeouts.

Like Griffey, he was one of the best in baseball over this entire decade, so its difficult not to give him the nod here for the Mariners.

Verdict: Randy Johnson

 

 

Best Hitter of the 2000s

Raul Ibanez – OF (Years Active: 2000, 2004-2008)

The 2000s Seattle Mariners featured a number of hitters who excelled for only half of the decade. 2B Bret Boone (2001-2005), OF Mike Cameron (2000-2003), 1B John Olerud (2000-2004), and 3B Adrian Beltre (2005-2009) are just a few examples of Mariners hitters who excelled at certain points, but did not continuously produce for the entire decade.

From 1996-2000, Ibanez was a reserve player with the Mariners, but he blossomed into an outstanding hitter upon leaving for Kansas City in 2001. 

Ibanez returned to Seattle in 2004, and contributed five stellar offensive seasons. From 2004-2008, Ibanez averaged 85 runs scored, 23 home runs, 98 runs batted in, and a .291 batting average. 

No offense to Raul Ibanez, but in this category he is the proverbial lamb being sent to slaughter…No one can keep up with the next hitter on this list.

Ichiro Suzuki – OF (Years Active: 2001-2009)

Coming to Seattle in 2001, Ichiro Suzuki was expected to be a solid hitter with above-average speed. In short, he has exceeded these expectations. In Ichiro’s tenure in the Big Leagues, he has pieced together one of the most dominant runs in Major League history. 

In nine seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Ichiro has averaged 158 games played, 225 hits, 108 runs scored, and 38 stolen bases per season, along with a career .333 batting average. He broke the single-season hits record in 2004 with 262 hits, and currently holds the Major League record by starting his career with nine consecutive 200-hit seasons. 

Additionally, Ichiro has earned nine All-Star Selections, nine Gold Gloves, three Silver Slugger Awards, two Batting Titles, one Stolen Base Crown, an American League MVP, and American League Rookie of the year Award.

Quite simply, Ichiro is one of the most dominant players to ever play the game. He is a top-tier hitter, top-tier defender, and has speed to burn. Without a doubt, he was the Seattle Mariners greatest hitter of the 2000s.

Verdict: Ichiro Suzuki

 

 

Best Pitcher of the 2000s

Felix Hernandez – SP (Years Active: 2005-2009)

The 2000s Seattle Mariners pitching staff has a similar problem to the hitters: There were a number of good pitchers for half a decade, but very few who put in significant time in Seattle. 

Felix Hernandez made his Major League debut for the Mariners in 2005, at the age of 19. “King Felix” has developed into one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball (still only twenty-three years of age), and finished as high as second place in the American League Cy Young vote. 

Despite only four full seasons in the Bigs, Felix Hernandez already ranks sixth in Seattle Mariners history for wins (58), and could jump into third-place with an outstanding 2010 campaign… and he would still be 24!

Felix Hernandez is certainly the pitcher of the future for the Seattle Mariners. Had he played a full decade, his numbers would certainly warrant a “Pitcher of the Decade” title, but for now he is left to battle it out with other pitchers from the 2000s.

Jamie Moyer – SP (Years Active: 2000-2006)

Jamie Moyer joined the Seattle Mariners in 1996, and played there until his departure for Philadelphia in 2007. During his time with the Mariners, Moyer was a four-time Opening Day starter, and a stable in a pitching staff which carried the Mariners to success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

During the 2000s, Moyer pitched seven seasons, averaging 13 wins, nine ;osses, and 195 innings pitched per season. His 93 wins during that stretch dwarf the nearest pitcher (Felix Hernandez with 58), and his four Opening Day starts are the most of any pitcher during that span. Moyer posted two 20-win seasons, in 2001 and 2003, and was named to his only All-Star Game appearance in 2003. 

In all, Jamie Moyer is first in Mariners history in games started, innings oitched, and wins. It was never fancy, and it was never flashy, but Jamie Moyer went out there and got it done day in and day out. 

Verdict: Jamie Moyer



That's it for now. Sound off on the comment board if you see any errant inclusions, obvious omissions, or sheer stupidity!

 

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Posted in AL West, Baseball, Greatest Hits, MLB, MLB History, Seattle, Seattle Mariners, history

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Top 10 Questions Facing the AFC West in Free Agency

March 11th, 2010

A flurry of high-profile moves have already dominated headlines around the NFL at the relative start of free agency.

In the foggy mist of an uncapped season, most fans and commentators are still making sense of the rule adjustments and scenery changes in the league.

However, one expected occurrence has been made blatantly clear: The gap between the haves and the have-nots has certainly widened.

How this affects the AFC West is still somewhat of a mystery, but certain patterns have emerged.

At this point, only a number of small to mid-major transactions have been completed, with talk focusing more on player departures (LaDainian Tomlinson, Brandon Marshall) within the division.

With plenty of time to go, just what are the biggest questions facing Denver, Kansas City, Oakland, and San Diego in the free agency period?

 

1) Will San Diego "attack" free agency?

Whether it's been because of an imposed budget conscience or strictly due to philosophy, Chargers president Dean Spanos and general manager A.J. Smith have not been eager to pull the trigger on many big moves in free agency over the past few seasons.

Last season's biggest acquisition, for instance, was LB Kevin Burnett, a former second-string player for the Dallas Cowboys who was given the chance to start for San Diego in 2009.

Now that we have an idea of who's leaving southern California, several holes have sprung up in San Diego's depth chart.

In the past, said holes were tended to in the draft. This year, there might not be enough picks (or talent) to plug the deficiencies on the roster.

A weak and already dwindling RB market already pushed San Diego to tender Darren Sproles, but the Chargers could be shopping for defensive and special teams help, with Jamal Williams and Kassim Osgood gone.

While you shouldn't expect any blockbuster moves, expect an increased presence in the market from Spanos, Smith and Co.

 

2) Where will Brandon Marshall end up?

The disgruntled Denver WR will finally get his wish after a drama-heavy '09 campaign.

It became very clear last season that the Broncos were Josh McDaniels' team, and thus the talented but controversy-prone, outspoken playmaker will be sent the way of Jay Cutler.

Speaking of which, with Chicago's blitzkrieg of the market so far, is it possible that Marshall and Cutler could be headed for a Windy City reunion?

Seattle has also emerged as contenders for Marshall's services, with owner Paul Allen's deep pockets and T.J. Houshmanzadeh on the other sideline boons morsels in Brandon's food for thought.

Unlike last season's debacle though, expect one thing to be certain: Marshall definitely will not be a Denver Bronco in 2010.

 

3) Where will Nnamdi Asomugha play next season?

The non New York-based members of the AFC East were spared a major blow when it was Antonio Cromartie and not Asomugha heading to the Big Apple via trade.

Even with that possibility nixed, rumors have still swirled around the All-Pro cornerback's potential destination.

One of the best corners in the league—bar none—teams will be faced with a pretty steep price in order to acquire Asomugha.

A price that the Jets were obviously turned off by when it took them just a third (potentially second) round pick to wrestle Cromartie away from the Chargers.

With Al Davis at the helm, fans are always bracing to expect the unexpected, but unless the right offer comes around, Nnamdi should remain an Oakland Raider this coming fall.

 

4) Is Jamal Williams a boom or bust signing for Denver?

There's no questioning the amount of talent for football that former San Diego NT Jamal Williams has in his 350-pound body.

It is also no question that injuries and age have slowed down the former All-Pro to the point of missing 18 games in the past three seasons.

Denver's outgoing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan set up a 3-4 scheme in Denver, and now the current staff is surely banking to get the 2008 version of Williams, who started all 16 games for the division rival Chargers, than the 2009 model who only played in one.

For years, San Diego anchored its version of the 3-4 around Williams' massive run-stopping power.

The Broncos already impressed many observers with their stifling defense in 2009 before collapsing late in the season. Is Williams the missing piece to their defensive puzzle?

 

5) Does the Chiefs re-signing Chris Chambers mean a halt to other WR pursuits?

There was talk of Anquan Boldin becoming a Chief before his eventual trade to Baltimore.

When that possibility was squashed, KC personnel guru Scott Pioli turned to his existing roster and re-upped Chris Chambers to a multi-year deal.

An intriguing possibility might be New Orleans' Lance Moore, who was tendered with a second-round pick by the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Chiefs hold an extra second-round pick stemming from their trade of Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons last season, and could easily part with it if it means obtaining Moore.

Beyond that, it's a thin market both in free agency. Perhaps Dez Bryant would be acceptable to Chiefs fans?

 

6) Is Stephen Jackson to the Chargers a real possibility?

It is definitely a talent-rich draft if you're low on running backs this year.

And while this label definitely applies to San Diego, the Bolts also hold a relatively low first-round pick (28) and have many other needs (offensive line, defensive line, cornerback, safety).

The Chargers might be turned on by Jackson's obvious talent, but they might equally be turned off by what St. Louis might ask in return.

Also, this year's market features other solid backs like Cadillac Williams and LenDale White, who fit the mold of physical backs who could succeed behind San Diego's underwhelming offensive line.

This, however, could be a major draft-day move should top RB prospects be gone by the time San Diego's on the clock.

 

7) Will Oakland shop for a quarterback?

To be honest, there's not much out there in the QB market.

It's clear to everyone except Al Davis that JaMarcus Russell is not the solution and the rest of Oakland's depth chart isn't too impressive, either.

There's no way anyone gives up a first-round pick for Jason Campbell, and while Oakland fared well with a former Cleveland QB this season (Bruce Gradkowski), chances of Derek Anderson arriving in the Bay Area are slim.

Al Davis values veteran leadership, so there's a chance a guy like Jake Delhomme or Rex Grossman to get a shot at a backup role.

Then again, the last time Davis brought a veteran QB in (Jeff Garcia), things got ugly fast.

 

8) Is the Darren Sproles sign-and-trade deal still a possibility?

It becomes increasingly apparent that San Diego brass don't know what they want to do with Darren Sproles.

San Diego needs to hold on to any semblance of running backs on its depth chart, and Sproles is an excellent return man/backfield receiver, but he is far from a full-time, front-line back.

As mentioned before, San Diego is dealing with a lot of holes going into next season. Sproles continues to be a luxury at this point for the Chargers more so than a necessity.

Should a team be willing to offer up something useful to San Diego, say, offensive or defensive line help, it should be no surprise to anyone to see Sproles in a different uniform next season.

 

9) How will Kansas City continue to approach the market?

The Chiefs are a young team undergoing a rebuilding process in the way of new front-office and head coaching philosophies.

They have some good talent in place at the right positions, but still lack depth and a couple of game breakers on each side of the ball.

It's clear they have some money and that, under Pioli, are willing to make a big splash (i.e. trading Tony Gonzalez last season) in order to get better.

However, most of the big fish are spoken for at this point and they have too many holes to plug using solely the draft.

At this point, it looks as if they're content with filling their roster with the Thomas Jones' of the world.

 

10) Will the Broncos shop for offensive help?

Again, Brandon Marshall will most likely be out of Denver in the coming weeks. Kyle Orton showed to be effective over stretches of the 2009 campaign, and Knowshon Moreno appears to be talented enough to blossom into a top back, but will that be enough?

With Marshall gone, teams will be able to zero in on Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler in the passing game.

Denver's emphasis in free agency so far has been defense, but there is no reason to suspect that, for head coach Josh McDaniels, addition might come in the way of subtraction in the Marshall situation.

Expect a couple of fringe signings at the very least, a major upgrade via the draft, or a trade involving Marshall that sees some pieces go Denver's way.

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Posted in AFC West, Football, NFL, Preview/Prediction

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Fantasy Baseball: Sleeper Catchers You Want to Snag in 2010 Drafts

March 10th, 2010

The drama caused by my unpopular catching strategy is still being talked about at the www.chinstrapninja.com headquarters water cooler on a fairly regular basis.

You know...the one where I suggested investing in a catcher in the top portion of your fantasy draft.

Well, knowing that most of the fantasy baseball crowd is as oppositional-defiant and as procrastination-prone as I am, I felt it necessary to look a little deeper into some true sleeper catcher options that you can load up on in the late, late rounds of your respective drafts.

A couple to consider include...

 

Buster Posey, Giants

A good sleeper is a player who has all the attributes to become a star player but is missing one small yet vital ingredient. For Buster Posey, that missing link is simply playing time.

The San Francisco Giants for some crazy reason re-signed Bengie Molina this offseason, to the surprise and dismay, I’m sure, of Posey and his fantasy posse. The youngster compiled a .327 minor league batting average and has one of the best textbook swings one could ask for.

Posey handled the jump from High-A to Triple-A ball seamlessly last year, batting .321 with five homers and 22 RBI (and a .391 on-base percentage) in 35 games before seeing some time late in the season with the major league club. He struggled in his small audition, likely due to excessive late-season fatigue.

The plus for Posey is that the Giants are starting to realize that they need to get him some playing time at the major league level and are currently trying him at a majority of infield positions...specifically first base and shortstop.

This move and his overall statistical display are clear signs that Posey has ample potential to be a really cheap yet really nice fantasy addition to your squad. He is someone you should snag early, especially in two-catcher leagues.

 

Adam Moore, Mariners

For what seemed like a bazillion years, the word catcher in Marinersland has been synonymous with Kenji Johjima. Until, that is, Johjima this offseason decided to opt out of his contract and export himself back to his native Japan.

Seattle’s loss will be procrastinating fantasy owners’ gain. Adam Moore has plenty of potential to be a solid backstop in the majors. His 3-for-3 performance behind the plate Monday is just a small indicator of what he brings to the plate. His minor league career produced a consistent plus-.300 average and double-digit homer numbers.

The problem is that even with Johjima out of the equation, Moore does not yet have a clear path to the major league job. Rob Johnson currently projects into that spot but is coming off three offseason surgeries and has a penchant for underachieving on a regular basis.

If you are looking for a super cheap source of production at catcher and don’t expect Godzilla-like numbers out of him right out of the gates, than Moore could be a nice last-round snag.

 

Carlos Santana, Indians

Carlos Santana is another catcher whose fantasy value hinges on his playing time. At the moment, he will likely start the season in AAA ball, but don’t expect him to stay there too long before being called up.

Santana was amazingly effective in AA ball last season, batting .290 with 23 homers and 97 RBI and a .413 on-base percentage. In fact, he has smacked more than 20 long balls and 30 doubles in back-to-back seasons in the minors and could be a nice power option.

An additional plus for Santana is his patience at the plate (90 walks in 424 at-bats in minor league play last season).

Again, his potential to produce on fantasy rosters is tied totally to his playing time in big league ball. Watch closely and make sure he’s on your roster when he does make his appearance behind the plate for the Indians.

 

For more on this post, check out this link .

For our brand-new catcher rankings (based off ADP), check out this .

To see our new fantasy baseball page, complete with rankings, sleepers, and draft strategies, go here .

You won't be disappointed with our hard-hitting fantasy baseball and fantasy football content at www.chinstrapninjas.com

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Posted in Fantasy, Opinion, Partners Fantasy, fantasy baseball

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Does Maxim Lapierre’s Suspension Show He’s Irrelevant to Montreal Canadiens?

March 10th, 2010

As we await tonight's Habs vs. Tampa game, a thought occurred to me about the Montreal Canadiens: Maxim Lapierre was out of the lineup for the last two games, and I didn't even notice.

Did you? Did anyone except for Max?

In case you didn't know, Maxim Lapierre was suspended for four games for a 'dirty' hit on San Jose's Scott Nichol this week.

Sunday's game against the Ducks, was the second game of Lapierre's suspension and I for one didn't even notice that he was out of the lineup?

While Lapierre made a name and carved out a niche for himself last year, this year he has been a ghost. With the exception of a handful of games, Lapierre has been a non-factor on the 2010 edition of the Montreal Canadiens.

Now that he is suspended, I think it has become even clearer how irrelevant Lapierre has become to the Habs lineup.

Looking at the Habs roster, there are basically four players vying for the last two center spots on the team: Maxim Lapierre, Glen Metropolit, Dominic Moore and Ben Maxwell.

Maxwell is generally considered to be last on that depth chart, for now, going forward—and looking towards next season—it will be interesting to see where he fits and who else gets re-signed or gets the axe.

Where last year Lapierre seemed to be reaching his potential, this year he has beaten out by the surprising skill, speed and grit of Glen Metropolit.

Metro is no slouch, but at 35 years of age and a UFA at season's end, will GM Gauthier extend his contact with the Habs? There is no question that he is an excellent team guy and a very useful, versatile player but given that Gauthier just traded for Dominic Moore— who is six years younger than Metro—you'd have to think that he wants to give him a shot next year instead.

As for Maxwell, the conventional thinking is that as an offensive player, he needs to play on one of the top two lines. With Plekanec and Gomez already holding down those spots—assuming they both stay with the team next year—maybe Maxwell will get a chance to take the reins of the third line during his first year before getting a shot at one of the top two spots.

That would mean that either Metro, Lapierre or Moore should be the fourth-line pivot and depending on who stays and who goes, my money is on Moore.

Whatever happens in the off season, there is no question that Lapierre has done himself no favors this year. Lapierre's absence from the Habs lineup this week is glaring by its lack of effect.

It means nothing. It makes no difference. His presence is not missed.

Given how well he played last year, I find his 2010 stumble to be unfortunate. Furthermore, it would be even more unfortunate if he were to leave the team and rediscover his form in another city.

All things being equal, the way things are going for Lapierre and in light of his RFA status this summer, I would not be surprised to see Gauthier move him at the draft.

Let's see what the offseason brings!


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Posted in Hockey, Maxim Lapierre, Montreal Canadiens, NHL, Opinion

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NCAA Football: Big XII Breakout Players for 2010

March 10th, 2010

I’ve heard some recent complaints about Ivan Maisel’s breakout player picks for action in the Big XII next season. I can understand your frustrations, but I didn’t think those picks were too bad, outside of Ahmad Dixon possibly never making it to campus. Here are a couple of guys from each South team that I’ve got my eye on headed into the season:

Texas Longhorns

Offense: OL Tray Allen

I’m not sure if he’s an inside or outside guy this year, but in the limited tape I saw of him, the Longhorns got a lot more athletic up front with Allen in the lineup. He’ll be too good to keep off the field this year, and adds some legitimate run blocking ability.

Defense: DE Eddie Jones

Jones is a player that would have been a three-year starter by now at 11 other Big XII programs. He’s just been stuck behind first round draft picks on the depth chart.  I think he’s got elite closing speed and will prove to be trouble to a new crop of Big XII tackles.

Texas A&M Aggies

Offense: OT Luke Joeckel

He’s already on campus at 280 pounds, and in all likelihood, the best athlete of Stephen Barrera, Danny Baker, Garrett Gramling, or Shep Klinke. Jake Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi will need to gain weight via redshirt. I’m going out on a limb here, but I think this Joeckel kid is legit enough to crack the Aggie starting lineup. 

Defense: OLB Garrick Williams

At 6′2″, 230 pounds with decent athleticism, he’s the only other guy on the Aggie defense right now, outside of Von Miller, from whom I see glimpses of quality potential.  He’s a little bit of a mess at times like the rest of the unit, but Coach DeRuyter might be able to do something with an athlete of his level. At a minimum, Williams intrigues me.

Baylor Bears

Offense: WR Kendall Wright

I’ll just pick Wright like everyone else. Robert Griffin is no secret. WR Willie Jefferson is an interesting physical specimen at 6′6″.

Defense: OLB Antonio Johnson

He’s one of the more underrated players in the Big XII, especially in coverage. Everyone assumes Johnson is terrible because he plays on the Baylor defense, but he’s a good enough athlete to be starting for just about any program in this league.

Oklahoma Sooners

Offense: OG Bronson Irwin

When Bob Stoops signed Tyler Evans last Feb., I don’t think he felt Evans would actually be starting. Like Joeckel, Irwin is another reach pick. Adam Shead is a nice inside prospect for the Sooners, and I expect one of them to be injected for a running game boost by mid-season. Irwin is on campus already, has size, and I liked his film.

Defense: MLB Tom Wort

I was going to use Austin Box here and reference the upgrade in athleticism to Ryan Reynolds. However, Wort is apparently atop the depth chart heading into spring after an injury sidelined him last fall.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Offense: TE Tracy Moore

In past Cowboys' offenses, Justin Horton and his blocking ability might have been my choice. However, look for new OC Dana Holgerson to take advantage of Moore’s 240 pound size and athletic ability as a flex tight end to attack the deep middle.

Defense: S Markelle Martin

I think Martin is potentially an NFL player. He has a good combo of speed and size with ball skills.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Offense: LT Terry McDaniel

He’s a potential star in this league, given he returns from an Oct. knee injury. McDaniel, if healthy, can do things that historically can't be done by Tech tackles. 

Defense: OLB/DE Aundrey Barr 

He’ll most likely be the best option on the Tech roster this spring for perimeter pressure on the QB. Coach Tuberville and defensive coordinator James Willis will find a way to get the fastest player in their front-four on the field.

 

 

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