MANY A SLEEPLESS NIGHT IN HAWKEYE NATION

February 1st won't come soon enough for Iowa Hawkeye football fanatics.   It's commonly referred to as National Signing Day, a day high school seniors can sign a letter-of-intent to play for the college team of their choice.  Considering the plethora of bad news out of Iowa City since late December, Iowa fans are needing a feel good closure.  A big one.

There has to be a whole lot of sleeplessness going on these days.  First, let's think of the recruits.  They're making perhaps the biggest choice of their life.  Everywhere they turn they are asked about their upcoming decision.  If it's not a friend, or coach or high school booster.....then it's Uncle Joey trying to help them with their choice.   In these last two weeks, most prospects have taken their official visits...so they've seen the landscape of the universities they're contemplating.  Now, it's the mad rush of the college coaches to their doorstep to talk to player and parents.  Each coach is selling ____ program as the best life-decision they could make.  And for some recruiters, it's a time to diss the schools recruits have in mind.  "You know Iowa's defensive coordinator retired and a young defensive coach left the program", a coach might infer.  "And they've had their top running back (Marcus Coker) and a top 2010 recruit (A.J. Derby) leave the program.  One thing we offer is stability.  You won't have to worry about things like that here at ______".   And don't think this language isn't being used in one form or another by rival coaching staffs.  It's a common part of the recruiting game these days.  Think of the sorted amount of pressure these young men are facing.  You can rest assured they see the face of each coach in their mind every night they put their head on the pillow.  For sure, they're not counting sheep.

Leaving the Program and Headed ??? 

Now, let's talk about the coaching staffs.  From now until January 29th, coaches will be on the run, literally.  One night they'll be in Aurora, Colorado and the next in Sioux City, Iowa.  It's the proverbial dash to the finish line.  Miles logged in the air and meals eaten on the run are common.  Each hour and each day has its importance.  If you think these times don't cause some tossing and turning, think again.  People's jobs depend on the ability to reel in a treasured recruit.  And to hold onto them.  For programs like Iowa, the development aspect of an athlete has become more important than the actual signing.  With the prospect of three running backs and a potential stud linebacker/defensive end leaving the program....it's caused the fan base to wonder about the future.  And for good reason.  It would appear there are a number of holes in the dike.  Fill one spot with a recruit and two more pop up with defections.  Hardly an equation for success.    Many consider this off-season crucial.  Crucial in making the right hire for a defensive coordinator to replace a legend in Norm Parker.  Critical in adding a defensive line coach that can breath fire back into a front four that has been average at best in the last two seasons.  And important to soothe the hearts and minds of a legion that clamors for double digit winning seasons and bowl trips of note.  Not back to back Insight Bowls.

So, let's talk about the fans of HawkeyeNation.   Are they a spoiled bunch?  Are they asking too much from a program that has endured 8-5 and 7-6 in the last two years, respectively.  The quick answers are yes and no.  Of course they're a spoiled lot.  And why wouldn't they be.  Success bred success in Iowa City.  It is what it is.  To expect anything less would be accepting complacency.  Head man Kirk Ferentz took over a program from Hayden Fry that was slowly losing its way.  Fans are not wanting a return to those days.  If you listen to the sports radio talk shows, fans are incensed with the Hawkeye hoopola.  Feverish in some households.  I'm sure there are a few that lie in bed and think of any number of scenarios regarding current or potential Hawks.  The time and energy they devote to their addiction more than likely promotes lack of sleep. 

The next two weeks will define the depth of a roster of future and present Hawkeyes.  It will indicate the boldness in a coach and a program in making two coach hires.  And lastly, it will have much to do with  injecting or depleting the enthusiasm of a fan base that is "tired" of a whole lot of goings on surrounding the program.  And that's Kirk Ferentz's job.  If you think he doesn't lie awake at night...think again. 

Thanks for reading,

John                

          

NO MORE PASSING GAS FOR IOWA'S FERENTZ

Iowa Football began in a quandary in 2011 when reports of rhabdomyolysis involving current players began circulating in the local media.  Questions began to mount and then reports went national....the scrutiny began.  Critics were quick to point out a slow response Iowa officials showed in their reaction process.  Probably a point well taken.  After many weeks of bad press clippings, the program was able to weather the storm.  Did it hurt recruiting?  Did other programs use that against Iowa...for sure.  Oh, life in a fish bowl.

When the season kicked off this past September there was glowing optimism.  In the season opener, true freshman running back Mika'il McCall helped fuel those thoughts when he ripped off 35 yards in 6 carries.  He looked to have tremendous promise.  On the sixth carry, McCall suffered a foot injury which later turned out to be a broken ankle.  Many fans were distraught.  McCall was first thought to be out for the season, however that was not the case.  After weeks of rehab he was able to return to practice.  When would McCall return to action?  That seemed to be a weekly media question to Ferentz....yet he continued to sit.  When he finally hit the playing field against Purdue he fumbled the ball on his second carry.  McCall was promptly benched.  The McCall response to "riding the pine" was to raise his middle finger in protest at Ferentz.  Soon thereafter, he hit Facebook with some candid remarks to show his disgust.  The outcome of his reaction was a suspension by the Hawkeye head man.  Weeks later, another off-field incident surfaced involving McCall which cemented any hope he had in returning to the team for the bowl trip to Arizona.  Ultimately McCall decided to transfer.  Bump#1

Bump #2 and #3.  Long-time Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker decides to retire on December 11th.  A fan favorite for many year's, Parker's health had become a concern.  Ultimately Norm decided to concentrate on his diabetes issues, thus opening the door for a replacement to the coaching staff.  The question now, does Ferentz stay in-house or go outside for the hire?  Many fans are hopeful of a new approach to the defense and want someone new.....others feel defensive back coach Phil Parker deserves a chance.  Ten days after Parker announced his retirement, came news of defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski departing the Hawkeyes for Husker Nation.  Losing a key coach to rival Nebraska was looked at as a unusual move.  More than anything, it brought up a myriad of questions.  Why was he leaving?  Was he being forced out?  Was there a rift between he and Ferentz?  How were potential recruits going to react to both Parker and Kaczenski leaving?  Ultimately, Kaczenski responded to his departure by saying the opportunity was just "to great" to turn down the Nebraska offer and was leaving on good terms. What's left unanswered is the recruit issue.   Ferentz doesn't seem concerned.

As of today, there has been little discussion of staff replacements for the two.  One name that surface last week was Penn State interim head coach Tom Bradley.  Known for his defensive prowess while serving under Joe Paterno...is he the man you want to try and sell to the masses?  Bradley might be a terrific coach, however with tenous times in Iowa City, I'm not sure he's the right hire.  Would it be too much to ask for Ferentz to hire someone with a Hawkeye background?  Regardless there are two openings on staff that need filling....the sooner the better.

BUMP #34. 1/11/2012.  Suspended running back Marcus Coker decides to leave the program and transfer to another school.  Who could have seen this coming?  Despite a clouded reason for Coker not making the trip to Arizona, most felt the Hawkeyes top rusher in 2011 would return.  Something or someone convinced him to leave.  While some will say, "next man in"...this line is gettng far too old.  For various reasons, the Hawkeyes have lost running backs Jewel Hampton, Brandon Wegher, McCall and Adam Robinson in the last few years.  And now Coker. 

Step on the Gas and do some "Explainin"

What's happening in Iowa City?  That's what alot of people would like to know.  2012 recruit Jaleel Johnson responded via Facebook, "Starting to have doubts about the future, what is going on in that place"?                

Johnson's words should be enough for Iowa officials to step up and do some explaining.  Ferentz was flippant in a remark about personnel matters as he came off the practice field while in Arizona.  "I passed gas out there about an hour into practice. Did you guys catch that on mic?  I'll see if I can muster one up for you right now." 

Now is not the time for funny.  I can think of 3.65 million reasons to talk.   A little "explainin" and truth will go a long way. 

Thanks for reading,

John

CHICAGO SPORTS TEAMS LOSE SOME BAGGAGE

In the last two days, there has been a different air blowing in Chicago.  Maybe that's why they call it the Windy City.   First, on Tuesday, the Bears began the day by firing General Manager Jerry Angelo.  Hours later, Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz and Quarterbacks coach Shane Day were shown the door.  Head Coach Lovie Smith suggested Martz left due to philosophical differences.  Martz commented that "the time was right for him to move on".  Shane Day was likely dismissed because of his association with the stubborn Martz who was never able to duplicate the "Fastest Show on Turf" he enjoyed in St. Louis.

For many fans, the Angelo and Martz dismissals were a day of great rejoicing.  Despite guiding the Bears to four divisional titles during his time, Jerry was never embraced by the public or the media.  These past two years explemified  Angelo's general lack of preparation for the unknown.  All National Football League teams must have a back-up quarterback.  When injuries sidelined Jay Cutler, the less than household names of Todd Collins and Caleb Hanie came to the rescue.  Neither were the answer.  In fact, they were horrible.  Then let's throw in Angelo's less than stellar drafting ability.  Only three number one choices are on the current roster since 2000.  Brian Urlacher, Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi.  Only Urlacher was healthy the entire year.....and he had to be held together with bubble gum and baling wire.  It didn't help that in 2006, 2009 and 2010 the Bears were without their number one pick.  That's hardly a direction to success, especially when division rival, the Green Bat Packers, have shown the ability to not only draft, but develop homegrown talent.

Now that the shoe has dropped on Angelo and Martz, the big question that is beginning to surface is, in what way will Bear's brass fill their positions.  There seems to be a mind-set the Bears will go cheap and could go in-house to replace Angelo.  Former Seahawk General Manager Tim Ruskell is on staff, he could get a look-see especially if Lovie Smith gets to weigh in on the decision.  If......and I say that will great apprehension, IF the Bears are truly committed to changing the landscape in Chicago, they will go outside the organization and hire someone with a track record of success.  And at this time there is only one person that fills that distinction, Bill Poilan.  However, given the age of the former Indianapolis head man,  it might be smarter to look at someone who has directed player personnel decisions and is young, creative and above all, able to stand up the test of the Chicago Bears fans and media.  Who could that be?  Try Baltimore Raven's Director of Player Personnel, Eric DeCosta.  He's 40.....has been interviewed and sought after by more than one organization in recent years. He's a hot item and he's your man. (Update 1/6.  DeCosta stays with Ravens)

With DeCosta in hand, you let him and Lovie come to an understanding as to who the replacement for Offensive Coordinator will be and that results will be expected.  Immediately.  (Update 1/6 Bears Line Coach Mike Tice accepts OC job)  And if they don't succeed, then Smith should be shown the door.  Is that a recipe for failure?  I think not.  The NFL has no time for middle of the roaders.  Either you succeed or you don't.  With one year observation, DeCosta will know if Luvable Lovie is his man.

On the North Side...Cubs fans were flabbergasted Wednesday when G.M. Theo Epstein sent Carlos Zambrano packing to the Miami Marlins.  Good riddance.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, by dumping overpaid and combustible players, Epstein could be thought of as Theo Einstein and not Epstein.  With this money dump of some $15 million, Epstein rids the ballclub of a big cancer.  The new general manager wants a change of attitude in Chicago.  This move signals a distinct move in that direction.

Are the Chicago winds still blowing?

Do these moves by the Bears and Cubs suggest to another team, for instance, the White Sox, that it's time to make some bold moves?  Outfielder Alex Rios has two years left on a contract that looks almost as ugly as Alphonso Soriano.  The only problem is, he doesn't produce anywhere near Soriano's numbers.  Then there is pitcher Jake Peavy and DH Adam Dunn.  Both suffered through the 2010 campaign, Peavy with injuries and Dunn experienced issues switching leagues.  Both have proven over the years to be capable professionals and have earned the opportunity to right their careers.  If they don't by mid-season, then they should be moved.  Then there's GM Kenny Williams.  The production of the three for mentioned is and should be tied to William's future.  Because of they don't come through, another big wind needs to wisk through the Chicago area and continue the seasons of change.  Wouldn't that be refreshing?        

Thanks for reading,

John

SPORTS IMAGES WORTH REMEMBERING

We're a society that likes to remember things, as if that makes the journey all the much sweeter.  When it comes to recalling those images in sports, we all have memories that linger with us, etched forever.  Those of course, can be good and bad memories.  In my lifetime, I've seen a number of my favorite teams win the ultimate prize (Chicago Blackhawks-twice, Chicago Bears-twice, Chicago White Sox-once).  I can still remember where I was and how I felt.  Kind of like it was yesterday, but of course, it wasn't. 

But isn't that what being a fan is all about?  Having those "moments", or perhaps its having bragging rights over a best friend  as to whose favorite team is better.   Win or lose we've had hundreds of stars leave their impressions on us.   I came a video on "You Tube" the other day...one that showcased sports in the last sixty to seventy years.  Spend the next seven minutes and enjoy a trip back in time to some images worth remembering.  See how many capture your favorite team or player.  And then start wondering....how come they left out a favorite person or game of yours?  Remember, somebody had to put together this reel.  And of course, it was their highlight reel.  Would yours be any different?

       

I hope you enjoyed the "best of" video.  As we head to 2012, be prepared for the continued sports images coming your way.  And here is to YOU having good sports memories.  They are so much harder to accept than the bad, aren't they?  Happy New Year and May God Bless You, Your Family and Your Favorite Teams.  That is, as long as they aren't playing mine!!

Thanks for watching and reading.

John      

EPSTEIN, HOYER HAVE MUCH WORK TO DO

For anyone wondering how far the Chicago Cubs had fallen when General Manager Jim Hendry was released from his duties during the 2011 campaign.  Look no further.  They've hit rock-bottom.  Hendry who spent Chicago Tribune money like it was going out of print should be remembered as the person most responsible for the predicament facing new Cub bosses, Theo Epstein and Jeb Hoyer.

Epsein and Hoyer have been doing their due diligence, so to speak.  How they must wonder....how could anyone run so amuck and not be held accountable for so long?  In the last several weeks, the new Cub brass have added David DeJesus, Ian Stewart and Travis Woods.  Not necessarily household names, but serviceable players.  DeJesus will most likely man right field, Stewart will handle third base duties and Wood will be penciled in as the fourth starter in a questionable pitching rotation.

Can he show his Magic again?

So as we look to 2012 what else looms in the Cub decision-making?    In recent days there has been rumor of Matt Garza being shipped out for prospects.....and hopefully a boat load of them.  I'm not sure that's an entirely wise move.  Garza is young enough to be the centerpiece of a pitching staff for a long time.  Build around him and look to move other parts, like Madman Carlos Zambrano.  The Miami Marlins need another starter or two....and given the fact that new Miami skipper, Ozzie Guillen, has always had a "thing" for Carlos, deal him down south for left fielder Logan Morrison.  Ridding a putrid $17,800,000 salary for Big Z would give some relief to money issues.  Two other outfielders in question, Alphoso Soriano and Marlon Byrd have been discussed in team meetings.  Byrd has been mentioned as trade bait with the Texas Rangers for Matt Harrison.  Harrison, a 26-year old left-hander won 14 games for the Rangers in 2011.  Considering Byrd is 34, that would be a wise move to consider.  As for Soriano, the likelihood in seeing him move on, is remote.  Soriano has been a source of frustration for Cub fans for several years now.  Unless someone has money to throw away, he is probably a Cub until his $19 million dollar a year contract runs out at the end of the 2012 campaign.       

Around the infield there are more question marks.  One position ably-manned is shortstop where Starlin Castro is set.  Although Castro has shown signs of immaturity he has the ability to man the shortstop position for the next 10 years in Chicago.  Third Base will be handled by Stewart until big-time prospect Josh Vitters is ready.  Will that be in 2012?  No one knows, but if his numbers (.283, 14 HR's and  81 RBI's) at Double AA Tennessee are any indication, he is not far off.  Second base is split between Darwin Barney, Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker.  A solution will be needed here because none of them is the answer.  At first base, strong consideration should be given to resigning Carlos Pena to another one year deal.  Not only would Pena give them some long ball presence in the lineup, he could buffer the transition to youngster Bryan LaHair.  Geovany Soto will be the everyday catcher.  With the other problems existing on today's Cub  roster, new manager Dale Sveum can pencil in Soto with certainity.  Still only 28, if Soto returned to his 2008 power numbers with 28 homeruns, that would be a bonus.

Pitching-wise, the Cubs will be looking for anyone to bridge the gap.  Ryan Dempster has a huge salary (13 plus million a year) so he's not going anywhere right now.  Dempster will take the ball every fifth day and show his guts...at least early in the season.  After the all-star break might be another story.  Dempster could be dealt to a contender that needs a workhorse.  After Garza, Zambrano, Dempster and Wood (if that's who they stay with), the number five starter remains a question mark. If only Randy Wells bounced back and show some grit?  Or maybe a youngster surprises...

In the bullpen, the issues begin and end with Carlos Marmol.  I'm not sure a team has ever had three Carlos's on their roster at the same time.  Two of the three have been combustible and that's putting it mildly.  The youngest of the Carlos clan  needs to move on.   I've always had the belief you can find a closer within your organization.  There are some young power arms in the organization....they deserve a shot.   The remainder of the pen will be handled by the likes of Manny Corpas, Jeff Samardzija, Andrew Cashner and Kerry Wood, maybe.   It remains to be seen if Wood returns.  He gave the Cubs a hometown discount in 2011 signing for one million.  That doesn't figure to happen this year.   

The Ricketts family got their man with the hiring of Epstein.  Many suggest he is a genius but that remains to be seen.  In Boston, his product was significantly better when he took over.  Not so, in Cub town.  There looks to be some dark days ahead.  The roster more closely resembles the San Diego Padres, than the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Pirates are finally headed in the right direction.....something Epstein and his associates will are striving for.  But it's going to be a long, long road.  If Theo pulls a Cub turnaround off, perhaps he shoud change his name to Einstein, not Epstein.  He will have earned that name.

Thanks for reading,

John

DOES McCALL'S FINGER POINT TO OTHER HAWKEYE CONCERNS

Frustration can be a difficult thing to deal with.  When you're faced with such a feeling, it can cause you to react in a number of ways....some good and some bad.  The bad reaction, even if you're correct in your response, can make you out to be a complainer or a malcontent.

Let's take the case of Mika'il McCall, freshman running back for the Iowa Hawkeyes.  McCall was one of the jewel's of the 2011 recruiting class.  His presence provided depth at a position the Hawkeyes needed in the worst way.

In the September 3rd season opener against Tennessee Tech, McCall showed a quick burst and tough running ability enroute to a nine-carry, 61 yard effort.  Hawkeye fans were ecstatic until his last rush ended  in a heap.  McCall suffered an ankle injury that later was diagnosed as a break.  By most accounts, he was thought to be done for the season, but McCall had other ideas.  He spent the next eight weeks in rehabilitation until he was cleared to practice again.  On November 19th, McCall returned to action against the Purdue Boilermakers carrying twice.  His second rush ended in a fumble near the goal line as the Hawkeyes were attempting to widen a lead.  Day over.  McCall was subjected to the bench.

The young running back was upset.  This wasn't the picture he'd envisioned during the grueling rehab period he had endured.  Out of frustration, McCall used his middle finger to express his displeasure of the situation....and later took some of those feelings to his Facebook page.  Actions which did not endure himself to Hawkeye head man, Kirk Ferentz   This is the press conference Q and A that took place as Iowa prepared to play Nebraska.

COACH FERENTZ: Mika'il McCall will not be making the trip either. He violated a team policy and will not be with the team this week.
Q: Can you elaborate on McCall?
COACH FERENTZ: He won't be with us. Violated team policy.
Q. Was it something after Purdue, after the game?
COACH FERENTZ: I think the fact he's not going this week, it's probably safe to assume that, yeah, something I learned afterwards, so...
Q. Just a one-week deal with him?
COACH FERENTZ: Haven't made that decision yet. We'll just take it a week at a time right now. I'm just trying to get through Friday. That's where I'm at.

Wednesday, Ferentz announced McCall would not be making the trip to the Insight Bowl.  His status is still not clear concerning staying or leaving the program.

Looking at the Future...

Those comments are defensible if you're the coach.  More than anything you want a team that's on the same page.  However, that's the question that surfaces.  Is this program on the same page?  The sports talk shows are full of "frustrated" Hawkeye fans".  Some are calling for a coaching change at the university.  Others are fed up with the conservatism of the team, both offensively and defensively.  Offensive Coordinator Ken O'Keefe has endured years of mud-slinging concerning his game calling.  Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker who retired last week was heralded as a genius, but some critics felt the game was beginning to pass him by.  "We've become as vanilla as there is", one disgusted fan mused.  "We are so easy to predict.  That was fine many years ago when we could physically beat up a team, but we can't do that anymore".

Frustrated???  I think that's a good word to sum up the Hawkeye Nation.  There are a whole series of questions that cause concern.  Let's list a few and comment:

1.  Kirk Ferentz's salary of $3.65 million a year.  Comment: This figure is beginning to stick in the craw of Hawkeye faithful.  Ferentz is now the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten.  In recent years, Iowa has been an average team.  The money and the results don't equate themselves.

2.  Sexual Allegations of former Iowa players Abe Satterfield and Cedric Everson in 2007.  Comment:  This cast a huge black eye on the university.  Not only was the incident a public relations nightmare, the final ruling of the court left many questioning its fairness.

3. January 28, 2011.  Thirteen Hawkeye players are stricken with Rhabdomyolysis.  Despite an effort to right the situation, the story went national.   Comment:  University officials postured their findings to soothe many parents of current players and potential recruits.  However, one has to wonder, how much of the Rhabo incident was used against them on the recruiting trail.

4.  The demise of DJK, Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton.  Comment:  Bonafide stars in the Iowa program that went south.  DJK's situation is much like McCall's.  Over the years, he was in the coach's doghouse more often than not.  Drugs were his downfall after becoming one of the top receivers in Iowa history.  The other three went astray with many of the temptations stardom can present.  Do stars in the Iowa program receive too much glory?

5.  Norm Parker's retirement and Rich Kaczenski's departure.  Comment:  Parker's retirement comes at a crucial time for the program.  Will Ferentz stay in-house for a replacement or look outside.  Last year, Michigan brought in Greg Mattison from the NFL ranks to lead the Wolverine defense.  He was instrumental in the Michigan turnaround.  Staying in house for someone like Phil Parker won't offer many changes.  Additionally, the slowness in hiring a new person has hurt recruiting already.  Kaczenski's leaving is an eye-opener.  Did he know something internally that prompted him to look elsewhere....or did he fall out of the coach's favor.  Kaczenski had received good marks as lead recruiter this fall for a number of potential recruits.  Iowa now finds themselves down two defensive coaches.  Now, is not the time to be conservative in the hiring process.

6.  Marcus Coker Suspension:  Comment:  The leading rusher for the Hawkeyes in 2011 will not be making the trip to the Insight Bowl.  Inquiring minds would like to know the reason for the suspension.  Iowa officials are saying it is due to a violation of university policies.  If this issue isn't resolved satisfactorily for the Coker family, will Iowa lose another of its leading rushers in the program?  Or will Coker raise his middle finger in frustration, much like McCall?

So, as you can see, there is a whole bunch of frustration in the Hawkeye world.  December 31st, Iowa plays the pre-season favorite, Oklahoma Sooners, in the Insight Bowl.  You could easily call this a crossroads game for Iowa.  Does Ferentz have another big rabbit to pull out of the hat with bowl preparation?  Does Norm Parker's departure rally the troops?  Does an unknown running back lead Iowa to victory like Coker last year?

These are just some of the questions that will be going on in the minds of Hawkeye faithful come game time.  If the game turns ugly for Iowa .....how will fans show their frustration?  Hopefully, McCall didn't give them any ideas...

Thanks for reading,

John 

      
   

BIG MONEY IN BASEBALL....IT DOESN'T MAKE CENTS

Millions here...millions there.  Good golly, sports teams are forking money over to their players at an alarming rate.   Albert Pujols had 254 million reasons to sign with the Los Angeles Angels and because of that the Halos have the services of the best player in baseball for the last 11 seasons.  About that same time, Los Angeles pulled the trigger on another contract, that for pitcher C.J. Wilson to the tune of 5-years and $77 million.  $331 million in one day.  Let me say it again, only a little slower.  Three hundred and thirty one million.  What made this possible?  Here's what:
The Angels have reached a new 20-year deal with Fox Sports worth roughly $3 billion, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.  That windfall of $150 million per year is not only the largest in the division, but also $100 million more per season over their previous 10-year, $500 million deal.

There has been some other big names that have come off the board.  The Miami Marlins signed SS Jose Reyes, SP Mark Buehrle and RP Heath Bell.  Not be outdone, the Philadelphia Phillies inked  RP Jonathan Papelbon.  Each signed for big dollars.  Still to come are Prince Fielder, Carlos Beltran, Ryan Madson and Carlos Pena.     

It's deals like Pujols and Wilson's that are shaking the foundation of baseball.  The money...and for sure the Angels have lots of it have enabled them to shape contracts in a unique way.  For instance, Pujols has this for incentives.  He will receive $3 million from the Angels for his 3,000th career hit and $7 million should he reach 763 career home runs, per Tim Brown of Yahoo!Sports.  Alex Rodriquez had similar bonuses in his 10-year, $275 million contract with the New York Yankees for milestone home runs, which had to be approved by Commissioner Bud Selig. Each of his bonuses were designated as an "historic event" in order to receive special approval, per the Associated Press.

So, it would seem the Angels are the odds on favorite to be the American League representative in the 2012World Series.  Well, not necessarily.  While perennial big-time spenders, the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox have been on the sidelines this winter, another team in the American League West is also causing a stir.

Yesterday, the Texas Rangers posted the highest bid for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and that bid was accepted by Darvish's team in Japan, Major League Baseball announced.  Rangers general manager Jon Daniels would not say how much the Rangers posting bid was, but sources said it was around $51.7 million. Bidding for the posting fee closed last Wednesday, and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had until 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday to accept.   The Rangers still has to pay Darvish a contract, meaning the total investment likely will top $100 million.  Darvish is perceived as one of the top five pitchers in the world, yet he will have alot to prove facing major league hitters.  And why do I say that? 

In 2006, Daisuke Matsuzaka drew a $51.1 million posting fee from the Boston Red Sox, who signed him to a six-year, $52 million contract, taking the total package to more than $100 million.   Over the course of his 5-year career, Matsuzaka has a 49-30 record to go along with a 4.25 ERA.  Only once has he had his ERA under 3.00, that being the stellar 18-3 and 2.90 ERA year he compiled in 2008.  Since then he has gone 4-6, 9-6 and 3-3 and has walked 127 batters in 250 innings.  Was he worth the price? 

Where will Yoenis' flight take him?

The next big Kahuna on the horizon is Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes.  The 26-year old star of the Cuba  National Team is being compared to some of the big names in baseball history....already.  He figures to make a big money haul wherever he signs.  The Tigers, Yankees and Red Sox are some of his early suitors.

All of this star power is lending itself to an international draft.  Five days ago a committee was formed to discuss the issue.  Currently, the June draft is limited to players who are residents of the U.S., U.S. territories and Canada, with residents of other nations free agents.  Now, that makes cents.....errr sense.

Thanks for reading,

John