Would You Trade J-Roll?

As the trade deadline approaches, many Philly sports blogs and chat boards are littered with posts discussing the possibility of trading the 07-08 National League MVP, Jimmy Rollins.  At this time of year, many fans get themselves into a frenzy and love to conjure up any and all possible trade scenarios and though there is no evidence that the Phils would consider dealing J-Roll, it is actually an intriguing idea.  The problem is, who do you trade him to.  Surely, no team in sell mode wants to pick up an $8 million a year contract in exchange for a young starting pitcher. You’d actually be looking for a trade with another playoff contender.  One that could use some more offense from the shortstop position. In which case we’d be talking: Rays – Kazmir or Shields, Boston – Lester, Angels – Santana or Saunders, Twins – Baker. You might even have to take the Twins out of there because even though they’re in playoff contention…they might not be willing to spend.

If Rollins were to be dealt, Shane Victorino would become the Phillies leadoff man.  Eric Bruntlett would become the everday shortsop.  Are any of these pitchers worth losing the leadership, gold glove defense, and 5 tool offensive skills that Rollins brings to the table?

Phillies Deadline Deal…

Phils Fix?

In my opinion, pitching has not been the Phils problem this year. The last two games against the Mets were both winnable, the offense just can’t get going. One of our biggest weaknesses offensively this year has been from the catcher position, where Carlos Ruiz has made an art of grounding into double plays and killing off many a potential big inning. Bengie Molina is currently sitting on a 43-58 team with no postseason aspirations. He’s batting .288 with 8 home-runs. He’s a right handed batter and if nobody’s noticed…we’re getting killed against lefties. He’s also a two time gold glover. He’s making $6 million this year and is signed through next year at another $6 million. SF would no doubt be willing to dump his salary and he could probably be had for Ruiz and a low to mid level prospect. Anybody else thinks this makes sense…

Fantasy Football Drafts – Round 1

With training camps opening this week, it’s about that time to start thinking about your fantasy football drafts.  I’m going to focus on round one in particular and will share with you my thoughts on who I feel should be the top 12 picks. 
 

1. Ladainian Tomlinson – Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson is the most consistent all around running back in the league.  It was a very difficult choice between him and Adrian Peterson, but Tomlinson and his overall track record won out.  He’s topped 1,500 total yards in each of his seven season in the NFL and has never suffered a serious injury.  Tomlinson has topped 18 touchdowns in each of the last four seasons, occasionally tossing one or two a year!  Peterson may be the sexy pick…but Tomlinson’s the best. 

 

2. Adrian Peterson – A timeshare with Chester Taylor and injury concerns scared many off from drafting AP in the first several rounds of drafts in 2007.  That won’t happen again in 2008.  Peterson quickly established himself as the premier player in the Vikings backfield and has worked countless hours this off-season to improve his receiving skills.  This means even more touches for Peterson, who has the talent to rush for over 2000 yards.  The Vikings line, in my opinion, is hands down the best in the NFL and if the Vikes can develop any type of passing game to keep opposing teams from playing eight in the box, Peterson could emerge as the league MVP.