ARE THEY who we thought they were?

Well, the 49ers have been eliminated from the playoffs. After hopes of a ten win season and a playoff game, they go into the final two weeks playing for their first non-losing season since Mariucci was the head coach.

Now the question is – was this season another wasted year?

Not so fast. Sure, I, among other people, am disappointed. They let very winnable games slip through their hands against the Vikings, Texans, Titans, Colts and Seahawks, losing those 5 games by an average of 4.2 points a game. Even if they pull out 2 of those 5 games, they stand at 8-6 and just 1 game behind the Cardinals and tied with the Giants for the final wild card spot.

But they didn’t and they aren’t, so now all we can hope for is an 8-8 season and two first round draft picks. But this season, the team has improved quite a bit.

Under the Nolan era, there were some 7-9 seasons, but those teams were not nearly as competitive as this ‘09 version. A great indicator is the points scored vs. points allowed stat.

The team has also taken steps forward in many areas this season. The defense has played the best it has in years, shown by our ability to stay in tight games. This defense held Peyton Manning to 18 points, including a trick play to score their only TD. They have scored more points in 14 games this year than they have in 2 of the past 4, and will easily pass their 2006 number of 298. And the first time since the team went into the tank, they have a plus in the point differential column, scoring 13 more points than they’ve allowed.

The past 4 years? Try negative 42, -145, -114, and -189. They have only given up 269 points this year, or just over 19 points a game, down over 5 points a game from the past 4 years average.

Another positive from 2009 was the development of playmakers. We all knew Frank Gore was a solid back and that Patrick Willis could tackle anything, but going into this year that was about all the team had. This year, the team finally got returns from sixth overall pick Vernon Davis.

- Davis, once whispered as a bust, has burst onto the scene, tying the NFL lead with 11 TD receptions and third in yardage among Tight Ends.

- Michael Crabtree, despite a depressing holdout that lasted deep into the season, has stepped on the field and shown a lot of promise. I can only imagine what a full offseason of training camp and a strong understanding of the playbook could do for his production.

It’s the most, wonderful time, of the year…

It’s here, and it’s heating up – BASEBALL’S HOT STOVE.

I haven’t posted a blog since the Giants traded for Ryan Garko, and I decided that since I don’t have a job, it’s really silly I haven’t been able to sharpen my pencil and post a blog topic.

While disappointing we didn’t get to see Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Barry Zito in a short series was a disappointment, he 2009 season was a huge success – the team remained competitive until the final weeks, the team identified Pablo Sandoval as building block for the offense, and the team was able to watch some of its young players take steps in the right direction.

Now it’s the off season, that short few months between the last out of the World Series and pitchers and catchers reporting in February where teams scurry frantically to improve, pay too much for free agents and feel free to make trades. 

Giants trade for Ryan Garko

Who could have seen that coming?

I knew I started this blog for a reason...

Now all we need is a second baseman who isn't an automatic out.

Just to show I'm not crazy...

Here is a link to the rumor mill showing the Giants are looking into trades with the Indians - more likely for Ryan Garko, more preferably for Victor Martinez.

Henry Schulman also throws out my man Scutaro as a possibility.

Andrew Baggarly also throws Garko's name out there, to go along with names we've heard a lot the past month - Nick Johnson and Freddie Sanchez.

Sabean also took his young players to task for not producing more, including Kevin Frandsen.

Looking at the trade landscape, it seems the best the Giants will do is picking up a second baseman, maybe a first baseman, and hoping that Rowand, Schierholtz and Winn can round out the outfield and be enough to make the playoffs.

Judd Apatow - love him or love to hate him

Whichever category you fall in - you can't deny the dude knows funny.

I just got finished reading a cool interview of Apatow from the SF Chronicle - a good read.

I didn't realize how many movies he's had a stake in - all of them pretty funny.

Sure, he may have overexposed Seth Rogan - but you can't fault the guy for being loyal...

Sam's potential trade targets

There are a lot of names being throw out there - here are some bats I think the Giants should target to improve this offense - it wouldn't take a lot to just get it near average.

Marco Scutaro - he is having one of his best seasons, has always been a clutch hitter and good defender. He could play second and hit second and provide a nice boost to the line up, offensively and defensively.

Scott Rolen - If the Blue Jays are serious about becoming sellers, he becomes a target - he is is paid handsomely, signed through next year, and a premium glove. While I am not crazy about Big Panda's glove at first, Rolen hitting behind him would be a definite upgrade.

Ryan Garko - the Indians first baseman is a right handed hitter with good power - he could share time with Ishikawa, wouldn't cost too much, and again, represent an upgrade to the line up with a little more pop.

Mark Teahen - a cheap option to upgrade second base, with the ability to flip him out to right, left, first and third, if needed.

Kevin Kouzmanoff - He has good power numbers, would likely be available since the Padres are nowhere near competition.

There aren't a lot of available bats this year - probably because so many teams are in it - but hopefully something gets done - that actually helps the team score!

Trade deadline watch...

Well, things are heating up

The A's apparently have gotten things started, trading Matt Holliday for a top flight third base prospect.

This shouldn't be the end for the A's - they still have some valuable trading chips. I mean, face it A's fans - the A's are atrocious - why hold out hope that Jack Cust will turn this team into a winner?

I say they slang Cust, Orlando Cabrera, maybe even Adam Kennedy or Jason Giambi, and try to restock the farm system as much as possible. With the current Economics the A's have, they should trim their major league payroll as much as possible - then add payroll when they think they just need to add a few pieces to their core.. OR, shocker, actually keep a young player they develop, for a nice change of pace.

Keith Law seems to think the A's made a good deal...

The Giants on the other hand - seems like alls quiet on the western front. The only recent news is that the Nationals (aka Nubinals) are scouting the Giants AA team, according to Henry Schulman...

Found it interesting the Giants never called on Holliday, according to Susan Slusser. Perhaps they watched him play against the Giants and look almost as bad as Jack Cust in the field.

But Schulman is pretty sure the Giants will make a deal before the deadline. Right now, the question is who? As long as it improves the team and doesn't donk off one of their top prospects, I'm all for it.

Only time will tell - I'll try and monitor the rumor mill as best I can until then...

GM-ing thoughts...

When I first started this blog, I thought it would mainly be me critiquing front office moves and signings, etc. While it has turned into a blog about anything I think passionately about, I do have some thoughts on recent ramblings throughout the NFL...

1. The Ravens need a receiver, especially now that Derick Mason is making noise about retirement. Fabian Washington is NOT happy, and I don't blame him.

Think they had trouble passing before? Imagine a WR core of Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. So what should they do?

Well, there are rumors that Brandon Marshall wants out of Denver, but he would cost at least a first rounder, probably more, then a big contract extension.

Why not make a play for Marvin Harrison? His agent says he still wants to play, and he could be a stabilizing force for that crew. Sure, he is no longer a #1 receiver, but neither is Isaac Bruce, and sometimes just getting a guy who has good hands, runs precise routes and takes pressure off the younger guys can be just what the doctor ordered.

There are some that argue Harrison might be done - so then there is also Amani Toomer. Again, not a #1, but someone who can fill the void left by Mason.

#2. Raiders - thanks for continually being a joke. The team cut rookie 6th rounder Stryker Sulak without giving him a contract!

Granted, sixth round picks don't make a lot of impact. But to cut a 6th rounder defensive end just because you signed Greg Ellis? You haven't even seen how he looks in pads! What a joke...

Here are the defensive ends on the Raiders roster: Ellis, Derrick Burgess, Derrick Gray, Greyson Gunheim, Jay Richardson, Matt Shaughnessy, Trevor Scott, and Desmond Bryant.

Other than Burgess and Ellis, I don't see one unexpendable guy on that list that isn't at least worth giving the rookie a deal to try out during training camp. Sulak had 10.5 sacks last year - here's to hoping someone picks him up and he sacks Jamaracus Russel three times, if Russell is still in the starting line up by the time they play. Honestly, this is probably the best thing that could have happened to the kid - good luck!

Lost in all of this, is my third point:

3. Is the Eagles 2002 draft maybe the best draft of the 2000's? PFT posted it last night, and I was surprised just how productive it was!

Here is the rundown: Lito Sheppard (first round), safety Michael Lewis (second round), cornerback Sheldon Brown (second round), running back Brian Westbrook (third round), center Scott Peters (fourth round), receiver Freddie Milons (fifth round), linebacker Tyreo Harrison (sixth round), and defensive end Raheem Brock (seventh round).

Now the Eagles made the mistake of letting Brock go, who has since become a productive player for the Colts. But that draft netted them two starting cornerbacks (one pro-bowler), a Pro Bowl Safety, Pro-Bowler/Offensive machine Brian Westbrook, and a starting defensive end (that ended up playing for someone else).

Can anyone come up with a better draft in the 2000's for me? I'd be hard pressed to come up with one...

I love technology

Who doesn't love technology - think about it - without the advances we have come to know and love, we couldn't text a person who talks too much on the phone and we couldn't avoid calls by seeing who is calling - among millions of other convenient little things we've come to know and love.

Well, the UFL is trying something new, and it could forever change the art of quarterbacking. A Miami based company has developed a wristband that can display the plays to a quarterback on a small flexible screen implanted in the wristband. Think about it - mixed up players can take a look to see what route they are running, and QBs would have a much easier time grasping the plays.

This looks pretty cool, and if they develop it right, it could be the single greatest invention football has seen since the sideline headset or the TV first down marker. I hope they get it right!

Ding Dong - the Witch is dead

Sarah Palin has quit!!!

Some have the theory she is quitting to focus on her Presidential run.

Cue Nelson Muntz

Go ahead and have her run - I have no problem giving Barack a slam dunk second term.

To celebrate this occasion, I thought I'd publish some of my favorite Palin-isms... Happy July 4th to the two people who read this.

"I'm the mayor, I can do whatever I want until the courts tell me I can't.'" --Sarah Palin, as quoted by former City Council Member Nick Carney, after he raised objections about the $50,000 she spent renovating the mayor's office without approval of the city council

"I don't know if you're going to use the word 'terrorist' there." --Sarah Palin, asked if people who bomb abortion clinics are terrorists, NBC News interview, Oct. 23, 2008 (Watch video clip)

"[T]hey're in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom." --Sarah Palin, getting the vice president's constitutional role wrong after being asked by a third grader what the vice president does, interview with NBC affiliate KUSA in Colorado, Oct. 21, 2008 (Watch video clip)



"Ohh, good, thank you, yes." --Sarah Palin, after a notorious Canadian prank caller complimented her on the documentary about her life, Hustler's "Nailin Paylin," Nov. 1, 2008 (Read more about the prank call, watch the video and see the transcript)

"Well, let's see. There's ― of course in the great history of America there have been rulings that there's never going to be absolute consensus by every American, and there are those issues, again, like Roe v. Wade, where I believe are best held on a state level and addressed there. So, you know, going through the history of America, there would be others but ―" --Sarah Palin, unable to name a Supreme Court decision she disagreed with other than Roe vs. Wade, interview with Katie Couric, CBS News, Oct. 1, 2008 (Watch video clip)


"All of 'em, any of 'em that have been in front of me over all these years." --Sarah Palin, unable to name a single newspaper or magazine she reads, interview with Katie Couric, CBS News, Oct. 1, 2008 (Watch video clip)


"I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear, but I'm going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record also." --Sarah Palin, on not answering the questions in the vice presidential debate, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 2, 2008


"Let me speak specifically about a credential that I do bring to this table, Charlie, and that's with the energy independence that I've been working on for these years as the governor of this state that produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy." Sarah Palin, Misstating the amount of energy produced by Alaska, which is only 3.5 percent, September 11, 2008.

Bochy - not the answer

Sometimes I wonder if the Giants are winning games IN SPITE of Manager Bruce Bochy.

One morning on the way to work, I heard analyst Mike Krukow say Bochy was one of the best managers he's been around - as a player or announcer. I almost drove my car off 680.

The team just dropped their second straight game to the Cardinals, and I put it specifically on Bochy's size ten and a half dome.

It has been well documented - when Barry Zito starts with Bengie Molina behind the plate, his chances of having a good start diminish. Two starts ago, with Eli Whiteside behind the plate, Zito took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Barry Zito's ERA this season is 4.82; when Molina is catching him his ERA is 6.85.

Surprise surprise - Zito didn't make it out of the fifth inning today, and Molina was behind the dish.

I'm not saying it is either player's fault, but the pattern has formed. Last year, when Zito had his resurgence, it was when Pablo Sandoval began catching him. The same trend continued this year, whether it was Steve Holm, Sandoval or Whiteside catching him.

Yet, over his past ten starts, Bochy keeps trotting out Molina for most of them. Any what happened? Zito's ERA has ballooned up near 5 again.

Bochy has also shown an over reliance on unproductive players. I cannot, for the life of me, understand why Fred Lewis ever makes it onto the field unless the other outfielder on the bench pinch hit and someone is hurt.

Lewis has shown this - he swings and misses alot. He doesn't play very good defense(three errors of the six made by Giants outfielders this year, and if official scorers had their druthers, he'd have at least two more). He drops flyballs that routinely hit him in the webbing of his mitt. He is fast, yet isn't a very good base stealer (5 steals/9 attempts). He has decent power, yet cannot make contact.

But there he is, playing over Andres Torres every chance he gets. I am not saying Andres Torres is a world beater, but he is what he is - He is a solid defender, who sometimes takes the place of 12 million dollar a year center fielder Aaron Rowand as a defensive replacement in the late innings.

So while establishing he is a better fielder, Lewis must get the at bats over him because of his superior bat, right? Wrong again. Lewis, in 209 plate appearances, has 11 RBIs. 11 RBIs-I say it again because it bears repeating. Torres, on the other hand, has a higher average, higher on base percentage, and a higher slugging percentage (albeit in a much smaller sample size - 55 at bats). Oh, and he has one less RBI than Lewis - and Lewis started the season batting THIRD!!!

So what have I learned about Bochy? That he cannot see things that people who have to buy a ticket can see. Tonight, Lewis misplayed a ball in the first inning that, rather than being an out, turned into runners on second and third with none out. Both scored, and Lewis went 0-4 with a strike out and 3 runners left on base. Zito struggled again, and the Giants lost.

Molina is getting old in age - is it really an issue to give him a day off every fifth day, especially if it turns Zito into a superior pitcher? And why not give Torres a chance, who does much more things to help you win?

I know management had hoped Lewis was the left fielder of the future - that he would shore up his defensive shortcomings while hitting .300 and provide some pop from the left side of the plate. Well that isn't going to happen. Last year he blamed the bunion - this year he is healthy and worse. If the Giants want to continue to stay at the lead of the wild card chase, and hope to catch the Dodgers, Bochy is gong to have to make some changes.

What is the saying - "Madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result"?

Brian Sabean is partially at fault for this as well. John Bowker has 16 home runs at AAA - when do you give up on the Fred Lewis experiment and give a more productive player a chance? Bowker showed major league power last year, hit a skid and found himself back in AAA. Now he is having his best season as a pro - he has to wonder what else he has to do to make the big club.

And don't even get me started on Rich Aurilia - if he was with any other organization, he'd have been cut by now.

So far, this season has been a success. But the team still has room to grow. They need to get out of their own way and make some tough decisions on this roster to take the next step and continue the growth of this young team.

P.S. It looks like my Victor Martinez pipe dream is dead - Sabean addressed the rumors on KNBR today and said Jermaine Dye isn't available, and that Martinez would cost one of our top prospects, something Sabean isn't willing to do. While I am glad that Sabean isn't willing to mortgage the future to make a premature run at the playoffs, I still think finding a bat is a priority. The team has obvious holes at second and left field, and could probably use an upgrade at first as well. Seems like trading a reliever and a player to be named later for Mark Derosa would have been a significant upgrade to both the line up and the defense, yet the team missed the boat on that. I keep coming to Sabean's defense, but at some point you have to wonder just how "in the loop" he really is.

Giants are contenders - get used to it

All off season, as the Giants made their moves, I thought, "well, maybe they'll be a .500 team... at least a little fun to watch"

Looks like they are going to be more than that.

I hadn't prepared for Pablo Sandoval to contend for the batting title at mid-season and Matt Cain to break out. All the pieces seem to be falling together for the team, who just knocked around Chris Carpenter for six runs in five innings en route to a third straight win on the road.

The team has the second best record in the NL, is 6 games behind the Dodgers.

Bruce Jenkins broke down the Giants competition - and they appear to be in the best shape.

So with more than enough pitching, good defense, and a line up that seems to be one bat away from serious run production, the trade market is heating up.

The Giants have been linked to scouting Victor Martinez and Jermaine Dye. Both fill needs - a power hitting presence to insert in the middle of the line up, and are signed beyond this season.

Buster Olney seems to think the Giants and White Sox aren't a match for a trade - I agree considering Dye is old and the White Sox aren't out of it.

On the other hand, the Indians are terrible and aren't going anywhere soon. Martinez is only locked up through next season, and he seems to be a perfect fit. Imagine sliding right between Sandoval and Big Money Molina, solidifying the line up for the rest of the season, and next.

The problem is he wont be cheap- so if he is going to cost a Buster Posey or another top prospect, it will likely be hands off.

Another potential target: Purely speculation by Andrew Baggarly, throwing Mark Tehean's name out there. I like him because he wouldn't break the bank, is a good hitter with a little pop, and will likely take up Fred Lewis or Rich Aurilia's roster spot.

In the end, I think an upgrade is necessary - whether it is to improve the bench, or the starting line up - because the team looks for real. But if they don't add a bat, a prolonged slump by Molina or Sandoval could drop the team in the standings. Plus, with GM Brian Sabean in the last year of his deal, he sure would look smart pulling a playoff birth out of his hat when no one expected them to make it.

NBA draft hangover

Well, that was - interesting.

Blake Griffin went # 1 overall, Ricky Rubio fell a few spots, and the Warriors surprised everyone by taking a point guard (Stephen Curry) after weeks of saying they believed Monta Ellis was a true point guard.

Oh, and Patty Mills fucked up.

I blame it on multiple factors. 1, Mills thought getting his picture on the front of the Contra Costa Times was equal to getting it on the front of the New York Times, 2. Teams in the NBA slept on his quickness and skill, and 3. Mills just doesn't have a typical NBA body. I mean, he doesn't dunk and Baron Davis would back him down 10/10 times.

Its a shame - Mills could have stayed here, gotten his degree, beat Gonzaga a couple times, maybe won a few tournament games, and it only would have improved his draft status. Now he's a Trailblazer, with experts saying they have too much guard for him to even make the squad.

"He can be a solid back-up point guard in the NBA and honestly I'm surprised that he didn't go a lot higher in this draft," said ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas . "I thought he would be a late first-round pick or pretty early in the second round."

The Warriors, on the other hand, are the talk of the town. Bruce Jenkins of the Chronicle thinks they picked up the best shooter in the draft. But the rumors flying around is that Curry wont be around for long, because he could be part of a package for Amare Stoudemire.

Either way, the W's are better today than they were Wednesday.

BTW, who advised Mills to go to the draft? Bob Berry?

Defense? We talkin bout defense?

The A’s might have the worst defensive corner outfielders I have ever seen.

Watching the Giants play the A’s for 6 games, I’ve seen about all the A’s baseball I need to for the rest of the year.

I knew Jack Cust playing right field everyday was going to be a debacle, but I had no idea how clumsy Matt Holiday is with the glove.

One night, his throw hit a runner in the back, and last night he tried to bare hand a ball off the wall, and it went shooting into centerfield – I don’t know how he did it!

I will say this – while Billy Beane didn’t appear to give up a whole lot of value to get Holliday – after watching him play over a 6 day period, I am NOT impressed. There was a point in time I was ready to offer a blockbuster to get him in left field hitting third for the end of the season – I am over it now.

That defense might be OK when you are hitting .340 with 36 home runs and 137 RBIs; it most definitely is NOT when you are projected to hit .270, 16 home runs and 78 RBIs!

This might be one of the worst walk years in recent history…

If I were running the ship, it would be fire sale time. The A's could reload the system by unloading veterans on short term to deals to contenders who need a boost - Jason Giambi, Adam Kennedy, Nomar Garciaparra, and Orlando Cabrera - gone. It's not like the A's could get much worse at this point.

49ers new stadium pics - Looks pretty sweet

Sam's summer movie previews

I think there is a good slate of movies coming out this summer - here are previews of the one I am looking forward to

The Hangover - see it now

Is it appropriate that I saw the Hangover… hung over?

I was worried my less than stellar attitude would detract from my enjoyment of the movie. I was wrong.

If you have a sense of humor and have seen a movie about Las Vegas or been there yourself, you will love this movie!

I don’t want to spoil anything, but all I’ll say is that they do an awesome job of presenting a hangover, and that while sometimes slightly inappropriate, this movie is absolutely hilarious.

And while nearly every character is great, this just might be the movie that makes Zach Galifianakis burst on the scene - this guy is obscenely funny.

That's all I'll say for now - can't wait to see it again!

Get the Favre outta here!

I am so sick of Brett Favre

First, he held the Packers hostage last year.

Next, he desperately wants to screw them over despite the team working out a trade to accommodate HIM last season.

Monday, it was reported the Vikings set a deadline for for Favre to make a decision about playing.

Why do they even want him?

He is a bad teammate, he wears down as each season comes to a close, and for every amazing throw he reels off, he's got a WTF? interception right around the corner.

The Vikings are close - if they really wanted a veteran QB to lead the team, control the ball, not lose the game and allow for the running game to dominate - why didn't they just go out and sign Jeff Garcia? At this point in their careers, Garcia is a much better leader, he manages the game well, and he wont throw crippling interceptions against teams like the Raiders.

Just another stepping stone in the overrated career of Brett Favre - don't get me wrong, the guy is a great QB, but when I'm picking my all time team, there are plenty of other players that start under center before he gets a snap.

Must be the 'stache...

I thought the A's brought back Jason Giambi back for his bat

Little did I know it was another lucky charm - his mustache

No wonder the A's are back to winning some ballgames...

Pattty Mills... Bye bye bye..

Well – it was fun having a good player on our college team for a couple seasons.

Patty Mills has officially bounced Saint Mary’s.

OH NO! Who could have ever foreseen this happening?

Oh that’s, right - I did. I knew I started this blog for a reason...

Good luck Patty – hope the Warriors take you – the ultimate Don Nelson Small Ball!!!

What’s the over under on wins that Omar Sahman can beat his chest over in 2009?

Star Trek – enjoying the final frontier without a pocket protector

Well, while I didn’t get the IMAX experience I had hoped for, I did get to watch Star Trek on Sunday – and after the bad taste in my mouth from Wolverine, it is nice to know someone can pull off a sci-fi movie without forgetting the plot.

That is more of a slap at Wolverine, which I disliked so much I decided not to review it, because I thought it would make me sound too geeky

But Star Trek is almost the opposite. It is set in the future, but not so much so that the director decides to shove a million future-like products in your face to reinforce the point. Sure, there are aliens, space travel, tasers and even a good ole “beam me up Scotty!”, it still took a non-trekkie such as myself and drew me in enough that I am looking forward to a sequel!

I know its not for everybody, but I suggest seeing it – even if you are a little skeptical about seeing a movie that could potentially have viewers with Spok ears, try it anyone – it just might fit you.

49ers - Santa Clara bound?

Well, according to the Chronicle, the 49ers have reached a deal for a Santa Clara stadium

Yawn.

I agree with Ray Ratto, but my motto remains the same its always been what it comes to new stadiums: call me when they put a shovel in the ground and I’ll believe it.

How is the A’s “ballpark village” coming along, anyways?

Oh well – I’d miss the ‘stick too much anyways!

Real Manny's don't Juice !

Manny Ramirez tested positive for a banned substance? What could properly express my emotions… Glad to see he got around to apologizing to his teammates - 8 days later and two tongue lashings from the Dodgers owner later. Sounds like a championship is right around the corner!

Oh, the paparazzi got a shot of his doctor that prescribed the medication in question.

"Hi Doctor Nick!"

Niners ALMOST turn back the clock...

Making this year’s draft even better – the 49ers unveiled their new jerseys.

While it wasn’t exactly what I wanted, I think it is a definite improvement.

I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject, so I will defer to the expert: UniWatch

Here are some pictures:

Draft Reaction – Best Case Scenario.

Well – I kept saying I had a feeling someone interesting would fall to the 49ers – little did I know it would be the best player in the draft.

After months of speculating which non-Michael Crabtree prospect the 49ers should take, he fell in their laps (All thanks to Al Davis-the fruit basket is on the way). I still can’t believe the Raiders let him go – who cares what his 40 time is when he can run away from the other players on the field.

I wish I had video of the reactions in our living room - it would be the number one video on Youtube right now.

This might be the best draft Scot McCloughan has helmed since he got here. Sure, it helped Crabs fell to him at 10, but his other moves were bold. He was able to deal their 2nd and 4th for a 1st rounder next year. I wouldn’t have thought that a good feat, until I realized just how weak this draft is. Last year, DeSean Jackson went 49th overall; would he have fell that far this year?

Anyway, McCloughan was able to get a 1st rounder in a stronger draft, while still picking up an intriguing running back prospect, a middle linebacker who might be able to take over for Takeo, a QB project with great measurables, and a defensive end who looks like a beast.

Hell, they even snagged a few undrafted free agents who could turn some heads.

Kevin Lynch of sfgate.com thinks it was a departure from previous draft strategies, where video tape ruled over combine times, ala Vernon Davis. I tend to agree, considering all these players fell due to mostly off field issues, not production.

Matt Maiocco and Matt Barrows both suggest the team has ammo to pull off a major trade – they both mentioned Julius Peppers, but Maiocco also throws out my man-crush Terrell Suggs, even though I doubt Ozzie Newson allows him to leave Bal’more.

Whatever the outcome, the team is improving, and it’s catching the eyes of the right people. Michael Silver is impressed, and so am I.

I think there is plenty of room for improvement – I don’t see a franchise QB on the roster, and I am worried about the pass rush. But this will be the season to see if Alex Smith is going to deliver on the promise he showed back in 2006, or do we see if Shawn Hill can win as consistently over a full 16 game schedule.

Pushing the Peppers pipe dream aside, I would like to see the team pursue recently cut Travis Laboy, who can provide pass rush standing up or putting his hand on the ground, giving even more depth to the linebacking crew.

Who knows – all seven players drafted could be busts. But I am going to enjoy the good feeling while it lasts – because I have seen bad drafts before (See Donhue, Terry), and I recognized they were bad drafts as they went on, and viola – they were bad. I like being excited about one for a change – I know Raiders fans know what I’m talking about…

Mock me HARD!

Ok, I am so horny/cised/jacked up (whatever) for the draft!

I know, I know – it is a weak class – but you never know how things will unfold, and the drama is got me antsy.

I though, just for fun, I would see who the consensus first round picks for the local teams would be, so I scoured the Internet looking at mocks.

Here is what I found:

Clark Judge, CBS sports:
Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Raiders: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
49ers: Andre Smith, T, Alabama

Chad Ruter, CBS Sports:
Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
49ers: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Rob Rang, CBS Sports:
Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com:
Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

Todd McShay, ESPN:
Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Mel Kiper, ESPN:
Raiders: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
49ers: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

http://walterfootball.com/draft2009.php
Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Don Banks, SI.com:
Raiders: Maclin
49ers: Crabtree

Mr X, Profootballtalk.com:
Raiders: Heyward-Bey
49ers: Oher

So what does all this mean? Well, nothing really, because any/all of these players could be gone by the time our bay area teams make their selections.

I actually take more info from the comments the teams have made in the past few days.

The Raiders are usually pretty tight lipped about their moves, and even though they have a rap sheet for drafting fast guys way too high, I just can’t see them taking Percy Harvin at 7.

Anyone drafting Harvin, for all the ability in the world, has to be cautious about his positive test.

49ers GM Scot McCloughan has made some very interesting comments this week. Originally I thought taking a receiver with the team’s first pick was a long shot, but now after his comments to the bay area media this week, I think anything is possible.

I am still kind of in shock he said the team could draft 2-3 wide receivers, but I think that makes Crabtree and Maclin possibilities with the 10th pick.

I still think it is a long shot the team takes a QB at ten, but I think that Pat White could be a possibility later on in the draft, either him or some late round QB we’ve never heard of. White, Wild Cat or not, intrigues me – he looked like the best QB at the combine.

Whatever happens, there promises to be plenty of intrigue and a surprise or two. Lets just hope the local teams are able to take advantage this year.

P.S. I love mock draft season - as I was writing this, McShay changed his picks:

Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Niners: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

LETS GO!

When did America go full retard?

I am ready to slap someone.

This division between Americans is getting ridiculous – and it is frustrating.

Let’s start off with this ridiculous Tea Party – has there ever been this much outrage over a tax increase? I tried searching over the internet without much luck.

But here was something I found – what the REAL Boston Tea Party was about. Did you know the Boston tea party (what this protest was mirroring) was over taxation without representation? Who knows that, besides everyone who passed 4th grad US History?

So how are these protestors not represented? We have our own elected officials. The ironic part about this is people’s actions, whether they know it or not, directly reflects the feeling they are not represented in government because the head guy isn’t a whitey. Yes I said it – it might not be the reason every person is protesting, but the symbolism of the act is astounding.

America looks ugly; no wonder people hate us. We are so worried about our own personal wellbeing - people forgot to look out for their neighbor.

The most frustrating part of this whole debacle is the people leading this movement. These are obviously people with plenty of free time on their hands (IE Jobless or without much work to do), and I am assuming they aren’t the people making 251k a year that are sweating these tax hikes. Why someone who makes 40k a year is worried about a millionaire getting taxed more fucking baffles me.

And usually I defend them, but I am going to put part of this on the media. I am usually one to defend media, but the bias is insane. Fixed News, or Fox Noise, (I can’t decide which term of Keith Olbermann’s I like better) seems to just try and fan the flames of hatred, getting people to pay attention to things like whether or not Obama’s dog was a “rescued animal”. Who gives a fuck?!?!? There is empty store front everywhere, signs everywhere that the economy is in trouble, and yet the media needs to focus on where the first family got their pooch. Give me a break.

The problem is that media has just become a launching pad for agendas, rather than presenting real news. Maybe if media outlets were more interested in presenting the facts rather than the BS, so many people wouldn’t be so misinformed about our current economic state.

One thing I have learned is that being progressive, as a person, a company, a community, a country, is very important. We can’t always do things the way they were done in the past. In many ways, we are forward thinking. But then I drive by some shit head with a “NObama” sign with the Kool Aid guy on it, and I just shake my head and wonder when they are going to start requiring IQ tests to register to vote.

Earth to these Americans – having a gun, not giving any money to the less fortunate, being racist and holding an American flag in the air does not make you patriotic. If you want to be a true patriot, look to the future and start doing things that are right for the whole, not just looking out for your slice of the pie.