Joe Soriano
O.J. LewisAsk Up: LeBron and Hanley
May 20th 2010 15:07
I want this blog to become more reader interactive. I want you guys to ask questions and to have input. I want you guys to be able to vote on topics, ask questions for me to answer, and for you guys to tell me what posts to write. A few of my friends have asked questions that they want me to answer on the blog.
1. Where is LeBron James going to go?
My scenario starts off with a definite. There is no doubt in my mind that the Cavaliers will fire coach Mike Brown before July 1st. After that, they will hire Kentucky coach John Calipari. Coach Cal would love to coach in the NBA and have that kind of fortune and fame.
Calipari is also a close friend of James, and is the star's coach of choice. There were other rumors stating that James and Calipari could come as a package deal to Chicago. Cleveland is better because James was born in Akron, his relatives live near there, the fans love him, and he will make the most money if he resigns with Cleveland. Besides, the John Paxson tie incident with former coach Vinny Del Negro would make nobody want to have a coaching job at Chicago.
2. Should Andre Johnson whine about money?
Andre Johnson actually quit his holdout just after this question was asked, but it is still a subject to talk about. Andre is set to make 5.8M next year, which is big money. However, Johnson could actually set his holdout closer to the season if talks with his agent Andre Mellon and Texans' GM Rick Smith don't go well.
The bottom line is that Johnson shouldn't be asking that question. He is one of the top best receivers in the game, but 5.8M is ton of money with this new CBA. The Texans were in a very tough spot when Johnson requested the holdout, so I really don't like what he did to his franchise. Andre Johnson is, without a doubt, the best player in Houston Texans' franchise history.
3. Were Fredi Gonzalez's actions against Hanley Ramirez completely justified?
No. That's only beacuse you said the word COMPLETELY. What Han-Ram did was stupid and irresponsible for a star player to do. Gonzalez was right in benching him, but he went overboard in constantly criticizing the star. After all, Hanley is still the best shortstop in baseball.
A lot of coaches and managers don't like to speak out against their star players. Gonzalez did so and should be commended for it, but by going overboard he disrespected a franchise player. He must also realize that Gonzalez has a shorter leash than Ramirez because Hanley is the face of the franchise. Overall, I think Fredi is a good coach and did the right thing but he needs to be careful. By the way, Hanley took it well and recorded 3 hits the next day. That's what star players do.
4. Are the Suns and Magic dead?
The Phoenix Suns are because they have no way of catching Kobe. It's hard to say it as a huge Suns' fan, but they don't have much of a chance. I give the Suns a 5 percent chance of roaring back and winning.
The Magic have no chance either, because the Celtics' big men are really pressuring Howard. Rondo and Pierce are guys that Orlando just can't stop defensively. I give Orlando a 5 percent chance as well. Get ready for a Celtics and Lakers championship guys. I love being premature, that way if the Suns somehow do win; I will be surprised.
5. Would you rather own Jay Bruce or Chase Headley in a fantasy league?
A lot of people really hate PETCO and really love Great America Ball Park, but stadiums don't matter in this one. Bruce is a good player and I own him. I also own Headley, and I think Chase is the better player because he has more steal upside and contact.
Bruce never translated his contact success in the minor leagues to the majors. Jay has more power, but Headley gets steals because the Padres love to run. He isn't fast, but the team's strategy can give him 20 steal upside. A 20/20 season cannot be ruled out.
1. Where is LeBron James going to go?
My scenario starts off with a definite. There is no doubt in my mind that the Cavaliers will fire coach Mike Brown before July 1st. After that, they will hire Kentucky coach John Calipari. Coach Cal would love to coach in the NBA and have that kind of fortune and fame.
Calipari is also a close friend of James, and is the star's coach of choice. There were other rumors stating that James and Calipari could come as a package deal to Chicago. Cleveland is better because James was born in Akron, his relatives live near there, the fans love him, and he will make the most money if he resigns with Cleveland. Besides, the John Paxson tie incident with former coach Vinny Del Negro would make nobody want to have a coaching job at Chicago.
2. Should Andre Johnson whine about money?
Andre Johnson actually quit his holdout just after this question was asked, but it is still a subject to talk about. Andre is set to make 5.8M next year, which is big money. However, Johnson could actually set his holdout closer to the season if talks with his agent Andre Mellon and Texans' GM Rick Smith don't go well.
The bottom line is that Johnson shouldn't be asking that question. He is one of the top best receivers in the game, but 5.8M is ton of money with this new CBA. The Texans were in a very tough spot when Johnson requested the holdout, so I really don't like what he did to his franchise. Andre Johnson is, without a doubt, the best player in Houston Texans' franchise history.
3. Were Fredi Gonzalez's actions against Hanley Ramirez completely justified?
No. That's only beacuse you said the word COMPLETELY. What Han-Ram did was stupid and irresponsible for a star player to do. Gonzalez was right in benching him, but he went overboard in constantly criticizing the star. After all, Hanley is still the best shortstop in baseball.
A lot of coaches and managers don't like to speak out against their star players. Gonzalez did so and should be commended for it, but by going overboard he disrespected a franchise player. He must also realize that Gonzalez has a shorter leash than Ramirez because Hanley is the face of the franchise. Overall, I think Fredi is a good coach and did the right thing but he needs to be careful. By the way, Hanley took it well and recorded 3 hits the next day. That's what star players do.
4. Are the Suns and Magic dead?
The Phoenix Suns are because they have no way of catching Kobe. It's hard to say it as a huge Suns' fan, but they don't have much of a chance. I give the Suns a 5 percent chance of roaring back and winning.
The Magic have no chance either, because the Celtics' big men are really pressuring Howard. Rondo and Pierce are guys that Orlando just can't stop defensively. I give Orlando a 5 percent chance as well. Get ready for a Celtics and Lakers championship guys. I love being premature, that way if the Suns somehow do win; I will be surprised.
5. Would you rather own Jay Bruce or Chase Headley in a fantasy league?
A lot of people really hate PETCO and really love Great America Ball Park, but stadiums don't matter in this one. Bruce is a good player and I own him. I also own Headley, and I think Chase is the better player because he has more steal upside and contact.
Bruce never translated his contact success in the minor leagues to the majors. Jay has more power, but Headley gets steals because the Padres love to run. He isn't fast, but the team's strategy can give him 20 steal upside. A 20/20 season cannot be ruled out.
Don't Be Lazy
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Comment by NY Sports Source
As for Han-Ram, he is not Soriano but I guess he feels the need to act like him. In-house fighting amongst the Marlins is nothing new in south Florida (Olsen... Uggla...etc.) It was out of line to imply that Freddy Gonzalez should be taken lightly due to his lack of playing experience in MLB. Hanley is quickly earning himself a label as a clubhouse cancer.
Keep up the cool blogs. I enjoy reading them.
Comment by Joe Soriano
Pro Sports Wrap
Orble Sport Blog
I agree with you immensely on the LeBron part. The media is trying to magnify what will never be true. James in New York.
As for the Marlins, this stuff does happen but I think Hanley can pull it together. If not, I will surely be surprised.
Comment by NY Sports Source