Fantasy Football Preview – Ohio Edition

Here at The Seventeenth Member, our knowledge is not only limited to real sports, but also extends into the fantasy realm of sports as well. Thus your 2009 fantasy football preview; the Ohio edition.

The Cleveland Browns:

At first glance it appears there is not much fantasy upside to this team, and under more evaluation, that’s probably still the truth. We’ll take a look at some of the more known and lesser known guys and tell you who to take a chance on, and who to stay away from.

QB Brady Quinn/Derek Anderson – Your best bet is probably to stay away from both of these guys. The potential is there, but the fantasy numbers may not be. With new head coach Eric Mangini coming in, it is likely the Browns will run a conservative offense no matter who is under center. There are plenty other starting quarterbacks out there; you may have to pass on these two.

WR Braylon Edwards – After catching 16 TD passes in 2007, Edwards disappointed us all with only three in 2008, and none after week nine. He also led the league in drops with 16. I’m predicting a better year for Edwards in ’09 (how could I not), but probably not as good as his ’07 totals. He is just too talented of a receiver to put up numbers like last year again, no matter who is throwing him the ball.

RB Jamal Lewis – After watching his yards per carry take a pretty steep drop off in ’08, Lewis may be hard pressed to put up worthy fantasy numbers in 2009. He is sure to get a lot of carries in the new Mangenious offense, if he remains the starter that is. With his 30^th birthday approaching this August, the question is how much the ole man has left in the tank.

RB Jerome Harrison – The kid looked promising coming out of Washington State, but has been sitting and waiting for his chance for the past three years without seeing much of the field. With Lewis in his current physical state, could this be the year Harrison finally gets to show his stuff?

RB James Davis – Same story as Harrison, could be good if given the chance, but with a crowded backfield, the question is whether that chance will ever come. I would categorize Davis as more of a wait and see guy.

Cincinnati Bengals:

After an abysmal 2008 season for Bengals fantasy owners, Bengals players look to make a bit more of an impact in ’09 but heading into camp, there may be more questions surrounding this team than answers.

QB Carson Palmer – After missing all but four games of the 2008 season, Palmer returns for ’09. In his four starts, Palmer looked, well less than flattering. With his favorite target T.J. Houshmandzadeh making a new home in Seattle, Palmer will need his other recievers to step up to the plate. We’re predicting Palmer backup in smaller leagues and boarderline starter in deeper leagues.

WR Chad Ochocinco – The man formally known as Johnson will look to rebound after a 53 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns performance in ’08. His numbers should improve with his buddy Carson throwing to him instead of backup Ryan Fitzpatrick, but we don’t expect to see a return to his phenominal’06 and ’07 numbers. We see him as a good number two or three receiver depending on deep your league is in 2009.

WR Laveranues Coles – A great red-zone receiver, Coles hauled in seven TD’s in ’08. We expect similar touchdown numbers in ’09. He is no Houshmandzadeh but he should produce decent numbers. Probably a number three receiver in most leagues.

WR Chris Henry – Henry scored 15 touchdowns in his first two years in the league, but since then, he has more news off the field than on it, pilling up more arrests than touchdowns. He is probably going to be the third receiver in Cincinnati and probably doesn’t hold much fantasy value unless we see him step into one of the top receiver spots.

RB Cedric Benson – Benson has been disappointing fantasy owners ever since he came into the league. Plain and simple, we expect this year to be no different. Maybe a good number three back, or he could look nice on your bench.

-T17M

Deadline Decisions

No, i didn't forget about America's pastime, it's just that Ohio baseball in July hasn't been nearly as interesting as hockey in July...but without further ado, baseball returns to The 17th Member.

With their recent three game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the division rival St. Louis Cardinals acquiring left fielder Matt Holiday from the Oakland A's, the Cincinnati Reds have managed to bury themselves near the bottom of the NL Central without much hope of making the playoffs.

Now, would it be impossible for the Reds to all the sudden learn how to hit and climb their way back into the playoff chase; no, but is it likely; not really. Thus leads to the conclusion that the Reds should be sellers, not buyers at the trade deadline.

So, who should the Reds ship off to the real contenders? The Seventeenth Member breaks it down. Here are some possibilities:

Catcher Ramon Hernandez: There are many contenders out there that could use a veteran catcher with the skill set of Hernandez. With the emergance of Ryan Hanigan, Hernandez is an expendable asset to the Redlegs. The rookie Hanigan is batting .313 in 60 games and has performed very well behind the plate.

RHP Francisco Cordero: As Dayton Daily News writer Hal McCoy correctly stated about the subject, "Who needs a closer when there aren't any important games to close?" The Reds owe Cordero $25M over the next two seasons.

RHP David Weathers: The 39 year old veteran has been reliable all season posting a 2.97 ERA in 38 appearances.

LHP Author Rhodes: Like Weathers, Rhodes is a 39 year old veteran who has pitched well all season. Plus, he's a lefty, who would want to add that to their pen?

RHP Aaron Harang: He's supposedly the ace of the staff, but the Reds haven't won with him yet and he's due to make $12.5M next season.

RHP Bronson Arroyo: Same story as Harang. Got $12.5M coming his way in 2010 as well. That's a lot of money the Reds could spend somewhere else.

It's pretty clear that the Reds are not going to win this year. But with names like Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquex, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, the team's first winning season in fourteen years may not be too far down the road.

“I’m just looking for what is the best way to improve the club, Said General Manager Walt Jocketty. "I will not do anything that is going to be short-term. It has to be something to help the team down the road.”

If Jocketty is able to free up some salary and add some young guys to complement the guys previously mentioned, the Reds could be a contender for years to come. For now, we wait.

Jackets Avoid Arbitration

After arbitration seemed very likely as late as Wednesday morning, the Columbus Blue Jackets managed to avoid it when the team re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Marc Methot to a two-year, $2.025 million contract.

The deal will pay Methot $975,000 in ’09-’10 and $1.05M in ’10-’11, The Seventeenth Member has learned. Howson acknowledged the deal as an accomplishment to get a player they really like under contract.

This morning, all reports were that this was headed to arbitration. “There’s a huge gap,” GM Scott Howson said after reviwing the brief given by Methot’s agent, Larry Kelly. “I expect this to go to arbitration based on the positions put forward by the two of us.”

Both parties had already flown to Toronto to prepare for the hearing when the deal was struck.

This marks the third time a Blue Jackets player has filed for arbitration, the team has been able avoid the hearing all three times.

In other news, the Blue Jackets also re-signed restricted free agent Mike Blunden to a one-year, two-way contract. He will be invited to training camp with a shot at earning the center spot on the Jacket’s forth line.

Jackets, Methot Close to Hearing

For the first time in their nine-year history, the Columbus Blue Jackets could be forced to attend an arbitration hearing later this week.

Jackets defenseman, and restricted free agent Marc Methot, is scheduled to have his case heard Thursday morning in Toronto unless the two sides can agree on a contract, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Methot’s agent, Larry Kelly, and Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson have both stated that their side would like to avoid the hearing if possible.

With the player demanding more money and the team telling him why he does not deserve it, arbitration hearings have never been considered a good way to build a strong relationship between team and player.

"I'm hoping we can settle up before the hearing," Methot said. "The Blue Jackets are a team that I really want to be a part of, obviously.

"This is the way the business is set up, though. If we do go to a hearing, hopefully we'll come out of it happy and forget about (what was said) and go on with this coming season. That's what I plan to do if it comes to that."

Methot was a solid contributor for the Jackets last season, totaling 4 + 13 =17 with a plus 7 rating and an average ice time of over 17 minutes. These numbers mean he will likely receive a raise from the estimated $500,000 he made last year.

Negotiations between the two sides will continue up until the hearing in effort to avoid it. If a deal is not forthcoming by Wednesday afternoon, both groups will fly to Toronto.

If that is the case, and a hearing is needed, the Jackets will have 48 hours to accept the decision or decline, thus making Methot an unrestricted free agent.

Only two other Blue Jackets, defenseman Jamie Pushor and winger Jason Chimera, have ever filed for arbitration.

The team came to terms quickly with Chimera, nearly two weeks before the hearing, but did not get a deal done with Pushor until they were standing outside the doors of the meeting room the morning of the hearing.

It is clear that both sides want to get this done. Expect the two parties to settle on a deal, if not before the hearing, than after.

Jackets Release '09-'10 Schedule

After the most celebrated season in franchise history, the Columbus Blue Jackets will open the 2009-10 season at home against the Minnesota Wild on October 3, the club officially announced on Wednesday.

The ’09-‘10 season is one that will start a week earlier due to the sixteen-day Olympic break in February, and sees the Jackets play more Saturday night games than ever before.

Following the home opener at Nationwide Arena, the Jackets will play three straight road games at Vancouver, San Jose, and Phoenix. The team will head out west again on October 20 for an extended road trip that includes stops in Calgary, Edmonton, Anaheim, and LA.

The Jackets will face the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins at home on October 30, then head to Washington to face Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in the nation’s capital on November 1.

Wednesday November 11 marks the first game against the Detroit Red Wings, at home in the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena.

Later that month, the Jackets will be all over the map with their longest road trip of the season beginning November 19 in Dallas and ending the 26^th in Ottawa to face the Senators. Along the way, the team will make stops in Nashville, New York to face the Rangers, and Montreal.

In December, the CBJ will play back-to-back games against the defending Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on the 26^th and then back here at Nationwide on the 28^th. The Jackets will conclude 2009 with a New Years Eve game in Columbus against Nashville.

The month of January may be one of the toughest months of the season for the CBJ with nine road games and only six at home. The month includes a home and home with division rival Chicago on the 14^th and 16^th, and sends the Jackets to Boston for a game against the Bruins on the 21^st.

February, which is shortened because of the Olympic break, has only six games on the schedule including five straight at home before the sixteen-day break beginning the 15^th.

Columbus will play eight at home and six on the road during the playoff push in March, then will end the regular season with three games against Detroit in April culminating in the final game of the year at home verse the Red Wings on the 9^th.

Eastern Conference foes on the schedule include the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins, a home and home with the Washington Capitals, as well as games against the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Ottawa Senators.

The Jackets have a schedule that sees them playing away from home a lot early in the season, but allows them to play more home games down the stretch. With the way the schedule is set up, early season road trips could be pivotal in determining where the Jackets are positioned come the post-season.

For the complete schedule, visit www.bluejackets.com.

White House Goes Black and Gold

The Columbus Crew were honored by President Obama on Monday for their excellence both on and off the field. In a ceremony that took place in the Rose Garden at the White House, the president praised the team for their hard work in the community and on the soccer field.

"We thank them for participating in out United We Serve summer of service, said the president. "Just last week the Crew spent time with young people in Columbus cleaning up some of the low-income neighborhoods near Crew Stadium, that kind of spirit of service is what this white house wants to encourage in all citizens but seeing it from professional athletes is especially gratifying."

Obama also praised the Crew's fans noting that he heard that they were some of the best, making Crew Stadium one of the toughest places to play. In a nod towards his hometown, he went on to say that the Chicago Fire had some pretty good fans as well.

"It's clear that soccer in America is on the rise - and that MLS is a big part of that," the president said.

Present coach Robert Warzycha, as well as former coach Sigi Schmidt were on hand for the ceremony, along with former players Ezra Hendrickson, now a Seattle assistant, Sounders midfielder Brad Evans and Colorado forward Pat Noonan who recieved their rings outside the White House.

" A lot of us are in awe a bit," Captain Frankie Hejduk said. Warzycha chimed in saying that he would like to come back for another visit next year, with another championship team.

Crew to Visit White House

After winning the 2008 MLS Cup, the Columbus Crew have been formally invited to visit the White House by President Barack Obama.

The team will fly to D.C. this coming Monday and take a tour of the White House before spending 20-30 minutes with the president.

"We're excited," said captain Frankie Hejduk. "Not too many sports teams get to do that. Only the champions. It's an honor for us to be there and represent the Crew to the nation. Everyone's been hoping that we would get to do it. Any time you can wear your championship ring to the White House and get your picture taken with the president is a huge honor."

Later, the team will participate in a cleanup project around D.C. as part of Obama's new "United We Serve" initiative similar to what they did around Crew Stadium on Wednesday.

Seattle Sounder's, and former Crew head coach Sigi Schmid, as well as former Crew players Brad Evans, Ezra Hendrickson, Stefani Miglioranzi and Pat Noonan have been invited to attend.

"I'm just happy to be able to see the White House and the president, said head coach Robert Warzycha."That's something special for everybody."

McElligott to Join Matthews in Booth

Long time Syracuse Crunch play-by-play announcer Bob McElligott will join George Matthews in the radio booth next season the Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Tuesday.

McElligott, who called games for the Crunch for the past ten years, will replace Bill Davidge as color commentator alongside George Matthew beginning next season. Davidge was moved to the television set along side Jeff Rimer.

The pairing of Matthews and McElligott is an interesting one considering both broadcasters are play-by-play men, but Blue Jackets Vice President of Marketing Marc Gregory expects McElligott to be a good fit for the position, “Bob is an experienced broadcaster who brings great versatility to our on-air team and we are very pleased to welcome him to the Blue Jackets organization,” said Gregory in a press release. “Having spent the past 10 years with the Crunch, he knows our team and league personnel very well and is an ideal fit for this position.”

McElligott is experienced calling Jacket’s games as he has filled in for Matthews several times in the past eight years. In addition, he also produced a regular Crunch feature for the Blue Jackets Radio Network.

As well as serving as color commentator in the booth, McElligott will act as a host on both the radio pre- and post-game shows and be a regular contributor on BlueJackets.com features such as Jackets TV.

In addition to the Crunch, the Pennsylvania native has also served as the radio and television voice of the Syracuse Chiefs, the current International Baseball League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. According to BlueJackets.com, McElligott has “also has been a morning sports anchor on Syracuse radio stations WSEN-FM, WFBL-AM and WOLF-FM since 2004 and has broadcast Syracuse University football and basketball games for ESPN 360, as well as a variety of college and high school sports for Time Warner Cable.”

The Jackets are still looking to fill the broadcasting position left vacant by former pre- and post-game host Jim Day.

Nash Locked Up for Eight More Years

The most important task of the off-season for the Columbus Blue Jackets was checked off the to-do list Friday night when the Jackets resigned Captain Rick Nash to an eight year, $64.2 million extension.

The deal has Nash earning $7.5 million in 2010-'11, and raises each year until it peaks at $8.2 million in 2017-'18. He currently has one year remaining in his previous contract in which he will make $7 million.

"It's a very fair number," said Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson. "(Nash) made a statement to the team and the city that he's not out for the last dollar. He wanted to have a fair contract that allows us the flexibility to build the team around him." Nash's Agent Joe Resnick stated that "Rick did not want to go unrestricted," He continued, "He believes in what they're doing in Columbus. He believes in his teammates. He truly loves the city."

Nash is the Jackets all-time leading goal scorer with 194 goals in his six seasons. He is also the leader in points with 355 in 441 career games. He was selected by Columbus first overall in 2002, after the Jackets traded up to get him. In 2003-'04, Nash became the youngest player to lead the league in goals, with 41, and shared the Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer with Calgary's Jarome Iginla and Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk.

Jackets Ink Pahlsson, Garon

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed center Samuel Pahlsson to a three year contract announced team General Manager Scott Howson on Wednesday. Pahlsson is a nine year NHL vetern who has tallied 54 goals, and 92 assists for 146 points in 557 career games with Boston, Anaheim, and Chicago.

With the futures of Manny Malhotra, and Michael Peca unclear, Pahlsson fills a gaping need for the Jackets at the center position.

"Sami Pahlsson is a very good two-way center who can play against the top players in the league and strengthens our hockey club at the center ice position," said Howson. "He won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim two years ago, played in the Finals in 2003 and won a gold medal with Sweden at the last Olympics, so he brings valuable experience at the highest level of competition to our dressing room."

In the '06-'07 season in which he won the Cup with the Ducks, Pahlsson was a finalsit for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the league's top defensive forward.

The club now has Derrick Brassard, Antione Vermette, and Samuel Pahlsson at the center position for the upcoming season.

The Jackets have also announced that they have inked former Pittsburgh goaltender Mathieu Garon to a two-year contract. The 30 year old goalie has compiled a 94-83-13 record in 204 career games. Garon has a 2.84 goals-against average and .905 save percentage with the Canadians, Kings Oilers, and Penguins.

Garon will likely serve as a backup to starting goaltender and 2009 Calder Memorial Trophy winner Steve Mason.

"One of our priorities this off-season was to sign an experienced goaltender to team with Steve Mason and by adding Mathieu Garon we have done that," said Howson. "Mathieu has been a successful goaltender in this league and we think he will be an important addition to our organization."

Development Camp Underway

Monday marked the beginning of development camp for the Columbus Blue Jackets. About 35 players attended in all, including draft picks from ’06 to ’09, as well as many free agents that were invited to participate.

The camp is open to the public, and although the ice was crowded with players and coaches, much attention was focused on the Jacket’s 2009 first round pick John Moore.

Throughout the first two days of camp, Moore has been frequently positioned along side Notre Dame product Theo Ruth, who was acquired during the ’07-’08 season from the Washington Capitals in exchange for veteran Sergei Fedorov. So far, the two have looked good together, creating numerous chances in front of the net and playing fast shutdown defense.

“It’s exciting. I need to work that much harder every day, said Moore. Right now that’s my biggest goal, to get bigger and stronger and hopefully be a part of that moving forward.”

"We all love his attitude and disposition," said head coach Ken Hitchcock speaking of Moore. "His foot speed gets him out of so much trouble all the time. He's able to get up the ice, he can maneuver away from people.

Five of the six Jackets draftees at the 2009 draft were present on Tuesday. Sixth round pick Anton Blomqvist of Sweden was the only one that did not participate. New goaltenders coach Dave Rook was also present at camp working with goalies Kevin Lalande and Allen York. Rook spent the draft weekend with his former team, the St. Louis Blues, before being allowed begin work with the Jackets.

Lalande, who was acquired from Calgary at the March 4th trade deadline last season, was very impressive in his time with Syracuse posting a 2.27 GAA and a .927 save percentage. He and Dan LaCosta will likely compete for the third goalie spot on the roster in the upcoming year.

Although many of the guys have looked good so far, development coach Tyler Wright says they still have a few things to learn. “These kids are all young, they're all naive," said Wright. "They have an understanding that they think they’re ready for the NHL and what it takes. "When you get it in their mind that you have to multiply that by about 100, then they’ll figure it out."

Another story that arose during camp was the exclusion of Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger from the list of players invited to U.S. Olympic hockey orientation camp in August. The list includes 19 forwards, many of which, appear to be less qualified than Umberger.

“For him not to be in a group that big..I disagree with it,” said Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson.

Although he was not included on the original list, it is still a possibility he could receive an invite as the games approach come November or December. "It's something you dream of, representing your country in the Olympics," Umberger said. "I would definitely go if I were asked.

In other news, The Crunch recently signed forward Brock McBride. The 22-year-old enforcer played eight games last season for AHL Hartford notching four assists.