2012 NFL Draft

I always thought that straight draft predictions were nearly destined to fail from the start, because there is almost ALWAYS a trade in the first round. One trade can change the whole complexion of the draft. For example, a rumor came out today that the Redskins were trying to trade up to #2 to select Blaine Gabbert. Does that guarantee Patrick Peterson to the Cardinals at #5? Does that mean Jake Locker (the consensus #3 QB) gets drafted higher? A trade like this could change the entire landscape of the draft. Shanahan has always been one to fall in love with strong-armed passers, and Gabbert fits the mold.

Like I said, Shanahan has ALWAYS loved strong-armed passers....Hey, wait just a minute...

With the unpredictability of the first round and my limited knowledge of 32 teams’ needs, I will not do a team-by-team prediction. Rather, I will rant about five topics that I think are interesting going into the draft, write a few picture captions, and then try to make picks for some of the local teams (and teams who are near and dear to certain blog readers).

1.    Will Cam Newton be successful as a pro?

I do not think that Cam Newton is a good character guy. He got booted out of Florida, and definitely was in on the whole recruiting scandal with his father. His father took the hit for him in order to protect his son’s season with Auburn (and Auburn’s team, for that matter).

Before Auburn made him the highest paid free agent in the SEC, he was booted out of the traditionally lenient Florda program for an academic cheating scandal (and allegedly stealing a laptop).

That being said, he’s got two things going for him.

#1 – He’s a physical freak of nature. He is 6’5 and 248lbs. He’s basically as big as Daunte Culpepper, with much more mobility. He ran a 4.6 in the 40 at the NFL combine, but is said to have run a 4.42. Probably was wind-aided. He also has significant arm strength. The big question is – Will he be able to make good decisions on the field?

#2 – He’s got a major chip on his shoulder and seems like the type of guy who’s going to use that to fuel his work ethic. The opposite of this, of course, is former top pick JaMarcus Russell, who had a major chip on his shoulder and used it to fuel a different kind of appetite in his belly.

Poor JaMarcus is a constant PepeVibe target. He had a chip on his shoulder but chose to take the money and get fat and happy. This is how bad it is....when you start typing "JaMarcus Russell" into the Google images search bar, the second quick search that pops up as you get to the end is "JaMarcus Russell fat"

I think he’s going to be pretty good. He’s going into a pretty good situation in Carolina where they can run the ball (when healthy). As poorly as they played last year, they are not far off from being competitive. Having a gamer with some physical tools under center can go a long way towards achieving that.

THE VERDICT = QB’s the Panthers to NFC Playoffs by Year Three

You don't have to be a good guy to have success in the NFL, and Newton will be a playoff QB in Carolina before all is said and done. 

2.    Where will Patrick Peterson end up?

People are in love with Peterson. It is said that some teams have him ATOP their draft boards. Most mock drafts have him going as high as #3 to Buffalo, while few having him dropping past Arizona at #5. He’s thought to be among the closest things to a “lock” in this draft, in terms of being an impact player.

Patrick Peterson (#7) intercepting a pass in front of another first round pick, AJ Green of Georgia. Patty Pete is said to be a pro-ready cornerback who will be able to immediately shore up the secondary of whichever team he goes to.

If the draft stays as is, the Cardinals could really have the ability to impact the rest of the Top 15. If they take Gabbert, then there could be teams trying like crazy to trade with Cleveland to take Peterson at 6. If they take Peterson, then there is less of a frenzy, and Prince Amakumamamamamama of Nebraska becomes the CB consolation prize. More importantly, the question becomes….where does Gabbert fall to? Ahhh, sounds like a whole other topic worthy of ranting on.

THE VERDICT = Peterson to the Cardinals at #5

Where Peterson ends up will be a stiuation that bears watching. His final landing spot could set off a chain reaction of moves for many of the teams looking at Gabbert and for a CB. 

3.    Blaine Gabbert is the QB of the future for…

In looking at the current Top 10, there are four teams who could definitely be in the market for a QB: Buffalo, Arizona, SF, and Washington. Carolina excluded, of course, because it’s pretty widely accepted that if they take a QB, it’s Newton. I have a feeling that Tennessee will take a QB at some point in this draft, but it might not be in Round One. They could be lining up Mallet in the 2^nd round.

You mean Max Hall isn't the answer in Arizona?

Gabbert has all the physical tools (just shy of 6’5….235lbs), but a criticism is that he did not play in a pro-style offense at Missouri. He took a lot of snaps out of shotgun (as Jon Gruden pointed out in his self-proclaimed "QB Camp" in ESPN).



*Sidebar….I can’t stand those Gruden pieces. I saw him in this episode nearly berate Gabbert for not getting to the handoff spot as quickly as Peyton Manning. The pomposity on Gruden’s part is too much for me. And no, I did not use Shift + F7 for “pomposity”…

This will be one of the most interesting things to watch in Round One….

THE VERDICT = Gabbert to the 49ers at #7

Not many know that this STALLION above (Gabbert) actually runs as fast a 40-yard dash as Cam Newton. An athlete who will be able to grow under Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco.

4.    Odds the Patriots make both of their first round picks…

The Pats have the luxury of having two first round picks…..one in the middle of the round (#17) and one late in the round (#28). On top of that, they possess only 5 total picks for the entire draft. Knowing how the Patriots traditionally mini-rebuild through the draft, I don’t know if the Pats will sit with only 5 picks. I also think they need some help in spots, especially on defense and WR. I forsee one of two scenarios:

1)    The Pats package both 1^st round picks to move up into the Top 5 to grab a player like Patrick Peterson.

2)    The Pats trade away one – or both – of their picks to move back and add to the overall number of picks.

Billy will be wearing his Thursday night best as the Pats will likely wheel and deal for either a defensive stud like Patty Pete, or for some additional picks.

I see scenario 2 being more likely, I think that Billy Boy wants to have at least 7+ picks coming out of this draft….ESPECIALLY since it looks like teams will not be able to sign undrafted free agents right away after the draft because of the lockout.

THE VERDICT: Pats trade their #17 pick for two later picks, plus a pick in the 2012 draft.

The Pats never need to have high draft picks to grab talented players. Case in point, Aaron Hernandez (above) was taken in the 4th round of last year's draft and ended up being a breakout tight end.

5.    Former Heisman Trophy-winning RB Mark Ingram….Where will he go, and how good will he be?

Ingram is going anywhere from mid-first round to somewhere in the second round. I can’t help but think that if he had been able to come out last year after his Heisman, he would’ve been a Top 10 pick (I mean, CJ Spiller was the #9 pick…and he’s the same type of runner). Suffice it to say, Ingram is not a fan of the "3 years in college" NFL draft rule. I think that despite the durability concerns, and concerns about his ability to handle 20 carries a game, Ingram will be a useful player in 2011 (assuming there is a season).

Dude! You could've gone Top 10 last year! Tough luck, especially if you fall out of the first round!

I feel confident in saying that he will be a productive running back. Will he end up being a dominant feature back like ADP, Gore, Chris Johnson, MJD, etc? I don’t think so (just yet), but I like him to get 15-20 touches per game wherever he goes. The Dolphins would make sense at #15, but who knows if they’ll look to address RB in the first round (lord knows, they need it to be addressed). After the Fins, the next logical suitors are the Pats at 28 and the Pack at 32. It will be interesting to see where he goes.

THE VERDICT: Pats use their #28 pick on Mark Ingram

So you mean to tell me that the Fins will pass on Ingram and roll yet AGAIN with Ronnie Brown?!?!?! Yeish....

LOCAL DRAFT PICKS

New York Jets(#30) Justin Houston, LB, Georgia

New York “Little Sisters”(#19) Nate Solder, OL, Colorado

Philadelphia Eagles(#23) Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

SPECIAL BLOG FANS TEAMS

Buffalo Bills(#3) Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Miami Dolphins(#15) Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida

Dallas Cowboys(#9) Tyron Smith, OL, USC

San Francisco 49ers(#7) Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Top Ten, Top Ten Draft Busts in the Last Ten Years

Naturally, with the NFL Draft approaching, the next big blog has to be a blog about the draft. However, if I did a full-blown “draft preview,” it would merely consist of me reading up on the previews of others and constructing a preview that is not genuine. So, I am taking a different angle on things. Later this week, I will post an NFL Draft blog that touches on a few things that I can speak about (Cam Newton’s career outlook, which teams will be after a QB, where Mark Ingram will land, etc.).

I don't know as much as these "geniuses" know, so I can't project the entire first round. But I will make the NFL draft memorable for blog fans.

For now, there will be no preview. There are two things that everyone wants to do when a draft approaches: 1) make predicted picks, and 2) talk about “busts” from previous years.

Draft busts? Now that’s something that I can gladly speak about...In order to narrow the pool a bit, I have enacted the following criteria:

-Player must have been drafted in the top ten of that draft.

-Player must have been drafted in the last ten years (starting with the 2001 draft).

-One player per draft is dubbed the “BUST” of that draft, and other candidates are given “Honorable Mention” status.

And now, without further ado, our list of NFL Busts, starting with 2001...

2001

#8 David Terrell, WR, Michigan to the Chicago Bears

David Terrell's glory days...celebrating an Orange Bowl win with Tom Brady

Few remember David Terrell now…which speaks to how much of a bust he was. He made a living in college catching passes from Tom Brady and Drew Henson, and was a household name going into the 2001 draft (with Michigan always on ABC). Despite having some physical tools, he never seemed to show any signs of being a legitimate NFL receiving threat. He amassed 1,600 receiving yards over 5 seasons, with a career high of 43 receptions in 2003.

Honorable Mention: Jamal Reynolds (DE from FSU #9 to Green Bay)

2002

#1 David Carr, QB, Fresno State to the Houston Texans

#3 Joey Harrington, QB, Oregon to the Detroit Lions

If only Carr had some blocking in Houston, he would've been a great NFL QB....right?

Always a likeable guy, Harrington received a fresh start in Miami, Atlanta, and New Orleans to try to "resurrect" his career.

It would be a near injustice to choose one over the other here. Their careers shared similar paths, both beginning with sky-high hype. Both showed signs of success at times, but never seemed to take the next step. Carr is still active (for now) as a backup, while Harrington has been out of the league since 2007. They have comparable career passing numbers:

Carr (23-56 career) 14,433 yards, 65 TD, 71 INT

Harrington (26-50 career) 14,693 yards, 79TD, 85INT

They will forever be linked as the two “can’t miss” pro quarterbacks who did not pan out.

2003

#2 Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State to the Detroit Lions

Rogers (right) fell in love with old Mary Jane, while Mike Williams (left) might have found himself in this blog one year ago, but salvaged his rep (for now) with a solid season in Seattle this past year.

When I saw Rogers play in college, I thought he was going to be one of the great WR’s in the NFL. He ran (what looked like at the time) great routes, had great hands, and made several highlight reel catches for the Spartans. I can remember him killing Notre Dame. Rogers started 9 games over his 3 NFL seasons and had 36 catches for 440 yards and 3TD in his career. For whatever reason, he just couldn’t put it together in the NFL (neither on nor off the field).

Honorable Mention: Jonathan Sullivan (#6 pick DT from Georgia to the Saints)

2004

#2 Robert Gallery, T, Iowa to the Oakland Raiders

There they are. These two arguably set the Raiders back 10 years. Gallery (right) was supposed to be the thuggish, rugged offensive tackle that the black hole could get behind. Instead, he ended up fighting for a starting job 3 years into his career.

One of the poster children for the Raiders poor drafting in the 2000’s….continue reading for the other. Gallery was a physical specimen who played in an outstanding college offense at Iowa. Was moved from tackle to guard a few years ago to try to get him going….it didn’t work. Had a reputation (as our other Raider on this list does) of being cocky and “too big for his britches.”

Honorable Mention: Reggie Williams (I know most of you are saying ”WHO?” but he actually was fantasy relevant for a short while in 2006)

2005

#7 Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina to the Minnesota Vikings

This guy will replace Randy Moss as our downfield threat....NOT!

While Williamson was certainly not the most heralded WR to come out of college football, he was thought to be a potential heir apparent in the passing game to Randy Moss. He had good hands, and was supposed to be able to stretch the field. In six seasons since being drafted, he has amassed about one solid season’s worth of statistics….as his career numbers (87 rec, 1131 rec yd, 4TD).

Honorable Mention: Pacman Jones (although did make a Pro Bowl…makes this spot for off-the-field indiscretions)

2006

#10 Matt Leinart, QB, USC to the Arizona Cardinals

They said coming out of college that Leinart needed to focus more on football...Were they right? Who knows, but one thing is for sure. His reputation has taken a hit with images like these (Look at this terrible guy....what is he thinking?) and with his pouting exit from Arizona.

While still in the league, Leinart never quite showed any signs of turning into the player that many thought he would be. It was thought he would go at #3 to the Titans, and was said to be the most “pro ready” QB. A short stint as the guy in Arizona was followed by several long years as Kurt Warner’s backup. When finally given a shot to take over, he couldn’t hang on and pouted his way right out of town. Vince Young is somewhat in the mix, but did lead the Titans to quite a few wins in his years, before his unceremonious exit.

Honorable Mention: Vince Young

2007

#1 JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU to the Oakland Raiders

I wonder which one of these guys was his life coach who just quit? It was seriously hard choosing a picture to represent Russell. There are so many good ones.

This blog is the first time that JaMarcus Russell has been considered a “sure thing.” There is a viable candidate in this draft (Ted Ginn Jr.) but Russell just blows him out of the water. At least Ginn is still in football. Russell’s troubles are well-documented, and he recently had his “life coach” quit on him. You could say something like “he’s hit rock bottom,” but you have to remember….he has a lot of Al Davis’ money.

Honorable Mention: Ted Ginn Jr.

2008

#6 Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State to the New York Jets

I can't believe I actually found a picture of Gholston making a tackle. Go figure!

 This was an easy call. A pretty solid top ten otherwise. Gholston has been a waste of a draft pick for gang green, despite their continued patience with him. 5 starts in 3 years. 16 tackles. 0 sacks. His greatest contributions (and I use that term loosely) have been on special teams. He is neck-and-neck with Blair Thomas in the annals of Jets history.

Honorable Mention: N/A   

2009

#6 Andre Smith, T, Alabama to the Cincinnati Bengals



Andre Smith's stellar showing at the combine (see above) is what attracted teams to him. What...doesn't it attract you to him too?



This is the second closest race of any pair of busts (next to Carr and Harrington). Darius Heyward-Bey really gives Smith a run for his money. DHB is more of the “mainstream” favorite, because he plays WR, he plays for the Raiders, and he was picked highly instead of much-heralded Michael Crabtree. But the X-factor is that at least DHB has been on the field and has a few plays to hang his hat on. Andre Smith put the Bengals through a long holdout that all but wiped out his rookie season (1 start). As a sequel, he started 4 games last year as a second year pro. 5 starts in 2 years from your 6^th overall blindside tackle is not going to get it done. Not to mention, he was remarkably mediocre in the game action he did see. Tough call, but ‘dre gets the nod over DHB.

Honorable Mention: Darius Heyward-Bey & Matthew Stafford (a distant 3^rd here, but still worth mentioning in this discussion now)

2010

#9 C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson to the Buffalo Bills

Spiller was the top dog in a weak RB class last year. He plays a Reggie Bush-esque style that could eventually lead to him being productive. At the time of this blog, however, he's the pick from 2010.

OK, admittedly this is a tough break for Spiller. It’s too soon to label him a “bust” just yet, but in all fairness he did not have a very good rookie season. Compounding things is the fact that the rest of the Top Ten acquitted themselves very well in their rookie seasons. I still actually think he could end up being a very useful, productive player (a poor man’s Reggie Bush?). With only one year to go off of (280 rushing yds, 150 receiving yds, 23.0 KR average, and 2 TD), Spiller is the pick.

Honorable Mention: N/A

 

The Garden of "We Been"

This blog is in honor of all the Knicks and Rangers fans out there. First and foremost, congratulations for making the playoffs again at the same time (for the first time since ’96 I believe). When the Knicks and Rangers are both in it, it’s common for the dual fan to dream of the glory days of 1994, when the Knicks were the NBA runner-up, and the Rangers captured the Stanley Cup. I've listened to fans talk of these glory days countless times over the past 15 years. And with good reason, as the Knicks have been a non-factor in the 2000's, while the Rangers have made playoffs but have been decidedly mediocre. Hence the title of this blog, The Garden of "We Been".

Rangers captain Mark Messier receives the Stanley Cup in 1994.

Let me first clarify my position. I absolutely HATE the Rangers. I am a Devils fan, and I dislike the Rangers almost as much as any rival of a team for which I root. I’d like to see a quick exit for them. The Knicks, well, I’ve never really had a “team” for the NBA, but I’ve always kind of pulled for the Knicks. I was on board in the 90’s with the Ewing, Starks, Oakley, Smith teams. I’ve dabbled in pulling for other teams while the Knicks sucked.

What could have been....We all remember that shooting performance from Starks in Game 6.

I’m compelled to write this blog out of respect for the New York sports scene, as they have 2 major sports teams now “in the mix” for a championship. I’ve heard fans all week talk about ’94, about the glory days. This year, however, does not have much in common. Neither team has much of a shot to make any noise, which is just me being honest.

New York Rangers

Admittedly, I only know as much about the Rangers as Boomer Esiason talks about on the FAN. I know that they have had an “up-and-down” season. I know that they are young. I know that Gaborik has been a disappointment due to his play, and that Drury has been a disappointment due to being banged up a lot of the year. I know that Lundqvist is a gold-medal winner who is an above average goalie. Many teams would like to have him between the pipes.

Lundqvist might not have championship glory in NYC, but he knows what it takes to "win the whole thing."

I also know that their coach has been a mess in the media. He has handled questions at times with the tact of a 5-year old. He does not like to talk when they lose – which, in a weird way, I kind of respect. He gets pissed when they lose and don’t play well. I get it. However, when you are on the hook for how the team is playing (because you’re the coach), you’ve got to answer the bell when they don’t play well. Especially when you look like "The Fonz." Tortorella is a Stanley Cup Champion, but seems to still not have all his stuff together at times.

The Blue Shirts had a key injury to Ryan Callahan (broken foot) that had has set them back, and they are very young overall. The Caps have been in this spot before, as the Conference favorite. They have star power with Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, as well as some experience on the team with Arnott and Poti. They have a 23-year old goalie who has been very solid, but short of spectacular this year.

Hey Rangers. I know a guy who could help nurse Callahan's foot back to health.

The Rangers were 3-1 against the Caps this year, with two “blowout wins” (6-0 and 7-0). But the playoffs are a different story, as the Capitals are showing. Do the Rangers, down 2-0 in the series, have enough to fight back? Madison Square Garden awaits, so fans should still have hope, but they are certainly fighting an uphill battle.

I had to put this blog on rush order since the Rangers lost last night. Don’t worry Rangers fans, I’ve got a spot waiting in my foursome with your name on it. I’ve gotten a few rounds in since the Devils season ended, so I might have a leg up. But I shot a 115 last week, so maybe not.

CAPITALS in 6

New York Knicks

They are a completely different animal than your normal #6 seed. For the first 55 games of the season, they had a different group of players. You might look at this and scratch your head because, they have not been any better (record-wise) since the trade. Meanwhile, their players have flourished in Denver and stand to battle with Oklahoma City in the Western Conference playoffs. So, why should we feel any differently about the Knicks right now?

Raymond Felton (#20) and Wilson Chanlder (#21) have experienced success with Kenyon Martin in Denver. OK, I thought I could move on without addressing it, but I can't. Look at the stupid face Kenyon Martin is making here. And a green headband? Come on dude. Get a clue. Read a book.

Here’s why…Carmelo has averaged 26.3ppg in his 27 games with the Knicks, proving his worth as one of the league’s great scorers. (Sidebar: Incidentally, thanks to the Knicks, I’ve had “I’m coming home, coming home, tell the world I’m coming home…” on loop in my head for the last 2 months) But the playoffs provide the opportunity for big time players to step up, and the Knicks possess two of those big time players in ‘melo and Stoudemire. They possess another, in Chauncey Billups, who has won a championship by setting the world on fire in the playoffs. They have a head coach who, all things equal, has taken teams to the brink of a championship before. The Garden will be rockin’ with playoff fever, as the Knicks are perceived to have a legitimate shot to pull off the upset.

The playoffs are a time for big players to step up in big spots. Pictured above is the Knicks best shot to have that happen.

There is more than an opportunity for the stars to align for the Knicks. The Celtics are banged up and old, but extremely talented. They have their own “X-factor” in the person of Rajon Rondo, who’s as tough as any player in the league. They have playoff experience and championship pedigree. The Knicks will be up against it, but a competitive series with the Celtics could catalyze the resurgence of basketball in NYC.  

CELTICS IN 6

All-Non-Juice Team

This is the team of "good guys" to combat last blog's collection of "bad guys." These guys did it the right way, and experienced great success in a bloated world. While guys like Brady Anderson and Luis Gonzalez were blowing up for 1 year of 50 HR, guys like Fred McGriff were consistently belting 30 a year. You might give the edge to this team based on pitching alone (Maddux & Mo vs. Clemens & Grimsley).

Manager – Cal Ripken Jr. (BAL)

Ripken makes this list as the manager for a few reasons. First, he had gray hair since he was in his late 20’s, so I’ve always thought of him as an old man. Secondly, he began the steroid era as a decent shortstop, and ended his career a decent third baseman. Lastly, the steroid era was at the end of his career, at which time he was merely an ordinary player. I may take a hit for this, but in terms of being a “spectacular player,” I feel that:

1)      Derek Jeter ranks above him on the list of great shortstops of all-time

2)      Chipper Jones is a better hitting third baseman than him

I feel this way because Ripken had only four seasons of 100+RBI. He had 5 mediocre years from age 25-29, sandwiched in-between two HOF years, followed by 8 of 9 “non” HOF years to close his career. If you look at his year-by-year stats, he wasn’t all that spectacular on a regular basis. I hesitate to throw around the “C” word (COMPILER), but let’s temper our praise of Cal. He’ll make a good manager for this team. He can carry Derek Jeter’s bat bag.

See what I mean? 1990 and he's got gray hair already. Despite my assault on him in the blurb above, he's one of baseball's good guys, and a darn good player.

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C – Jason Varitek (BOS) / Jorge Posada (NYY)

Varitek will likely be an unpopular choice, but I have to spread the wealth. I initially had Mike Piazza (my favorite player growing up) in here, but there is some question about the authenticity of his numbers (which I think is bullcrap). So I’m deciding to play it fair. Also, Jorge Posada is near-and-dear to my heart, so I have to include him (especially with his numbers being what they are). Varitek gets the nod for being in fact – the heart – of his team for so long. Looking at his career numbers, you wouldn’t think he belongs on this team, but if you watched him play through an objective lens, you agree.

These guys had better start getting along, if they're going to share catching duties on Ripken's team. Traditionally, Maddux (see below) uses a personal catcher, which would be more likely to be Varitek than Jorge.

----------------------------------------------------

1B – Fred McGriff (TOR, SD, ATL, TB, CHC)

The Crime Dog was the first player whose name I associated with being a home run threat. My first HR in R.B.I Baseball 3 on Sega Genesis was with Fred McGriff of the Blue Jays. Perhaps the single biggest victim of the steroid era in terms of his stats being devalued… McGriff’s Career Line:

.284 BA

2,490 hits

493 HR

1550 RBI

Including 10 seasons of 30+HR, and 8 seasons of 100+RBI. The problem is, you never saw Fred McGriff and thought “Wow, he’s a dominating power hitter.” How much of that, though, was a function of the All-Juicers being on the scene and muddy-ing the water? Even with all that being considered, I still feel that McGriff should “take a bite out of” the Hall of Fame fruit. (Did you like that one?)

The "Crime Dog" as a young puppy. Knew how to hit the long ball, but apparently not how to wear his hat.

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2B – Craig Biggio (HOU)

Seton Hall’s finest. A unique member of this team (like McGriff) for having played before, during, and after the steroid era. It’s laughable that detractors do not want to place him in the Hall of Fame. The only other 2B  of this era who compare are Roberto Alomar and Jeff Kent. Do I need to say anything about Kent? He could’ve been mentioned in my previous blog. Biggo’s Career Line:

.281 BA

3,060 hits

291 HR

1175 RBI

414 SB

4 gold gloves

Most of this out of the leadoff spot. AND he moved from Catcher to 2B to OF, and then back to 2B. One of the players I most respected as a fan of the game.

Craigy-----ewwww! Biggio was always known for his pine tar-laden helmet, and for laying it on the line. Could be used by Ripken as a utility player (C, IF, OF eligible).

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SS – Derek Jeter (NYY)

Der-ek Je-ter…..I don’t want to beat the horse dead, so you can refer to my previous blog (Jilted by Jeter?) for my feelings on the Yankee captain. 5-time World Champion who will end up with 3500 hits.

Fist pump! Clearly, he was born in New Jersey...And now, he is a member of the hallowed PepeVibe All-Non-Juice team...

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3B – Chipper Jones (ATL)

“The best non-user of the steroid era.” – Timmy George

Chipper was hated by Mets fans (and many others). I can honestly say I couldn’t stand him, but respected the hell out of the way he played. Like Biggio, moved around the field for the good of his team. Not many remember that he came up as a SHORTSTOP prospect. Moved to 3B, to LF, back to 3B, with a little 1B sprinkled in. Another player on this list who is deserving of an immediate Hall of Fame induction upon retirement. Will not get to 3,000 hits, but his career line is still gaudy:

.306BA

436HR

1497RBI

8 straight seasons of 20+HR and 100RBI

Few remember that "Larry" actually came up as a shortstop....I've had many a Met-fan friend brag to me about how they chanted "Larry...Larry...Larry" whenever he came up at Shea. Lot of good that did. Is anything having to do with the Mets dysfunctional? They can't even execute a cheer properly.

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LF – Bernie Williams (NYY)

Gotta have Bernie on this team, and gotta have him in left field because of his arm. A four-time World Series Champion who finished just shy of attaining a Hall of Fame career. Call me a homer, but Bernie deserves to be on this team. Just looking at his career numbers, he’s JUST shy of quite a few milestones.

.297BA

2,336 hits

287HR

1257RBI

Although he’s not a HOFer, there are few players who you’d want up in October more so than Bernie.

Hands down my favorite Bernie picture ever. This was clearly before he went to Drs. Joseph & Jeffrey Dellarusso. 

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CF – Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA, CIN, CWS)

I don’t think that Griffey juiced, but some seem to have. There is no evidence other that people saying “Damn, he hit a lot of home runs.” He got bigger over the course of his career, but never to the point you would say he is “freakish.” He finished about the same size as his father was (who played in the 70’s and 80’s).

No evidence of juicing? What's this guy talking about?

Had undeniably the smoothest left-handed swing of all time. Was there any young baseball fan who did not spend time trying to imitate Griffey’s smooth stroke, followed by softly dropping the bat and walking down the first base line? Hated him, but only because he was so good. Good thing he stayed away from that nerve tonic.

Arguably the smoothest home run stroke of all-time.

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RF – Paul O’Neill (NYY)

Believe it or not, I was not crazy about O’Neill as a Yankee fan. I loved the intensity with which he approached the game. I loved the desire that he had to succeed and win. But, I hated the temper tantrums. I always thought that guys who did that stuff were trying to overcompensate for their failure by showing fans how pissed off they are. It sets a bad example for kids, however you slice it. That being said, the guy was a pure gamer. Similar career statistics to Bernie Williams:

.288BA

281HR

1269RBI

But, along with the other 1996-2000 Yankees on this list, a guy you would want up in a big spot. A guy who cared about winning, and a 4x World Champion.



Threw temper tantrums as it was....but a definite non-juicer. Could you imagine him on a 'roid rage?



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DH – Tony Gwynn (SD)

I was torn on including him, because I always associated him with Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and Wade Boggs all of whom retired just a tad early to be on this list. Gwynn, however, played into the 2000’s and was one of the most consistent hitters of all time.  A rare player who was, by any measure, relatively out of shape. He had more of an understanding of the mechanics of hitting than anyone we’ve seen in our generation. Has often said that he “could’ve hit more home runs” if he wanted to, but chose to remain a line drive hitter….to the tune of a .338 lifetime BA and 3100 hits.

Tony Gwynn is a big man....but it wasn't the juice that made him big.

BENCH – Tom Glavine, Barry Larkin, Nomar Garciaparra, Frank Thomas

Frank Thomas is a big human. Not a juicer though. He might have been snubbed not being in the starting lineup. I kind of feel that way as I'm writing this. I could envision another lineup with Thomas at DH, Gwynn in RF, and Bernie/O'Neill platooning in LF.

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SP – Greg Maddux (CHC, ATL, LAD, SD)

In an ERA where the All-Juice team was dominant, Maddux excelled by leaps and bounds. He will clearly be the last pitcher to ever win 350 games. Didn't gas it up all the time, but knew how to pitch and how to nibble on the corners. If you needed someone to give you 7-8 innings and guarantee your team to be in the game, there is nobody else you choose.

Maddux owned the hill in the 90's and 00's.

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  RP – Mariano Rivera (NYY)

Is there even a question he belongs on this team? 185 lbs., 583 saves and counting...



Look at the grip he has on the baseball in his right hand. That's your performance enhancement.