Chargers Resign 2 Veterans, Bring in Spikes

It has been a busy day for the Chargers, as they resigned veteran right tackle Jeromey Clary to a 4 year, $20 million deal. Clary started all 16 games for the Bolts last year. He is a solid, but not spectacular tackle, and should help the Chargers power their high-octane offense. He will earn $8.5 million in 2011.

The Chargers also resigned veteran tight end Randy McMichael to a one year deal; he will earn the veteran minimum of $910,000. He started 11 games for the Chargers last year, catching 20 passes for 221 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

The Bolts also brought veteran inside linebacker Takeo Spikes. Terms were not immediately available. Spikes is a 13 year veteran, playing last year with the Niners. He is a two-time Pro Bowler, having made the squad in 2003 and 2004.

In addition to these veterans, the Chargers added 19 undrafted rookie free agents, including former Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien. The full list will be posted at the end of this post.

Kevin Says: Clary will never be an All-Pro, but he is a solid pass blocker, as he allowed only 4 sacks in 2010. The Chargers now have all 8 offensive linemen from last year under contract. It should be a big step towards developing continuity on the line.

McMichael did a nice job when Antonio Gates was hurt last year. Hopefully he will play much this year than he did in 2010. Spikes is a good veteran, and should start next to Kevin Burnett, assuming that he is resigned. The Chargers also have 2010 3rd rounder Donald Butler, and 2011 2nd rounder Jonas Mouton in the fold.

2011 Undrafted Free Agent signings by the Chargers.

Name	Position	School
Colin Baxter	C	Arizona
Bront Bird	LB	Texas Tech
Mike Blanc	DE	Auburn
Ramon Broadway	CB	Arkansas
Adrian Cannon	WR	Maryland
Patrick Dimarco	FB	South Carolina
Darryl Gamble	LB	Georgia
Kelly Griffin	DT	TCU
Cody Habben	OT	Washington
Stephen Harrison	CB	Kansas State
Vidal Hazelton	WR	Cincinnati
Cameron Kenney	WR	Oklahoma
Isaac Odim	RB	Minnesota-Duluth
Travon Patterson	WR	Colorado
Damik Scafe	DE	Boston College
Giovanni Stanley	WR	Whittier
Brad Taylor	TE	Baylor
Bo Thran	OT	Oregon
Scott Tolzien	QB	Wisconsin	*list taken from chargers.com

Kraft Credited in Ending the Lockout

It was great seeing players praise Patriots owner Bob Kraft for helping to bring the NFL lockout to an end. In the midst of his wife passing away, I can't imagine the struggle he went through. 

Jeff Saturday, center for the rival Colts, said that without Kraft, the lockout couldn't have been solved and ended his thoughts in a big embrace with Bob. His thoughts were echoed between other players as well. 

Kraft apologized to fans everywhere for the football "business" side making headlines and was happy to announce that play can resume as usual. All teams will be starting training camps by the end of the week.

I had a lot of respect for what Bob Kraft has done with the Pats turning a team that was for all accounts, a joke of a franchise, to the elite franchise of the NFL. I now have the utmost respect and admiration for him. It took a special kind of person to do what he did with the family struggles he and his family were going through. RIP Myra Kraft. 

15 Loses in a Row for Seattle, won't be any easier against the Yankees

The Seattle Mariners left Fenway Park on Sunday with a losing streak of 15 games even with their two best pitches going in Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda. It's not going to get any easier as they head to Yankee Stadium. They have a legitimate chance of losing an abysmal 20 games in a row. 

I haven't followed the Mariners much except when they play the Red Sox. Outside of Ichiro and Justin Smoak (Maybe Dustin Ackley down the line) they have nothing going offensively. The thing that surprises me in this losing streak is that they've actually won 43 games and they aren't the worst team in the AL. I know a team is never as bad or as good during a long streak but this team must have been winning with Smoak and mirrors (see what I did there.)

They have had some decent pitching this year. You can add the injured Erik Bedard to the two I mentioned previously. It's time for Seattle to sell every piece they have, even if that includes Ichiro and King Felix. They play in a weak division and within a couple of years can be right back in the mix. If you hear me in Seattle, time to wave the white flag and start over.

Big Day for the Bicoastal Sports Show! Chargers WR Richard Goodman joins us!

Hey everyone, for those of you who don't know, I co-host a podcast on Blog Talk Radio called "The Bicoastal Sports Show" with Justin Adams. We are pleased to announce our first guest, Richard Goodman of the San Diego Chargers.

Goodman got into three games for the Chargers last year, and is looking to crack the roster to 2011. We will talk about his journey to the NFL, get an inside look into the NFL lockout, and what it was like to play for a Hall-of-Fame coach in Bobby Bowden.

Please check out our show, it goes live Thursday afternoon at 6pm eastern, 3pm pacific. You can listen live, or on-demand at www.blogtalkradio.com/kevincharity

The Top Ten "Potentially" Available Players at the Trade Deadline

It is time for teams looking at a playoff run to load enforcements. It is also time for teams out of the race to look to move high-priced veterans in exchange for salary relief and prospects. While their aren't a ton of superstars available, there are still some interesting players to be had. Keep in mind that I do not expect every player on this list to be dealt, they have just been mentioned in discussions.

1. Ubaldo Jimenez-Colorado Rockies: Just last year, Jimenez looked like he could 25 games. This year, he has been a bit erratic, but he still possesses frontline stuff. This year he is 5-8, with a 4.08 ERA. The Yankees and Reds have kicked the tires on Jimenez, but the Rockies are looking for a huge haul, asking for Ivan Nova, and the Yankees top 3 prospects. Safe to say, I do not think anyone will meet the price tag. August 1 team: Colorado.

2. Hunter Pence-Houston Astros:  Another player that I think will stay put, but could be dealt if some team meets the Astros requirements. He is a solid, but not spectacular player. Has a nice slash line of .318/.359/.484, with 11 HR's and 61 RBI's. The Pirates have asked about Pence, and I would imagine other teams will too. August 1 team: Houston.

3. Wandy Rodriguez-Houston Astros: The Astros are an absolute mess. Rodriguez's value is a little tepid, because of his contract. He is signed for $10M in 2012, and $13M in 2013. The Astros might have to eat some of that salary to get a good prospect. He has a 3.67 ERA this year for the 'Stros.  August 1 team: New York Yankees.

4. Heath Bell-San Diego Padres: Bell has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last few years. Since taking over the closer reigns from all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, he has 115 in the last 2 1/2 seasons. He is a free agent after this season, and the Padres are going to move him. His strikeout rate is at a career-low, but he hasn't lost velocity on his fastball. August 1st team: Philadelphia Phillies.

5. Carlos Beltran-New York Mets: Since Pence isn't likely to be traded, Beltran is the best bat that is sure to be traded at the deadline. Beltran has looked like his old self at the dish this season, with a slugging percentage north of .500. He is also leading the NL in doubles. Makes $18.5 million this year, but the Mets are going to eat a good share of that paycheck. August 1st team: San Francisco Giants.

6. Mike Adams-San Diego Padres: A month ago, I figured Adams would have been a Padre all year, since his under team control through 2012. However, interest has heated up for Adams, but he will not come cheaply, as the Padres are demanding a big-time prospect. Adams has been ridiculous in 2011, with a 1.26 ERA, and is giving up just 4.7 hits per nine innings. The guy is legit. August 1st team: Texas Rangers.

7. Hiroki Kurdoa-Los Angeles Dodgers: Kuroda has a no-trade clause, so he might not be going anywhere. However, he is a very underrated pitcher. Sure, he leads the NL in losses, but he's sporting a 3.13 ERA. Blame the Dodgers abysmal offense for his record, he is a solid #3 on a contender. August 1st team: Detroit Tigers.

8. Ryan Ludwick-San Diego Padres: Ludwick's numbers aren't impressive, except for the fact he has driven in 56 runs with no one getting on in front of him. I feel that he would thrive in a hitters ballpark, and I think a lot of contending teams will be interested in his bat. August 1st team: Boston Red Sox.

9. Aaron Harang-San Diego Padres: Another example of a pitcher rebuilding his value in the confines of Petco Park. Harang has a 7-2 record with a 3.19 ERA. Hasn't given up a run in his last 13 innings since coming off of the DL. His record in that time? 0-0. August 1st team: Boston Red Sox.

10. Josh Willingham-Oakland A's. I have always like Willingham. He has a career OBP of .361, and has a little bit of pop. Hasn't hit well in Oakland, but he shouldn't cost much in regards to prospects. August 1st team: Pittsburgh Pirates.

Some other names that could be moved: Jason Frasor, Melky Cabrera, Jeff Francoeur, Jeff Francis, Coco Crisp, Jamey Carroll, Doug Fister, Grant Balfour.

$160 mil+ payroll and the Red Sox still have holes

July 31st and the MLB non-waiver trade dead line is fast approaching. So what does the best team in the AL need? A lot. Injuries to the pitching staff has bugged them all year but I believe that takes a back seat to a right handed hitter with some pop, and to kill two birds with one stone, let's make him a right fielder. 

The Sox have roughly spent a combined $22 mil on RF this year between JD Drew and already released Mike Cameron. It's time to cut the cord on Drew now as well. Josh Reddick has done a great job filling in for the injured Carl Crawford (now off the disabled list) in left and playing instead of Drew in right. I like the kid but with  a lefty heavy line up that features Ellsbury, Gonzalez, Ortiz, Crawford, and the supposed starter Drew, he would be better suited as a 4th outfielder. The Sox need to go after a right handed hitter who can replace Drew in right. I like switch hitting Carlos Beltran of the Mets even though he's owed big money for the remainder of the year. I wouldn't mind seeing Ryan Ludwick of the Padres if they pass on Beltran. 

Sox are also in need of another set up man since the Bobby Jenks project hasn't worked out this year. He is currently on the dl for the 3rd time. A Grant Balfour of the A's or a Mike Adams of the Padres would look nice coming in for the seventh inning. If the Twins decide they are sellers, then lefty Glen Perkins could be a nice fit if they are willing to deal him. 

I'm not as worried about the starting pitching as many are. It has been missing some key pieces due to injury but that biggest piece, Jon Lester is just about ready to come off the dl. Clay Buchholz is another story though. As constituted the rotation would look like Beckett, Lester, Lackey (who's had his troubles this season to say the least), Andrew Miller and Tim Wakefield. I would like to see them go after the Mariners Erik Bedard. He is about to come off the dl himself, but he's had a terrific year after some tough times in Seattle. An ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.11 has me believing he'll do fine in the AL East. If they can't get Bedard, I'd be happy with Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza although it seems like the Cubs don't want to part with either. Like I said, I believe starting pitching isn't as great a need as some of the other holes the Sox need to fill. 

The rumor has been the Sox are done spending money this year and will not add payroll. If this is true, it's a huge mistake. You've already spent an enormous amount and they are this close to having a World Series favorite team on the field. What's $10 mil more on top of a ridiculous number if it could be what gets you over the top to be the team that comes out of the AL. Pull the trigger and sign those checks. Let's go!

Brewers Acquire K-Rod from the Mets

The Brewers made the first big trade going towards the trade deadline, acquiring Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez for cash, and two prospects to be named later.

Rodriguez, the single season saves leader in MLB history fortifies a bullpen that features John Axford, Kameron Loe, and Takashi Saito. It has not been determined what role Rodriguez will facilitate for the Brew-Crew.

Rodriguez has a 3.14 ERA, with 23 saves. His strikeout rate is 9.7, which is tied for a career-low. He also has an unsightly WHIP of 1.40.

Kevin Says: I really do not like the deal for the Brewers. I really thought that Milwaukee needed an upgrade out of the bullpen, but I do not feel like K-Rod is the answer. He is a man who has had some serious character issues recently, and has not been entirely dominant this year.

The bigger issue is Frankie's deal. Presumably, he was brought in to setup for John Axford, although if he does step into the closer role, and finishes 55 games, his contract for 2012 vests at a bloated sum of $17.5 million. I can't imagine the Brewers gave up top-tier prospects, and they did receive cash in the deal. Overall, I am not a fan of the deal for the Brewers.

All-Star Game Missing Something

The MLB all-star game is the best of the bunch between the four major sports. Whether you like it or not, it does actually mean something. This year though something is lacking. How about a bunch of all-star players opting out of the game due to "injuries?" 8 in all, plus a few pitchers who won't be playing since they pitched on Sunday. Some are legit like ARod, surgery on a minor meniscus tear in knee, and Shane Victorino, sprained thumb among a few others.

In some cases, it's down to the 3rd or 4th pick. The NLs 3rd basemen are Scott Rolen and Pedro Sandoval. I think Sandoval should have been picked before Rolen anyway, but Chase Headley from San Diego should have been chosen before either of them. In most years, these two wouldn't even get a sniff of the game. I guess the days of big name stars being honored with a selection are gone. No more Ripkin Jr's, Griffy Jr's, Ozzie Smith's and so forth. I'll watch the game and still enjoy seeing Aaron Crowe, Gio Gonzalez, Alex Avila, Scott Rolen, Tyler Clippard and Gaby Sanchez. 

I don't think the casual fan will tune in because of lack of star power. I feel like the biggest stars were showcased tonight in the Home Run Derby. It was nice to see, as players bowed out left and right from the all-star game, that these players actually competed and cared about winning. Congrats to Robinson Cano for beating out Adrian Gonzalez in a great final round. 

A New Low for San Diego Sports?

If you have any preexisting sports knowledge, you knew that 2011 was not going to be a season for the ages for the San Diego Padres. I picked them to win 83 games, because I figured their lineup can't possibly be as bad as it has been. The starting pitching hasn't really lived up to expectations either, with the exception of Tim Stauffer, and Dustin Moseley, albeit a much lower extent.

The Padres have been DOA most of the season, although they were starting to show some life in the last two weeks. Winning series' over Boston, Colorado and Kansas City had them shooting towards .500. Then it all died in Los Angeles.

You see, the Padres have never thrown a no-hitter in their pitiful 42 history. Not one. I was at a game back in 1998, when pitcher Sterling Hitchcock had a no-no going through seven innings. The energy at the Q was off the charts. First pitch of the eighth inning was swated over the left field wall by Angels catcher, and future Padres All-Star Phil Nevin. It looked like it may never happen.

Take the game on Saturday, a matchup between the Padres and Dodgers; two teams going nowhere. Padres pitcher Aaron Harang, fresh off of the DL throws 6 hitless innings. Bud Black decides to pull him since he hasn't pitched much over the last month. Seems like a pretty reasonable situation, giving Harang needed 95 pitches to get through those innings.

Insert the Padres stalwarts in the bullpen: Josh Spence, Chad Qualls, Mike Adams, and Luke Gregerson. The Padres kept that no-hitter intact for 8 2/3 innings. The Padres were just one out away from history! Only, one problem...The Padres had ONE hit at that point. That's right folks, almost 9 innings in the books and the Padres had one stinking hit. The Dodgers broke up that no-hitter with two outs in the ninth. Then won the game.

It would have been fitting for the Padres to get their first no-no when using 6 different pitchers. Then no pitcher could truly own it, it would be pretty humorous. However, losing a game when you don't give up a hit until the 9th inning is just pathetic. Another pitiful performance that might be one of the worst in San Diego sports. And that is saying a lot.

Tragedy at the Texas Rangers Game

As I was driving to work, I was listening to sports radio as I always do. I was half listening to score updates when I heard some tragic news. A man at the Texas Rangers game was going for a ball thrown up into the stands by Josh Hamilton fell 20 ft onto concrete. He was severely injured and later passed away. I later found out he was there with his kid. 

There's nothing like being at a ballgame with your kid and as a fan I think getting a ball is on everybody's bucket list. I was lucky enough to get one with  my son a few years back and it's definitely a moment we'll remember. It's tragic what happened to this fan and my thoughts go out to his family. I wish it could have ended up as a great moment between father and son as they head home checking out the souvenir they just got. Sad sad story. 

NCAA Football '12 Lets You Relive High School; I Propose My Ideas

If you fine folks were anything like me, high school was not a fun experience.  I battled all kinds of anxiety, and was glad to get out alive. Well, the popular video game, NCAA Football '12 is giving you that opportunity!

The Road to Glory mode has a pretty cool twist, in which it allows you to play games as a high senior.  The idea is that you put up some big numbers, and get that scholarship to play at Florida, Alabama, or any other college that you choose. You can even use a team importer, and actually play a real high school schedule.  So I, a Grossmont High alum, can take on our hated rivals from Helix.  All of this sounds really rad; but the mode definitely needs some tweaking.

I propose a "hottie" mode. If I am going to be the star quarterback, I want more that just a scholarship, I want what every high school baller wants:  chicks.  Lets say I throw 4 TD's, I want pick of the top choice girls in school. I can nail the captain of the cheerleader squad, or the weird artsy girl with the giant rack.  Choices, choices. Nailing a hot chick gives me more confidence, that translates onto the field. If I have a poor game, I can get my confidence back by getting a fat girl to give me a quick "handy" underneath the bleachers.

I also think that agents, and shady coaches should be instituted into the game, as the NCAA is dirtier than Samantha Ronson's snatch. As I am looking at colleges, agents offer to buy me Escalades, suits, watches, and whatever stupid crap teenagers like these days. I have to decide if that Rolex is worth my integrity. I can also sell my awards for tattoos, cocaine, hookers, and piercings.

You better believe that I am buying this game first thing Tuesday. I enjoy living vicariously through sports games, and I am sure this one will be no different.  Now starting at quarterback for YOUR Grossmont Foothillers, #6, Kevin "Moose Dick" Charity!  Get ready high school bitches, I'm coming for you!

Boston Bruins Trade for Scumbag Joe Corvo

Joe Corvo is a scumbag and now he's a Boston Bruin. There's no other way to put it. 9 years ago he punched a woman in the face and kicked her repeatedly when she was down, including in the head. Apparently he grabbed this woman's ass earlier in the night and was tossed from the bar. He had to come back and be a tough guy and kick her ass this time. There's been whispers that the woman was a transexual which should not make a difference if those rumors are true. That would just make it a hate crime. 

I believe in rehabilitation and maturation and like I said, this was 9 years ago. If you hit a woman it shows your true colors and I will always think this guy is a dirt ball. On top of that, he only got 3 years suspended sentence and 30 hours of community service, which he spent signing autographs. 

I know there's a lot of athletes out there that have criminal records. If signing a player was based on morals/off field behavior, a lot of current players would not have a job. In this case it's hard to root for this guy just as a hockey player instead of a classless human being. I wish him nothing but the worst in Boston and this is coming from a Bruins fan. 

Kevin's All Star Snubs

The Major League All-Star rosters are almost set(last man votes pending) and each team will be stacked with 35 players. I do not feel that people can complain too much about snubs, as 70 players will participate; however there are always a handful of decisions that make me scratch my head. Here are a few of the players that deserve roster spots, and the players they should replace.

C.C. Sabathia, New York Yankees:  Whenever I think about true #1 starters, Sabathia is one of the first names that pops into my mind. He is tied for the league-lead in wins with 11, and is third in innings. His ERA and WHIP aren't as tidy as some of the other options, but I find it hard to believe that 14 pitchers in the AL are better this season. I would take him over Seattle's Brandon League, who nearly lost his closer job in May.

Mark Texiera, New York Yankees:  Yes, another Yankee, but his numbers are too good to ignore. Sure, his .244 average sucks, but he is paid to hit homers and drive in runs. He is 2nd in the AL in both homers and RBI's, and has a great reputation as a fielder. The AL only has two 1st baseman, and 3 catchers. I take him over Yankees C Russell Martin, who is hitting .219 for the season.

Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals:  I figured Gordon was a shoe-in since every team has to have a representative, but Ron Washington took reliever Aaron Crow. Well, Gordon should be there anyway.  He is hitting nearly .300, and slugging nearly .500. He has 24 doubles, which is tied for 3rd in the AL, and is on pace to drive in 90 runs. He has also hit 3rd, 4th, and has even led off for a stretch. I'll take Gordon over Michael Young of the Rangers.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates:  I figured Andrew was a lock for the NL squad as well. The Pirates have played well, and he is one of the best centerfielders in the game today.  Has a line of .294/.392/.498, and has 15 steals. He also plays above-average defense, and the NL team is loaded with corner outfielders. I'll take McCutchen over the Reds' Jay Bruce.

Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves:  One of the biggest headscratchers of them all, I bet he makes the team before the first pitch is thrown.  Hanson has an impressive 10-4 record, has a high strikeout rate, and has only allowed 6.2 hits per 9 innings. He is one of the best young pitchers in the game today.  I'll take him over Tim Linecum, who has a losing record, and an ERA over 4 in his last ten starts.

Chase Headley, San Diego Padres:  No, this is not a homer pick. With David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman missing considerable time this year, there is no clear-cut choice to back up starter Placido Polanco. He is 7th in the NL with a .395 on-base percentage, and he is tied for 6th in doubles. His home run and RBI totals are low, but he has hit .304 with runners in scoring position. A much better choice than Chipper Jones of the Braves.