Attempting to Make Sense of the Chaos

Daunte to be CUT!  Daunte to be TRADED!  Brad Johnson wants to START! Daunte Demands Raise! Daunte FIRES Agent!  Vikings Interested in BREES!

The Vikings have been bombarded by a ridiculous amount of publicity in the ever continuing saga that is Daunte Culpepper.  A fan could be quite overwhelmed by the overload of information, speculation and fabrication coming out of the talking heads we call the media. 

With all the headlines in such a short period of time, I think it's time somebody tries to break down the quotes, read between the lines, and offer some (relatively) informed speculation.  

"You don't ever say never at this time of year," Childress said. "Never and always are two long periods of time." -- Star Tribune

This comment is typical coach-speak.  Childress tries to deny rumors without saying anything he can be specifically held to if by chance he does trade Daunte.  The basic thing he is saying here, is that if the phone rings, he is going to answer.  This is neither a confirmation or a denial that the Vikings wish to trade Daunte. 

 "the Vikings have not yet spoken to other teams about trading me." -- Star Tribune

The origin of the quote is a bit murky.  According to the Strib, This is a quote from an E-mail written by Daunte, stating that Zygi told him the Vikings haven't shopped him.  Simple eh?  This is something closer to a denial, but until Wilf himself makes this comment, it's quite useless.  Considering the information, this could be an outright lie, a misinterpretation, or an out of context comment.  Without the full e-mail, it's quite useless. 

and finally, some more coach speak:

"You don't not talk to people when they call. We've had inquiries. That's what happens this time of year. You listen to everything that's going on and find out what's subterfuge and kind of go from there." -- Star Tribune

Basically, Childress confirms that a telephone is a two-way devices.  Again, neither a confirmation or a denial. 

One article down, and the waters seem just as murky as ever.  Ahh the frustrations of being a blogger. 

Quotes Above come from this article:  http://www.startribune.com/510/story/269966.html

"I shared my disappointment with the lack of communication and the false reports about me demanding more money coming out of Minnesota. I have requested further talks so that we can explore options for the future."  -- Star Tribune

Well, This is something we can actually sink or teeth into.  Daunte calls the demands for a new contract false, hmm... the Media wouldn't lie, would they?  (Of course not )  The Article also continues to tell us that Daunte has offered to move his 6 million dollar roster bonus if the team needs to for cap purposes.  Thanks Daunte, but with 23 Million dollars available already, It's best to just get that 6 million off the books now. 

And now, the Greatest quote from a professional athlete in quite a long time:

"Each year they pay you to play is a gift," he said. "I expect that if there are no changes to my present contract then I should prepare for a year-by-year commitment. When I am ready to hit the field this year, wherever it may be, I plan on being better than ever and enjoying the ride."

While this quote adds to the uncertainty of his future with the Vikings, it at the very least shows a humble attitude (if you believe what he is saying is true). 

So, will he stay or will he go?  The waters seem to be clearing a bit, but there is still nothing solid to stand upon. 

Quotes in this section from:  http://www.startribune.com/510/story/267294.html

To finish off this voyage into the murky waters that surround Daunte's future, I leave you with one final quote: 

"Because I am getting so many requests to comment about reported trade talks, I thought it best to make a clear statement that hopefully won't be misinterpreted. I have found over the years that 'people with knowledge of the situation' are usually the most ignorant, and 'anonymous sources' are usually synonymous with cowards who don't want to go on the record," Culpepper wrote.

Well, if anything could be considered a complete denial, this would be it.  Daunte takes this opportunity to bash the media, (whom might I add has very little credibility left on the Vikings after their dumpster diving actions)  And also takes an opportunity to take a shot at "people with knowledge of the situation."  This quote right here is what leads me to believe that Daunte will be back.  I'm not saying the Vikings won't look in to trading Daunte, but I believe he truly wants to stay in Minnesota, and I'm all for anyone who will help the Vikings get back to the playoffs.   

With the offseason soon to be in full swing, i cannot help but speculate as to the possible moves the Vikings will make.  With needs at RB, OG, LB, and Safety, The Vikings will look to use a considerable amount of their 23 million dollars in cap space to fill those holes with premier players.

Most of the time speculation is off, players end up in places you'd never expect.  So i'll start with this disclaimer, I don't consider this a prediction, but instead I consider this my dream... the Best case scenario for the Vikings.  Of course i'll be realistic in my views.

The Minnesota Vikings sign RB Jamal Lewis.  Whaaaa?  It's a dream off-season, with Shaun Alexander and Edge available, and I'm hoping for a coke dealer?  Yes, call me crazy, but I think Lewis is the best fit for Minnesota at this point.  The Vikings have a glut of small, inexperienced RB's on their roster right now, but lack a true power back.  I believe Moore and Lewis would be a dual-threat backfield, Lewis getting 15-20 carries and Moore to be the change of pace/ 3rd down back.  These two would be the perfect compliment, but the biggest hurdle may be Zygi Wilf.  Wilf is looking to establish a good reputation for the Vikings & their character, and Lewis' previous legal troubles may make this signing impossible.  Another problem may be the fact that Lewis wants a full-time job, and may not respond well to a split-duty backfield.  Lewis would be a cost-effective signing, and would be a great addition to the Vikings.  Other possibilities include Lendale White (Draft), Edgerin James (Colts), and Ahman Green (Packers)

The Minnesota Vikings sign LB Julian Peterson.  The most attractive free agent linebacker on the market, Peterson should get a lot of interest from teams around the league, but i believe the Vikings have the dollar bills that can lure Julian to Minnesota (not to mention the killer boat parties).  Peterson is the type of linebacker that will excel in the Tampa 2 (The Vikings latest scheme).  He has the range to cover Tight ends and RB's, great instincts, and sideline to sideline speed.  Signing Peterson would make the Vikings most glaring weakness one of it's strengths.  The Vikings would likely line-up with Peterson and Newman on the outside, and either Sam Cowart or E.J. Henderson filling up the middle of the field.  Some factors that could negatively affect the Vikings would be the inflated price tag he may come out with due to an extremely high expected demand.  Other possibilities include Chad Greenway (Draft), Bobby Carpenter (Draft), Thomas Howard (Draft), Demeco Ryans (Draft). 

The Minnesota Vikings Sign OG Steve Hutchinson.  In a stunning turn of events, the Vikings will force the hand of the Seahawks, forcing them to choose between Hutchinson and Shaun Alexander by offering Hutchinson a contract with a huge bonus.  The Hawks, while having the right to match an offer, may be put between a rock and a hard place if Hutch is given a strong offer from the Vikings.  I believe that he will be let go if the Seahawks are forced to choose between him, and the regular season MVP Shaun Alexander.  The Vikings O-line was less than spectacular last season, missing their leader, Matt Birk for the entire season.  Coupled with the retirement of David Dixon, the Vikings had a gaping hole to fill.  A rotation of Fowler, Withrow and Herrerra at center turned out unattractive results, and the Marcus Johnson experiment was marked with mental mistakes and far too many penalties.  Mike Rosenthal, rewarded with a lucrative contract after a great 2004-5 season, was injured and ineffective this season, and will force the Vikings to re-evaluate that position as well.  Other possibilities include McNiel (Draft), David Baas (Draft)

The Minnesota Vikings Draft S Micheal Huff.  The Vikings are stunned when this play-making safety drop into their laps at 17, and jump at the opportunity to add him to the roster.  With both Corey Chavous and his back-up Willie Offord being free agents this off-season, it may be best for the Vikings to go to the draft to upgrade the position.  Huff was a play-maker at Texas, and playing in a talented secondary could have an excellent chance to excell as a rookie.  Other possibilities include Ko Simpson (Draft), and Darnell Bing (Draft)

There it is, my dream.  The Vikings go out and make three major signings that will make them an instant contender in a relatively weak NFC North.  Along with drafting Huff, these three Free Agent signings would give the Vikings the inside track at knocking down the Bears from the top.  Of course these wouldn't be the only signings, but these will be the only headlines the Vikings make.  They will likely need to address Nickel corner due to Brian WIlliams' unhappiness with the Transition tag. 

The Vikings will look to retain a lot of their free agents, but don't expect Micheal Bennett to be back in a Viking uniform.  Key players the Vikings need to re-sign include:  Newman, Cowart, Johnstone, Hill.   

Previewing the Twins of 2006

Febuary is nearing a close and spring is just around the corner, Football season is nothing more than idle speculation and rumors, the NHL is on hold while the Olympics get their roll on, but baseball season is just beginning. 

Ah... this is the time of year where knowledgable baseball fans begin to talk about cacti and grapefruits.  Yes, Spring training is upon us, the time of year when a young kid can find a role for himself on the 25 man roster, a time for vets to get back in shape, and for all to prepare for the grueling 162 game stretch.  Now is when the experts tell you who will be good, who will suprise you, and who (of course) is doomed for failure.  At least at the local level, the message for the Twins is very bleak.  Most Writers are hesitant to put the Twins above where they ended the last season (third place).  The writers are at best cautiously optimistic becuase of what many believe to be a questionable off-season. 

While many people believe this to be true, I think of the Twins as a team that is much better than the media perception.  In this article I will attempt to convince you to believe the same.  Feel free to comment, compliment, or call me terminally stupid. 

The Twins have lost several players over the offseason, including (but not limited to):

Jacque Jones, RF:  Jones, a 7 year veteran of the Twins, was a large part of the semi-recent re-surgance of the Twins.  Averaging 20 Homers a season, Jacque was a solid bat on a twins line-up, but his recently dropping batting average has left much to be desired.  Jaque Left the Twins for roughly 6 million dollars per year (over 3 years), something that i cannot concieve giving a player whom cannot hit a lefty to save his life (.201 average vs lefties in 2005), and whom is slowly becoming a liablity in the line-up.  The Twins saved a lot of money by allowing him to walk, which they use to cover the increasing contracts of Hunter Johan Santana. 

Joe Mays, SP:  An enigma of a pitcher, loaded with talent but lacking in production, Joe was finally sent out to a different pasture.  After a solid 2001 season, Joe recieved a massive 4 year contract sending him 20+ million for seasons of 4-8, 8-8, 0-0, and 6-10.  The Twins made the easy decision and chose not to excersize the 6 million dollar option on his contract for the 2006 season.  Allowing Joe to walk saves the twins over 6 million dollars, and is an addition by subtraction.  His spot on the rotation will go to either Baker or Liriano depending on their performance in spring training. 

J.C. Romero, LHRP:  J.C. is an enourmously talented reliever, and I believe the Twins didn't get nearly enough in return (  MIF Alexi Casillia).  J.C. was the Twins best Lefty reliever last season, and although he battled inconsistancy and surrendered far too many inherited runners, His departure leaves the Twins with a gaping hole in the bullpen.  I think the Twins will end up regretting allowing Romero to leave, but I think the Twins were left with few options because of Romero's combative attitude. 

The Twins have also added some New faces to the Roster:

Luis Castillo 2b (Marlins):  The Twins sent a few prospects (Travis Bowyer, Scott Tyler)over to Florida fanning the flames of the firesale happining in the Marlins organization.  Castillo is a proven #2 hitter, a position the Twins sorely lacked, plugging names like Punto and Castro into the spot with little to no success.  Castillo is also a well respected defensive player, and is a solid addition to the Twins.  Although his SB #'s are slowly declining, he is still a great baserunner with the ability to hit at or around .300.  He could be the catalyst that ads some luster to the American League's worst offense from 2005.  Projection:  .303 avg, 15 SB, 8 HR, 61 RBI. 

Rondell White LF/DH (Tigers):  The Twins were amongst the rumors of every aging DH to come onto the market in the 2005/06 offseason, and they decided White would be their man.  Barring injuries, White will be the Twins primary DH for the 2006 season (a position filled by comittee in 2005).  His abilities in the outfield have slowly been diminishing, but his bat has remained strong.  He has the potential to be a 30+ HR hitter if he remains healthy.  As a full-time DH, White should have the best opportunity to stay healthy and remain in the line-up.  Projection:  .292 average, 28 HR, 84 RBI (125+ games)

Tony Batista 3b (Japan):  The Twins international scout had this to say about the Twins' newest 3rd baseman Batista:

"Batista was a little too heavy when I saw him," McIlvaine said. "He still has the hands to play third, although range is an issue -- and, on turf, that might show up more.

"What he can do is hit the ball. His bat speed is still good, and so is his plate coverage. He has some ability to hit the ball out of the park, which is something this team obviously needs."  -- Star Tribune: 

The article also went on to comment that Batista claims he has lost weight over the off-season.  Nobody expects much from Batista in the Minnesota sports world, but i believe he has the potential to be the X-factor in a line-up desperately searching for the next Big-bat.  My projection:  .264, 23 HR, 66 RBI

Position Analysis:

Pitchers:  The Twins pitching staff is arguably the best in all of baseball right now, boasting names such as Santana Silva and Radke.  At the bottom of the rotation the Twins feature the always frustrating Kyle Lohse, every year seems to be his break-out year, and like alzhiemers patients, the Twins faithfull seem to buy into that, at least partially.  Filling out the rotation will be a rookie, the most likely canidate is Fransisco LIriano, a flamethrowing pitcher aquired in the trade that netted the Twins Joe Nathan for  A.J. Pierzynski.  Scott Baker is also a canidate, but may need to wait for Kyle Lohse to pull off his token implosion before he gets his shot at the rotation.  The Twins bullpen is amongst the best in the league as well.  Although left handed relief is up in the air, the Twins still have several solid pitchers on their roster, including Joe Nathan, Juan Rincon and Jesse Crain.  Look for this staff to be in the top 5 overall in all of baseball, and they will need to be with the suspect run support they continually get. 

Hitters:  The achilles heel of the Twins has been their inabillity to get productive at bats from their starting 9.  For the Twins to be successful, Morneau will have to improve upon his average 2005 season, Mauer will need to continue his development into one of the league's best catchers, and newcomers White, Castillo and Batista must produce. 

Potential Line-up/ Rotation:

#1 Shannon Stewart (RF)#2 Luis Castillo (2b)

#3 Joe Mauer (C)

#4 Rondell White (DH)

#5 Torii Hunter (CF)

#6 Justin Morneau (1B)

#7 Tony Batista (3b)

#8 Lew Ford (LF)

#9 Jason Bartlett (SS)

Rotation:

#1 Johan Santana

#2 Brad Radke

#3 Carlos Silva

#4 Kyle Lohse

#5 Fransisco Liriano

This effectively ends part 1 of my Twins preview, I hope you enjoyed it, My next installment on the Twins preview will be a projections for all of the Twins players.