Proud to be an American

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff



I'm sick and tired about hearing how there's nothing good about the World Baseball Classic (WBC). If you watched the United States baseball team rally for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to stun Puerto Rico, 6-5, Tuesday night, you're probably thinking twice about bashing the WBC.

It's hard not to be patriotic, especially when you see the American flag and the red, white and blue color scheme being worn on a baseball diamond and in the stands. When David Wright drove in the game-winning runs with a two-run single down the right-field line and the American dugout erupted onto the field, the cameras quickly cut to Wright who was being attacked by Derek Jeter and Kevin Youkilis at the head of the pack.

They all had an ear-to-ear smile after that great comeback. The loser was eliminated from the WBC, and the winner earned a trip into the semifinal round. 

But for these multi-million dollar ballplayers to show that much emotion and passion for the win, but more importantly their country, this is why the WBC was created.

You can talk all you want about the negatives -- injury concerns, flawed format, lack of reps and too much down time (that's Chipper Jones' latest excuse), poor talent level on some teams, etc. -- but something has got to be said for representing your country and trying to develop and showcase our game to the entire world.

The Americans accomplished that Tuesday night.

Yes, I'm proud to be an American!!! Go USA!!!

Peppers to Pats, Not So Fast.

By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Adam Schefter, NFL Network Insider, made quite the bold statement during his semi-regular appearance on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan show this morning. Schefter stated that Julius Pepper's would not be in a Patriots uniform this coming season. John Dennis asked him how sure he was, Schefter quickly replied, "I am 99.9% sure that Julius Peppers will not be a Patriot during the 2009 season".

He cited several reasons why the trade won't happen. He indicated that it would take more than the $73 million deal that Jared Allen received from the Vikings last off season, with $30+ million of that guaranteed. When was the last time the Pats doled out that kind of money? He also questioned what that type of money would do to the salary structure of impending free agents in the locker room. Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins are all unrestricted free agents after the 2009 season. All three will be looking for big paydays and the Pats most likely will not have the room for all three.

Personally, I would love to see the Pats bring in a play maker like Peppers. He's one of the best pass rushers in the game and would inject life into a defense that desperately needs it. Bill Belichick would be given the option of moving him to outside linebacker this season and see how the transition works out. If Peppers struggles, you can let Richard Seymour walk, and move him back to defensive end. Richard Seymour has been either hurt or unproductive for the past two season and would be my pick as the odd man out. Seymour still does many things well, but isn't going to be worth the money he'll be seeking. The Patriots try their best to stick to the philosophy of paying a player what he's worth now, not what he's done in the past.

As for the money, I don't see a reason why you can't fit Peppers, Vince Wilfork and Logan Mankins under the salary cap. Wilfork is the centerpiece to the Patriots 3-4 defense and shouldn't be in the Albert Haynesworth price range. Don't forget the NFL has the potential of an uncapped season on the horizon. If that occurs, and Peppers makes a successful transition to outside backer, spend the money and keep all four players.

Regardless of what happens, the New England Patriots continue to make this an eventful off season. Make sure to check back for the latest news and our unique opinions on everything Sports.

Fantasy Baseball (2nd base): Second base – New MVP Position?

By Josh Bremberg
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Second basemen were only supposed to be good glove men that just hit doubles… well, tell that to Philadelphia Phillie Chase Utley, Texas Ranger Ian Kinsler, and reigning American League Most Valuable Player - Dustin Pedroia (BOS). These three 2nd-sackers may just be among the league’s elite following their 2008 campaigns.
Utley - an MVP candidate throughout most of the 2008 season - hit .292 with 33 HRs and 104 RBIs, should continue to be a huge threat in the Phillie line-up in ‘09. Kinsler playing in only 121 games managed to hit .319, while collecting 165 hits, 18 HRs, 71 RBIs, 102 runs! MVP Pedroia (Kinsler’s teammate at Arizona State - go Sun Devils!) followed up his R.O.Y. performance with a career year (.326 avg, 213 hits, 118 runs). Any one of these players would solidify your line-up, but if their names fall off the board – here are some potential second-tier players for you to consider:
Brian Roberts (BAL) offers great potential - 40 steals, .296 avg, 181 hits, 107 runs - in a pitiful line-up for the Orioles.
Dan Uggla (FLA), despite his name, may just have one of the prettiest home-run swings in baseball! In his brief 3-year career, he’s averaged 30 HRs & 90 RBIs for a young line-up looking to make things happen.
2008 R.O.Y. runner-up Alexei Ramirez (no relation to Manny, as far as I know) put together a fine premier - .290 avg, 139 hits, 21 HRs, 22 doubles, 77 RBIs, & 65 runs! The sky is the limit for this “youngster” – turned 27 in September – who may even play shortstop this season for the White Sox.
Total bases may be one of the most important stats for a second baseman – followed by Utley (325) & Pedroia (322), Seattle’s Jose Lopez surprised with 285 total bases in 2008! Lopez had a career year (.297 avg, 191 hits, 89 RBIs, & 80 runs) in ’08 and should continue on this upward trend.
Looking for steals? Chone Figgins (34 steals last year) may be the next best thing after Roberts, Brandon Philips (23), or a long shot with Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks (19).
If you miss out on the top three of the group, don't panic. There are plenty of other second-tier 2-baggers that can help your team. Could we have another MVP waiting to break out?
(Coming tomorrow: Shortstop rankings by Chad Garner)

TOP 20 2ND BASEMEN
1. Chase Utley (PHI)
2. Ian Kinsler (TEX)
3. Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
4. Brian Roberts (BAL)
5. Dan Uggla (FLA)
6. Alexei Ramirez (CWS)
7. Jose Lopez (SEA)
8. Brandon Phillips (CIN)
9. Robinson Cano (NYY)
10. Chone Figgins (LAA)
11. Rickie Weeks (MIL)
12. Mark DeRosa (CLE)
13. Placido Polanco (DET)
14. Kelly Johnson (ATL)
15. Mike Aviles (KC)
16. Orlando Hudson (LAD)
17. Freddy Sanchez (PIT)
18. Howie Kendrick (LAA)
19. Akinori Iwamura (TB)
20. Clint Barmes (COL)