Checking the Wire 12/23/09
Posted On Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at at 12/23/2009 09:02:00 AM by KoskiBasketball
CJ Watson is the Warriors "best" player this season. [SJ Merc]
WFB says, "Ho-hum" about last night's loss. [SJ Merc]
Football
It's going to be ugly between Cleveland and Oakland. Very ugly. [CC Times]
Baseball
The A's are winning the offseason battle vs. the Giants. [SFGate] Although I'm disappointed, who cares about winning the offseasaon?
Checking the Wire 12/14/09
Posted On Monday, December 14, 2009 at at 12/14/2009 09:29:00 AM by KoskiFootball
The Radiers win streak ends, at one. [SFGate]
With Gradkowski injuring both knees, will Davis turn the ship back over to JaMarcus? [SJ Merc]
So, Toby Gerhart wins the award for best running back in college football, but finishes second in Hesiman voting to...a running back? WTF? [SFGate]
49ers Q&A for Matt Maiocco from his readers. [Press Democrat]
Kevin Lynch ranks Scot McCloughan's first round picks. [SFGate]
Basketball
Bruce Jenkins' NBA thoughts. [SFGate]
Warriors Fast Break thinks the Warriors could beat the Sixers and salvage something on this road trip. [SJ Merc]
Baseball
Jack Cust will not be an A next year. [CC Times]
Ryan Garko will not be a Giant next year. That trade worked, eh? [SJ Merc]
Checking the Wire 12/11/09
Posted On Friday, December 11, 2009 at at 12/11/2009 09:19:00 AM by KoskiFootball
Remember when all the good bowls were on New Year's day? [SFGate] The hypocrisy of the NCAA is that they claim a playoff would cause players to miss more class, but the bowls now extend further into January than ever.
One last case for Toby Gerhart for Hesiman. [SJ Merc]
The Cardinals are ready for the 49ers. [Press Democrat]
Ron Jaworski is noticing Alex Smith's mechanics. [SJ Merc]
The positive about DHB being hurt? No drop off in production. Thank you. Thank you. [CC Times]
JaMarcus Russell, in his own words, still ridiculous. [SFGate]
Baseball
Johns Shea takes the Giants temperature after the winter meetings. [SFGate]
The A's finally got tired with Santiago Casilla not reaching his potential. [CC Times]
The Giants' offseason: Fans, please lower your expectations. [SFGate]
Basketball
MTII had a live chat with Stephen Curry yesterday. [CC Times]
Checking the Wire 12/9/09
Posted On Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at at 12/09/2009 09:29:00 AM by KoskiBaseball
Bruce Jenkins recycles his defense of McGwire for the Hall of Fame. [SFGate]
The rest of Jenkins' 2010 HOF ballot. [SFGate]
Bobby Crosby is headed to Pittsburgh. Meh. Also, look for the A's to kick the tires on Matsui and Vlad. [CC Times]
The Giants are going to stay young and stay away from Johnny Damon and Jermaine Dye. [SJ Merc]
Bochy discusses the top of the Giants' lineup. Ugh. [SFGate]
Barry Bonds' son got arrested. [SJ Merc]
Football
Maiocco's 53-man review from the 49ers-Seahawks game. [Press-Democrat]
The Niners dropped the ball, literally. [SFGate]
Gradkowski wins AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. [CC Times]
Checking the Wire 12/7/09
Posted On Monday, December 7, 2009 at at 12/07/2009 09:23:00 AM by KoskiFootball
The 49ers were run crazy in the first half of the season and opponents adjusted and now, it seems, the 49ers are pass crazy. It didn't lead to a win yesterday, but at least we can better evaluate Alex Smith. The Seattle loss was on the coaches. [Sac Bee]
The 49ers are what they are. Mediocre. [SJ Merc]
The 49ers botched that game. [Press Democrat]
The Raiders go into Pittsburgh and upset the Steelers? With Bruce Gradkowski throwing three 4th quarter touchdowns? Whaaaaaaaaa? [CC Times]
Baseball
The Giants and A's have different approaches to this offseason than a year ago. [SFGate]
Joe Stiglich will update us on the A's front at the baseball winter meetings. [CC Times]
Same with Andrew Baggarley for the Giants. [SJ Merc]
Brain Sabean is the new Senior GM in the league and start the speculation about Adrian Gonzalez. [SFGate]
Checking the Wire 12/4/09
Posted On Friday, December 4, 2009 at at 12/04/2009 09:13:00 AM by KoskiFootball
Could the Raiders cut JaMarcus Russell? [CC Times]
The 49ers offensive line will be tested in Seattle. [Press Democrat]
The Raiders juggle some defensive starters. [SFGate]
Basketball
Don Nelson's back, Warriors lose. Anybody surprised? [SJ Merc]
Raja Bell had surgery and is out 3 months. He "could" be back in time for the Warriors to trade him, or so they hope. [CC Times]
Baseball
What free agent mistake will the Giants make this year? McCoveyChronicles ranks the contenders. [MCC]
The A's made a deal to get Aaron Miles. Yay? [SFGate]
RT Checks the Wire 12/3/09
Posted On Thursday, December 3, 2009 at at 12/03/2009 09:20:00 AM by KoskiFootball
* If Gore likes it, I like it. [SF Gate]
* Breaking news: the Raiders still suck. [CC Times]
* Wait a second, Vernon Davis is now a play maker? Is it opposite day? [SJ Merc]
* Great college football game tonight. [ESPN]
Baseball
* What do two CY Youngs get you? An ESPN commercial. [SF Gate]
* What do you do when your pitching staff is dominant and you can't hit? Get rid of your leading RBI guy who happens to be play catcher. Makes sense to me ... it is opposite day. [SF Gate]
* I added the A's article because I thought someone from Portland might want to read about their future baseball team. [CC Times]
Checking the Wire 11/30/09
Posted On Monday, November 30, 2009 at at 11/30/2009 10:02:00 AM by KoskiFootball
The offense is in a state of flux, but the 49ers will make the playoffs on the play of the defense. [SFGate]
Mike Singletary's actions point to him being less stubborn than we think. [SFGate]
Mark Purdy flip flops on Alex Smith and apologizes. [SJ Merc]
Singletary was impressed by the leadership from his offensive players. [Press Democrat]
Basketball
You know how the Warriors need a true point guard? Well, apparently there's a ton in the NBA today. [SFGate]
The bottom 10 plays from the Raiders Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys. [SFGate]
Baseball
Pay the man. [SFGate]
The A's are showing interest in a Cuban defector, just not the good one. [CC Times]
Checking the Wire 11/18/09
Posted On Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at at 11/18/2009 09:12:00 AM by KoskiBasketball
Warriors lose to the Cavaliers. RT, did they cover? Also, an update of the "Big Meeting" tomorrow between management and Monta Ellis. LeBron James was giving Stephen Curry advice after the game. LBJ a GSW next year? I kid. I kid. [CC Times]
Baseball
Andrew Bailey won the Rookie of the Year, now the A's need to find one that swings a bat. [SFGate]
Lincecum has to go to court before the judge signs off on his pot ticket. Can't blame the judge for wanting an autograph, right? [SFGate]
Football
Matt Wilhelm stepped up nicely when he came in for a hurting Takeo Spikes who may still be out Sunday. [Sac Bee]
No starting QB has been announced for the Raiders, but there's other stuff to talk about, too. [SFGate]
Chris Johnson and his quest for 2,000 yards rushing. [NY Times]
Checking the Wire 11/9/09
Posted On Monday, November 9, 2009 at at 11/09/2009 08:55:00 AM by KoskiFootball
Ugly 49ers loss yesterday with 4 turnovers leading to 24 points for the Titans. Officially, MAYDAY! [SJ Merc]
Matt Maiocco breaks down each turnover concludes that Alex Smith's eyes betrayed him. [Press Democrat]
Jerry Mac looks ahead at the Raiders' remaining schedule. [CC Times]
Things aren't too friendly between the NFLPA and the League. [CC Times]
Gwen Knapp doesn't like Thurdsday NFL games. [SFGate]
Mike Lombardi's First Half thoughts. [NFP]
Lombardi mentions the 49ers are in a tough spot and I tend to agree. Before the losing streak, I was content to wait out Hill and let him manage. Hill's inability to make all the NFL throws (15 yard outs, especially) caused him to be benched. Smith has a better arm, but makes too many turnovers. I was close to dead set on not taking a QB with one of the two 1st round picks next season, but unless Smith shows A LOT more down the stretch, I'll take Bradford, McCoy or Claussen next April.
Baseball
Names being linked to the A's: Chone Figgins, Vlad Guerrero. [CC Times]
Angel Villalona's trial should begin soon, maybe? God bless the USA court system (weird, right?) [SJ Merc]
Basketball
RT, how does it feel when the Warriors' season is over five games into the schedule? [SJ Merc]
MTII's post game wrap including: Cap'n Jack no likey Omri Casspi. [CC Times]
Checking the Wire 11/4/09
Posted On Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at at 11/04/2009 08:59:00 AM by KoskiBasketball
Hey Warriors fans! Are you ready for some Anthony Randolph? Too bad. [SJ Mercs]
It's game three and Scott Ostler is calling it a "must win?" Stupid. [SFGate]
Football
Ray Ratto's one-year assessment of Singletary. [SFGate]
Kawakami says the second half of the season will test Singletary's abilities. [SJ Merc]
Everybody's asking why the 49ers didn't spread out their offense against Indy. Matt Maiocco has your answer. [Press Democrat]
Baseball
John Shea with predictable hind sight. [SFGate]
Watch some young A's in the Arizona Fall League on the MLB Network. [CC Times]
Checking the Wire 10/8/09
Posted On Thursday, October 8, 2009 at at 10/08/2009 08:40:00 AM by KoskiFootball
The 49es were the winners in the Crabtree holdout saga. [SFGate]
Kawakami just can't help but applaud the 49ers recently, and it's killing him. [Merc]
Maiocco asks why Eugene Parker was nowhere to be seen at Crabtree's press conference? [Press Democrat] Per Maiocco's tweet, Hammer played a larger role than escape route director.
Football Outsiders' Walkthrough looks at JaMarcus Russell's terrible completion percentage(It's after the Sharper Image section), including this gem:
Because of three interceptions, his quarterback rating on first down is 10.0, far lower than the rating you get just by throwing incompletions. (If you throw nothing but incomplete passes, your rating is 39.6.)Jerry Mac's news and notes after Wednsday's Raiders practice. [CC Times]
Baseball
Bruce Jenkins offers some power hitter options for the Giants. B.J. Upton intrigues me. [SFGate]
The Giants' Double-A team is moving to Richmond, VA and they are looking for a new nickname, please save them from becoming the Flatheads. [Merc]
The A's busy offseason and what lies ahead. [SFGate]
Basketball
Monta Ellis injures his ankle in last nights game. Yes, it that is his scooter ankle. [CC Times]
WFB( Warriors Fast Break) with player by player performance breakdown. [Merc] Continue Reading
Checking the Wire 10/5/09
Posted On Monday, October 5, 2009 at at 10/05/2009 10:14:00 AM by KoskiFootball
Tidbits from the 49ers' mauling of the St. Louis Rams. [SFGate]
The Raiders are _______. Cam Inman chose "lacking leadership and offense" for today's column. [CC Times]
Some Niners were skeptical about the pink breast cancer awareness cleats, but it was only momentary. [SFGate]
The blame game is about to begin and heads will roll. Not Al Davis' head, of course. [SFGate]
The tsunami in Samoa hit close to home for Isaac Sopoaga, but he was relieved to hear his family was safe. [Merc]
Baseball
Giants season - Over. [Merc]
A's? Been over. [CC Times]
Basketball
Warriors played their first exhibition game last night against the Clippers. [CC Times]
Hockey
After a disappointing opening game, the Sharks went to town on the Ducks. [Merc]
Checking the Wire 9/28/09
Posted On Monday, September 28, 2009 at at 9/28/2009 09:29:00 AM by KoskiFootball
Kawkami's recap of both Bay Area teams' Sundays. [Merc] I agree with TK's assessment of the 49ers game. Brett Favre made a perfect throw that 90% of NFL QB's wouldn't make and Greg Lewis made an amazing catch that 90% of NFL WRs wouldn't make. Don't complain about the last series when the Niners ran three times and punted. Everyone wants to use hindsight and say if they had only gotten a first down by passing, they would have won the game. What would you say if they tried to pass and threw incomplete, leaving the Vikings with 40 extra seconds AND a timeout for the final drive? You'd ask why Singletary didn't just run the ball. A gritty performance on the road, losing Frank Gore on the first play and not converting a third down all day and Minnesota still needed a miracle play to win. I didn't see any of the Raiders game due to black out related reasons, but JaMarcus Russell is getting closer to bust-ville every game.
The final drive through the eyes of Brett Favre. [SFGate]
Cam Inman asks, Is the bloom already off Cal's rose? I answer, Yes. [CC Times]
You know you're bad when even Scott Ostler can tee off on your franchise. [SFGate]
Mark Purdy on what the 49ers should remember from yesterday's loss. [Merc]
Baseball
In Baggs' post game notes from last night, only three SF Giants have got 200 hits in a season. [Merc]
John Shea checks in on how ex-A's have done since they've left Oakland. [SFGate]
Checking the Wire 9/25/09
Posted On Friday, September 25, 2009 at at 9/25/2009 10:07:00 AM by KoskiFootball
The 49ers were not a preseason sleeper this season. After a 2-0 start, the media is warming up to the team, but Mike Singletary wants his team to be wary of evil. The Evil of Overconfidence. [Yahoo!]
Possible scenarios for Michael Crabtree. [NFP]
Football Outsiders looks at the Top 10 QB contracts in the NFL. [Football Outsiders]
Tough test for Cal this week at UO. [SFGate]
P-Willy stays grounded. [Merc]
Are the Raiders making progress this season? You won't know unless you buy a ticket. [Sac Bee]
Baseball
Jeff Baker to Giants' playoff hopes, "I crush you!" [SFGate]
Go see the new faces of the A's franchise...before Beane trades them. Sorry A's fans, couldn't resist. [SFGate]
Checkig the Wire 9/23/09
Posted On Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at at 9/23/2009 09:40:00 AM by KoskiBaseball
Can we all agree that the Giants' season is now over? Please? Kawakami wraps a bow on it. [Merc] Raise your hand if you'd do the Freddy Sanchez trade over again. You disgust me.
That A's, still in Oakland. [CCTimes]
The company behind Pitchf/x, I think they do the first down line in the NFL as well, are working on a Fieldf/x at AT&T park. [SFGate]
More on the Villalona situation in the DR. [SFGate]
Football
Matt Maiocco presents the NFL's anti-tampering policy [Press Democrat]
Checking the Wire 9/21/09
Posted On Monday, September 21, 2009 at at 9/21/2009 09:07:00 AM by KoskiFootball
New news on the Michael Crabtree front. The 49ers have filed tampering charges with the NFL accusing the Jets of malfeasance. [Press Democrat]
This is the most interesting article about the contract issues between Crabtree and the 49ers. [National Football Post]
The Niners are 2-0 and Matt Maiocco breaks down every players' performance from yesterday's win against Seattle. [Press Democrat]
We're only two weeks into the NFL season, but the 49ers and Raiders are better than they've been in recent years. [Merc]
As the 49ers gain victories, Crabtree loses leverage. [CC Times]
Scott Ostler, who do you think you are? Writing actual columns? JaMarcus Russell was bad, but good enough at the end to steal a win. [SFGate] JaMarcus Russell is a drive killer. he can't complete the short passes consistently and that leads to a lot of three and outs. He's got a great arm and throws a nice deep ball, but the inaccuracy is maddening. Also, was anybody else bothered that the 6'7" QB couldn't throw a screen over a d-lineman?
Frank Gore etched his name in the record books next to Barry Sanders as the only two backs with two touchdown runs over 75 yards in the same game. [Merc]
Darren McFadden beat the Chiefs last season on the same play he beat the Chiefs with this season. [SFGate]
Baseball
The Giants are almost assuredly not going to make the playoffs and some other terrifying news surfaced yesterday. Top Giants prospect, Angel Villalona, has turned himself in to police in the Dominican Republic where he is suspected of...murder! [SFGate] Wow.
A's fans continue to search for silver linings with a 13-5 record in September. [SFGate]
Checking the Wire 9/16/09
Posted On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at at 9/16/2009 09:14:00 AM by KoskiBaseball
The Giants scored some more runs last night and Zito struck out nine Rockies. Believe it. [SFGate]
Don't try and explain it, just enjoy it while it lasts. [Merc]
The A's play spoiler against the Rangers. Still, nobody cares. [SFGate]
Football
Basketball
Kawakami points out the hypocrisy that is the NBA. [Merc]
Checking the Wire 9/14/09
Posted On Monday, September 14, 2009 at at 9/14/2009 10:46:00 AM by KoskiFootball
Bruce Jenkins' thoughts on Sunday Week 1 of the 2009 NFL season. [SFGate]
Yes, it was an ugly win for the 49ers. Isn't there another tag line though? [Ratto] [Kawakami]
I think Cam Inman had the best assignment yesterday. Go watch football with Madden and then write about it. [CC Times]
Gwen Knapp reminds us that it wasn't just the offenses that had a rough game yesterday. Ref Don Carey was fumbling all over the place. [SFGate]
Tonight is a big litmus test for JaMarcus Russell. MNF against a strong defense. Can he handle it? [CC Times]
Hockey
After the first Heatley trade rumors were denied, another Heatley trade happened. Good move, giving up Cheechoo and Michalek and getting a shooting assassin. [Merc]
Baseball
From Friday, some actual A's writing worth reading. The A's top hitting prospects. [CC Times]
Apparently, Tim Lincecum uses the Magic 8 Ball when responding to whether he pitches tonight: "All signs point to yes." [SFGate]
Philthy posted his Top 5 Dodgers I hate on Facebook, but I couldn't think of a top five myself. I think Casey Blake makes the list,but that's probably just recent bitterness. I'd say Brett Butler because his betrayal burned. Philthy had Jeff Kent #2, but Jeff Kent made his name as a Giant, and his Dodger career was just the last chapter in his career.
Checking the Wire 9/9/09
Posted On Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at at 9/09/2009 09:31:00 AM by KoskiBaseball
Tim Lincecum was scratched and Messiah prospect, 20 year old Madison Bumgarner, got the start. Bumgarner looked good, not great, and some scouts weren't impressed. Kawakami said MB's start was different. [Merc]
The Giants should sign every available Uribe in the Dominican Republic. As John Shea notes, Juan Uribe is on fire. [SFGate]
Mark Purdy says back issues can be very bad. I'm not listening. I'm not listening. La la la la la la. [Merc]
The A's just can't escape the Giants' shadow. SFGate's header for the the latest A's recap, "Tomko beans Pierzynski in win." [SFGate]
Football
Matt Maiocco with a gloomy forecast for the 49ers-Crabtree situation. Maiocco says the 49ers might have to consider lowering their offer to ensure Crabtree won't sign. If Crabtree doesn't' sign by Nov. 17th he would not be eligible to play this season and the 49ers would have from March 1 through draft day to trade Crabtree's rights. To me, it's just a shame. [Press Democrat]
Kevin Lynch predicts a 8-8 record for the 49ers this year. Matt Maiocco predicted 6-10 earlier this week. What's better? Optimism or realism? Realism. The 49ers have potential, but a lot of important issues need to be resolved to reach that potential, i.e. pass rush/passing offense. [SFGate]
The 49ers also made a practice squad change, but still only have 7 of the 8 positions filled. What possible roster move could be looming? A Crabtastic move? Or just a third TE move? Time will tell. [Sac Bee]
Meanwhile. Across the Bay, another Eugen Parker client fails to show up for work. Richard Seymour is still a no-show after being traded from the Patriots to the Raiders. Jerry Mac runs down what it would likely cost to get Seymour into a Silver and Black uniform. [CC Times]