Jun 03 2008
Decisions…vol 1
Decisions takes a look at a few recent organizational and coaching decisions evaluating the good and bad.
Good
- Cowboys extend Terrell Owens contract. The NFL has non guaranteed contracts, and the Cowboys can ensure they don’t have to deal with a potential TO headache. If he melts down, then worst they have to do is take him to court for prorated signing bonus money and move on. They learned from the Eagles situation.
- Pistons fired coach Flip Saunders. Since they won a title with Larry Brown in 2004, the Pistons have been both successful, but underachieving. They’ve been to the finals, and conference finals, but have moments where they appear disinterested. Clearly, the team is too talented and experienced for these type things to happen. The lack of a second championship wasn’t Saunders fault, but he never had a solution.
Bad
- Yankees to start Joba Chamberlain. Joba came up to the majors last year, as a late inning bridge to closer Mariano Rivera. He might be a future starter, but they are rushing him to fix their own blunders. He didn’t even start 20 games in the minors, and now they are starting him without giving him an offseason to stretch out and properly prepare for the challenge. They made the mistake of overvaluing young starters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, hence passing on a chance to acquire Johan Santana. If Joba fails, then they’ll have two problems, bad bullpen and possibly damaged young ego.
- Jason Taylor announces he’s going to retire after 2008. Taylor clearly is ready to move on from the Dolphins. Hopefully first to a contender and second to Hollywood. Problem is by announcing he’s only playing one more year, teams that are interested will lowball the Dolphins, who already weren’t overwhelmed with good offers. The Dolphins don’t have to do anything with him. Bill Parcells is happy to lay down the law in this situation and send a message to all the other players.
- Travis Henry being an idiot. There really is no other way to put it. NFL players, especially running backs, are on thin ice as is. But you compound law troubles, with age, injury and being an idiot by not showing up to workouts and you get cut. Worse yet, your coach gives you a black mark which will prevent you from going elsewhere by saying “He showed a lack of commitment”. The NFL requires a high level of commitment, and now it is already doubtful that Henry will get another job.
