Eighteen UM seniors auditioned, plus former Canes players Aldarius Johnson, Davon Johnson, Vaughn Telemaque and Dyron Dye (who was tossed off the UM team last season because of his connection to the NCAA investigation, landed at Bethune Cookman and then received permission to work out Thursday).
Ray-Ray Armstrong, now with the St. Louis Rams, attended Thursday to offer emotional support for Dye, his former teammate at UM and Sanford Seminole High.

Richard Gordon, Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle and Micanor Regis were among other former Canes observing.  




(hurricanesports.com)

Tight end Asante Cleveland looked good, according to an NFL official in attendance. Cleveland met with Eagles officials Tuesday and has a visit scheduled with Arizona.




(miamiherald.com)

Allen Hurns, trying to improve his 40-yard dash time, ran a 4.55 Thursday — the same he time he turned in at the combine. “A lot of people want to characterize you on your 40-yard dash and things like that, but I want to show teams I can do it all,” Hurns said.

Hurns said he felt like he dominated private workouts for the Texans and Bengals. He said he has been training with Pete Bommarito along with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Browns receivers Greg Little and Josh Gordon and gained six pounds from the end of the season (he weighs 198 now) while trimming his body fat down from 5.3 to 4.2 percent.


(miamiherald.com)

Quarterback Stephen Morris was impressive today, according to officials from two NFL teams in attendance. Though the plays were not being defended, Morris and Eduardo Clements said Morris completed nearly all of his 67 throws. The only ones that weren't caught were dropped. "I got a lot of positive feedback [from NFL teams]," Morris said.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, who previously held that position at UM, said Morris "looked really good today."

Morris will visit the Denver Broncos (who have Brock Osweiler as Peyton Manning's backup), Cleveland (which could draft two quarterbacks) and Carolina (where former Canes great Ken Dorsey is the quarterback coach).

Morris said his mechanics are much better because he has recovered from his troublesome Achilles' injury.

"When I was dealing with my Achilles', I wasn't even throwing off my right foot" last year, Morris said.

He has been working in Los Angeles with Tom House, the former MLB pitching coach who has become a guru on quarterback menchanics. During his work with House, he bonded with NFL quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Terrelle Pryor and Matt Barkley. 


(miamiherald.com)

Miami (Fla.) offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson is one of the more confounding prospects in this year's draft: He has a ton of natural ability and athleticism but not much of a track record. Thursday's pro day was just as confounding.

Miami's pro-day workout was not open to the media, but there were reports that Henderson quit late in the workouts. However, his agent, David Levine, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that Henderson "went there intent to do the bench and position drills, but his competitive spirit took over and he did a full combine. At the end of the workout he got dehydrated, started getting a super bad headache, felt like he was going to throw up and didn't do the last two O-line drills."

Levine also told the Sun-Sentinel that Henderson improved his vertical jump (28.5 inches, from 24 inches) and broad jump (8-foot-6, from 7-9) from February's NFL Scouting Combine.

And the Sun-Sentinel quoted an NFC executive saying, "He did everything we needed to see. He just looked pretty winded at the end, but they put them through it."

Henderson was a consensus top-three player nationally out of high school in Minneapolis in 2010, but he started just 24 games in his UM career (nine of those came in his freshman season) and coaches knocked him for his lack of consistency and focus. In addition, while he is considered a prototype left tackle, he played mostly on the right side for Miami.

Henderson started six games in 2013 at right tackle and missed one game because of a suspension; it was the third time in as many seasons that Henderson missed at least a game because of a suspension. He said in January that marijuana use led to some suspensions.

At February's combine, Henderson measured in at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.01 seconds, including a 10-yard split of 1.71 seconds. At the time, NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock said Henderson has "first-round talent," but he also said Henderson has "a lack of consistency both on and off the field" and could go anywhere from the second to the seventh round.

The Sun-Sentinel says Henderson met with New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese after the workout and that he has visits set up with the Dolphins, 49ers and Steelers for next week.

Henderson might be at the very top of the "buyer beware" list in this draft. He has the potential to be a dominant lineman, but he also could be a wasted draft pick. Given his baggage, a team is taking an unnecessary risk if it selects him before the third day (Rounds 4-7) of the draft.


(nfl.com)

The Giants were taking batting practice prior to their 2-0 victory over the Diamondbacks when a familiar face stepped up to the plate. Pat Burrell, who retired in 2011 after 12 seasons in the major leagues, was visiting his former teammates and decided to take a hack ... while wearing an outfit comprised entirely of street clothes -- khakis, a polo, Vans sneakers and a watch.

Despite the wishes of Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who can be seen waving his arms behind the cage, Burrell took his stance. The result was a familiar one for the two-time World Series champ, who pounded a home run on his only swing to the delight of the Giants broadcasting team.




(sports.yahoo.com)

SAN DIEGO -- There may have been reasons to doubt if Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal would be ready for Opening Day, especially with the March 30 opener less than eight months removed from surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

But as it's obvious to everyone now, there was no reason to doubt whether Grandal would get himself in a position to be ready for the opener, as he attacked his rehabilitation with something more than a sense of urgency and fervent determination.

"I actually believed that Opening Day was a possibility … because Yazzy believed it," said Padres general manager Josh Byrnes. "I don't think there was a day throughout the whole rehab process where Yazzy didn't think he wouldn't be ready."

This meant that Grandal had to commit himself entirely to the rehabilitation process, a program that spanned three states -- California, Florida and Arizona -- and even included a physical therapy session on the day of his wedding (Oct. 19) and an unusual workout routine on his honeymoon in Bora Bora.

Fat chance you'll find too many rehab protocols calling for water sprints in the South Pacific Ocean.

"I asked my trainer before going on my honeymoon what I could do while there," Grandal said. "He said that since I'll be around the water, that was perfect. So each day, while my wife would be sitting on the beach outside a bungalow and reading a book, I would be running sprints in the water."

That memory makes Grandal smile. It's a smile filled with gratification and satisfaction from the fact he was able to put himself in position to play on Opening Day, where he actually stole the first base of his professional career, a critical moment in the Padres' 3-1 victory over the Dodgers.

If less than eight months seems like a fast to return from such a devastating injury -- one that occurred last July when Anthony Rendon of the Nationals slid into Grandal's knee on a force play at the plate -- you're not the only one who thinks as much.

The recovery window from an ACL surgery for an athlete is generally between nine and 12 months.

"Modern medicine, each and every year with these guys, gets better and better," said Padres manager Bud Black. "And I think we're to a point now with a lot of injuries where the rehab protocol is outstanding.

"But when you think ACL, you think it takes a little longer … right?"

Grandal did have some things going for him, Byrnes said.

"In talking with our doctors, because there wasn't meniscus damage or additional issues with the knee, it seemed possible," Byrnes said. "Fortunately, his rehab went according to schedule."

Just as Grandal predicted it would last September, when, a month removed from surgery on Aug. 6, he stood in front of his locker and insisted to anyone who would listen that he would be ready to play on Opening Day.

"I'm only surprised in the sense that I didn't think I could be so far ahead of schedule," Grandal said.

That's because Grandal pushed himself hard during his rehabilitation program, one that started the day after surgery in San Diego. From there, he worked out in Florida and then in Arizona in December to get ready for Spring Training in February.

"I think the great thing about my rehab was there were three different parts to it," Grandal said. "The first part was here [San Diego], doing full range of motion and getting some of the strength back. Then, the second step was getting all the strength back. The third part was running and agility, going full-out.

"It never felt like a drill for me."

That's because Grandal was motivated to be on the field, in whatever capacity, on March 30. If there was ever a day when he considered giving himself a break or simply didn't feel like working out, all he ever had to do was look at a pocket schedule to see that day: March 30, the Dodgers at Petco Park.

"Every day, I got up and my first thought was, 'What can I do today to get my knee better?'" Grandal said.

Truth be told, though, it wasn't just Opening Day that Grandal was preparing himself for. He was getting himself ready for this weekend, as the Padres open a three-game series starting Friday in Miami against the Marlins. Grandal expects to have between 150-180 friends and family in the ballpark.

"During all of this, I've been looking forward to Opening Day, but the series in Miami … that was the one I really wanted to be ready for," Grandal said. "I wanted to show myself to my family. They saw what I was going through [rehabilitation] when I was back there.

"I'm not going to lie; getting back on the field in Miami, that's one of the things that got me to go after this even more."

Grandal caught all nine innings in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Dodgers, but he isn't to the point yet where the team has let him catch consecutive games. With three catchers currently on the 25-man roster, there is no need to do so now.

That will happen, Grandal is convinced. For the time being, though, he's happy and content with where he's at and with what he's accomplished to get back on the field. The experience has humbled him.

"I feel I've come back from the very bottom to being ready for Opening Day. That's something I'm very proud of," Grandal said. "I'm also proud of everyone who worked with me and very thankful for them."


(mlb.com)

The Dolphins will audition several UM players --- including offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, quarterback Stephen Morris, receiver Allen Hurns, d-tackle Curtis Porter and guard Brandon Linder --- next week. FIU defensive tackle Isame Faciane is among other local players invited to that Dolphins workout.

Ten of the players also have been invited to dinner with Dolphins position coaches the night before, including Henderson and UM tight end Asante Cleveland. Henderson, by the way, also has been invited to visit the Steelers and Vikings.


(miamiherald.com)

Jason Fox started 47 games at the University of Miami.

But the offensive tackle also missed 51 of 64 games in four years with the Detroit Lions – including all of 2011 with a foot injury.

Now back in South Florida – signing a one-year, roughly $800,000 contract with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday – Fox is out to prove his college durability is the real him.

“Obviously, that’s in the past,” Fox said, not long after agreeing to terms. “I had some back luck early in my career, [but] that’s over. I feel 100 percent healthy. I’m ready to compete.”

And he’s open to playing anywhere the Dolphins need him. Fox on Wednesday left open the door to playing guard, where the Dolphins still need at a starter.
He also plans to push for playing time at right tackle, his natural position.

“[Fox] brings passion, commitment to the game and toughness,” said Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey. “I think he’ll fit right in with our team.”
Hickey proved that with his quick actions. Yet again, he didn’t let a visiting player leave town without a contract. Only one of the free agents to meet with the team in Davie this offseason (D’Qwell Jackson) signed with another team.

At the very least, the Dolphins hope Fox improves their depth on the offensive line after letting three tackles walk in free agency: Bryant McKinnie, Tyson Clabo and Will Yeatman. The signing does not preclude the Dolphins drafting a right tackle early next month, however.

Fox, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, was four-star recruit out of high school and didn’t disappoint, earning all-conference honors with the Hurricanes in 2009.
“I consider this a second home to me,” Fox said.

A fourth-round draft pick, Fox’s pro career has been derailed by injuries, but he did appear in eight games with Detroit last season, starting three.

He allowed just one sack in 205 regular-season snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. However, his run-blocking needs improvement, the website found.

“I think I’m an athletic, smart, tough guy,” Fox said. “I think I can pick up the offense well. I’ll be able to run the zone [blocking scheme]. The things that they [will] ask me to do, I’ve done them in the past and I’ll be able to execute them here.”


(miamiherald.com)

FOXBORO — Devin McCourty earned his captaincy last week, as he could be credited with an assist in keeping stalwart Vince Wilfork in a Patriots uniform.

The safety was in Florida with Wilfork when the nose tackle signed a new contract that could keep him with the Pats for three more seasons, a deal that served as a peaceful resolution to a contentious round of negotiations. The pact kept the face of the defense in town during a monumental offseason.

“I can’t tell the details of my negotiating skills,” McCourty said yesterday of his closing ability. “I’m the guy that brings in the Rutgers guys and keeps the vets.”

McCourty, a three-time captain, made sure to drive home the point that keeping Wilfork was every bit as important as any other move the Patriots have made in the last month.

“It was key,” McCourty, who assisted at “The Great American Milk Drive” at The Greater Boston Food Bank, said. “I joked with (Wilfork). I told him I went down to Florida to make sure he came back, so he kind of owes me a little percent of his contract. He’s the heart and soul of not just the defense but the team. Everyone in that locker room listens to Vince when he speaks. He’s not a guy that is just talking all the time or talking to talk. When he speaks, everyone listens.

“With him and (quarterback) Tom (Brady) in there, I think our leadership is in great hands. Keeping him and not letting him leave just goes to show the organization did a tremendous job of working it out and bringing him back. I think everyone else kind of jumped to conclusions and just said he was gone or would leave, but he was still under contract and it was great to see that both sides will be happy going forward.”

There’s an obvious level of excitement as everyone at Gillette Stadium focuses on the 2014 season, and a healthy Wilfork, fellow defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and linebacker Jerod Mayo add to the cause.

But the real hype has stemmed from the free agent acquisitions of cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.

McCourty knows it’s all part of the formula.

“It will be good to get back and get to work,” McCourty said. “I think everyone is excited. You see all of these names on paper, and it looks like it could be a great year. I think the key for us will be just coming in and putting in work. We’ll have a lot of guys here who will be focused on winning as many games as possible. I can’t wait for that. You’ve got all these competitive guys that have had great careers so far, and you put them together, I think we’ll have a good mix.

“I think it was key we were able to keep some good veteran players that have been here since I’ve been here that have shown me the way. With Tom, Vince, Mayo, (left guard) Logan (Mankins) and (special teams captain Matthew) Slater, guys like that, they’re the cornerstones of this team and will get guys going and showing them the way. It should be an exciting year.”


(bostonherald.com)

Based on a recent interview that Winston had with Arizona Republic columnist and local radio host Dan Bickley, that train of thought isn't blind speculation.

Winston, who started all 16 games in 2013 for Arizona at right tackle and has also started 119 straight games, still is unsigned, and there appears to be little interest from the Cardinals at this point. "It doesn't seem like anything is being done," he told Bickley. "I'd still love to come back to Arizona. I love the guys in the locker room, love the city, and I think the team will be really good with or without me. They're ready to have a special run out there."

As I have written before, I think the Cardinals will have interest in him only if they don't see what they want out of Bobby Massie, Bradley Sowell, Nate Potter or whatever draft pick or undrafted rookie they bring in during offseason workouts, OTAs and mini-camps.

Winston didn't sign with the Cardinals until the beginning of training camp last year.

He doesn't want to wait that long, as he told Bickley that, despite how much he would like to return in 2014 to the Cards, he would like to be picked up by a team soon, "hopefully before the draft."

Many veterans would be content to sit tight and not have to go to OTAs or mini-camp. Winston doesn't seem eager to do that. Based on his performance last season, that actually might not be a bad idea.

Coming into a new offensive system, he struggled early, but improved later in the year.

Perhaps being with a team the entire offseason would mitigate those early struggles.

Unfortunately, there haven't even been any whisperings of interest.

That doesn't mean that he is done with football. It just means that he might have to wait until a spot opens up on some team because of injury or ineffectiveness.

Winston has a track record and a reputation in the league. He is well-respected. However, he is now going on three teams that were okay with moving on from him -- the Texans and Chiefs both having cut him the previous two offseasons. And there is something to be said about the Cardinals not wanting to bring back a player on the offensive line. Arizona historically has had bad lines. If they let a player go, that says something.

Chances are that he will land somewhere and will continue to add to his streak of starting games. He isn't the only veteran offensive lineman still available.
Will he have to just bide his time? Will he find work, and will he be a starter?


(revengeofthebirds.com)

Former Chicago Bear Devin Hester has sold his 10,000-square-foot Riverwoods home after cutting the price three times and raising it once.

Mr. Hester, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons, initially listed the seven-bedroom, eight-bath home on Lyndale Lane in mid-April 2013, asking $2.63 million. By early January, a series of cuts had taken the list price down by one-third, to $1.75 million. Later that month, the price went back up, to $1.99 million.

The sale closed March 31 at $1.8 million, according to Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. That's down 18 percent from the $2.2 million he paid for it in October 2008, according to the Lake County Recorder of Deeds. That year, he signed a $40 million, four-year contract with the Bears, where he had been for two years. Last month, the 31-year-old return specialist signed a three-year contract with the Falcons.

Mr. Hester married Zingha Walcott in 2010; they have one child. His brother, Lenorris Hester Jr., also lived in the Riverwoods home during the Bears' season, according to news reports.

Built in 2005, the house is on 2.5 acres and has a tennis court, a hot tub, a waterfall, an outdoor kitchen and a pond, according to the listing prepared by Lori Progar, the Coldwell Banker agent who represented the property. Listing photos show a wood-trimmed curving staircase, numerous interior arches, a basement pub and a backyard playground. The house also has a nanny's quarters and two laundry rooms.

Ms. Progar did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Roman Anoufriev of All Time Realty, the agent for the buyers.


(chicagobusiness.com)

WASHINGTON (CBSDC) - Redskins safety Ryan Clark, who signed on to return to the organization after 9 years of playing elsewhere, questioned on Twitter Wednesday, the appropriateness of him wearing Sean Taylor’s jersey number upon his return to D.C.

Clark mentioned he’d been wearing No. 21 in Pittsburgh, but only in practice (he wore No. 25 in games), for the last six seasons in tribute to his former Redskins teammate.

“@Realrclark25 Redskins fans I've worn #21 to practice for 6 years now. Would it be disrespectful to wear it in Washington”

Perhaps it was what would have been Taylor’s 31st birthday fresh in their minds, but the reaction Clark received ranged from visceral outrage to non-aggressive pushback from Redskins fans who think wearing Taylor’s number would be disrespectful of Clark, even if only in practice.

It’s worth noting, some fans were accepting of the idea.

However, in an interview with 106.7 The Fan’s Lavar Arrington and Chad Dukes, Clark decided to further clarify he only wishes to continue wearing the number in practice, and has no intentions of wearing No. 21 during Redskins games. He also seems to be going about it in all the right ways, asking the fans and team officials.

“They were just like ‘nobody should ever wear it,’ and ‘it should be retired,’ and it should be this and that,” Clark explained the resistance he was subject to. “And I understand those things. That’s why I would never ask to wear it in-game.”

“Even after this, I would have to ask Mr. Snyder, could I even wear it to practice, which is something I had planned on doing,” he said. “I talked about it today, inside the building, and they said I had to go get permission to do it.”

“More than likely, had I went to any other team, I was going to try to wear 21 anyway, or at least try,” he said. “I was actually going to try to wear it in the game. I was going to leave 25 where it was and try to wear 21, and so that was my plan, but I ended up coming to a place where I felt like that wouldn’t be cool.”
“It just shows the passion they have,” he said of those unruly fans.

Lavar, also a former teammate of Clark and Taylor — and one who is generally impassioned regarding issues of his late friend — took umbrage with those fans giving Clark grief about wearing No. 21, taking the stance that if anyone was qualified to do it, it was Clark.

Another of their former teammates, Fred Smoot, also agreed that if anyone could wear No. 21 in D.C., it would be Clark, but stopped short of defending Clark’s right to do so.

“I probably would have a problem with it, because sometimes I just think you should leave things alone,” Smoot told Lavar and Dukes. “I think it’s one of those subjects where you leave this alone.

“I think [Taylor's] the greatest 21 to ever put on a uniform as a Washington Redskins, and you can go to the games today and it’s still packed with 21s with ‘Taylor’ on the back, and I think we should just let it stay like that.”


(cbslocal.com)

Quarterback remains the most important position in pro football, but plenty of quarterbacks get overlooked as the draft process approaches.  Miami’s Stephen Morris hopes to change that.

Morris, who notched the second fastest 40-yard dash among quarterbacks at the Scouting Combine with a 4.63, will work out for scouts Thursday at Miami’s Pro Day workout.

He needs a strong workout to reverse the perception that Morris regressed significantly from 2012 to 2013.  The dip, which saw Morris plummet from No. 17 on Gil Brandt’s top 100 college players entering the season, was punctuated by a Russell Athletic Bowl performance in which Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater emerged with a 36-9 win.  Morris and the Miami offense generated a mere 160 yards in the game.

To prep for his Pro Day workout, Morris has been working with Tom House and Adam Dedeaux, who has worked with the likes of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Terrelle Pryor.  Said House of Morris:  “Stephen’s measurables are as good as anyone we’ve worked with.  Whoever drafts him is going to get a steal.”

Morris also will get an assist from former Miami offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch.  The Jaguars offensive coordinator will run Thursday’s workout.

Ultimately, Morris will need to prove his value on Thursday.  And then he’ll need to show that he can make an NFL roster, once he gets a chance to compete at the next level.


(profootballtalk.com)

Miller needs to break tackles: Now that Knowshon Moreno is calling Miami home, there is expected to be a running back battle between him and Lamar Miller, according to head coach Joe Philbin. What does Miller need to do in order to emerge victorious? Break more tackles. That’s a noble idea for a player whose scouting report touted his speed and shiftiness. But will it be enough to overcome his lack of work near the goal-line. In 2013, Daniel Thomas led the Dolphins with 24 carries in the red zone. The good news for Miller is that Thomas could be pushed out of Miami. The bad news is that Moreno led Denver’s running backs with 42 touches inside the 20-yard line and scored eight rushing TDs — tied for sixth among all NFL running backs. The competition will certainly play out in the preseason, but on paper, the deck is stacked against Miller.


(nfl.com)

As the NFL Draft nears, Andre Johnson has found himself the subject of several trade rumors in recent days. The Houston Texans are rebuilding and head coach Bill O'Brien is bringing in "his guys." That has caused Matt Schaub to be traded, Owen Daniels to be cut and former No. 1 pick Mario Williams move on. Could the team also be planning on moving away from their No. 1 wide receiver? If so, the Raiders might be interested.

Let's get something straight, the chances the Cleveland Cavaliers win an NBA Championship this season are likely greater than Johnson getting traded. But, the rumors are out there and they cannot be ignored. Johnson put up 1,407 yards last season, but DeAndre Hopkins showed plenty of ability to take over the No. 1 spot if needed so the idea of getting rid of the wide receiver is not totally out of the box.

Having Hopkins frees up the Texans to cut cap space by trading the wide receiver. They would free up over $3 million this season, $8 million next season and $12 million in 2016 if Johnson is sent to another team willing to take up his contract. Houston would likely get another draft pick in return. They could grab a quarterback No. 1 overall and a wide receiver after that. So trading Johnson would not sink the Texans and there would be plenty of interest if he is available.

The Oakland Raiders would likely be the heavy favorites to make a move on Johnson. First, the team needs a receiver and with DeSean Jackson likely headed to Washington, Johnson would be the best available. The Raiders also traded for Matt Schaub, the former teammate of the wide receiver. Johnson was a big advocate for the Texans retaining Schaub over drafting a rookie and was not thrilled when they made the quarterback deal. Could a reunion be in the works?

It has already been reported that the Texans want more draft picks. The NFL Network reported a week ago that Houston had briefly discussed a trade with the Buffalo Bills that would give them more picks, but so far no deal has been made. Shopping Johnson as an option might be more favorable that getting the No. 1 overall pick.

Again, this is speculation. ESPN.com's Field Yates reports that if a trade is going to happen, it should be one involving the Texans and Johnson. Will it happen? The safer bet might be the Chicago Cubs reaching the World Series.


(sportsworlreport.com)

Sam Shields, cornerback
Season stats: 15 games (902 snaps; 90.1 percent of total defensive snaps), 61 tackles, nine missed tackles, zero tackles for loss, zero sacks, four interceptions, zero forced fumbles, 16 passes defensed, 11 stops (solo tackles that resulted in offensive failure); targeted 84 times in coverage, allowing 42 receptions for 664 yards, four touchdowns

ProFootballFocus.com season rating: 0.4 (ranked No. 8 out of 26 Packers defensive players; ranked No. 52 in the NFL among qualifying cornerbacks)
Best game: Week 15 win at Dallas (played 74 of 74 snaps; one interception, three passes defensed, five tackles, one missed tackle, two stops; targeted 10 times in coverage, allowing four receptions for 67 yards; 2.9 PFF rating)

Worst game: Week 1 loss at San Francisco (played 79 of 81 snaps; zero interceptions, two passes defensed, nine tackles, one missed tackle, two stops; targeted 10 times in coverage, allowing five receptions for 116 yards, zero touchdowns; minus-2.0 PFF rating)

Expectations at the start of the season: Medium

Expectations were ...  Exceeded

Looking live: The Packers began offseason training activities in May 2013 without Sam Shields. Dissatisfied that Green Bay had only offered him a second-round restricted free agent tender (worth $2.023 million), Shields didn't show up at OTAs. "I wish Sam was here," coach Mike McCarthy said May 21. But in early June, after having already missed two weeks of practices and with no other great options available to him as mandatory minicamp approached, Shields signed the tender. On June 4, the usually quiet and reserved Shields was vocal about his negative feelings regarding the tender. "I wanted to get paid; it didn't happen," Shields said that day. "I didn't get what I wanted," he added. Shields again skipped out on OTA practices in mid-June. Shields was ranked No. 17 on FOXSportsWisconsin.com's pre-training camp "Most Important Packers in 2013" series. When training camp began, despite being unhappy with his contract status, Shields arrived with something to prove. "The thing I like about Sam, he's got that edge to him," McCarthy said. However, McCarthy added, "but he's rusty; I think that's expected." The rust wore off quickly though, as Shields was named one of Green Bay's starting cornerbacks before the end of training camp. But Shields, perhaps understandably for a player who went undrafted out of college, didn't use that starting nod to get too comfortable. "I'm not going to sit here and say this is my starting position," Shields said Aug. 21. "I've still got to grind each and every day."

Upon further review: Shields had been a good player for the first three years of his NFL career, but 2013 was a breakout season for him. He was tasked with defending many of the league's best wide receivers and performed well in most of those matchups, including against Detroit's Calvin Johnson in Week 13 and against Cincinnati's A.J. Green in Week 3. Wins by Shields against those two receivers is especially impressive given that he's six inches shorter than both Johnson and Green. Shields used to make up for other weaknesses in his game simply because he's so fast. But Shields was much more than just a speedster in 2013. His cover skills have evolved to a point where he does so many other things well that his speed is just a bonus. Before a hamstring injury took Shields out of the games in Weeks 11 and 12, he had gotten to a point where he was arguably the second-most important player on Green Bay's defense (behind Clay Matthews). Shields had a couple bumps in the road throughout the season and hasn't earned unanimous praise from national media and scouts yet, but certain plays are more important than others, and he had one of the Packers' biggest plays of the year. With Green Bay's season on the line, trailing the Cowboys on the road in Week 15 and Dallas inexplicably still throwing the ball despite being up by five points with less than three minutes to go, Shields fully extended his arms on a pass to Miles Austin across the middle of the field and snagged it for a season-saving interception.

Overall 2013 grade: B-plus

Status for 2014: One-hundred percent chance of being on the Packers' active roster to begin the 2014 regular season. There's no way that Shields can be dissatisfied with his contract any longer after signing a four-year, $39 million extension as an unrestricted free agent this offseason. It's more money than Shields would have gotten a year earlier had he re-signed as a restricted free agent, and it should keep him in Green Bay through his 30th birthday. Shields is just entering the prime of his career and has been continually getting better every year. Though the Packers have a very good group of cornerbacks, Shields could be the leader of that group soon, especially if Tramon Williams departs after his contract expires next year. With the money that he's now owed, Shields had better be ready for multiple matchups every season with the great group of NFC North wide receivers.


(foxsports.com)

SAN DIEGO -- On Tuesday, Yasmani Grandal got the start behind the plate for the Padres, which was a good thing for him and, ultimately manager Bud Black hopes, a good thing for the Padres.

However, his mere presence in the starting lineup might have actually weakened the team's five-man bench just a little.

Grandal, after all, is a switch-hitter, which can force some uncomfortable managerial decisions across the way late in games in terms of choosing a reliever.

"His presence off the bench is real and the other team has to recognize it when they start to make some changes out of the bullpen," Black said.

"When you have switch-hitters, it's tough because you have to decide which side you want him from. It really swings to the team that has the switch-hitters that gives them a lot more comfort as far as making moves."

Grandal is the only switch-hitter on the bench and one of three switch-hitters -- in addition to shortstop Everth Cabrera and third baseman Chase Headley -- on the 25-man roster.

On Sunday, Rene Rivera got the start at catcher with Andrew Cashner on the mound. So with Grandal catching on Tuesday, chances are Nick Hundley will start in Wednesday's series finale against the Dodgers.

The Padres won't carry three catchers all season and might not for the entire month. But for now, this mix is working.

"That can help us," Black said.

At this point, the five-man bench consists of the two catchers who don't start, a fourth outfielder -- either Seth Smith or Chris Denorfia, generally -- and utility man Alexi Amarista.


(mlb.com)

MILWAUKEE — Ryan Braun stepped into the batter's box, admittedly a bit anxious. The sellout crowd at Miller Park quickly put him at ease, showering him with a standing ovation.

First day back on the job after a drug suspension was already a day to remember for the Brewers slugger. Then he added another unique footnote to his career.

Braun went 1 for 4 and stole a base that helped set up a two-run inning, and later was ruled out in the first call overturned under baseball's expanded replay system as Milwaukee beat the Atlanta Braves 2-0 on Monday in a season opener.

The former MVP was returning from suspension for the final 65 games last year in the Biogenesis doping scandal. Played his first game as a right fielder, too.

What a way to start the season.

"It was special. It was an emotional moment for me," Braun said.

Braun said the ovation affected him. He flied out to left.

"Swung at some pitches that I typically don't swing at, but it's something that I'm very thankful for and very appreciative," Braun said.

Later, Braun had his infield single to lead off the sixth overturned to out after the call was challenged by Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez under Major League Baseball's new replay format.

The review took 58 seconds.

"I had a pretty good idea that I was out," Braun said, drawing laughs. "For all of us, we just hope they get it right, and they did get it right."

Two years ago, Braun became the first MLB player to get a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs overturned. Originally banned for 50 games, he filed a grievance and won.

Yovani Gallardo (1-0) tossed six shutout innings for the win. He allowed just four hits in becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to make five straight opening day starts.

A Braves lineup being relied on to help overcome the adversity to the injury-plagued pitching staff was silenced. Andrelton Simmons finished with two hits.

"You go up there, your third at-bat and (Gallardo) will throw you something completely different," said cleanup hitter Chris Johnson, who went 1 for 4 with a double. "Where did that come from? ... He's one of the tougher guys in the league."

In a bit of a surprise, Francisco Rodriguez struck out two in the ninth for his 305th career save. The veteran righty looked fine about two weeks after accidentally stepping on a cactus during spring training.

Manager Ron Roenicke said he turned to Rodriguez because Jim Henderson, who had 28 saves last season, was having a little trouble of late with his stuff. He hoped a couple outings outside the ninth would help Henderson get straightened out.

With injuries to pitchers including Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy, Atlanta started Julio Teheran (0-1) after a nice spring. He allowed seven hits in six innings.

"For his first start, for his first opening day, I thought he did a terrific job," Gonzalez said.

But all eyes in Miller Park were on Braun to start after the 2011 NL MVP played his first game since July 21. He was banned the next day.

It seemed like all was forgiven for most of the 45,691 fans in attendance.

Braun's hit and steal set up a two-run double by Aramis Ramirez in the fourth.

"It's special, we all know what he went through last year," Ramirez said. "For the fans to do that, it was very special."

Braun and Ramirez also missed time last season because of injuries.

With their third- and fourth-place hitters back, the Brewers like their chances with an offence that also features the speedy Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura at the top of the order. If the rest of the starting rotation throws like Gallardo, Milwaukee could challenge St. Louis, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the NL Central.


(theprovince.com)

One of the initial questions that was asked when details of Vince Wilfork's renegotiated contract surfaced was, "What are the salary-cap charges?"

Here is the breakdown:

2014: $6.8 million (if Wilfork maxes out incentives, can rise to $10.7 million)
2015: $8.4 million (can rise to $8.9 million with incentives)
2016: $6.4 million (can rise to $6.9 million with incentives)

Wilfork was scheduled to count $11.6 million against the 2014 salary cap, so the renegotiation saved the team $4.8 million at the present moment. The $6.8 million cap charge for 2014 accounts for previous accelerations of bonuses.

Of course, that leads to the next question: How much salary-cap space do the Patriots currently have?

Salary-cap space is fluid, so we'll stick with a general range of $6-9 million at this time, which gives the team some moderate breathing room when considering some future cap charges (e.g. draft picks etc.).


(espn.com)

Offensive lineman Jason Fox is set for a visit with the Chiefs today, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

A fourth-round pick of the Lions in 2010, Fox appeared in eight games with three starts in 2013. In three years before 2013, Fox appeared in only five regular-season games, with no starts.

Pro Football Focus gave Fox a +4 pass blocking grade in 205 snaps last season. He played right tackle exclusively for the Lions, including three starts at the position. His week 17 game against the Vikings was the only game Fox played every snap. In short, signing Fox would be done for tackle depth and not to have him start at right guard.

As things stand now, the Chiefs will have Eric Fisher start at left tackle and Donald Stephenson at right tackle. Jeff Linkenbach was signed for depth at tackle and guard, and has an outside chance at being the starting right guard. Fox would presumably fill the swing tackle position Stephenson filled last year.

Signing Fox would also take away some pressure for the Chiefs to draft an offensive lineman. Kansas City has only six picks so the more flexibility they have to select the “best player available” the better.


(arrowheadpride.com)

Andre Johnson was mentioned in trade rumors at the deadline last season and while that has subsided, one team that could fit a Houston Texans deal is the San Francisco 49ers, as they have 11 draft picks to trade and are not going after DeSean Jackson after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles and the Niners desperately need a receiver behind Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree.

The deal would take some maneuvering since Johnson is on a seven year deal with nearly $70 million that he signed back in 2010, but since he has a decent salary for next year with a base at $6.5 million, it could work. The idea was proposed on ESPN.com by Field Yates in an Insider article and then picked up on by beat writer Bill Williamson, who writes that while there are receiver options in the draft past Jackson like Mike Evans, Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and even Sammy Watkins, that adding Johnson would be a superior move to all of them.

Williamson cautions that this deal is very unlikely to go down, as the Texans will probably not want to part ways with Johnson even with his high salary, as he still is a very productive player and one of the best receivers in the NFL. Johnson had an impressive 109 catches last season for 1,407 yards despite the fact that he played with a bad Matt Schaub and a rookie in Case Keenum and that came after he had 112 catches for 1,598 yards the season before. Johnson has played in all 16 games the past two seasons and could be a huge catch for the Niners.

The 49ers could be motivated to make a deal if they can't find a way to trade up for Mike Evans, as Jim Harbaugh is desperate for a legitimate third receiver behind Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree. While the team was still very good and got to the NFC championship game last season, Boldin is getting older in age and Crabtree is still not yet a year removed from recovering from Achilles surgery. The team had the fewest three receiver sets last season and part of that were the injuries to Mario Manningham. The Niners have Vernon Davis as a receiving tight end, but they want more depth at the wide receiver position as well.

Jackson was considered to be a prime option for the 49ers and that was reported on before he was released by the Eagles by multiple websites. The Niners said that they did not have interest in Jackson when he was being shopped and now that he is on the free agent market they are one of a number of teams interested in signing him, including the Oakland Raiders, NY Jets, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks.

Jackson is looking to get paid in the same range he was last season and that knocked the Chiefs and likely the Niners out, as he is looking for $9 million to $10 million for a one year deal. Jackson had one of his best seasons last year, setting highs with 82 catches for over 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns before his release from the Eagles amid reports he missed numerous meetings, had a bad work ethic and had connections to gangs back in LA. 


(sportsworldreport.com)

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers star Ryan Braun drew a standing ovation in his return from a drug suspension, then was ruled out in the first call overturned under baseball's expanded replay system as Milwaukee beat the Atlanta Braves 2-0 on Monday in a season opener.

Braun went 1 for 4 and stole a base in the fourth inning that helped set up a two-run double by Aramis Ramirez.

A smattering of boos during Braun's first at-bat was easily drowned out by the overwhelming applause. The former MVP was suspended for the final 65 games last year in the Biogenesis doping scandal.

"It was special. It was an emotional moment for me," Braun said of the ovation.

Later, Braun had his infield single to lead off the sixth overturned to out after the call was challenged by Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez under Major League Baseball's new replay format.

The review took 58 seconds.

"I had a pretty good idea that I was out," Braun said, drawing laughs. "For all of us, we just hope they get it right, and they did get it right."

Yovani Gallardo (1-0) tossed six shutout innings for the win.

Francisco Rodriguez got the save, the 305th of his career. The veteran righty looked fine about two weeks after accidentally stepping on a cactus during spring training.

Making his first opening day start, Julio Teheran (0-1) allowed two runs and seven hits in six innings.

But all eyes in Miller Park were on Braun to start after the 2011 NL MVP played his first game since July 21. He was banned the next day.

It seemed like all was forgiven for most of the 45,000-plus fans in attendance.

"It's special, we all know what he went through last year," Ramirez said. "For the fans to do that, it was very special."

Braun and Ramirez also missed time last season due to injuries.

With their third- and fourth-place hitters back, the Brewers like their chances with an offense that also features the speedy Carlos Gomez and Jean Segura at the top of the order. If the rest of the starting rotation throws like Gallardo, Milwaukee could challenge St. Louis, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the NL Central.


(accessnorthga.com)

Ryan Braun has made all the right moves since his suspension, but Milwaukee Brewers lead owner Mark Attanasio said Braun needs to keep doing the right thing this season to totally win back Attanasio's trust.

"He's still under a microscope and I think he'll rise to the challenge," Attanasio said Monday during a press conference before the team's Opening Day at Miller Park. "We want to see him continue to rise the the challenge."

Braun will need to continue showing his commitment to the team and the community and "not break the rules again," Attanasio said.

During the later part of the 2013 season and the offseason, Braun pursued a path toward redemption, Attanasio said. Braun called sponsors and season ticket holders on his own, Attanasio said. Braun also participated in charity events and participated in the team's January fan fest, Attanasio noted.

"Since that point in July (2013 suspension date), he has taken some good steps towards embracing the community, his teammates and Major League Baseball," Attanasio said.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the organization appreciated Braun's willingness to switch to right field from left field without questioning the decision.


(bizjournals.com)

Below is a breakdown of the contract Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork agreed to on Thursday with the team:

2014
Signing bonus: $1.3 million
Base salary: $1.3 million (guaranteed)
Weight clause incentive: $300,000
Offseason workout bonus: $200,000
Per-game roster bonus 1: $500,000 for the first game on the 53-man roster
Per-game roster bonus 2: $87,500 for each game on the 46-man game day roster (up to $1.4 million)
Playing-time incentives:
If he plays 50 percent of the defensive snaps: $500,000
If he plays 60 percent of the defensive snaps: $1.25 million
If he plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps: $2 million
If he plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps and the team makes the divisional round of the playoffs, he makes $2.5 million
Defensive incentive: If Wilfork plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps and the team is top 10 in points allowed, he earns $500,000
Base total: $5 million
Incentives total: $3 million
Maximum value: $8 million ($2.6 guaranteed)

In restructuring Wilfork's deal, the Patriots earned an estimated immediate cap savings of $4.9 million. However, if Wilfork reaches all of his incentives for the 2014 season, their overall cap savings from the previous contract structure would be $900,000.

The contract includes an option for the final two years, which the Patriots must exercise or decline by the end of the 2014 league year.

2015
Roster bonus: $4 million (due on the first day of the league year)
Base salary: $3 million
Weight clause incentive: $300,000
Offseason workout bonus: $200,000
Per-game roster bonus: $31,250 for each game on the 46-man roster (up to $500,000)
Playtime/defensive incentive: If Wilfork plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps and the team makes the divisional round of the playoffs, he earns $500,000
Maximum value: $8.5 million

2016
Base salary: $5 million
Weight clause incentive: $300,000
Offseason workout bonus: $200,000
Per-game roster bonus: $31,250 for each game on the 46-man roster (up to $500,000)
Playtime/defensive incentive: If Wilfork plays 70 percent of the defensive snaps and the team makes the divisional round of the playoffs, he earns $500,000
Maximum value: $6.5 million

Overall value: 3 years, $23 million ($2.6 million of which is guaranteed)

Quick-hit: As expected, this deal provides incentive for both sides. Wilfork has a higher ceiling than his previous deal, which had just one more year remaining. The team has the opportunity to decline the option and has created short-term salary-cap relief and less guaranteed money for 2014. If Wilfork plays at a high level, the team would likely exercise the option. If he returns to form coming off of an Achilles tear, $23 million over three years is a worthwhile investment for a player of his caliber at that position.


(espn.com)

Arizona Cardinals free agent offensive tackle Eric Winston was named the new president of the NFLPA in mid-March after being elected to the position, and it’s a job he definitely deserves. The well-spoken right tackle has been a solid player in this league for quite some time, and the 30-year-old veteran is generally regarded as a very intelligent person. Winston is an excellent NFLPA president, and he hasn’t shied away from speaking his mind in the past, as Kansas City Chiefs fans all remember his tirade against those booing for Matt Cassel (his comments created some controversy).

Winston was signed by the Cardinals last offseason, and he’s received very limited interest this offseason after a surprisingly subpar 2013 season.

According to the Arizona Republic’s Dan Bickley, Winston stated that he prefers to stay with the Cardinals and is hoping to find a team before draft day, ”It doesn’t seem like anything is being done. I’d still love to come back to Arizona. I love the guys in the locker room, love the city, and I think the team will be really good with or without me. They’re ready to have a special run out there.

“At the same time, it is what it is. I’m looking to get on a team as soon as possible, hopefully before the draft.”

It will be interesting to see if Winston gets his wish, but I wouldn’t bet on it at this point. I would be shocked if there aren’t a few teams with interest, but he isn’t exactly a hot commodity right now in late March. He’ll likely get a modest, one-year deal with some incentives, and he should bounce back and be a quality starter in 2014. But will the Cardinals keep him around? I don’t see that happening after the Jared Veldheer signing, as the Cards aren’t going to give up on Bobby Massie at RT, especially after he outplayed Winston last year.


(nflspinzone.com)

Ray Lewis was overlooked.

Or so that’s how the former linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens frames his own development from an undersized rover in high school to an NFL All-Pro.

In high school, a teammate needed to break their jaw for him to start as a sophomore.

At Miami, he was a svelte freshman shorter and lighter than his hulking peers that evolved into a first-round draft pick in 1996.

“I worked my butt off, and if somebody took a break, if you slacked off, I might take your job,” Lewis said. “That’s what competition is.”

In front of high school and college coaches during the LSU Football Coaches Clinic on Friday morning, the ever-intense and wired Lewis, now an analyst with ESPN, made an appeal on the main stage inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

“We need to look for hidden gems,” Lewis said.

Lewis, who retired after winning his second Super Bowl in 2013, passed along his usual message: Coaches need to nurture players the respect the essence and roots of the game, which will set the tenor of the locker room based on shared sacrifice but also show empathy and compassion. For Lewis it became the center of his worldview.

From giving up red meat, forsaking swearing, and addressing coaches with the honorific of ‘Sir,’ Lewis’s end goal was to respect the game. And it started with the notion that he had to create his own breaks.

As a freshman at Miami, he left a cafeteria while his teammates ate and ran into a coach on the Hurricanes staff. He was asked why he wasn’t chowing down with his peers.

“I don’t want to eat what they’re serving in there,” Lewis answered. “I’m trying to start.”

“You’re a freshman,” the coach told him.

“I know, but I got visions,” Lewis said.

Finding players with that certainty that starts in their gut and defines their effort is what coaches need to hone in on when they try to build a roster, Lewis said.
“That’s what you as coaches are looking for,” Lewis said. “That’s what’s going to carry your program.”

Lewis laid out seven things coaches can do to foster players with those traits, but he spent over seven minutes parsing on the notion that fear and pain can be the best instructors.

The linebacker, a devout Christian, often talks of events almost being ordained before they happen. And in his final season, a Super Bowl run was envisioned.
Famously, Lewis tore his triceps in an October game at the Dallas Cowboys, underwent surgery and sat out for 11 weeks before rejoining the Ravens for their playoff run that ended in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

“The only thing that defeats pains is recognizing it exists in our lives,” he said.

In a setting where coaches sit in highly technical breakout sessions, Lewis’ hour-long speech hewed more toward trying to tilt worldviews and philosophies toward the job.

Boiled down, Lewis said the objective requires balancing short-term demands against the longer-term end game of why coaches get into the profession.

“Wins and losses can dictate our jobs, sometimes they can get us hired and fired,” Lewis said. “But what actually dictates the bottom line and what dictates your legacy?”


(theneworleansadvocate.com)

SAN DIEGO -- Ryan Raburn and Asdrubal Cabrera each knocked in four runs on Friday as the Indians scored a combined 14 runs over the first two innings en route to a 16-4 drubbing of the Padres at Fowler Park on the campus of the University of San Diego.

"You get in a ballpark like this where the ball is traveling and the infield's fast, [and that can happen]," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "It's a good night, because with a quick turnaround tomorrow, and then the day off Sunday, I wanted our guys to get some at-bats, but I really didn't want to keep them out there. That was probably the perfect [way to do it]."

The Indians got home runs from Yan Gomes, Carlos Santana and Cabrera, and pitcher Zach McAllister -- who is the No. 3 starter in the rotation -- allowed two runs over four innings.

"I thought it was a tough game to pitch, first of all, because he's sitting so long," Francona said of McAllister. "He was at like 90 pitches for four innings tonight. It was a little bit of a struggle just to not have so many deep counts. I think he's throwing the ball fine. He's just got to sharpen up on things and stay away from the longer innings."

The Indians jumped on Padres starting pitcher Matt Wisler for seven runs in the first inning, as the first seven batters in the inning reached base. Cleveland then added seven more runs in the second inning off reliever Blaine Boyer.

Wisler, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Padres' system by MLB.com, allowed seven runs on four hits with two walks in one inning. He'll begin the season at Triple-A El Paso.

"He was off. He just couldn't regroup at all," Padres manager Bud Black said of Wisler. "It's a great learning experience for him, a good test for him. Hopefully, he'll learn from it."

McAllister fared much better, allowing three hits with six strikeouts.

The Padres got on the board when Yonder Alonso slugged a solo home run out to right field in the second inning. Yasmani Grandal knocked in a run with a single in the fourth inning.

Alonso went 2-for-2.

Gomes, Rayburn and Cabrera each finished with three hits.


(mlb.com)

Ryan Braun’s name as an All-Star product endorser became mud in 2013, but can the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder ever regain his spokesman status?

Some corporate sponsors dropped Braun when media coverage first arose that he was being investigated by Major League Baseball. His remaining sponsors dumped Braun in July 2013 when he was suspended for violating MLB’s drug prevention and treatment program.

Among the endorsements Braun lost were Kwik Trip, AirTran Airways, Nike and Muscle Milk. He also appeared in Associated Bank promotions and had his name on three restaurants with SURG Restaurant Group.

Braun, through a Brewers spokesman, declined to comment.

Braun’s efforts to resurrect his star status with Brewers fans, and possibly with advertisers, is a major focus of my coverage Friday in the Milwaukee Business Journal’s print edition. The package looks at the Milwaukee Brewers organization’s business challenges entering the 2014 season.

Somewhat surprisingly, Braun already has two deals for the upcoming season: Franklin Sports Inc. and its “Natural II” batting gloves and 3N2’s baseball and softball footwear and apparel.

3N2 president Marty Graham told me his company never could have afforded to hire Braun before his suspension, but jumped at the opportunity after Nike dropped him.

“Let’s face it — he’s made mistakes,” Graham said. “Obviously we’re working toward the future. We understand a lot of trust needs to be re-earned by Ryan.”

Franklin Sports executives are working with Braun because they view him as one of the best hitters in baseball, said Adam Franklin, director of e-commerce and marketing.

Ryan Braun’s name as an All-Star product endorser became mud in 2013, but can the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder ever regain his spokesman status?

Some corporate sponsors dropped Braun when media coverage first arose that he was being investigated by Major League Baseball. His remaining sponsors dumped Braun in July 2013 when he was suspended for violating MLB’s drug prevention and treatment program.

Among the endorsements Braun lost were Kwik Trip, AirTran Airways, Nike and Muscle Milk. He also appeared in Associated Bank promotions and had his name on three restaurants with SURG Restaurant Group.

Braun, through a Brewers spokesman, declined to comment.

Braun’s efforts to resurrect his star status with Brewers fans, and possibly with advertisers, is a major focus of my coverage Friday in the Milwaukee Business Journal’s print edition. The package looks at the Milwaukee Brewers organization’s business challenges entering the 2014 season.

Somewhat surprisingly, Braun already has two deals for the upcoming season: Franklin Sports Inc. and its “Natural II” batting gloves and 3N2’s baseball and softball footwear and apparel.

3N2 president Marty Graham told me his company never could have afforded to hire Braun before his suspension, but jumped at the opportunity after Nike dropped him.

“Let’s face it — he’s made mistakes,” Graham said. “Obviously we’re working toward the future. We understand a lot of trust needs to be re-earned by Ryan.”
Franklin Sports executives are working with Braun because they view him as one of the best hitters in baseball, said Adam Franklin, director of e-commerce and marketing.

“Everyone deserves a second chance and while we do not condone what happened, we believe that Ryan will be a valuable asset to the Brewers this season,” Franklin said.

Braun will need to start small with underdog brands like 3N2 as he attempts to rebuild his cache, said Dany Berghoff, vice president of sponsorships at the Paley Center for Media in New York City and an expert on athlete endorsement deals.

The key will be for Braun to perform well on the field and stay clean in his drug tests, Berghoff said.

“It’s going to take a real sustained effort by him,” Berghoff said. “I don’t think he’s tainted goods forever.”


(bizjournals.com)

Orioles optioned RHP Kevin Gausman, 2B Jemile Weeks and LHP T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Norfolk.
Gausman, the former fourth overall pick by the Orioles, was forced to the minors by the team's abundance of starting pitching at the major league level. He'll be back with the O's at some point this summer.


(rotoworld.com)

While Travis Ishikawa is expected to make the Pirates' Opening Day roster, Gaby Sanchez will still see the bulk of the playing time at first base.
As a left-handed swinger, Ishikawa would theoretically serve as the long side of a platoon, but it won't be your classic platoon situation. Sanchez will be in the lineup most days after batting .290/.371/.419 this spring. The 30-year-old has hit just .234/.319/.369 over the last two seasons and shouldn't be counted on outside of NL-only leagues.


(rotoworld.com)