Essential The Official ESPN Insider Thread (ESPN+)

[Skooby]

NBA -- Boston Celtics trade scenarios - ESPN

Other teams to watch

Sacramento Kings

Tyreke Evans has long been the apple of Ainge's eye, dating back to the 2009 draft. But considering that the Kings are currently in the midst of a sale, a shake-up doesn't sound likely. DeMarcus Cousins is another name to watch, but it's unlikely for the same reason that Evans might be staying put. The Kings aren't looking to win now so it makes little sense for them to take on Pierce or Garnett at the moment unless a third team is involved.


Houston Rockets

The Rockets are always looking to find a star player to pair with James Harden and they have a crater at the power forward position, so a deal for Garnett's services is interesting on the surface. However, two things: Garnett would have to agree to the deal and, more importantly, is 37 years old with about $24 million left on his deal through age 39. Houston remains a possibility in trade talks simply because it can take on salary and wields attractive trade assets for a rebuilding team, but the Rockets are more likely to participate in a three-team deal, not a straight-up one. But don't count out a Kevin McHale-Garnett reunion.

 

[smARTmouf]

cool...skooby dropping them insiders...

thanks fam..

 

[Jplaya2023]

Could Randolph be next? - NBA Rumors Blog - ESPN

 

[Skooby]

Could Randolph be next? - NBA Rumors Blog - ESPN

Could Randolph be next?

Now that Rudy Gay is headed to Toronto, that leaves Zach Randolph as the big earner in Memphis -- he's guaranteed $17.8 million next season and has a $16.5 million option for 2014-15. With the Grizzlies acquiring 23-year-old power forward Ed Davis as part of the trade, though, we have to wonder if Randolph could follow Gay out the door.

Davis is coming into his own this season, his third in the league, averaging of 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in just over 24 minutes a game. He's had to split time with Amir Johnson his entire time in Toronto, and will again be relegated to a backup role in Memphis as long as Randolph is there.

Now, the Grizzlies don't have to deal Randolph -- today's trade puts them well below the luxury tax for next season -- but it's conceivable that they might entertain the idea of swapping the veteran power forward for a greater need (perhaps a shooting guard?) either this year or next, and moving ahead with Davis as the starter at the 4. Davis and Randolph's player efficiency ratings are very comparable -- Davis is at 18.19 and Randolph at 18.77 entering Wednesday -- however Davis is due to earn only $3.15 million next season, less than a fifth of what Randolph will bring in.

What wing players might make be available in a trade for Randolph? Tyreke Evans is certainly one that comes to mind. J.J. Redikk and/or Arron Afflalo could probably be obtained in the right package. Other names to consider: Avery Bradley, Monta Ellis, Nick Young, Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala, Marcus Thornton and Vince Carter.

 

[Jplaya2023]

Skooby, can you please post this

NBA - Is Chris Bosh a Hall of Famer? - ESPN

and thanks for posting the last article

 

[Skooby]

Skooby, can you please post this

NBA - Is Chris Bosh a Hall of Famer? - ESPN

and thanks for posting the last article

Is Chris Bosh a Hall of Famer?
Analyzing whether or not the Heat star has a chance to be enshrined


Wednesday night, the Miami Heat visit the Brooklyn Nets in a game that may feature as many as five future Hall of Famers -- LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, Deron Williams, and … Chris Bosh?

Surprised? Well, just ask Bosh himself: "I've been a Hall-of-Famer like four years ago," he told Fox Sports on Friday. "And I say that very serious, though. I've talked about it before with my friends."

Is this merely a case of misplaced bravado for the Miami big man? Or is Bosh actually on to something? ESPN The Magazine came to the conclusion in December this wasn't the case, but let's turn to our Hall Monitor, an inventory of yes-or-no questions designed to assess whether a player deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.


Vitals
Position: Power Forward/Center
Weighted Career EWA: 102.7 (Typical HoFer H 127)
Weighted Career Win Shares Above Replacement: 57.4 (Typical HoFer H 78)
Weighted Career VORP: 25.8 (Typical HoFer H 42)

1. Was he ever regarded as the best player in basketball? Did anybody, while he was active, ever suggest that he was the best player in basketball? No. Bosh has never made first-team All-NBA (he made the second team in 2007), and he has never finished higher than seventh in most valuable player balloting. Statistically, his best season was probably 2009-10, and even then he was a fringe top-10 player at best.


2. Was he the best player on his team? In Toronto, yes. Bosh led the Raptors in just about every value metric from the day Vince Carter was traded to New Jersey until the moment Bosh took his talents to South Beach. On the Heat, though, he has never been anything but a third wheel -- a truth Bosh himself would scarcely protest.


3. Was he the best player in basketball at his position? No. As good as Bosh has been, the market for the No. 1 slot at center has been cornered by Dwight Howard for most of his prime. (And even these days, with Howard in a down season, it's tough to make a case for Bosh over Tyson Chandler or Marc Gasol.) Meanwhile, if you consider Bosh a power forward, here comes Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Pau Gasol, among others. It's unlikely that there was ever a point whene Bosh was the best at his position, whatever position that may have been.


4. Did he have an impact on a number of NBA Finals or conference finals? Moderately so. Although he was the Heat's No. 3 option, Bosh has been a key contributor to a pair of NBA Finals teams, one of which won the championship. And during those runs, he had an 18.9 player efficiency rating and averaged 0.160 win shares per 48 minutes, both above-average rates. But that's the extent of Bosh's playoff impact -- with Toronto, he played well but his teams were twice dispatched from the postseason in the first round.


5. Was he good enough that he could play regularly after passing his prime? This one's not applicable yet. Still more than a month shy of his 29th birthday, Bosh has plenty of prime left, much less untold contributions during his decline phase.


6. Will he at some point be the very best basketball player in history who is not in the Hall of Fame? The list of players who debuted within a few seasons of Bosh includes James, Wade, Howard, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudemire. The next wave after that belongs to Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Rajon Rondo, and after that Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, and Russell Westbrook. Because of that, it's tough to envision a future ballot on which Bosh is the clear-cut best eligible player who isn't in the Hall.


7. Are most players who have comparable statistics in the Hall of Fame? It's something of a mixed bag, albeit one tilted toward the HOF. Bob Lanier is a Hall of Famer; Kevin Garnett is destined for Springfield someday as well. Dan Issel's presence is complicated by the fact that a great deal of his Hall case was built on ABA numbers. But Brad Daugherty and Shareef Abdur-Rahim are unlikely to ever make the HOF cut. Bosh's stats are somewhere in the middle of that group, for whatever that's worth.


8. Do the player's numbers meet Hall of Fame standards? Yes. According to Basketball-Reference's Hall of Fame probability metric, which is built on past voting patterns, Bosh would have an 89.3 percent chance of induction if he retired today. That feels quite high to me, but every single player in history who had a HOF probability that high through their age-28 season is either already in the Hall or is a lead-pipe lock to be enshrined someday (think Duncan, Wade, Allen Iverson).


9. Is there any evidence to suggest that the player was significantly better or worse than is suggested by his basic statistics? Based on some research, there's a high likelihood Bosh isn't as good as a stat like PER would suggest, which supports the theory many held that he simply compiled empty numbers on a bad Raptors team. Even so, his plus/minus numbers were legitimately elite as recently as 2009-10, his last season in Toronto. His defense isn't talked about much, but he's above-average at both ends of the floor -- hardly the profile of a soulless stat-stuffer.


10. Will he at some point be the best player at his position who is eligible for the Hall of Fame? It's possible. In the end, it will depend on how quickly Howard and Stoudemire get cleared off the ballot in front of him, and what kind of careers are ultimately forged by younger big men such as Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, and Al Horford (not to mention Andrew Bynum, Joakim Noah, and David Lee).


11. How many MVP-type seasons did he have? Did he ever win an MVP award? If not, how many times was he close? As previously mentioned, Bosh hasn't ever been particularly close to winning an MVP, never even having finished in the top five of the voting. Both 2007-08 and 2009-10 were the seasons when you could make the most plausible case for Bosh as an MVP-type player, but in neither did he crack the top three in PER (the stat he grades most favorably in); he also missed an average of 13.5 games those seasons, for teams that won just 40.5 games on average. It's hard to argue either season exactly qualifies as an MVP-type campaign.


12. How many All-Star-type seasons did he have? How many All-Star Games did he play in? Did most of the players who played in this many All-Star Games go into the Hall of Fame? Yes; somewhat amazingly, Bosh was just elected to his eighth All-Star game. Having eight ASG appearances isn't quite a guarantee for the Hall of Fame (witness the case of Vince Carter), but it's a pretty select group that includes HOFers Lanier, Rick Barry, Dave Cowens, Dave DeBusschere, Alex English and Bill Sharman, along with future HOFer Steve Nash.

Perhaps more impressive are the names Bosh has already passed in this department: Walt Frazier, Kevin McHale, Scottie Pippen, James Worthy, and Willis Reed all finished their careers with just seven All-Star nods. A shallow crop of big men in the East is partly responsible -- Bosh made it in 2010 and 2011 despite sub-20 PERs -- but being named to eight All-Star games is the strongest selling point in Bosh's HOF dossier.


13. If this player were the best on his team, would it be likely that the team could win an NBA title? Probably not. The Bosh-led Raptors maxed out with 47 wins and a first-round loss (to a .500 team) in 2007, and even that was something of an aberration; in none of the surrounding seasons did the Raptors ever finish better than 41-41. Credit goes to Bosh for dragging a team with T.J. Ford, Anthony Parker, and Andrea Bargnani as his supporting cast that far, but he nonetheless has never had the kind of individual production to suggest he could carry a team to a championship as its top player.


14. What impact did the player have on basketball history? Was he responsible for any rule changes? Did he introduce any new equipment? Did he change the game in any way? Was his college and/or international career especially noteworthy? Bosh wasn't a heralded high school prospect until his senior season, and even then he ranked more in the neighborhood of Jason Fraser and Paul Davis than, say, Amare Stoudemire. His college career was more notable for what Georgia Tech did the season after he left -- going all the way to the NCAA title game -- than anything he did while in Atlanta.

Yet Bosh has already carved out a notable place in the pros as a big man who can stretch defenses with his shooting in addition to post scoring. He didn't exactly pioneer that style of play (Kevin Garnett was doing it when Bosh was in middle school), but it's a component of his game, which allowed the Heat to achieve their full potential last spring.


The Verdict: Let's be clear, Bosh's statement that he "was a Hall of Famer four years ago" is ludicrous. He probably would not get in if he retired today, much less after the 2009 season. And perhaps he wasn't necessarily being so literal in his statement and was more inferring he's on track. Well, Bosh is certainly tracking to make the Hall eventually. But he still has a bit of work to do, as all of his weighted career value metrics are currently below the post-merger average for Hall-of-Famers, but he's still relatively young, so there's plenty of time.

Although he's a notch below where players such as Lanier was at the same stage of his career, Bosh is much closer to him than he is to players such as Antawn Jamison, Terry Cummings, Brad Daugherty, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and even HOFer James Worthy. He's by no means a lock, but Bosh still has a very good shot.

 

[FreedS[ohh]lave]

Cleaning out the notebook: Freshman phenom Edrice Adebayo and more - ESPN

 

[Frump]

can you post this skooby? thanks

MLB - Top 100 prospects of 2013 - Jurickson Profar, Dylan Bundy and more - ESPN

 

[Skooby]

Cleaning out the notebook: Freshman phenom Edrice Adebayo and more - ESPN

Just now seeing this, my bad.

Cleaning out the notebook

This week’s Friday notebook includes an introduction to one of the nation’s most impressive freshmen, a look at Indiana’s big recruiting weekend, why John Calipari’s words resonated with the nation’s No. 2 junior, Illinois putting in work on the recruiting trail and much more.

Small town, big star

The estimated population of Pinetown, N.C., is 1,825. With those numbers, odds are 6-foot-8, 225-pound Edrice Adebayo (Pinetown, N.C./Northside) won’t blend in among his neighbors. If the freshman power forward wants to go incognito, he can slide over to neighboring Washington, population 27,000.

Eastern North Carolina produced Dominique Wilkins, Damien Wilkins, Julius Peppers and, most recently, Louisville’s Montrezl Harrell. It’s the kind of place you don’t pass through; you have to make a point to be in. It’s rural and off the beaten path. The people who live there are welcoming and love their sports.


Edrice Adebayo
Power forward
2016
Uncommitted: List

Pos Rk Stars Grade Hometown
NR Gatesville, NC

However, you don’t run into players around there by accident. What happens is that local legend either grows into epic proportions or a player goes out of town and gets noticed. With Adebayo, both happened.

On Wednesday night, the winds blew me to Southside High, where Adebayo’s Northside team played a league game. Nine of the 10 participants looked like normal, small-town high school kids. And then there was Adebayo.

The 15-year-old scored 24 points on limited touches, pulled down 18 rebounds, blocked four shots and made 12-of-18 free throws. None of us have seen enough freshmen to make big claims with heavy conviction. What I can say about Adebayo is that you’re unlikely to find too many power forwards in the 2016 class better than this guy.

This kid has numerous physical and basketball traits working in his favor. He’s super long. Twice he leaped over Southside players for rebounds well above the cylinder -- the kind of boards that count the same as other rebounds but stick in your memory much longer. Twice he went coast to coast (yes, he can handle the ball) and once, like a locomotive briefly veering off the track, he sidestepped a brave soul who was going to step up and take a charge.

Athletic, nimble and graceful with his actions, Adebayo plays hard and effortlessly. However, he was cognizant about picking up fouls, knowing full well his presence was needed.

Adebayo got a lot done, especially considering how infrequently his teammates were able or willing to get him dedicated post touches. Yet this freshman who was recently named a team captain never once showed frustration. He was directing teammates and remaining engaged. The kid can also pass. In a way you rarely see freshmen big men do, he saw the floor, was unselfish and was a capable assist man. It was impressive.

Did I mention he also played with six stitches above his eye courtesy of an elbow he took the night before? He’d spent a long night in the emergency room and was there until 2 a.m. But the thought of sitting out didn’t cross his mind.

Adebayo, as Harrell once did, is averaging 19 rebounds a game. “I know it sounds like I’m padding the stats, but I’m not,” Northside coach Mike Proctor said.

“He’s very competitive,” Proctor added. “He’s been raised right. He does anything I ask. I can fuss at him and he takes coaching well. He does not take losing well.”

North Carolina is chock full of good players in the 2016 class. Adebayo and Harry Giles (Winston-Salem, N.C./Wesleyan Christian) headline what’s shaping up to be a strong class in the state and nationally. There are two elite national-caliber forwards in North Carolina, but one is more difficult to find than the other. Enterprising college coaching staffs will make the effort.

Indiana hosting a prospect party

The gang at ESPN’s “College GameDay” will roll into Bloomington, Ind., this weekend for the big Michigan vs. Indiana showdown. They won’t be alone.

Making his official visit to Indiana will be top-10 junior forward Theo Pinson (Greensboro, N.C./Wesleyan Christian). Flanking Pinson will be ESPN 60 junior guard Phil Booth (Baltimore/Mount St. Joseph’s) and freshman phenom Tyus Battle (Edison, N.J./Gill St. Bernard’s). Others to be on the lookout for include underclassmen Prentiss Nixon, Jalen Coleman, James Blackmon, Vijay Blackmon, Eron Gordon and Hyron Edwards.

Did you really think that just because Tom Crean’s brothers-in-law square off in the Super Bowl he would take it light this weekend?

Cal’s words resonate with Okafor

The nation’s No. 2 junior, center Jahlil Okafor (Chicago/Whitney Young), talked about Kentucky’s approach with him. It’s a chock full of what is becoming a standard recruiting pitch by John Calipari.

“Calipari’s approach is a little different,” Okafor said. “He told me he’d like to have me, but he also said his program wasn’t for everybody. They have great players, and that can elevate your game. He kept it real with me and he told me what to expect.”

Expect one of Okafor’s visits to be Kentucky.

DePaul takes one off the board

Two weeks ago, DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell was in Springfield, Mass., at the Spalding Hoophall Classic. Many thought he was there because Chicago Simeon was in the building. Turns out, seeing the Wolverines’ underclassmen was secondary. Purnell was in the house for senior wing R.J. Curington (Dyer, Ind./Oak Hill Academy).

On Thursday night, Curington committed to Blue Demons. He’ll give Purnell a confident shooting threat, especially from mid-range and along the baseline, where Curington has a good feel for those spots on the floor.

Marquette likes those Chicago guys

It makes sense that Marquette recruits hard in Chicago. It’s a geographical fit and an option for Windy City kids who want to get away, but not too far away. Dwyane Wade is the biggest Chicago success story for the Golden Eagles, and Marquette has Chicagoan Steve Taylor on the roster this season.

So it shocks no one to hear among insiders that the most ardent pursuer of ESPN 60 junior forward Paul White (Chicago/Whitney Young) is, you guessed it, Buzz Williams.

Face time with the right guys

Illinois coach John Groce was in the house at Chicago State University last Saturday for the big Whitney Young vs. Simeon showdown to check up on junior targets White and Okafor in addition to his two Simeon senior signees, Jaylon Tate and Kendrick Nunn.

The fact that Illinois is making a run at Okafor is noteworthy. However, the Illini can’t get any traction with No. 1 junior Tyus Jones (Apple Valley, Minn./Apple Valley), and if my package deal theory for Okafor and Jones holds up, that isn’t a good sign.

Also in the building but not playing that night was junior center Cliff Alexander (Chicago/Curie), another prime Illini target.

Speaking of Illini signees, in one of his first games of the year, Illinois signee Austin Colbert (Gladstone, N.J./Gill St. Bernard’s) had 20 points and 20 rebounds in a recent game. Colbert had been sitting out due to New Jersey transfer rules.

 

[Skooby]

can you post this skooby? thanks

MLB - Top 100 prospects of 2013 - Jurickson Profar, Dylan Bundy and more - ESPN

Ranking the top prospects (1-25)

• Only players who have signed professional contracts are eligible.

• I do not consider players with professional experience in Japan or Korea "prospects".

• I use the 20-80 grading scale in these comments to avoid saying "average" and "above average" thousands of times across the 100 player comments. On that scale, a grade of 50 equals major league average, 55 is above average, 60 is plus, 45 is fringy or below average and so on. Giancarlo Stanton has 80 raw power. David Ortiz has 20 speed. An average fastball for a right-hander is 90-92 mph, with 1-2 mph off for a lefty.

• I've included last year's rank for players who appeared in the top 100 last offseason. An "ineligible" player (IE) was still an amateur at this time last January, whereas an "unranked" player (UR) was eligible but didn't make the cut. I've also tagged players who were on last year's sleepers list or list of 10 players who just missed the cut.


1 Jurickson Profar
Age: 19 (DOB: Feb. 20, 1993)
Bats: Both Throws: Right
Position: SS Organization: Texas Rangers
Top '12 Level: Majors (Rangers)
2012 ranking: 7

2012 MINORS STATS

GM126
AB480
HR14
RBI62
SB16

SO79
BB66
AVG.280
OBP.368
SLG.452

Profar is the best prospect in the minors this year thanks to an incredible combination of tools, skills, and baseball instincts rarely found in players who play in the middle of the field. His feel for the game is unusual for a player of any age, much less a teenager, and should put another nail in the coffin of the old saw that American-born players have better instincts.

He has an outstanding approach at the plate that allowed him to make the two-level jump from low Class A to Double-A without losing much production, and he showed more power this year than I expected; his frame isn't big but he stays upright through contact better now and he does get plenty of hip rotation to drive the ball. At short he has superlative actions with a plus-plus arm and plenty of range in both directions, so there's never been a question about his position.

A good defensive shortstop who posts OBPs around .400 and hits 15-20 homers a year is a player around whom you can build your roster, and who should help keep the Rangers in contention for the next decade.


2 Oscar Taveras
Age: 20 (DOB: June 19, 1992)
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position: OF Organization: St. Louis Cardinals
Top '12 Level: AA (Springfield)
2012 ranking: 53

2012 MINORS STATS


GM124
AB477
HR23
RBI94
SB10

SO56
BB42
AVG.321
OBP.380
SLG.572

If I told those of you who are Cardinals fans that Oscar Taveras would be the next Vladimir Guerrero, you'd take that, right? I disdain player comps since they so often reflect the wrong similarities -- national origin, alma mater, sometimes even facial resemblances -- but this one fits shockingly well aside from their handedness.

Taveras, a left-handed hitter, has a furious swing with outstanding plate coverage, doesn't walk much or strike out much and, new in 2012, has plus raw power. He shortened his swing last offseason, getting his hands a little lower and tighter and creating a more direct path to the ball, but still has the same ability to go out of the zone and square up pitches most hitters could only foul off.

He has played center and right in the minors, but the corner is his more likely home. He'll have plenty of range, although he doesn't have Vlad's arm (few do). Taveras could be up this year and playing every day, with the potential for .300 averages and 30-plus homer seasons at his peak.

3 Dylan Bundy
Age: 20 (DOB: Nov. 15, 1992)
Bats: Both Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Baltimore Orioles
Top '12 Level: Majors (Orioles)
2012 ranking: 11

2012 MINORS STATS


GM23
IP103.2
W9
L3
ERA2.08

SO119
BB28
H67
HR6
BAA.186

Bundy, the fourth overall pick in the 2011 draft, made it pretty clear this spring that he should have gone No. 1, with his height (he's 6 feet tall) and the perceived risk of prep right-handers the only real arguments against him.

He was probably ready for Double-A by midyear if not sooner, but started the season in low Class A on a highly restricted pitch count, tearing the Sally League into tiny pieces before moving up to high-A in late May and pitching extremely well there too. He did that all without his best weapon, a hard cutter that breaks like a slider but at velocities up to 89 mph, which the organization asked him to set aside while he developed his other stuff.

Bundy did work on his other off-speed pitches this year, with a solid-average curveball and a changeup that probably won't be as effective as the cutter, and he has some work to do with fastball command. He has one of the minors' best deliveries, his conditioning is superb and he's a diligent kid with a great work ethic. So while he may not pitch in the Orioles' rotation until 2014 or so, he still has No. 1 starter upside.


4 Wil Myers
Age: 22 (DOB: Dec. 20, 1990)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: OF Organization: Tampa Bay Rays
Top '12 Level: AAA (Omaha)
2012 ranking: 13

2012 MINORS STATS


GM134
AB522
HR37
RBI109
SB6

SO140
BB61
AVG.314
OBP.387
SLG.600

Myers returns to the top ten after an enormous season between Double- and Triple-A that ended, somewhat shockingly, with an offseason trade from the Royals to the Rays in a six-player deal that brought James Shields to Kansas City.

Myers should have debuted in Kansas City last summer, but the team just won't give up on Jeff Francoeur, which may in turn have made Myers more available this winter. His swing is very simple and he has quick wrists to generate bat speed; he's lengthened his stride for his game at-bats, giving him a longer finish for more power with the slight downside of some collapse on his back side, which probably explains the high strikeout rate in Triple. On defense, he can fake center field but belongs in right; he's athletic enough to handle it with a plus arm but needs work on his reads, as you'd expect from a player who was a catcher coming out of the draft.

He's a patient hitter who needs to work on bat control and might struggle to hit for average at first, producing via walks and power, with an eventual ceiling as a high-average, high-power player who hits second or fourth in a lineup and ranks among the top five players in the league. There's just no way the Rays could turn a chance to get a young impact bat like this down.

5 Xander Bogaerts
Age: 20 (DOB: Oct. 1, 1992)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: SS Organization: Boston Red Sox
Top '12 Level: AA (Portland)
2012 ranking: 62

2012 MINORS STATS


GM127
AB476
HR20
RBI81
SB5

SO106
BB44
AVG.307
OBP.373
SLG.523

A year ago, Bogaerts looked like a high-ceiling bat who'd have to find a new position, most likely third base, but a year of full-season ball at shortstop with continued work on maintaining his conditioning has his odds of remaining in the middle of the field up over even money. And a shortstop who can hit like this is a pretty special commodity.

Bogaerts has a very easy, picturesque right-handed swing, with great hand acceleration that leads to surprisingly hard contact -- the ball comes off his bat much better than you'd expect, given his size. He gets his front leg down a little late, which could lead to timing issues but hasn't so far.

He's not likely to become a plus defender at short, but even fringe-average defense there would make him a five-win player or more given his bat. And given how he has managed to keep his waist lean and his lower half athletic so far, I like his chances to do just that.

6 Christian Yelich
Age: 21 (DOB: Dec. 5, 1991)
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Position: OF Organization: Miami Marlins
Top '12 Level: A (Jupiter)
2012 ranking: 48

2012 MINORS STATS

GM107
AB401
HR12
RBI48
SB20

SO85
BB49
AVG.329
OBP.402
SLG.516

Yelich has one of the prettiest swings in the minors, with strong, steady hands; a short and very consistent path to the ball; and good rotational motion giving him some power in his follow-through.

At just 20 years old for the 2012 season, Yelich led the high Class A Florida State League in slugging while finishing second in batting average and OBP (behind a 24-year-old), even hitting left-handed pitchers at a reasonable rate. He's a good athlete and solid-average runner who can handle the range aspects of center field but whose awkward throwing motion has always made him a candidate to move to left field. He has improved just enough that center looks like it might be an option long term.

In left, his bat will still profile as an above-average regular or better as he gets on base and hits 20-plus homers a year, but if he's just an average defender in center he should be a five-win player or better at his peak.

7 Francisco Lindor
Age: 19 (DOB: Nov. 14, 1993)
Bats: Both Throws: Right
Position: SS Organization: Cleveland Indians
Top '12 Level: A (Lake County)
2012 ranking: 35

2012 MINORS STATS

GM122
AB490
HR6
RBI42
SB27

SO78
BB61
AVG.257
OBP.352
SLG.355

Lindor played all of 2012 in a full-season league -- at age 18 one of the youngest regulars anywhere outside of short-season ball -- and handled himself extremely well both at the plate and in the field.

A legitimate switch-hitter, Lindor has a better swing right-handed, keeping his weight back longer and staying steadier through contact, but his left-handed approach is so advanced that he'll be productive from that side even if he never quite equalizes his two swings. On defense he's incredibly instinctive with great hands and a plus arm. The only substantial question is what kind of power he'll have when he matures, since he doesn't have a big frame and his swing doesn't have a ton of loft. But guys who make a lot of hard line-drive contact often end up with above-average power despite a lack of size.

Even if that doesn't happen, he projects as a plus defensive shortstop who posts very high OBPs and steals 20-30 bags a year, a likely All-Star at a position where most teams are desperate for anyone who can catch the ball.


8 Gerrit Cole
Age: 22 (DOB: Sept. 8, 1990)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Pittsburgh Pirates
Top '12 Level: AAA (Indianapolis)
2012 ranking: 10

2012 MINORS STATS

GM26
IP132
W9
L7
ERA2.80

SO136
BB45
H113
HR7
BAA.230

Cole's performance in high Class A and Double-A was solid enough, but it's more impressive when you consider how many things he was working on while putting up those lines.

He has hit 102 mph with his four-seamer, but it's so flat and hitters get a good-enough look at it that it's not his best pitch. He can make it more effective by using his plus-plus changeup, a true swing-and-miss pitch right now, and mixing in more two-seamers in the 94-96 range to keep hitters from squaring up the four-seam version. His slider is up to 87-90 and when it's right it's hard and appears to break very late, although it's not that consistent and he can try to overthrow it.

Cole's biggest issue now is fastball command, not just physically but mentally. He has to break that tendency to try to respond to adversity on the mound by putting the next pitch through the catcher, working instead on locating it and mixing in those other pitches. This was his first full year of calling his own games, with plenty of positives, and given another half-year or so in the minors he should be ready for the Pirates' rotation, with a future as a No. 1 starter.

9 Taijuan Walker
Age: 20 (DOB: Aug. 13, 1992)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Seattle Mariners
Top '12 Level: AA (Jackson)
2012 ranking: 24

2012 MINORS STATS

GM25
IP126.2
W7
L10
ERA4.69

SO118
BB50
H124
HR12
BAA.258

The Mariners wisely chose to jump Walker over the high Class A California League, keeping him away from an insane hitter's park in High Desert but making the 19-year-old the youngest starter to spend the whole season in Double-A.

He's one of the most athletic pitchers in the minors, with a loose, easy delivery that generates plus velocity with minimal effort. He struggled with his off-speed stuff in 2012, with the curveball disappearing for much of the year but becoming consistent again in August. The pitch has good depth, but he needs to tighten it up and maintain his arm speed when throwing it because it can be pretty but too slow, in the 74-75 mph range. His changeup is promising but too hard and straight in the upper 80s, even touching 90, at which point it does the hitter who couldn't sniff the 97 mph fastball a favor.

The fact that Walker held his own in Double-A at such a young age is a great sign for his upside; it's now on him to translate that athleticism into better off-speed stuff and a more aggressive plan with his fastball, allowing him to reach that No. 1 starter upside.

10 Addison Russell
Age: 19 (DOB: Jan. 23, 1994)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: SS Organization: Oakland A's
Top '12 Level: A (Burlington)
2012 ranking: IE

2012 MINORS STATS

GM55
AB217
HR7
RBI45
SB16

SO48
BB23
AVG.369
OBP.432
SLG.594

If teams could redo the 2012 draft today, Russell wouldn't make it to the 11th pick as he did in June, not after a stellar pro debut -- reaching the full-season Midwest League before his 19th birthday.

Russell entered his senior year at Miami's Monsignior Pace HS hearing grave doubts about his ability to remain at shortstop, but chose to drop some of his upper-body muscle and restore his athleticism so scouts would view him as a middle-of-the-diamond player -- which he is, clearly, given how well he played there all spring and summer last year. He has a smooth, repeatable right-handed swing with a line-drive-oriented follow-through, although his bat speed is so good that he could have plus power down the road. At short, his feet are his only weakness, but his hands are off the charts and his arm is more than fine for the left side.

The sample in pro ball was small, but his approach looked very advanced all summer and held even as he moved past his draft classmates. He's a potential impact player in the middle of the field who might reach that point sooner than most prep kids reach the bigs.

 

[Skooby]

11 Miguel Sano
Age: 19 (DOB: May 11, 1993)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: 3B Organization: Minnesota Twins
Top '12 Level: A (Beloit)
2012 ranking: 28

2012 MINORS STATS


GM129
AB457
HR28
RBI100
SB8



SO144
BB80
AVG.258
OBP.373
SLG.521

The highly touted Sano had a real breakout year in 2012: on the field, where he made his full-season debut at age 19, and off it, where he was one of the main subjects of the documentary "Pelotero," which detailed the messy efforts by several clubs, notably the Pirates, to sign him in 2009.

On the field is what matters here, of course, and Sano's year in the Midwest League was an enormous success. He showed huge improvements in his approach at the plate and continued to press hard to keep himself at a size that can keep him in the infield long term. He has some of the easiest power in the minors, with a clean rotational swing that generates most of its power from his hips and legs, driving the ball to all fields and showing he can send the ball to the gaps even when he doesn't get all of it. The spike in his walk rate -- more than 75 percent higher than it was in 2011, even with the jump in levels -- speaks volumes about his willingness to work and make adjustments. That should mitigate concerns about his contact rate (which also improved as the season went on).

On defense, I saw Sano play an indifferent third base in August, but I've had sources tell me they saw more effort there, and he has the arm and the feet to handle the position if he doesn't outgrow it. Third base is a void in the minors right now, so he's far a more valuable asset if he can stay at the position. And with 30-40 homer power and the chance for mid-.300 OBPs, he'd be the anchor for the Twins' lineup for years.



Rank Player
12 Tyler Skaggs
Age: 21 (DOB: July 13, 1991)
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Position: LHP Organization: Arizona Diamondbacks
Top '12 Level: Majors (D-backs)
2012 ranking: 25

2012 MINORS STATS


GM22
IP122.1
W9
L6
ERA2.87



SO116
BB37
H112
HR12
BAA.246

Skaggs' evolution as a pitcher continued in 2012, establishing him as the top left-handed pitching prospect still in the minors.

He'll pitch mostly at 91-93 mph, touching 94 occasionally, with a four-seamer that he'll throw inside to hitters but needs to keep down in the zone as much as possible. His curveball at 74-79 has depth as well as clear two-plane break, although it breaks so much he sometimes has trouble finishing it in the zone. His upper-70s changeup flashes plus with some fading action and good arm speed. Skaggs makes good use of his height (he's 6-foot-3), staying on top of the ball well through release and adding some deception to an otherwise clean delivery. His frame could still handle a little more weight to increase his stamina and maybe add another tick of velocity.

Even as-is, he's a grade of fastball command away from being a No. 2 starter with three above-average-to-plus pitches and the ability to wipe out hitters on both sides of the plate.



Rank Player
13 Zack Wheeler
Age: 22 (DOB: May 30, 1990)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: New York Mets
Top '12 Level: AAA (Buffalo)
2012 ranking: 27

2012 MINORS STATS


GM25
IP149
W12
L8
ERA3.26



SO148
BB59
H115
HR4
BAA.221

It's kind of ironic that the Giants won two World Series in three years, but the trade that sent away their best prospect in 2011 (Wheeler for Carlos Beltran) didn't so much as contribute to a playoff appearance.

Wheeler mopped the floor with Eastern League hitters before a late-season promotion to Triple-A. He'll pitch at 91-96 and touched 98 in a brief stint at the Futures Game. He has an out-pitch curveball up to 80 mph and a straight change that is probably too hard to be truly effective, with lefties posting a .386 OBP against him in Double-A. Wheeler takes a long stride toward the plate with big hip rotation to generate arm speed, and he pitches very aggressively with the fastball.

If he can improve his feel for the changeup, either taking a little off it or adjusting his grip to give it some life, he has a chance for three 60-grade pitches or better on the scouting report -- along with a durable build and the control to pitch in the majors right away, which would make him no worse than a solid No. 2.



Rank Player
14 Travis d'Arnaud
Age: 23 (DOB: Feb. 10, 1989)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: C Organization: New York Mets
Top '12 Level: AAA (Las Vegas)
2012 ranking: 6

2012 MINORS STATS


GM67
AB279
HR16
RBI52
SB1



SO59
BB19
AVG.333
OBP.380
SLG.595

Speaking of players who can't stay healthy, d'Arnaud hits for average and power, throws well, handles pitchers well -- and gets hurt at least once a year, reaching 400 plate appearaces in a season just twice in five years. Injuries to his knees, back, finger and more have kept him off the field.

He has plus raw power, thanks to good hip rotation and a big finish to his swing, giving him 25-30 homer potential if he can ever play a full season. He has solid hand-eye coordination for contact but doesn't walk much, so he might peak as a .280 hitter with a .330-.340 OBP, buoyed more by his power than anything else. His defense has improved substantially since he was first drafted by the Phillies, with throwing the strongest aspect of his game.

Everything about his game is ready for the majors or close to it, but he has to show he can handle a full season without hitting the DL: A player who plays like an All-Star for just 80 games a year but spends the rest in the trainer's room has value but will always be perceived as a disappointment.



Rank Player
15 Mike Zunino
Age: 21 (DOB: March 25, 1991)
Bats: RightThrows: Right
Position: C Organization: Seattle Mariners
Top '12 Level: AA (Jackson)
2012 ranking: IE

2012 MINORS STATS


GM44
AB161
HR13
RBI43
SB1



SO33
BB23
AVG.360
OBP.447
SLG.689

Zunino was the third overall pick and first college player chosen in 2012, a polished offensive catcher out of Florida with no doubts about his ability to stay at the position, offering average to above-average tools but nothing truly plus.

His swing isn't entirely conventional, with a slight drift over his front side, but he keeps his weight back enough to drive the ball. His real asset at the plate is his hands, strong and quick, giving him the ability to go to all fields, and, combined with good leverage from proper hip rotation, at least average power if not better. He's an adequate receiver with an average arm and slowish release, although that last point can be improved with better coaching in pro ball.

He advanced very quickly in his first pro summer, hitting well in a tiny sample in Double-A, and could debut at some point this year, giving the Mariners the long-term catcher they've lacked for years.



Rank Player
16 Jose Fernandez
Age: 20 (DOB: July 31, 1992)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Miami Marlins
Top '12 Level: A (Jupiter)
2012 ranking: 18

2012 MINORS STATS


GM25
IP134
W14
L1
ERA1.75



SO158
BB35
H89
HR2
BAA.191

Fernandez might have had the best year of any pitching prospect in full-season ball, graded just by performance, showing two plus pitches and better command of both of them than expected, reaching high Class A before his 20th birthday in late July.

He comes from just under three-quarters, sits in the mid-90s and will regularly hit the 97-99 range with heavy life (although he's not a big ground ball guy). He throws both a curve and a slider; his downer low-80s curveball is a real swing-and-miss pitch that would miss right-handers' bats in the majors today; the upper-80s slider is also quite effective, with more tilt than the curve to break away from right-handers' bats.

He does have a big frame that sits on the border between "durable" and "heavy," which won't be a problem if he maintains his conditioning but will require more work than the typical pitcher has to do to keep himself in shape. He also needs to develop an average changeup, a pitch he barely had to work on in 2012 because the fastball/breaking ball were so effective, although he did have a modest platoon split at both levels.

The Marlins should push him so that he's challenged in 2013 and forced to make adjustments, including developing that third pitch, to get him closer to that No. 1 starter upside.



Rank Player
17 Anthony Rendon
Age: 22 (DOB: June 6, 1990)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: 3B Organization:Washington Nationals
Top '12 Level: AA (Harrisburg)
2012 ranking: 17

2012 MINORS STATS


GM43
AB133
HR6
RBI12
SB0



SO29
BB23
AVG.233
OBP.363
SLG.489

When he's healthy, he hits, but the man with the cut-glass ankles needs to keep himself on the field for a full season in 2013.

Rendon has tremendous bat speed with a very advanced approach at the plate, discriminating well between balls and strikes and putting himself in favorable counts; his strikeouts are less a result of passivity than a result of mistiming pitches within the zone. He drifts a little over his front side but is so rotational that he can still drive the ball out to the gaps, with 40-50 doubles potential even if he tops out at 15 or so homers. He's blocked at third base by Ryan Zimmerman, which leaves future position in doubt. However, he has excellent instincts and great hands. Although he has always been quick on his feet, that will eventually slip if he keeps hurting his ankles -- and second base, a position that is particularly hard on players' lower halves, seems like a disastrous idea.

He made up for some of the four months he missed during the regular season with a strong campaign in the Arizona Fall League, but still needs to show he can hold up for a full season. His bat isn't that far away once he's healthy enough and there's an opportunity in D.C.



Rank Player
18 Gary Sanchez
Age: 20 (DOB: Dec. 2, 1992)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: C Organization: New York Yankees
Top '12 Level: A (Tampa)
2012 ranking: 55

2012 MINORS STATS


GM116
AB435
HR18
RBI85
SB15



SO106
BB32
AVG.290
OBP.344
SLG.485

Sanchez entered 2012 with few doubts about his bat but many about his receiving skills and his maturity; he continued to hit while answering many of those other questions, earning himself the promotion to high Class A he didn't get out of spring training.

He arrived in Tampa last spring in better shape and improved his receiving substantially over the previous year, not just physically but in his effort level on and off the field, to the point where he's now very likely to remain behind the plate. His arm strength is probably a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, but some hesitation before he releases the ball has it playing below that, something that can probably be improved in time -- and even as is he can show pop times to second base under two seconds.

Sanchez' offensive potential is tremendous; despite an exaggerated leg kick, he gets his lead foot down in time, keeping his weight back enough to drive the ball, even showing doubles power the other way thanks to strong hands and excellent hip rotation. He's aggressive but not a hacker and doesn't expand the zone too much for a 19-year-old in full season ball, although he'll need to tighten up his pitch recognition before he gets to Double-A.

The Yankees were thrilled with his progress this year, including his improved attitude and work ethic, meaning we can seriously talk about him as the Yankees' catcher of the future, perhaps starting as early as 2015.



Rank Player
19 Aaron Sanchez
Age: 20 (DOB: July 1, 1992)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Toronto Blue Jays
Top '12 Level: A (Lansing)
2012 ranking: 96

2012 MINORS STATS


GM25
IP90.1
W8
L5
ERA2.49



SO97
BB51
H64
HR3
BAA.204

If you talked to the Blue Jays this winter about a trade, there was just one prospect you couldn't discuss; teams could and did pry loose the next four guys in their system, but Aaron Sanchez was untouchable. For good reason: Ace stuff like this is too hard to come by for the Blue Jays to let it go.

Even though his body isn't fully mature yet, Sanchez worked in the mid- to upper 90s all year on restricted pitch counts, turning a lineup over a third time in only five of his 25 outings. His curveball became sharper this year and his changeup, his third-best pitch coming into the season, was so effective that he showed a big reverse platoon split -- allowing just two extra-base hits to left-handed batters all year while punching out nearly a third of them. His delivery is very easy and he gets good life on his fastball to keep the ball on the ground. Aside from mot being stretched out to throw 150-plus innings, Sanchez also has to improve his command and control, something no one seriously doubts he'll do given his makeup, his athleticism and how easily he repeats his delivery. It's time for him to take that leap in 2013.

Look for him to start in high Class A and build up to 130 innings or so this year, with a possible ETA of 2014 and a projection as a No. 1 starter a few years beyond that.

 

[Skooby]

20 Jameson Taillon
Age: 21 (DOB: Nov. 18, 1991)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Pittsburgh Pirates
Top '12 Level: AA (Altoona)
2012 ranking: 16

2012 MINORS STATS


GM26
IP142
W9
L8
ERA3.55



SO116
BB38
H120
HR10
BAA.225

Taillon has top-of-the-rotation stuff, not that far behind teammate Gerrit Cole's arsenal, but doesn't miss as many bats as you'd expect given what comes out of his arm and may be more of a 1A to Cole's 1 when it's all said and done.

In his defense, the Pirates have done a lot with Taillon to clean up his delivery, which was more of a "me throw hard now" approach in high school, while also mixing in a two-seamer up to 95 mph to balance the lack of deception from his arm action. His curveball remains a plus pitch and his changeup has improved to the point where it's a legitimate third offering right now. He was on a tight leash early in the season, but acquitted himself well in three Double-A starts at the end of the year, even getting up to 26 batters faced in his last outing, walking just one guy total in those starts.

With better fastball command and more comfort with the two-seamer as an alternative to throwing it through the catcher, he'll come a lot closer to the pitcher we thought the Pirates were getting with the second overall pick in 2010.



Rank Player
21 Shelby Miller
Age: 22 (DOB: Oct. 10, 1990)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: St. Louis Cardinals
Top '11 Level: Majors (Cardinals)
2012 ranking: 5

2012 MINORS STATS


GM27
IP136.2
W11
L10
ERA4.74



SO160
BB50
H138
HR24
BAA.260

Miller had a down-and-up year, struggling for much of the season with his delivery, resulting in flatter stuff and reduced command that explain the high home run rate he suffered in Triple-A. By early August, he'd restored his old mechanics, and the Miller you saw in the majors in September, lighting up the Reds on the final day of the season, is the guy you'll see in the Cardinals' rotation sooner rather than later.

His fastball will reach 97 mph, but he'll sit as a starter in the low- to mid-90s; his hard curveball is his out pitch in the upper 70s to low 80s, while his changeup continues to improve and will flash above-average. Miller's first/second-half splits from Triple-A tell the story of his mechanical issues; after the break, he walked just seven with 70 punchouts and gave up seven of his 24 homers. He's always going to be a little fly-ball prone because of the lack of life on his fastball, but he has the easy delivery to allow him to command it and the out-pitch breaking ball to miss bats.

The Cardinals entertained trade proposals involving Miller, but given how far he has come and the uncertainty around Jaime Garcia's health, I imagine he's untouchable right now.



Rank Player
22 Byron Buxton
Age: 19 (DOB: Dec. 18, 1993)
Bats: RightThrows: Right
Position: CF Organization: Minnesota Twins
Top '12 Level: Rookie (Elizabethton)
2012 ranking: IE

2012 MINORS STATS


GM48
AB155
HR5
RBI20
SB11



SO41
BB19
AVG.248
OBP.344
SLG.448

The second pick in last year's draft, Buxton was one of the class' top athletes: an 80 runner (on the 20-80 scouting scale) with barely any body fat, a plus center fielder who could sit in the low 90s on the mound, but who played high school ball in rural Georgia and showed almost no power in his senior year.

Buxton resembles a young Eric Davis physically, running as well and effortlessly as Davis did before injuries interrupted his career, even better underway than he is home to first. Like Billy Hamilton, Buxton can handle center right now even though his reads on balls need some improvement. Buxton has quick wrists and gets good rotation in his right-handed swing, with good hand-eye coordination but a slight tendency for his swing to get long on balls out of the zone. He has the hip rotation and extension to eventually hit for above-average power, although his back foot comes off the ground as he rotates, which will make it harder for him to drive the ball until it's corrected. After a slow start in pro ball where he started 1-for-27, Buxton hit .290/.380/.529 the rest of the way in 138 at-bats across two levels, more in line with expectations for a slightly older high school senior and giving him a chance to start 2013 in full-season ball at age 19.

He might be a slow mover like fellow Twins prospect Aaron Hicks, but has similar upside as an impact defender in center who can contribute with the bat as well.



Rank Player
23 Kaleb Cowart
Age: 20 (DOB: June 2, 1992)
Bats: BothThrows: Right
Position: 3B Organization: Los Angeles Angels
Top '12 Level: A (Inland Empire)
2012 ranking: UR

2012 MINORS STATS


GM135
AB526
HR16
RBI103
SB14



SO111
BB67
AVG.276
OBP.358
SLG.452

Cowart now ranks as the top prospect in a depleted Angels system, but he'd be at or near the top of most teams' lists on his own merits as a potentially plus defender at third who looks like he'll hit and hit for power.

A two-way star in high school who topped out at 96 mph off the mound, Cowart has great actions at third and really good hands as well as a plus arm, although his release isn't natural for an infielder. At the plate, Cowart is a legitimate switch-hitter, even though his left-handed swing can get a little long, with more power hitting left-handed but better contact when hitting right-handed. His at-bats continue to improve even as he moves up the ladder, and he has proved to be less raw at the plate than expected given how weak his high school competition in rural Georgia was.

The Angels don't have a lot of impact in their system right now, and Cowart is their best chance to produce another homegrown star who can produce 4-5 wins above replacement in a season.



Rank Player
24 Carlos Correa
Age: 18 (DOB: Sept. 22, 1994)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: SS Organization: Houston Astros
Top '12 Level: Rookie (Greeneville)
2012 ranking: IE

2012 MINORS STATS


GM50
AB190
HR3
RBI12
SB6



SO44
BB12
AVG.258
OBP.305
SLG.400

The first overall pick in last year's draft, Correa signed for well under the pick's recommended signing bonus, but was second on my draft board and a valid top selection based strictly on merit; 17-year-old infielders with his kind of raw power and hand-eye coordination aren't terribly easy to come by.

Correa gets tremendous torque from his hip rotation and stays extremely balanced through contact, even though his bat speed is so good it might knock a less coordinated hitter down. He's athletic enough to stay at short now, with plenty of arm, but he's going to be so well-built and physical that it's hard to imagine that he'll stay in the middle of the field. Third base is the most likely destination, one he should be able to handle without trouble.

As a potential 30-homer bat who'll be strong defensively, he has star potential over there, and at 17 he has plenty of time to prove the Astros wise for making him the centerpiece of their 2012 draft class.



Rank Player
25 Trevor Bauer
Age: 22 (DOB: Jan. 17, 1991)
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Position: RHP Organization: Cleveland Indians
Top '12 Level: Majors (D-backs)
2012 ranking: 21

2012 MINORS STATS


GM22
IP130.1
W12
L2
ERA2.42



SO157
BB61
H107
HR9
BAA.230

Forget, for the moment, what you think you know about Bauer, or what you heard second- or third-hand -- some of it from the Diamondbacks organization after Bauer had already traded him to the Indians. If I told you your club could acquire a 22-year-old starter who'd won the Golden Spikes Award in his junior year, who could run his four-seamer up to 97 mph, had a true out-pitch curveball he needed to throw for strikes more consistently, and who was an intelligent kid with strong opinions on pitching plans and maintaining his delivery, would you want him on your team eight days a week or nine?

Bauer's big-league tenure in 2012 was a fiasco, heading downhill when he strained a groin muscle in his first outing and didn't speak up and hitting bottom when he and Miguel Montero ended up in a public feud over their lack of coordination on how to attack hitters, but the biggest problem of all was that Bauer didn't throw strikes when he was behind in the count. Pac 12 hitters might chase stuff out of the zone when they're up 2-0 or 3-1, but most big league hitters won't, and until Bauer shows he can throw his two primary pitches for quality strikes, they'll wait him out.

Given his age and intelligence, there's no reason to think Bauer can't make that adjustment in time, and Cleveland has every incentive to help him get there. I think they just stole a No. 2 starter from Arizona, and even if my long-term concerns about his complex delivery hold true, he might give them 600-800 high-quality innings before anything goes wrong.

 

[L68]

can u post this nfl free agency one plz?


2013 NFL free agency - Bill Polian ranks the top free agents by tier - ESPN

 

[Skooby]

can u post this nfl free agency one plz?


2013 NFL free agency - Bill Polian ranks the top free agents by tier - ESPN

Best available NFL free agents

With the 2012 season officially in the books, attention now turns to team plans for 2013. For NFL front offices, however, that process started long ago.

I'm certain that between now and then you'll see multiple lists ranking this year's free-agent class from No. 1 right on down the line. While I understand why those lists exist, it is not how a real NFL GM approaches free agency. There are several elements that make a comprehensive ranking moot. For starters, players have different values in different systems. A team that plays a lot of Cover 2 might not emphasize a cornerback the same as a blitz-heavy team such as the New York Jets. Dwight Freeney might be a great pickup for a team utilizing a Wide-9 scheme, although he makes less sense as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 set. And while Andy Levitre is a great player, how much does a team want to pay a guard? With all these variables unique to each team, there's no universal value for a player.

As a GM, when I approached free agency, I utilized a tier system based on how I valued players. It involved three classes, which you'll see below:

Free-agency tiers

A Players: Worth paying big, starter-caliber money.
B Players: Guys I would sign but only if the value made sense.
C Players: Guys I'd sign for low-salary, short-term (one or two years) value, with low bonuses.

Within each of those groups, there are further considerations, particularly injuries, age and character. The concern with injury is obvious, as that player might never recapture his previous level of performance or even see the field. Age is a concern for anyone older than 26 because a five-year contract would take the player past age 30, a precipice after which players usually decline rapidly. This is a concern for some positions more than others, however, and must account for how much a player has been used to that point. An every-down running back at age 26 might have less tread on his tires than a 28-year-old who has seen limited carries to this point.

Based on the information we have as of Feb. 4 and using my tier system, what follows is a 35,000-foot view of the free-agent landscape based on player performance, positional scarcity and the overall market for certain players. In short, these names are my best available free agents for 2013.

As teams make additional cuts, there likely will be new names added to the mix before March 12. For now, we're working with the players normally scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency. Where applicable, I've indicated any concerns I have due to age, injury or character. They are grouped first by tier, then by position. Appearing higher within a certain tier does not mean a player is more valuable than those below him.


Statistics are inclusive of postseason where applicable.

Tier A: Offense

Joe Flacco
DOB: 1/16/85HT: 6-6WT: 245POS: QB2012 TEAM: Baltimore
Att 657Comp 390Yds 4,957TD 33INT 10QBR 55.3Player Analysis
I would assume he will be franchised or reach a long-term agreement with the Ravens. He definitely deserves top-tier money, however; he has proved that much. Flacco is streaky, but when he's on, he can win for you. This past postseason has shown exactly that.


Steven Jackson
DOB: 7/22/83HT: 6-2WT: 240POS: RB2012 TEAM: St. Louis
Att 257Yds 1,042Avg 4.1Long 22Fum 0TD 4Player Analysis
For running backs, seven seasons is about the time when tread runs out on their tires. Jackson has been in the league for nine, but I think he's the best back no one really celebrates. His age and service time are a concern but he's a warrior and a guy you want on your team. If the price is right, a contender could get him for two to three years and feel pretty good about it. I think he could be a Corey Dillon-like find but without the baggage. He's a true blue guy.


Wes Welker
DOB: 5/1/81HT: 5-9WT: 185POS: WR2012 TEAM: New England
Rec 134Yds 1,602Avg 11.5Long 59TD 6Player Analysis
He will be 32 at the start of the 2013 season and is a big age concern. How much money do you want invested in a player who is small, is not very fast and excels in New England's offense but doesn't have a lot of years in front of him? That's the question teams face with Welker. The Patriots didn't sign him long term, which should be an indicator of his value. Will they franchise him at $12 million? I don't know. Will he command more on the open market? I don't know. You can't deny he's a good player. It's his value that remains a question.


Mike Wallace
DOB: 8/1/86HT: 6-0WT: 199POS: WR2012 TEAM: Pittsburgh
Rec 64Yds 836Avg 13.1Long 82TD 8Player Analysis
Wallace is a good route runner, has good instincts and typically has good hands, but he's small and you worry about injury. Inconsistency in the past also is a concern. Pittsburgh didn't reach a deal with him, which will make some teams wary, but this league is always looking for WRs with speed who can take the top off a defense -- and he can do that.


Martellus Bennett
DOB: 1/10/87HT: 6-6WT: 265POS: TE2012 TEAM: NY Giants
Rec 55Yds 626Avg 11.4Long 33TD 5Player Analysis
Bennett is young, but to date he has never really lived up to his potential. He has great speed, above average hands and good size to be a good blocker, but he doesn't play consistently. He's one of those free-agent gambles who might or might not pay off.


Jared Cook
DOB: 4/7/87HT: 6-5WT: 248POS: TE2012 TEAM: Tennessee
Rec 44Yds 523Avg 11.9Long 61TD 4Player Analysis
I think there's a lot of upside for Cook, but he has not played to the level of an A player just yet. Still, I think he'll command some money based on his potential. He is more consistent than Bennett and had a better year in 2013, but I'm always a little skeptical of players who come on in a contract year. There's a chance he could be franchised.


Greg Jones
DOB: 5/9/81HT: 6-1WT: 265POS: FB2012 TEAM: Jacksonville
Att 5Yds 8Avg 1.6Long 4Fum 0TD 0Player Analysis
Even at age 31, Jones is a good player and adds value because of his toughness and work ethic. If he's affordable, he's a guy I want on my football team. Of course the questions are: Can he pass a physical? And is he affordable? He is one of the few FBs who can carry the ball and do it well.


Andy Levitre
DOB: 5/15/86HT: 6-2WT: 305POS: G2012 TEAM: Buffalo
GP 16GS 16Player Analysis
Levitre is a very solid, professional, strong, offensive guard. While he has the talent, his position might limit the money he'll see.


Ryan Clady
DOB: 9/6/86HT: 6-6WT: 315POS: T2012 TEAM: Denver
GP 16GS 16Player Analysis
His shoulder injury might be a concern, but he has been solid for the Broncos since he was a rookie. Tackles such as Clady command big money, and he will, too … assuming his shoulder is OK.


Sebastian Vollmer
DOB: 7/10/84HT: 6-8WT: 320POS: T2012 TEAM: New England
GP 15GS 15Player Analysis
Pass protection is his strong suit. He has pretty good feet and long arms, and moves well. He has had some injury concerns, but he came to football late in life (relatively speaking), so there might be some latent upside. It would be worth sinking some money into him, assuming he's got a clean bill of health.


Jermon Bushrod
DOB: 8/19/84HT: 6-5WT: 315POS: T2012 TEAM: New Orleans
GP 16GS 16Player Analysis
He's big and powerful, but Bushrod is not a great pass protector and his feet are a concern. His size and length help him some, though. As an all-around guy, he's a fit. A long-term deal should still provide decent value for a team.


Gosder Cherilus
DOB: 6/28/84HT: 6-7WT: 325POS: T2012 TEAM: Detroit
GP 16GS 15Player Analysis
Solid, but nothing spectacular, Cherilus has no glaring deficiencies. Solid tackles are hard to come by, but with lots of linemen in the draft, it might drive down the money for linemen in this free-agent class. GMs know that, and it will be reflected in their offers. I put him with the A's because he's been a reasonably good starter for a time.


Jake Long
DOB: 5/9/85HT: 6-7WT: 319POS: T2012 TEAM: Miami
GP 12GS 12Player Analysis
His reputation will make him an A player, but he is an injury and age concern to me. He is turning only 28 to start next season, but he already has played 74 games, making a long-term deal a risk. He's missed time the past two seasons as well. Someone will pay him, though.


Branden Albert
DOB: 11/4/84HT: 6-5WT: 316POS: T2012 TEAM: Kansas City
GP 16GS 16Player Analysis
He's a high draft choice who has disappointed at tackle for Kansas City. There has been some talk about him moving to guard, which is where I see him fitting best and which will affect the offers he receives. I tend to slot him more as a B player, but certain teams get enamored by size and he's certainly got that (6-foot-5, 316 pounds), so there probably will be a market for him.


Tier A: Defense

Henry Melton
DOB: 10/11/86HT: 6-3WT: 295POS: DT2012 TEAM: Chicago
Tkl 43Solo 31Sack 6.0FF 2Player Analysis
Melton is a converted college FB who became a great 3-technique player in a Dungy Tampa 2 defense. The trouble is, he fits only that defense and that seriously limits his market. That said, if you're going to play that scheme, this position is of critical importance.


Randy Starks
DOB: 12/14/83HT: 6-3WT: 305POS: DT2012 TEAM: Miami
Tkl 27Solo 18Sack 4.5FF 0Player Analysis
He's older, but he could be effective as an inside, space-eating 3-4 or power 4-3 kind of tackle. He had a very good year with Miami. This type of player is hard to find, so I imagine he'll have a market.


Anthony Spencer
DOB: 1/23/84HT: 6-3WT: 250POS: DE2012 TEAM: Dallas
Tkl 95Solo 55Sack 11.0FF 2Player Analysis
He played OLB in Dallas' 3-4 scheme, but I think he's more of a 4-3 end. He is an outstanding pass-rusher. As I mentioned earlier, I'm normally wary of players having good seasons in contract years, but putting him at OLB doesn't allow him to do what he does best, which is rush upfield. And I see upside for him in a 4-3 scheme.


Cliff Avril
DOB: 4/8/86HT: 6-3WT: 260POS: DE2012 TEAM: Detroit
Tkl 35Solo 28Sack 9.5FF 2Player Analysis
Avril is an outside rusher who is not particualrly stout against the run, but pass-rushers are always in demand. I see low-A money in his future, but not right on the mark. He's a talented player and young (27 in 2013 season).


Dwight Freeney
DOB: 2/19/80HT: 6-1WT: 268POS: DE2012 TEAM: Indianapolis
Tkl 12Solo 10Sack 5.0FF 1Player Analysis
As you'd imagine I'm rather familiar with him. I see Freeney as a fit in a Wide-9 scheme or as a 4-3 DE. I believe he still has a lot of talent, but age is definitely a concern.


Michael Johnson
DOB: 2/7/87HT: 6-7WT: 270POS: DE2012 TEAM: Cincinnati
Tkl 54Solo 36Sack 11.5FF 0Player Analysis
Great size and production (11.5 sacks) make him an ideal target for teams in the market for a pass-rusher.


Paul Kruger
DOB: 2/15/86HT: 6-4WT: 270POS: LB2012 TEAM: Baltimore
Tkl 56Solo 39Sack 13.5FF 2Player Analysis
An outside pass-rusher, Kruger can play OLB or DE. He is coming off his rookie contract and really came into his own this season. He's become a very efficient pass-rusher, and there is a market for a player like that.


Rey Maualuga
DOB: 1/20/87HT: 6-1WT: 268POS: LB2012 TEAM: Cincinnati
Tkl 122Solo 62Sack 1.0FF 0Player Analysis
He's had off-field issues, although none recently. I think free agency will really benefit him because he's more of a B player, but he is a starter in Cincy and could be a solid starter elsewhere. There aren't a lot of interior LBs on the market, so I think he'll command A money.


Brent Grimes
DOB: 7/19/83HT: 5-10WT: 183POS: CB2012 TEAM: Atlanta
Tkl 6Solo 6Sack 0FF 0INT 0Player Analysis
Solid young player, but injury concern (Achilles) might reduce his value. He's a starting-caliber corner if he answers his health question.


Cary Williams
DOB: 12/23/84HT: 6-1WT: 190POS: CB2012 TEAM: Baltimore
Tkl 102Solo 88Sack 1.0FF 0INT 6Player Analysis
Williams is a very good man-to-man corner who stepped in for Lardarius Webb and outpaced expectations with the Ravens. He's probably low A, but because of his good year, I think he'll be able to cash in and get A-level money.


William Moore
DOB: 5/18/85HT: 6-0WT: 221POS: S2012 TEAM: Atlanta
Tkl 86Solo 63Sack 1.0FF 2INT 4Player Analysis
Moore is not a spectacular player, but he could start for most teams in the league. He's a good all-around type, solid in all phases of the game.


Jairus Byrd
DOB: 10/7/86HT: 5-10WT: 203POS: S2012 TEAM: Buffalo
Tkl 76Solo 53Sack 0FF 4INT 5Player Analysis
Timed speed is a question mark, but instincts, toughness and production are not.


Louis Delmas
DOB: 4/12/87HT: 5-11WT: 202POS: S2012
TEAM: Detroit
Tkl 38Solo 28Sack 0FF 0INT 1Player Analysis
Delmas has good range and good instincts, and is very tough. He battled a knee injury all season, but I see him as a very interesting safety. His position might not command a big-money deal, however.


Ed Reed
DOB: 9/11/78HT: 5-11WT: 205POS: S2012 TEAM: Baltimore
Tkl 73Solo 53Sack 0FF 0INT 5Player Analysis
For years, Reed has been the best safety in the NFL, unconventional as he might be. His instincts are unparalleled, but age is a concern at this stage of the game, and I'm not sure whether there's a long-term deal out there for him. He probably will go back to Baltimore, but I've seen some rumors mention New England. That's a possibility. He is on the down side of his career but still is a great player and a Hall of Famer. Could he have value as a tutor for younger players? Sure, but no one plays the position like Reed does. He's one of the smartest and most unconventional safeties I've seen, and I don't think anyone could emulate him.


LaRon Landry
DOB: 10/14/84HT: 6-0WT: 220POS: S2012 TEAM: NY Jets
Tkl 99Solo 75Sack 0FF 4INT 2Player Analysis
Landry had a good year for a bad team. He's a striker, a big hitter. While he is a little older, he's still a pretty serviceable player. We're closer to B territory now, but for a team looking for a safety, he could do a good job.


Glover Quin
DOB: 1/15/86HT: 6-0WT: 207POS: S2012 TEAM: Houston
Tkl 84Solo 64Sack 1.0FF 2INT 2Player Analysis
Just an athletic, tough safety. If you want a safety to play man, cover ground, and go up and play in the nickel on the line of scrimmage, this is a guy who does all of that well. I think he has more value to Houston than to another team, so I think the Texans will do what they can to sign him. Within the role he plays, he's very good.

 

[Skooby]

Tier A: Special Teams

Dustin Colquitt
DOB: 5/6/82HT: 6-3WT: 210POS: P2012 TEAM: Kansas City
Punts 83Avg 46.8Long 71TB 7In20 45Player Analysis
If you're in the market for a punter, there are good ones on the market. People don't really chase punters, but Colquitt is one who can flip the field, and that bears mentioning.


Shane Lechler
DOB: 8/7/76HT: 6-2WT: 230POS: P2012 TEAM: Oakland
Punts 81Avg 47.2Long 68TB 9In20 21Player Analysis
Lechler is an incredibly gifted punter. He can flip the field seemingly whenever he wants and manipulate the ball to his bidding. I'd rank him slightly ahead of Colquitt, but both are talented. How much do you want to pay for a punter? That will depend on the team. But he's a weapon.


Pat McAfee
DOB: 5/2/87HT: 6-1WT: 220POS: P2012 TEAM: Indianapolis
Punts 73Avg 48.2Long 64TB 8In20 26Player Analysis
He is a B as a punter, but he also is a good kickoff guy and can be a kicker, so there's value in that versatility as you manage a limited roster. Indianapolis might pay him if the Colts believe he can replace Adam Vinatieri eventually. He's not the punter Lechler or Colquitt is, but just a notch below. He has become better directionally than in the past.


Tier B: Offense (notables)

As I mentioned above, the B players are guys worth pursuing only if you can get them at a good value. A lot of these players might surprise you because there are some big names in this group. For those, I've detailed some of the reasons keeping them out of A territory. I've also provided some detail on players I think could be particularly appealing in this tier. The remainder are grouped into the chart below.


Derek Anderson
DOB: 6/15/83HT: 6-6WT: 230POS: QB2012 TEAM: Carolina
Att 4Comp 4Yds 58TD 0INT 0QBR 91.6Player Analysis
Teams without a quarterback probably will consider him. He has proved to be relatively reliable over the course of his career. As a backup he's ideal, but if the price is right, you ought to think about him as a starter.


Drew Stanton
DOB: 5/7/84HT: 6-3WT: 243POS: QB2012 TEAM: Indianapolis
Att 0Comp 0Yds 0TD 0INT 0QBR N/APlayer Analysis
Stanton certainly warrants consideration as a backup and might even have starting ability, but he does not have the body of work Anderson does. He's an interesting prospect.


Felix Jones
DOB: 5/8/87HT: 5-10WT: 215POS: RB2012 TEAM: Dallas
Att 111Yds 402Avg 3.6Long 22Fum 1TD 3Player Analysis
You'll recognize the name, but 2012 was just the second time in his five-year career he's played 16 games.


Javon Ringer
DOB: 2/2/87HT: 5-9WT: 213POS: RB2012 TEAM: Tennessee
Att 2Yds 14Avg 7.0Long 9Fum 0TD 0Player Analysis
Ringer is a good short-yardage and goal-line runner. He's coming off a serious knee injury, which worries me, but he's a solid player. I see him as a No. 2 back in a San Francisco-style attack. In Indianapolis, we needed and wanted someone like him.


Reggie Bush
DOB: 3/2/85HT: 6-0WT: 203POS: RB2012 TEAM: Miami
Att 227Yds 986Avg 4.3Long 65Fum 4TD 6Player Analysis
He's a name, but at this stage in his career, he's a third-down guy.


Greg Jennings
DOB: 9/21/83HT: 5-11WT: 198POS: WR2012 TEAM: Green Bay
Rec 46Yds 481Avg 10.4Long 45TD 5Player Analysis
Jennings will be a big name, but this is the classic question mark: How much do you pay a guy who will turn 30 at the start of the 2013 season and is coming off of two injury-plagued seasons?


Dwayne Bowe
DOB: 9/21/84HT: 6-2WT: 221POS: WR2012 TEAM: Kansas City
Rec 59Yds 801Avg 13.6Long 47TD 3Player Analysis
Bowe is certain to be one of the names all the gurus will be talking about, but he has inconsistent hands. The QB situation in Kansas City doesn't affect him that much; you have to catch the ball when it's thrown to you. Bowe will intrigue some people, and others will shy away.


Danny Amendola
DOB: 11/2/85HT: 5-11WT: 188POS: WR2012 TEAM: St. Louis
Rec 63Yds 666Avg 10.6Long 56TD 3Player Analysis
He's coming off injury, but I see him as a younger Wes Welker. He's a good possession receiver.


Austin Collie
DOB: 11/11/85HT: 6-0WT: 204POS: WR2012 TEAM: Indianapolis
Rec 1Yds 6Avg 6.0Long 6TD 0Player Analysis
Injuries are the concern, particularly the concussions. That will be reflected in the amount of money he gets. If you're willing to gamble a little on the health questions and he can put it behind him, Collie is a very solid slot receiver -- smart, tough and resourceful.


Josh Cribbs
DOB: 6/9/83HT: 6-1WT: 215POS: WR2012 TEAM: Cleveland
Rec 7Yds 63Avg 9.0Long 24TD 0Player Analysis
At this stage, Cribbs is a return man only, and his age will drive the price and longevity of term down.


Anthony Fasano
DOB: 4/20/84HT: 6-4WT: 255POS: TE2012 TEAM: Miami
Rec 41Yds 332Avg 8.1Long 22TD 5Player Analysis
Receiving and speed aren't his strong suits, but he can block. As a solid, all-around guy, he'll get the job done.


Delanie Walker
DOB: 8/12/84HT: 6-0WT: 242POS: TE2012 TEAM: San Fran
Rec 26Yds 429Avg 16.5Long 45TD 3Player Analysis
He's a valuable role player. He can catch the ball, block, even play a little fullback. At the right price, he's a good addition to a contending team. He's reliable.


Gary Barnidge
DOB: 9/22/85HT: 6-5WT: 250POS: TE2012 TEAM: Carolina
Rec 6Yds 78Avg 13.0Long 24TD 1Player Analysis
Built with a long body, he catches pretty well and has been pretty reliable. He won't be a big-money guy, but he'll probably be a pretty good addition to a team.


Tier B: Defense (notables)

Kevin Vickerson
DOB: 1/8/83HT: 6-5WT: 290POS: DT2012 TEAM: Denver
Tkl 40Solo 28Sack 2.0FF 1Player Analysis
Age is a concern, but he plays awfully well. Defensive tackles tend to play a little longer than most positions, though, so the risk isn't as big as with other positions.


Terrance Knighton
DOB: 7/4/86HT: 6-3WT: 330POS: DT2012 TEAM: Jacksonville
Tkl 32Solo 20Sack 2.0FF 2Player Analysis
His lack of consistent effort and conditioning is a concern.


Sen'Derrick Marks
DOB: 2/23/87HT: 6-2WT: 294POS: DT2012 TEAM: Tennessee
Tkl 41Solo 30Sack 2.0FF 1Player Analysis
An interior pass-rusher and pretty good at it, Marks will be sought after. He has gotten better against the run over the years as well. For teams with a need at defensive tackle, he fits the bill.


Ricky Jean Francois
DOB: 6/23/87HT: 6-3WT: 295POS: DT2012 TEAM: San Fran
Tkl 24Solo 13Sack 2.0FF 0Player Analysis
Another player I've seen improve year over year, he can play all three 3-4 defensive line positions, although he probably is better suited to play a 3-4 end. A solid player, he is young and has shown he can develop.


Glenn Dorsey
DOB: 8/1/85HT: 6-1WT: 297POS: DE2012 TEAM: Kansas City
Tkl 7Solo 4Sack 0FF 0Player Analysis
Dorsey has never played to the level of his draft position, but his big name will command attention.


Mike DeVito
DOB: 6/10/84HT: 6-3WT: 305POS: DE2012 TEAM: NY Jets
Tkl 52Solo 27Sack 1.0FF 2Player Analysis
He's a hard-playing run-defender, and teams that play the 3-4 will take a look at him as a valuable role player.


Justin Durant
DOB: 9/20/85HT: 6-1WT: 240POS: LB2012 TEAM: Detroit
Tkl 103Solo 82Sack 0.5FF 0Player Analysis
Durant is still young, with upside. Depending on the value of the deal, he could make for a good pickup. Some might see him as an A.


Philip Wheeler
DOB: 12/12/84HT: 6-2WT: 240POS: LB2012 TEAM: Oakland
Tkl 109Solo 78Sack 3.0FF 2Player Analysis
Wheeler had a good year in Oakland in 2012. His best position is SAM LB, which is not a big-demand position. But he can run, hit and blitz. He's gotten better every year.


Erik Walden
DOB: 12/12/84HT: 6-2WT: 240POS: LB2012 TEAM: Green Bay
Tkl 46Solo 27Sack 3.0FF 0Player Analysis
He's an up-and-coming guy. He flies around the field and is tough. He's well suited to the 3-4, young and with upside. I don't see a big market, but nonetheless he's an asset.


Captain Munnerlyn
DOB: 4/10/88HT: 5-8WT: 190POS: CB2012 TEAM: Carolina
Tkl 61Solo 48Sack 0FF 0INT 2Player Analysis
He's a fit as a nickel CB who has good skills and insticnts. He can also contribute in the return game.


Patrick Chung
DOB: 8/19/87HT: 5-11WT: 210POS: S2012 TEAM: New England
Tkl 44Solo 29Sack 0FF 0INT 2Player Analysis
He has a big name and talent, but he's an injury concern.


Tier B: Special Teams

Rob Bironas
DOB: 1/29/78HT: 6-0WT: 210POS: K2012 TEAM: Tennessee
FGM 25FGA 31LNG 53XPM 35XPA 35Player Analysis
Bironas is old but still a good kicker.


Lawrence Tynes
DOB: 5/3/78HT: 6-1WT: 194POS: K2012 TEAM: NY Giants
FGM 33FGA 39LNG 50XPM 46XPA 46Player Analysis
He gets points for handling the winds of the Meadowlands and for his experience in clutch situations.

Remaining B's

Remaining B free agents

Player Position DOB 2012 team Concerns
Matt Moore QB 8/9/84 Miami --
Danny Woodhead RB 1/25/85 New England --
Shonn Greene RB 8/21/85 NY Jets --
Brandon Tate WR 10/5/87 Cincinnati --
Donnie Avery WR 6/12/84 Indianapolis --
Devery Henderson WR 3/26/82 New Orleans --
Darius Reynaud WR 12/29/84 Tennessee --
Brandon Gibson WR 8/13/87 St. Louis --
Dustin Keller TE 9/25/84 NY Jets Injury
Cameron Morrah TE 3/18/87 Seattle Injury
Kevin Boothe OG 7/5/83 NY Giants --
Brandon Moore OG 6/3/80 NY Jets --
Sam Baker OT 5/30/85 Atlanta --
Dwan Edwards OT 5/16/81 Carolina --
Andre Smith OT 1/25/87 Cincinnati --
Will Beatty OT 3/2/85 NY Giants --
Issac Sopoaga NT 9/4/81 San Fran Age
Jason Jones DT 5/23/86 Seattle --
Lawrence Sidbury DE 2/6/86 Atlanta --
Israel Idonije DE 11/17/80 Chicago Age
Robert Geathers DE 8/11/83 Cincinnati --
Manny Lawson LB 7/3/84 Cincinnati --
Shaun Phillips LB 5/13/81 San Diego --
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB 4/7/86 Philadelphia --
Leodis McKelvin DB 9/1/85 Buffalo Injury
Tracy Porter CB 8/11/86 Denver Injury
Kenny Phillips S 11/24/86 NY Giants --
Tier C

Now we're into roster filler territory. That isn't to say these players won't contribute and can't provide value, but they aren't going to command a long-term commitment nor a particularly big salary.


Tier C free agents

Player Position DOB 2012 team Concerns
Michael Adams CB 6/17/85 Arizona --
Nick Eason DE 5/29/80 Arizona --
Rashad Johnson S 1/2/86 Arizona --
James Sanders S 11/11/83 Arizona --
James Ihedigbo S 12/3/83 Baltimore -
Ma'ake Kemoeatu NT 1/10/79 Baltimore Injury
Bryant McKinnie OT 9/23/79 Baltimore Injury
Tashard Choice RB 11/20/84 Buffalo --
Jordan Senn LB 6/11/84 Carolina --
Kelvin Hayden CB 7/23/83 Chicago Injury/Age
Bruce Gradkowski QB 1/27/83 Cincinnati --
Brian Leonard RB 2/3/84 Cincinnati --
Mike Nugent K 3/2/82 Cincinnati --
Phil Dawson K 1/23/75 Cleveland Age
Kaluka Maiava LB 12/27/86 Cleveland Injury
Mohamed Massaquoi WR 11/24/86 Cleveland --
Juqua Parker DE 5/15/78 Cleveland Age
Ben Watson TE 12/18/80 Cleveland --
Jacob Hester RB 5/8/85 Denver --
Dan Koppen C 9/12/79 Denver Age
Jim Leonhard S 10/27/82 Denver Injury/Age
Kevin Smith RB 12/17/86 Detroit Injury
Derek Landri DT 9/21/83 Philadelphia Injury/Age