Live Chat: Friday sports talk

(06/06/2008)

11:56

We're up and running, and we'll be fielding your questions and comments as they come in (or as quickly as we can get to them anyway).

Friday June 6, 2008 11:56

11:58

Of course baseball is center stage for many folks, what with the Tigers making their run in the NCAA tournament, Shooter Hunt and company getting drafted yesterday, and the Zephyrs ... well, at least Boudreaux is awesome.

Friday June 6, 2008 11:58

12:00

I was plugged into the draft yesterday, and it was an interesting series of events ... as it usually is. At least this year teams didn't seem to be shying away from the big contracts.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:00

12:01

Not to any large degree anyway ... methinks Buster Posey would have gone higher had the contract not been an issue. I watched him in person last weekend when he jacked more home runs than Mark McGuire. I came away convinced -- he's going to be good.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:01

12:01

[Comment From RobRob: ]

What's going on with Chris Paul's new deal?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:01 Rob

12:03

Well, it can't officially get done for another month, so you won't see any official news on the subject until then.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:03

12:03

The latest heard is that negotiations are ongoing -- both sides obviously consider it a priority.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:03

12:04

I'll say this: I feel more optimistic about this deal happening than Will Smith's, and I happen to think Smith's deal will get done sooner or later.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:04

12:04

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

how many games do u c d finals goin

Friday June 6, 2008 12:04 jiggajon33

12:07

I really like Boston in this series, which is a radical change from what I was thinking following the Celtics' first two playoff series. Then again, before the playoffs even started I thought they were the favorites. Just too much talent on that team.

Kobe will have to have a transcendent series to keep the Lakers in it -- that said, I think he will and the Celtics will win it in 7.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:07

12:08

But I've been wrong often. :-)

Friday June 6, 2008 12:08

12:08

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

if hornet do a max deal with cp3 . will there still b caproom or will we have to do a sign and trade to get f/a

Friday June 6, 2008 12:08 jiggajon33

12:10

There won't be much room at all, though that is hardly unusual. Most teams in the league are at or over the cap, meaning salary retructuring is an issue for lots of people right now. It's getting to the point where free agency is becoming a very secondary method of player acquisition -- trades are where the big names can be had nowadays.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:10

12:11

The Hornets will be fine, though I'd feel more comfortable if they did well in the draft this month.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:11

12:11

[Comment From saints4eva06saints4eva06: ]

The saints currently have 9 or 10 CB's on there roaster, why dont we cut about 4 of them and get us a lock down corner. Lito S, is old but still has play making abilites. Who is still out there and what do you think about our CB's

Friday June 6, 2008 12:11 saints4eva06

12:12

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Is there anyway we can get Sheldon Brown instead of Lito Shepherd?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:12 Stephen

12:13

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

goodone

Friday June 6, 2008 12:13 jiggajon33

12:13

I love Lito as a player, but it's just not going to happen. The Eagles are notorious for asking for too much in trades, and from everything I've heard, the Saints haven't even made any sort of serious inquiry.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:13

12:15

Why 9-10 corners? Because they obviously don't feel great about what they have at the position (hence the Butler signing this week). A little birdie told me that McKenzie really isn't expected to be ready by the start of the regular season, so lots of these younger guys will get their chance to shine. Watch Porter and Young during the offseason to see how they progress. That might tell you how this defense will utlimately fair in '08.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:15

12:16

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Why do the Saints like Josh Bullocks?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:16 Stephen

12:16

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Is Jay Bellamy or Fred Thomas still with the Saints?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:16 Stephen

12:18

Those two are gone. The Saints will undoubtedly continue to weed through the position further, however.

As for Bullocks, getting him more experience is critical. If halfway through the season he is still having the same problems, I'd think it would be time to pull the plug.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:18

12:19

[Comment From RobRob: ]

Do you think Charles Grant's legal "issues" are going to be a problem?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:19 Rob

12:20

If he's convicted, he and the Saints are in for a world of hurt (both legally and from the ax Roger Goodell swing). Until that time, it will simply be a distraction.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:20

12:20

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

A lot is made about the Giants and their SuperBowl run with their rotating defensive line. But the other reason was because they could pound the rock, holding on to the ball and running out the clock with Brandon Jacobs. If Deuce goes down - will Pierre and Aaron Stecker put fear in the hearts of opposing defenses from getting run over?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:20 Stephen

12:21

No.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:21

12:21

But they can be effective. Should Deuce go down, I'd feel less comfortable about the team's chances, but they showed last year they can at least "get by" without Deuce.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:21

12:22

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

i saw d powerrankings they have d saints at 11where do u feel they should b at in d rankings. higher or lower

Friday June 6, 2008 12:22 jiggajon33

12:23

That's a very fair starting point, given what happened with the team in '07.

By the end of the year, I expect this team to be in Super Bowl contention. That opinion can (and will) change over the coming months, but I would expect them to finish higher than 11th.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:23

12:24

But we shall see. ;-)

Friday June 6, 2008 12:24

12:24

[Comment From DebensDebens: ]

Do you think the Saints can "get by" without Deuce and Reggie?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:24 Debens

12:25

Certainly, but the defense would have to step up in that scenario, because the offense would become "off tackle, throw to Colston, off tackle, rinse, repeat"

Friday June 6, 2008 12:25

12:25

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

I'm surprised no one has asked about Rick Mueller...thoughts?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:25 Cait

12:27

I didn't know Rick personally, so I'm not going to spew venom at the team. If they were unsatisfied with his performance, fine, make the move. I think what most people are complaining about is that it came out of left field ... making it look like another patented bizarre Saints move.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:27

12:27

[Comment From DamienDamien: ]

I dont think going 7-9 is "get[ting] by". What makes you think they can do better next year if Deuce can't come back?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:27 Damien

12:28

The continued presence of Bush and the improvement on defense. I see those two things happening (and I also think Deuce will contribute a pretty big chunk of the season).

Friday June 6, 2008 12:28

12:29

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

bizarre Saints move - by saying Mueller drafted all their best players - Marques Colston, Will Smith, Reggie Bush.., etc.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:29 Stephen

12:29

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Why doesn't the Saints offensive line vary their running attack? I see San Diego at times spread out each individual lineman further between each other. I've seen Tennessee at times pull the guards similar to Denver's type of running attach - they don't do it a lot just enough to get on special running plays - the Saints just line up and run it seems...This gives the ball back to the other team quicker and tires out the defense.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:29 Stephen

12:29

[Comment From ReginaldReginald: ]

last year the offensive line got off to an incredibly slow start. I think they were resposible for our 0-4 record. Payton said some very good things about their conditioning this year. Particulary Jamaal. Any other news on the O-line? Bush, Pierre, Mac is back, competetive wide receiving camp, O-line looking good, -- all combining for super O this year huh?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:29 Reginald

12:32

And don't forget the cog that makes it all work, Drew Brees. Anytime you can suit up a 4quarterback of his caliber you have a chance.

As for the o-line, yes we are optimistic at present about those guys. Payton likes what he is seeing from Brown ... which is really one of the biggest keys to the whole thing. He had a rough start last year, and only improved marginally thoughout the season. If he's "on", the team is much better (obviously).

Friday June 6, 2008 12:32

12:32

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Jammal came in but how about the other lineman on the offense?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:32 Stephen

12:32

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

One pro-bowl offensive lineman doesn't cut it.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:32 Stephen

12:32

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Even the rookie in Minnesota's success was because of pro bowl blocker went to their team.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:32 Stephen

12:33

Stephen has his doubts.

I'll just say that we really won't know until we see them hitting each other in a game situation -- if the preseason goes badly, watch out. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty good.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:33

12:33

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

What is the status of Sedrick Ellis being signed?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:33 Tyler

12:34

Nothing new on that front, and given Matt Ryan's deal in Atlanta, that isn't a surprise. First-round rookies are going to be tough to sign after that ridiculous contract.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:34

12:35

[Comment From SeanSean: ]

what about some sort of anchor linebacker for the middle of the field?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:35 Sean

12:35

Vilma is that guy. He passes the eyeball test anyway, and the coaches seem as convinced as I do. Barring a setback, he should be good to go.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:35

12:35

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

Who wins in a cage match - Shooter Hunt or Buster Posey?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:35 Cait

12:36

Buster Posey -- he has the benefit of bringing a bat to the affair.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:36

12:36

[Comment From SeanSean: ]

Jeremy Bleich is the answer to your question Cait

Friday June 6, 2008 12:36 Sean

12:36

;-)

Friday June 6, 2008 12:36

12:37

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

I have been waiting for a long time to have a Saints quarterback look one way down the field and then look the other side to throw the ball. In the first four games that is all what Drew Brees did - and the defense was aware of that. The first wide receiver , the first look was open but Drew would look away and throw to the covered receiver. Look back at the Tennesse game for proof.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:37 Stephen

12:38

He had his ups and downs ... but when he was on, he was brilliant. Brees really wasn't the problem last year. The o-line simply needs to play better.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:38

12:38

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

mcfadden sign a 6 year 60million dollar deal so there is a starting point to help get to that point but probably wont get signed until after dorsey

Friday June 6, 2008 12:38 jiggajon33

12:39

That deal cannot realistically help anyone ... other than McFadden and his family. The dollar amounts have gotten out of hand.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:39

12:39

[Comment From DebensDebens: ]

Belmont Stakes.....how much of a threat does Casino Drive present to Big Brown and the Tripple Crown ?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:39 Debens

12:40

No clue! Perhaps somone else out there follows horse racing more than I do....

Friday June 6, 2008 12:40

12:40

Would be something special to see a triple crown though, I will say that.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:40

12:40

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Which receiver dropped the most balls in practice from what you seen? Had to be Henderson - correct?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:40 Stephen

12:41

Nobody who's really going to ultimately matter. Each guy had a few drops, but the biggest names did well from what I saw.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:41

12:42

[Comment From soottysootty: ]

none

Friday June 6, 2008 12:42 sootty

12:42

[Comment From soottysootty: ]

only way BB loses is if he breaks down

Friday June 6, 2008 12:42 sootty

12:42

[Comment From soottysootty: ]

if that happens again horse racing will lose the average fan and quickly become boxing

Friday June 6, 2008 12:42 sootty

12:42

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

Do you see LSU being able to compete at a national level again this year? (in football, I mean)

Friday June 6, 2008 12:42 Tyler

12:45

I had them in my preseason top five, which I really treat as a sort of launching point -- I'm not predicting they finish top five, but think they deserve to start there. http://blog.nola.com/gladow/2008/05/nolacom_spring_top_25.html

I think LSU can finish with anywhere from 1-4 losses. Given what they lost off last year's team, I think the "4" number is more likely than the "1" number.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:45

12:45

[Comment From DamienDamien: ]

I'm not claiming to be an expert on the matter, but it seems to me that the problem with the Saints last year was ball control. With Deuce out, there was no running game. We passed it alot and had a good offense, but it was all too quick...so our defense was always on the field. The best way to improve ball control is the O-line...do you honestly think we have that covered now? Was it merely conditioning that was the problem? Will the new center really be good enough?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:45 Damien

12:49

I disagree with the "no running game" comment. Stecker averaged 3.9 YPC with 5 touchdowns and Pierre added 252 yards on 4.8 YPC. Those numbers aren't great, but they aren't awful. I think the team learned its lesson with the Bush experiment, and even should Deuce miss time, you'll still see Bush's carries stay somewhat low.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:49

12:49

The running game picked up whenever Bush wasn't the focal point.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:49

12:50

[Comment From soottysootty: ]

What do you guys think of the 4 pm start time for Appy State in August? I don't think highly of it since I sit in the west upper, but I'm sure that the added revenue from ESPN will result in free tiger waters...

Friday June 6, 2008 12:50 sootty

12:51

Watch out for that game, Tiger fans! You may not need your "A" game, but App State will push you.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:51

12:51

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Matt Lehr is the backup to center - correct?

Friday June 6, 2008 12:51 Stephen

12:52

Lehr and Goodwin are the candidates at Center.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:52

12:52

[Comment From soottysootty: ]

Nah, we'll beat them. That Michigan game was something that happens once a decade

Friday June 6, 2008 12:52 sootty

12:53

History tends to repeat itself ... I'm just saying, the boys better be focused.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:53

12:53

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

is it possible that dree brees pass between 4800-5000 yards next year given the fact that we got off to slow start and he still finished in tha top 5 in passing. i see our offense right next to new england or better.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:53 jiggajon33

12:55

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

No. Everyone will be game planning for New England's passing attack similiar to what Giants did. That kinda offense is over with - especially this year. This year - running game will explode with numbers for a lot of teams controlling the ball.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:55 Stephen

12:56

I don't like Brees throwing the ball that much as it relates to his career -- I don't want him throwing the ball like Danny Wuerful in another two years.

That said, he could be throwing quite a bit this year. The Saints o-line failed them last year, forcing them to run the ball more than they really wanted to (carries force folks to respect the run -- it's true, look it up).

Friday June 6, 2008 12:56

12:56

If the o-line does better, the attack will be more wide open.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:56

12:57

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

How does Marvin Mitchell look on the field? We need faster linebackers than Shanle, Simoneau, etc.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:57 Stephen

12:57

I'm not overly impressed. If he pushes for time I'll be surprised.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:57

12:59

Shanle and Simoneau "should" be okay teamed with Vilma and Fujita, but of course we'll see how that develops. I'm not as worried as some people are.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:59

12:59

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

What do you think our tight ends will do this year? Cambell always did a great job - I never was sold on Billy Miller except that he can catch better out of the three. Wish there was someone as tough as the guy in Dallas or Shockey.

Friday June 6, 2008 12:59 Stephen

1:00

Status quo there. I really want to see Johnson develop more consistency -- he absolultely killed this team last year with some of his drops. With him being the best downfield threat of the bunch, we need him catching the ball.

Hard to say whether that will happen.

Friday June 6, 2008 1:00

1:01

[Comment From jiggajon33jiggajon33: ]

thanks 4 your time

Friday June 6, 2008 1:01 jiggajon33

1:01

[Comment From StephenStephen: ]

Yes thank you.

Friday June 6, 2008 1:01 Stephen

1:02

Thank you. Glad everyone could make it out today. We'll be back here at noon again next Friday .. and the Saints chat will take place again Wed. at noon. Take care everyone in the meantime!

Friday June 6, 2008 1:02

1:02

[Comment From soottysootty: ]

peace always remember THIRSTY THURSDAY!

Friday June 6, 2008 1:02 sootty

1:02