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NOTE CHANGES: Discuss the Padres, Chargers or Aztecs with U-T sports writer Tim Sullivan

12:55

Tim Sullivan - Good afternoon. I'm here a few minutes early, so whenever anyone has a question, comment or hot tip, have at it.

12:59

[Comment From Guest]
Now that L.T is signed, do you think the Chargers will sign Rivers and Merriman to the short term type contract that they signed LT for?

1:00

Tim Sullivan - I think the Chargers will try to sign Philip Rivers to a longer-term deal, something in the six or seven-year range. Merriman is a different animal, but I think he's worth pursuing. The way these contracts are structured, the length is mainly a function of bonus amortization rather than real commitment.

1:02	[Comment From Guest] Do you see the Chargers offensive line improving during the upcoming season?

1:02	Tim Sullivan - I think that's going to be an area of emphasis in the draft. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers spent two of their first three or four picks on offensive linemen.

1:03	Tim Sullivan - Pretty quiet here. Is everyone at lunch?

1:05	[Comment From Guest] After the Pitt. game, it became pretty clear that the Chargers need to improve their run stopping, what are the going to change in the offseason to avoid a repeat of Pittsburgh?

1:07	Tim Sullivan - Signing inside linebacker Kevin Burnett might help, but this is another area that will need to be addressed in the draft. Jamal Williams is not going to last forever, and it's about time to put a succession plan in place.

1:07	[Comment From Roman] Tim, how does this affect the long term plan for Sproles?

1:08

Tim Sullivan - I don't think the Tomlinson signing affects Darren Sproles significantly. His role in 2009 will be similar to his role in 2008 -- kick returns, change of pace running back, slot-type receiver. The goal has to be to get him the ball in space. I don't think he's really meant to be carrying the ball between the tackles on a regular basis.

1:09	[Comment From Guest] Does that mean the Chargers are going to draft a future franchise running back within the next one or two years?

1:11

Tim Sullivan - That's possible, but I don't think that's a top priority at the moment. With Tomlinson back at a more reasonable salary (exact details still unknown), the Chargers can probably ride him for at least another year or two before looking for a full-time replacement.
Because of Norv Turner's emphasis on the pass versus Marty Schottenheimer's running game preference, the running back is not as central to the Chargers' attack as it once was. I would see offensive tackle, outside linebacker and safety as higher priorities.

1:13

[Comment From Brian]
Tim, thanks for your always well written and insightful columns. I had a question regarding the philosophy of AJ Smith. While I understand that he is a man of strong conviction, he also tends to be quite hypocrtical. For example, while he insists on not being a major "player" in free agence, he also says that the Chargers were not good enough to win in the playoffs the last two years. Although I am a big proponent of the draft, I do not believe that the Chargers can fill all of their wholes throught the draft, especially since they do not have a second round pick. What is your assessment of AJ's approach in regards to building a championship caliber team?

1:15

Tim Sullivan - Thanks for your kind words. A.J. Smith can be brusque. It's hard to imagine, but his people skills are not as strong as Sandy Alderson's, much less Kevin Towers. But that's a different issue.
I think his basic philosophy is sound, but he's made some miscalculations on personnel. He admits to that. When you can't fill all of your needs through the draft, you have to take a look at other avenues. I don't know if Kevin Burnett is a difference maker, but he is a free agent and he's got a decent chance of supplanting Matt Wilhelm at inside linebacker.
I hope that addresses your question. If not, please follow up.

1:15	[Comment From Guest] What changes are we going with the Chargers next year with the hiring and firing of various coaches?

1:17

Tim Sullivan - That's probably a better question for Kevin Acee. I'm not as familiar with the specific strengths and shortcomings of the coaches who have been brought in. Obviously, Ron Rivera did a great job of stabilizing the defense after his mid-season promotion. But I still think it's a game won and lost by players.

1:17	[Comment From Guest] Tim , is a feeling that Shawne wont be offered a deal by the Team or will they just tag him ...also any thoughts on Mike Brown coming to town ??

1:19

Tim Sullivan - Shawne Merriman is an interesting case. It should have been clear from this past season how much impact he has. Without him, Shaun Phillips was exposed as -- my favorite phrase -- "just a guy."
That A.J. Smith has some qualms with Merriman's moonlighting and his obvious interest in being a personality should not prevent him from trying to keep him around. I see an interesting mating dance ahead with the franchise tag a likely component.
No thoughts on Mike Brown at the moment. What do you think?

1:19	[Comment From Steve] How do you see the Strong Safety position playing out? Is Hart, Oliver the two potential starters in 09 or are they considering a free agency help? (jermaine Phillips would've been a big help)

1:20

Tim Sullivan - Saw Clinton Hart briefly last night leaving the Chargers' complex. He's one of my favorite people on that team, but I'm not sure he's the answer. I don't have enough expertise concerning the available free agents to know how many different guys would represent an upgrade, but it's pretty clear this is a position that needs some attention.

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