In looking at this, it is hard to follow and doesn’t go deep on too much. But, we spent an hour and touched on a pretty large range of stuff. So, if you want to relive your moment of stardom, or just kill off 30 minutes of your morning by trying to read this chat, enjoy:

THE CHAT -

bobanddan: ok- anything goes. everyone form a line or something. let’s chat.

potter: rooting rules question

bobanddan: sure potter

potter: moved from texas to STL

potter: can i have an “NL” team?

potter: rangers will never play cards unless interleague or world series

bobanddan: I think by strict interpretation of the rules, you are stretching it by having 2 baseball teams. But, it is your life

canyouhearmenow: Bob, is Jerry becoming the new Al Davis?

bobanddan: can you – Yes. Jerry is as close to al Davis as it can be these days. Dan Snyder is also in the mix.

danzig: at least Jeryy doesn’t wear jump suits…. yet….

paulinuhhh: bob good call on 30 for 30

bobanddan: 30 for 30 is brilliant- I am all over this. I cannot recommend it enough.

tedprice: How about that Irsay drunk press conference footage from last night’s 30for30?

paulinuhhh: that was greatness

canyouhearmenow: Before my time, but great to gain a better understanding…

bobanddan: Ted- The Irsay stuff was the absolute gold nuggett of the entire night. No doubt. You must see it. It reairs again Thursday on ESPN2

canyouhearmenow: Or how about: It’s not your team, it’s not the players team, it’s my and my family’s team

tedprice: And it went out live! Insane!

canyouhearmenow: It’s about time ESPN puts something out of quality craftsmanship. I cant stomach sportscenter

mrichard04: Bob…latest rumor is L’ville is going to go after Gruden. What do you think of that?

bobanddan: I cannot imagine Gruden wants college, but I think he would be great here in Dallas if he is serious about it.

samtheazlep1: Jerry I doubt would ever hire Gruden. I don’t see Jon being anything like Campo, Gailey, or Wade. It’d be oil and water

bobanddan: Since Jerry is so cyclical, (sp?) I would say it isn’t crazy that Jerry may find the light again and hire a big ego coach/GM and we repeat the cycle again

kylegwell: Gruden wouldn’t come to Dallas without assurances Jerry would hand over the keys and that’s never going to happen

chris: But how long until Stephen has the steering wheel? It can’t be long.

bobanddan: How long until Stephen? Good question, but I think you could see another decade of Jerry, no?

potter: ted thompson v. jerry who do you want for GM?

samtheazlep1: What would be a better/much more amusing story is Jerry throwing on the headset himself. Quite possibly the best ever sports story in Metroplex history it could be.

potter: easily another decade

bobanddan: As GM? Thompson. He has shown he knows how to draft at least. He did butcher the Favre decision, but otherwise…

danzig: I think Gruden’s off plus romo would be fun to watch

chris: I don’t see another 10 years, 5 maybe.

mrichard04: Will the Saints give the Giants their first loss this season?

bobanddan: I think I like the Saints on Sunday, yes.

samtheazlep1: Thompson had Favre, Jerry had Bobby Carpenter. Can we not call that even?

potter: is barbie because tuna loved his dad?

bobanddan: We always thought so, Potter- Seems Demeco Ryans was the call there.

bobanddan: cheap 2nd guess, though

chris: Did anyone else think the Cuban interview on the musers was ackward? or was it all theater?

samtheazlep1: With those crazy AM boys who even knows

bobanddan: I was a wishing for a bit more tension, really. The rivalry is under-rated between the morning Musers and the Cubes

paulinuhhh: i think any Cuban interview always teeters on awkward

kylegwell: whats up with the stars broadcast bob? Its blacked out on Dish Network, and Im assuming everywhere else

kylegwell: no sellout?

tedprice: Got Stars on DirecTV

chris: sellouts don’t affect the nhl

kylegwell: why do I pay $180 for Center Ice when I cant even watch the game

bobanddan: Not blacked out anywhere but Dish Network. It is a long story, but apparently the Dish Network
folks don’t want to pay for the added games FSSW added. So, for now, 20 games will get the dreaded blackout. Only Dish

bobanddan: This of course, is ironic, given that Dish actually has Versus

tedprice: Miss my Vs.

samtheazlep1: Lucky, Charter out here doesn’t even offer Versus on its basic package

bobanddan: I hear Fios will not have the Blackhawks game on Saturday. It is a lot of chaos for NHL TV

kylegwell: have to pay an extra $10 a month for vs and 7 other channels that willl never be watched

bobanddan: Who has Cowboys topics.

samtheazlep1: Allen Rossum, good or just a patch?

daboyz: He’s a message to Patrick Crayton.

bobanddan: I think Rossum makes plenty of sense. The return unit is horrid on punts, and average on kicks. Rossum may not be what he once was, but he is salty

chris: Bob, I think Choice is the Cowboys #1 back…

bobanddan: Chris- I like Choice, but we need to slow our roll on making him the starter.

bobanddan: Choice is great in passing situations and gets much of his yardage off draws out of shotgun. Let’s be happy to have talent, but don’t forget that MB3 gets all the yards all the ways.

samtheazlep1: Maybe they figured well we can’t get any worse. Judging by his performance you want Austin getting his mileage at WR instead of return man

jcteetz: Do you really think Austin will see 50 plays or is it just going to be more of the same boring offense?

daboyz: Choice is great, but he’s still our 3rd best back.

laterrian: Could it be that austin’s big day was the result of bad tackling?

bobanddan: Laterrian- Absolutely. But, he has the ability to make a play. I would not mark him down for too many more 250 yard days, but all they need is a few big plays from time to time.

bobanddan: JCt- it does sound like they want Austin off of KO return now

samtheazlep1: Let’s be fair, while Austin was quite impressive he was impressive against Kansas City. Atlanta should be a much better test with much more definitive results

chris: Miles will get the start next week over Crayton, right?

potter: gotta love that speed though for austin – felix both are so fragile…frustrating

daboyz: I like the idea of Williams and Austin as the 1 and 2. Crayton is a great #3, but he’s not good enough to be a 2 in my opinion.

bobanddan: I think Miles makes more sense as the “X” and I would put Crayton in the slot.

texasbeaner: can they just cut Barbie?

bobanddan: Nah. Until someone moves Barbie out of the nickel, they need him- that is the sad part of this organization. there are guys who have jobs by default still. they want to cut them, but there is not a
replacement yet

potter: bob question – do you only break down the cowboys as you do because its your gig? or do you pay attention with the same level of detail to the pack

bobanddan: potter- no I do not watch the Packers like I do the Cowboys. totally different experience for me

bobanddan: I don’t study the Packers. I blindly scream at them.

bobanddan: Let’s talk coaching. Does everyone here wish for a change?

paulinuhhh: i do.

cnote_nocturnal: second

bobanddan: If so, who goes, and who do you get?

kylegwell: definately

laterrian: Bob: Will Jerry get someone better??

jcteetz: Don’t think a change will do any good at this point

chris: I prayed that the Cowboys would have lost to KC. And Jerry fire Wade in the locker room. BUT that
would mean Jason was in charge, a “tryout”

mrichard04: Will a change improve anything for this season? I say no. The offseason is the better time to do it

paulinuhhh: would it be out of the question to get a new head coach and keep wade as DC?

cnote_nocturnal: well if you’re gonna make a move eventually all the good coaches will be gone

daboyz: I would love to see Bill Cowher, but I don’t see that happening.

kylegwell: Personally I would like to see a dungy type come in, and bring up a disciplinarian as an o coordinator

samtheazlep1: That’s such a more complicated question than it should be. You should get rid of Wade,

kylegwell: romo is a mustang and he needs someone to hold back the reins

kylegwell: garrett schemes for the players he wants, not the players he has

daboyz: I definitely say you let Wade finish out the year, see how he does.

bobanddan: I feel like A) Romo does need someone to hold his reins. And I also think that this team needs a new coach badly for other reasons. You must fear your coach, and this team knows the coach is not in charge.

daboyz: Changing now wouldn’t save the season.

bobanddan: No. You are right. Changing Now cures nothing. It is too late. Either last Jan or this coming Jan,

kylegwell: wade gives off an aura of not caring, and that definitely reflects on the team

daboyz: Jerry needs to step back and bring in someone with a spine.

bobanddan: I think Wade is a classic coordinator who has demonstrated the Peter Principle. Not his fault. Norv, too.

kylegwell: I would like to see wade on a team without Jerry. Im just not sure if he had his legs cut out from under him from the beginning

kylegwell: if jerry has an open door policy and loves his players, its hard for any head coach to gain that fear

samtheazlep1: If anything, San Diego proved Wade can be a good coordinator. So just demote him to soley D Coordinator, and get a real head coach. It’s not Wade’s skill level, it’s just his way and it’s not right for head coaching

texasbeaner: yea Cowher

kylegwell: its too easy to go over wades head and just ignore him

bigtex: Remember who the owner is.

eldercat: so many people

bobanddan: I think Holmgren, Gruden, Cowher, and Shanahan all make a certain amount of sense, but they are all going to need the keys.

daniel_holt: They won’t get them

bobanddan: and a boatload of cash. talking $10m a season.

cnote_nocturnal: the broncos sucked with shanahan now they’re undefeated

kylegwell: I would love to see Shanahan in a GM role with Gruden as your head coach

bobanddan: Gruden will need Bruce Allen as his GM. Like Always

samtheazlep1: If/When Jerry gives him the boot, who do you think gets the nod Bob? And as far as cash, there’s a brand new 1 billion dollar stadjium. Doubt cash is the issue

texasbeaner: no cap next year so it wont matter how much it cost

dcfanatic: I hope I don’t know the name of the Cowboys next head coach – sick of retreads

bobanddan: with debt payments and no naming rights. don’t assume he has realized those cash projections

daboyz: jerry sold 400 mil of his own holdings to finance the stadium

laterrian: bob you know any young coordinators that would fit here other than garrett it seems the league is going for young HCs

bobanddan: Todd Haley! Mike Singletary!

kylegwell: Gruden and Cowher dont need a paycheck. If they are going to come here, its because they will be given the keys and allowed to run their gameplan

daboyz: Singletary would have been great I think.

bobanddan: They both made sense to me, 3 years ago

kylegwell: and Im just not sure Jerry is willing to do that

samtheazlep1: Yeah, Singletary is looking like the gem that got away now. Haley probably will in a couple years, he needs time to get his system in place. Pioli needs time to get the people in there

dcfanatic: Mike Zimmer?

texasbeaner: NO to Zimmer

daboyz: Chiefs look good in my opinion. They lack talent but they play smart. They will suck this whole year… but in ayear or 2, look out.

bobanddan: They are out there. You just have to find them. Zimmer is interesting indeed, because he demands accountability for sure. I do wonder if he could stand up to Jerry.

mrichard04: Singletary is a guy you don’t want to disappoint. Dungy was the same way. I don’t think the players care if Wade is disappointed.

samtheazlep1: Zimmer I don’t think will leave. He’s got a great team in Cincy, and if Lewis is ever fired he’s first on the list to become the new HC there

daboyz: i’ll miss wade. he’s great in his phone interviews with jerry

bobanddan: Watching Singletary in his press conferences and on mic is just a pleasure. I think everyone has strategic plus/minus – but, you have to get them to play hard for you when they want to quit.

dcfanatic: Pete Carroll?

potter: i love the carroll idea but i think never again for him

bobanddan: Carroll would be high to leave USC. You don’t leave that job.

samtheazlep1: Pete Carroll has a great gig in SC, why would he ever leave unless he was fired

daboyz: College coaches make just as much as pro coaches at the top levels, right?

bobanddan: no. top college coaches are at about 3, top pro are twice that

benperryou: Caroll’s not leaving until the NCAA drops the Reggie Bush hammer, which will never happen

dcfanatic: Ok when new coach comes. Do we keep the 34 defense?

texagjosh: Where does Nebraska DT Suh end up going in the ’10 NFL draft?

bobanddan: I think 3-4 is going to spread more and more. you need more speed on your D, so I think it is
going to be on most teams soon

potter: Mr. Suh is incredible

laterrian: i think ratliff would be better in a 4-3

bobanddan: Texag- Top 5 it seems

potter: or Mizzou’s O Line is terrible, but wow

bobanddan: No, Suh was awesome at VT, too

samtheazlep1: 3-4 is here to stay, as it should be. Though I’d love to see the 4-2-5 make it to the NFL

potter: can you give us a Sturm top 5 in College Ranks?

texasbeaner: hey Bob what are the chances of Peppers coming to Dallas since he wants to play here
bobanddan: Top 5 teams?

potter: yeah in your mind, not a prediction

cow_fanatic: No to Peppers, underacheiver

bobanddan: Fla-Ala-Tex-and doesn’t matter 4 and 5

texagjosh: Peppers will be too expensive as well

daboyz: underachiever? Peppers is a beast…

daboyz: I think he just needs a change of scenery.

samtheazlep1: Peppers probably could make an impact, like Vilma just needs a new local

bobanddan: Peppers is this year’s Haynesworth- so risky to pay him that big check to find out if all he
needs is a change

chris: You think tex is #3? Even after being not that great @home vs big 12 teams?

laterrian: the alabama-florida sec champ could be epic

bobanddan: that is what made the Jared Allen trade so odd. His motor was unreal in KC. you knew you didn’t have to ask if he loved to play or if he loved payday

bobanddan: Chris- We find out Saturday. They have not played well, but they have survived. That is the name of the college game

samtheazlep1: Allen is a one man defense in and of himself. Doesn’t hurt that he has two beheamoths playing DT with him

daboyz: What sort of trade value would Crayton have? I like the idea of moving him for a pick.

cow_fanatic: 7th rounder

bobanddan: Sam, Allen was amazing without any help with KC

kylegwell: are you that sold on Austin to give up crayton? Austin hasnt shown consistency at all yet

bobanddan: Maybe a 5th that could become a 4. His contract isn’t a bargain

samtheazlep1: No doubt, but here’s a good question. Jared Allen, or Demarcus Ware?

dcfanatic: Allen is just a football playing freak, kind of guy who could play in any scheme and be successful

texasbeaner: crayton’s been here to long he had his chance time to move on

bobanddan: You are asking about 2 top 4 pass rushers

daboyz: I’m fine with Hurd and Ogeltree as the 3 and 4

dcfanatic: I could see Dolphins offering up something for Crayton

cow_fanatic: No room to give up warm bodies at the WR position, put him in the slot, his natural position

bobanddan: I don’t think you trade Crayton right now. Too risky with depth issues

bobanddan: Who plays the slot if he is gone? Roy11?

dcfanatic: KO plays slot if Crayton goes

bobanddan: Maybe someday, DC. Not sure about Sunday

chris: Bob, are we going to see a NFL work stoppage in the next 2 seasons?

daboyz: I’d say we trade him, if a receivr steps up, then awesome. If not, at least we got a pick out of him. Either way, Crayton isn’t the answer.

texagjosh: Dallas needs to spend about 3 picks on WR in 2010

bobanddan: Chris- those in the know say it is pretty likely we do see a lockout. I hope not, but that is the word. Not tons of optimism

samtheazlep1: A world without NFL football. Talk about instant depression

bobanddan: The Cowboys have needed to get in on WRs for about the last 5 years. Bowe in ’07 and Desean Jackson in ’08 are particularly painful

dcfanatic: Can you imagine scab players in Jerryworld as he watches, lol

samtheazlep1: looks like Maclin might also become the 09 version of Jackson/Bowe

texagjosh: Hakeem Nicks over Roy Williams would’ve been a nice deal in hindsight as well

cow_fanatic: FF would be interesting with scabs, no?

bobanddan: I am not sure about Hicks yet. But, Maclin? I think so.

daboyz: Roy Williams trade / sign…looks almost as bad as when we traded for galloway right now

cow_fanatic: Bowe is truly the most painful

bobanddan: Desean is just as dangerous as a return man, too, though

cow_fanatic: How can you be sure about Maclin? One game? You’re sure about Miles then

bobanddan: Austin has no body of work pre-pros to show he could do this.

texagjosh: but Jackson is the speed guy Dallas has needed for years

cow_fanatic: Pre-pros is no idciation at the next level either

bobanddan: no indication? C’mon

cow_fanatic: Plenty of examples both ways and you know it

bobanddan: Sure, but to say it has no indication whatsoever is silly. Why do we put so much work into the scouting business if it is just pulling names out of hats?

cow_fanatic: Understood, I guess I’m saying it certainly isn’t foolproof, it’s an old argument, sorry for bringin it up.

texagjosh: I’d like to see Dez Bryant the Cowboy but barring a 5-11 campaign that won’t happen

daboyz: So, Brooking. Amazing pick up. We need to hit on FA’s like that more often.

texasbeaner: is Marvin Harrison a free agent?

texagjosh: Marvin Harrison’s knees are dust

chris: Dez will go top 8, the cowboys better start really sucking.

bobsbadanalogy: Bob.. Just a shout – love the evolution of BaD radio – keep the podcasts coming and your BaD analogies aplenty!

dcfanatic: Yeah, and he’s 86

mrichard04: I live in Indy and watch a lot of Colts last year. Harrison is done.

kylegwell: Ratliff and Brooking are the only thing keeping the ship from sinking I think

bobanddan: My only issue with the FA game for the boys is that when they get them, they all have a direct link to the team- Brooking with Wade, Igor with Wade, Sensa with JoeD, and Rossum with Wade. amazing

samtheazlep1: Not sure Dez won’t go back for his senior season. Assuming he is not reinstated by the NCAA, not playing that much this year would have to kill his draft status

texagjosh: is he a 2nd rounder?

cow_fanatic: Dez is a first round talent IMO

bobanddan: I don’t honestly have a feel for who is in what round yet. I have players I love, but ranking them doesn’t get started until Jan

bobsbadanalogy: How close is Flozell to sitting on the bench?

samtheazlep1: Whose going to replace him? He should sit, but theres no oone who can replace him

bobanddan: Flozell? Nowhere close. He is a reasonably solid LT who has penalty issues.

bobanddan: He seldom gets Romo killed. That is the name of the game for a LT

kylegwell: Do you think those penalty issues are a reflection on him or a reflection on the coach
samtheazlep1: Two words on Flozell: Doug Free

bobanddan: Him. He has been a penalty machine since Gailey

dcfanatic: Norm wants flo benched Bob – ???

cow_fanatic: Flozell is slowing down, age is catching up to him this year

bobsbadanalogy: Which O lineman has given up the most sacks and QB pressures this year? any idea?

jcteetz: There is a reason that Flo is the highest paid LT in the league

kylegwell: I agree…one persons issues are just that, but a high team penalty rate reflects the coach… agree?

samtheazlep1: I think the Boys need to definitely start looking for a solid LT, not because of penalties but
soley because of his age

bobanddan: What is Norm’s grand idea to replace him?

daboyz: flo is a beast. worth the penalties
[
chris: can coaches not fine players for penalties?

dcfanatic: Don’t be shocked if Leonard Davis is playing Left Tackle next season.

bobanddan: I wont be, DC, but Big Len is not the answer out there, I don’t think

kylegwell: Leonard Davis is a great guard and an average LT

samtheazlep1: Would Davis be as effective if they moved him?

cow_fanatic: No Davis at LT, we got him from Arizona because he couldn;t play the position

relaxsrh: the oline is way overrated 5 sacks in 1 game fellas…

dcfanatic: Norm wants to try Free, see what we got – said it yesterday

daboyz: davis is a probowl guard

dcfanatic: I could see giving Free a series or two here and there, but you can’t bench Flo

bobanddan: Norm is crazy, in my opinion. Free is not strong enough.

bobanddan: He will get bullrushed right back into Romo

cow_fanatic: Hard to pass judgement based on his body of work at the college level

samtheazlep1: If there’s no WR out there for the Cowboys at next years draft, first round pick should
probably be o-line, with emphasis on LT

kylegwell: I am wondering if flozell is losing a step though, or possibly playing through a minor injury. He
seems to get passed more often this year

bobanddan: Training camp and preseason has shown me that Free doesn’t drop anchor very well yet. Maybe we will see

bobanddan: Flozell is clearly losing a step. But, still, not that bad.

cow_fanatic: Agreed. Juracek needs to put about 15 pounds on his arse

daboyz: any word on marion’s quad? seemed to affect him alot the last 2 games

samtheazlep1: A solid 2-3 year project LT would be a great investment in the draft

bobanddan: Did you watch the GB-Minn game? Watch GB’s excuse for a LT before you worry about Flozell

bobsbadanalogy: Next 4 games = Falcons, Seattle, @Philly, @GB – is 2-2 good?

dcfanatic: Rodgers still puts up numbers, amazing

bobanddan: Next 4 games? Gotta get to 6-3.

bobanddan: Have to keep up with the field for a playoff spot

samtheazlep1: I think your looking at 2-2 at best, even though they need 3-1. You’ve got a better chance convincing me at 1-3 than 3-1

daboyz: bob, has anything been said about marion’s quad? he looked like he was struggling with it. safe to expect he’ll be 100% after the bye?

bobanddan: Honestly, I think there are a lot of good signs about this team. They are not that bad. People are quick to panic around here, but the reality is they are solid and strong on both sides of the ball at the line of scrimmage. If you have that, you can win. Get Felix, MB3, and Roy healthy, and this team can make a run.

bobsbadanalogy: We have to stay almost prefectly healthy to make a serious run

bobanddan: I don’t think it is safe to assume anyone is 100% until they are. But, Marion needs to be.

dcfanatic: 9 out of last 11 ar against NFC – We must go at least 6-3 in those game and 7-4 overall

cow_fanatic: Wade nullifies what you have on both lines. We will do nothing until he;s gone

bobsbadanalogy: Felix is a china doll and Roy Williams is an Rag doll, and well we have Barbie coming in on 3rd down

samtheazlep1: They’ve got the skill, the schedule is what worries me. Philly and Atlanta can and probably will beat Dallas, that leaves Green Bay and Seattle. GB is a toss up, Seattle I’ll almost guarantee a win
Hasslebeck aside

tonyhds: I can’t wait for Tx – Ou !

bobanddan: Me, too, Tony- That is always worth the wait.

tonyhds: Texas better step it up

samtheazlep1: This year it looks closer than usual, any predictions?

tcfanclub: damn tv and their 11am start

bobanddan: I think I lean to Texas again. OU is fighting themselves quite a bit. They look like they don’t quite believe they are that great this year

samtheazlep1: I think Texas wins as well, though I’d like to see an OU win if only for the polls mixing up and TCU gaining a spot or two back in the AP Poll

bobanddan: I think I might try a different chat program next time, but not bad for our first effort. I may use some of this in the morning on Inside Corner. Rock on.

FRISCO -

Next week, camp No. 21 will get underway and include a field trip to Central Texas to help kick off the Stars’ new affiliate in Cedar Park. This week, most of the players are participating in voluntary workouts.

The NHL career goals and scoring leader among American players, Modano turned 39 over the summer and decided to at least finish out his current contract, take another run at a Stanley Cup now more than a decade since that late night in Buffalo, and maybe make a fourth trip to the Olympics.

Modano sat down for brief interrogation earlier this week:

What do you remember about your first training camp?

How tough camps used to be back in the day. Two-a-day practices; we’re on at nine, and we’re on at three. There were no CBA rules back then about how many hours they could keep you. There were three- to four-hour practices and scrimmages.

Were the veterans hard on you and the other rookies?

They were real hard on you. Didn’t let you slide on anything at all.

Did they make you buy dinner?

No, they knew you didn’t have money. They were going to make you pay in other areas.

After the Stars failed to make the playoffs last April, you said you needed to go off to the beach to decide about your future and later announced your return. Did it happen like that?

It kind of comes and goes in cycles. I think sometimes I feel good, where I’m excited about it. Some other days, I feel like it’s tougher to get motivated than I thought it would be. But once you start training and working out, then you really feel it’s hard to keep it at such a high level when you get older. Skating and working out and what we used to do to keep up with the type of workouts I used to do – it doesn’t happen anymore. That kind of brings you down to reality to ponder things a little bit more. But I think once you get into a rhythm and you get here and you get through camp, everything kind of settles in.

Was it a situation where the Stars awaited you saying you’d play this season or they assumed you would unless you said otherwise?

I think they assumed I was coming back. That would be a big, hard, long decision if I was going to end it right then and there. I hadn’t really talked to a lot of people at the time. When I did, people said play as long as you want. But there’s going to come a time when I don’t feel as good out there and I don’t feel as productive and consistent. When that reality sets in, then it’s going to be an easy decision.

Is it a year-to-year decision now?

I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I’m obviously going to get through this year and see what happens, how I feel. My contract will be up, so I don’t know what they’ll have planned for me here. It’s a little different circumstance when you have a contract.

You go from playing for one former teammate, Brett Hull, to another, Joe Nieuwendyk, in the G.M.’s office. Do those arrangements prove awkward in any way or easy to just move ahead?

It’s real easy to move ahead, have conversations with those guys, communication, talks on the phone. You’re not too apprehensive about what they’re going to say on the phone and if they’re going to give you the cold shoulder because they feel like they need to be management, keep that distance. It hasn’t been the case with Joe or Brett. We’re too old to try to go into those types of circumstances.

Did you go to the beach?

Went to a few beaches. I find that’s a good way to get away and relax and rest. I think the longer I’m at beaches, it’s harder to leave and come back to reality. I could very easily pack up and move there.

As you may already know, Bryan is a long-time scout and personnel man in the NFL. His experience served the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers well, and now we can pick his brain.

Last time, the chat was 100% about the offense, and the various ideas Jason Garrett may utilize and employ this season, so now let’s examine the defense with Broaddus.

You can follow his Rapid Reports on CBS Sportsline and can find him on ESPN Radio.

Here is what we discussed this time:

Bob: Last time, we spent time on the offense, let’s give a bit of love to the defense. So how good is this unit as a whole with 2 weeks until “go time”?

Bryan: I really like what they have done by adding Sensabaugh, Brooking and Olshansky. I think they are big upgrades across the board. I do worry a bit about the pass rush opposite Ware.

Bob: Sensabaugh is interesting to me.  I get very concerned about someone so cheap and so young who is pretty much cast aside at his old locale.  Should I not worry about his pricetag?

Bryan: No, I talked with several of my friends who I worked with in Jacksonville. They all had high praise for him as a player but they felt that there was some areas where they just needed to move on. I have talked with him several times in the locker room and I love his attitude.

Bob: What is his best skill?  He seems like a bit of a ball hawk, no?

Bryan: Ball hawk, down hill player, loves the game. Has a nice skill set for a safety.

Bob: What about Brooking?  How is he different/similar to Zach Thomas?  I think most fans have those two as birds of a feather from first glance.  Break those two down for me.

Bryan: Thomas is a productive, shorter player that wore down as the season went along. He had a decent fit with Bradie James where Brooking is bigger, stronger and can still run. He and Bradie have really hit it off which is outstanding for the defense.

Bob: Is one of the more under-rated stories in the offseason losing Kevin Burnett?  It seems that they were far more comfortable with him as a nickel LB than 54.  I am not sure if he would have made sense as a base MLB, but it seemed like they didn’t want to lose him.

Bryan: They lost him because his agent didn’t weigh all the facts. The Cowboys loved Burnett and he really did play an important role. I am not a huge Carpenter fan as in most Cowboys’ fans. In talking with my front office sources, again, the agent is to be blamed for allowing Burnett to leave.

Bob: Would Burnett staying have mitigated the need for Brooking?  Or, is a base MLB still a void that is a year-to-year situation? I don’t recall the timing on Brooking/Burnett

Bryan: The move was made because the more you studied Thomas, the more you realized that a changed was needed but Burnett maybe wasn’t that guy. Again, he played a very good role as the nickel and I feel that is where the Cowboys were going to keep him.

Bob: Let me give you my full scouting report (having never scouted) on Bobby Carpenter:  A finesse LB who doesn’t like dropping anchor at the point of attack.  Plays on roller skates.  Doesn’t enjoy contact.  Decent in coverage going backwards, but very inconsistent moving forward.  How far off am I?

Bryan: Not a bad. Carpenter really struggles at times when he has to play with his hands. One of the key traits a linebacker needs is an ability to fight off blocks. His speed is good which helps him in space but there does come a point in time where you need to be physical at the point of attack and there are several plays where you don’t see that.

Bob: Are they to a point where they are ready to move on?  I know he is a fairly big part of special teams, but you should be able to find those guys for nothing (Carlos Polk?)

Bryan: Its funny, I hear all the time that he is a major part of their special teams but when I trained my eye on him in the Tennessee game, he ran down the field and was out of position on the play. I want to see this three to four tackle a game special teamer. I don’t think they have moved on but I think Jason Williams was drafted to one day take that spot.

Bob: I won’t even mention that David Buehler had more tackles than 54 in the Oakland game.

Bryan: Impressive, wasn’t it?

Bob: Ok, now Olshansky.  Is there a drop off from Canty?  And is New York nuts for dropping $42 million?  I am not even considering his injury-  just what I considered ordinary play.

Bryan: I like Chris but the price was a little rich for my blood. The Giants are playing him at the perfect spot and that is as a 3 technique over the guard. When he played in the nickel for the Cowboys at that spot he was very effective. Olshansky is just a plugger. There is nothing pretty about his play but he is very hard to move. If you are looking for pass rush, forget it. He will sure play the run but I hope he can stay healthy.

Bob: Plug the run, no pass rush?  Sounds like Marcus Spears to me!

Bryan: I have to be honest about my LSU brother, he has been a huge disappointment. We didn’t have the right vision for him when we drafted him.

Bob: Safe to say that he is playing his last year here?  Given Canty’s offer, I bet Spears will certainly be well compensated by someone.  But the Cowboys have to know that it won’t be them.

Bryan: The nice thing about Stephen Jones is that he knows when it’s time to move on. He is not afraid to pay players but he will not overpay one’s that can’t.

Bob: Ok, you referenced the pass rush opposite Ware earlier.  The team led the league in sacks, but part of that is Ellis meeting 94 at the QB.  Is Spencer ready?

Bryan: Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips are banking on this very thought. If Spencer does have a breakout season, this defense has a chance to be in the top five easy. If Spencer struggles or gets hurt (again) I just don’t know who helps them in that spot. Ellis was the safety net, now the Cowboys are on the high wire without it.

Bob: Spencer worries me a bit in the open field.  I was under the impression he was a bit quicker, but Russell really made him look silly in Oakland on one play where he was grasping air. His hips look sort of stiff for a kid.  to me, at least.

Bryan: I really studied Spencer while in San Antonio. There were some days where he looked outstanding in space and in coverage which really surprised me. I do think he has the quickness to be a good passer rusher but I worry about his technique at times.

Bob: Tell me what Mike Jenkins has done to impress you so far

Bryan: To be honest, I am a Scandrick fan but hold my feet to the fire, Jenkins does have some pretty amazing catch up speed. Because when you are out of position, you better be able to rally to get to the football and he has shown that to me.

Bob: Does he know where he needs to be?  It appears he is a “guesser” out there.  That gets good sometimes, but bad more often. the td he allowed on Friday night was more of the same I thought.  It looks like he needs someone to hold his hand out there.  Scandrick does not need that at all.

Bryan: I said this the other day, I think he has wonderful God given talent which helps him make plays but I do agree with you, there is something to studying, reading routes and playing with awareness which I think he sometimes doesn’t do.

Bob: What do we need to consider when looking at which CB is better wide and which is better in the slot?

Bryan: Any corner will tell you that it’s more difficult to play in the slot than wide because in the slot you have to cover more field. That is why I think that Scandrick is so good. He looks so comfortable play either way and I think the coaches know that.

Bob: I agree. A few more question, please.

Bryan: sure

Bob: This may be basic for you, but for those of us who are not personnel people, tell us what coverages Wade Phillips generally uses in his secondary

Bryan: That’s a good question because the other day in the Tennessee game on the touchdown to Gage, I thought he was in Cover 2 and Jenkins after the game said they were in 2 but after visiting with some other guys in the locker room it sounded like they were playing 2 on one side and something else on the other. I even had a guy tell me that they were in Cover 6, which is four across. So it’s still a work in progress.

Bob: But the majority of the time, they roll with cover 2?

Bryan: Again in some form or fashion, yes.

Bob: And in cover 2, a CB is in man principles at the line, with safety help over the top (zone deep), right?

Bryan: Corner has the area short, and the safety has the area behind.

Bob: I ask because I wondered how that changes when you play a running threat at the QB position (Vick).  Do you have to play more zone type defense against running threats because your CB’s can not have their back to the QB?

Bryan: Over the years, people have played Vick a bunch of different ways. They always talk about the “spy” but how do you spy with someone that is probably a worse athlete than the guy you are trying to spy. But to answer you question in the most simple way, you really just try and keep things in front of you. If I was going to play Vick, I would play zone and make him try and beat me throwing the ball.

Bob: OK, last question.  Which defensive rookies will make a real impact this year?  Is there a guy or two?

Bryan: thinking….I really think the kickoff guy is going to be a huge weapon. I like Victor Butler a lot because he is smart and he looks like he has some position flexiability. I really had high hopes for Stephen Hodge as a Keith Davis type of special teamer but this fluid on the knee thing has me scared. Keep an eye on DeAngelo Smith, I have heard some good whispers about him and his make up.

Bob: Cool.  Again, thanks for the time.  I look forward to bothering you again down the road.  Thanks!

Bryan: Bothering is good…thanks Bob

But, the 2nd reason for happy soccer time is that today is another chance for our beloved United States of America National Team to get their first ever win in Mexico City (3pm, Telemundo – Channel 39). We seem to have plenty of success on our home soil, but when the US heads south of the border, they have managed just 1 draw in 72 years of matches in Mexico City.

So, I wanted to mark this special day with a soccer chat with my buddy, Bobby Rhine. Chances are if you follow soccer in the area, you are quite familiar with his fine work – which includes well over 200 MLS matches for Dallas and now he is a member of the FC Dallas front office.

We will bounce around various soccer topics, and chances are, we will do this again soon. Enjoy:

Bob: I want to start with US-Mexico.  How do you feel about this match given the events of the last several months?

Ramblinrhin: Azteca may be the most difficult place to play any game. I feel as good about this game as I have ever have for an American team playing there. With that said I don’t know how likely it is for us to walk away with a point.

Bob: We have 1 draw, 0 wins all-time there.  It is stunning how the same 22 guys can get different results based on location.  But, the numbers don’t lie, do they?

Ramblinrhin: No they don’t at all. A former teammate of mine Duilio Davino, played for the Mexican NT and played for Club America. He has said that its the most difficult place to play of anywhere in the world. He has said the earth actually moves while on the field. The US could be in for a tough one.

Ramblinrhin: They must get the first goal to have any chance at all.

Bob: Is there one reason?  Or is it merely the combination of all of the elements?

Ramblinrhin: There are many reasons. The first is the altitude 7,200 ft above sea level, and another is the smog.

Bob: 100,000 in green doesn’t hurt, either!

Ramblinrhin: Take into account all 105,000 Mexican fans in attendance as well and you’ve got a pressure cooker. The US team is not flying in until Tuesday night.

Bob: Amazing.  How much does the Gold Cup Final matter?  We were steamrolled, 5-0, but it surely was not close to our best squad.  Does that factor at all?

Ramblinrhin: It matters to the US players that were a part of the game. That is a tough pill to swallow. You had a young, inexperienced international team, and they will be better for it.

Ramblinrhin: I like the way it sets Mexico up to go into the game now a bit overconfident. Which if you are a US fan that is exactly what you want them to be

Bob: for those who aren’t totally up to speed, how many players would you guess were on that team versus this version of the national team in Mexico?

Ramblinrhin: The US will have 3 players that played in the Gold Cup final. Ching, Holden, and Marshall.

Ramblinrhin: Mexico may have as many as 5 or 6 players. In Ochoa, Dos Santos, Cela, Torrado to name a few

Bob: Besides pride, how crucial is this match to the two teams?  Mexico really needs it to keep the qualifying chances going, right?

Ramblinrhin: This game means more for Mexico at this stage than it does for the US.

Ramblinrhin: However, knowing Bob Bradley mentality he wants nothing more than to go into Azteca and send a string message to the world again.

Bob: I am bothered by the road results for the US so far in Qualifying.  Costa Rica and El Salvador were not what we needed.

Ramblinrhin: The performance at CR was awful and the players would admit it. I thouight the surface had a lot to do with it. At ES I thought we did well to get a draw after being 2-0 down. The US showed character in a difficult place to play.

Bob: 5 of the 10 qualifiers are in the bag already, and the US trails Costa Rica.  The top 2 are in, and the 3rd team has to go to a playoff with a South American team, right?

Ramblinrhin: The top 3 go in and the 4th team plays a South American NT for the last spot.

Bob: ok.  And placing in this group will affect seeding in the World Cup draw, right?

Bob: although in ’06, we still got the group of death…

Ramblinrhin: To confirm again the 4th place CONCACAF team will play the 5th place SANT.

Ramblinrhin: Yes, standing in CONCACAF will effect the WC draw next year. We want to get the top seed badly. A WC draw is everything.

Bob: We all know we are better than we were as a National team 20 years ago, but how do we compare with our 2002 team?  Are we better than they were? 

Ramblinrhin: We are better than our 2002 team b/c we have more depth now than we have ever had before. Look at the recent Gold Cup tournament team. We reached a final with players that only play in MLS. Bob has done a tremendous job of growing our depth. We will have some big names that will not be a part of the US WC team next year.

Bob: Do you think it is time for Landon (Donovan) to give Europe another try?  I think the time is perfect for him, and I think he might finally be ready, too.

Ramblinrhin: I fully expect Landon to move in the next transfer window. He is playing as well as he ever has. I know he wants to win with his LA team before leaving. I would expect to see him try another league other than Germany. I’m not sure Bayern was the right fit for him this past offseason. I would expect to see him try England perhaps.

Bob: It seems that might be the next frontier for our guys.  Finding the player who is a legit top player in England.  A guy who can be called a top 25 player in the premiership.  Am I crazy for thinking Landon might still have a chance to be that guy?

Ramblinrhin: The current GM of Arsenal is the former Deputy Commish of MLS. Hmm

Bob: That makes sense.

Ramblinrhin: Not crazy at all to think that about Landon. He is a special player. I believe he is the best field player the US has ever produced. Its time for him to take another challenge.

Bob: What about the Beckham story.  where do you fall on this?  Are these his last few months in the states?

Ramblinrhin: I would believe this may be it for Becks. He wants to make the England team and he knows that he needs to play at the highest level possible to make the squad. Add all of the travel he would need to fulfill from the US to Europe for those matches as well. It just makes sense. Look for LA to push harder than ever to win right now.

Bob: I must say that although I was impressed when the deal happened, and optimistic about what might develop, I am starting to think the designated player premise to get international names in here is hopelessly flawed and misguided as a plan to grow the league.

Ramblinrhin: There have been recent meetings to change the current format. This year is a massive year for the players. The current CBA is up for negotiation. I don’t expect wholesale changes in structure by any means but I would expect for the players to get closer to where they want to be.

Bob: What do you think of the Blanco, Beckham, etc type deals.  It is a money grab for them, and it never seems to raise the level of play for any length of time.  Isn’t the real way to grow it organically with young talent? young talent from the entire western hemisphere, but 35 year olds don’t make sense to me…

Ramblinrhin: Yes. I want to see more and more players develop in MLS youth systems and then if they are good enough to sign with and MLS team great or if they have desire to play abroad then the MLS team that developed the player should still have first right to the player. I think the progress of MLS with all of their youth initiatives are entering a whole new ball game.

Bob: Which leads us to Kenny Cooper… His dad seemed to say some things that rang true, too. Why is it easier to pay a washed-up Brazilian than it is to pay a local kid who wants to play here?

Ramblinrhin: I think initially KC Jr did want to stay here, but in the end I believe he wanted to leave for a variety of reasons. I believe he felt that the time to move was now, and he showed his quality in just 17 min. of play on Sunday.

Ramblinrhin: FCD currently has a system in place where there are youth players that will play as professionals whether that is in MLS or another country, but the league needs to make sure they encoourange home grown talent to stay in MLS.

Bob: truly.  Is that a good place for him?  I obviously want him to play in England, but I certainly don’t know my 2nd division in Germany very well.

Ramblinrhin: I think its a very good place for Kenny. I say this b/c in England a lot of folks would want Kenny to be an out and out target man. A target player someone who likes to play with his back to the goal. Brian Ching is the perfect example of a target player. I don’t believe Kenny is a true target player. He likes to drift around the field underneath a target player. He has found that at 1860.

Bob: In your opinion, Top 5 American players in the world right now – in order, are?

Ramblinrhin: Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, Gooch Onyewu, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra

Bob: Wow, Howard #1?  Interesting. No Jozy yet, either…

Ramblinrhin: Jozy’s stock will continue to rise, but he must show me consistancy. Howard might be a top 3 GK in the world. His own manger at Everton believes so.

Bob: Gooch in Italy.  That bid was very surprising to me.  The US is progressing, I guess that proves it.

Ramblinrhin: That move was surprising to many. He is a quality defender. Just ask Mexican forwards;) That speaks volumes to the state of US soccer overall. We’ll only continue to put players on top teams around the globe. This is just the beginning. You should see the current state of the game even locally here in Dallas. Unreal.

Bob: Let’s talk a little FC Dallas.  I must tell you, I have been a pretty faithful follower over the last decade, but apathy might be setting in a bit this summer.  I need some substance and direction to get my blood flowing again in that direction.  Where is this thing going?

Ramblinrhin: We live in one of the hotbeds for all of youth soccer around the US. MLS has had a hand in it for only a yr and a half. Just wait till the first player that was developed by MLS is playing professionally. Its not far off.

Ramblinrhin: I was saying the Crew have not lost in 19 home games. FCD is missing their captain Pablo Ricchetti. If they get a point from this one you will know they have something going. At the end of August you will know the answers to it all.

Bob: Is the foundation in place moving forward?  I feel like the coaching-change transition should be done by now, but it sure seems FCD is trying to still figure its roster out on the fly

Ramblinrhin: Schellas has been at FCD for a year now, and I think he needs to continue to get more time. It has been a transition for him as he has tried to get his type of players on the roster. With that said, I expect better and will watch closely down the stretch.

Bob: I hope the direction is found.  the stadium is nice, and soccer fandom is growing at a rapid pace in this city.  I just wonder if that translates into FCD fans or Manchester United/Chelsea/Liverpool fans – or both, ideally

Ramblinrhin: Soccer has an incredible foothold in Dallas. FCD knows it needs to do a better job of engaging a level of fans, and steps are in place to do so. The best is yet to come.

Bob: Last question:  how amazed are you at the growth in media/pop culture of the world game?  It isn’t odd to see highlights on Sportscenter or on websites anymore of England or Spain or Italy.  I cannot believe the explosion, and it has all been sort of underground. 10 years ago, there is nothing close to this.

Ramblinrhin: Underground is exactly right. Fans of the game pay no attention to those in the media that don’t want to bother to talk about soccer. I think its interesting to see what kind of adjustments must be made by media outlets to now get people in places that know how to talk about soccer. Its funny soccer to many in the media is the thing that won’t go away. Well it isn’t at all and in fact it’s only beginning. Time to wake up out there

Bob: great job, Bobby.  It was fun watching you on the pitch, and I enjoyed our first chat together.  Let’s do it again.

Ramblinrhin: Anytime Bob. I enjoyed it. It could be a tough year for your Reds.

Bob: Don’t worry about Liverpool.  We will be fine.  Later!

I really, really desire to understand more of the NFL game from a coach/scout perspective, and I find you can only do this if you figure out what they look for.

That is not terribly easy, but talking to Bryan whenever I can is one way to learn. And, unless you have worked in the NFL, you cannot learn enough of this great game.

You can follow his Rapid Reports on CBS Sportsline and can find him on ESPN Radio. He knows what he speaks of, and for his chat we talk all offense. I think in the next few weeks, we will get him back for a discussion of the defense. But, here is our talk about the offense of the Dallas Cowboys:

Bob: ok, BK, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into a conversation we were having yesterday on the field about the offense and the weapons and so forth.

Proscout: sounds good

Bob: It is my premise, that due to a lot of factors in 2008 (injuries for one), this team got awfully predictable and easy to defend as the season went on.  Do you agree with that?

Proscout: I think anytime you dont have your best players on the field that you can become predictable

Bob: I think early on, they were able to do a million different things, but by November, it was pretty much Shotgun with 3WR, and the OL was beat up and it just got tough.  It seems now, though, that they have the weapons to really stretch defenses

Bob: What causes defenses so many issues with this offense?

Proscout: OC jason garrett has options to work with. The big question will be if this group of receivers can develop as a group. They dont need to be great but productive

Bob: what does Romo Friendly mean to you?  Pass less or pass to safer parts of the field?  More TE and RB than WR?

Proscout: Its means that are going to try and find things that Tony is solid at doing. To me this camp is all about finding what works and what doesn’t and then take that to the field this year

Bob: OK.  Before we get technical, we should explain the personnel packages a bit to the reader:  When they talk about “12″, they mean 1 RB and 2TE, “11″ is 1 RB and 1 TE and so on.  First digit is the number of RB’s, and Second digit is the number of TE’s on the field.  Just wanted to make sure everyone follows this.

Proscout: exactly.

Bob: So, with this in mind, Bryan, I am fired up about “12″ this season.  I think there is plenty of big plays to be made in that set.  What sayeth you on this?

Proscout: I totally agree with what you have presented. The “12″ will be difficult for teams to defeat because it allows you to still run the football if you try and play nickel against it or pass if they try and crowd the line. it gives the offense a lot of flexiability

Bob: Do you think they have wanted to do this for years?  It seems that the Fasano plan and the Martellus rookie year, this was always in Garrett’s mind to utilize Witten and company in such a manner. But, it didn’t quite pan out.  Now, it looks like Martellus is ready to break out.

Proscout: I do think it was in Parcells nature to try this. You have to remember that Jason Garrett came from the Norv Turner offense, very TE friendly.

Bob: It seems like quite a weapon.  As you explained yesterday, effective offense is based on being able to run or pass from a given look.  That is why “11″ out of Shotgun has to be done in doses.  In that set, you are passing 75% I would imagine if not more.

Proscout: Bennett has really looked outstanding not only in the OTA’s and Mini Camps but now training camp as well. He is a miss match player

Bob: Is he a solid blocker?

Proscout: He has gotten much better as an inline blocker. He is so big and athletic that he can tie you up and shield you from the play.

Bob: Explain for the reader what makes Witten and Bennett mismatches?

Proscout: They are both too big for a defensive back to cover and they are both too athletic for a linebacker to handle as well. Thus they create problems for Defensive Coordinators.

Bob: so, is this where they talk about “bracketing” a TE?  With a LB underneath and a Safety over the top?

Proscout: Thats right. Both now that they have two guys like this, even more problems.

Bob: But, without Owens, I would imagine that your average DC would keep the middle full of defenders and make the WR beat 1-on-1.  Then, if they do, you adjust to that.  But at first, I cannot let Witten beat me.

Proscout: The combination of these tight ends and running backs will have to carry this offense until these receivers get their legs.

Bob: Ok.  So, if I have Bennett and Witten giving the LB’s and SS fits, then who is in the box sitting on the run?

Proscout: There is your problem. The more you committ to these TE’s the more you have to deal with Barber or Felix Jones busting runs on you. its really simple math.

Bob: So, to understand how OC’s think about personnel packages, you choose between a 3rd WR, a 2nd TE or a FB.  In that math equation, I have to go with Martellus in most normal downs and distances.

Bob: Especially if Witten and Bennett are both comfortable at the H or F back, right?

Proscout: Thats right. What combination gives me the best chance for success. They will run across teams that don’t have the personnel to handle a two TE package

Bob: How do you best utilize MB3 and Felix?

Proscout: I know I can play with my base offense with MB3 With Jones, I try and create space. Give him the opportunity to get the ball on the edge in the open field.

Bob: In looking back, this offense really had gold with Felix.  It never was close to the same after he was hurt. What situations should they be looking more to Felix than to MB3?

Proscout: Any time you have an explosive player, he creates problems for the defense. Take away that element and you are going to struggle. I really can see both of them in some creative packages. In camp, they have used Jones as the “F” and put him in motion. I really like how that creates mismatches. I would try and get them both on the field at any situation. Again, explosive players equal great things.

Bob: Sometimes, the presnap motion of Felix can be as dangerous as anything.  Talk about panic in the secondary when he goes wide.

proscout: Because you know what a game breaker he is. You game plan to stop him now he is on the move. That is panic.

Bob: So, with 3 major mismatch issues:  82, 80, and Felix.  Why am I hearing so many talking heads telling me that the offense will not be the same?

proscout: Because they dont trust these wide outs

Bob: OK.  Let’s visit that group.  Can you win with them?

Proscout: Until they find some steady play makers on the outside, people will continue to doubt.

Bob: 2 WR on the field.  Who will it be with Roy?

Proscout: I really like Miles Austin because of his speed. Crayton catches most of the passes thrown his way and Hurd has flashed ability. I would like to see Austin be that guy but he has to prove he can handle the job.

Bob: I have thought Austin was going to break out since his plays against the Packers in 2007.  Does he just have to stay healthy, or is there more to it?

Proscout: This is going to sound crazy but to play receiver in the NFL, you have to be tough because you take some pretty good shots during the course of a game. Pain and injury is something you have to deal with. Austin needs to develop that toughness to be a down after down player. He has to find a way to stay healthy or he is no good to this club.

Bob: It does seem, though, that he is on the radar around the league as a guy who may have something.  I know the Jets were flirting with him.  If he has a big year, he could become pretty rich next spring.

Proscout: The Jets deal to be honest was really not more than a free trip home. He wanted to be in Dallas and he wants to play here. He does have something when you watch the tape that you love. He can really run and he has a feel for how to make things happen with the ball in his hands. Thats what can make him rich.

Bob: Beyond Roy, Crayton, and Austin.  What else is there that is worth much WR?

Proscout: You didnt mention Hurd but at times that understandable. Right now, this is just my gut feeling. If no one steps up for that 5th WR spot, they are going to keep four and use that spot on another position.

Bob: So no Jesse Holley high hopes?

Proscout: If Jesse Holley makes the practice squad, he should be happy. I will say this about him, he does catch everything thrown his way.

Bob: So, I have avoided the topic that is most dangerous until the end.  What about this Offensive Line.  Should we be scared about what could happen with one twist of a knee?

Proscout: There is no doubt you should be scared. In practice, we have seen Leonard Davis take some reps at left tackle. Doug Free as a back up looks steady, McQuistan not so much. I don’t want to see another season of Procter and Montrae Holland plays painfully slow. So, yes I would worry.

Bob: The depth on the OL can sink this whole thing.

Proscout: Its that way with a lot of teams in this league but look at the investment this team has made in linemen for none of them to develop. It’s really sad.

Bob: Very sad.

Bob: As we saw last year, health is the one thing you can not account for, but you must have.

Proscout: Health can win you a Super Bowl.

Bob: Bryan, Hopefully this wasn’t too painful.  I would love to do it again.  Thanks so much for your time!

Proscout: next time we will talk a little defense…I enjoyed it…

Hopefully, you are familiar with the guys at BloggingtheBoys.com . They have some of the very best Cowboys analysis available, and I check it out all of the time. In fact, this year, those guys have put together an entire Cowboys annual that is on newstands now . I have my own copy, and I would love for you to check it out.

Anyway, Rafael Vela is a writer who I have followed for several years. He is one of my favorites because he uses evidence rather than emotion to craft his opinions.  I always prefer that type of mind over the “fly off the handle” emotional writers.  His writings dive deep, and I generally enjoy what he offers.   Anyway, he was kind enough to give me 60 minutes and we have about 3,000 words for you to consider this morning as we prepare for the 2009 season.

Here it is:

Bob: Ok.  I am a big fan of your blog, and I think you guys are pretty dialed in.  So, tell me how you feel about this camp vibe of “flying under the radar” it seems…

Rafaelv: That’s fine with me.  Last year was Jerry having to relearn a lesson. Too many moving parts off the field.

Rafaelv: Hard Knocks was distracting for me, and I never played a down.

Bob: So, you agree with the premise that the circus has left town to a certain extent?

Rafaelv: There’s always a circus. The last S.A. camp was pretty tame, in comparison to Oxnard ’08, but it was a circus compared to the last Tuna Camp.

Rafaelv: A lot of glad handing on the sideline. But I get the sense they’re working on football rather than doing things for the cameras. They were well aware all their moves were being taped last year.

Bob: But from a purely personnel manner, I obviously look at the moves where they had to choose between bringing in someone to handle the strong personalities, or subtract those personalities.  They obviously opted for the exit strategy.

Rafaelv: Right.  But it goes much deeper than T.O. and Pacman and Tank Johnson

Bob: Ellis and Roy?

Rafaelv: I’m going to look really hard at special teams this coming week, because they decided it was more than Bruce Read dragging them down there last year.

Rafaelv: They’re remaking the entire squad. And they should.

Rafaelv: Those guys made Bruce DeHaven look like a chump too.

Bob: What else was wrong with the special teams?  Do you mean players like Burnett and Keith Davis types?

Rafaelv: That core, Burnett, Davis, Carpenter, Watkins and Rogers, has been around since ’06.  I think that Carpenter will be the only survivor this year.

Rafaelv: It was a dumb unit.  Too many mental mistakes at key times.

Rafaelv: Pat Watkins made a third of the unit’s penalties last year and half of those were personal fouls.

Rafaelv: Wade knows he can’t let his job depend on guys like that this year.

Bob: Interesting.  It seems like a good number of that part of the roster goes back to the Parcells era (I think of Hurd and Austin, too), and it is time for so many of them to take a major step forward or move along.  Stanback comes to mind, too.  Your point on Watkins is spot on.

Rafaelv: You have noticed how few defenders are around from the Parcells days?

Rafaelv: One starter in the secondary.

Bob: For sure.

Rafaelv: Two among the linebackers.

Rafaelv: Parcells drafted a lot of those guys, but remember,they also drove him into retirement.

Bob: Now, is the secondary better?  That is my question.  I am having a hard time being Bullish on Jenkins and Sensabaughat this particular moment.  They need huge years from both it would seem.

Rafaelv: I have not seen them but I feel good about both of them, depending on reports I’ve gotten from people I trust.

Rafaelv: Is Jenkins going to be worse or better than the ’09 version of Anthony Henry?

Rafaelv: Can Sensabaugh cover any worse than Roy Williams?

Rafaelv: The bar isn’t that high.

Bob: I should point out that you will not get to camp until tomorrow.  I am not asking about practice performance.  The bar is not high, but the performance must be for this team to do better than ’08

Rafaelv: Sensabaugh has to be league average and Dallas makes a big jump.

Rafaelv: Dallas has had some of the worst safety play in the game since Darren Woodson retired.

Bob: Safety was bare bones in ’08.   Not to skip around, but the depth at OL is disconcerting looking forward at a possible pitfall.

Rafaelv: Keith Davis was awful as a free safety. So was Watkins. Roy could never cover and lost his ability to tackle.

Rafaelv: O line is a concern.

Bob: who is the 6th and 7th best OL men in your estimation?

Rafaelv: They have some maneuverability — if ONE guy gets injured.

Rafaelv: They can’t tolerate two injuries at once.

Rafaelv: 6 and 7?  Hmmm.  Proctor is 6th.

Rafaelv: Holland is probably 7th and I’m hardly a fan.

Rafaelv: those two names should tell you a lot.

Bob: I see no tackle depth by both of our opinions on #6 and #7

Rafaelv: I can see Leonard Davis swing to LT if Flo gets a serious injury. They guy who must stay healthy is Colombo, cause I don’t see a replacement for him on the roster.

Bob: You know, Flozell is a punching bag – and rightfully so on many counts, but he is right up high on the list of guys you CANNOT lose.  They cannot afford tackle injuries.  Slippery slope for sure.

Rafaelv: Flo is a punching bag, but he impressed me by playing November with no arms last year.

Bob: That Brewster injury is a fairly underated off-season story, no?  Not sure he can play, and given the drafting of OL around here, but…

Rafaelv: I don’t know. I don’t think he was going to contribute anyway. I heard in the camps that he needed to seriously improve his strength. Now, there have been some horror stories about his injury but a doctor I spoke to said he can be back working out by mid-season. If handled correctly, this will set him back ten weeks or so, but we’ll have to see how he uses his rehab time.

Rafaelv: I don’t think it harms the team much unless he can’t rehab it long term.

Bob: So where do you see the tackle depth chart in Week 1?

Bob: Week 1 of regular season that is.

Rafaelv: I need to see Doug Free before I answer that. He was the big disappointment to me last year. He looked really promising in ’07 and he looked awful last summer.

Rafaelv: Week one? I would go with the starting five, Proctor, Holland and the 8th spot will either be Free if he makes a push or McQ if he doesn’t, cause McQ can play the wedge on kickoffs.

Bob: fair enough. Let’s talk Jason Garrett. Where did he go wrong in 2008?

Rafaelv: Where did he go wrong? I’m in the minority here but I think his “intelligence” was directly correlated to the length of his injury list.

Rafaelv: He had some bad games, like Washington one, but he never had a healthy o-line, he lost Felix Jones after six games, T.O.began a rapid decline and Jason Witten was stapled together every week.

Bob: Well played.  Let’s dive into that more.  I believe there is simplicity when people summarize the failure of last season.  It is all “Romo cannot win in December” and “Owens split the team up”  But surely, the injuries were a monster last year.

Rafaelv: And he didn’t give himself a decent backup QB

Rafaelv: Yeah, and they made some bad personnel moves. They gave T.O. an extension when they didn’t have to. They threw away their leverage and gave him a comfort zone, which you should never do as a front office.

Rafaelv: And Brad Johnson was a mistake.

Rafaelv: And I don’t know why Montrae Holland needed 15 weeks to get into the lineup.

Bob: Brad Johnson was a major mistake on so many levels.  Didn’t it seem somewhat obvious to the naked eye at camp?

Rafaelv: Yeah, it did, but Romo escapes rushes so well, I think people got spoiled.

Bob: You add Felix Jones, Miles Austin, Kyle Kosier, Romo, Barber, and Witten’s injuries, and things were certainly stretched.  It seems that the combination reduced many of the playbook options…and thus made the offense pretty predictable when Romo came back.

Bob: And the weather turned…and the schedule stiffened, too.

Rafaelv: They’re playing a similar game this year at backup NT. Junor Siavii looked awful last year and he’s the guy right now.

Rafaelv: They need Free to step forward and they need to find a guy to give them 20 snaps a game on the nose.

Rafaelv: And those two positions are real hard to find.

Bob: I really think Garrett made the team too easy to defend, despite all of that, by going crazy with the Shotgun “11″ package down the stretch.

Rafaelv: Well, I’m not so sure.

Rafaelv: I did a piece on the team’s red zone performances from ’07 and ’08 and found that they were a really bad power running team,

Rafaelv: which is surprising given their size and the reputations of Adams, Gurode and Davis.

Rafaelv: This was not a team that could pound you on 3rd and 2 or in goalline.

Rafaelv: The shotgun, draws and tosses were what they did well.

Bob: I don’t disagree, but I think they need some more options where it could be pass or run.  To go straight shotgun makes defense much easier from a pass rush standpoint.  And with Flozell and Columbo having trouble protecting the flanks (Philly), it was a recipe for disaster.

Rafaelv: And I don’t know if they can do that now. WYSIWYG withthat line.

Bob: And it wasn’t just games where they were behind.  They ran big shotgun against Washington at home, SF at home, NYG at home.  They just fell in love with it.

Rafaelv: I wipe out that Philly game.  It’s a non-entity to me.  That team shut down after that Baltimore loss. The Eagles loss had nothing to do with tactics. They didn’t want to play anymore.

Bob: I agree with that.  I was just speaking of the inability to keep people off Romo

Rafaelv: That’s not having a backup LT. Again, this is what I’m talking about earlier.

Bob: True.  I guess I am very excited about the “12″ – which worked well at times, but with Martellus entering year 2, I think this should be a huge package for them.

Rafaelv: FLo had a neck stinger that weakened his left arm and a SERIOUS infection in his right hand. I had a doc telling me he would have had FLo in the hospital with an IV drip fore that infection.

Rafaelv: Yet, Kosier was already out, so they didn’t want to move Davis to LT cause Holland wasn’t ready and Proctor was already starting at LG.

Rafaelv: They can’t handle more than oneinjury on that line.

Bob: Yep.  That was holding it together with tape.  I wonder why more effort was not made to fortify that in the offseason.  We know this line is not getting younger

Rafaelv: Flo should have been shut down to heal mid-season.

Rafaelv: I think the gut punch wasn’t losing Brewster, but having Seattle trade up one spot ahead of them to get Max Unger.  They thought they were going to get a gift with him and he was snatched from their grasp. He would be the number six  right now sight unseen.

Bob: Do you think the ’09 offense will be worse than ’08 like the scribes suggest?  I know they won’t have an Owens-type, but it seems if healthy, this team has plenty of mismatch issues for opponents to sweat

Rafaelv: No, not at all.  I think it will be closer to ’07 than ’08.

Rafaelv: I think T.O.is cooked.

Bob: It would seem that Felix brings tons of issues, as does Martellus.  Witten is Witten, so the WR group only has to be good – not great.

Rafaelv: Bennett is gonna be a monster, Witten is healthy again and Felix Jones could be a special player. I’ve been screaming for him to start for weeks. He’s Tiki Barber II to my eyes.

Rafaelv: Right. Look at New England. In their scheme, they need a guy to stretch the field so Moss and Welker can work. They guy doesn’t have to be great,just good and fast. They had Dante Balsa-Wood Stallworth there in the 16-0 year and they’re going with Joey Galloway now. Miles Austin can do this, so he simply needs to stay on the field and he makes Witten and Bennett much better.
Bob: Wow.  Make your case for Jones over Barber.

Rafaelv: Jones?  He’s the most complete back on the team. (Here is a full essay on why Felix Jones should start that Rafael has written .)

Rafaelv: When he came out of Arkansas, he had the second best career YPA in college football history.

Bob: Have we seen enough to know that he can hold up to the NFL work load?

Rafaelv: And the naysayers said he rode on Darren McFadden’s cape.

Rafaelv: Well, he averaged around 8 yards a carry last year.

Rafaelv: He doesn’t have to be THE GUY.

Rafaelv: Nobody does that any more.

Bob: I love him, I just wonder if I like him more as a change-up or “the guy” who gets the important carries at the key times.

Rafaelv: But he averaged 16 yards a carry on toss plays last year.  It was a really small sample, but he’s a home run hitter.

Rafaelv: Barber isn’t.

Bob: Barber makes defenses run away at times from pain.

Rafaelv: No, he should be the guy playing when the defense is fresh cause he’s the better speed guy, he’s the better receiver AND his YPC was better on inside runs as well.

Rafaelv: I think he should have 15-16 touches a game.

Bob: Can he pick up that 3rd down blitzer?

Rafaelv: From what I saw, yes,

Rafaelv: but he’s such a receiving weapon I’d rather challenge LBs to cover him in space.

Rafaelv: It’s not a far fight.

Bob: So, ideally, how would you split touches from Felix, to Barber, to Choice?

Rafaelv: I wrote a piece on this before. They don’t have enough carries to go around for three.

Rafaelv: But using the Giants system as a guide, with about 28 carries a game?

Bob: sure

Rafaelv: Jones 11, Barber 14, Choice about 3.

Rafaelv: With Jones getting about 3-4 catches a game.

Bob: It really seems that this offense should be very dynamic.

Rafaelv: One thing lost in the rubble was that Garrett had them running screens very well last year.

Rafaelv: But Jones never got one. He only had two catches period.

Bob: The stress on LB’s is unreal with Witten/Tellus/Felix.

Rafaelv: Right.

Bob: It suggests Romo should have shorter passes to throw, but the danger is after the catch

Rafaelv: The key is keeping that starting OL healthy.

Bob: I don’t buy all of this “pound the ball” 60/40 garbage.  I think less shotgun 3WR, but plenty of throw to create mismatches

Rafaelv: I take “Romo friendly” as meaning a lot more passes to TEs and backs, more bootlegs, screens and semi-rollouts.

Bob: Then we are on the same page.

Rafaelv: Nobody runs 60/40.

Rafaelv: This ain’t college.

Bob: Please explain that to the generic sports talk caller and message board poster.

Rafaelv: The Ravens ran 58/42 and that’s cause they had a rookie QB and banged up WRs.

Rafaelv: The Giants ran around 50/50.

Rafaelv: I have a theory that a lot of fans can’t see the qualitative difference between college and pro and think pro teams can whip up on teams like a top 10 college team does.

Bob: And this leads to an angry fan base when you only win by a smaller margin than Vegas suggests.

Bob: One last thing before our time runs out….What do you think about the 2 kicker crunch on the bottom of the roster on game day?

Rafaelv: Don’t know if it’s a crutch.  I’m going to look really hard at Matt Stewart in camp.

Rafaelv: He can’t be any worse than Justin Rogers as a LB.

Bob: I just think that long snapper, P, K, K, and such reduces your options on game day so you can only go with 7 OL or 4 WR for instance.

Rafaelv: If he can deep snap — and he’s doing a lot of snapping — he takes Ladouceur’s place and Roger’s place and you have room for a second kicker.

Bob: Ah.  Nice plan.

Rafaelv: I didn’t understand why he was signed until I read he’s snapping.

Rafaelv: but Ladouceur is good, so Stewart will have to be damn good to make itwork.

Rafaelv: but I think this is what they want to have happen.

Bob: This USC K is the talk of camp on many levels.  Seems like it would be quite a story if he ever covers a punt in the regular season.

Rafaelv: Stewart is key to this.  I’ll let you know how he does.

Bob: Cool.  Thanks for the hour.  Really Appreciate the time.

One note, both of the chatters have busy lives, so Evan arrived a bit after we started, and Mike had to leave a bit early, but still we got you almost 2,000 words of Rangers talk for you to digest today.

Bob: So, with hours to the deadline, what do you think of the moves on the board so far?

MJH: Pretty boring. I’m not sure that Cliff Lee is a huge difference maker. The Seattle move is the most fascinating to me.

Mjhindman: They appear to be playing it both ways. Adding and possibly subtracting simultaneously.

Bob: Seattle’s posture is an interesting study, no? They obviously feel they can win this. So does the deal today kill the premise of Washburn on the move?

Evan: Hey now. ….

Bob: Ladies and Gentlemen….Evan Grant

Mjhindman: No. Seattle may be fortifying themselves to deal Washburn and still attempt to stay in the mix in the division.

Bob: Evan, we were just tossing around impressions of the pre-deadline activity to this point. Thoughts on the splashes?

Mjhindman: Rick Adair has done a tremendous job with the Seattle staff this year and I’m guessing that they believe that he can get just a bit more out of Snell. If that frees them up to get a bigger bat by trading Washburn… Could be interesting.

Evan: Decent amount of activity. Nothing I would call a blockbuster. That is something that would come out of the blue and involve huge talents on both sides.

Bob: Seattle is 7.5 out going into tonight. They pretty much have to focus on the Boston/Texas pursuit with the wildcard, no?

Mjhindman: Hey Bob!! A Feldy strikeout, just for thee.

Evan: I think Seattle probably should focus on the wild card, yes. But there are enough games left within the division that they are still on the map.

Bob: Let’s not paint me as a hater. I like “Feldy”. I just don’t want to be so naive everytime a starter strings together 3 months.

Bob: I believed in Drese. I believed in Koronka for a while. It would seem that I spend too much time believing, and perhaps I don’t trust my eyeballs too much anymore since they have let me down in the past.

Mjhindman: I’m not painting you as a hater. What Feldman has going for him is exceptional range from his infield defense. Pitchers like him are heavily dependent on defense, of course.

Mjhindman: You see that a lot with guys who depend heavily on the sinker / GB formula. Fausto Carmona. They come and go. Ride them while you can.

Bob: so you buy the Bill James premise (as I assume you read the piece this morning)?

Mjhindman: Of course, I’m pretty sure that Drese was loading up the ball and got a warning to stop it. It was a poorly kept secret that Orel was a greaser.

Bob: Mr Grant, what sayeth you on the controversy du jour?

Evan: I tend to agree with MJH, but I will say that Feldman is young enough and new enough to starting and apparently adaptable enough to potentially develop a better strikeout pitch. And your thesis this morning had Feldman at 4.49. Bill James only had one decimal point in his 4.5 K per nine theory. It was interesting reading. And worth paying attention to.

Evan: I think it serves as a reminder that in general, you’ve got to have a strikeout pitch to succeed long-term. Feldman’s got a great base right now, but yeah, as clubs get more familiar with his delivery and his cutting action, he’s going to have to adjust.

Mjhindman: Yes. I hope I’m wrong, but Feldman is extremely enigmatic. Usually, extreme GB / non-strikeout guys have very low pitch counts and can go deep on a habitual basis. That’s not the case with Feldman. On the other hand, you almost never see a hard-hit ball.

Bob: Yes, and I should have elaborated on the 4.5 number. In his essay he spends quite a bit of time showing that very few (if anyone aside from Glavine) can dramtically improve their K’s per 9 at the big league level. Therefore, you set a baseline for the rest of your career at a given number. So, however far you may be above 4.5 is how far you can afford to slide. So, if you begin at 4.5, uh Danger Will Robinson.

Bob: There is no question, he leads my eyeballs in soft grounders. I guess the counter to that is that opponents batting average for balls in play are impossible to control. The averages catch everyone.

Evan: Sure, he’s at the bottom of the scale. I don’t think he will dramatically improve it, but 4.75 or 4.8 is doable and that would get him a little more above the bar. But the thesis, I think is sound. If you are going to be a starting pitcher, you have to be able to extract yourself from jams with the strikeout.

Bob: Tommy Hunter is the guy I am actually curious about. His sample size is so small that I don’t have a feel for him yet. I think he will shake out in the 5.5 or 6.0 range when he gets more work. I think. Thoughts?

Evan: Four pitches to work with make strikeouts much more realistic possibility. I’d say look up Joe Blanton’s numbers – well , I actually did (5.51 per nine) – and you’ve got a decent guess at what he might be. Blanton is the constant comparison for him. Big fellas from SEC schools who advanced quickly.

Evan: I also think Rick Helling might be an adequate comp. Didn’t we discuss that, MJH?

Mjhindman: Yes. I think that Tommy has Rick Helling written all over him in a lot of ways.

Evan: Is that a good thing or bad thing?

Evan: I’d take Rick Helling.

Mjhindman: Good, of course.

Bob: Totally. Helling would battle you.

Bob: With this recent run of form and the recent issues with health on the team, isn’t the pressure fairly high to help this team with a deadline addition to fortify things?

Evan: MJH did you see my proposed Lee/Francisco comp on the blog? Thoughts?

Mjhindman: Tommy is underrated and always has been. Go back and take a look at what he did in Triple-A just a year out of college last summer and let that sink in.

Evan: Bob, I think this team has done everything possible to justify making an addition, a big-time addition. The money thing has got to be frustrating for players and Daniels. This team has manuevered its roster for years to have financial flexibility and what is clear to me is that this year when that flexibility would really help, they simply don’t have it.

Mjhindman: just one year after being drafted, Hunter blew through the Cal League, the Texas League, got a cameo in Arlington and posted a 2.89 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A Oklahoma.

Mjhindman: and Tommy is demonstrating an ability to make adustments; huge

Bob: Surely, though, a guy can scrape a little cash together if the situation is there. Is it so dire that even in this situation that HSG will pat for the wallet?

Bob: Or does all the cash go to try to sign your picks by 8/15?

Mjhindman: digression: I really have a mancrush on C. Granderson

Evan: Me, too. I’ve said that many times.

Bob: He good.

Evan: I think there is no money to do anything with. That seems to be the impression I get.

Mjhindman: Roy Halladay is the pitcher I’d most want to see here; Granderson wins my position player award in that category.

Bob: What are the guys in the room saying about that, Evan? I know how bummed they were a few years ago, when they got no help at the deadline.

Mjhindman: OK then Evan: then why are the Rangers ostensibly in the mix? Just to confuse the Pimp and try to kill a Boston deal? I don’t understand why Daniels is injecting himself into the Halladay talks if he can’t afford him. Is this org so disfunctional right now that they can’t get that straight? Isn’t that Nolan’s job to keep that from happening?

Evan: I think the players believe Halladay can change the race and the playoffs. I believe they think Halladay makes them the favorites for the division. I’d hate to see the reaction if Halladay gets traded and it’s to the Angels instead of the Rangers.

MJhindman: I’m sure that’s true. So you’re saying that the Rangers are just posturing?

Evan: I don’t think they are posturing and wouldn’t accuse them of that. I just think it’s going to be more difficult than we’ve even alluded to get a deal done.

Bob: Based on what you hear or think, what would a Halladay package from a Rangers perspective look like?

Evan: This is a guess, guess, guess. But I get the feeling they would part with Smoak and Feliz to headline the deal. As long as Toronto doesn’t insist that the third player is either Martin Perez, Derek Holland or Elvis Andrus, there should be a workable four-player package to put together. That would be fair. Baseball trades stopped being about fair a long time ago.

Evan: You can blame the rotisserie-league reared GMs or the media’s instant grading of trades. But trades now are about being the other team, just bitch-slapping them. Not about making a fair deal for all involved.

Bob: OK. So, you are JD, Evan. Would you do that deal?

Evan: On a talent-for-talent basis, yes. Make Perez, Holland and Andrus off limits and the Jays could have their pick of any one pitcher and any one position player not currently in the majors.

Evan: But remember, Bob, you agree on all the talent and then you still have to be sure you can add $4.5 million to the payroll for the rest of the season with the specter of $15.75 looming for 2010.

Bob: the 15.75 is Padilla + Blalock, right?

Evan: Roy Halladay is an ace. Nothing matters more in a playoff race and in the playoffs.

Evan: Bob: Yes, but you are also looking at an uncertain financial situation for next year with the payroll since ownership is undetermined. It could shrink even more. There are a number of arb guys + kinsler who will jump significantly in salary.

Bob: Trust me, I am in. I don’t want to overpay, but this franchise should not sneeze at being close to doing something special. They have 1 playoff game win in franchise history. This could do wonders for the Rangers fanbase. But letting it die on the vine over cashflow may be unavoidable, but also quite damaging.

Evan: If the financials prohibit a big deal, that could get ugly.

Bob: So, do you have a hunch on what we can expect in the next days, or is it a complete mystery that could go either way?

Evan: My hunch is no big name. They could add a piece, but I don’t know that there is anybody out there who would wow me after Halladay.

Bob: This is going to be interesting. Thanks, guys.

Yesterday morning, I assembled Our Leader (Evan Grant), the Godfather (Jamey Newberg: The Newberg Report), and The Wonder Kid (Joey Matschulat, founder of Baseball Time in Arlington) in a chat room to kick around the Rangers options at the trade deadline.

Make the jump for an explosive edition of Armchair Roundtable where I think we manage to illustrate just how difficult the decisions will be for the Rangers as they engage in trade discussions this week.

Plus, we find out what kind of ice cream Jamey, Evan and Gerry Fraley favor.

Evan, of course, needs no introduction. He’s a BBWAA legend with ridiculous journalistic and clubhouse cred. Jamey doesn’t need one either, but here it is: he basically invented the independent, fan-based baseball blog — not just for the Rangers, or D/FWb but in all of sports — and has set the standard by which all other sports blogs have been measured ever since. His missives are followed closely not only by Rangers fans, but by executives and journalists throughout the great game from coast-to-coast.

And that brings us to Joey Matschulat, who is just about to graduate from UT-Tyler. Matschulat is a spectacular talent, both as a writer and as a baseball analyst. When I first came across Baseball Time in Arlington several years ago, I quickly realized that he was about to change the game. In my opinion, Joey is reinventing the role of baseball columnist in the new media age. I just hope that the people who are at the forefront of molding sports coverage in the new media age (and I’m looking at you Wick) recognize the need to cultivate talent like his.

I, of course, am a hyperbolic stooge for Rangers management according to internet reports. I am also that most loathesome of creatures, a trial lawyer. Feel free to hate me for either of those reasons, or any others you might come up with on your own.
____________________________________________

MJH: Let’s get it on…. Am I the only one for whom Saturday night killed the idea of going after Halladay…or Kazmir? Or are you guys thinking that the Rangers should go in for both a starter and a DH?

Evan Grant: Nope. Give me Halladay. And I’m content to take my chances. As is, this team is 9-11 in games started by guys who rank in the top 10 in ERA in both leagues. The offense may be not up to expectations, but still, they beat both Beckett and Halladay in a four-day span.

Jamey Newberg: I’m in for getting a controllable DH. On the starter, I’m in if it’s a tier two starter for tier two prospect(s).

Jamey Newberg: Just can’t believe Halladay would come here.

Joey Matschulat: Frankly, I’m not sure there’s ever been much of a chance of getting Halladay.

MJH: Agreed that he probably wouldn’t come here. But set that aside for the moment.

Evan Grant: Jamey, I reported earlier in the week in the live blog, that I’ve been told Halladay would not reject a trade here.

MJH: And are you in a position to elaborate on that story Evan?

Jamey Newberg: And I don’t want Kazmir for what it would take.

MJH: Jamey: Are you thinking that Kazmir is likely sliding towards a steep decline based on the last two seasons?

Jamey Newberg: I think the steep decline is already underway.

MJH: Me too. Not interested. There are a lot of signs that he’s about done.

Jamey Newberg: He’s useful but TB historically wants too much, and they will here for sure.

Joey Matschulat: I’m in for Halladay if “the price” is right, of course, but I’m not sure you’re going to find a right price … alluding to Jamey’s Mitch Moreland/Omar Poveda for Josh Willingham offer, that’s clearly something you do, but by all indications guys in the vein of Nick Johnson are going to require too much talent.

Jamey Newberg: Ok, setting aside the Halladay veto hammer, three weeks ago I proposed:

a. either Neftali Feliz and Mitch Moreland . . . or Justin Smoak (or Chris Davis) and Blake Beavan (or Tommy Hunter)
b. Taylor Teagarden
c. Wilmer Font or Wilfredo Boscan or Guillermo Moscoso or Omar Poveda
d. Engel Beltre or Mike Bianucci or Jose Vallejo or Joaquin Arias or Marcus Lemon

And we get Jason Frasor back.

I still do that deal (say, Feliz, Moreland, Teagarden, Font, and Beltre for Halladay and Frasor), but I don’t think it matches up with what Philly will eventually do.

Evan Grant: Rangers are going to have to go Smoak and Holland or Feliz plus. I do it.

MJH: Evan: what if they want Perez too?

Evan Grant: No, they can have two of the “untouchable” four. No more. And yes, I’m in. I’d prefer to do Feliz over Holland.

Jamey Newberg: Wait — Evan, it would take Smoak, plus Holland or Feliz, and more, and you’re in?

MJH: Before Saturday night’s debacle, I would have been OK with Feliz, Smoak and Poveda or Beavan. But not Perez, Smoak and Poveda or Beavan.

Jamey Newberg: Wow.

Evan Grant: My deal: Smoak, Feliz, Poveda/Boscan/Kiker/Ross and a low level position throw-in.

MJH: Joey: Earlier, you mentioned that you’d be interested in Halladay for the “right price.” Where do you draw the line?

Jamey Newberg: Yeah, Joey — give me some company on this.

Joey Matschulat: Holland, Teagarden/Saltalamacchia, Boscan/Poveda and Moreland is probably where I draw the line. As I’ve written before, I think it takes substantially more (Smoak/Holland/Teagarden/Font) to get a deal done. This team has major holes and while Halladay would be an immense shot in the arm, I don’t think he gives you assurances of getting over the top.

Evan Grant: He is an ace. I repeat he is a bonafide ace. He changes everything. And let’s not forget that if the Angels get him – and they are serious – then you are looking at having long-shot chances in 2010, too.

Jamey Newberg: Aree with that. But I don’t give up Feliz, Smoak, Holland, Perez, Font, Ross, Mike Maddux, and the Sonic Girl just to get him. Even if he’s a bonafide ace. And even if LAAA is in on him.

Evan Grant: Whoa. I’m talking about four players. Feliz and Smoak plus one of the pitchers from the slash group and a lower-level player. It’s what it will take.

Evan Grant: Jamey, is Feliz GOING to be an ace?

Jamey Newberg: No. And therefore, I would trade him in a package for Doc.

MJH: Is Justin Smoak Mark Teixeira or Lyle Overbay?

Jamey Newberg: Closer to the former, by a lot.

Evan Grant: He might be Tex.

MJH: Wrong. Trip Somers and I already figured it out. He’s closer to Overbay.

Evan Grant: But I still believe Chris Davis is going to be fine. And if Chris Davis is fine and you give up a good player to get a great pitcher, is that not worth it, especially if you don’t necessarily hurt yourself that much at 1B?

Jamey Newberg: That’s the Adrian Gonzalez mindset, Evan. Trade one of them, fine. But do it like Boston is doing with Buchholz.

MJH: No Jamey. It’s not like Adrian: Adam Eaton is not Roy Halladay.

Jamey Newberg: Crud. You’re right.

Evan Grant: Exactly, MJH.

Jamey Newberg: How many times have we seen that Buchholz is untouchable? . . . . until Victor became available.

MJH: I would have been fine with trading John Danks for Josh Beckett. But not Brandon McCarthy. You don’t see many guys in the Beckett / Halladay stratosphere become available. When it happens, you gotta make your best effort to get it done.

Jamey Newberg: That’s where I am, too, Mike.

Jamey Newberg: But we’re not talking about Danks. We’re talking about Danks plus Smoak.

Evan Grant: If the Rangers get Halladay, they have a much better shot at winning in 2009. And they become, in my mind, the favorites for 2010. OK, guy’s lets simplify here. What is the single most important aspect a contending team could have. And the hardest to find?

MJH: Do any of you see another starter potentially available who you think would be worth the trouble?

Jamey Newberg: Mike, what’s your top offer?

MJH: Feliz, Smoak and either Beavan or Poveda; or Feliz, Teagarden, Poveda / Beavan and a real fringy guy with upside. Somebody down low in the system. Toronto has been patching it together at catcher with Zaunie and Rod Barajas. They might want a young catcher in the deal.

Jamey Newberg: OK, that looks like my deal, though I added Moreland and was getting Frasor back.

Evan Grant: Mike, not including Smoak doesn’t get it done, unless you go with both Feliz and Holland. Doesn’t Toronto have Arrencibia on the way?

Jamey Newberg: Yes. Similar to Teagarden.

MJH: My alternative was in the event that Toronto wanted a catcher in the deal. If they don’t, then they don’t and Smoak would go along with Feliz. This would all be a little easier if Matt Harrison and Michael Main were healthy and pitching up to capabilities. It wouldn’t make it seem like these deals would deplete the system quite so much.

Jamey Newberg: Do you both agree that if we ever put Feliz and Smoak on the table, this would already be done and we’d be asking whether Doc would agree?

MJH: The stories say they asked for four and Texas countered with two. My guess is that Feliz & Smoak have already been offered.

Evan Grant: I think Rangers would certainly be as much in the mix as Philadelphia.

Joey Matschulat: All three of us agree on that, Jamey. Mike, referring back to something you stated earlier, did Saturday night’s game really alter our perceptions of this team that greatly where we might be disinclined to pursue playoff-bolstering players via trade? Is it that it was the freakin’ Royals that embarrassed them that makes it stand out above the rest?

MJH: No, it was that Luke Hochevar so thoroughly illustrated that you don’t even have to throw strikes to get ahead of the Rangers. Overreaction in disgust, but it’s hard to fathom how a lineup with that mentality can win regardless of the pitching.

Evan Grant: By the way, Hamilton is sitting today [Sunday]. The offense is a concern, granted, but let’s not forget they beat BECKETT AND GREINKE in the four days prior.

MJH: I know… Those guys throw strikes. Which is evidently the wrong approach to pitching to the Rangers.

Jamey Newberg: Which just proves that the talent is all there. The approach is brutal.

Jamey Newberg: Against Saunders/Weaver/Kazmir/Price earlier this month, this lineup hit .307/.389/.606.

MJH: Is there another starter out there you think you’d like to take a flyer on? Doug Davis perhaps? If just to take the heat off of Holland.

Jamey Newberg: I’d take Correia over Davis.

MJH: Joey? Correia, Davis, Carl Pavano…Cliff Lee?

Joey Matschulat: I know you’re not on the same page with me on Cliff Lee, Mike, but he greatly intrigues me. Ground ball pitcher whose value isn’t wholly tied into his velocity (90-91 mph) and whom I think would come cheaper than Halladay by a decent bit (assuming you think it takes two of Feliz/Smoak/Holland/Perez to swing a Halladay deal, when it might only take one of the three to swing a Lee deal), not to mention the more palatable financials.

Evan Grant: There is not another starter out there that I would give up one of the Big Four for. Offer a minor league prospect straight up for Davis, and I’d be happy. Doug can pitch in this park.

Jamey Newberg: FWIW, Evan, I don’t give up one of the big four, either.

MJH: Poveda and Moreland ought to be enough for Davis. Would ya?

Evan Grant: Yes. But only if Halladay deal doesn’t happen.

Jamey Newberg: That’s the same pair I proposed for Willingham; I’d take Willingham before Correia, but sure.

Evan Grant: My problem with Cliff Lee, Joey, is that bad outing on Opening Day. I know it was a long-time ago, but it does raise some red flags here.

Jamey Newberg: Cliff scares me.

MJH: I just can’t go Big-4 for Cliff Lee. Halladay is a special case. He’s all-time.

Jamey Newberg: Same here. BTW: on the Lee/RBIA subject…and Davis being able to pitch here…..Correia on 6-27: 7-5-3-3-1-9

MJH: OK. Let’s address the DH position. There are plenty of DH’s on the market. How does Texas NOT get one?

Jamey Newberg: Who’s with me on Willingham as the guy? Inexpensive, OBP guy, kills lefties, controllable (and tradeable) through 2010.

MJH: I think he’d be a nice addition. Price?

Evan Grant: And what are the Rangers giving up for him?

Jamey Newberg: I suggested Poveda/Moreland but trust that won’t be enough

Joey Matschulat: Willingham is actually controllable through 2011 as far as I can tell, Jamey (citing Cot’s)…I think he goes a respectable way towards helping address this offense’s BB/K inefficiency, but he’s not going to be inexpensive much longer and I don’t know how much that impacts the front office’s thinking.

MJH: Cheaper than Dunn or Johnson both in dollars and in prospects, I would guess. And arguably a better fit for this lineup.

Jamey Newberg: yep

MJH: Poveda and Boscan?

Jamey Newberg: Done.

Jamey Newberg: And probably still not enough.

Evan Grant: But now you are getting into Feliz, Smoak, Poveda, Boscan Moreland and another prospect. Now you are dipping into the farm system’s strength.

Evan Grant: I do not take my eyes off Halladay until told no.

Joey Matschulat: By the way, regarding the Rangers’ 2009 offensive BB/K ratio — it currently sits at 0.37, the worst mark in the AL and the second-worst mark in baseball (Giants are at 0.30 as a team, which is almost unfathomable). Of the 79 major league teams that have scored 800 runs in a season since the 2000 season, only two have done so with team BB/K ratios lower than 0.44. Willingham helps, but something is going to have to change on a larger scale with this offense.

Jamey Newberg: Even if he’s a Blue Jay at this time of day on the 31st?

Evan Grant: I am going to have to be out of Halladay altogether before I move on to something else.

Evan Grant: He’s THAT good. That important. And I don’t divert prospects from that deal.

MJH: Not to worry Jamey. The Pimp says that he’s pulling Roy off the market on the 28th, right?

Jamey Newberg: Real chance we leave something useful on the table in that case, and don’t get Doc.

Evan Grant: Yes Mike.

Jamey Newberg: MJH, J.P. said that “deadline” is soft

Jamey Newberg: Losing Poveda and Boscan for Willingham wouldn’t kill a Doc deal.

MJH: I was joking. How that — or his bit about not allowing a window to discuss an extension — helps him, I don’t understand.

Evan Grant: Useful isn’t good enough. Useful, to me, is Baines. Need a game changer. Halladay = Game changer.

MJH: Jamey’s right. There are replacement parts for either of those guys.

Jamey Newberg: Evan, who is saying Willingham at the expense of Doc?

Evan Grant: That’s just me.

MJH: But Evan, if you ARE going to do that, don’t you also want to make the most of the decision to go for it? Don’t they also owe it to themselves to give the lineup a shot in the arm?

Jamey Newberg: You think Poveda, Moreland, and Boscan are names we have to hoard until we know TOR isn’t dealing?

MJH: By the way: Who would have thought that a pitcher jusst might reject a trade here because he thinks that he won’t get enough run support?

Evan Grant: Good points, but I just don’t want to give away TOO much.

Jamey Newberg: Imagine Doc stepping into the clubhouse and speaking for 30 seconds on how pitchers gameplan our offense.

MJH: You make a Roy Halladay deal to create a two-year window. You don’t mess with the window by pussyfooting it.

Joey Matschulat: Go big or don’t go at all.

Evan Grant: OK. I’ll concede that. If you think you can make both deals without crippling the system, then do it. But I’m not making this deal to create a two-year window. I’m making it to open a long-term window earlier than expected. I certainly do not want to give up the farm entirely.

Jamey Newberg: Which is why I don’t give up two of the Big Four, even if “I have to.”

MJH: Evan: With Padilla, Blalock, Byrd, Cat, Benoit, Vizquel and Eddie coming off the payroll next year, won’t the payroll be down about $8 million even with salary increases to Michael Young, Kinsler and Hamilton coming?

Evan Grant: Mike, I think your math is about right. But you haven’t factored in raises for Frankie and C.J.

Evan Grant: But, Jamey, you are talking circles. Either you make Halladay and Willingham or you don’t make either. So which is it?

Jamey Newberg: I think the circular talk is contagious. You don’t want to “give up the farm entirely” but will do whatever it takes to get Doc. I make the Willingham deal whether I can get Doc or not.

MJH: Here we go…. Duck Joey!

Joey Matschulat: *ducks*

Jamey Newberg: I trade one of the Big Four for Doc, plus plenty else, but not two of them.

Jamey Newberg: How about that Robbie Ross? Best second-round pick we’ve made in years!

Evan Grant: Why, Jamey? Why go add a DH piece if you can get Halladay? Isn’t that Baines?

Jamey Newberg: Willingham is not Baines because he won’t cost what Baines cost. Not close. Baines cost us Martin Perez and a hitter.

Evan Grant: How DO YOU KNOW what Poveda or Perez is going to be? How did they know what Wilson Alvarez was going to be?

Jamey Newberg: Ask Tom Grieve that Q when you see him today. He has said repeatedly (and recently) that Sosa wasn’t the mistake. Alvarez was. And they knew it right away.

MJH: Please don’t mention Martin Perez and Wilson Alvarez in the same sentence again. I’ll throw you out of the room, head first. Them’s the house rules.

Jamey Newberg: Joey, I’m now ducking with ya.

MJH: Let’s attempt to steer this towards a less controversial area. Money.

Evan Grant: OK. Who wants to give me some?

MJH: Wick Allison

MJH: Going back to my previous question to Evan, the point I’m tying to make is that they really do have about 25-30% of the current payroll coming off next year.

Evan Grant: What about $$$. The Rangers don’t have any. They could get all the way tothe point of having a deal done and still not be able to complete it.

MJH: Are you saying we’re looking at a $35 million payroll next year? With $16 million going to Michael Young, $11 going to Millwood and $5 million going to Kinsler?

Evan Grant: I’d say the savings is about $5-7 million. But with new owners – or, god forbid MLB – running the team, it might go to $35-40 million. Michael will only make $11 next year.

MJH: I’ve done some math in my head — which is dangerous — but it seems like they could add Halladay and still have a lower payroll on opening day next year than the payroll on opening day this year. $30 million comes off: Padilla (-$12 million), Blalock (-$6.5 million), Byrd (-$3.5 million), Benoit (-$3.5 million), Cat (-$2 million), Omar (-$1 million), Eddie (-$1 million), Andruw ($1 million).

Joey Matschulat: And regarding the completion of a deal, Evan, how much would it take to convince Halladay to waive his NTC if he demands enticements to come here? $1M? $2M? More? That stretches things even further with respect to 2009.

MJH: OK. So we’ve wasted an hour on an impossibility.

Evan Grant: Hamilton will jump above $2 million, C.J. probably above $3, Frankie same. Salty could be a Super Two.

MJH: So now let’s address this from the point of view that a Halladay deal can’t happen because of money and / or he won’t agree to come here. Whatever the reason, he’s off the table. Now what do you do? Do you try to add Correia or Davis and Willingham? Or is that just pissing in the wind?

Evan Grant: Well, if Willingham is controllable and won’t cost you an arm and a leg and it’s getting a leg up on fixing the offense for next year, I’m getting less and less opposed to it.

MJH: OK: let’s say that they can have both Davis or Correia and Willingham, and they lose Blake Beavan, Omar Poveda, Doug Mathis, Mitch Moreland and Wilfredo Boscan in the process. Who’s in for that?

Jamey Newberg: Me, but I don’t think the Correia half costs as much as that would suggest.

Evan Grant: I think I pass. Four pitching prospects. I suspect two of them will be servicable big leaguers.

Joey Matschulat: I’m in.

Jamey Newberg: Profling: Evan wants the big splash but not the smaller improvements. Joey and I are comfortable with the latter.

Evan Grant: I think smaller improvements don’t get it done and certainly don’t make you a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

MJH: I don’t think that the smaller improvements are enough to get it done this year and so why bother?

Jamey Newberg: Correia and Willingham are not just about ’09.

Evan Grant: I really don’t have much interest in Correia.

Jamey Newberg: And again, I’m not against going after Doc as well. Just not for Two of the Guys.

Jamey Newberg: Evan, why aren’t you interested in Correia?

MJH: Willingham is a DH only here. So next spring, you have Willingham, Davis, Smoak, Max Ramirez and Moreland coming right behind them.

Jamey Newberg: Willingham, if his 400 OBP ever becomes extraneous, will be tradeable at his contract level.

Joey Matschulat: Well, I’ve said “go big or don’t go at all” numerous times … I’m more interested in Willingham than Correia or Davis, personally. You want to add guys who excel in some aspect of the game if you’re going to pull the trigger.

Jamey Newberg: Correia: seven QS’s in his last 10 starts

Evan Grant: Correia has a 4.84 ERA this year, pitching in a pitchers park. IHe has a 4.80 ERA as a starter for his career. Seven starts don’t sell me on a guy, especially one who allowed eight runs in 3.1 innings the last time out.

Jamey Newberg: Yeah, it was 4.34 before the last start.

Evan Grant: 4.34 in the most extreme pitchers’ park in the majors? No thanks.

MJH: I’ll take a Doug Davis rental before Correia. Plus, I’m not sure I want JD talking to Kevin Towers anymore. It didn’t go so well for Texas the last time they did.

Jamey Newberg: Yeah, ignore me. I was seduced by the game Correia threw in our pitchers’ park. Like Oliver Perez once upon a time.

MJH: Has Chris Davis restored trade value this month?

Joey Matschulat: No.

MJH: Or is he now been stamped with “swing too long” to the extent he’ll never be sought after?

Jamey Newberg: I bet he’s drawing plenty of trade interest. But for 30 cents on the dollar.

Joey Matschulat: Selling on Davis now would be the epitome of selling low. I’m not completely averse to the idea of trading him at some point down the line if the deal is right (then again, who is?), but it would be very silly to do so now.

Evan Grant: Even if Davis ends up being a .250 hitter, he’ll have big power and he’s a Gold Glove first baseman. Has anybody in majors played better D than him this year?

Joey Matschulat: Wait, Evan, better defense at any position or just at first base?

Evan Grant: At first.

Jamey Newberg: I would trade for Davis if I were any one of 20 other clubs.

Jamey Newberg: Chris, that is.

MJH: But Texas can’t even think about trading Davis right now. There’s a pretty sizable chance that he’s right back to being one of the most productive young power hitters in baseball within nine months.

Evan Grant: Yeah. I was seduced by that Ollie Perez game, too. What’s he done? Inconsistent at best. Awful most of the time.

Jamey Newberg: That’s my point, Evan. Forget what I said about Correia.

Evan Grant: But I was agreeing with you about being seduced. It happens. I’m kinda off Lee based on one start, too.

Jamey Newberg: MJH, agree: In a different kind of way, CD almost has to be untouchable right now.

MJH: OK, lighting round. Sorry to all of you Kevin Correia fans out there.

MJH: Each of you name one guy you think would be worth the trouble but who we haven’t talked about already. And what you’d be willing to give up to get him.

Evan Grant: I might give up three of the Big Three in a deal for Haren.

Jamey Newberg: Haren has to be untouchable, no?

Evan Grant: I’m only looking big, big, big.

Evan Grant: Certainly, you would think Haren is untouchable, but if you started with Smoak, Holland and Perez, might you draw the D’backs interest.

Jamey Newberg: Not mine.

Joey Matschulat: If you’re gunning for a legitimate difference-maker…well, is there really anyone else who could conceivably be available that fits that definition? Oswalt has that star quality, I guess, but McLane’s not dealing him to an intrastate rival.

Jamey Newberg: I’d have interest in Takashi Saito. But Hank doesn’t get that done now.

Evan Grant: Saito? Why does this team need relief help?

Jamey Newberg: I think we’d be much better off if every RH’r behind Frankie were moved down one slot.

Evan Grant: I remind on Haren: Legitimate ace. Signed long term. Only 29.

Jamey Newberg: Love Haren. Love, love, love that guy. Not giving up those three.

Jamey Newberg: MJH, who’s your guy?

MJH: Sheff. He’d be practially free and he’s producing this year. And I’m thinking the Mets would be willing to take a flyer on one of the Rangers lower level Latin American guys with upside.

Evan Grant: Who for Sheff?

MJH: If the Rangers could get Doug Davis for Omar Poveda and Sheff for Carlos Pimentel, I wouldn’t mind.

Jamey Newberg: Evan, I’m all for being aggressive in July. We owe it to Michael and Milly and Marlon and everyone else. I want to see something done. But that’s too much for Haren, in my worthless opinion.

MJH: I could do Doug Davis and Sheffield rentals for next to nothing in terms of prospects.

Evan Grant: Jamey: That “we owe it. …” sentence sounded a lot like JFE and we don’t want you to go there.

Jamey Newberg: haha. I’m sure Gerry Fraley likes cookies’n'cream ice cream just like I do, but so be it.

Evan Grant: Fraley is a mint chocolate chip guy, like me.

Jamey Newberg: as am I — but that doesn’t mean I subscribe to Fraley’s point of view on things

Evan Grant: I’d do Sheff for Poveda and Davis for Boscan or the other way around. Or I’d be happy to substitute Willie Mosconi, er, Moscoso.

Joey Matschulat: Hated, hated, HATED the idea of going after Sheffield this winter, but that was at the $14M price tag. That certainly has worked out for NYM. I could buy into that, but I think it takes more than Melo.

Jamey Newberg: one thing Sheff would bring is some of that lineup swagger that has disappeared

Joey Matschulat: And the ability to not swing at pitches two feet outside.

MJH (12:24:38 PM): OK, my kids are throwing huge fits because they need lunch. I gotta check out. You guys feel free to carry on if you want.

Evan Grant: Sheff and I go way back. …. I’m gonna run, too. You dudes rock.

Jamey Newberg: Later.

Joey Matschulat: Same. My body isn’t accustomed to waking up before 11 a.m. on Sunday and I might go into shock soon if I don’t eat something. Great stuff, gentlemen, let’s do it again soon.

Jamey Newberg: Off to go dust off my Ollie Perez Padres jersey.

MJH: Thanks for the time boys. We’re clocking out after ninety-nine minutes, and at least seventy of them were pure gold.

To access the chat Click Here

UPDATE: Evan just got to the ballpark at 2 pm. He will be chatting soon with Kevin Millwood. Give him five minutes, 10 on the outside. –Eric