Sunday, March 13, 2005
Like Blaylock, We've Moved On!
As we indicated earlier, we were preparing to move to a new website. And so we have. We can now be found at: http://chiefs.mostvaluablenetwork.com
Our new site name is "Home of the Chiefs." Our format is a little different. No longer will we have the debate-style blog we had here. I will, of course, continue to comment on his articles, and he will continue to comment on mine, but those will all now be found in the commentary section.
What won't change is our passion for the Chiefs. And I hope that will come through in our contributions. So please, when you have the chance, come on over and talk Chiefs with us. And thanks for reading!
Our new site name is "Home of the Chiefs." Our format is a little different. No longer will we have the debate-style blog we had here. I will, of course, continue to comment on his articles, and he will continue to comment on mine, but those will all now be found in the commentary section.
What won't change is our passion for the Chiefs. And I hope that will come through in our contributions. So please, when you have the chance, come on over and talk Chiefs with us. And thanks for reading!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
For Whom Kendrell Bell Tolls- The Chiefs!
Finally! The Chiefs, after some ear-twisting failures to land free agents, signed Kendrell Bell today. The only information available currently is that the Chiefs signed Bell to a 7-year contract.
Initially, this looks like a great move. Kendrell Bell is an elite linebacker-- when healthy. He has missed a lot of time in recent years to injuries. The good news is that it does not seem to be chronic injuries that hamper Bell. He missed time in 2003 because of a high ankle sprain, and he missed 13 games last year due to a groin injury. The bad news is that he does not appear to be a quick healer, and he has a reputation of not playing through pain.
Hopefully, a big contract and a big challenge to turn the Chiefs' defense around will inspire Bell to play through pain. There is no doubt that Bell is one of the most skilled LBs available. We still have to leave some room open to judgment, depending on how big Bell's contract is. If it is too large, that may hamper the Chiefs' ability to obtain a CB. Bell's signing also does not rule out a subsequent signing of Ed Hartwell, because either can also play OLB, but if Bell's cap figure is too large, that may rule out Hartwell.
Let's hope the Chiefs made a good signing and that this is not a panic move.
Initially, this looks like a great move. Kendrell Bell is an elite linebacker-- when healthy. He has missed a lot of time in recent years to injuries. The good news is that it does not seem to be chronic injuries that hamper Bell. He missed time in 2003 because of a high ankle sprain, and he missed 13 games last year due to a groin injury. The bad news is that he does not appear to be a quick healer, and he has a reputation of not playing through pain.
Hopefully, a big contract and a big challenge to turn the Chiefs' defense around will inspire Bell to play through pain. There is no doubt that Bell is one of the most skilled LBs available. We still have to leave some room open to judgment, depending on how big Bell's contract is. If it is too large, that may hamper the Chiefs' ability to obtain a CB. Bell's signing also does not rule out a subsequent signing of Ed Hartwell, because either can also play OLB, but if Bell's cap figure is too large, that may rule out Hartwell.
Let's hope the Chiefs made a good signing and that this is not a panic move.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Samari Rolle
Chiefs Nation is abuzz with how Samari Rolle went from a guaranteed Chief, to a Raven practically overnight.
There are multiple theories, the most popular being that our front office was too cheap to give him what he wanted. I subscribe to a different theory: injury clause.
Today, the KC Star released an article about a potential health problem diagnosed during Rolle's MRI. The problem, called spinal stenosis, is a condition in which the spinal cord narrows and anyone diagnosed typically suffers a lot of pain when undergoing physical activity.
Samari has very good reason to be upset about the whole fallout. I don't know how the story leaked out to the press, but I believe that this is something that should have stayed between the doctors, Samari, and our front office. That aside, if this story is true, then there is some legitimate concern about Rolle's health. Rolle went on the NFL Network claiming that the Chiefs blindsighted Rolle and that he didn't know that was even a factor until the story was leaked to the press. I find this very hard to believe. The rampant speculation was that the contract talks stalled not on money; not on terms; but on the injury clause.
Now, here's where I think the story gets sketchy. The Chiefs turn down Rolle because of an injury clause, then Rolle runs off and immediately takes an offer that is nowhere NEAR the ballpark of what his perceived market value was. We may all have our opinions about which corner is truly better than the other, but many would find it very hard to believe that Lucas was paid more than Rolle or that Rolle received just a smidgeon higher than Baxter. Samari knows what he should be worth on the open market, and you can't help but wonder what could have prompted such an incredibly quick change-of-heart? Money? No. Spite? Maybe, but do you think any player would turn down cash for spite? Not likely.
It's a wild theory, I know, but my thoughts are that if Samari were truly confident about his health, he wouldn't have ran out and took the first offer that he found, particularly one that wasn't even close to his true value; particularly one that isn't even close to top cornerback money. No. Something stinks. I don't know what it is, and of course, I don't know everything that just took place. But all I know is, Samari was all but a lock in KC, the issue of injury clause came up, an article publishes in the KC Star pointing out a spinal condition, and overnight Rolle is on a plane to Baltimore and he accepts a low deal with the Ravens in a blink of an eye. I don't know if I'm the only one that thinks that's all just a little too weird.
There are multiple theories, the most popular being that our front office was too cheap to give him what he wanted. I subscribe to a different theory: injury clause.
Today, the KC Star released an article about a potential health problem diagnosed during Rolle's MRI. The problem, called spinal stenosis, is a condition in which the spinal cord narrows and anyone diagnosed typically suffers a lot of pain when undergoing physical activity.
Samari has very good reason to be upset about the whole fallout. I don't know how the story leaked out to the press, but I believe that this is something that should have stayed between the doctors, Samari, and our front office. That aside, if this story is true, then there is some legitimate concern about Rolle's health. Rolle went on the NFL Network claiming that the Chiefs blindsighted Rolle and that he didn't know that was even a factor until the story was leaked to the press. I find this very hard to believe. The rampant speculation was that the contract talks stalled not on money; not on terms; but on the injury clause.
Now, here's where I think the story gets sketchy. The Chiefs turn down Rolle because of an injury clause, then Rolle runs off and immediately takes an offer that is nowhere NEAR the ballpark of what his perceived market value was. We may all have our opinions about which corner is truly better than the other, but many would find it very hard to believe that Lucas was paid more than Rolle or that Rolle received just a smidgeon higher than Baxter. Samari knows what he should be worth on the open market, and you can't help but wonder what could have prompted such an incredibly quick change-of-heart? Money? No. Spite? Maybe, but do you think any player would turn down cash for spite? Not likely.
It's a wild theory, I know, but my thoughts are that if Samari were truly confident about his health, he wouldn't have ran out and took the first offer that he found, particularly one that wasn't even close to his true value; particularly one that isn't even close to top cornerback money. No. Something stinks. I don't know what it is, and of course, I don't know everything that just took place. But all I know is, Samari was all but a lock in KC, the issue of injury clause came up, an article publishes in the KC Star pointing out a spinal condition, and overnight Rolle is on a plane to Baltimore and he accepts a low deal with the Ravens in a blink of an eye. I don't know if I'm the only one that thinks that's all just a little too weird.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Updates Galore
At this point in time, it's important to sort out the likely facts from the projections. It seems that this is the best update that we have:
Likely Facts:
Hartwell left KC to test the market in Arizona and Seattle. He wants a contract of $6 mil/year and a $10 million bonus, and KC would like to avoid that kind of figure. Rolle has gone home for his daughter's birthday party, but apparently the Chiefs' front office pulled a very late-night session to free up money internally and to work out Rolle's contract figures. Bell came into KC and passed a physical (he failed the Giants' physical because of a shoulder problem that went away). Dwight Smith visited KC. Sammy Knight will come in probably next week.
Projections:
It sounds like Rolle is extremely close to a deal and other teams have backed off. Hartwell and KC share a mutual interest in each other, but they don't agree on the terms. It sounds as if we are waiting for Rolle to sign, and then we will figure out where Hartwell, Bell, Smith, and Knight fit into the puzzle. The Chiefs don't sound confident that they can sign Hartwell to his high-terms, but it's very possible that Hartwell will come back with a more reasonable offer (after testing the market and, hopefully for Chiefs fans, not finding an offer close to what he's demanding). Dwight Smith is apparently only interested in the Chiefs and Saints, and it sounds like he missed his flight to New Orleans because of his long talks with the Chiefs.
Opinion:
There will be a domino effect in KC. We've waited a long time to hear news, but once Rolle signs (if he does, that is), then we will likely see a few deals happen in a relatively short period of time. Most likely, a MLB (whether it's Bell or Hartwell, it's tough to say) and probably either Smith or Knight.
Likely Facts:
Hartwell left KC to test the market in Arizona and Seattle. He wants a contract of $6 mil/year and a $10 million bonus, and KC would like to avoid that kind of figure. Rolle has gone home for his daughter's birthday party, but apparently the Chiefs' front office pulled a very late-night session to free up money internally and to work out Rolle's contract figures. Bell came into KC and passed a physical (he failed the Giants' physical because of a shoulder problem that went away). Dwight Smith visited KC. Sammy Knight will come in probably next week.
Projections:
It sounds like Rolle is extremely close to a deal and other teams have backed off. Hartwell and KC share a mutual interest in each other, but they don't agree on the terms. It sounds as if we are waiting for Rolle to sign, and then we will figure out where Hartwell, Bell, Smith, and Knight fit into the puzzle. The Chiefs don't sound confident that they can sign Hartwell to his high-terms, but it's very possible that Hartwell will come back with a more reasonable offer (after testing the market and, hopefully for Chiefs fans, not finding an offer close to what he's demanding). Dwight Smith is apparently only interested in the Chiefs and Saints, and it sounds like he missed his flight to New Orleans because of his long talks with the Chiefs.
Opinion:
There will be a domino effect in KC. We've waited a long time to hear news, but once Rolle signs (if he does, that is), then we will likely see a few deals happen in a relatively short period of time. Most likely, a MLB (whether it's Bell or Hartwell, it's tough to say) and probably either Smith or Knight.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Trotter Gone; Hartwell Still Around?
As most probably know by know, Trotter has decided to stay in Philadelphia. That still leaves Hartwell and Rolle as KC's top choices. There are conflicting reports about whether Hartwell is still in KC or on his way to Arizona. Rolle will be home for the weekend for his daughter's birthday.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Huge Potential Developments
Listening to ESPN radio from KC, there could be big news before the weekend is over. Trotter, Hartwell and Rolle all stayed longer than expected. Hartwell will be staying in KC overnight, and in an interview on the radio, his response to the question "Will you be a Chief" was "Looking forward to it."
As for Rolle, it appears he will be going home to attend his daughter's birthday party, then return tomorrow morning. He wants to get something done by Friday, and he has no plans to visit other teams.
Trotter stayed until Thursday night, then plans on visiting some other teams.
Furthermore, Kendrell Bell came in unexpectedly tonight, and he will be back at Arrowhead at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
Stay tuned...
As for Rolle, it appears he will be going home to attend his daughter's birthday party, then return tomorrow morning. He wants to get something done by Friday, and he has no plans to visit other teams.
Trotter stayed until Thursday night, then plans on visiting some other teams.
Furthermore, Kendrell Bell came in unexpectedly tonight, and he will be back at Arrowhead at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
Stay tuned...
Trotter, Rolle, Hartwell
According to sources at the Philadelphia and Kansas City papers (www.philly.com and www.kansascity.com) the Chiefs are conducting physical examinations on Trotter and Rolle. Trotter is the main concern because he has had major knee surgery on both knees before. Rolle, of course, missed a big chunk of last season, also because of knee problems. Hartwell will apparently have a full interview today.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Free Agent Update
Just as a note- my DSL went down, so haven't really had a chance to update the blog. Hopefully, the WR analysis will appear tomorrow.
From the good folks at Chiefs Coalition, word is that Jeremiah Trotter, Samari Rolle, and Ed Hartwell all visited KC today, and that Ty Law if flying in tonight. ESPN reports that Trotter is this close to signing with KC.
From the good folks at Chiefs Coalition, word is that Jeremiah Trotter, Samari Rolle, and Ed Hartwell all visited KC today, and that Ty Law if flying in tonight. ESPN reports that Trotter is this close to signing with KC.
