Jorge Cantu Is Choice

Anytime you can bring in a guy who once hit 28 bombs when he was just 23 years old, you have to do it.

True story: before I gave up Fantasy Baseball because I was bad at it and didn't want to hand cash over to my friends anymore, one of my best moves ever was drafting Jorge Cantu before the 2005 season. As a 23-year old he hit 28 bombs and knocked in 117 ribeyes. Of course my stupid fantasy league also counted statistics such as "walks," "triples," and "errors," so Cantu's value was marginal. Still, 28 bombs for a guy eligible at second base. Not bad.

I'm not often one to make predictions, but my prediction this season is Cantu reverts to form and gets some big hits as a Drino.

I Temporarily Recant My Negative Words About The Illini

Heading into last night's game against Michigan St., I was very down on the Illini. They have talent but they are inconsistent in applying it. They seem to lack focus and effort at times. They drop their shoulders when faced with adversity, and can't close out when they have big leads.

Last night against Michigan St., particularly in performances by Brandon Paul and Jereme Richmond, the Illini set aside those issues and pulled out a clutch home win. They now sit in second place in the conference heading into Saturday afternoon's showdown with Ohio St.

True, had the Spartans shot better I might be in a very different mood this morning. But the Illini defense played at least a part in forcing the Spartans to settle for so many jump shots. And strong rebounding in the second half prevented at least a few Spartan put backs.

Bring on Sullinger, Lighty, Diebler and the rest.

Illinois Just Might Be Not Very Good

What is the deal with the Illini basketball program?

Here's a quick list of things that annoy me about the team:

- the three seniors - Demetri McCamey, Mike Davis, and Mike Tisdale - are inconsistent and don't appear to have a winner's mentality;

- Tisdale can't stay on the court because of foul trouble;

- Davis, despite having innate rebounding talent, manages to have games where he only gets 1 rebound;

- Tyler Griffey doesn't get much playing time and then whines about it;

- Meyers Leonard looks like a goofy doofus, is often out of position, and looks like he's focused on dunking every play rather than improving his post presence on the offensive and defensive ends;

- D.J. Richardson hasn't made a basket in two games;

- Brandon Paul always seems to be knicked up or fighting a cold and isn't all that good on defense;

- Bill Cole should play for a mid-major;

- Jereme Richmond mysteriously missed practice last week and was benched for the Wisconsin game;

- the team in general relies too much on the three-point shot; and

- Bruce Weber yells all the time, calls out his players all the time in the press, and generally seems like a guy the players don't have a ton of respect for.

I say Bruce has two months to get this together. If Illinois isn't in the Sweet Sixteen in March I say we hand the program over to Jerrance Howard or Wayne McClain and start anew.

Adios to Mr. Liuget

Corey Liuget is joining Martez Wilson and Mikel LeShoure and tossing his hat into the NFL Draft ring. It's a shame because the guy is a monster run-stuffer and dominant play-disrupter on the defensive line, but it is not a surprise. He looked like an NFL lineman in the Texas Bowl win over Baylor.

I've seen two early mock drafts that have him going in the first round (22nd to Indy or 25th to Seattle). Obviously that's very speculative - Seattle might not even pick in that spot - but Liuget likely will be a mid-to-late first rounder.

The Chargers draft in the middle of the first round. They need a defensive lineman with a mean streak.

Make it happen A.J.!

Martez and Mikel To The NFL

Today Martez Wilson declared for the NFL Draft. Tomorrow Mikel Leshoure will follow suit.

Martez is an athletic freak who could have used another year of seasoning. Mikel is a dominant back who could have a similar career to former Illini Rashard Mendenhall.

I'll miss them both very much. I'd throw them a going away party if I knew them.

The Illini's Win Over Northwestern Was Impressive, Kind Of

The Illini crushed Northwestern last night 88-63, shooting a school record 70.5% from the field. As I've read in a few places today, if the Illini are shooting well they can play with, and beat, any team in the country. The Duck Blue Devils included.

What interests me more though is that the team increased its lead at the outset of the second half. Letting up on teams and coasting is the Achilles heel of this group of Illini seniors, and I'm encouraged to see them show a killer instinct.

Apparently it's something the team has been practicing, as Mark Tupper noted in his blog post today:

He [Weber] seemed most pleased by the fact that after opening a 23-point lead at halftime, Illinois still came out strong and won the first five minutes of the second half. It’s something the team has been working on.

“We have actually practiced it by putting up the score. With 14 minutes to go we’re up by nine and we have to increase the lead in the next three minutes. If we don’t, we run. I’m trying to get them to understand playing with the lead. You can’t be relaxed and casual.”

If the Illini can learn how to put a foot on opponent's necks when they have them down, they could be a special team.

Roberto "Robby" Alomar Elected To The Hall of Fame Of The Sport Of Baseball

Robby Alomar, or as I call him, Rumberto Alomar, was elected today to the Hall of Fame.

Alomar was signed by the Padres as an international free agent and spent his first three big league seasons - at ages 20, 21, and 22 - in San Diego. He didn't do too badly for a youngster:

1988: .266/.328/.382

1989: .295/.347/.376

1990: .287/.340/.381

Of course in later years Robby would become a complete and total monster both in the field and at the plate. He put together no less than 5 seasons with an OBP north of .400, nine seasons with a .300 or better batting average, and 8 seasons with 30-plus bags. He also had a little pop, hitting over 20 bombs three times.

If I had to pick a second baseman for my all-time team, I'd probably still take either Joe Morgan or Rogers Hornsby, or maybe Nap Lajoie or Eddie Collins, but I'd take Robby over more recent second-base monsters such as Ryne Sandberg and Rod Carew. Though Carew was barely a second baseman anyway.

But seriously though, how good was Rod Carew.

Baseball America's Projected 2011 Padres Starting Rotation And Closer ... Made In 2008

Yesterday I listed Baseball America's projected lineup for the 2011 Padres as published in their 2008 Prospect Handbook. Today we look at BA's projected rotation and closer.

Starting Rotation

1. Jake Peavy

Kevin Towers, in what was likely his second greatest trade as Padres GM, dealt Peavy to the White Sox midway through the 2009 season in exchange for three pitchers, one of whom was Clayton Richard who has become a mainstay of the Padres rotation. As for Peavy, he made 17 mostly-mediocre starts for the White Sox last season before his right shoulder muscle detached from his back and his season abruptly ended. If he can approach a Peavy-esque season in 2011, the White Sox look to be favorites to win the AL Central.

2. Chris Young

If only the man could stay healthy. I loved the work CY did in his four starts - three during the ultimately unsuccessful stretch run - last season. Unfortunately it was just that: four starts. If CY and the Padres could somehow find it in their mutual hearts and pocketbooks to reunite for another season or two, he would immediately become my favorite Padre. I like his demeanor, his competitiveness, his work ethic, his overall beastliness. Make it happen, Jed. Bring CY back!

3. Mat Latos

Forget #3 starter. Latos, as a 23-year old, may be the #1. His stellar sophomore campaign - 14-10, 2.92 ERA, 189 Ks, 1.08 WHIP - included a remarkable 15-game stretch where he pitched at least 5 innings and did not allow more than 2 runs in any start. I also liked his gutty performance on the final day of the season in Frisco. Though the Padres lost that game 3-0, Latos manned up, attacked the Giants hitters, and kept the Padres within striking distance. The kid gets it.

4. Wade LeBlanc

Wade has a shot to make the rotation out of Spring Training, although if he does I imagine Jed will think something has gone wrong with his well-laid plans. I like Wade and think he is capable of success in short spurts, perhaps as a change of pace after a hard thrower like Latos, before hitters start to figure out his marginal stuff. The key to winning at Petco, however, is starting pitching depth, so Wade will play a role on the 2011 Padres, whether he makes the team coming out of Peoria or not.

5. Drew Miller

Another injury-plagued career. Drew pitched poorly in 2008 and then, as the '09 season began, underwent Tommy John surgery. A second surgery on his ulnar nerve followed later that summer. He finally made a comeback last season in Fort Wayne and gave up 5 hits and 4 earned runs in 3.1 innings pitched. He did strikeout 5 of the 16 batters he faced. He retired voluntarily last May, a few days after his last outing.

Closer

Heath Bell

Well done, BA. Well done. What more can I say here about Heath? He was probably the best closer in baseball last season and I only wish he could have showcased his beastliness in the playoffs. The Padres will likely deal him at the trade deadline in 2011, gathering another haul of future monsters. Until that time I'm just going to enjoy watching him dominate the ninth inning for the Drinos.

Baseball America's Projected 2011 Padres Lineup ... Made In 2008

I perused my copy of the 2008 Baseball America Prospect Handbook today and came across BA's projection of the 2011 Padres lineup.

Recognizing that it's no easy task to predict a ballclub's lineup three years out, it is still a rather humorous read.

I'll list out the projected lineup and let you know (as if you didn't already know) where they are now:

C - Mitch Canham

Mitch was drafted for his bat and that hasn't really come around. His best year was at Lake Elsinore in 2008 when he hit .285/.382/.434. The last two seasons, however, he's faltered a bit, showing very little pop (.316 slugging % last summer). He'll most likely start the season in AAA and perhaps the hitter-friendly conditions in Tucson will help him find his stroke.

1B - Adrian Gonzalez

In the most marquee deal of the offseason, Jed moved Adrian to Boston for three top prospects and Eric Patterson. Adrian has now taken his talents to the Fens.

2B - Matt Antonelli

In a move that surprised me a bit, the Padres released Antonelli in the offseason. He has since signed with the Nationals and will likely have a shot to make their major league roster out of Spring Training.

3B - Kevin Kouzmanoff

Jed shipped Kouz to the A's last January for Scotty "Bombs" Hairston. The move opened up a spot for Chase Headley at third base.

SS - Khalil Greene

A sad story for young Kal El. His social anxiety disorder has decimated his career. The Padres shipped him to the Cardinals two years ago for Luke Gregerson and Mark Worrell. After spending a rough season with St. Louis, he signed with Texas last January, only to decide he was not well enough to report to Spring Training. The Rangers voided his contract and, as best I can tell, Khalil is still a free agent.

LF - Chase Headley

Moved to third base following the Kouz trade. Only man in this projected lineup who is in the actual lineup.

CF - Drew Cumberland

BA's most interesting projection. Cumberland is a middle infield prospect that may have the athleticism to roam the Petco outfield. He in injury-prone, however, so a move to the outfield seems unlikely. He was having a break out year last summer until an injury ended his season. If he comes out raking in '11 the Padres might not be able to keep him on the farm.

RF - Cedric Hunter

One of the more curious prospects in the Drinos system. He was a high-school draft pick that has over 5 years of pro experience, is still only 22, and has hit at every level. Yet for whatever reason, perhaps an overly complicated swing and/or questionable pop, he is rarely mentioned among the best of the best of the Padres prospects. He hit .287/.342/.397 at AA and AAA last season. He should get a shot in the bigs at some point, maybe later this summer if the Padres are out of the race.

Tomorrow I'll look at BA's projected rotation and closer. It's all very fun to read.

No Playoffs For The Bolts

I don't know who this guy is, but what I heard is he came home from Christmas vacation, a few days after the Bolts were eliminated from the playoffs, to find the playoff tickets he prepaid for in November in the mail.

Sure, he'll get his money refunded, but that's still cruel.

As for me, I'm still watching the Bolts - Broncos game today. A few pick sixes of Tim Tebow should cheer everyone up.

My Padres Lineup

I'm fully on board with the recent moves Jed Hoyer has made to prepare the Padres for the 2011 season. In particular I love the Brad Hawpe signing. I fully expect him to approximate his career average line of .279/.373/.490. If he doesn't I'll be shocked.

Here's the lineup I'd like to see for the Drinos on Opening Day 2011, an afternoon tilt in St. Louis on March 31:

1. Will Venable - RF

2. Orlando Hudson - 2B

3. Brad Hawpe - 1B

4. Ryan Ludwick - LF

5. Chase Headley - 3B

6. Nick Hundley - C

7. Jason Bartlett - SS

8. Cameron Maybin - CF

I've seen some suggest that Bartlett should bat #2 with O Dog in the three hole, but I'd like a bit more pop from the #3 spot. If you want to switch Hundley and Bartlett in the six and seven spots, I'm fine with that.

And the rotation:

LHP - Clayton Richard

RHP - Mat Latos

RHP - Aaron Harang

RHP - Tim Stauffer

RHP - Chris Young

It's doubtful the Padres will sign CY, but I'd like to see them give him a two-year deal with choice incentives. CY must know Petco is his best shot at putting up good numbers so he should accept such an offer. If CY goes elsewhere I'd like to see Cory Luebke in the #5 spot. I like how he throws with a downward plane from the left side.

Happy New Year.