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Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Today's blogger is Matty from the Miami Dolphins blog, The Phinsider . 1. What did you see from Chad Henne in his first season as a serious starter that you liked and that you thought he needed improvement on? I liked a lot of what I saw. I thought his arm was as strong as advertised and he was far more accurate than many seemed to think he would be. I also liked how he didn't let the mistakes bother him and he really seemed to become a leader on this team as the year went on. With that said, the two things he has to improve on are his accuracy on touch passes and his tendency to force throws that result in turnovers. But both of those things are easily correctable, in my opinion. So I think he has a bright future ahead. 2. What do you expect the Dolphins to go after with their 12th pick? Which player do yo...

Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Today's blogger is Michael Tunison, aka Christmas, made famous by both writing for KSK and getting fired due to this picture (dumbass Washington Post). He now gets paid to work in his underwear at the Sporting Blog . 1. When LaMarr Woodley busted out and said that everyone was going to lose to keep the Steelers out of the playoffs what did you think? I thought it was a lame ploy on Woodley's part to try to pressure teams that didn't need to try into playing hard. Then again, Woodley was one of the few defensive starters who played better in the second half of the year, so I was willing to give him some leeway. 2. Was this season more or less frustrating than the 2006 season? Less. The team, as much as they screwed up, didn't start 2-6. And they had some significant injuries to account for some of t...

Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Today's blogger is Jack Kogod, aka Unsilent Majority, made famous by stints with KSK , Deadspin and others. 1. Be honest, how big a part of you is going to miss Jim Zorn. (And can you really blame Zorn for failing? He wasn't even hired to be head coach) I definitely won't miss Jim Zorn. Yes, he was put in a position to fail, and fail he did. 2. Alright with Zorn out of the way, what are your expectations for Shanahan? What should his first line of business be this offseason? Shanahan has always been one of my least favorite coaches in the league, so I'm not quite as thrilled as some seem to be. I expect the offense to improve, but I'm concerned that the defense will regress. The first thing he needs to do is to sure up depth on both lines. Oh, and find a way to ground Redskins One. 3. Is any...

Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Today's blogger is Terry from the Jacksonville Jaguars blog, Black & Teal . 1. David Garrard "made" the Pro Bowl this season, despite only throwing for 15 tds. What do you think his absolute best season could be? Will he ever throw for 25+ tds? David threw for 2,500 yards and 18 TD’s for a QB rating of 102 in 2007. That earned him a big contract. Since then, his receivers changed and his offensive line deteriorated. He is not good at getting away from pressure and the line play and his play combine for 125 QB hits. That means his skills will deteriorate with the accumulation of punishment. These are the big Ifs for David, if the line can establish the run so that play action passes are available, David could throw for 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. His QB rating could be 100+ again since he is adve...

Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Today's blogger is Fooch from the San Francisco 49ers blog, Niners Nation . 1. Do you think the bust label on Alex Smith has been dropped too early? Do you think he is the Niners 2010 quarterback? Will he succeed? Smith will be the 49ers QB to start 2010 and I think he'll last the entire season. If the 49ers can put him in a position to succeed (basically meaning a better offensive line in front of him), I think Alex Smith could very well be a successful quarterback. I don't think he'll ever be a superstar in the NFL, but he could be good enough to not take away from a potential championship team. As far as the bust label is considered, it's really hard to even say he was a bust up until now. He struggled his rookie year and showed solid improvement (from awful to not so awful) his second seaso...

Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Today's blogger is BW from the Tampa Bay Bucs blog, Buc 'Em . 1. The NFC South has been won by whomever finished last in the division for several years running right now. What do the Bucs need to do to keep that trend going? BW: The Bucs have a long way to climb to make this happen. The biggest issue is fixing the defense. Our offense is average and will provide us an opportunity to win games assuming our defense can hold teams to 20ish points. Our 2010 opponents give us a chance to get some wins, but ultimately, it will come down to better run defense and an ability to limit the big play. 2. Should Raheem Morris have been let go after the season or do you think he's moving the team in the right direction? BW: This is a touchy subject in Buc world. I was not thrilled with the hire, but the guy won ...

Blogging the Offseason worked so well for the MLB that I'm bringing it back for the NFL. You can find all the posts under the label Offseason or just go here . Our first blogger is TheRaiderWay from the Oakland Raiders blog, Silver and Black Pride . 1. How eagerly are you awaiting the time when Al Davis is no longer in the front office to make executive decisions? This is a question that comes up often and my answer is the same. Al Davis is the Raiders and I’m not looking forward to him not making executive decisions, but rather looking forward to the day that he brings on a GM-type person to help him. The last time the Raiders were winning was when they had Bruce Allen as that GM-type person as a facilitator between Al and the rest of the organization’s departments. Before Allen, they had Ron Wolf, which was during times of consistent success. The Raiders organization needs now unity with the single purpose and goal of winning. 2. What are your thoughts on JaMarcus Russell?...

Well we are finally done with the Blogging the Offseason series having interviewed at least one person from each team. Here's the Glossary of all the interviews done. AL East New York Yankees 1 & 2 Boston Red Sox Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles Tampa Rays AL Central Chicago White Sox Detroit Tigers Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals Cleveland Indians AL West Texas Rangers Oakland A's Los Angeles Angels Seattle Mariners NL East New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Florida Marlins Washington Nationals Atlanta Braves NL Central Chicago Cubs St. Louis Cardinals 1 & 2 Milwaukee Brewers Pittsburgh Pirates Houston Astros Cincinnati Reds NL West San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants Los Angeles Dodgers Arizona Diamondbacks Colorado Rockies

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . And now time for our final edition of Blogging the Offseason. Up today isthe Florida Marlins and our guest is Michael Jong from the Marlins Blog, Marlins Maniac . 1. This answer is probably obvious but... any chance the Marlins go out and bring a big free agent? Or will all their signings be roster fillers? That's an emphatic "no" on the big free agents question. However, in terms of filler, the Marlins are always out to look for new blood for the bullpen and on the bench, and they usually do this by checking out the talent available at the league minimum. Usually, the Marlins scour non-tendered players in order to find bodies to fill these less important roles, but this season I have been recommending the team look at a $2M or so investment on a play...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Our Guest today is Jamey Newberg from the Rangers Blog, The Newburg Report . 1. Josh Hamilton went from beast to injury plagued and mostly absent. What are the expectations for him in 2010? Can he stay on the field? He’s clearly one of Clint Hurdle’s biggest priorities as the club’s new hitting coach. Hamilton was out of sync mechanically last year, and he took on the weight of expectations, trying to match what he’d done in 2008. Add in the injuries and he was never able to find any rhythm, and he lost confidence. He’ll be moved to a corner outfield spot in 2009 (in an effort to reduce the physical toll on him defensively), and the hope is that he can return to form as a legitimate run producer. He doesn’t need to repeat 2008 – just give this team a reliable m...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today is World Series day and because the Yanks are the Yanks you're getting a double dose. Our second guest is Jay from the best named sports blog in the business, Fack Youk . 1. The Yanks declined to offer arbitration to everyone this offseason. The one and only player I thought it would have made sense to offer it to would have been Damon. He's looking for a multi year deal and would a 1 year deal a little better than he deserved have been all that bad? Plus you get the upside of a potential 1st round pick. What were your thoughts on not offering arbitration to anyone? With Pettitte, it wasn't going to matter either way. In the end, the $11.75M he signed for was right about what he would have netted in arbitration, minus all the headaches of going th...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today is World Series day and because the Yanks are the Yanks you're getting a double dose. Our first guest is Mike Axisa from arguably the #1 Yankee Blog out there, River Avenue Blues . 1. First and foremost, what are your thoughts on the Granderson deal? It seems like a natural upgrade without giving up too much but part of me wonders with the trading of Granderson if they are ever going to bring up a superstar fielder again. What, no love for Robbie Cano? He may not be a "superstar," but .320-.350-.520 middle infielders don't grow on trees. Plus, it's not like Austin Jackson had that kind of projection. His stock had come down in recent years because of his lack of power and regressing plate discipline, however he is still a very good prospe...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today is World Series day and first up is the Philadelphia Phillies. Our guest is Meech from the Phillies Blog, The Fightins . 1. From a Yankee fans perspective, the biggest difference in the series was Cole Hamels 09 vs. Cole Hamels 08. What went wrong this year? What were Phillie fans reaction to his statements after Game 3? And finally what do you expect from him in 2010? Well, you Yankee fans are very observant. Cole Hamels' performance during the 2008 playoffs was one of the greatest stretches a pitcher has ever been on during the most crucial time of the year in the history of baseball. Ever. So naturally, most people just figured he would start this year like he finished the last, go on to win 20-some odd games, and bring home his first Cy Young. But in...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's AL team is the Minnesota Twins and our guest is Nick from Nick's Twins Blog . 1. What are your thoughts on the big JJ Hardy for Carlos Gomez trade? I'd imagine pleased, as the Twins already have depth in the OF and could really use to Middle Infield help. I was one of Gomez's most adamant supporters, because he's a premier defensive player and his presence in center field provided huge benefits for the Twins' extremely fly-ball heavy pitching staff. Yet, it's tough to criticize this move. The Twins have been without a legitimate shortstop for several years, and Hardy's combination of youth, power and defensive ability gives him the potential to anchor that position for years to come. While his ugly 2009 campaign certainly raise...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's NL team is the St. Louis Cardinals and our guest is Aaron Schafer aka The Red Baron from the Cardinals Blog, Viva El Birdos . 1.Matt Holliday is likely the biggest objective for the Cardinals this offseason. Do they bring him back? If not what is the fall back option? I believe the fallback option is likely to go heavy on pitching and try to make small, incremental moves to improve the offense. Unfortunately, the offseason is looking as if it may shape up to be a timing game, especially with regards to Matt Holliday and Jason Bay. They are the top two offensive free agents on the market this year, and will likely have quite a bit to say between the two of them regarding what the other makes. As it stands, I can’t possibly see Holliday signing before Bay...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's AL team is the Boston Red Sox and our guest is Dan from the Sox Blog, Red Sox Monster . 1. What was the Sox biggest issue in 2009 and how do they go about fixing it this offseason? For the second season in a row, the Red Sox were among the Top 5 teams in the American League in most hitting statistics, including runs, doubles, walks, stolen bases, total bases, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. And for the second consecutive year, the team's offense fizzled in the postseason. The answer to me is clear: The Red Sox need to get younger. Aging players like David Ortiz and Mike Lowell are still good enough that they accumulate statistics in a meaningful way, but they struggle in the postseason. Mike Lowell, for example, hit .290...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's NL team is the St. Louis Cardinals and our guest is Nick from the Cardinals Blog, Pitchers Hit Eigth . 1. What are the three things that need to happen this offseason to give the Cards the best chance to go from Division Title to World Series Title? 1) No surprise surgeries, no non-baseball injuries, no setbacks from those who have past injury history. 2) It doesn't have to be Matt Holliday, but they must acquire another bat. Could be Jason Bay, could be Adrian Beltre...there could be a trade for someone not currently on the radar. I don't necessarily buy into the "protect Pujols" bit as much as just believing that they must have additional run producers in order to win enough to take the division. 3) Acquire at least one starting...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's AL team is the Oakland A's and our guest is Nico from the A's Blog, Athletic's Nation . 1. The A's essentially completed a three team trade last year in which they rented Matt Holliday for 3 months in between the deals. What pieces from the Cardinals will make you forget about trading away Huston Street and mostly Carlos Gonzalez? That piece would be Brett Wallace, as he could potentially fill the biggest void in the A's system: 3B. But while no one questions Wallace's ability to hit, many question his ability to stick at 3B. If he can't make it as a 3Bman the trades are unlikely to work in the A's favor long-term, especially given that Carlos Gonzalez is a 5-tool talent who has already begun to show it. Yet if Wallace can...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's NL team is the Chicago Cubs and our guest is Sarah Spain from the Chicago Blog, No Spain No Gain . 1. The 2009 season was a massive disappointment for Cubs fans. What went wrong? Where must they improve to once again take home the division? The main issue with the Cubs is that they've put money into the wrong people. The contracts given to guys like Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano are way too long and way too lucrative. They have to find a better balance if they hope to become successful again and moves like giving John Grabow a two-year, $7.5 million extension this offseason aren't a good start. 2. The Ricketts family just purchased the Cubs from the Tribune Company. What impact do you see this having on the team? Will they be throwing a...

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here . Today's AL team is the Seattle Mariners and our guest is Griffin from the Mariners Blog, Sodo Mojo . 1. What do the Mariners need to do this offseason to truly make them a contender for the AL West crown in 2010? They have to sign or acquire a legitimate #2 starter, figure out the third base situation, and sign a real DH. The Mariners had the worst DH production in baseball in 2009, and there's no way they contend without significantly improving on that. As for their pitching, right now it's pretty much Felix, then a bunch of back of the rotation guys. To make that rotation respectable they'll have to get some middle of the rotation help. 2. I've locked you, your owner and your GM in a room and am forcing you to trade King Felix. What would you...