NFL Injury Report: Buccaneers-49ers (Thursday)

The practice reports for both the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are out.  There are no big surprises on either report.  We reported on Tuesday that both Joe Staley and Joe Nedney would be out, actually it's interesting that Nedney is not listed as out but I am sure he will make it there by the end of the week.  The 49ers signed Shane Andrus to fill in for Nedney this week.  Andrus, was with the 49ers at the end of last year and all the way through the preseason before being cut.

The transcripts for both Mike Johnson and Greg Manusky are after the jump.  Johnson talked today about how the offensive game plan is designed and who is involved.  It appears that all of the offensive assistants have a different role and are an intrical part of the plan.  One name that was not mentioned was head coach Mike Singletary and that is certainly good to hear that he is not involved in the game plan on the offensive side of the ball.  Let's just hope that what Johnson said was true.

On how much he leans on the offensive position coaches to formulate his game plan:

“We all work together, and yes, I do lean on those guys a lot. We have different areas that we have strengths in and I utilize those guys in the areas where they’re strong and allow them to bring things to the table that help our offense. You look at [offensive line coach] Mike Solari, he’s great with run game protections. You ask [running backs coach] Tom Rathman, Tom Rathman is a blitz guru. He’s a guy that is going to know every blitz that the opposing team is going to do that week. And you have [tight ends coach] Pete Hoener, whose a short-yardage goal line guru. So then you use [wide receivers/special assistant coach] Jerry Sullivan in coverages and different things in the secondary, and then we use [quarterbacks coach] Jason Michael in the red zone. So we have all areas that we work in individually and then when we come together on those certain days, we put the entire thing together and then I make the final decision as to how we want to implement it.”

On whether having multiple inputs is why the game plan looks more diverse than before:

“I don’t know that, but I know how I want to do it, and I’m not going to sit here and say how we did it before or say that was wrong. But I always knew if I ever became a coordinator that I wanted to have input from everybody because a lot of times when you do it that way you get some things that you haven’t thought about. And you don’t always have to agree with everything that is brought up, but you definitely want to encourage the staff to bring those things to the table because every week there’s four or five things that the other coaches bring that we add to the game plan that makes a lot of sense.”

Tampa Bay

Did Not Participate: LB Quincy Black (ankle), DE Kyle Moore (shoulder)
Limited Participation: DT Ryan Sims (knee)
Full Participation: TE Kellen Winslow (knee), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot), RB Earnest Graham (hamstring), T Jeremy Trueblood (knee)

San Francisco

Out: T Joe Staley (fibula)
Did Not Participate: K Joe Nedney (knee)
Limited Participation: CB William James (concussion)
Full Participation: CB Nate Clements (quad), RB Frank Gore (foot), G Adam Snyder (shoulder)

Rams-49ers: The Aftermath - Joe's Knows Injuries

The San Francisco 49ers managed to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-20 yesterday in an overtime win but it did not come without consequences.  Both offensive lineman Joe Staley and kicker Joe Nedney were injured during the game.

Staley fractured his fibula and is likely out for about 4-6 weeks.  That could be the end of his season depending on how long it takes to heal.  This is almost the same injury that center Eric Heitmann suffered in the beginning of the season.  In his Monday media session, Mike Singletary stated that they would not put Staley on the IR like they did to Heitmann in the hopes that he can be back if the 49ers make it to the postseason.

On how long Staley will miss:
"Right now, from all of the information that we have with the injury that he has right now, the average guy would be four to six weeks. Some guys heal faster than others, so we'll see how it goes."

On whether T Joe Staley will be put on IR:
"No."

On whether the choice to not put Staley on the IR is to keep options open for the postseason:
"Yes."

The good news is the prognosis is not as bad for Joe Nedney.  He is only expected to miss next week's game after it was revealed that he has a right knee strain and a bruise. 

The 49ers will need to sign another kicker as a replacement for Nedney.  They started that process today by releasing wide receiver Jason Hill.  We should expect to get news about a signing tomorrow.

Rams-49ers: Mike Singletary Day After Press-Conference - Troy Smith to Start Against Buccaneers

No real surprise here but in his media session Mike Singletary announced that Troy Smith would be the starter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He was not ready to give Troy Smith starter status for the rest of the season and said it is week to week.  Pretty smart by Singletary since Smith is playing really well now and it is not known whether he can sustain his success.  This also allows Singletary to go back to Alex Smith if things unravel.

I am still not buying Troy Smith is the 49ers savior at quarterback.  So far the wins have not been impressive as a whole and I would like to see a full game of this outstanding play.  Not just a second half. 

With all that said, I wonder if Singletary is ready to admit that the quarterback is the most important part of a football team?  After all, the 49ers are 2-0 since Troy Smith took over...

I've posted the transcript for Singletary's media session after the jump.

Buster Posey wins NL Rookie of the Year

First, he helped bring home the first World Series in 56 years and now he's your 2010 Rookie of the Year.  Enter Buster Posey. 

Posey was able to take the award from Braves outfielder Jason Heyward, who was the favorite to win the award, while playing in only 108 games.  During that time he hit 18 home runs (same as Heyward), and had 67 RBIs.  He also finished with a .305 batting average, best among rookies, and a .505 slugging percentage. 

Oh, and he was the starting catcher on the World Series Champions.  Although, that last part has nothing to do with him winning the award as the votes are sent in prior to the postseason.

Jason Heyward finished second in the voting, with Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia finishing third.

Posey will join quite an elite club as he is only the sixth Giant to ever win the award.  The other five were Willie Mays (1951), Orlando Cepeda (1958), Willie McCovey (1959), Gary Matthews (1973), and John Montefusco (1975).

Texas Rangers closer, Neftali Perez, was named the Rookie of the Year for the American League. 

St. Louis Cardinals Are Interested in Juan Uribe

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the St. Louis Cardinals are said to be "aggressive" in their pursuit of Juan Uribe.  Uribe who can play second base, shortstop, and third base would be an upgrade over what the Cardinals have currently plus he has an above-average bat for the position.

Uribe has played for the Giants for the past two years on one-year deals.  He was originally signed in 2009 to a minor-league deal and ended up making the team and providing a spark towards the end of the 2009 season.  In this past offseason he was looking for a long-term deal but after their was no interest he resigned with the Giants on another one-year deal.  This offseason, that is likely to not happen again as there is interest around the league.

The Giants are said to be interested in bringing him back but the question is on what terms.  The Giants have a lot of young prospects in their farm system and they want to avoid blocking them with aging and overpaid veterans.  Unless they can get Uribe for a two-year deal, similar to Mark DeRosa's, then I would expect them to let him sign elsewhere.

Warriors Sale is Final, Joe Lacob & Peter Guber Are New Owners

It's official....the Cohan era is over.  The NBA has annouced that the sale is done.  Joe Lacob and Peter Guber are the new owners of the Golden State Warriors.

To celebrate, Joe Lacob and the rest of the owners are welcoming the team back from their road trip by giving 50% off of tickets, food, and drinks at Monday's game.

Here's the Warriors press release:

Sale of Golden State Warriors to Joe Lacob and Peter Guber Complete

Due to Serve As Lead Partners of GSW Sports LLC, New Ownership Group of Bay Area NBA Team

The sale of the Golden State Warriors to an ownership group headed by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber was formally completed today, the team announced. GSW Sports LLC, a group of six board members and multiple investors, headed by Lacob and Guber, have officially assumed full control of the NBA organization.

“This announcement has been much-anticipated,” said Lacob. “Now that the process is officially complete, I am incredibly anxious and excited to take the helm of the Golden State Warriors organization. It’s a great day for me and my family, and a great day for Warriors fans. The unmatched passion of this Bay Area fan base played a huge role in my pursuit of this dream come true, and I’m looking forward to a tremendous ride on our journey to the return to greatness. We will work extremely hard to represent you as the championship organization that you deserve, and the team that you will be proud to be a part of.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for new ownership, the Warriors franchise and its great fans,” Guber said. “I'm convinced that we have formed a passionate and well-diversified group. With the financial and intellectual commitment of the board members and investors, and Warriors fans as the truly key partners in this endeavor, we will not fail.

"We all understand that in sports business, it’s about winning, but we will also strive to make sure that the Warriors are recognized among our industry leaders in innovation and business practices. Joe and I have assembled a group of highly successful and well-respected individuals, each of whom will provide expertise in various aspects of our business. This will be an extremely strong, productive and creative partnership."

The sale of the Warriors to GSW Sports LLC was unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors earlier today. Game Plan LLC, a Miami Beach-based investment banking firm, represented GSW Sports LLC on the sale, while Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal counsel for this record-breaking transaction.

NFL Injury Report: Rams-49ers (Friday) - Troy Smith Named Starter Against the Rams

Alex Smith has been ruled at out of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.  Troy Smith will start for the 49ers and David Carr will be listed as the No. 2 quarterback.  So far no one has been listed as the emergency quarterback.

Mike Singletary did not say much newsworthy in his media session today but I posted the entire transcript for your reading enjoyment, after the jump.

St. Louis

Out: WR Danario Alexander (knee), S James Butler (ankle)
Doubtful: TE Fendi Onobun (back)
Probable: CB Ron Bartell (neck), LB James Laurinaitis (knee), RB Brit Miller (calf), LB David Vobora (hamstring), LB Na'il Diggs (shin), DE James Hall (hand), RB Steven Jackson (finger), T Rodger Saffold (shoulder)

San Francisco

Out: QB Alex Smith (shoulder)

Probable: G Chilo Rachal (not injury related), CB Nate Clements (ankle)

NFL Injury Report: Rams-49ers (Thursday)

Word out of Santa Clara is that safety Reggie Smith will be getting more playing time at the expense of rookie safety Taylor Mays.  The 49ers coaches are saying that the move was made to lighten the load for the rookie as he often plays on the kick and punt coverage units along with being the starting safety on defense.  Greg Manusky met with the media today for his bi-weekly media session and address the move and all things defense.  The entire transcript is after the jump.

On S Reggie Smith getting worked in the mix more:
"I think with [S] Taylor [Mays] and him, they're running a decent amount of special teams and on defense, at least Taylor was the last couple of weeks. When I was a former player, I used to hate, not hate it, but it was a big toll. [Former Chiefs head coach] Marty [Schottenheimer] used to take me off of PAT protection, which was nothing. For the most part it's the punts and the kickoffs when you're on those things and have to turn around and play defense. Sometimes it's hard for players, it was for me. Even an illustration with [LB] Manny [Lawson] playing a little bit of special teams, we're rotating him and he's having a pretty good year. It's just where you can catch your wind and go out there and perform at a winning fashion."

On whether he noticed a problem with Mays being fatigued:
"I think so, I always was as a player. You're always sucking eggs and then you've got to call the huddle, at least a TED linebacker or a MIKE linebacker. I used to have other guys call it because you're winded, you are. It doesn't matter how great of a shape you are, if you're playing 100 snaps a game, it's a little different than if you're playing 50 or 40."

It seems that the 49ers coaches are not that thrilled with the lack of turnovers that are being caused by the defensive backs and especially Taylor Mays.  At USC, Mays had a lot of trouble defending the pass and creating turnovers so this should not come as much surprise. 

St. Louis

Did Not Participate: WR Danario Alexander (knee)
Limited Participation: S James Butler (ankle), LB Na'il Diggs (shin), DE James Hall (hand), RB Steven Jackson (finger), RB Brit Miller (calf), TE Fendi Onobun (back), T Rodger Saffold (shoulder)
Full Participation: CB Ron Bartell (neck), LB James Laurinaitis (knee), LB David Vobora (hamstring)

San Francisco

Limited Participation: CB Nate Clements (ankle), QB Alex Smith (shoulder)

Oakland A's Trade Vin Mizarro & Justin Marks to Royals for David DeJesus

The Oakland Athletics have started the offseason off with a bang.  After making a splash by releasing fan favorite Eric Chavez last week they have made another move this week.  The A's have traded starting pitcher Vin Mazarro and minor-league pitcher Justin Marks to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for outfielder David DeJesus.

DeJesus, a career .289 hitter, has played 8 seasons with the Royals--the team that drafted him in 2000.  He doesn't provide a lot of power as he has only hit 61 career homeruns but is an above-average defender and will definitely hit a lot of extra-base hits.

The Royals had been trying to move DeJesus earlier this year prior to the July 31st trade deadline and was even rumored to be going to the San Francisco Giants but then was injured and had season-ending surgery on his thumb.

He will likely be the starting left-fielder with Coco Crisp and Ryan Sweeney taking up the other two positions.  This trade will move Rajai Davis to the bench which is a better spot for him anyway.

NFL Injury Report: Rams-49ers (Wednesday)

Mike Singletary has not made an official announcement but all indications are that it will be Smith.  That's about as much as we know that it will be a guy named Smith.  Whether it is Troy Smith or Alex Smith it is hard to say but if look at what Singletary said in the media session it's likely going to be Troy.

On whether he has made a decision for the starting quarterback against St. Louis:
“As of right now, it looks like it’s going to be [QB] Troy [Smith]. Something could change, it depends on how [QB] Alex [Smith] progresses through the week, but as of right now, it looks like Troy is going to take all the snaps.”

Let's assume that I pretty good at reading between the lines but I'm not so that will make this assumption most likely wrong, but I digress.  Singletary appears to be going with Troy Smith as the starting quarterback at this time because he can.  Alex is still hurt, allegedly, so Singletary can play that card.  This gives him another week to see if what Troy did in London was a fluke or if he actually found his quarterback.  If Troy is bad, then Alex will continue to be the starting quarterback and no harm no foul.  But if he leads the team to another victory and is somewhat impressive than Singletary will make him the starter for the reason that seems to be ever popular in the coaching circles, "he gives us the best chance to win."  But let's keep in mind that the decision for the quarterback of the future won't be immediately after Sunday's game--Singletary will have to "look at the tape" first.

The rest of Singletary's transcript is after the jump.

St. Louis

Did Not Participate: CB Danario Alexander (knee), S James Butler (ankle), RB Brit Miller (calf), TE Fendi Onobun (back)
Limited Participation: CB Ron Bartell (neck), DE James Hall (hand), RB Steven Jackson (finger), LB James Lauranitis (knee), LB David Vabora (hamstring)

San Francisco

Did Not Participate: QB Alex Smith (shoulder)
Limited Participation: CB Nate Clements (ankle)

Dolphins Take OL Matt Kopa from 49ers Practice Squad

The Miami Dolphins have done it again.  They stole another practice squad player from the San Francisco 49ers. 

According to the National Football Post, the Dolphins have signed offensive lineman Matt Kopa from the 49ers practice squad.  Kopa, a local Elk Grove High School product, played at Stanford.

This is the second time that the Dolphins have taken a practice squad player from the 49ers.  Running back Kory Sheets, was taken from the squad last year.

Oakland Raiders: News & Notes

After having a spectacular game against the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Jacoby Ford is getting quite the attention.  In one week Ford has been named the AFC special teams player of the week and the AFC West High Energy player of the week. 

I've never heard of that last one...

Rolando McClain sat down with the media for the first time all season.  Apparently, he had refused to talk with the media until the Raiders sold out a home game.  Here's the entire transcript:

Q: How you feeling?
McClain: Good.

Q: Injury was not a big deal?
McClain: Everything’s fine. Just a little hip pointer, swelled up, I guess over the last two days it went down so I was able to practice.

Q: How would you assess your rookie season so far, nine games in? Are you where you thought you’d be?
McClain: I think I’m playing fine, but besides my individual play I think we’ve started to come along in our defense and that’s really all that matters to me. I have a role to help with this defense.

Q: What has been difference last three games, 6-for-42 on third down, what has happened?
McClain: I don’t know, there was one meeting, we all just said to each other we were going to play football, basically, and we told coach, and coach said he’s going to call the right things. It was a total team effort. Not just the plays, but it was something in the play calling and we were going to get in the defense that we were most comfortable with, and as we said, let the dogs unchained, just play football and just go out and have fun and that’s what we’ve been doing.

Q: Rookie wall, does it exist, where you’d be wrapping up in college . .
McClain: I don’t know about no rookie wall. The bye week’s here. I’m perfectly fine.

Q: After some early struggles, first couple of games, you mentioned early speed wasn’t much different than SEC, did you think maybe NFL was a little tougher, faster than you expected?
McClain: Not at all. Like I said earlier, you play against guys in practice all the time in practice that are just as fast as anybody you’re going to see. For me, it hasn’t been easy. But it hasn’t been hard either, because I have a great defensive line in front of me, taking care of me, allowing me to just run around, and coach is just letting us play.

Q: How often have you encountered guys on line getting to you at second level?
McClain: Sometimes it’s all the time. I watched film, last year you had to double Seymour as well as TK, and they forced the middle linebacker to make plays, and if you watch film now, you see you can’t double those guys because you have to account for me in the blocking scheme. My job is to try and make tackles, defeat the block first, but I don’t have a problem with that, especially with TK and Seymour making the plays they’ve been making, I don’t mind taking on the block every now and then.

Q: Focused on team aspect, but are there more plays to be made, interceptions, etc.?
McClain: I think everybody wants to make plays. That’s the league that we’re in. You just want to produce. But just from watching plays and watching film, coach is satisfied with what I’m doing. I don’t know. I take pride in my man not getting the ball thrown to him. When I’m guarding the back, because we’ve been playing a lot of Cover 5 lately, the ball hasn’t been going to my man so I haven’t had a lot of chances to make interceptions so I’m perfectly fine with that.

Q: Coaches are satisfied, but are you satisfied? And are you ever satisfied?
McClain: No, you’re never satisfied. If you’re satisfied, you become complacent and if you become complacent you might as well stop playing.

Q: Came in here conducting yourself as a veteran, do you feel like a rookie in any way at this point?
McClain: I don’t know, not really. I just feel like I’m one of the players, like I’m part of the team. That’s the hard thing coming in. You meet so many new guys, new coaches, new scheme, new everything coming in, and you have to adapt to it and fit in some kind of way. Now I feel like I fit in and everything is going smoothly, so I don’t feel like one of those 11 guys out on the field playing.

Q: You requested a sellout. You got it. What was it like?
McClain: It was crazy for the times I was out there. I only played 20 plays but I don’t think I’ve ever heard it that loud. I wanted the sellout because I knew we were about to do something special. You can feel it in the locker room, you can feel it in practice. We’re about to be pretty darned scary around here. I just wanted the fans’ support. It’s been like two years, and I don’t think I’ve ever not had a sellout, coming from Alabama . Me, as well as the rest of the guys on the team, feel like we’re about to have something special, so we wanted the fans to come out and support us.

Q: Confident you’ll pick up where you left off after the bye week?
McClain: No problem. The bye week, some guys could lose focus, but I don’t see that problem with this team. Everybody’s focused. We know the task at ahead. So, we’re just going to keep working, take some time off to recover and get our bodies healed and go back at it.

Q: Explain your reluctance to speak with the media?
McClain: I’m just not a media guy, to say the least. I’m just shy and I like to stay to myself. If it was my choice, I would never do media.

Q: Is it anything against us?
McClain: No, I have no problem with y’all. It’s just how I was raised. I just stay to myself and just real shy. I stay to myself a lot. It’s just the way I’ve always been. Talking to coach Cable after the first couple times I declined interviews, he asked why. I told him the reason, and he said ‘fine.’ You don’t have to do the local media. Just make sure if it’s one of those people from the network that are doing the game, then make sure you do that. I said, ‘All right.’ So, we kind of had an agreement with that. I promised if we had a sellout that I’d do media, so I’m here.

Q: So, when are we going to hear from you again?
McClain: Next sellout.

49ers Sign Lance Long & DeShawn Wynn to Practice Squad; Release Bahktiari & Caulcrick

The San Francisco 49ers made some moves yesterday to adjust the practice squad and address some positional needs.  They signed WR Lance Long and RB DeShawn Wynn to the practice squad and cut LB Eric Bahktiari and FB Jehuu Caulcrick.

DeShawn Wynn, a Florida Gator, was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers.  He has played in 20 career games rushing for 332 yards and five touchdowns.

Lance Long has played in eight career games and has recorded 20 receptions for 178 yards along with six kickoff returns for 106 yards.  He was originally signed as a undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2008 and then later released.  He has since been with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.  He played collegiately at Mississippi State.

Al Harris is Available, But Not an True Option for the 49ers

There was a rumor (or a blogger suggestion) going around last week that cornerback Al Harris was going to be cut by the Green Bay Packers and the 49ers should try to sign him.  The rumor may now become a reality.  According to the National Football Post, Harris' agent is in negotiations with multiple teams. 

What does this mean?

It means that if there is truly multiple teams then he will not be signing with the 49ers.  There is no way if there is more than the 49ers interested that he will be signing with them. 

Although other teams may have a worse record there is not another worse team in the NFL than the 49ers unless we are talking about the Dallas Cowboys.  Either way, I just don't see why the 49ers would sign him and why he would accept.

Brian Sabean: Pablo Sandoval Needs to "Get His Act Together"

In his annual media session to discuss the upcoming offseason, Brian Sabean had a message to Pablo Sandoval.  His message was that he either "get his act together" otherwise he can expect to see himself in the minors.

Pablo Sandoval, who was courtside at the Warriors game last night, will have another Camp Panda this offseason but this time it will be a less publicized event.  He is set to work with trainers in San Diego and then is expected to report to Spring Training in January.

Bruce Bochy said he had a post-World Series meeting with Pablo and he is comfortable that Pablo understands what is at stake. 

Sabean also said that he contacted the agents for both Aubrey Huff and Juan Uribe and will try to work out some deals.  Huff has made it clear that he would like to come back to San Francisco but is likely looking for a three-year deal.  Now, whether the Giants are willing to offer that is another story.  The Giants have a lot of talent in the minor leagues and may not want to block that talent by signing veterans like Huff and Uribe to deals longer than two years.

The top offensive free agent is likely going to Carl Crawford and teams like the Red Sox and the Angels will have some interest.  Sabean said that the Giants will have interest as well but only if Crawford is interested in the Giants.  He made it clear that he doesn't want to be used as leverage for Crawford to get more money from another team.

Sabean wants to get more left-handed and hopefully more athletic.  That likely means that Jayson Werth is not in the cards for the Giants and that could also mean Adam Dunn is not either.  Dunn would be a nice left-handed bat if there was an opening at first base but he is not known for his athletic prowess.

Golden State Warriors 85 - Utah Jazz 78: Warriors Win With Defense???

Wait, what did I just say?  The Golden State Warriors won by playing defense? 

No mistake here, the Warriors were impressive in their defensive effort last night by beating the Utah Jazz 85-78.  The most amazing part of this win is they did it playing Utah Jazz basketball--playing defense and rebounding the ball.  Not only did they win by doing those two things really well they won by not shooting the ball very well.  In the past, that would have equalled an blowout loss by Golden State.

The Warriors out rebounded Utah 52-46 with the most impressive part being the amount of offensive rebounds (21) they were able to grab.  Keith Smart said early on in the pre-season that rebounding would be an important part of the Warriors success and so far this season that has been no lie.  In the four games they have won, the Warriors out rebounded their opponent. 

The other non-traditional Warrior aspect to the win last night was the defense.  The Warriors forced the Jazz to turn the ball over 21 times, lead by Deron Williams' 8 turnovers.  Monta Ellis lead the team by getting 7 of their total 11 steals.  Again, very impressive against a Jerry Sloan coached team.

Holding the Jazz to 78 points is quite a feat, especially when you shoot 37% from the field and 14% from the three point line.  The 85-78 win is the lowest point total for the Warriors since November 2005.

NFL Injury Report: Chiefs-Broncos (Friday)

The Raiders will not make it to 11 straight home blackouts as they have sold out the game against the Chiefs.  The game will be seen locally on CBS at 1:15pm.

Both linebacker Rolando McClain and guard Robert Gallery have been fined $7,500 by the league office.  Gallery was find for a late hit and McClain was fined for grabbing the back of an opponent's helmet.

Kansas City

Out: LB Charlie Anderson (personal reasons)
Questionable: G Ryan Lilja (hand), S Kendrick Lewis (hamstring), WR Dexter McCluster (ankle)

Oakland

Out: DT John Henderson (foot), WR Louis Murphy (chest), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Doubtful: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle), TE Zach Miller (foot)
Questionable: S Hiram Eugene (pectoral)
Probable: QB Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (shoulder), C Samson Satele (knee)

Giants Decline SS Edgar Renteria's Option

No surprise here.  The San Francisco Giants declined the $10.5 million option on World Series MVP Edgar Renteria.  Instead they will pay him $500,000 as part of the buyout. 

This move is not surprising as Renteria has very little left in the tank.  Although he played like the Renteria of past years in the playoffs, most of his strong performance was due to the amount of time he sat on the bench in the regular season.  At this point in his career, if he does not retire, he is a bench player who could possibly play one or two times a week.

The word is that Renteria is considering retirement at this point.  Personally, I think that is a great move.  Not just because he drove me nuts all season and I think he has nothing left.  But I think it would be a nice story to see a player retire while he can still play and not continue to embarras himself.  If Renteria choses to retire he can do so as a World Series Champion and World Series MVP.  That's about as good as it gets.

NFL Injury Report: Chiefs-Raiders (Thursday)

Jason Campbell will again be the starting quarterback for the Raiders this week.  Tom Cable made an official announcement that Campbell will be the guy.

Two of the Raiders key players, Nnamdi Asomugha and Zach Miller, both did not practice again and they remain in doubt as to whether they will play.  As always, Thursday's practice report is a good indication of whether players will suit up.  I would venture to guess that both players will be considered questionable tomorrow with an unlikely chance that they play on Sunday.  This would give both players two weeks to get healthy as the Raiders have a bye the following week.

Kansas City

Limited Participation: WR Dexter McCluster (ankle), S Kendrick Lewis (hamstring)
Full Participation: G Ryan Lilja (hand)

Oakland

Did Not Participate: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle), DT John Henderson (foot), TE Zach Miller (foot), WR Chaz Schilens (knee), WR Louis Murphy (chest),
Limited Participation: S Hiram Eugene (pectoral), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (shoulder), C Samson Satele (knee), QB Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder)

Coordinator's Corner: Oakland Raiders' OC Hue Jackson on the Quarterback Controversy

Fans were excited when the Oakland Raiders traded for Jason Campbell but that excitement quickly wore off. But after six quarters of football, that honeymoon was over. Tom Cable then turned to fan favorite Bruce Gradkowski to be the savior.

But after a few weeks and an injury that has kept him out for four weeks the question that is being asked is whether it should be Campbell or Gradkowski that keeps the starting job. Since his return to the starting job Campbell has gone 2-1 with four touchdowns and just two interceptions (both which were in the loss). Campbell has started to look like the quarterback that the Raiders and their fans thought that they were going to get.

Today in the media session, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson was asked about this potential quarterback controversy.

On why the Raiders would stick with Gradkowski after Jason Campbell has led the club to more than 1,000-yards of offense in the last two games with a qb rating over 120:
“Jason’s done well. Obviously, as Tom said, nothing’s been decided for this week. I live in the moment. My job is to make sure we’re ready to play this week, and until a decision is made on Friday, which it hasn’t been right night, I’ll worry about that when that time comes. I know Jason’s out here practicing. I know Bruce is out here practicing. The most important thing is that we put the guy that will give us the best chance to win.

I hear everything that’s been said, but my biggest thing is we’re going to go play, and somebody’s going to be under center come Sunday. And obviously Jason’s done a tremendous job. Bruce is working. I think he’d be the first to tell you – he’s working hard every day – he’s not exactly where he wants to be, but we’ve still got a few more days to see where we get to.”

I don't have the entire transcript but here is the rest of what Hue Jackson had to say about the quarterbacks.

Q: Is there any risk to making a quarterback change now?
Jackson: There’s risk in anything you do. Obviously, any time a guy has had success and all of a sudden someone comes in, there’s always that period of adjustment. We’ve had that. I’m not going to say it’s an adjustment that we can’t overcome if that’s the decision that’s made. But I also know that there is an adjustment period to anything you do in that situation. But if it is him and he goes and plays, he’ll play well. If it’s Jason, I expect him to play well.

Q: Can Bruce make all the throws he needs to make?
Jackson: I think he’s working toward that. I think he’ll tell you he’s not exactly there, but he’s throwing, and I think that’s the most important thing. The balls’ coming out of his hand, he’s hitting receivers, and I think he’s feeling much more comfortable than what he did a week ago.

NFL Injury Report: Chiefs-Raiders (Wednesday)

The Oakland Raiders are on their way to selling out their first home game in eleven tries.  Compass Media Networks is sponsoring a 2-for-1 promotion for the Chiefs game this weekend.  The NFL as a whole has been hit hard by the economy the thus the increased amount of blackouts.  Don't be surprised to see more of these types of sponsorships by teams to try and sellout their stadium.

Kansas City

Limited Participation: WR Dexter McCluster (ankle), S Kendrick Lewis (hamstring)
Full Participation: G Ryan Lilja (hand)

Oakland

Did Not Participate: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle), DT John Henderson (foot), TE Zach Miller (foot), WR Louis Murphy (chest), WR Chaz Schilens (knee)
Limited Participation: S Hiram Eugene (pectoral), QB Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (shoulder), C Samson Satele (knee)

Broncos-49ers: Mike Singletary Day After Press-Conference

In today's press conference there is no official announcement yet from Mike Singletary, but all signs are pointing to Troy Smith starting the San Francisco 49ers next game against the St. Louis Rams. Currently, the 49ers are on a bye, but Singletary said today that offensive coordinator Mike Johnson will be giving Troy Smith the basic game plan for the Rams.

On whether QB Troy Smith will be the starter for the Rams game:"Possibly, yes.  Right now, yes."

The topic of whether the 49ers would pick up Randy Moss was brought up to Singletary.  At the time of the media session Moss had not been waived so Singletary couldn't discuss it but it is the opinion of most that the 49ers would not be interested.

On whether the 49ers are interested in claiming wide receiver Randy Moss:“Well I think, is he still under contract? [Yes] Can’t talk about it. See, you’re getting me in trouble there [laughing].”

At this point Randy Moss has been waived and so has linebacker Shawne Merriman.  If the 49ers are interested in either then we should find out tomorrow after 1pm when the waiver claim period is over.  It seems that most people think that the team would not be adding either player.

Finally, the 49ers placed offensive lineman Eric Heitmann on the IR which ultimately will make room on the roster for recently added Thaddeus Gibson.

The entire transcript of Singletary's media session is after the jump.

Aubrey Huff, a World Series Champion and a Great San Francisco Giant

No need for a game recap as all Giants fans were watching as the San Francisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers in Game 5 and won their first World Series since they were known as the New York Giants.  So I thought I would talk about something more interesting.  Maybe it's a bit too sentimental but after waiting for so long to have a World Series title in San Francisco that is all I got, sentiment.

If a picture is worth a thousand words then this says it all.  The rookie catcher embracing the 11-year veteran who had never played in one playoff game in his entire career.

In any other year, the story would be about how Buster Posey was called up in May, took the starting catching job, caught the best pitching staff in baseball, and hit .305 in 108 games.  Oh and possibly won the Rookie of the Year.

But not this year.

Call me sentimental but the story has to be about an 11-year veteran, who had never been to the playoffs. 

Aubrey Huff is that veteran.  Prior to this year he had spent almost his entire career in the AL East playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Baltimore Orioles.  Always looking up at the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees in the standings and never having a chance to play a meaningful game in September. 

Coming off of his worst season in 2009 with the Detroit Tigers, he had no job offers and no calls until the San Francisco Giants signed him on January 10th at a minscul one-year, $3 million.  The lowest salary he had earned since 2004. 

He was signed with the hopes that they would get the Aubrey Huff of 2008, when he was an offensive machine hitting .304 with 32 homeruns and 108 RBIs.  They were hoping that 2009 was an anomoly and they got their wish.  Huff batted .290 with 26 homeruns and 86 RBIs and played the best defense of his entire career.  Huff was everything the Giants asked for and more.  He was a veteran on and off the field and a great clubhouse guy and now is a World Series Champion.

49ers Add Another Buckeye, Linebacker Thaddeus Gibson

While the San Francisco 49ers players were making thier way back from London, the front office was busy on waiver claim Monday.  Today, they picked up linebacker Thaddeus Gibson off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gibson, who was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth-round out of Ohio State.  He had never made it on the active roster all season. 

Gibson played defensive-end in college and translates to outside linebacker in the 3-4, a position that the 49ers are already stacked at.

With the addition of Gibson, the 49ers now have five former Buckeye's on the roster.  The other four are Nate Clements, Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, and Alex Boone.

Edgar Renteria Named World Series MVP

Is there a more unlikely World Series MVP than Edgar Renteria?  Renteria along with Aaron Rowand and Barry Zito was the posterchild of the bad contracts that were forked over to veterans.  The very sight of Edgar Renteria frustrated most fans. 

Now, he is a hero in San Francisco and will be in our hearts forever.  He has done for San Francisco what he did for the Florida Marlins thirteen years ago as a second-year player.  He has brought home a World Series title.

Edgar Renteria was signed to a two-year, $18.5 million dollar deal in 2008.  A deal that was laughed at by front office management all across baseball.  It was a huge overpayment for an aging 31-year old shortstop.  In his first year in San Francisco he played in 124 games while hitting .250 with five homeruns.  Then this year, a year where he was supposedly healthy and would go back to the old Edgar, he played in 72 games and hit .276.  He was so bad that it wasn't even sure he would make the postseason roster.

That same Edgar Renteria is a World Series MVP for the second time in his career.  Renteria batted .412 with 2 clutch homeruns and 6 RBIs in the World Series.  A pretty amazing accomplishment considering he only one hit in four games in the NLCS.

Now Renteria can go out the same way he came in--a World Series Champion and MVP.