Iggy's Raven's Report - 18 February 2010

Commentary

News and Personal Thoughts:
Ravens: The big news is the signing of reformed Receiver Donte Stallworth. Donte excelled when he was with the Saints, but then struggled as he journeyed to N'england, Philly and then Cleveland, who ultimately released him from his contract after he served a 1 year suspension for pleading guilty to an involuntary vehicular manslaughter charge when driving under the influence the night after he netted $4.5M by signing with the Browns. Is this a good thing? Maybe. Analyst believe that the Ravens have risked very little ($900K with up to $300k in incentives) for the potential payout.

Baltimore Sun reporter Mike Preston thinks this is a bad move, but for the wrong reason. Preston states that Stallworth does not fill the void necessary to push us to the next level, but I think Preston's bigger concern is the willingness to give players 2nd chances. I agree to an extent, that Stallworth is not a #1 receiver, but he can nicely complement somebody else who does fit that bill. Which brings us to the next question: Who do we have to complement him? Mason and Washington are unrestricted free agents in 2 weeks. Clayton and Williams are restricted free agents. Worst case is that Stallworth is all we have. Let's not go there. Clayton and Williams have never panned out, but Washington was a huge asset this past season, and I will entertain Mason as long as he wants to be here.

Biggest concern for Stallworth may be his health. He hasn't played in a season, and before that he suffered numerous injuries, bottoming out 2 years ago, recording only 17 catches in 5 games for Cleveland. In an uncapped year, he might just the find we need for a steal of a price... or... we are out a few pennies. Either way, I think it was a decent, calculated risk to take.

In other Raven's news, Quinn Sypniewski was released after he failed his physical; and Jamal Lewis was released from Cleveland.

Orioles: Pitchers and Catchers reported on Wednesday, so Spring Training (while we still dig out from the blizzard for the ages) is officially here. Early news includes that Roberts is suffering from back spasms, but they are playing that down; Uehara will shift to the bullpen; and Bergesen hopes to be back on the mound within the next 2 weeks after straining his shoulder in early December while filming a commercial (this doesn't bode well).

Crystal Palace Baltimore F.C. (Home games at UMBC): Crystal Palace Baltimore have added two goalkeepers to the 2010 squad while long-serving netminder Brian Rowland has decided to retire. New signings Chase Harrison and Evan Bush bring a combination of experience and potential to this key position. Rowland has accepted a position as Assistant coach with the highly-regarded University of Maryland men’s soccer program

Alouettes: The Montreal Alouettes have re-signed a trio of players, preventing them from entering free agency. Import wide receiver Kerry Watkins and non-import fullback Kerry Carter both re-signed for two years plus an option, while import defensive end Jermaine McElveen also re-signed for a year plus an option. s

Blast: The Baltimore Blast (5-7) have sunk to a virtual tie for last place (or third place, depending on how you look at it) with an embarrassing 25-10 loss to Monterrey. The Blast are 3 games out, percentage points behind Rockford, and percentage points ahead of Philly. The loss to Monterrey is their 5th in row. Next game is Friday, February 19 at home against Monterrey (9-5, first place).

Mariners (See website for more details): The Baltimore Mariners continued to stock their roster as training camp approaches by announcing the signing of Defensive Back Desmond Maul, a veteran of seven indoor and arena football seasons.