MLB Preview #6American League Central

Minnesota Twins

Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Denard Span CF
Orlando Hudson 2B
Joe Mauer C
Justin Morneau 1B
Mike Cuddyer RF
Jim Thome DH/Delmon Young LF
Jason Kubel LF/DH
JJ Hardy SS
Nick Punto/Brendan Harris 3B

Rotation
Scott Baker
Kevin Slowey
Carl Pavano
Nick Blackburn
Francisco Liriano
Brian Duensing

The Twins simultaneously upgraded at shortstop and center field by trading Carlos Gomez for JJ Hardy. Denard Span's defense is arguably on par with Gomez', plus Span has a much better bat. The Twins will need all the range Span can give them if he's going to be sharing an outfield with Kubel and Cuddyer. Presumably, we'll see the Kubel/Thome combination against righties, and Young/Kubel or Young/Thome against lefties. Despite all their moves, including the addition of an increasingly league-average Orlando Hudson, the Twinkies still have a hole at third base. Whether that's filled by no-longer-a-prospect Brendan Harris or the good glove/no hit Nick Punto will probably depend on the matchup.

Jose Morales will be Joe Mauer's injury insurance this year, while Matt Tolbert will be waiting to take innings from Harris, Punto, and the other infielders.

Minnesota's pitching rotation has always been full of young talent, and this year is no different. However, for those who didn't pay attention to baseball for the past few years, it may come as a surprise that Scott Baker is the staff ace and Francisco Liriano is fighting to even make it into the rotation. The addition and retention of Carl Pavano will help this club's playoff run. Notre Dame product Jeff Manship will also try to work his way into the mix after making his Major League debut last year.

The Twins may have lost Joe Nathan for the season, but the bullpen has always been the Future Closers of America club. Veteran Jon Rauch will step in for the time being, but Minnesota may still look for a trade. Rauch will be supported by Matt Guerrier, Pat Neshek, and Jesse Crain.

Cleveland Indians

Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
Grady Sizemore CF
Shin-Soo Choo RF
Russell Branyan 1B
Travis Hafner DH
Jhonny Peralta 3B
Matt LaPorta LF
Lou Marson C
Luis Valbuena 2B

Rotation
Jake Westbrook
Fausto Carmona
Justin Masterson
Aaron Laffey
Mitch Talbot
David Huff

Even this optimistic Indians fan was surprised by CHONE's prediction of a second place finish for the Tribe. Still, they have the weapons to do it if everything comes together correctly. Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore are the stars, and the supporting cast is starting to come together nicely. Much was made of Sizemore's drop to the second spot in the lineup, but many projection systems say that's where a team's best hitter should hit. The decision will be much easier to swallow if Asdrubal Cabrera can again hit like he did last year. With Russell Branyan and Travis Hafner, the big issue as always will be health. Branyan has yet to play this spring, which could lead to Austin Kearns taking his spot on opening day. Meanwhile, Lou Marson will play the Josh Bard to Carlos Santana's Victor Martinez to start this season.

All signs point to the Indians keeping Michael Brantley in the minors to start the season, even with Branyan's injury. The idea is to delay Brantley's arbitration clock. It could mean that Trevor Crowe starts the season with the parent club, since he can back up all three outfield positions. Mike Redmond was added as a veteran presence not only for a young pitching staff, but also for a young catching unit. It looks like Redmond will be Fausto Carmona's personal catcher as the latter looks to get back on track. A number of players are fighting for the backup infield spot, including the infamous Andy Marte, new acquisition Anderson Hernandez, and non-roster invitee Mark Grudzielanek.

Only three spots are set in the starting rotation at this point. Jake Westbrook will pitch opening day, followed by Carmona, followed by Justin Masterson. The last two spots will go to two of Aaron Laffey, Mitch Talbot, and David Huff, with Talbot expected to win a place by default since he is out of options. But as on any rebuilding team, there will be plenty of pitchers earning starts on this team. Jeremy Sowers will fight injuries and ineffectiveness in what may be his last hurrah with the team, while Carlos Carrasco will try to prove he's had enough minor league seasoning to get the call.

Rumors that Kerry Wood would be traded to the Twins to replace Joe Nathan were quickly squashed when it was discovered that Wood himself would lose two months due to injuries. That just turns Chris Perez, Future Closer into Chris Perez, Current Closer. Perez will be aided by a number of pitchers looking to prove themselves after ineffective 2009 campaigns, including Joe Smith, Rafael Perez, and Jensen Lewis. Rule V pickup Hector Ambriz will also try to contribute from the pen.

Chicago White Sox

Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Juan Pierre LF
Gordon Beckham 2B
Carlos Quentin RF
Paul Konerko 1B
Alex Rios CF
Andruw Jones DH
AJ Pierzynski C
Alexei Ramirez SS
Mark Teahen 3B

Rotation
Mark Buehrle
Jake Peavy
Gavin Floyd
John Danks
Freddy Garcia
Dan Hudson

The White Sox started with a good concept: a young core of Beckham, Quentin, and Ramirez complemented by veterans Konerko and Pierzynski. But the additions of Juan Pierre, Andruw Jones, and Mark Teahen were questionable at best. (I'll let the reader decide where Alex Rios falls in this equation.)

Chicago's reputation as an aging team was reversed somewhat by the loss of Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye. However, all credit gained in those moves was lost in the acquisitions of Omar Vizquel, Mark Kotsay, and Ramon Castro to man the bench.

CHONE has four White Sox starters - Buehrle, Peavy, Floyd, and Danks - posting 3.5 WAR seasons. That depth is matched by few teams in this league, if any. The only question is the fifth spot, which will either go to journeyman Freddy Garcia or youngster Dan Hudson.

Since it became a regular division contender in the 2000s, Chicago has always had a steady bullpen. Former Seattle closer JJ Putz will now be setting up Bobby Jenks. The duo will be joined by Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink.

Detroit Tigers

Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Johnny Damon LF
Carlos Guillen DH
Magglio Ordonez RF
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Brandon Inge 3B
Gerald Laird C
Scott Sizemore 2B
Adam Everett SS
Austin Jackson CF

Rotation
Justin Verlander
Rick Porcello
Jeremy Bonderman
Max Scherzer
Eddie Bonine
Nate Robertson
Dontrelle Willis

Are the Tigers rebuilding, or aren't they? By letting go of Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco in favor of calling up Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore (in addition to trading Edwin Jackson for Max Scherzer), it seems Detroit is favoring the future over the present. Why then sign Johnny Damon. Regardless of how you slice it, this is a batting order whose offense falls off sharply after the top five. Sure Detroit will have a solid defense with Laird, Everett, Inge, and now Damon, but will they hit well enough to match it?

On the bench, Ramon Santiago is back once again as the Tigers utility infielder. Clete Thomas and Ryan Raburn will fight for a backup role in the outfield, although both could see decent playing time if age catches up to Ordonez and Damon, or lack of experience catches up to Jackson.

There's Verlander, and then there's everyone else. Handing Rick Porcello the second spot in the rotation is risky, especially since the 21-year-old is due for some regression after an impressive 2009. Jeremy Bonderman and Max Scherzer have locked up rotation spots, although there's some question as to whether the latter is ready yet to be a starter. The fifth spot is still open, although recent indications give the job to Nate Robertson over Bonine or Willis.

The Tigers went outside of the organization to pick up closer Jose Valverde. He'll be set up by Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, Zach Miner, and former Yankee Phil Coke. Daniel Schlereth, a top prospect and son of the ESPN football commentator, will also try to win a spot in the bullpen.

Kansas City Royals

Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Scott Podsednik LF
David DeJesus RF
Rick Ankiel CF
Jose Guillen DH
Billy Butler 1B
Alberto Callaspo/Chris Getz 2B
Alex Gordon 3B
Jason Kendall C
Yuniesky Betancourt SS

Rotation
Zack Greinke
Gil Meche
Luke Hochevar
Kyle Davies
Brian Bannister
Robinson Tejada

The Royals claim to preach getting on base. But then they surround their homegrown talent with signings like Scott Podsednik, Jason Kendall, and Yuneski Betancourt. Even Rick Ankiel isn't the hitter he once was. Go figure, then, that David DeJesus, Billy Butler, and Alex Gordon are the only players CHONE predicts to play above replacent level this year.

As with most mediocre teams, the Royals have a number of so-so players fighting it out for bench spots. Mike Aviles, Mitch Maier, super-utilityman Willie Bloomquist, and White Sox castoffs Josh Fields and Brian Anderson all look to make the club this year.

In 2009, Zack Greinke had a legitimate argument for league MVP. This year, he'll look to make another run at the trophy that has traditionally gone to position players. Supporting him are decent starters in Meche, Hochevar, and Bannister, and passible candidates in Davies and Tejada.

Rule V pickup Joakim Soria surpassed everyone's expectations. But for every Soria there are dozens of Kyle Farnsworths, Juan Cruzes, and Anthony Lerews - players moved to relief because they could never live up to the hype.

Baseball News: Golden Spikes, Team USA, Samardzija, Manship, Ty Cobb

• From a list of five finalists, all first round draft picks, Florida State catcher Buster Posey won the 2008 Golden Spikes Award as the country's top amateur player. Baseball America, The College Baseball Blog, and MLB.com have more coverage.


• USA Baseball announced the Olympic team roster on Wednesday. Again, Baseball America, The College Baseball Blog, and MLB.com have coverage.


• Thanks to an injury on the parent club, Jeff Samardzija has moved up to AAA, and he's arguably pitching better than he did at AA. Samardzija has struggled to get strike outs as a pro, but he had nine K's in his last outing. Here's a trio of local articles on The Shark.
  
• Coincidentally, for the past few weeks Jeff Manship has been pitching on the same day as Samardzija. Manship was moved up to AA and appears to be struggling. However, on closer look, Manship has given up 11 runs in two starts against Portland, and only seven runs in his four other starts.


• Finally, July 17 is the anniversary of Ty Cobb's death. The Biz of Baseball has a nice writeup on those trying to reform the public's view of the Georgia Peach.

Notre Dame Baseball Alumni: Where are They Now?

First, a tip of the cap to current Domer Brett Lilley, who recently set the NCAA record for career HBP at 93.

Second, if you get bored with the NFL draft this Saturday (April 26), be sure to check out the baseball team against St. John's at 3:30 on ESPN. (Assuming ESPN hasn't changed their programming by then.)

Check out The Baseball Cube for the full list of Notre Dame alumni in professional baseball. I'm only including people who played in 2007 in this list; I'll let you do your own legwork if you're curious about anyone else.

John Axford - High A Brevard County (Brewers)

Craig Cooper - AA San Antonio (Padres)

Craig Counsell - MLB Milwaukee (Brewers)

Ryan Doherty - The tallest pitcher in minor league history spent 2007 between High A Visalia (Diamondbacks) and River City Frontier League. He was effective during his short career, but reportedly retired due to health concerns.

Matt Edwards - After a brief stint in the Phillies organization, Edwards moved on to Evansville of the Frontier League, where he began tearing up the place. However, he does not appear on Evansville's 2008 roster.

Chris Fournier - Short A Brooklyn (Mets), where he is known for his distinctive sartorial statement.

Aaron Heilman - MLB New York (Mets)

Carlyle Holiday - Selected by Cincinnati Reds in 44th Round (1307th overall) of 2003 amateur entry draft (June-Reg); recently released by NFL Green Bay (Packers).

Grant Johnson - AA Tennessee (Cubs)

Dan Kapala - Short A Staten Island (Yankees)

Brad Lidge - MLB Philadelphia (Phillies)

Matt Macri - AAA Rochester (Twins)

Jeff Manship - High A Fort Myers (Twins)

Chris Michalak (or: Chris Michalak)- AA Frisco (Rangers)

Chris Niesel - Just released by the Indians organization.

Jeff Samardizja - AA Tennessee (Cubs)

Javy Lopez - Played for High A Fort Myers (Twins) last year; not on their roster this year.

Steve Sollman - AAA Nashville (Brewers)

Brian Stavisky - Having peaked at AAA then released by the Oakland organization, Stavisky moved closer to home and will join the Lancaster Barnstormers of the independent Atlantic League this season.

Danny Tamayo - Tamayo played for three years at AAA Omaha (Royals), but was never able to make it to the parent club. He does still pitch in the Dominican Winter League and for the Dominican national team.

Tom Thornton - The information's a year old (Thornton isn't listed on Nashua's roster anymore), but I couldn't resist posting this Thortnon article from OC Domer.

Brant Ust - AAA Tacoma (Mariners). As Ust enters his 10th year of minor league ball without so much as a cup of coffee (I'm still not sure why Boston put him in High A a year after Detroit had him at AAA), Ust defines "organizational player. But he also defines "love of the game."

Joey Williamson - Low A Asheville (Rockies)

MLB Preview #6: AL Central

Cleveland Indians

Baseball Musings Team Offense
Baseball Musings Rotation Evaluation
Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Grady Sizemore CF
Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
Travis Hafner DH
Victor Martinez C
Ryan Garko 1B
Jhonny Peralta SS
David Dellucci/Jason Michaels LF
Franklin Gutierrez RF
Casey Blake 3B

Rotation
CC Sabathia
Fausto Carmona
Paul Byrd
Jake Westbrook
Clifford Lee
Aaron Laffey
Jeremy Sowers

The Indians tied for the best record in baseball last year, despite playing three "home" games at neutral sites (including one at their opponent's park). They also came tantalizingly close to the World Series. So the Tribe didn't need to change much... or so they hope. Their lineup is basically the one they road into the postseason last year, with a healthy David Dellucci replacing Kenny Lofton. Presumably, Jason Michaels will still sub for Dellucci against lefties. This team is not without questions. Can Asdrubal Cabrera hit well enough over a full season to keep his job? If not, can Josh Barfield come back to replace him? What about Andy Marte and Shin-Soo Choo, who are out of options? And how can you keep Ben Francisco in the minors when he'd likely start for many teams? Speaking of starting for many teams, the bench features Kelly Shoppach, one of the best backup backstops in baseball. Shoppach played the role of Paul Byrd's personal catcher, which got him a start once every five days. He definitely hit well enough to continue that role into this year, but manager Eric Wedge said that he won't continue that this year. Also on the bench is utility infielder Jamey Carroll, who brings the position versatility that Marte and Barfield lack.
In the rotation, the fifth spot was up for grabs this spring between Cliff Lee, Aaron Laffey, and Jeremy Sowers. No one distinguished himself, but Lee played the least poorly and has likely worked his way back into the rotation. CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona are both considered injury risks due to the high number of innings they threw last year. I'll believe that for Carmona, since the sinkerball can put a good deal of stress on a young arm. But Sabathia has proven himself to be very durable, always disproving those who criticize his body size. In the bullpen, Joe Borowski returns as closer coming off a year in which he led the AL in saves. He'll once again be supported by Raffy-R (Betancourt) and Raffy-L (Perez). Betancourt broke out last year, and is now considered one of the best relievers in the game. Joining the Raffy brothers is Japanese import Masahide Kobayashi, who was the biggest signing for the Tribe this offseason (easily beating out Jamey Carroll). Youngster Jensen Lewis is back, as is Tom Mastny - unless he's beaten out by non-roster invitee Jorge Julio or Scott Elarton.

Detroit Tigers

Baseball Musings Team Offense
Baseball Musings Rotation Evaluation
Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Curtis Granderson CF
Placido Polanco 2B
Miguel Cabrera 3B
Magglio Ordonez RF
Gary Sheffield DH
Carlos Guillen 1B
Edgar Renteria SS
Jacque Jones LF
Pudge Rodriguez C

Rotation
Justin Verlander
Jeremy Bonderman
Kenny Rogers
Dontrelle Willis
Nate Robertson
Zach Miner
Jordan Tata
Yorman Bazardo

Yes, that is quite the lineup. But check out the Baseball Musings offense links - they're about even with the Indians. It helps that Polanco, Jones, and Rodriguez aren't exactly on base marvels. Speaking of guys who aren't on base marvels, a disgruntled Brandon Inge has been bumped to the bench. He could be groomed as Pudge's incumbent at catcher, or he could be traded to a team that needs a third baseman. We shall see. The rest of the bench is a roll call of journeymen - Vance Wilson, Mike Hessman, Ramon Santiago, Ryan Raburn, and Marcus Thames. Raburn, Cabrera, and Granderson are the only offensive players born in the 80s on this team. So exciting as the lineup is, it may already be starting to decline.
After all these years, the Tigers still have a very young starting rotation - even with the ageless Kenny Rogers. Sure, the lineup is aging, but the same isn't the case for the pitching staff. For those that haven't been paying attention, Dontrelle Willis has been on the decline over the past few years. But I can't help but think of the last blockbuster Marlins trade, where a declining player was thrown in so the Marlins wouldn't have to pay his contract anymore. That player is Mike Lowell, and he's bounced back quite well in Boston. The same could go for Willis. Of course, Dontrelle is making the difficult jump from the NL to the AL, so he could go in the other direction. The Tigers bullpen is a solid one, when they're all healthy. Todd Jones is back at closer, supported by fireballers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney, former Indians farmhand Francisco Cruceta, and Jason Grilli and Bobby Seay.

Minnesota Twins

Baseball Musings Team Offense
Baseball Musings Rotation Evaluation
Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Carlos Gomez CF
Brendan Harris/Nick Punto 2B
Joe Mauer C
Mike Cuddyer RF
Justin Morneau 1B
Delmon Young LF
Jason Kubel/Craig Monroe DH
Mike Lamb 3B
Adam Everett SS

Rotation
Francisco Liriano
Livan Hernandez
Boof Bonser
Scott Baker
Kevin Slowey
Nick Blackburn
Glen Perkins

This is definitely a rebuilding team. It's a shame, too, because Justin Morneau is just entering his prime years, and Joe Mauer is still a year or two away (unless you age him a few more years due to his injury history and position). As usual, the Twins feature absolutely no hitting in the middle infield. Nick Punto was the worst hitter of any regular player last year, and Adam Everett is a classic good hit, no field shortstop. Actually, Everett is easily the best shortstop playing south of the Canadian border (John McDonald), and it would have been fun to watch him play on the old Astroturf. The Twins also added some exciting new outfielders in Gomez and Young. The bench isn't much to speak of - it's basically catcher Mike Redmond plus the losers of the second base and DH battles.
The pitching rotation is an exciting one. Livan Hernandez was brought in to eat innings for the youngsters. Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser were both brought over in the AJ Pierzynski trade. Baker and Slowey are good ones as well. And as always, Minnesota has a solid bullpen. Joe Nathan is back, soon with a contract extension, and he'll again be supported by the likes of Juan Rincon, Jesse Crain, submariner Pat Neshek, and asthmatic veteran Dennys Reyes.
There is one very positive consequence of the Twins' rebuilding. Notre Dame alumni Jeff Manship (SP) and Matt Macri (3B) have both been getting rave reviews in the Twins minor league system, and the team's youth could speed their paths to the majors.

Chicago White Sox

Baseball Musings Team Offense
Baseball Musings Rotation Evaluation
Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
Orlando Cabrera SS
Nick Swisher CF
Jim Thome DH
Paul Konerko 1B
Jermaine Dye RF
AJ Pierzynski C
Josh Fields/Joe Crede 3B
Carlos Quentin LF
Juan Uribe/Danny Richar/Alexei Ramirez 2B

Rotation
Mark Buehrle
Javier Vazquez
John Danks
Jose Contreras
Gavin Floyd

The White Sox are definitely better than last year's team. Are they good enough to compete in the division again? Most likely not, but at least they improved. Their core is still too old, but at least they've injected some new life with the likes of Nick Swisher and the apparent promotion of Josh Fields. Swisher is quite an athlete, but it will still be interesting to see if he can play center field every day. Second base is up for grabs, especially if Juan Uribe is cut as expected. Cuban signee Alexei Ramirez may not be ready for the job, but Richar or supersub Pablo Ozuna could be. This team unfortunately isn't too deep. There's Ozuna, catcher Toby Hall, and outfielders Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson. Anderson's inability to hit is the reason the Sox traded for Swisher in the first place.
Those five starters are the only guys left with any experience. That could spell trouble. The bullpen is a good one, but you can't just march them out there for nine innings every game. Bobby Jenks will be supported by former Royals closers Octavio Dotel and Mike MacDougal.

Kansas City Royals

Baseball Musings Team Offense
Baseball Musings Rotation Evaluation
Baseball America Top 10 Prospects

Lineup
David DeJesus CF
Mark Teahen LF
Billy Butler DH
Jose Guillen RF
Alex Gordon 3B
Ross Gload 1B
John Buck C
Mark Grudzielanek 2B
Tony Pena, Jr. SS

Rotation
Gil Meche
Brian Bannister
Zack Greinke
Kyle Davies
Jorge De La Rosa
Luke Hochevar
Brett Tomko
Leo Nunez

The Royals are finally headed in the right direction. It's actually a shame that the White Sox made their improvements, or else the Royals might have threatened for fourth place. Of course, I say that by looking at the top five spots in the Royals lineup, not the bottom four. Oh, John Buck is a very good hitting catcher, and veteran Mark Grudzielanek definitely has acquired his share of cageyness. But I'm not sold on Ross Gload as an everyday first baseman. Justin Huber and Ryan Shealy are still on the 40 man, but they're not exactly prospects anymore. Miguel Olivo is the backup catcher, and that's not a bad option for a backup. Veteran utilityman Esteban German and prospect Alberto Callaspo are the infield backups, and Joey Gathright will fight for playing time in the outfield.
Kansas City is slowly putting together a good starting rotation as well. Gil Meche, Zach Grienke, and stathead hero Brian Bannister all posted ERAs under 4 (with Meche and Grienke's under 3.70). I wonder how many teams can say that about their top three starters? There's a big dropoff after the big three, but top prospect Hochevar and the veteran Tomko should provide some help. Rule V pick Joakim Soria burst onto the scene as the Royals closer last year, and now he's back for more fun. He'll be supported by Jimmy Gobble, Joel Peralta, Brandon Duckworth, and Ron Mahay. Again, you may not have heard of those guys, or the others in the KC pen, but they all posted ERAs under 5 last year, and most put up ERAs under 4. Not too shabby.

NFL Draft Review

What, original content?

From the Cleveland Browns' Perspective

• It was a wild but successful first round for the Browns. Cleveland took OT Joe Thomas with the third overall pick, but they weren't done yet. After Brady Quinn was still around as of the 22nd pick, Cleveland traded their 2007 second round pick and 2008 first round pick to Dallas for the chance to draft Quinn. Fans and "experts" alike are hailing this as the day that potential puts the Cleveland Browns franchise back on track.


• It looked like the Browns were out of the second round, until GM Phil Savage swung another deal. After trading for a second round pick, the Browns picked up troubled DB Eric Wright. Wright is a first round talent, but a troubled past got him kicked out of USC. After that, he ended up at UNLV. When interviewed, Romeo Crennel pointed out that if Wright can stay trouble free in Las Vegas of all places for two years, his character shouldn't be much of an issue any more.


• Following Wright, the Browns picked up another cornerback and two defensive ends. The Browns are decent at corner when their players are healthy, but that's happening less and less these days. Both DEs are big enough to play the line in a 3-4, and will be the heir apparents to the aging Orpheus Roye.


• The Browns finished out their draft with Syndric Steptoe, a WR/returner. If Steptoe has an impressive training camp, he essentially replaces the departed Dennis Northcutt.

From Notre Dame's Perspective

• It was a long day for Quinn, but in the end it turned out well. Perhaps wisely, the Browns chose to strengthen their line with the #3 pick. (Someone related their previous first round picks to a sugar rush.) But after Miami took Ted Ginn at #9 (even Cleveland-area radio announcers thought that that was far too high for Ginn), no one else really needed a QB... until the Browns traded for the little kid in the Bernie Kosar uniform.


• Victor Abiamiri and Ryan Harris have found themselves in great situations. Abiamiri is going to the Eagles, where he will backup Jevon Kearse. Harris was drafted into the Broncos system, which has always turned out great offensive linemen. In what is perhaps not a coincidence, Denver usually employs "undersized" but agile linemen.


• Derek Landri was picked up by Jacksonville in the 5th round, a tribute to his "motor." It will be interesting to see what position the undersized Landri plays in the pros.


• In another feel-good move for ND fans, the Patriots drafted Mike Richardson in the 6th round. Richardson is a smart player who arguably could play safety as well as corner. This proves that Richardson was perhaps the most improved defensive player of the Charlie Weis era to date.


• The Bengals used two 7th round picks on Dan Santucci and Nedu Ndukwe. In a way, Santucci makes up for the loss of Eric Steinbach to Cleveland, while Ndukwe was no doubt drafted for his athleticism and potential.


• Perhaps surprisingly, neither Darius Walker and Rhema McKnight went undrafted. But by the time you read this, they will probably have signed with a team as free agents.

Finally, a note that will hopefully serve as a preview for an upcoming ND baseball alumni update. Jeff Samardzija is doing well in the High A Florida State League, but has tough luck earning his first win. Meanwhile, Jeff Manship's numbers have been outstanding in the Low A Midwest League. Sure, he's playing in a lower league than Samardzija, but Manship's performance is still nothing to scoff at.