Nothingsville. This is the least favorite time for sports fans. Baseball is on the horizon, basketball’s meaningless 1st season is in full swing. Yay. Not. Hockey got a late start and no one noticed. The Sharks won 7 in a row and now can’t buy a win. ZZZzzz… The Dubs are mired in a 5 game losing streak. Will they make the playoffs? Well, if they do, they are toast anyway. They are a decent young team that lives and dies by the 3. Bogut? Curry? If they could stay healthy, they might make noise, but both are a twisted ankle from missing 3 months.
The Niners? Well, we already discussed the departure of Tom Gamble to the Iggles. Apparently Tom’s dad was in the Iggle employ for 30 years or some shit. Bully. Adios, Tom. Not too too big a worry, as Baalke seems to have a pretty good handle on draft/personnel moves. I don’t think it was all Gamble behind the scenes.
Other than that, what? Talk draft for 2 months? More Alex Smith? Gaaaaaaaaaaaaak. Shoot me now.
Forty Niners Forever 
Chuck, you have a nasty habit of making up what people say and then arguing against it.
You’re no doubt convinced Romney has a fortune stashed in the Caymans, too. You do realize that Romney had nothing to do with the capital gains tax rates, right? You do realize that the money in investments has already been taxed at the earned income rate and is taxed again when its investment makes money, right? That’s double and triple taxed, not in any way equivalent to the tax on salary. In this country, if you blow all you earn you can get help. If you save and invest in your future you’ll get taxed again and the guys who blew theirs will be told they’re entitled to some of yours and your tax rate is too low.
There’s no question Romney has money overseas, skippy. What I’m saying is the rich have many more advantages to hide/defer/avoid their share of taxes that the rest of us don’t.
Not to turn a 49er Blog into a Political debate but….
What kills me regarding the Wall St meltdown is the fact that the SEC saw none of this coming.
How can the Gov assure the American Investor that all is squeaky clean and above board when the bottom fell out of the Investment Sector and no one is held accountable?
Bernie Madoff? Really?
Seems to me too many people looked the other way in return for Political favor and ROI.
Paulson was eyebrow deep in the mess yet got tapped for a Fed position?
I’ve seen at least a dozen good friends, who worked on Wall St, get displaced and trampled under foot.
Several losing their homes in the process.
Not one of the Ivory Tower Executives took anything close to an inconvenience in their lives during that period.
Let alone, spend a minute in jail for all the questionable ‘paper’ many of them passed in the name of profits.
Many in fact, took a Golden parachute ride from the Penthouse while those that took care of the daily business on the Trading floors and elsewhere, got wiped out.
The worst part is that the higher ups on Wall Street knew the President couldn’t touch them. The bailout money that went to executives? If Obama hammered ’em, the stock market dives and at the time, Obama wasn’t strong enough politically to handle the mess so he couldn’t seize their bonuses. But to make it even worse,he couldn’t prosecute them either. Wall Street was holding the White House hostage. The execs on Wall Street knew they were untouchable. He attacks, the market dives.
Only now, four years later, Obama and our economy are strong enough to go after what remains of the crooks. The SnP is about to get hammered. Regulators are about to get tough only because the president finally has the leverage. The pendulum will swing, and it’ll swing by crushing the Tea Party …. especially if the sequester goes through.
Spot on Spit.
They took the money and ran while the new Administration was left holding the water pistol at the inferno.
It’s a game of Chicken at the top of the food chain.
Bailouts were scorned of course, but as you indicate, what other options were available?
Detroit was a mess, Wall St was on life support, housing in the toilet and on and on.
Pretty sad day in America when your Pension can evaporate in the afternoon sun while the clowns that managed it got millions upon millions for watching it happen.
The leverage for the left is growing. I’ve been an independent for years, but the balance of power is so out of whack, and the redistribution of wealth is so outrageous that I’m all Democrat and liberal now. It’ll take a long time for me to get back to center.
I honestly hope the sequester goes through. If the sequester goes through, it’ll cripple our economy and there will only be one place to point the finger – Paul Ryan and Eric Cantor. The sequester will be the opposite of a bailout, and at the worst time. Everyone knows the sequester is the agenda of the Tea Party. If the sequester goes through, and the sequester cripples our economy, it’ll kill the Tea Party. People will see the Tea Party can’t govern.
If I was Obama, I’d get tough with the Tea Party. The Tea Party is in a tight spot. I’d frame the debate by getting every single democrat on board and having a vote to extend the debt ceiling (regardless if it passed) showing the American people the Tea Party not only doesn’t know how to lead, but they don’t have the common American’s best interest in mind. I know you don’t use the American people and their livelihoods as bargaining chips, but the Tea Party is more vulnerable than they ever have been. I’d use the opportunity to frame the debate well, and crush the Tea Party. All the Tea Party does is try to protect the rich. It’s the same message over and over again….. smaller government, constitution, Atlas Shrugged, Go Military! …… the earth is flat…. blah, blah. It’s amazing how many people drink that Tea Party koolaid. And just because you yell the loudest, doesn’t make you right. On the contrary. Lately it means you’re just afraid. Ironic for a guy named “NoFear.”
Watching? They brought it about due to their reckless greed.
It’s not a debate when the argument keeps changing. It’s just ranting. The facts are there for those who care enough to look for them (like the size of government, what a fear tactic, the dirty underhanded tactic of reality! ).
You just wrote 40 words of nothing. I counted them.
You keep blathering about the sequester and the tea party, but it doesn’t sound like you know what either is. Use your google skills and get back to me. Hint, try to use your partisan bullshit filters if you possess any.
NoFear – Go back up and look at all your blogs regarding this government issue (or anyone else reading this for that matter). You have no substance. I’ve brought forth concepts, issues and events, and tried to connect the dots through debate with you. But you have no substance to your debate.
Bush grew the gov’t much more than Obama did You spew dogma out like facts and expect people to listen? You are a Faux puppet. Nothing more.
Spit another guy worth considering in a Trade Up scenario is S Kenny Vaccaro from TX.
Though the S depth is good, he’s pretty much seen as the Top guy at the position.
I’ll check him out Youtube. I’m still a big Thomas fan. Fresno State kid who, like you wrote, was coached by Tim McDonald.
Phillip Thomas is definitely on the list of possibilities.
Miami Vice?
Yeh Chuck, also coached by ex 9er Tim McDonald of all people.
Cool.
Rico roaming the backfield at the ‘Stick.
Meanwhile, I’d rather be chit chattin’ with Gina (Saundra Santiago) in the Stadium Club…
Tim McDonald is a Safety All Pac 10 graduating from USC and draft eligible.
Similar to his DAD and Taylor Mays with marginal cover skills.
Gotta agree Tommy.
Saw TJ at the Sr Bowl.
Was not too impressed with his ability to cover at all.
Good height but looked lost in coverage.
I’d prefer other options in April.
Huh. Gotta like that, NJ. DIdn’t know McDonald was coaching.
Yep.
Coached last Year at Fresno State – Phillip Thomas among the group.
Now he’s got a gig as the Secondary Coach for the NYJ.
http://www.ganggreennation.com/2013/1/22/3905566/tim-mcdonald-hired-as-db-coach
Interesting piece related to Cap Numbers and Safeties –
Here’s a quick point made from ESPN –
‘At many positions the tag can be prohibitively high. But the new CBA drove the numbers down. Instead of the tag equaling the average of the five highest-paid players at the position, like it was under the old CBA, the new formula is more complex. It uses the average of the five highest-paid players at the position over the past five years and figures in the salary cap, too.
Long story short: Safeties will have a modest tag number of about $6.798 million. Only tight ends and kickers/punters are slated to be lower’.
Full article link –
http://tinyurl.com/c9rdcg2
NJ – Vacarro’s a stud and is (right now) better than Phillip Thomas. Love the way Vacarro hits and anticipates. And he’s the type of guy who could play both SS and FS, but I doubt he’ll be there at 31. CBS Sports has Vacarro going to the Rams at 22 in two separate drafts and I could see that because even though safety is cheap (like you just outlined in your link), the Rams’ secondary is awful. The Rams still, though, need defensive line even though they’ve used a lot of draft choices there recently with Quinn and Long. Who knows what the Rams will do? I was a big Earl Thomas fan during the draft and hoped we’d grab him. I thought it would suck having him in the division, but turns out I just enjoy watching him play even with Seattle. So Vacarro going to the Rams wouldn’t be bad, but if he falls, he’s a keeper and I’d rather have him than Phillip Thomas. Thomas, to me, plays more like a FS than Vacarro, but both are interchangeable. I don’t think we could go wrong either way. I love Thomas as a free safety, and would love Vacarro as a SS, even though both are listed as FS.
I’m still hoping the 49ers trade up and grab a NT, DT or DE.
Vaccaro is all over the field, he’s going to go high.
Seen speculation that Philly at 4 could spend a Pick on him.
Hard to know what to expect from Trade Up scenarios.
Depth is good at those positions we have the most glaring needs for.
Eric Reid is my Top SS right now. Not sure if he’s a 1 Pick though.
Maybe sliding back if the coveted piece is gone in Rd 1 would make sense?
Baalke will play that hand when the time comes.
CB David Amerson from NC State is going on my list as a FS too.
I’d love to see him on the Board with our 2nd Pick.
DT Jesse Williams at 31 wouldn’t be terrible.
He’s as strong as an Ox, very similar to Justin. Would have no problem spending our 31st on him.
Grabbing a DB there would also make sense since most mocks don’t slot Trufant and Banks.
Those that do ignore Rhodes as a 1st Rd guy.
Plenty of options. DE Sam Montgomery from LSU also looks good.
I mentioned DE David Bass several times, he’s likely a Mid Rd guy that could climb after the Combines.
Many reports have him as a 4-3 End.
From what I’ve seen, he moves very well.
Don’t think he’d have any issues in the 3-4.
Meant FS for Eric Reid.
SS Cyprien is growing on me. Want to see how he stacks up at the Combine.
Don’t rule out TE Zach Ertz if he sneaks through too.
Harbaugh disciple, 6’6″, great hands?
Sure wouldn’t hurt our Red Zone whoas.
Never know what comes down the pipe on Draft Day.
I’m a big fan of Rhodes, but I see him being a top five, maybe top ten pick. That guy has it all… with the one exception being “catch up” ability. He’s got an interesting build. He’s got an ass bigger than Oprah’s.
I’m all about finding guys who I think will be available at 31. I’d love to see the 49ers move up into the high first round, but I’d venture to guess that it would actually be more effective to gather a number of different second round picks. Each draft is different, but this draft seems to be heavy on the defense. A guy like Phillip Thomas might slip into the second round, and if he does, who else will?
I hate rounds 5-7 unless, UNLESS you are a building team, OR UNLESS you are drafting kickers, punters or 3rd string qbs. Otherwise, the conversion rate is so small it’s a waste. For my money, I’m picking a kicker and Matt Scott in those later rounds, then taking the rest and using them as trade bait.
We’ll have a shot at Rhodes I think.
I see it the same way regarding Trading back.
If the right guy is gone, extra 2s and 3s are where the action could be for us.
Baalke seems to have a very good feel for the guys he wants and where to get them.
I’m on the fence for a WR right now.
No clue how important that Pick is, especially when he snuck AJ into the 1st Rd last year.
I see no need for a RB because the position is weak.
I’ll go along with Scott as a potential later Rd QB, his numbers were very good.
Could throw a PK in there too.
Rest of the multiple picks are likely all about Draft Dollars.
Pick and choose, make some moves as needed.
Vaccaro and Richardson are guys I would target in Rd 1 in Trade Up scenarios.
Vaccaro has no issues to scare you away from taking a shot, since the position is of need for us.
I also think Goodwin is an age concern.
Not sure if Harbaugh has Kilgore or Looney slated for that position or elsewhere?
Our OL is really only a top Shelf C away from being stellar for years to come.
I’d consider adding Travis Frederick or Barrett Jones, if you told me Kilgore or Looney was the future there.
Plenty of possibilities.
This year QB/RB/WR has major concerns. Weak in terms of quantity.
All the strength is on D and solid OL prospects.
I wouldn’t mind seeing the 49ers draft two DT/DE to replace Will Turk (who’s getting more time at FB anyway), Dobbs (who was injured and got a DUI) and Ian Williams who I haven’t thought much of anyway. I could see the 49ers going after a guy like Floyd (who could drop because DE in a 3/4 isn’t a glamour pick) and then picking up a lesser talented DT with a big body to develop in the later rounds. I don’t have a name yet for the later pick. But I agree, this is a defensive draft.
I’ll take your word for it that there’s good O linemen. I’m not gonna look there because I think we’re set. I think Kilgore is the center of the future, with Looney being the backup guard of the future. And I love both Kilgore and Looney because I like smaller O linemen who can move.
On offense, I love the idea of Matt Scott but it’s impossible to know where he’ll be drafted. But one thing for sure is that he’ll get serious looks because he plays a lot like Colin Kaepernick.
I think Hunter, James and Gore might be a little light. I don’t think much of Dixon, although he seems to make plays on special teams. I could see Baalke working hard on finding a late round running back to replace Dixon as a short yardage back.
Then it just comes down to our receivers. I like Jared Cook and don’t share the blog’s opinion that he’s worth 5+ million per year. The 49ers might get a “contender discount,” if Jared wants to put championships over dollars. If he doesn’t, he’s not for us. It’s that simple. Building a potential champion creates leverage I hope Baalke gets used to fast regarding free agents. We also need a big bodied receiver like Mohammed Sanu. This year I won’t get sidetracked by 40 times.
I’m also a Sharrif Floyd fan. I’m certain he’ll be gone at 31 as well but I think that guy’s more stout at the point than any other dude I’ve seen this year except Star. I could see him being the second DT taken.
Talk is starting about Floyd and Richardson trumping Lotulelei.
Here comes the Combine Spin Cycle too.
So much will change before April. Our Pick comes down to value if we stand pat.
One of the Top ILBs Ogletree from UGA got nailed for a DUI.
Adding to his checkered College infractions.
Now he and Te’o are both head scratchers regarding what’s between their ears.
It’s just starting.
Meant to say ‘If Kilgore or Looney WEREN’T the future there’.
Damn….. Seattle’s done a nice job drafting DBs late. Both Chancellor and the douche are 5th rounders.
Yes they have.
Our turn to get healthy in the Secondary this year.
I’m using the taller guys on my wish list for that reason.
Blidi Wrey-Wilson, Amerson, Reid, Banks, Rhodes are all taller guys.
This is why I look at our DL rotation with Dobbs, Jerrod-Eddie, Ian Williams and wonder how many more pieces Baalke might actually be looking to add there?
Just gave Divens a Future Contract last week. A 340LB DT that’s had some NFL playing time already.
I’m not sold that he’s slotting a DT in the 1st Rd.
We’ll obviously find out when the time comes.
Maybe the DE/DB makes more sense early?
I wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers went CB, safety or DT in the first round. I think it’s best player available out of those three positions. I’d be happy with Rhodes, Floyd or Thomas.
Oh the Drama…..
The Combine is going to iron out all the height and weight questions too.
40s will get answered as well.
I’m curious to see Blidi Wreh-Wilson get those vitals answered.
He moved pretty well at the Sr Bowl.
Want to see him get an honest time in terms of flat out speed.
He’s been one of the few 4.4s guys that is listed over 6′.
Another DE for you….
Quanterus Smith W Kentucky.
Combine invitee, I will be looking for him as well.
6’5″ 250 23 sacks.
Small school guy however.
If we were to think about a possible replacement for Boobie Dixon.
How about Michigan St RB Le’Veon Bell – 6’2″ 240.
Kid carried the load for the Spartans.
To the tune of almost 3,400 yds.
Slotted in the 4th Rd as we see it now.
Another guy invited to the Combine. Stay tuned.
I’ve looked at some of the CBs, safeties and DT. Now I’m gonna start looking at some of the DE/OLB – the pass rushers. You can never have too many of those dudes.
I didn’t think that the trademark for “kaepernicking” had gone through yet. The pound just busted Zeke for snarfing a flea, said it was trademark infringement…
BTW, Denny do your your thing on that disgusting little rat, Sarah Redden. Thank you, Merry Sunday, and send some money to this place:
http://www.vn-agentorange.org/donate.html
How ridiculous to trademark a ridiculous display of self-aggrandizement, let alone trying to enforce it. I suppose if the image is clearly of CK7 in uniform w/helmet kissing himself in another pro athlete look-at-me move, maybe. But anything more generic would be very tough to claim ownership on. It’s hardly new or improved.
What’s the agent orange donation about?
Left to my own devices it looks like this outfit is more about traveling and speaking than helping victims.
What am I missing?
http://bit.ly/YAU0da
Disregard, I found what I was looking for.
Our Mission
The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign is an initiative of U.S. veterans, Vietnamese Americans and all concerned about peace and justice. We insist our government honor its moral and legal responsibility to compensate the Vietnamese victims and all victims, of Agent Orange.
Warren G. Harding and Richard M. Nixon Day tomorrow. May as well honor our worst Presidents for a change.
I thought you guys liked the Prez that presided over Vietnamization, Operation Homecoming and the lesser celebrated Operation Screw You for those he declared to be dead afterward. Anyway he can’t hold a candle to the extreme incompetence of the current community organizer in chief.
My “plea” is non-political. I think that as a country we owe the innocent “bystanders” who still suffer from our use of defoliants in SE Asia.
This is something I became involved in long before I became ill. The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign is a legit organization .Yet not even liberals have not shown much support for aid. The Vietnamese government shares responsibilty as well- they have denied that spraying was done in regions that are now growing crops for export.
Chew on that one for awhile.
While I chew, I’d just as soon help the Vietnamese that helped us. The Montagnards were imprisoned, tortured and murdered when we left and have had their land stolen and are persecuted in their homeland still. These guys not only need and deserve help, they appreciate it and have earned it.
http://www.montagnards.org/
NoFear – I think you’re consuming gallons of Koolaid daily, but I respect the hell outta your service to our country and your passion for our military – past and present.
~ the master of the backhanded compliment.
The diseases from the spraying did not choose sides, so it’s always possible that a donation might help a deformed child from the wrong side. Horrors…
Mike Mayock is saying this is one of the deeper drafts he’s seen in ten years, and that it’s especially deep at safety. Great news for the 49ers who have 14 picks. Mayock also said there aren’t a lot of difference makers in the top 10. That’s even better news for the 49ers. Could be a rich get richer draft. Whoops to Trenton Robinson. I’m not a fan of his game. Let’s bring in Phillip Thomas!
If Baalke makes a move for the Top of Rd 1.
Shariff Floyd, Sheldon Richardson, Kenny Vaccaro would all be guys I’d be gunning for.
I honestly believe that we will be Drafting the future in our Secondary from this Draft Class.
A FS/SS and a CB won’t be hard to obtain.
Right now my guess will be a Jonathan..
Jonathan Hankins
Jonthan Jenkins
or Jonathan Cyprien
I could live with Jenkins and Cyprien Alleykat.
Think I’d prefer Kawann Short over Hankins however.
It’s astounding to me that Republicans have the audacity to cry socialism with things in our tax code like the carried interest provision. This is why Romney was able to pay 15%. Independent Lens did a documentary on this recently and said lobbiests actually wrote the bill that Congress passed. Socialism? We’re a long way from socialism in America, and for that I’m glad. But if you cry socialism, you’re drinking the koolaid. Read this:
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3209
People believe that the Tea Party was created by a grassroots movement but in reality it was the agenda of Libertarian billionaires. Want the connection? One of the Coke family members, David Coke, ran for president (or vice president) as a Libertarian in 1980 and was defeated terribly. Instead of continuing to try, he found a different way….. buying elected officials.
Paul Ryan was made preaching about Atlas Shrugged, and it might have gotten the attention of the Coke family. (Atlas Shrugged preaches Libertarian ideals). Now Ryan denies he’s ever sided with Atlas, but he can’t deny his connection with the Coke family.
But it’s the same with Sarah Palin, Michele Bochman, Beck and guys like Donald Trump and Ted Nuggent. They cry about socialism and big government while the people sponsoring their events are Libertarians who are paying 15% by using their lobbiests to write the carried interest provision.
And now the Tea Party wants to push the sequester? Please do. Honestly. Please allow the sequester to go through so it crushes the Tea Party. The Tea Party wasn’t a grass roots movement. It was the agenda of Libertarian billionaires. And some people even on this blog are still, to this day, drinking the koolaid. They love the Tea Party. I think they drink the tea and koolaid because there’s safety in numbers as you get older, but it’s done because they’re afraid. Personally, I have no fear.
What is terribly wrong with the Tea Party and their ilk is Grover Norquist who forces Republicans running for Congress to sign a pledge or face his money and get voted out. Sounds like thinking what’s good for your district and for the country might be at odds in what’s good for Grover.
The kicker here is Norquist has stated that this pledge is for as long as you are in Congress.
Grover Norquist wants to be the puppetmaster and is responsible for a lot of the shit and gridlock.
People who make less than $250k per year and vote Republican are complete fools. Walmart Republicans…. waving the flag, talking socialism, drinking the koolaid and getting bent over.
Spit, remember about two years ago I told you I had never been to a Walmart in my entire life and you were impressed? Well, add another two years. I still haven’t seen the inside of one of those suckers.
ahh but have you seen “the people of walmart” websites Dennis?
Yesterday’s “Pearls Before Swine” comic strip sums everything up…
Difficult Times:
When the going gets tough…
And the chips are down…
And the breaks aren’t going your way…
And everyone is telling you can’t…
Give up. ‘Cause they’re probably right.
‘And drink beer instead.
Amen.
Nothing wrong with that advice Del.
Afterall……
It made Bud Wiser.
NJ, no need to remind you, or anyone else for that matter how big a Budweiser fan and supporter I am. This commercial still gets me each and every time. Love those Clydesdales…
I have a good friend who married a woman vaguely of the budweiser clan 12 times removed or something like that. His wife inherited an obscene amount of stock and money when her Mom died (a clanite). I’m sure Dennis did his part in making this outer fringe of the Budweiser family rich, cheers Dennis crack another tinny open.
Sounds eerily like judge Smails
Smails? Just cut his hamstring. He’ll slice everything into the woods. He’ll quit the game.
It’s easy to grin
When you’re ship has come in
And you’ve got the stock market beat
But the man worthwhile
Is the man who can smile
When his shorts are too tight in the seat.
.
.
.
Go ahead, pookie.
He’ll push everything to the right…. not slice it into the woods.
But he will quit the game….
For every wound, a balm.
For every sorrow, cheer.
For every storm, a calm.
For every thirst, a beer.
Remember “I” before “E” except in Budweiser
And a classic from our Old Pal Cliff Clavin of Cheers –
“A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo.
When the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first.
This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.
In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells.
But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
That’s why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”
Makes sense to me.
Xavier Rhodes is being slotted as a S/CB with a 2nd Rd Grade pre-Combine.
Many of the DBs I’m interested in are taller guys, which should help us improve in pass defense.
Rhodes would work for us simply because Baalke prefers the interchangeable DBs.
Rhodes is slower. That’s why his stock is dropping and people are considering him a safety. It’s hogwash. Look at my boy Sanu last year. Ran a slow combine, then had a great rookie year as a third round pick with an average qb and a lot of weapons around him – AND Gruden used him as their swiss army knife. I will say that you can get away with a slower receiver who’s big and can get off the jam, and it’s different for a corner. But the combine over values speed. Who would you rather have? Sanu or Jenkins? Now I believe Jenkins will come on. I’m still not worried about Jenkins. But we have short and skinny in spades. We need big and powerful with a receiver who isn’t a “trapper,” like Vernon Davis.
As far as Rhodes is concerned, he’s a corner with an ass the size of Oprah’s. He doesn’t appear to be that guy who’s in the gym 24/7. I think with improved technique, diet and dedication, he could be the best corner in the draft. The kid has it all. Question is whether or not he wants to pull it all together. I’ll admit right now he’s not an NFL starter at corner, but he’s not that far away. Maybe that’s also why he’s projected to drop into the second round. Either way, I’m a fan of his…… because of his big black ass.