========”CHARGERS-VS-NFL FREE AGENCY”
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The Bolts, under the new leadership of GM-Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh had a somewhat successful season, that led to a playoff game, even if it was a bad playoff loss.

That vaulted them into the off season with a flurry of optimism the franchise would be able to take another step forward to put more quality players around star QB-Justin Herbert.

2-days into free agency, it has not happened, and over 110-players have come off the board, changing teams.

A brief scorecard for what has happened this week.

The Chargers re-signed star LB-Khalil Mack to a 1-year deal worth (18M).  They did not let him get onto the open market and there were rumors the Bears wanted to bring him back.  They are closer to winning in LA, than they are at Soldier Field.

They released DE-Joey Bosa, whose career has been wrapped around alot of QB sacks and alot of injuries.  They were never going to pay him (26M) in the future, and had to get out from under the (36M) cap figure.  But maybe they could have offered him (10M) and incentives and kept him for another year, much like the discount Mack took.

They did not and now they have a hole at the pass rush side.

That decision was followed by defections, and these have created problems.

They lost DT-Poona Ford, coming off a pretty impressive season of play inside, stuffing the run and making tackles for losses.  He will play for the other team at So Fi Stadium, the Rams, for 10M a year.  Pricey yes, but now you have to spend to get probably a lesser player.  Those wide-body guys are few and far between.

They also lost CB-Kristain Fulton, who had a solid season till he tailed off at the end of the campaign.  He took his talents, speed and flair to the Kansas City Chiefs.  A veteran leaves the team with alot of young kids in the secondary.  Another blow.

They did replace Fulton with Donte Jackson, who started with the Steelers and Carolina before that, but Mike Tomlin let him walk in Pittsburgh.  Does not sound to be the equal of Fulton.

The Bolts added tough guy RB-Najee Harris, a plugger-banger-grinder, who had 4-straight thousand yard seasons in Pittsburgh.  An upgrade over the just released-often injured Gus Edwarfds.  That is a plus.  But the problems with run blocking upfront don’t guarantee Harris will do great things here if the status quo in the front remains.

The interior of the offensive line needs help, but that did not happen either.  They lost out on the bidding for Falcons OC-Drew Dallman, who went to the Bears, and Pro Bowl OC-Ryan Kelly, who bailed out on the Colts to sign with the Vikings.  Instead Hortiz re-signed the lowest rated OC-Brad Bozeman to a 2-year deal to return.  Not sure how that improves the guys infront of Justin Herbert unless they move Zion Johnson from guard to center.

And a team weak spot got weaker in the first 48-hours of free agency, as WR-Josh Palmer left, signing a multi deal to catch passes from Josh Allen-the NFL-MVP in Buffalo.  Granted Palmer has been on and off the field over the last couple of years with injuries, but he made as many big plays-tough plays as Quinton Johnston.  They are really weaker at that wideout slot now.

And there is no DK Metcalf or Davante Adams or DeAndre Hopkins,  to go get at this hour at wide receiver.  Cooper Kupp is still out there though, likely to be a Rams release.

So as we head to Day 3-of Free Agency, are the Bolts better or worse?  They can tell people they still have 93M-cap space, but with 117-players already off the board , what are they getting from what is still on the board?

NFL Free Agency beating the Chargers GM right now.  And that really surprises me.

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“NFL OFFSEASON…BEGINS
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That was quite an opening day in the NFL, not games, early season showdowns, but rather the opening day of NFL free agency.

76-players changed teams in the first 8-hours when the window opened.  Add in a couple of salary cap related trades, and a flurry of restructured deals, and you had a first day like never seen before.

A look see at storylines as of Monday night:

CHARGERS..They brought back Khalil Mack on a (1Y-18M) deal.  They should have tried to do the same on a new deal with Joey Bosa, but he is gone.  They signed heavy duty RB-Najee Harris, who had 4-one thousand yard seasons in Pittsburgh.  But that won’t mean much if they don’t fix this woeful interior offensive line.  They took some hits though.  Losing Josh Palmer to the Bills.  Watching DT-Poona Ford join the Rams.  Not getting either of the centers they expressed interest in.  Still have significant needs.  Hoping a Cooper Kupp sighting-signing is coming.

RAMS..Adding experience in that defensive front, Poona Ford, makes up for the loss of young DT-Bobby Brown. The Davante Adams acquisition is huge in terms of playmaking ability down the field, to complement Puka Nacua and his speed routes.  Getting a younger OC-Coleman Shelton via the Bears seems a positive.  Still work to be done.

RAIDERS..Took some hits on day one, losing CB-Nate Hobbs and LB-Robert Spillane, both heart and soul guys on that defense. Jeremy Chinn played alot of safety in Washington, they need consistency on the back end.  They have to find a running back.  They are trying to trade TE-Mike Mayer and they still have 9-draft picks coming next month.  Stay tuned for more upgrades than just the trade for QB-Geno Smith.

Around the league:

SEATTLE..Sam Darnold got his payday, exiting Minnesota for 3-years and 100M with the Seahawks.  But he goes to a team that has little skill talent left.  DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett both gone,and having a poor offensive line and a substandard run game, I ask this.  What did he sign up for aside from a check?

STEELERS…A phone call to Aaron Rodgers.  A short term rental and bridge to a QB they draft?  Probably.  You go get DK Metcalf to compliment George Pickens and your tight ends, but you have no one to throw the ball to as of this hour.

JETS..They must see lots more in Justin Fields that anyone else does.  A (2Y-40M) deal for a guy who has been benched by the QB-poor Bears and Steelers.  Not sure he is going to fix all things wrong with the Jets, but they got him now.

TITANS..Coming up next a visit with the aging Russell Wilson, on a team that is looking to replace struggling lst round pick Wil Levis.  Does not make sense?

COLTS..Have yet to move on a veteran QB, so maybe they do get ex Giant-Viking Daniel Jones to come in and compete with the streaky Anthony Richardson.  Maybe that happens on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND..The QB nitemare continues, with the decision to let Jameis Winston walk and then the trade of Dorian Thompson-Robinson to the Eagles to bring in wild armed Kenny Pickett.  Things never get better for the Browns.  The just keep rearranging the chairs on the QB-Titanic part of the roster.

Other observations on the first day of free agency.

PATRIOTS..They sign 5-free agents, all grinders, who play the type of football Mike Vrabel wants to play.  Carlton Davis and Robert Spillane are a start.

JAGUARS..A roster overhaul for sure, hauling in 7-free agents for a new coaching staff.

CAROLINA…A miserable defense has to be upgraded with the arrival of 5-new players that side of the ball., led by young Eagles star Milton Williams and fast developing Chiefs DT-Tershawn Wharton.

EAGLES..Took some hits, losing both Josh Sweat and Milton Williams from the defensive front, then Darius Slay left the secondary.

49ers…Paydays for LB-Dre Greenlaw and OG-Aaron Banks who exited, so there is some bleeding taking place on that San Francisco roster.

CHIEFS..Adding LT-Jaylon Moore-ex 49ers and tough guy RB-Elijah Mitchell from San Francisco is a big upgrade in size and toughness

BILLS..Money in the bank with WR-Josh Palmer-the ex Charger.

So day one was a series of robust signings.  We see what Tuesday brings us.  Stay tuned
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“THINKING OUT LOUD”
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Lots of Items to Comment On:

PADRES…Finally a few hits, against Cleveland minor league pitchers, and the Friars win a game, stopping this terrible (1-10-1) Cactus League skid.  Gavin Sheets hits a 3R-HR finally.  Jason Heyward with an RBI single.  But then Cleveland’s rookie pitchers retire 17-in a row.  Two weeks out from the start of the season and alot of guys still not hitting.  As good as the starting pitching has looked, especially Nick Pivetta’s back to back shutout dominating outings, Matt Waldron seems lost again.  Two bad outings, and a really poor outing vs Giants (1.1inn-4R-4H-4W-2WP).  Mastering the knuckleball is still not there.

DODGERS…Hit the pause button on Shohei Ohtani’s pitching rehab work, not that there is anything wrong, only that LA wants him to fully concentrate now on ramping up as a DH for the early start to the season in Japan in a week and a half.  The Dodgers, who had 23-pitchers on their spring training staff, admit not everyone is ready for opening day.  Ohtani will not pitch till May 1st.  Dustin May may be headed to the bullpen after rocky outings.  Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech will start the season on the DL-not in the bullpen.  And Blake Snell is right now Blake Snell…lots of pitches..short outings…spring ERA (7.71)

ANGELS..They signed alot of street free agents.  Best so far in spring, longtime starting SS-Tim Anderson-ex Marlins-White Sox, hitting (.280)…P-Kyle Hendricks-ex Cubs-three strong outings in a row…C-Travis D’Arnaud.

YANKEES..Bad news everywhere.  Elbow nerve concerns for pitching ace Gerritt Cole.  Possible season damaging elbow surgeries for Giancarlo Stanton.  Big likely blows in New York.

METS..Juan Soto has praised the NY rotation, but now they have lost Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea for the start of the season.  NY is in trouble

LAKERS….Got bombed in Boston, the start of a tough stretch of games ves the best teams, and now they lose LeBron James with a groin strain.  The LeBron-Luka Doncic pairing looks to explosive, but most of the (11-3) run was against weak teams.  Now they have to go play Milwaukee-Denver-Oklahoma City-Houston without LeBron, and with Rui Hachimura-Jaxson Hayes also ailing.

LAKERS..Can you really compare the Lakers with (53-10) Cleveland, the Oklahoma City crew (53-11), 45-win Boston or even Denver (41W)?

AZTECS..Heading to the Mountain West tourney, as a 4th seed.  A dangerous team right now, if Magoon Gwath is ready for the opening round next Thursday.  A troubled team is they have to play tourney games without him.

UCSD..What a season, going (28-4) and going in as the number 1-seed in the Big West Tourney, and likely no longer a bubble team if they get to 30-wins by Selection Sunday.

USD..What a disaster, the Toreros basketball season.  Steve Lavin goes (6-27) and really needs players and NIL-financial support from the university.

CHARGERS..The roster purge continues.  First Joey Bosa is cut loose.  Now RB-Gus Edwards.  Wonder if OG-Trey Pipkens exits next.  Team has cap room, but also has 26-free agents to resign.  And does not draft till the 22nd pick in the first round.  GM-Joe Hortiz has lots to accomplish.

RAMS..Seems like a sad parting with WR-Cooper Kupp as a high priced cap casualty.  He is no longer a 20M a year player, and will have to rework his deal.  He could be good short term rental for a quality team, but not at the current price tag.

RAIDERS…Trading for Geno Smith-exiled in Seattle?  Wow.  Lots yards, lots of turnovers.  Would you rather have him than Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins.  First surprise move out of what will be a number of moves Pete Carroll and the new leadership will execute.

SDFC…The biggest story out of the gate in MLS soccer, this (2-0-1) record after a road win in Salt Lake City.  What a pickup, the acquisition of Danish forward Anders Dryer, who has 3-goals in 3-matches for FC.
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“NFL-LET THE BIDDING BEGIN”
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Where will the next Saquon Barkley acquisition come from?
Beware you don’t make a Deshaun Watson magnitude mistake.

The NFL free agent window is about to go up with an array of veteran talent that can help flip struggling franchises.  But for each signing comes a different challenge.

Guys coming off injuries.  Guys facing huge paycuts-unwilling to accept that.  Aging players.  Young players who have not panned out.

Trust me, what the Eagles accomplished with Saquon Barkley’s 2,000-plus yard season is the exception to the rule.  What is happening in Cleveland, a Browns team saddled with an oft-injured Deshaun Watson, grossly overpaid, troubled, now hurt, with salary cap implications for 5-more years, is a real red flag.

Here’s a look at hot names teams will take a look at:

SAM DARNOLD..An amazing first and only season in Minnesota, the 4,000-plus yard-35TD campaign.  But he regressed at the end of the season, and the Vikings illustrious season was washed away by interceptions, fumbles and sacks.  Darnold resemembed the QB who washed out with the Jets than what he was September into December in Minnesota.  Guess the big question, would you spend (35M) a year on his track record?

AARON RODGERS…All things great  appear in the rear view mirror from his Green Bay days.  He wore people out with his attitude and his demands as a supposed New York Jets leader.  He must take a major paycut to land somewhere else with the reality, it might not be his team but a coaches team.

RUSSELL WILSON..A great run with Seattle and Denver but he looks aged, slow, and the late season collapse in Pittsburgh was ugly.  Not much time left on the clock.

DAVANTE ADAMS…He can still play, but it will come at a steep discount price.  Teams need veteran wide receivers and he can catch and run.  He could sign early.  Bet he has choices.

CHRIS GODWIN..He strung together 3-very dominant seasons in Tampa and then saw his 2024 wiped out by a knee injury.  That becomes a negotiating chip for teams from outside . Tampa Bay who wants him back, but the price tag will not be what it once could have been.

TY LOCKETT…Lots of miles on the Seahawks veteran, and likely a short term contract, but 14-yards a catch shows he can still produce despite being north of 30-years of age.

JOEY BOSA…Earned alot of money and was a difference maker when healthy.  But he had injuries in 7-of-9 seasons with the Chargers.  He will take a paycut from his (25M) with the Bolts.  Spirited bidding about to begin.

JOSH SWEAT..1-of two big play Eagles contributors will go somewhere else.  Solid against the run, a speed burst in pass rush mode.  His future still ahead of him.

MILTON WILLIAMS…Might be the best and youngest inside DT to hit free agency.  Surprise Philadelphia could not-did not resign him.  He will get a payday based on promising play.

RONNIE STANLEY…So few left tackles on the open market, because they are the gold standard.  Rock solid but coming off two years of injuries.  But he will get offers to leave Baltimore.

CAM ROBINSON..Former 1st round pick also coming off back to back injury years.  Let go by the Jaguars, then not re-signed by the Vikings.  Who knows?

MECHI BECTON..Hi first round Jets draft pick, who failed, but moved inside to offensive guard and had a very strong season.  Still might be a gamble.

NICK BOLTON..Another player allowed to go on the open market, which means if the Chiefs want him back, the price goes up.  But why not sign him before the window opened?

KHALIL MACK…Steady, strong willed, seldom injured, with one likely last contract  left in his career.  Chargers-Bears may have to battle each other on a final payday.

CARLTON DAVIS..The ex Lions-Bucs cover corner has had injury issues so his longterm value has been reduced, but he can pay.

DARIUS SLAY..One last go round for this warrior but his price will have to come down too  His leadership style carries alot of credibility.  The Eagles elected to go young at the position.

Let the bidding begin.
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Hacksaw’s Great Sports Weekend Podcast-Thursday 1:30pm
You Tube Channel-Lee Hacksaw Hamilton
Hot Topics on Table–Stay for Fans Forum
=======

“PADRES SEARCH FOR BATS”
=======
Let’s just be upfront about where the Padres are right now.
Three weeks left in spring training.
A team loaded with talent that is (1-9-1) in its last 11-games

Bringing along their starting pitching slowly.
A team spot playing it’s top players, some of whom are coming off injuries.
A team still searching for pitching depth, the right catcher, and bench guys.

I understand all that, but 3-weeks into the Cactus League, with all these guys getting all these opportunities, the Padres do not have many answers yet.

Checking your scorecard, their scoresheet and AJ Preller’s roster:

JOSE IGLESIAS..The latest tryout addition…has hit in the past..so it is strange to ask why has he been with 7-different teams in his career?

JASON HEYWARD..Trusted vet, good clubhouse guy, but (0-12) this spring after hitting (.211) for the Dodgers.  Is the bat speed gone.

CONNOR JOE..Multi position guy, some abilities at the plate, but (.231) right now.

YULI GURRIEL..Ex Astros-solid bat  there, but the 40-year old is (2-12) so far.

GAVIN SHEETS..Ex-White Sox prospect with some power, has shown little so far with his (.150) batting average

MIKE BROSSEAU…Pinch hitting guy other places, hitting (.238)

BRANDON LOCKRIDGE..Better right now (.250) than last year but who knows?

FORREST WALL..A few homers here and there, hitting (.263) limited ABs.

EGUY ROSARIO..Extra base hit power, but hitting (.174) now, and is out of options

TERSO ORNELAS..Coming off (23) home run summer in El Paso, hitting (.421)..keep this up-he gets mailing address c/o Petco Park.

OSCAR GONZALEZ..the Yankees-Guardians saw flashes of power but still let him go…so far-okay (.348)

ELIAS DIAZ…Once an All Star but right now (.083)-ouch

LUIS CAMPUSANO..Where has all the promise gone (.182)

MARTIN MALDONADO..Brought his glove, airlines must have lost his bats (.000)

YON PERLAZZO..From Korea, maybe goes back there (.167)

MASON MC COY…Good glove, no bat (.083)

Usually you’d say AJ Preller-Mike Shildt would have some decisions to make on these roster spots. These guys have not done very much, and we are halfway thru spring training, when hitting is ahead of pitching.  Tough roster decisions?  These guys may be cutting themselves.

The search continues.

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