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Changes coming to Monday Night Football and the World Series

Nestor Aparicio

A new addition to Monday Night Football and an overdue change to the Fall Classic should make many fans happy this fall. ESPN has announced former NFL coach Jon Gruden will replace Tony Kornheiser in the Monday Night Football booth this fall, joining play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico and analyst Ron Jaworski. Kornheiser, a longtime sportswriter, was maligned for not having a background as a player or coach, instead choosing to focus on the lighter side of the game.  It reminded too many fans of the failed Dennis Miller experiment that ABC tried at the beginning of the decade. While I enjoy Kornheiser with Michael Wilbon on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, he never found his place in the MNF broadcast booth.  He often seemed disinterested—if not in over his head—compared to the insightful analysis provided by Jaworski. Listening to Kornheiser provide color commentary reminded me of someone that tries to engage you in football discussion, but after a few minutes, you realize he just doesn’t know that much about the game.  While he is certainly an accomplished writer, his football insight left much to be desired. Kornheiser’s excessive discussion over Chad Johnson’s Hall of Fame jacket charade ruined the Ravens-Bengals telecast

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

It’s easy to call the 134th Preakness a failure, but it would be more prudent to give the Maryland Jockey Club another year or two to see what can be done to bring the masses back to Pimlico.  The decision to prohibit patrons from bringing their own alcohol was obviously a major change to the culture of the Preakness, but creative thinking should be able to revive attendance. However, will officials have another year or two to accomplish this?  It remains to be seen with the bankruptcy of Magna Entertainment Corp., the owner of Pimlico.  The state government is taking measures to keep the Preakness in Baltimore, but nothing is a sure thing at this point. Here are the 5 Ws and 1 H for the week: 1.  Who do you expect to be in the Orioles’ starting rotation by year’s end?  We’ve already seen two of the five Opening Day rotation members (Alredo Simon and Mark Hendrickson) replaced, and more changes are sure to come as the season continues. The next starter on the chopping block would logically be Adam Eaton (2-4, 7.93 ERA).  The most likely candidates for a promotion at this point are Chris Tillman (4-0, 2.03

Ray Lewis holding off Father Time

Luke Jones

In case you haven’t heard, the incomparable Ray Lewis turned 34 today.  It’s hard to believe the 21-year-old kid that taught Baltimore how to “raise the roof” at Memorial Stadium in 1996 and continues to create absolute mayhem during player introductions at M&T Bank Stadium is now entering his 14th season with the Ravens.  Lewis came to Baltimore an undersized middle linebacker from the University of Miami, and despite a tumultuous offseason in which his departure via free agency was a distinct possibility, he will now finish his career as the greatest player in franchise history and a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Baltimore.   His legacy—and statue across from the Johnny Unitas one outside M&T Bank Stadium—is a foregone conclusion.  As someone who grew up without football until age 13, I had learned to cherish the legend of Unitas, Gino Marchetti, Lenny Moore, and Bert Jones, but it wasn’t the same because I had not experienced it.  I wanted—and needed—my own football legend (and team) to follow, and Lewis immediately became the Unitas of my generation, even if his persona was the polar opposite.  The middle linebacker’s flashy—and at times cryptic—personality may not place him on the same pedestal as the revered Unitas, Brooks Robinson, or Cal

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

I wanted to take a moment to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day.  In the sports world, we tend to overlook Mom in favor of Dad taking the kids to ballgames or coaching the little league team. In my own childhood, my dad often had the glory, taking me to Orioles and Ravens games and coaching many of my teams, but my mom was right there at every game as my No. 1 fan.  I sincerely thank her for that. Now, on to the 5 Ws and 1 H for the week. 1.  Who really deserves to be the Orioles’ closer at this point?  The closer-by-committee idea sounds logical, but relievers have to be effective in order for it to work.  The struggles of George Sherrill against right-handed hitting are well-documented (right-handers are hitting .378 against him), but no one else is emerging as a viable option. Chris Ray (7.20 ERA) still doesn’t look right after returning from Tommy John surgery, Jamie Walker is really a one or two-batter pitcher at this point in his career, and Jim Johnson gave up the demoralizing three-run homer to Johnny Damon this afternoon. Danys Baez has been the

Purple Friday – Join me on WNST this afternoon

Luke Jones

Join me on AM 1570 WNST or WNST.net this afternoon at 4:20 as we have an excuse to talk Ravens football despite the season still being months away.  What’s the biggest question on your mind as we approach the preseason? It’s a far cry from a Purple Friday in the fall, but we’ll get a small tease of football this weekend as the Ravens begin their mandatory minicamp today at 1 Winning Drive. The weekend is nothing more than an obligation for most veterans—with the exception of Terrell Suggs who is not expected to attend after again being named the team’s franchise player—but it’s the first chance for the rookies to rub elbows with the likes of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Derrick Mason.  It’s always interesting to hear the veterans’ first impressions of the new draft picks and rookie free agents. As we take the next step toward training camp in Westminster—now less than three months away—, several questions loom large as the Ravens try to improve upon coach John Harbaugh’s surprising first season. Here are five questions on my mind as we approach the season, in no particular order. 1.  How is the depth at quarterback shaping up?

O.J. Brigance continues to inspire us all

Luke Jones

2008 was a memorable year for the Ravens on so many levels.  From the unexpected run to the AFC Championship game to the encouraging play of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, the season brought much joy and excitement to the fans of Baltimore. But beyond any accomplishment on the field, the most impressive achievement was the courage and inspiration of Director of Player Development O.J. Brigance.  The former Baltimore Stallion and Raven continues to influence young players and show us all what it means to be a man. This past week, ESPN’s Outside the Lines featured Brigance’s remarkable story.  It’s difficult to see how ALS has stricken the Super Bowl and Grey Cup champion’s body, but it has not affected his mind or, more importantly, his soul.  His story is one of perseverance, faith, and purpose. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeDauc4fb70[/youtube]

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

Here are the 5 Ws and 1 H floating around in my head on Thursday night: 1. Who will be the Ravens kicker this season? Steve Hauschka performed well kicking off last season but only attempted two field goals, making a 54-yarder and missing the other from 52. Rookie free agent Graham Gano has a huge leg and had a brilliant season at Florida State, hitting 24 of 26 field goals. It was clear Matt Stover lost a great deal of range last season, but you always knew what you were going to get from him.  Anything inside 45 yards was automatic.  For a team with visions of a Super Bowl, a kicker can make or break the season.  Just ask the 2000 Tennessee Titans. The battle between Hauschka and Gano will be unlike anything we’ve seen in the 14-year history of the team, as the Ravens will search for their second starting kicker in franchise history. 2. What was the original purpose of the dirt path between the pitching mound and home plate in early-1900s ballparks?  For nostalgia, you’ll find the dirt strip at Comerica Park and Chase Field. I was watching the Yankees-Tigers game last night when the

How the draft shapes the current roster

Luke Jones

We’re exactly three months away from rookies and quarterbacks reporting to McDaniel College in Westminster for the start of training camp.  With the 2009 NFL Draft complete and the names of undrafted free agent signings beginning to leak, we will start to get a better idea of how the training camp roster will look. Much can change between now and July 27, but here is a look at the Ravens’ selections and how they affect the competition at their respective positions.  Listed in parentheses is the projected number of players kept at the position.  Since undrafted free-agent signings are not officially announced until minicamp, I have excluded them from the current breakdown. Round 1 (23rd overall):  Michael Oher (Mississippi), OT OFFENSIVE TACKLE (4) Locks:  Jared Gaither, Michael Oher Bubble:  Willie Anderson, Adam Terry, Oniel Cousins Longshot:  Joe Reitz, Tre Stallings Analysis:  The selection of Michael Oher immediately transforms offensive tackle from a position of weakness to one of depth.  Gaither is firmly entrenched on the left side, so the real battle will take place on the right side between Anderson and Oher. While Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta currently envision Anderson as a mentor for the rookie, he could be

No receivers, but Ravens still upgrade passing game

Luke Jones

The 2009 NFL Draft has come and gone with Ozzie Newsome adding six new players to a team that reached the AFC Championship game last season, despite a passing offense that ranked 28th in the league. Not one was a wide receiver. Despite fans and national pundits clamoring for the Ravens’ need to improve the receiving corps of Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, and Demetrius Williams, Newsome did not find a receiver to his liking.  However, the Ravens did succeed in upgrading their passing game—not to mention the entire offense—by drafting offensive tackle Michael Oher from Ole Miss with the 23rd overall pick. Not expected to be on the board at No. 23, the Ravens not only drafted a great story but a huge, young upgrade at right tackle.  While not a flashy pick (I’ll refrain from using the term “sexy” since it’s become the overused adjective of the weekend), Oher will provide a bigger boost to the passing game than any rookie wideout would have. A rookie receiver rarely makes a dramatic impact in his first season—just ask Pro Bowlers Roddy White (29 catches in 2005) or Wes Welker (0 in 2004). Though Hakeem Nicks or Kenny Britt could blossom

Info on final Ravens pick RB Cedric Peerman here…

Nestor Aparicio

With the 185th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected running back Cedric Peerman from the University of Virginia. Some videos here: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqOORe6v1gM[/youtube] And a bio piece here: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uExLaKck2OI[/youtube] Here is a bio: HONORS 2005–Second-team Freshman All-America kick returner by CollegeFootballNews.com … second-team All-State by the Roanoke Times. AT VIRGINIA 2007–Was having a dynamic season until injuring his foot early in the Middle Tennessee game in week six and underwent surgery … was the team’s leading rusher with a career-high 585 yards … was the ACC’s leading rusher at the time of his injury and his 97.5-yards per game average would have ranked second in the league, but he did not play in enough games to qualify … three 100-yard rushing games tied for fourth in the ACC … was the team’s leading rusher in the first five games of the season until his injury … rushed for 137 yards vs. Duke on just 19 carries in the second game … scored on a 58-yard run in the first quarter for UVa’s longest running play in two years … exploded for a career-high 186 yards against North Carolina on 30 carries … his 186 yards were the third-most

Meet tight end Davon Drew from East Carolina

Nestor Aparicio

With the 149th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected tight end Davon Drew from East Carolina. Here’s his bio: Overview Drew took advantage of ECU’s climb to national prominence early in the season to improve his draft stock. The honorable mention All-Conference USA pick is an ideal H-back candidate because of his size and receiving skills (43 catches for 695 yards and three scores). Came to college a successful high school quarterback out of North Carolina and played quarterback his first two seasons at ECU, so he’s still learning his new position. Scouts think his best football is yet to come. Had an arm span of 34 1/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine. High School Helped lead Bears to back-to-back state championship appearances in 2002 and 2003 … Compiled a 30-3 record as a starting quarterback under the direction of coach Chip Williams … The Big East Conference Co-Player-of-the-Year as a junior … A two-time all-conference selection and an all-state pick during senior campaign … Completed 99 of 203 passes for 1,709 yards and 20 TDs while only suffering nine interceptions as a senior … Rushed for 492 yards and

Meet newest Raven Jason Phillips: Inside Linebacker from TCU

Nestor Aparicio

With the 137th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected TCU inside linebacker Jason Phillips. Here’s his bio: 2007: Named the State’s Best Linebacker by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … was also on the Dave Campbell’s first-team All-Texas College Team … a second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection … named all-conference for the third consecutive season … TCU’s leading tackler with 87 stops … has increased his tackle total each season … has 231 career stops to top all active Frogs … his 10.5 tackles for a loss tied for second on TCU … tied for fourth on the Frogs with six pass break-ups … started every game for the third consecutive season … closed the campaign by tying for team-high honors with 10 stops in the 20-13 Texas Bowl win over Houston … had two tackles for losses totaling 14 yards, including a 12-yard sack, against the Cougars … MWC Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-best 13 tackles, including 10 solo stops, with two pass break-ups in a win at San Diego State … had at least five stops in 11 of 13 contests … posted a tackle for a loss in seven games …

Cornerback Lardarius Webb is Ravens 3rd round pick

Nestor Aparicio

With the 88th overall pick (3rd round), the Ravens selected Nicholls State defensive back Lardarius Webb. A quick wiki on him: Lardarius Webb (born October 12, 1985 in Opelika, Alabama) is an American college football defensive back at Nicholls State University. He is the only player in NCAA Division I history to receive the conference awards of Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, and Special Teams Player of the Week in a single season.[1] In 2007, Webb was named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, an award given to the most outstanding defensive player of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision of college football. He was drafted in the 3rd round( 88th pick) by the Baltiore Ravens[2] High school career Webb attended Beauregard High School in Alabama. Webb played both quarterback and defensive back in high school. As a junior, Webb rushed 1,011 yards with 12 touchdowns and passed for 731 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he had 47 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. In his senior season, Webb rushed for 738 yards with 15 rushing touchdowns and passed for 412 yards with four touchdowns. On defense, Webb recorded 52 tackles,

A Great Sunday sports day on tap

Nestor Aparicio

What a great day to be alive! The NFL draft is starting at 10 a.m. The Orioles will send young Brad Bergesen back to the hill at 1:35 to try to actually win a game this weekend. The last two days have been putrid. And, of course, I’ll be pimping the puck and “Rocking my Red” at 2 p.m. when the Caps go back to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 with Rangers coach John Tortorella. The Ravens will introduce new tackle Michael Ohen at 2 p.m. as well. Gonna be a fun day of sports and blogging… Keep it here at WNST.net…

Paul Kruger is the 2nd round pick. Details here…

Nestor Aparicio

I had Paul Kruger on the show yesterday. He had an unbelievable story about being attacked and stabbed about 15 months ago with his Mormon family walking down the street in Salt Lake City. He did a two-year mission in Kansas City. He was a very, very well spoken kid and the Ravens are very, very happy with their first-day haul. You can get to our audio vault here. It’s about 25 down in the vault. Sorry we don’t have linkability just yet! Here are a few awesome stories about Kruger: One from Yahoo here… One from Salt Lake’s Deseret News here… One from ESPN.com… And perhaps the best one here… And a Q&A here… Here’s the first-look videos of Paul Kruger, who Eric DeCosta said is a “great, great kid”: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH-EDC9SNzc[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DtaZmw8lh4[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfzNN7WTFvI&feature=PlayList&p=97AC224E21EB43AC&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18[/youtube]

All you want to know about Michael Oher here…

Nestor Aparicio

It isn’t hard to find stories on the web about Ole Miss tackle Michael Oher, who the Baltimore Ravens made their pick for the future of the offensive line tonight. He’s the subject of a book. He’s having a movie made about his life. And his story is a human interest story that transcends football. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss his ability and his story in the coming days. His press conference is set for 2 p.m. Sunday in Owings Mills. I’ll be live blogging all day again tomorrow. Clearly the Ravens saw incredible value in Oher slipping down the board. Quite frankly, I don’t think anyone in the brain trust of the organization and the draft room thought they’d get a player this good when they woke up this morning. They’re “over-the-top” excited about having gotten a Top 12 kinda player at the No. 23 spot. Especially with what they deem to be a glaring need at the right tackle position. They essentially gave up pick No. 162 to get him. Not a huge price to pay if he’s a 5-year or more starter. Already, he looks pretty freaking good in purple… I did some aggregating and

1st Day Complete: Ravens select OT Michael Oher, DE Paul Kruger

Luke Jones

9:29 — With the 57th overall pick, the Ravens select defensive end Paul Kruger from Utah.  He’s another high-motor guy along the lines of a Michael McCrary.  He’ll be a nice player coming off the edge to create some pressure on the quarterback. This was a position to address with the age of Trevor Pryce.  As I said with the Michael Oher pick, the key to success is winning the battle upfront, and Kruger is a great addition in boosting the pass rush on the defensive line. At 265 lb, it will be interesting to see if the Ravens ask him to gain some weight to play defensive end or convert him to outside linebacker.  Either way, he figures to put a hand on the ground to rush the quarterback in passing situations. You have to love Jon Gruden saying he plays “like Freddy Krueger.”  Great line. Barring any trades, the Ravens will now wait until tomorrow to make their next pick, the 88th overall pick. *** The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books and took about 3 1/2 hours to complete.  The 10-minute clock is a huge improvement over the 15-minute span that existed for

Merry Christmas, Ravens fans!

Luke Jones

The NFL Draft feels a little bit like Christmas for football fans.  By the end of the weekend, the Ravens will have unwrapped five or six new players that can make an impact in 2009.  Many teams will not be able to say this, but the outstanding work of Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, and the scouting department makes this possible. Whether it’s a Brandon Pettigrew in the first round or a surprise in the fourth or fifth round, the Ravens are certain to grab a few players that were higher on their board than where they actually select them.  It seems to happen every year. Not counting weekends in the fall, this is easily the best sports weekend of the year with the draft, NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, and baseball.  The Terps also play their spring football game today.  Here are some other random thoughts on this action-filled sports weekend: – The Orioles’ 5-4 loss was a tough one to swallow last night.  George Sherrill should ideally be a left-handed specialist rather than the closer, but what other option do they really have?  Chris Ray hasn’t exactly been lighting the world on fire, and Jim Johnson doesn’t miss enough bats

Who will the Ravens pick this weekend? Some clues here…

Nestor Aparicio

You gotta love the NFL. The league hasn’t snapped the football in almost three months and the buzz is as strong for the draft as it is for Week 7 of the regular season. It never ends this love of American football. So much enthusiasm and energy and talk about the 26th pick on Saturday for the Ravens. Amidst that, there are all sorts of stories and storylines: What will happen with Anquan Boldin and are the Ravens really involved? My gut AND my sources tell me that it’s not very likely. The notion that Ozzie Newsome would trade a No. 1 and a No. 3 and then have to back up a brink’s truck for Boldin is highly unlikely. Plus, the cap issues of taking on another superstar making a super premium salary seem daunting. If the Ravens had that kind of money, they should’ve kept Bart Scott, right? Who are the players the Ravens really like and would select at No. 26? It’s always a crapshoot on draft day when you pick so low. The Ravens were greatly affected by the Atlanta trade for Tony Gonzales yesterday because it’s clear that the Falcons won’t be taking tight end

If you want to know how the Ravens draft…

Nestor Aparicio

I’ve been fortunate over the years to be able to ask both Phil Savage and Eric Decosta a trillion questions about scouting, film study, the combine and the draft “process” that Ozzie Newsome so proud discusses, but this video — and it’s only 3 minutes long — was pretty good. I just wanted to share it with you.

Spend a moment in their shoes

Luke Jones

As I watched Brad Bergesen jog in from the Orioles bullpen before the start of his major league debut on Tuesday night, I began to imagine what he was thinking and feeling at that very moment. Was he remembering that time in the backyard when he thought about playing in the big leagues? Did he ask himself if this was all a dream? Most of us that avidly follow sports have imagined being in a similar position at some point in our lives.  We dreamed of making our major league debut, or throwing the game-winning touchdown pass with two minutes to go, or even sinking both free throws to force overtime. Though 99.5 percent of us never see these dreams come to fruition–unless including little league, high school, or Saturday mornings at the YMCA–it’s still a blast wondering what it would be like to be that certain athlete at that certain time.  It would be astonishing just to walk–or run–a few moments in their shoes. In this blog, you have the opportunity to choose any Baltimore-centered athlete from the past or present and enjoy a moment in his (or her) shoes. Whom would you choose, and what moment would it be?  It has

Several dominoes must fall for Boldin to fly to Baltimore

Luke Jones

In the months leading to the NFL Draft, talk has persisted over the Ravens’ need to select a receiver in the first round.  But now with the draft only a week away, could Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin be heading to Baltimore? The Arizona Cardinals have officially placed Boldin on the trading block, and the Ravens are interested in the 28-year-old wideout according to numerous media outlets. Boldin would certainly be the playmaker the Ravens’ offense needs, but there are several barriers to overcome before the three-time Pro Bowl selection can begin reining in passes from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a first- and third-round pick, a likely sticking point for the Ravens who have only six picks in the draft.  General manager Ozzie Newsome has not traded out of the first round since 2003 when the Ravens sent their 2004 first-round pick to the New England Patriots in order to select quarterback Kyle Boller. The fact that the Ravens are even discussing the possibility of trading picks for Boldin suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the group of receivers that could be available with the 26th overall pick.  Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey, Rutgers’ Kenny Britt, and

Talking draft with Eric DeCosta and Brian Billick

Luke Jones

Last night’s “Pre-Draft Breakdown” with Eric DeCosta and Brian Billick at Padonia Station was a fun, informative show for those who really enjoy the inner workings of the NFL Draft. From many fans’ perspective, the draft takes place after a three-month buildup of college all-star games, the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, pro days, private workouts, player interviews, and, of course, hundreds of mock drafts.  However, the number of hours logged and miles traveled by DeCosta and the regional scouting staff are endless.  The evaluation process is already in high-gear in the fall when most of us are focusing on the Browns in Week 3 or the Week 8 battle with Denver. In the pre-draft assessment posted on Saturday, I predicted the Ravens would ultimately trade down into the early part of the second round and pick up an extra pick or two.  Last night’s show strengthened my confidence in that possibility unfolding. Here are just a few of the many interesting tidbits from Eric DeCosta (paraphrased): – There are more receiver busts from picks 24 to 32 than any other position. – Junior Kenny Britt from Rutgers has good speed but is inconsistent catching the ball.  Junior receivers have an

The NFL schedule is coming tonight! Do you want it first?

Nestor Aparicio

It’s probably my favorite day of the year. The NFL schedule will officially be announced at 7 p.m. I’ve had a 13-year track record of getting it before anyone in the market and the past two years — with our text service ready to send it out directly to you on your phone — we’ve been able to service the WNST community and Raven Maniacs with it before it’s available anywhere. (Here’s the joke of the day. I had a Ravens official text me this morning and ask me to send it to them when I get it before they do.) Who knows? Maybe this is the year that I DON’T get it first. But I have my moles out all across the country. And either way, it’s kinda fun for an old-school journalist and reporter like me. I know the deadline. It’s 7 p.m. Now, can I get it to you before NFL Network does? Hmmmm… We’ll see. But I do like my chances. And by 7:30 tonight we’ll all know what days we can begin to plan for San Diego, Oakland, Minnesota and Green Bay. We will DEFINITELY be doing road trips and parties on the road during

Join Brian Billick and Eric DeCosta tonight at Padonia Station for draft talk

Nestor Aparicio

A time-honored tradition, we proudly present our official WNST “Pre-Draft Breakdown” tonight at 7 p.m. at Padonia Station with special guests Brian Billick and Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta in Timonium. You will be able to hear and view all of the proceedings later this week on WNST AM-1570 and WNST.net in the audio and video vaults. We’ll be doing at least an hour of rambling conversation about drafts — new and old — and assessing and breaking down the purple possibilities for next weekend’s NFL Draft, which begins at 4 p.m. next Saturday, April 25th. We’ll also be doing our Draft Day celebration at Padonia Station. Hold your Monday, April 27th for a post-draft live show with Eric DeCosta as well. Our host location is TBA. Hope to see you tonight.

Two weeks away from the draft

Luke Jones

With the NFL Draft a mere two weeks away, Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, and the Ravens front office continue to evaluate talent and configure their board in anticipation for April 25-26. For the first time in franchise history, the Ravens appear to have the franchise quarterback that has eluded them after numerous failed draft picks (Kyle Boller and Chris Redman) and unsuccessful retreads (Jim Harbaugh, Scott Mitchell, and Jeff Blake to name a few). It’s safe to assume the Ravens will not be selecting a quarterback in the first few rounds, especially after re-signing veteran third-stringer Todd Bouman to mentor backup Troy Smith and starter Joe Flacco. Entering the early stages of free agency, the Ravens had needs at cornerback, wide receiver, defensive end, linebacker, tight end, and center. The free agent signings of Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr, and the re-signing of veteran Samari Rolle decrease the need for a corner in this year’s draft, a possible blessing due to the general consensus that this year’s corner class is not very strong. Many draft experts such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper still have the Ravens taking cornerback Vontae Davis from Illinois in the first round, but questions exist about his

Ravens play “Truth or Dare” with media today regarding NFL Draft

Nestor Aparicio

The Ravens call it the “Pre-Draft Media Luncheon.” I have routinely referred to it as “The Liars Luncheon.” Just after noon today, Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh, Joe Hortiz and Eric DeCosta will take questions and give a massive overview of the 2009 NFL Draft. It’s always a relaxed, interesting take on a variety of players and a cool assessment of the team’s needs for the last weekend of April. We’ll be chronicling the luncheon from Owings Mills and I’ll be blogging around 1 p.m. when it begins and I’ll have a full report on “Limited Access” at 2 p.m. on AM 1570 and here at WNST.net I’m sure the first question will have something to do with Darius Heyward-Bey. If you have any questions for the staff, drop a comment here and I’ll do my best to ask the brain trust.

Redskins come to Baltimore to kickoff preseason ’09 sked

Nestor Aparicio

The Ravens just announced their preseason schedule. With the exception of the third preseason game in Charlotte, all of the exact dates are now set. It’s surprising that the Redskins are coming back to Baltimore after balking at this annual “Governor’s Cup” idea over the past decade. The NFL controls several of the games on the schedule now and have mandated that the teams play in the preseason because of the proximity and financial savings to the teams and the league. Here is the official press release: For Immediate Release RAVENS ANNOUNCE 2009 PRESEASON SCHEDULE The Baltimore Ravens announced their preseason schedule Monday afternoon, a slate that kicks off the 2009 campaign with consecutive home games against the Washington Redskins and New York Jets. The Ravens will host the Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on Aug. 13 and then welcome the Jets on Aug. 24 for a nationally-televised contest on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Additionally, Baltimore travels to Carolina in Week 3 of the preseason (date TBD) and closes out the preseason in Atlanta on Sept. 3. “It’s a good schedule against quality teams,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We know our fans will like playing the Redskins because of

Breakfast with Jim Schwartz and the NFC coaches

Nestor Aparicio

The NFL Owners Meetings are about to wrap up out here in Dana Point, Calif. later this afternoon and the final day brings the opportunity to dine and schmooze and interview the NFC coaches, which of course took me to the table of new Detroit Lions coach and longtime WNST.net contributor, Jim Schwartz. As an Arbutus native and Mt. St. Joe grad, I feel I owe it to Baltimore (as well as to Schwartz’s many friends and relatives) to get as much of the video up as possible. I’m running to grab a plane but I have about an hour’s worth of great stuff — ranging from draft perspective to the 0-16 Lions to Schwartz’s view on Mark Teixeira and his new time management techniques. It might take me two days to get all of the videos up on the site but they’ll be coming soon and I’ll be releasing a few a day for the next week. I’ve literally shot 2 1/2 hours worth of notable interviews, including more stuff with Rex Ryan, Marvin Lewis, Mike Tomlin, Mike Smith and tons more footage of yesterday’s sitdown with John Harbaugh, who had his brother Jim and dad Jack here for

Exclusive John Harbaugh breakfast footage here at WNST!

Nestor Aparicio

It was an early morning here in Dana Point, Calif., but very much worth the early wakeup call. Every year at the NFL Owners Meetings all 32 NFL coaches are made available during breakfast for “sitdown” interviews and a general rap session and B.S. conversation with the media. Due to the newspaper economy being on the rapid decline, the number of pure journalists is down making access almost unprecedented. Today, it was the AFC so we’ve spent the morning with Marvin Lewis, Mike Tomlin, Rex Ryan and, of course, our own John Harbaugh. I’m working hard to platform and post the videos from the morning “rap” session and hope you enjoy all of the information, which is fresh and exclusive to WNST. There will be at least a dozen separate videos coming throughout the afternoon here in the wnsTV video vault. They’re not tightly edited and some of the questions were a little hard for our microphones to pick up, but I think you’ll enjoy having “breakfast with John Harbaugh” in a very informal, cool setting here in Southern California. I’ll be writing more in a little while…lots going on here including a fun visit with David Modell, who is

FINALLY…Baltimore gets a World Soccer match!

Nestor Aparicio

Over the past decade fans in New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. have been treated to a European “friendly” football matchup and finally Baltimore and M&T Bank Stadium will get ours: Chelsea will face A.C. Milan on July 24 in downtown of the Charm City. Here’s the press release from the Ravens, who are promoting the event. BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea vs. AC Milan to play at M&T Bank Stadium! On Friday, July 24th at 8:00 p.m, Chelsea, of the English Premier League will take on AC Milan, of Italy’s top division Serie A at M&T Bank Stadium. This match will mark the first soccer event to be played at M&T Bank Stadium. A sell out crowd is expected and as a PSL Owner, we would like to offer you the first opportunity to purchase tickets for this exciting event before tickets go on sale to the general public. General public sales begin today, Tuesday, March 24th at 12:30 p.m. Special VIP hospitality packages are also available on both an individual basis and for groups of 30. VIP package, club level and lower level midfield purchasers will get access to a private practice session on Thursday, July 23rd from 6-9 p.m

Titans — not Ravens — will open season in Pittsburgh on Thursday night

Nestor Aparicio

Some breaking news from the NFL Owners Meetings: It will be the Tennessee Titans, not the Ravens, who will draw the short straw of opening the season on Thursday Night’s kickoff in Pittsburgh as the Steelers hoist their sixth Super Bowl banner at Heinz Field. There has been weeks of speculation that the Ravens would be the “preferred” opponent for the Steelers but the Ravens made it clear that they preferred to not play a nationally televised evening game in Pittsburgh for the fourth time in five years. My sources tell me that it was a “competitive balance” issue more than being “afraid” to go to Pittsburgh, which the Ravens will do anyway at some point this season as they do every year. The Ravens thought it was unfair that the league has continually made them sit in a hotel stewing on the road all day and then being forced into short rest the following week. The mandate from Ravens’ management was simple: we’ve gone up there enough for evening games so make them come down and play in Baltimore for a nighttime game for a change. I don’t agree with the Ravens position, but as one team official told

Live from Southern California…

Nestor Aparicio

It’s been a chilly trip all the way around. It’s cold in California this week. It was freezing at Dodger Stadium last night and Laguna Beach is no better. I’m spending the next three days here in Dana Point at the NFL Owners Meetings, chatting with coaches, executives and owners from around the league. Most of the media has commented that it’s “quiet” here this week, with no major rules changes or negotiations to be held. The only potential “landmark” concept is the notion of making the regular season a 17 or 18-game affair, with the elimination of those dreadful preseason games. It appears that changes to overtime possession aren’t coming right now. There’s too much support to keep the current (yet flawed) system. But it’s truly the calm before the potential financial storm as the NFL Players Association has named its new leader in DeMaurice Smith last week. Commisioner Roger Goodell is addressing the entire contingent this morning with a “State of The NFL” speech, which no doubt will be addressing the sagging economy and the paramount issue of a new collective bargaining agreement with the players, which could be a dog fight over the next 18 months as

Orlando Pace coming to Baltimore?

Nestor Aparicio

Ozzie Newsome continues to recruit, court and host more veteran NFL players. The next two days figure to be busy as word leaked late tonight that veteran St. Louis Rams tackle Orlando Pace is scheduled to come to Baltimore, according to NBCSports.com. In addition, the Ravens have also cut Samari Rolle and signed Chris Carr. On Thursday, the Ravens will hold a press conference with Ray Lewis, Steve Bisciotti, John Harbaugh and Ozzie Newsome officially re-welcoming No. 52 back to the only home he’s ever known in Owings Mills. The line of questioning and what the press conference indicates will be of great interest to many Ravens fans who saw Lewis’ negotiating tactics as an embarrassment to his legendary status here in Baltimore. All the talk of the Jets and Cowboys will no doubt be revisited, even if the event does figure to have a “time limit” on it due to it being held during halftime of the Maryland Terps’ first-round game against California in Kansas City. But Ozzie Newsome, just as he said a few weeks ago, clearly isn’t done with the free agency period.

Ravens sign former Eagles tight end L. J. Smith

Nestor Aparicio

Several media outlets are reporting that the Ravens have signed veteran tight end L.J. Smith to a 1-year, $1.5 million deal to potentially join Todd Heap in the team’s corps. Read more here… This might’ve been moved forward by John Harbaugh’s years with the Eagles. Strangely enough, Harbs hasn’t attemted to raid any of the Philadelphia roster over the past 13 months.

Just like the WNST logo: purple and orange together in one parking lot

Nestor Aparicio

Just got a press release regarding NFL Draft Day activities in downtown Baltimore. Looks like the Ravens continue to “cozy up” to the Orioles, who are in woeful need of some purple to fill up those empty green seats in April. Your Baltimore Orioles — finally reaching out to the community in the most obvious ways that have been ignored for 13 years. Ravens and Orioles Team Up for Double-Header Baltimore’s two biggest sports franchises have teamed up to offer fans a unique double-header. The Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles have packaged together the Ravens’ Spring Football Festival with an Orioles’ home game against the Texas Rangers to offer fans two great events for one ticket. On Saturday, April 25, the Ravens will hold their 12th annual Spring Football Festival, presented by Verizon Wireless, at M&T Bank Stadium from 3-7 p.m. The family-friendly event consists of various elements in which fans can participate, including interactive on-field activities, a locker room tour, player autograph sessions, Poe’s Mascot Game and watching the 2009 NFL Draft live on SmartVision and TVs throughout the stadium. Immediately following the football festivities, the Orioles will host the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park for a 7:05

Steve Bisciotti’s Thursday dilemma: Ray or Gary?

Nestor Aparicio

I sorta knew that Bob Haynie’s “schlep rock” (or whatever the hell he calls it) would be at work on the Maryland Terps this weekend when the Baltimore Ravens called a 4 p.m. Thursday press conference in Owings Mills to march Ray Lewis out to the local firing squad for questions about loyalty, community, commitment, Hall of Fame inevitability and his future plans as a “Baltimorean” among other inquires. But now word broke around 11 p.m. last night that the Maryland Terps will be in the second half of their game against the California Golden Bears in Kansas City at that hour on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. So, that begs the question, where will Steve Bisciotti be at 4 p.m. on Thursday? Hmmmm… Bisciotti broke his long silence on the Gary Williams/friendship/support/vote of confidence front last week, getting front page love in The Sun with “I love Gary” quotes and basically stating that the reason he’s a Maryland financial backer during these tough economic times is because Gary Williams is the coach. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I gotta think Bisciotti’s never, ever missed a March Madness postseason game? He’s the biggest Terp fan

Torry Holt released by Rams: Are Ravens interested?

Nestor Aparicio

We’ve been waiting several weeks and with all of the talk of Torry Holt’s imminent departure from the St. Louis Rams, it’s now a reality. Holt was released this afternoon and the Ravens now have the opportunity to pounce if they are indeed interested. We’ll see what happens over the weekend with Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens’ glaring need at the wide receiver position.

Ray Lewis’ deal is reported as a 7-year deal

Nestor Aparicio

Obviously with all NFL contracts, the only truth lies in the actual bonus money. But reports abound that Ray Lewis’ deal, which was signed yesterday, was actually listed as a 7-year deal with $15.5 million of guaranteed money. The Ravens have said that Lewis will be back in Baltimore sometime late next week for a formal press conference to announce that he’s planning to spend the rest of his career as a Raven. The questions at that press conference should be notable. WNST will cover the event.

Ravens tell Matt Stover he’s no longer in their 2009 plans

Nestor Aparicio

Earlier in the day, Ravens officials said they were still essentially “on the fence” regarding Matt Stover’s future with the team. This afternoon, Matt Stover made it official telling the world that the Ravens have informed him that he’s no longer in their plans. Stover, the last of the “original” Ravens to come off the boat from Cleveland when Art Modell and the Browns made the move east, has made his last appearance in purple. It was clear that the franchise always valued his reliability and professionalism but his leg strength — specifically on kickoffs — was always an issue. He wasn’t going to kick the 56-yarder to win the game, but he wasn’t going to miss the 45-yarder to win the game. One of the classiest Ravens there will ever be, Stover hasn’t ruled out going elsewhere to prolong his 17-year NFL career. At the age of 41, he’s still a solid choice for many teams. Apparently, the Ravens will rely on second-year Steve Hauschka who handled most kickoffs last season. Speculation that Matt Stover could end up with the Jets apparently ended yesterday when Jay Feely signed with Rex Ryan.

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

It’s easy to call the 134th Preakness a failure, but it would be more prudent to give the Maryland Jockey

Ray Lewis holding off Father Time

Luke Jones

In case you haven’t heard, the incomparable Ray Lewis turned 34 today.  It’s hard to believe the 21-year-old kid that taught

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

I wanted to take a moment to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day.  In the

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

Here are the 5 Ws and 1 H floating around in my head on Thursday night: 1. Who will be

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