Archive for the 'Transactions' Category
The Miami Dolphins today terminated the contracts of wide receiver Marty Booker, quarterback Trent Green, tackle L.J. Shelton and defensive tackle Keith Traylor, the team announced. In addition, the team waived tackle Anthony Alabi, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, tackle Marion Dukes, defensive tackle Marquay Love and tackle Joe Toledo.
I’m actually surprised by some of the players released today. I actually though Shelton had shown some improvement last season and may be up for a spot in training camp. New GM Jeff Ireland released the following statement regarding the recently released Phins…
“This is never easy, especially since all of these players worked hard during their tenure here,” Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland said. “In particular, in the case of each of the veterans, it’s especially difficult to release players who have been productive and valued members of the organization. However, we feel these decisions are in the best interest of the team.
“I want to thank all of them for their contributions to the Dolphins and wish them good luck.”
I’ve maintained the thought that I will not complain about any move this new regime makes this offseason b/c frankly they were brought here for a reason, to fix this mess. Who am I to say Bill Parcells are Jeff Ireland are making the WRONG moves. Only time will tell.
I really couldn’t believe it when I read it. I mean seriously, what team would actually take on the kind of salary Shaq holds AND give up quality talent in return. Seems like it’s impossible, but Riley has worked magic before. Pending a physical, which could still be a huge hurdle considering the shape Shaq’s hip is in, he will be shipped to the Phoenix Suns in return for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. One has to wonder that if Shaq passes this physical with flying colors, that his injury this season could all be just a fabricated lie. With the removal of Shaq from the payroll, the Heat will be players in the free agent market in the offseason. That free agent class includes players like Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Shawn Marion, Antawn Jamison, Ron Artest and Corey Maggette.
If this deal does get done, relish this day as it could be the day Pat Riley saved the franchise. What’s your opinion on the Shaq deal? Did we do him dirty? Stay tuned Heat fans.
Update 11:39 AM: Apparently Shaq has already sent a message to Steve Nash. In a recent phone call to Steve Nash, Shaquille O’Neal assured the Phoenix Suns’ All-Star point guard, “I won’t let you down.” “I think this is going to bring a lot of life back to Steve,” a Suns source said. “He was very revved up after talking to Shaq.”
As much as I love Shaq, if he was faking this injury all season, I will lose alot of respect for the Big Daddy.
So we couldn’t put any money towards signing Miguel Cabrera but we have no problem paying guys like Luis Gonzalez and Kevin Gregg. What a novel idea. This should get fans out to the park this season. Ken Rosenthal is reporting Luis Gonzalez has decided to leave AZ and help the young Marlins. From FoxSports…
Free-agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez has reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract with the Marlins, according to a major-league source.
The deal, which is likely to include a guaranteed salary of approximately $2 million and incentives worth up to $1 million, is contingent on Gonzalez passing a physical.
Wonderful.
It appears the Marlins are set on stockpiling 3B talent to replace Miguel Cabrera’s power. The Marlins inked Jose Castillo to a contract in December and now have inked Jorge Cantu to a deal as well to compete for the starting gig. MLB is reporting…
MLB.com has learned from a Major League Baseball Players Association source that the Marlins reached agreement on Thursday with Cantu on a one-year contract worth $500,000, plus incentives that could tack on another $100,000 based on plate appearances.
The deal is expected to be announced today. I have no problem with this deal. Why not get as many options as possible to replace one of the greatest hitters in franchise history. No sense settling on a guy like Castillo.
Chris Mortensen just reported on ESPN that Cam Cameron has been let go of coaching duties from the Miami Dolphins. It is believed Parcells was just waiting for a GM to be in place to make the move. Tony Sporano is believed to be the favorite for the job.
Update: Cameron’s entire staff has been jettisoned — except for linebacker coach George Edwards and assistant special teams coach Steve Hoffman. Miami Herald.
There must be a unwritten rule among NFL owners regarding the hiring and firing of front office guys. Jerry Jones displayed that during the whole process of the Dolphins interviewing of Jeff Ireland…
“First of all the way I feel is that it’s great opportunity for Jeff, one I really on a personal basis wanted him to have,” Jones said. “My thought has always been and philosophy is that if you want to help people that you’re working with advance then that helps you. That doesn’t go unnoticed, people see that. It helps when you’re sitting down, talking to somebody else about joining in their future, knowing that you’ll help them have an opportunity if given the chance. Everyone’s aware that I could’ve put this off until after the draft. I didn’t want Jeff to lose this opportunity. I didn’t want to do that, plus Wayne (Huizenga) had the same attitude about Jason Garrett, help us get Jason Garrett in here, while he was still under contract. Of course, I’ve got a good relationship with Bill (Parcells). And all of this fits real well.”
Credit Ethan Skolnick from the Sun-Sentinel for digging out those quotes. ESPN’s John Clayton reports a decision on Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron is expected to come by Friday. Stay tuned.
Armando has been preaching it all over 790 The Ticket the last week and he was dead on. The Jeff Ireland deal is effective immediately and the Dolphins will not be required to provide compensation for Ireland. Ireland made a statement in the press release by the Miami Dolphins…
“I am excited about joining the Dolphins as their general manager,” Ireland said. “I know the great tradition of the team, and in my mind they are one of the flagship franchises in the NFL. They have a great owner in Wayne Huizenga, who I know is committed to making the Dolphins into winners once again. I am looking forward to working with him and everyone else in Miami to achieve that goal.
“I also want to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys organization. I enjoyed my tenure with the team, and I would not be where I am today without the help of so many people there.”
Ding Ding Ding! Ireland was able to slide over immediately due to the fact he is getting an upgrade in his position. We all know Bill will be calling the shots and Ireland will most likely serve as the main “Tuna Helper”.
I’ll tell you one thing though, this offseason will be much more exciting than any game in 2007.
All around Dolphin guru The Dude is reporting via Armando “I swear I am the man for the GM position” Salguero that Jeff Ireland will be named as the Dolphins new General Manager to replace Randy Mueller. Here are some details from Dolphins in Depth…
Club owner Wayne Huizenga flew to the team’s training facility at 12:20 — yes, I said flew as in aboard his helicopter — to meet the man who will work hand in hand with football czar Bill Parcells.
Although the deal is not yet final, it is believed very little can get in the way of this becoming official. Only a glitch on contract negotiations, or a glitch with the Dallas Cowboys who currently employ Ireland, or perhaps Ireland insults Huizenga’s family (kidding) could keep the hiring from happening.
Here’s your nice shiny new office with a view of the practice bubble Mr Ireland. Your first job? Fire Cam Cameron. Bummer!
Update: Palm Beach Post reports this as a done deal. Jeff Ireland has reached an agreement to be the new Dolphins general manager and already is helping to decide who will be the team’s head coach, an NFL source has told The Palm Beach Post.