Pennington: Packers called NY Jets about Favre
26. July 2008 by jjoseph.
The Star Ledger- Jets quarterback Chad Pennington said general manager Mike Tannenbaun approached him after practice today and told him that the Jets received a call from the Packers regarding Brett Favre.Tannenbaum, who also had a similar conversation with quarterback Kellen Clemens, said he spoke to the players so they would hear the media reports from him first. The GM, however, apparently gave neither player the assurance a deal wouldn’t happen although it’s unlikely.
It became even more unlikely when it was reported that the Packers are seeking a first-round pick for the 38-year old Favre.
“I did speak to Mike after practice and he just let me know exactly what the situation was,” said Pennington. “That they received a call. That’s what I know. Other than that, I really don’t have any feelings on it at all. I feel very confident about how I’m playing. … I was told a call was made to the Jets and that’s it.
“I don’t have a reaction. My whole focus is on this camp and winning this starting quarterback battle. That (rumors) is part of the business. Speculation. Calls. There’s nothing to be said. As a player, you never react until it’s actually done.””One thing Mike and (coach) Eric Mangini have done for me, they’ve have always been up front and they’ve always told me where they stand with me. That’s all I ask of the organization and they’ve done that. I’m comfortable with the situation.”
Said Clemens: “If something happens, we’ll deal with it and it’ll be something that’ll hopefully make us all better and that’s ultimately what we’re all here for.”
* Ever since Brett Favre gave that interview to Fox News, the Packers have been the fountain of all rumors. It looks like the Packers are playing hardball with Favre here, and spinning the story to make it appear as though a trade is unavoidable. The Packers know they won’t get a first, but they have to set a high price to take some control of a situation that has reduced their leverage to nothing. Having at least two suitors -Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets-competing for Favre gives the Packers the chance to drive up the asking price. The Jets have seriously upgraded their roster this offseason by adding guard Alan Faneca, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, right tackle Damien Woody, outside linebacker Calvin Pace and rookie defensive end Vernon Gholston. Adding Favre could mean the difference between the Jets making and missing the playoffs. After dealing with Pennington’s lack of arm strength and Clemens’ inconsistency, you can almost picture the Jets’ receivers drooling just thinking about catching Favre’s passes. At worst, the Packers should get a second-round pick and a lower-round pick in return for Favre, similar to what the Miami Dolphins got for Jason Taylor and what the New York Giants got for Jeremy Shockey. Green Bay Packers Training Camp begins in a couple of days, and Favre says he will report. He has to be gone before that, and everyone negotiating knows that. Anyway, Green Bay Packers Training camp starts on Sunday, so we should know before then where Brett Favre will be playing in 2008 or if he will be playing at all.
Jets ink draft pick Vernon Gholston to five-year, $40 million contract
26. July 2008 by jjoseph.
NY Daily News- Disgruntled tight end Chris Baker isn’t disgruntled anymore, and rookie pass rusher Vernon Gholston has a new contract. Could it be? Yes, the Jets could make it through the summer without any contract-related headaches.
Gholston, the sixth pick of this year’s draft, finalized a five-year contract Thursday, according to an NFL source. It’s worth about $40 million, including at least $20 million in guarantees, making it one of the richest contracts in team history. The former Ohio State star didn’t sign in time to participate in the first two practices of training camp, but he was expected to join the team last night and be on the field for today’s 1:30 practice.
Maybe the Jets learned a lesson from last summer, when their camp was filled with turmoil - Kendall’s ugly divorce and a lengthy holdout by rookie Darrelle Revis. A year after fighting for a six-year deal with Revis, they settled for five with Gholston.
Nady, Marte Traded To Yankees
26. July 2008 by gchacko.
Yankees acquired Nady and Marte. The Pirates confirmed that both players have been traded pending physicals, but haven’t given details about the recipient or return.
* This is somewhat upsetting news as a met fan… I know I would have love to have Nady back playing right field for the Mets… well good pick up for the Yanks… Also Matre is a solid reliever def an upgrade from Farnsworth or Hawkins.
