Vikings make a trade
By Tom Grout
April 25, 2008
I’m a little behind on this one because they pay me to do other things around here and unfortunatley this isn’t one of them. But the Vikings made news this week, right in the middle of the hockey and basketball playoffs and the beginning stages of baseball. They also made news before Saturday’s big football draft. The new, of course, was the trade for defensive lineman Jared Allen.
No this isn’t the Jared from the Subway commercials, this is the Jared that led the league in sacks last year with 15 ½ and he did it in 14 games. How long has it been since we have had a good pass rushing D-end? Chris Doleman, which has been a long time ago. Do I like this trade? You bet, the Vikings haven’t been able to draft any decent D-ends for a long time and it isn’t because they haven’t tried. This guy is the best in the league and he is still young enough to be here for awhile.
I have to admit I am from the old school and I love to see a good defense play. I was brought up on the Purple People Eaters and they spoiled me for good defensive line play. The aforementioned Doleman was fun to watch but really, there hasn’t been anyone else like these people.
The Viking defense wasn’t too bad before and the one thing they lacked was a good pass rush. This guy should give them that. He will also make the people around him better which will be interesting because there were a few All Pro players on the Viking defense already.
I haven’t gotten emotionally involved in the Vikings since they lost the playoff games with the Falcons and were blown out by the Giants. I still watch them and follow them but it hasn’t been with the same passion. This trade has gotten me a little more excited for the upcoming season. The defense should be fun to watch and along with Adrian Peterson on the offense, it may prove to be an interesting season. But, there always is a but, I still do not have much confidence in the quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. This position is so important for a football team and I’m not sure he is ever going to be the guy. Until he can prove that he is the guy, I still won’t get to emotional about this team.
-Fransisco Lirano should be heading down to the minors. I won’t second guess the Twins for at least trying him out in the big leagues first, but now is the time to send him down. I would like to see him work with minor league pitching coach Bobby Cuellar. I don’t think he is very far off in fact I think it’s just a little mechanical thing and a little lack of confidence. I’m sure he will be back before the season is over.
Right when there was some talk of sending Carlos Gomez down, he hits a home run and gets a bunt single. I’m not sure what to think about Gomez. I sure like the guy and his potential but he does frustrate you sometimes. I guess I would keep putting him out there. If he goes into a big slump and it looks like is confidence is shot to the point where it effects his game even more, then send him down. I’m not sure Denard Span is ahead of Gomez at this time.
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