Eugene Parker’s Madoffer to the San Francisco 49ers

I’m sure Eugene Parker was very happy with himself when he landed Michael Crabtree as his client.

 

Because in his mind, he was GAURANTEED to hit on a top-five contract.

 

You see, in the modern world, when reality does not quite meet up with expectation you just delve into the realm of “make believe” and SELL SELL SELL SELL SELL. Sell it hard.

 

Sell it to the public. Sell it to your clients. Sell it to yourself. And eventually, sadly, unfortunately, people might just be foolish enough to bite the hook and go along for the ride.

 

 

Reality Isn’t playing fair value

 

You see, in the modern world, when a business fails (and the business is GIGANTIC), reality changes and now the business is simply declared “too big to fail,” and, instead of failing, it “succeeds,” and receives record profits in-turn.

 

Want a piece of the “unreality pie?” Silly rabbit, “make believe reality” is reserved only for “high-rollers.”

 

If you want a piece of this privileged “unreality pie” you better succeed in reality first. THEN you can live in Always Land.

 

But really…

 

Eugene Parker is Crabtree’s agent. That means we’re talking about millions of dollars, which in-turn means that when expectation does not meet reality, everything immediately shifts into the land of unreality and everything turns out fine and dandy (at the expense of those living in reality).

 

Crabtree had a market value of a top five pick. Which means he is obviously WORTH that kind of money.

 

If Crabtree loses, lets say, half that value, then this is precisely the time when unreality must kick in, because if it doesn’t…oh boy…just thinking about it makes me shiver… those living in reality will face a much more dark, dreary reality.

 

 

But I’ve got leverage, reality boy…

 

“You’ve got nothing. You’ve got a slick suit and flapping lips.”

 

You see, since Eugene Parker has been living in the world of “unreality,” he has obviously not been keeping up with current events in the land of reality.

 

People (who live in reality) are not too fond of this whole “bail-me-out-daddy” reverse Robin Hood make believe billionaire bailout extravaganza. In fact, they’re getting kind of PISSED.

 

If Eugene Parker holds Crabtree out, in hopes of receiving an unreality check for a top five pick, then he better get real, because his clients image will begin to corrode with the fans (most of whom are proudly part of team reality) who are the ones who REALLY pay Eugene’s salary.

 

“Eugene, how many fewer advertising endorsements will your client receive if he is less popular with the fan base?”

 

“It might not matter to you, but you’re client will suffer in the long term for it. People will place the blame on Crabtree.”

 

He already has a “diva” stigma associated with him in the media, and if “he” holds out, how much stronger do you think the Crabtree news starved media will push the idea of an idling Michael Crabtree’s “diva” image?

It will be the only thing to talk about, since he is not on the field (well at least not on a real field, perhaps in Eugene Parker’s mind he is already in the Hall-Of-Fame).

 

But that was a leading question.

 

The real question is, “How happy do you think your high profile client will be when he realizes you just solidified his ‘diva’ image and hurt his advertising possibilities by hurting his image with the fan base?”

 

I can answer that one for you, since you might be confused while living in a world of unreality; NOT VERY.

 

 

Let’s play Hangman…

 

Do you like Poker Eugene? Guess what game you are NOT playing? Poker.

 

Instead, you are playing Hangman.

 

If you cannot correctly (ie “in reality”) answer some simple questions about your client’s image and what a hold-out will do for it, you will hang your client out to dry, and the vultures will pounce faster than you can say “top-five.”

 

Memo to Micheal Crabtree:

Advertising contracts can earn you just as much, if not more than your NFL salary. So good luck with your agent, because he’s playing Hangman with your career, but thinks its OK, because in Toon Town nobody really gets hurt, they just get unlucky.

 

The question you have to ask is, “Do you want people to think you’re a football player, or Roger Rabbit?”

 

I mean, REALLY…

49ers’ Second Year Players: Second Chance, First Impression

Fans are going to be looking at many things this upcoming training camp and preseason.

 

Manny Lawson must have a much greater presence in the pass rush, and everyone and their grandmother will be watching him.

 

Dashon Goldson will need to show that he is just as good during weekends as he is weekdays.

 

And there are several other high-profile positions that will also receive a lot of eye real-estate, but somehow, I get the feeling that the 49ers second-year players are going to make or break the 2009 season.

 

 

1) Kentwan Balmer—A little under the radar, watch out for this Balmer, he might just blow you up. Do you love him? No? Then you probably hate him. But don’t let first impressions fool you.

 

Balmer’s coach at UNC, John Blake, has said that Balmer is “very raw” and has his best football ahead of him. Being “very raw” in the NFL is like a car without antifreeze that is very cold, its basically a non-“starter.”

 

But Balmer is a big, explosive athlete, and since he’s befriended Justin Smith, apparently he’s also willing to work his tail off.

 

Big cats that work their tails off for a living are normally known as tigers; you can find them in Siberia. But on occasion, “big cats” can be found on an NFL football field, and if Balmer turns into one, words cannot describe the impact it will have on the 49ers defense.

 

 

2) Josh Morgan—Josh Morgan was basically a sixth round steal from the 2008 draft. He stands out on the field and makes plays in practice and in the games. If not for an unfortunate staph infection early in 2008, he could have made a bigger mark with his statistics.

 

Nevertheless, coaches and fans are expecting him to be a force in the passing game next season. The feeling with him, as with many of the 49ers players, is, please just stay healthy.

 

I put him at number two, instead of one, because we already know he’s pretty good.

 

 

3) Chilo Rachal—Do you recall when Larry Allen played for the 49ers? Opposing players were still afraid to face him. Do yo recall what Scot McCloughan said when he drafted Chilo Rachal in the second round of the 2008 draft?

 

To paraphrase, “He’s like a poor man’s Larry Allen.”

 

When Mike Singletary placed Chilo Rachal in the starting lineup last year, most observers agreed that the line played better.

 

Rachal certainly has the ability to pancake and dominate, we’ll see if he can hone that ability like a lower-middle-class man’s Larry Allen this year.

 

Although, it is unlikely opposing players will ever come down with “Rachalitis,” his development could prove to be more important than most realize, especially with the “demoralize the opponent” mentality that Singletary wants to bring to the offensive line.

 

 

4) Reggie Smith, Cody Wallace, Jay Moore—Yes, Jay Moore. Jay Moore has been on injured reserve so much, that he is basically like a second year player. And don’t act like we don’t need depth at 3-4 outside linebacker, because we do.

 

Cody Wallace and Reggie Smith have not really had an opportunity to play important roles, but again, depth at these positions could turn out to be very important.

 

Remember, not so long ago, we had to pluck DB’s off the street, and teach guards to snap a football mid-season. Depth sounds boring, until you need it, and in the NFL, you always need it.

 

 

If you can’t do it twice, you can’t do it at all

 

Critics of the 49ers say they are missing too many “pieces.” I think the under-the-radar second year players on the team are the pieces they are referring to, because if they can perform to their potential this season, opponents will be left scratching their heads, and picking up the pieces.

 

Intrigue at WR? “That’s San Francisco!”

Since the departure of Terrell Owens, the 49ers have been as infamous at WR as they had once been famous.

 

For years, rookies have tried to come in and make an impact. Veterans have signed up to try and make their comebacks and big contracts. Unfortunately for the 49ers, not many of those veterans and young players have worked out too well.

 

Most of the veterans came and went, and not many of the young players have lived up to expectations.

 

Something however, happened in 2008.

 

 

 

Razzle dazzle ’em

 

Glimmers and glimpses of incredible ability at WR were sprinkled here and there throughout the 2008 season.

 

“Wow!”, “I don’t believe it!”, “incredible!”, were long lost phrases from the mouths of 49ers fans. Abilities of a forgotten era were beginning to reemerge once more.

 

Issac Bruce was largely the reason. As an ageless veteran, he stepped into the starting lineup, eager to prove that he still can bring “Issac Bruce” football to the field. He did just that with 835 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008.

 

It wasn’t just the success of Issac Bruce that caught fans’ attention.

 

In his 2008 rookie season, Josh Morgan had shown raw burst, quickness, strength and just plain old ability, all within a high-character package, the likes of which haven’t existed around 49er headquarters since, well, a long time ago.

 

The point is not to compare him with anybody else, the point is that the 49ers are seemingly breathing a sigh of relief because they might have actually found a young guy who can really play.

 

A very unfortunate staph infection at the very beginning of the 2008 season caused Morgan to lose over 15 pounds (of muscle) and have to take a step back.

 

As a result of this setback, his numbers were greatly affected and hence he still remains under the radar.

 

But he showed fans just enough, to give them a reason to be more exited about the 49ers WR position then they have for some time.

 

But of course, Josh Morgan isn’t the only “razzle-dazzle” in town.

 

 

 

Crabtree

We want Crabtree

C-R-A-B-T-R-double-E

 

“And, ooh, what luck, ‘Cause here he is.” The 49ers must have been elated that Michael Crabtree was available at No. 10 overall in last April’s NFL draft.

 

In fact, 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan had a pre-draft interview where he was quoted as wanting Crabtree the most.

 

But why did his value fall? The magic of the “markets” are never wrong, right?

Wrong.

 

As the entire world has learned over the past year, determining “value” is not an exact science. A rumor here, some gossip there, can send stock spiraling.

 

There was a rumor that Crabtree did not have “elite” speed.

 

There was also a rumor floating around that all Crabtree cares about is expensive things, cashmere coats, diamond rings, but if you ask him, all he cares about is love; of the game of football of course.

 

And his former college football coach Mike Leach, goes apoplectic when he hears such “diva” insults tossed in Crabtree’s direction.

 

My gut feeling is that people probably assumed Crabtree is not fast enough, and was part of an infamous “college system” that put up big numbers. I think the “diva” thing is just a fun way for the media to create more intrigue and stories…

 

“Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes, Crabtree, is a diva, oh, yes, diva, oh, yes, oh yes, he’s a diva, diva, diva, diva. Understandable, comprehensible, it’s so defensible.”

 

Sigh…

 

Whatever the case may be, Crabtree brings along instant intrigue as one of the most prolific college wide receivers to ever play the game.

 

The 49ers have needed a shot in the arm like this at WR for years. They are jumping for joy. They are kissing the ground and thanking their lucky stars. There is just one problem of course.

 

Where is he going to play???

 

In the immediate future, he is up against a very productive veteran in Isaac Bruce, and another young upstart with an entire year’s experience who even appears to be his mirror image, in Josh Morgan.

 

At least as a rookie, it looks like Crabtree is the odd man out.

 

Sure he will see playing time, but when push comes to shove, and you need to win a game, how much rookie experimenting are the 49ers going to be willing to put up with?

 

 

 

All that jazz

 

Another training camp is just around the corner, and for the first time in a long time, there will be some excitement at the WR position for the 49ers.

 

How will the drama unfold?

 

Maybe neither receiver will pan out. Maybe both will be All-Pro’s.

 

Anticipation.

Excitement.

And that’s good.

Isn’t it grand?

Isn’t it great?

Isn’t it swell?

Isn’t it fun?

Isn’t it?

But nothing stays.

In years or so its gonna change, you know. But, oh, it’s heaven nowadays.

 

Found Gold: Young San Francisco 49ers are Holding the Game Ball

Planning for “gold,” with Goldson

The 2009 San Francisco 49ers will not have big changes at positions of big need, such as quarterback or outside linebacker; but there are several “under the radar” position changes and training camp battles that could turn “golden.”

Dashon Goldson was not a popular early fourth round draft pick amongst most 49er fans in the 2008 NFL draft (two years ago). Goldson wasn’t very well known, nor recognized as a “superstar” in college football; partly because his pre-draft “size-speed” numbers were less then stellar and partly because he had some history of injury in college.

That did not stop him from intercepting and knocking away more passes during 49ers practices then any other player on the roster for the last two seasons; and after the less than stellar play of Mike Nolan favorite Mark Roman last season, coach Singletary decided to add a play maker, and penciled in Goldson at free safety, rather than stick with the more knowledgeable, but less than exhilarating play of the veteran Roman.

In fact, Goldson would have had more playing time last season, if he had not been afflicted with a multitude of injuries.

Although the position of free safety is essentially Goldson’s job to lose, there are other training camp battles that should prove to be more interesting.

 

3-4 ring circus

Among the 3-4 defenses in the NFL, perhaps the most renowned defensive line in the league belongs to the New England Patriots. Renowned not just for their Super Bowl rings, but renowned because they are very effective at what they do.

Players like Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, and Vince Wilfork are especially valuable to a 3-4 defense, because not only do they “stuff the run”, they are also athletic enough to “collapse the pocket” (FYI, the quarterback spends most of his time in the pocket).

This makes the hard, but all important job of the 3-4 outside linebacker much easier to accomplish; because its easier to assassinate the “King,” when his personal guard is being mauled by bears.

But what about the 49ers “bears”? Do we have such beasts?

Justin Smith certainly played like one in 2008. He is one of those rare free agents, where most fans agree, he is worth every penny of his contract. Like the 49er legend Bryant Young before him, he can both collapse the pocket and play strong against the run. But a single “beast” does not make much of a circus.

The 49ers are counting on second year player and first round draft pick Kentwan Balmer to make a big leap after a rookie season where he looked mentally lost. If he can be anywhere near as productive as Justin Smith, the 49ers will have obtained a tremendous upgrade for their entire defense.

I think his chances are good. After all, in the 2008 NFL draft, several scouts described him as, a “dancing bear.”

Balmer will not be handed the job however. Depending on where the 49ers decide to ultimately play him, he will have to compete against a bevy of free agents and young players, most notably Demetric Evans, Ray McDonald, and Isaac Sopoaga.

 

49ers like their Coffee to run strong

In the 2009 NFL draft, the 49ers did not hide their intentions to acquire a running back. Although Frank Gore might be willing to run through a mine field, that doesn’t mean the 49ers should let him do it.

The 49ers know that they can’t continue to use Gore like a Panzer tank, because eventually he will break down.

Glen Coffee has probably heard more puns about his name in a month than most people hear in a lifetime; but that’s not going to stop any time soon, because Coffee has arrived most appropriately, to provide the “boost” this running back group needs.

He runs hard and strong, north and south. Not only is he not afraid of contract, he seeks it out. Like a Frank Gore with presumptuously less talent, he will offer defenders no reprieve as Gore rotates off the field for a breather.

Unabashedly, he has been penciled in as the 49ers backup running back; so grab yourself a “cup,” Coffee, and run with it.

 

 

Walt Harris covering up cornerbacks

Several “under the radar” 49ers defensive backs have had to deal with broken bodies the last few years, but not broken spirits.

Cornerbacks Terell Brown and Shawntae Spencer are not going to dislodge Nate Clements from his 80 million dollar perch in the foreseeable future; but they have a chance to compete for considerable playing time, against cagey but slowing veteran, Walt Harris.

A wise man once said, “This is the ‘N’, ‘F’, ‘L’, which stands for ‘Not-For-Long!’”, although this seer was referring to the length of an NFL career, it is also an apropos acronym for fan’s memories.

Just before the 2006 season, Shawntae Spencer was signed to a sizable, six-year contract extension. The 49ers were obviously viewing him as a starting cornerback.

That same year, the 49ers acquired Walt Harris, who was an unexpected surprise in training camp, and not only overshadowed Spencer, but surprisingly, earned himself a trip to the Pro-Bowl that year.

The very next year, in 2007, Nate Clements was brought in, which meant Spencer had to compete with last year’s Pro-Bowler in Harris, just to remain a starter. They battled it out in training camp, but it would have required a total collapse from Harris, for Spencer to even have a chance at beating one of the team’s few Pro-Bowlers, and fan favorites.

Last year, in 2008, Spencer was again looking to compete with Harris for the starting cornerback spot. He did not win it, but the competition was closer.

Unfortunately, Spencer suffered a season ending knee injury during the second game of the 2008 season.

In 2009 Spencer is undoubtedly, looking again at Harris’s starting cornerback spot. Harris isn’t getting any younger, but there is someone who is younger.

Terell Brown is also coming back from a serious injury; except his injury happened in the last game of his rookie season in 2007, and despite missing much of training camp, he was able to get some quality playing time last season, and he looked exceptional.

Both Spencer and Brown will be competing hard to unseat the older Walt Harris. This trifecta will be a far more intense competition then many observers realize. Don’t be surprised if either of these two younger players unseat Harris in 2009.

 

 

I’m talk’in bout the man-in-the-mirror

Everything they say Michael Crabtree can do, Josh Morgan DID, in his rookie season. When these two enter training camp, it will be very interesting for several reasons.

First of all, based upon what Josh Morgan did last season, even with a crutch of limited playing time due to a staff infection where he lost 20lbs, the coaches are expecting him to take a big step and be a big part of the offense. Morgan is just too darn talented to sit on the bench.

Second, it will be interesting to see how these two similar players mesh. Both are muscular, strong, quick, playmakers with great body control and hands.

What’s more interesting, or perhaps puzzling, is that Crabtree is slated to play the same position as Morgan at “X” (split-end). Puzzling because it seems as though these two mirror-images will get in each other’s way by competing at the same spot.

One would expect Crabtree to at least be given a CHANCE to start in 2009, and it would perhaps be even more bizarre, if Morgan loses out, after what he showed last season.

This isn’t so much a training camp battle, as it is an enigma. It will certainly be interesting to see how difficult it will be to tell these two players apart during the preseason games.

 

 

Its best to steal, when its late

Other noteworthy battles involve whether or not late round draft picks and undrafted free agents, such as Ricky Jean-Francois, Curtis Taylor, Cory Sheets, Alex Boone, Diyral Briggs, and others will be able to stay out of trouble, make the team, and turn into steals from where they were had.

Considering that the 49ers did not pick up any draft picks at offensive tackle or outside linebacker, both positions of need, it would not hurt one bit for the 49ers, if Alex Boone or Diyral Briggs prove the world wrong; because if they can’t, it might prove to be more difficult for the 49ers to do the same.

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