Glad to see Mike Reiss is back from vaca

[BPF]

Now we can get back to quality local coverage on the Pats, just in time for TC. Can't wait for the 24th!!

Updated chart on rookie status on his last post.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/07/rookies_agents_1.html

Rookies & agents updated
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff July 14, 2008 11:04 AM

The following chart shows each Patriots draft pick, the player's agent, a quick fact on the agent, and then an open space for the contract terms. Information is based on the latest paperwork filed with the NFL Players Association (the update includes information on Bo Ruud's signing from July 1):

DRAFT PICK AGENT AGENT FACT CONTRACT
1) LB Jerod Mayo Mitch Frankel Company is called Impact Sports; represents former Patriots WR Reche Caldwell, with Ravens CB Chris McAlister among its big-name clients Unsigned

2) CB Terrence Wheatley Jimmy Sexton Memphis-based agent represents some of the game's top coaches as well; is the agent for Patriots K Stephen Gostkowski Unsigned

...

(Edited for copyright violation; please don't post full articles -- and let Mike get his clicks, so the Globe knows how much this material is valued!)

 

[signbabybrady]

Now we can get back to quality local coverage on the Pats, just in time for TC. Can't wait for the 24th!!

Updated chart on rookie status on his last post.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/07/rookies_agents_1.html

I saw that too...

he couldn't have come back a few days sooner and given us a better Notes column in the sunday paper (JK)

 

[TB146]

Does Mike Reiss know how much we appreciate his work? I read Reiss' Pieces and Extra Bases (the Globe's Red Sox blog) regularly and I think all of their bloggers do a good job, but Mike Reiss is the tops. We should buy him a pizza or send him a fruit basket.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Thanks BPF. I think the signing status would make a nice Stickey.

 

[signbabybrady]

Does Mike Reiss know how much we appreciate his work? I read Reiss' Pieces and Extra Bases (the Globe's Red Sox blog) regularly and I think all of their bloggers do a good job, but Mike Reiss is the tops. We should buy him a pizza or send him a fruit basket.

I know plenty of us on here have sent him notes and emails stating how much we appreciate his work and I am also sure it shows by the hits he gets.

 

[Kontradiction]

Maybe I'm a bit hazy but does it usually take this long to sign all the rookies?

 

[jmt57]

Maybe I'm a bit hazy but does it usually take this long to sign all the rookies?

As I recall, wasn't it going to be expected this year due to the 80 man roster limitation and no more exemptions from NFL Europe? I don't remember the exact details, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that rookie signings were expected to be delayed for that reason this year.

 

[signbabybrady]

Maybe I'm a bit hazy but does it usually take this long to sign all the rookies?

Yes, it is very common for teams to wait until the last minute before spending so much money (protect the investment as best they can). Plus the money a guy gets is very much determined by what those ahead of him get.

 

[Kontradiction]

Yes, it is very common for teams to wait until the last minute before spending so much money (protect the investment as best they can). Plus the money a guy gets is very much determined by what those ahead of him get.

Probably also to see what the guy looks like in TC before determining how much money to shell out to him.

 

[signbabybrady]

Probably also to see what the guy looks like in TC before determining how much money to shell out to him.

They can't go to training camp with out a contract...they can participate in mini camps though.

I think they do this for the very rare but very possible guy who may have been clean prior but was definitley breaking laws and than gets caught between being drafted and training camp. If they signed him the day they drafted him they would be on the hook for the bonus but if they wait all they would lose is the pick. (just one example) not sure I have ever heard this happen but you can understand why when you see the money being shelled out.



This year is also a little different due to the pending CBA issues. Signing bonus can only be spread out between years agreed in the CBA. (though this may still be pending an arbitrator)

 

[BPF]

Maybe I'm a bit hazy but does it usually take this long to sign all the rookies?

With the exception of Watson and Maroney (he got there on the 1st day but late due to deal being agreed upon late the day prior) I'm pretty sure all picks have been signed and in TC on time in the Kraft era but it does usually come down to the wire on the last week before camp opens. I imagine all the deals will be completed on time. Although there could be some sticking points with length of deals with the uncapped year looming if no extension of current cba in the NFL in general.

 

[Kontradiction]

They can't go to training camp with out a contract...they can participate in mini camps though.

I think they do this for the very rare but very possible guy who may have been clean prior but was definitley breaking laws and than gets caught between being drafted and training camp. If they signed him the day they drafted him they would be on the hook for the bonus but if they wait all they would lose is the pick. (just one example) not sure I have ever heard this happen but you can understand why when you see the money being shelled out.



This year is also a little different due to the pending CBA issues. Signing bonus can only be spread out between years agreed in the CBA. (though this may still be pending an arbitrator)

Sorry, I meant to put in 'MC' instead of 'TC'.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

Thanks BPF. I think the signing status would make a nice Stickey.

Me too. Once the signings really get underway it'll be easier to keep track of them that way.

Welcome back Mike, and just in time too!

 

[Pats726]

With the exception of Watson and Maroney (he got there on the 1st day but late due to deal being agreed upon late the day prior) I'm pretty sure all picks have been signed and in TC on time in the Kraft era but it does usually come down to the wire on the last week before camp opens. I imagine all the deals will be completed on time. Although there could be some sticking points with length of deals with the uncapped year looming if no extension of current cba in the NFL in general.

Meriweather came in a day late or so...early as did Guss Scott and Cedric Cobbs (the same year Watson was a hold out.) I agree with the possibility of an uncapped year, it might be tricky. But missing a day or two this year MAY not be all that bad, giving the coaches a look/see at some other players for a day or two...as the roster of 80 does NOT include unsigned draft picks.

 

[BPF]

Reiss is on fire!!

It's almost 2 am and he's posting his 6 am update, now that's commitment and being ahead of the game.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

Patriots RB snapshot
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff July 15, 2008 06:00 AM

Second in a series of position snapshots leading into Patriots training camp, focusing on running backs:

STRENGTH Versatility. Laurence Maroney projects as the lead back and he has potential to be an explosive threat. Veteran Sammy Morris is a nice complement with a different type of running style. Kevin Faulk is a top change-of-pace threat with excellent hands in the passing game. Heath Evans is a back-of-all-trades, with the ability to carry the ball, lead block in a fullback-type role, or even split out wide.

 

[RayClay]

With the exception of Watson and Maroney (he got there on the 1st day but late due to deal being agreed upon late the day prior) I'm pretty sure all picks have been signed and in TC on time in the Kraft era but it does usually come down to the wire on the last week before camp opens. I imagine all the deals will be completed on time. Although there could be some sticking points with length of deals with the uncapped year looming if no extension of current cba in the NFL in general.

Safety Guss Scott refused to sign due to length of contract, then busted his knee, I believe.

 

[Handel]

only 2 weeks of vacation....

not much :/

However, it is appreciated to read him again.