When I was in Little League, I tore it up. I was a 10-year-old monster. Doubles to the gap, singles lashing by fielders' gloves. It was terrific. I thought I'd be playing shortstop for the Mets at some point. (And actually, given where they are now, that still could happen.) But then something occurred that I didn't see coming.
Kids started throwing curveballs.
So I peaked athletically before ninth grade. Curveballs are always a tough hit. You have to anticipate, be able to lay off and make the pitcher throw it for a strike. I wasn't patient enough for any of that. But I have since learned a lesson. Curveballs are the norm. So now when they come, I feel like I'm ready for them. Like this week with our free agency Pressing Questions. Not at all what I expected to be talking about, but it was a slurvy kind of week.
1. So, about this Peyton Manning guy ... What happens now?
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I've already told you where he *could* go, but just one team will actually land him. So let's go a different direction. Let me gaze into my crystal ball and tell you how things will unfold over the next week.
There has to be a bit of nuance to showing you are interested in Manning. Because if you don't get him, you have some repairing to do with your current QB. So expect to hear a lot of stories falling under headings we've already seen -- Sources: Dolphins interested in Manning or Source: Jets brass drafting Manning strategy. Teams that lose out on Manning will need plausible deniability. "Sorry, Mark, we have no idea where that story came from. You are my No. 1 guy." Well, unless you're Seattle, which I think currently has Tarvaris Jackson staying at an airport hotel awaiting further instructions.
2) What's one thing we won't see with Manning?
Do you really think there's going to be a "Peyton Manning Tour 2012" of 10 cities across the country? Forget it. Manning's going to quietly inform the few teams he's interested in. Then he'll visit. He'll make his decision, and then they'll talk contract. That's how it's going to go. I'd be surprised if you heard the names of more than two teams overall who are truly in the running.
3) What's the Manning fallout?
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The teams most interested in making a play for Manning are: the Cardinals, Broncos, Dolphins, Jets, Seahawks and Redskins. Let's assume that wherever Manning ends up, the team cuts ties with its former No. 1 QB. Where could Manning go that would put the best former starting QB on the streets? That group would be made up of Kevin Kolb, Tim Tebow, Matt Moore, Mark Sanchez, Tarvaris Jackson and John Beck/Rex Grossman. Who do you want out of that group?
It's tough but I think you have to go with Tebow for his accomplishments and potential upside. You bring him in, boost his confidence and see what he does for you. Sanchez's stock has dropped so far I don't know if anyone would sign him and make him a starter. (Shouldn't that be a warning bell, Rex?) Kolb falls under the same umbrella. Matt Moore is a perfect backup who can play if your starter gets hurt and he's thrust into action, but he's not a QB1.
4) Are the Saints for real on Randy Moss?
And how steamed is Drew Brees about being franchised? Steamed enough to demand a trade? Let me put this in the terms one of my Twitter followers used this week: When working out Randy Moss is the most normal part of your week, you've had a bad week.
As far as Moss goes, the Saints are definitely interested. New Orleans could lose Marques Colston and Robert Meachem. And apparently the Saints think (incorrectly) that Moss can still be a factor (he can't) and behave well in the locker room (he won't). But they're kicking the tires for sure.
Disrespecting Brees with the franchise tag is incredible. All the guy has done is revitalize a city, win a Super Bowl, and prove himself to be one of the top three QBs in the game. But then GM Mickey Loomis goes all, "Remember when we took a chance on you?" I think Brees has paid that debt. I don't see Brees leaving, and I think a long-term deal gets done eventually when cooler heads prevail.
But man, we've learned a lot about this former "America's darling" team, haven't we? They're almost like the NFL's version of Tiger Woods. Just replace the word "fire hydrant" with "bounty."
5) Who is the best QB, RB and WR available in free agency?
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Setting Manning aside, you know my thoughts on Matt Flynn . I think he's too much of a risk. Unfortunately, the list behind him at QB ain't that impressive. But if my team needed a starter and I wasn't getting one in the draft, the one I'd roll the dice on is Jason Campbell. I've seen glimpses in his game that tell me he could be special, but he has never had the full confidence of an organization to be able to maximize his talents. He looked close with the Raiders last season until he got hurt. I'd give him a two-year deal and tell him this is your time to show me what you've got.
The running back to get is Michael Bush. Bar none. He proved last season he can be a feature back. He never has to come off the field, as he can catch the ball on third down out of the backfield. He could be the difference between a playoff spot and a conference title game for the right team.
Wide receiver is a gold mine. There's plenty of help available. If I have money coming out of my ears and don't mind parting with a first-round pick, I pluck Mike Wallace away from Pittsburgh. He's fast becoming one of the top 5-7 WRs in the game. He's fast, he gets open deep, he turns short gains into long ones -- he's the complete package and keeps getting better. It's a big price, though.
Follow Jason Smith on Twitter @howaboutafresca