Abbott on Triple-A pitching prospects

Portland Beavers pitching coach Glenn Abbott was the man who prepped many of the young San Diego Padres arms in Triple-A. MadFriars.com caught up with Abbott to discuss many of the players who showed up in San Diego during the year.    Full Story

The Vikings have dominated the fan voting for the Pro Bowl, but even those hoping to become Pro Bowl players for the first time wouldn’t mind being forced to decline the invitation. The team goal is more important to them.   Full Story

D-backs fans are used to seeing trades with a Chicago team, but this time, the Chicago White Sox are not involved. The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired right-handed pitcher Aaron Heilman today from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for left-handed reliever Scott Maine and first baseman Ryne White.   Full Story

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler hasn't shined very brightly under the lights of prime-time football, and now he is scheduled for another evening affair against the Eagles in Week 11 at Soldier Field.   Full Story

The St. Louis Cardinals protected eight prospects from the Rule 5 Draft, including 2009 Player of the Year Allen Craig.   Full Story

Ranking prospects is always the highlight for anyone that covers a major league team’s minor league system, in this case the San Diego Padres, and while it is the most viewed and discussed, it is also the most misunderstood.   Full Story

An annual look at those prospects that may be added to the 40-man roster and those potentially left unprotected.   Full Story

Again, the Chicago Bears wilted beneath the bright lights of prime time. After five more picks from Jay Cutler, nobody in the Midway Monster locker room seems to have any answers right now.   Full Story

What did we learn about the Chicago Bears after a 10-6 defeat to Frank Gore and the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park? Start with these five observations made straight from the press box.   Full Story

It’s difficult to find 6-foot-8 behemoths with good feet, but the Vikings have a pair of oversized bookend tackles. Bryant McKinnie, the veteran, is enjoying tutoring Phil Loadholt, the solid rookie.   Full Story

The Colts will have their hands full against the defensive front of the Patriots this week, and Greg Talmage focuses on three battles the Colts' offensive linemen will need to win if they want to move the ball down the field.   Full Story

The Vikings weren’t sure what to expect from the Lions the first time around because they were facing a new coaching staff and new philosophies in Detroit. That and Minnesota’s own mistakes led to the Vikings falling behind 10-0. The players and coaches explain further.   Full Story

What were the Chicago Bears saying in the locker room after a 10-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers? Here are a few of the comments made by the likes of Jay Cutler, Devin Hester and Greg Olsen.   Full Story

The Vikings got off to a 7-1 start this year, but they aren’t satisfied. Players on offense, defense and special teams outlines areas they’ve done well and where they can make improvements.   Full Story

MadFriars.com annually ranks the top 60 San Diego Padres Prospects, and the best news is it gets harder and harder to do every season. That is a credit to the strengthening of the farm by the San Diego Padres’ front office and development staff. Take advantage of our Buy One Month, Get One Month Free promotion - EXTENDED through WEDNESDAY midnight!   Full Story

With a three-game lead in the NFC North, the Vikings are starting to turn their attention to loftier goals. See what the players had to say about their confidence and their new motivation after bye week.   Full Story

No less an authority than Mike Ditka pointed out that New York really, really needed to knock off the Chargers.   Full Story

While the Chicago Bears are starting to make things happen in the passing game, it won't matter if the D can't slow down the opponent. Greg Olsen and Earl Bennett were talking after a 41-21 loss to Arizona.   Full Story

It was more heartbreak for the Texans as they remain winless in Indianapolis as they fell to the still undefeated Colts, 20-17. Let's see how our keys to victory played out.   Full Story

If the Cardinals season ended today, their fans, players and coaches would have to live with the stench of the Carolina loss for the whole offseason. But what if today was the day that the well ran dry? What would be the storylines heading into 2010? Would the "Big-Three" receive new contracts? Would Kurt Warner's play send him into retirement? These projections and more...   Full Story

Our game preview this week looks at the Houston Texans matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.   Full Story

The Arizona Cardinals march into Soldier Field on Sunday in hopes of taking care of the Chicago Bears and once again holding down a .500 record. For all their differences, the Cardinals and Bears hold a few similarities as well. AZRedReport.com's Amberly Dressler dishes out the top-five players who can exploit the Bears differences and similarities.   Full Story

The Cardinals don't appear to be worrying much as they try to rebound from one of their worst defensive performances of the year. They yielded 270 rushing yards to the Panthers last week in a 34-21 defeat. The tackling was especially sloppy, a sign that the group was not mentally into the game.   Full Story

Kicking the tires on street free agents is typical for personnel departments around the league to do on players’ off days during the NFL season. That is what New England has been doing the past two weeks. Are they just taking a look or is there more to it?   Full Story

Few realize that the return of Tom Brady may not be the biggest story in New England. Just what is up with these 2009 Patriots?   Full Story