San Jose Sharks: Give Antti Niemi A Rest

San Jose Sharks' goalie Antti Niemi made his 21st straight start in net on Saturday, a loss to the Dallas Stars, which snapped the Sharks' 8-game win streak. Niemi was 17-4 during that span of 21 games.

Is it time to get Niemi some rest then?

Not that he needs it. Niemi has been the main reason for the Sharks' surge to the top of the Pacific division and 3rd place in the Western Conference. But isn't it time? It's almost unheard of for a goalie to go 20+ straight starts in the NHL these days.

But why stop someone while he's hot, right? Niemi is 17-4 in his last 21 games, hasn't complained a bit, and still looks agile and alert as if he just had a night off.

The possibility of wearing him out before the playoffs still lingers, and that would be the only reason to give him a night off.

The Sharks have been starting Niemi in so many consecutive starts not because they want to, although if you ask them now they'd agree, but because they have to.

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Giants Frustrated, But Zito's Spot Secure

Bruce Jenkins's column in the San Francisco Chronicle this past week has sent waves throughout the San Francisco Giants community. Jenkins' report? Barry Zito may be released. So now an offseason where the team had no distractions and could focus on repeating, now has turned into a game of 'What If?'

The report, bogus in itself, was that the Giants were frustrated with Zito because they only made the playoffs by one game, and it wouldn't have been that close if Zito had given them a just a few better outtings. Huh?

Jenkins is credible and very respected in the industry, but this isn't supposed to be serious, right?

That's baseball, Bruce.

I don't doubt that the Giants are frustrated with Zito. $126 million and barely any production. Plus, he was left off the playoff roster. Yeah, they should be disappointed. He's not quite the investment they were hoping for. On top of that, he has shown up to Spring Training out of shape and close to no offseason conditioning. Oh, and he botched his spring debut. That may have fueled this fire.

But are the Giants going to release Zito? No, no , no.

From a financial stand-point, why would they?

Zito's $126 million/7 yrs. still has $57.5 million for 3 years left on it. You think the Giants are going to eat that? Doubt it. Not if Zito starts the season 0-10 are they going to eat that. Although, don't quote me on that.

The hefty $126 million contract aside, from a production stand-point, will the Giants release him? Never.

Zito is one of the best 5th starters in the MLB. Although he gets paid #1 starter money, his 4.09 ERA over the last couple seasons is nothing to be released over.

Take him for what he's worth. He is a decent starter who happens to make a ridiculous sum of money that he doesn't deserve.

But he isn't going anywhere.

Bruce Bochy came out and said that Zito is the team's 4th starter, no questions.

Actually I have one. Number 4? Really?

You're telling me Zito is the 4th best pitcher on this team? Jonathan Sanchez or Madison Bumgarner are worse than Zito? Check yourself Boch.

So Zito is their guy through thick and thin. Not because the Giants want him to be their guy, but because he has to be their guy. $65 million through 2013 will remind them of that.

This isn't to say Zito's spot in the rotation will be safe the whole season. He's going to have to earn it whether the team acknowledges it or not.

The leash will be short.

The #5 spot in that rotation is fully functional because the Giants have four pitchers that are horses and they can easily get away with a 4-man rotation of they want to get crazy.

Remember, the Giants do have a farm system, and a decent one at that. They did sign Jeff Suppan in the offseason, and Clayton Tanner from AA may be making some strides and will one day pitch in San Francisco. So Zito's spot isn't fully secure. They'll make him work for it.

It should be that way. Zito coming to Spring Training out of shape is no way to get respect back. It only fuels the fire more.

I don't doubt that Zito and the Giants organization are on the same page from a public relations stand-point, but you have to believe that Zito's act is getting old.

Who knows how long the Giants will let him go before they finally snap?

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4 Reasons The 49ers Need To Re-Sign Alex Smith

Yes, I said it. It would be beneficial for the 49ers to re-sign Alex Smith and make him their starting quarterback for the 2011-12 NFL season. I'll go one step further. Smith gives the 49ers the best chance of winning in 2011-12.

Sure, Smith is getting chance number 2, 3, or 4, I've lost count now, but the 49ers need Smith this season more than ever.

Currently, the 49ers have one quarterback signed, and that is David Carr. Based on that logic, the 49ers don't actually plan on starting Carr, right? I sure hope not, and my common sense would tell me no team in the NFL would want to.

So what's the 49ers' plan then? They must sign someone, and the only logical option is Smith.

That last sentence may have sent some 49er fans' heads spinning at the thought of yet another season where #11 is taking the snaps, but hear my out.

Smith is the only option for the 49ers, and I have four reasons to prove it.

#4 - Jim Harbaugh and Smith Are Getting Along

Take it for what it's worth, but Harbaugh and Smith have become quite cozy with each other. Evidently, they've been throwing the ball around and talking fundamentals, and reports are they have taken quite a liking to each other. It's always important for your coach to get along with his quarterback, so this seems like a positive, right? Well, we'll see.

I like the idea of Harbaugh mixing with Smith. Not since Norv Turner or Mike Martz has Smith had someone who legitimately knows something about the quarterback position. Harbaugh could teach him a few things, and Smith is a bright enough guy to where I've got to believe he can take it in and process what is being taught to him.

Look what Harbaugh did with Andrew Luck.

Now, I am in no way comparing the NFL to college football. The NFL is a much bigger beast and we will see how Harbaugh fairs in the big leagues. He has not proven anything yet. But wouldn't it be fun to see what Harbaugh, a legitimate quarterbacks coach, can do with Smith? I'd like to at least take a gander at it.

#3 - No Chance At Trading For A QB

There's no doubt, several quarterbacks are on the public trading block and the 49ers would be smart to take a look at some of them, and reports are they have. I'm talking about names like Carson Palmer, Kevin Kolb and Vince Young. But is it really likely the 49ers have not only the money, but the players to trade for players of that calibur?

Going down the list, Carson Palmer wants out of Cincinnati. He's disgruntled with the franchise and wants out. But it seems like Palmer may be leaning a little further towards retirement than an actual move to a different team. Do I want someone like that on my team? Even if the 49ers were interested, I've got to believe that the 49ers franchise may be just a hair better run than the Bengals. So why the 49ers? Fresh start for Palmer? That would be the only reason.

No one is ruling it out, and it would be a dream situation, but chances are slim.

Kolb is another prized QB the 49ers would love to have. But I can sum it up with 'never ever,' as in the Eagles will never ever give up Kolb, what with Michael Vick's situation and all. It would have to be a trade package above and beyond for the the Eagles to give him up.

Vince Young may be the likeliest of available quarterback possibilities for the 49ers. They've shown interest and they should. But do they really want such a headcase with that type of NFL past to be leading their team? If he throws touchdowns, yes. But why take the chance?

#2 - Nothing In The Draft

We will see exactly what the 49ers are thinking come draft day. Do they take a quarterback at #7 or re-sign Smith? The answer may come quicker than you think. The fact is the quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft are weak. Blaine Gabbert is good and Cam Newton is a hit or miss type of player, but does anyone else strike a chord with you?

We'll look at it this way: Who gives the 49ers the best chance of winning in 2011? Smith, Gabbert or Newton?

Gabbert will not ready be for the NFL just yet, and Newton is too into his ego for him to be on my team. Plus, Newton's scouting combine turned me off, and possibly NFL teams off as well.

Smith gives the 49ers the best chance to win in 2011.

Odds are the 49ers' thinking is the same. Go with what you know, and they know Alex Smith.

#1 - He's The Best Option They Got

Given the previous three reasons, Smith is not only the best option available, but the only option availabe. Carr or Smith?

I've got to believe, hope, pray that the 49ers re-sign Smith. I'm not saying long-term. No, definitely not. But how about one year? That's still a stretch for some resentful 49er fans, I know. 10-day contract then?

Let's see what Harbaugh can do with him because the draft is hopeless, and trading for a QB seems glim.

When all else fails, point the finger back at Smith. We've gotten used to it here in San Francisco.

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Niemi Inks Four More Years In San Jose

"Too legit to quit." That would be the Sharks' answer to why they signed 'hot to the touch' goalie Antti Niemi to a 4-year extension yesterday. He will be property of the Sharks until 2014-15 season.

Maybe a spur of the moment deal, seeing as Niemi went 10-2 in February and has vaulted the Sharks into the 3rd spot in the Western Conference, but is there really anyone disagreeing with this signing? It doesn't hurt, right?

Reports are that Niemi will be getting paid about $3.8 million over the next 4 years (he is getting paid $2 million for this season).

It's an upgrade for Niemi, and, sure, he deserves it. It was shocking to me that a Stanley Cup winning goalie would be getting paid just $2 million per season the year after winning it all.

It's a steal for the Sharks. Compare it to this: When the Sharks had Evgeni Nabokov in net, they were paying him around $6 million per season. $6 million for a goalie that, although his regular season numbers were stellar, could not produce in the playoffs.

Now the Sharks have inked Niemi for much less ($3.8 million) and get a proven goalie who has success in the playoffs. Seems like a winner.

Maybe they jumped the shark a little (pardon the pun), but the Sharks now have a solid net-minder with proven success...for a low price.

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The Only Question Regarding Brandon Belt Is 'When?'

There is no question that Brandon Belt can play. We've seen it, and if we haven't seen it, we've heard about it. The kid is the real deal. The only question regarding the young phenom is "when?"

When will Brandon Belt play in the big leagues? To the San Francisco Giants, there are two available time slots for such an epic and much-awaited debut: Start of the season or during the season. There is no doubt, we will see Belt sometime soon, but fans just want to know when.

The Giants are notorious for seasoning their players low 'n slow in the minors. We saw it with pretty much the entire pitching staff they have now, and we saw it more recently with Buster Posey. You can't rush these things. The Giants want their players to stay in the minors where they can get regular at-bats and learn the game on a consistent playing level. Then when they're ready, they're professionals.

It's a proven method the Giants use because it works. That's why they're World Champions, because they know how to use their farm system and brew players for success.

For those impatient Giants fans, the word is 'relax.' What's the rush with Belt? He's good...yes. But is he MLB ready?

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Karma Is A Bummer

Remember when Baron Davis chose the Los Angeles Clippers over the Golden State Warriors a few years back in pursuit of the LA lifestyle? Remember how depleted Warriors fans felt seeing their one cornerstone to a playoff chance go out the window? Remember when Davis stuck his head out the sunroof of a Kia and lobbed an alley-oop to Blake Griffin? Remember when Davis was living the good life in LA with rising star Blake Griffin, and the Clippers lived happily ever after? Ummm no.

Baron Davis was traded to the NBA-worst Cleveland Cavaliers today in a swap of the two point guards Davis and Mo Williams.

The bigger story here in the Bay Area, though, is how screwed Davis' current situation is. And Warriors fans cannot be happier.

After seeing Davis walk from Oakland a few years ago, therefore draining Golden State of any chance of leadership on the court and taking with him all hopes of a playoff push, plus setting the team back several years, Warriors fans finally got even.

If you remember, Davis departed for LA, while the Warriors "scored" Corey Maggette...thus setting the team back several years.

All is now right with the world, though. Davis sits in Cleveland with the worst team in the NBA and a horrible draft class coming in. No hope.

Some have to think: Did a larger power play a role in how things turned out for Boom-Dizzle?

Yeah, it's called karma...and it sucks.

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Trade Rumors Fueling Setoguchi

So maybe that was all it took. A good kick in the pants and swirling trade rumors have Devin Setoguchi playing his best hockey of the year at a most crucial time of the year. Granted, it is only three games, but we'll take what we can get out of Setoguchi who has been quite the disappointment after being dubbed the "second-coming" just a few years ago.

Maybe Setoguchi wasn't even on the trading block to begin with, but the racing tension of actually being traded out of San Jose by February 28th may have him playing as hard as ever. And that's what we have seen over these last 3 or 4 games, Setoguchi working hard, and it has payed off in these last three games with him putting up 5 goals, including 2 when the Sharks needed them most in Detroit.

Who wouldn't want Setoguchi on their team? His massive potential is what has gotten him this far, and maybe he was hyped just a little too much. But that won't stop trade rumors from swirling, because in this league if you don't produce but have potential, other teams want you.

And why wouldn't the Sharks shop him? Although it's not clear if they are or not. He is young, has potential, just hasn't lived up to it. That makes for high trade stock, and teams will come biting.

So far, it's worked. Setoguchi has a fire lit under him since the media has dubbed him trade bait, and Sharks fans don't mind, I'm sure. 5 goals and an assist in 3 games on the road against contending teams will be accepted. Thank you.

Another factor: I doubt if Setoguchi wants out of San Jose. This is one of the hottest teams in the NHL and one of the most consistently great teams in the last several years. Why would he want out? So he is playing hard, which has been noticed by everyone and it just so happened to become fruitful in the statistical category over these last three games, when the Sharks may have needed it most.

You can pair that with the fact that Antti Niemi is still solid as a rock in net and the defense is playing ten times better in front of him, and the Sharks may have something here. The right teams get hot at the right time with the right players, and the Sharks seem to be doing that. But right now, it seems as if trade rumors are fueling at least one of the Sharks players, and the team's win total has benefitted from it at just the right time in the season.

Keep telling Setoguchi he's trade bait. It will only fuel him more.

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