Chiefs GM Scott Pioli is using his pull in New England to snag a couple of key players from his former employer. After putting the franchise tag on him, the Patriots send QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs.
The Chiefs send their second round draft pick to New England for Vrabel, a 12 year veteran and a quarterback who until he stepped in for Tom Brady (who ironically was injured by the Chiefs in week one) hadn’t started a football game since high school.
Cassel stepped in and put up huge numbers this past season. He went on to throw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns in 15 starts.
In a statement released by Pioli, he said, "I have a long history with both players, Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family."
This is a huge move for the Chiefs who will look to Vrabel leadership at linebacker and they get a proven QB who can play in the NFL. With Cassel running the offense, the Patriots went 11-5. This will allow the Chiefs to use that number three pick on another position which will also be an instant upgrade.
Chiefs get NE QB Cassel and LB Vrabel in trade
Carpenter breezes through first outing
The only flaw in Chris Carpenter’s performance today was a hit batter. Other than that, it was perfect as Carptenter threw two innings. The Cardinals beat the Nationals 9-2.
Carpenter needed just 19 pitches to get through his two innings. Even more impressive on the mound was Ryan Franklin. He went three innings allowing a hit and striking out five.
Ryan Ludwick drove in two runs and Joe Mather vying for the third base job until Troy Glaus returns drove in three.
Royals beat the Big Unit
It was only for two innings, but Zach Greinke outpitched Randy Johnson as the Royals got great pitching all game to beat the Giants 6-1. Greinke pitched two no-hit innings while striking out one.
Johnson gave up a run in his two innings of work. The Royals continue to swing the bat well in Arizona. Shortstop Mike Aviles was 2 for 4 and catcher Miguel Olivo was 2 for 3 with a double. Ryan Shealy hit the team’s seventh home run.
The Royals’ Tim Hamulack gave up a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th, giving the Giants their lone run on just five hits for the day.
Even though it was his first outing, great to see Greinke pitch well. He’ll be the main guy in that rotation this season.
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Cards squeeze out first Grapefruit win
It got interesting in the bottom of the 9th. The Mets scored four times, but come up short as the Cardinals get their first spring training win of the season in a 9-8 final. Jarret Hoffpauir and Allen Craig provided key two out hits.
Both delivered with two hits and two RBI apiece as the Cardinals outscored their run output from the first two games in this one. Rick Ankiel, Colby Rasmus, and Jon Jay also picked up RBIs.
Todd Wellemeyer allowed four hits and three runs in his two innings. The Mets couldn’t do much against Josh Kinney, Jason Motte and P.J. Walters. Kinney allowed three walks in an inning, but through the seventh, the Mets had no other runners reach base by walk or a hit. The Mets tacked on late runs against Adam Ottovino and Royce Ring.
Chris Carpenter makes his spring debut tomorrow against Washington.
Chiefs close to deal for LB Vrabel
New England’s Pro Bowl linebacker Mike Vrabel is in Kansas City undergoing a physical so that he can then be traded to the Chiefs. General Manager Scott Pioli is reaching out to bring in a player familiar with his system, and New England is a willing trade partner.
That is according to the Chiefs blog website arrowheadpride.com . Vrabel will be entering his 12th season. Over 11 NFL seasons, Vrabel has recorded 614 tackles (417 solo), 51 sacks, 10 interceptions for 68 yards and a touchdown, 31 passes defensed, 15 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
Vrabel has recorded 10 career receptions in regularseason and playoff games, all going for touchdowns. He has caught eight passes for 11 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season and two passes for three yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs.
