The Page 2 notes. Back by semi-popular demand. …
Mike Shanahan says the Broncos’ salary cap situation is “pretty typical.” As in, they’ll have to carve out some space if they’re going to pursue an impact free agent or two.
The good news, courtesy of Al Wilson, is that Dove Valley figures to be a destination stop for free agents.
Said Wilson: “Word is out around the league. I’ve had all kinds of guys from other teams come up to me on the field and say, ‘Let Coach Shanahan know I’d love to play for him.”‘ …
Shanahan, when reminded of his “we’re only a player or two away” comment from his 2004 season-ending news conference: “I’m not sure exactly what I said. I was in denial at that time.
“I read the quote the next day, and I thought I might be pushing it a little bit.” …
Happens every time. We see a close encounter coming in a conference championship game and it never happens. To wit: Of the 72 conference championship games since the AFL-NFL merger, 51 have been decided by double figures. …
Broncos draftees Deltha O’Neal and Tory James combined for 15 interceptions with the Bengals. Shanahan traded O’Neal, but let the record show he dreaded losing James to the Raiders via free agency. Said Shanahan, “I’m still hitting myself in the head for letting him go – especially to that team.” …
Retrieved from the depths of the archives after the Steelers’ amazing chain-moving act at Invesco Field: “I get paid for third down.” The author of the quote? John Elway. …
Not that the New NHL has made for some crazy, mixed-up stats, but Avs rookie Marek Svatos went into Tuesday night with 28 goals, five more than another guy on the Pepsi Center ice – Jarome Iginla. …
Reporter to Shanahan: “Mike, taking you back to the game for just a minute …” Shanahan: “Do you have to?” …
Two more additions to the list of free agents Shanahan didn’t want to lose – Bert Berry and Reggie Hayward. Berry missed the final quarter of the season, but they still combined for 14 1/2 sacks, 1 1/2 fewer than the Broncos’ entire D-line. …
No, Jake Plummer isn’t Peyton Manning or Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger, but Shanahan went out of his way Tuesday to let the world know that Plummer is his man for the foreseeable future.
“You’ve got to feel very good about Jake,” he said. “I love the way he competes. He’s not afraid to put responsibilities on his shoulders, and he’s got high standards.” …
This note’s for you, Red Sox Nation: According to none other than ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the best ball writer in the bid’ness, the Sawx signed a free agent with the same on-base percentage as Johnny Damon. That would be Tony Graffanino at .366. …
You know the 21st century isn’t getting any younger when it’s late January and Mike Piazza, Juan Gonzalez and Frank Thomas can’t find a job to save their lifetime batting averages. …
The day Gary Barnett was fired, Jeremy Crabtree of Rivals.com had CU ranked 12th in the Big 12 in recruiting. So where are the Buffs today, several weeks later? “They’re still down there,” Crabtree said. “You come in so late, it’s tough to get back up there.
“This time next year is when we’ll be able to truly see what Coach (Dan) Hawkins can do.” …
Now for the flip side, courtesy of Crabtree: “Realistically, CU will probably finish in the top 50 in the country. That shows you how deep the Big 12 is.”
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM. He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
