Is Baas permanent answer at center?

I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Kilgore_Trout:

Originally posted by Allx9er:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Allx9er:
does anybody know how many years heitman has left on his contract? i know baas is on a one year deal.

Heitmann's contract runs through the next two years. He will be a free agent in 2012.

hmm...heitmann's 31-32 right, baas 25-26? and heitmann really only has a deal that's one year longer. interesting

It is obvious the team is trying to build an O-line that fits the identity Singletary wants for the team. Heitmann doesn't fit that identity, and it remains to be seen if Baas can be smash mouth or not at center. But my money is on him winning this job, for the season, because of his age and his upside. It follows the same line of thinking for why Iupati and Davis were inserted from practically the get. If Baas plays well through the preseason and in the opener and whatever remaining time Heitmann is out, there would be no reason to mess with the new and developing chemistry between the young guys.

Honestly, you don't know what you are talking about. So, please stop. When you say "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", let me ask you a couple questions:
1) Who was the unquestioned starter at center before Heitmann's injury? Uh, Heitmann. Baas wasn't even in contention for the starting job.
2) If "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", then why have the Niners bypassed drafting a center the past two years, including the 2009 Draft?
3) If "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", then why did the Niners not pursue a center in free agency?

Heitmann was going to be the starter. This was unquestioned. The only reason Baas is getting snaps at all (he hasn't even been declared the starter for game 1 over Wragge yet), is because Heitmann is injured.

You don't know what you are talking about. Sorry, but your level of knowledge in the game is low. Watch the rest of the league, do some reading, and strip yourself of your bias against Heitmann. Until then, stop posting naive posts. They are embarrassing.

Well, this obviously needs some translation from the Intergalactic Maddog-Speak:

"Honestly, . . . " This means "Let me add the word 'honestly' to what I'm about to say, to counteract the impression that Immabout to bullsh*t you, cause that's what Immabout to do."

". . . you don't know what you're talking about." This translates: "the opinions you are expressing do not agree with my own, so I'm going to question your ethics, heritage, motives, lifestyle, religion, football knowledge, intellect, and right to exist."

"So please stop." This means: "So please stop disagreeing with me, it makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Who was the unquestioned starter at center before Heitmann's injury? Uh, Heitmann. Baas wasn't even in contention for the starter's job." This means: "I'm going to completely ignore the fact that Baas got multiple reps at center with the starters during OTAs and TC because its a fact that does not support my thesis."

". . . why have the Niners bypassed drafting a center the past two years, including the 2009 draft?" Translation: "Cody Wallace does not count as a center because he practiced and played a few snaps at guard, and besides, he was drafted by McCloughan, who's not even with the Niners anymore. Plus he was drafted in 2008, and that's so long ago (in light years) that I can barely remember it. On MY planet, there is no word for 'Cody Wallace' or anyone else who might disprove what I'm saying."

"If 'Heitmann doesn't fit that [smashmouth] identity,' then why did the Niners not pursue a center in free agency." Translation: "Imma gonna ignore the fact that there really wasn't a viable FA center available (Mawae being way too old) this year. I'm just going to ask the question, cause it seems to support my position. That's just the way I roll."

"Heitmann was going to be the starter. This was unquestioned." Translation: "It certainly was unquestioned BY ME, because I love Heitmann sooo much, and, well, you know he's just the greatest, an all. So I pretend that the coaches love him too. All that news and stuff about Baas and Wragge getting reps with the first team during OTAs, that wasn't really serious, cause that might have hurt his feelers. Next year, Ima pretend he was in the Pro Bowl. Maybe he'll send me his autographs."

"You don't know what you're talking about" "because you don't agree with me."

"Sorry, but your level of knowledge in the game is low." This means: "I'm repeating this simply for effect, cause the first time I said it, you may not have been properly and sufficiently insulted and humiliated. 'Your level of knowledge in the game is low.' Better add a quart."

". . . strip yourself of your bias against Heitmann." Translation: "Watch him play in your skivies. It's very liberating."

". . . stop posting naive posts. They are embarrassing." Translation: "Your views do not conform to those of myself and others from my planet. One of us is wrong, and it would be embarrassing if it were me, so it must be you. But stop anyway, just in case its me."

Those of us from this planet, Earth, hope this helps. Or at least amuses somewhat.

Those are the exact thoughts I come away with when I read his post, well put and stated.

He looked pretty good out there today. Got pushed back pretty far one play, but other than that didn't notice him do badly.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

I totally agree with the observation that Baas got pushed back on one play. As to the rest, I'm going to have to watch the replay.

This O line's development is really crucial, and we didn't look all that sharp tonight against maybe the very best, and deepest DL in the league. Your concerns about the right side are well placed, IMHO.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Kilgore_Trout:

Originally posted by Allx9er:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Allx9er:
does anybody know how many years heitman has left on his contract? i know baas is on a one year deal.

Heitmann's contract runs through the next two years. He will be a free agent in 2012.

hmm...heitmann's 31-32 right, baas 25-26? and heitmann really only has a deal that's one year longer. interesting

It is obvious the team is trying to build an O-line that fits the identity Singletary wants for the team. Heitmann doesn't fit that identity, and it remains to be seen if Baas can be smash mouth or not at center. But my money is on him winning this job, for the season, because of his age and his upside. It follows the same line of thinking for why Iupati and Davis were inserted from practically the get. If Baas plays well through the preseason and in the opener and whatever remaining time Heitmann is out, there would be no reason to mess with the new and developing chemistry between the young guys.

Honestly, you don't know what you are talking about. So, please stop. When you say "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", let me ask you a couple questions:
1) Who was the unquestioned starter at center before Heitmann's injury? Uh, Heitmann. Baas wasn't even in contention for the starting job.
2) If "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", then why have the Niners bypassed drafting a center the past two years, including the 2009 Draft?
3) If "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", then why did the Niners not pursue a center in free agency?

Heitmann was going to be the starter. This was unquestioned. The only reason Baas is getting snaps at all (he hasn't even been declared the starter for game 1 over Wragge yet), is because Heitmann is injured.

You don't know what you are talking about. Sorry, but your level of knowledge in the game is low. Watch the rest of the league, do some reading, and strip yourself of your bias against Heitmann. Until then, stop posting naive posts. They are embarrassing.

Well, this obviously needs some translation from the Intergalactic Maddog-Speak:

"Honestly, . . . " This means "Let me add the word 'honestly' to what I'm about to say, to counteract the impression that Immabout to bullsh*t you, cause that's what Immabout to do."

". . . you don't know what you're talking about." This translates: "the opinions you are expressing do not agree with my own, so I'm going to question your ethics, heritage, motives, lifestyle, religion, football knowledge, intellect, and right to exist."

"So please stop." This means: "So please stop disagreeing with me, it makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Who was the unquestioned starter at center before Heitmann's injury? Uh, Heitmann. Baas wasn't even in contention for the starter's job." This means: "I'm going to completely ignore the fact that Baas got multiple reps at center with the starters during OTAs and TC because its a fact that does not support my thesis."

". . . why have the Niners bypassed drafting a center the past two years, including the 2009 draft?" Translation: "Cody Wallace does not count as a center because he practiced and played a few snaps at guard, and besides, he was drafted by McCloughan, who's not even with the Niners anymore. Plus he was drafted in 2008, and that's so long ago (in light years) that I can barely remember it. On MY planet, there is no word for 'Cody Wallace' or anyone else who might disprove what I'm saying."

"If 'Heitmann doesn't fit that [smashmouth] identity,' then why did the Niners not pursue a center in free agency." Translation: "Imma gonna ignore the fact that there really wasn't a viable FA center available (Mawae being way too old) this year. I'm just going to ask the question, cause it seems to support my position. That's just the way I roll."

"Heitmann was going to be the starter. This was unquestioned." Translation: "It certainly was unquestioned BY ME, because I love Heitmann sooo much, and, well, you know he's just the greatest, an all. So I pretend that the coaches love him too. All that news and stuff about Baas and Wragge getting reps with the first team during OTAs, that wasn't really serious, cause that might have hurt his feelers. Next year, Ima pretend he was in the Pro Bowl. Maybe he'll send me his autographs."

"You don't know what you're talking about" "because you don't agree with me."

"Sorry, but your level of knowledge in the game is low." This means: "I'm repeating this simply for effect, cause the first time I said it, you may not have been properly and sufficiently insulted and humiliated. 'Your level of knowledge in the game is low.' Better add a quart."

". . . strip yourself of your bias against Heitmann." Translation: "Watch him play in your skivies. It's very liberating."

". . . stop posting naive posts. They are embarrassing." Translation: "Your views do not conform to those of myself and others from my planet. One of us is wrong, and it would be embarrassing if it were me, so it must be you. But stop anyway, just in case its me."

Those of us from this planet, Earth, hope this helps. Or at least amuses somewhat.

You know MadDog too well. You two are like a b*tch'n married couple. Know enough of each other to turn the right screws, but in the end you are both Niners fan and will end up in the same bed.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

The only thing I could tell was that the line looked a lot better against Minnesota today than it did last year. I think Baas is keeping this job, I'll be surprised if I'm wrong.

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

Unfortunately I didn't see the game you you have to bear with me here MD.

But if Rachal is not playing well, it's doubtful that he starts the season, first thought.

Second thought is that IF Heitmann were to come back right now based on what you saw over the last two games, wouldn't it make more sense to slide Heitmann over to Guard?

Cause Baas has never played RG is showing better performance at Center than he ever did as Guard and being the Heitmann is the clear Veteran of the unit would be able to assist both Davis and Baas better from the Guard position?

I mean if I'm Solari and I'm mostly liking what Baas has done thus far, that is the move I would make. It would help Baas make the transition and give Davis some confidence by doing that.

Your thoughts?

Welcome back. This is the MD that I know. The other guy musta been your lil bro.

~Ceadder

Originally posted by Ceadderman:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

Unfortunately I didn't see the game you you have to bear with me here MD.

But if Rachal is not playing well, it's doubtful that he starts the season, first thought.

Second thought is that IF Heitmann were to come back right now based on what you saw over the last two games, wouldn't it make more sense to slide Heitmann over to Guard?

Cause Baas has never played RG is showing better performance at Center than he ever did as Guard and being the Heitmann is the clear Veteran of the unit would be able to assist both Davis and Baas better from the Guard position?

I mean if I'm Solari and I'm mostly liking what Baas has done thus far, that is the move I would make. It would help Baas make the transition and give Davis some confidence by doing that.

Your thoughts?

Welcome back. This is the MD that I know. The other guy musta been your lil bro.

~Ceadder

Exactly. And this is fully what I expect to happen if Rachal doesn't step it up.

The one thing I think we all need to be aware of is will Baas be able to make the proper adjustments when he is seeing a more complex scheme of a defense that will do anything to win a regular season game.

Originally posted by Joecool:
The one thing I think we all need to be aware of is will Baas be able to make the proper adjustments when he is seeing a more complex scheme of a defense that will do anything to win a regular season game.

Those are questions that remain to be answered, but I don't see why he couldn't. And even if Heitmann is better in those situations as of today, which he should be due to experience, is that enough of a negative against Baas to keep him from starting if say, he provides a much bigger push in the running game? It is all going to come down to who provides the most upside, and as of today, Baas seems like the guy.

Originally posted by Ceadderman:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

Unfortunately I didn't see the game you you have to bear with me here MD.

But if Rachal is not playing well, it's doubtful that he starts the season, first thought.

Second thought is that IF Heitmann were to come back right now based on what you saw over the last two games, wouldn't it make more sense to slide Heitmann over to Guard?

Cause Baas has never played RG is showing better performance at Center than he ever did as Guard and being the Heitmann is the clear Veteran of the unit would be able to assist both Davis and Baas better from the Guard position?

I mean if I'm Solari and I'm mostly liking what Baas has done thus far, that is the move I would make. It would help Baas make the transition and give Davis some confidence by doing that.

Your thoughts?

Welcome back. This is the MD that I know. The other guy musta been your lil bro.

~Ceadder

We're going to see in about a month what the Niners intend to do with the center and right side. I believe the left side is secure with Staley and Iupati, who was primarily (except for a few snaps) lined up against Pro-Bowler Williams.

Baas practiced heavily at right guard in 2006, when Smiley was on the roster. I believe at some point he started the year when Smiley went down. I'd have to look at his career stats.

My main criticism of Baas' career is his inability to consistently get the best angle on his man. In the end, he simply misses the target and ends up on the ground. This happened multiple times last night, and I believe this is one of the main reasons Iupati passed him at LG (blocking well on the second level).

As I stated in my review (and I replayed each down multiple times just to check), he pretty much held up his end of the deal in the first two drives (he didn't have the push of last week), but was really off-balance and ineffective in drives 3-5. I think you will see oldman9er make that breakdown in his snap by snap analysis.

Originally posted by oldninerdude:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Kilgore_Trout:

Originally posted by Allx9er:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:

Originally posted by Allx9er:
does anybody know how many years heitman has left on his contract? i know baas is on a one year deal.

Heitmann's contract runs through the next two years. He will be a free agent in 2012.

hmm...heitmann's 31-32 right, baas 25-26? and heitmann really only has a deal that's one year longer. interesting

It is obvious the team is trying to build an O-line that fits the identity Singletary wants for the team. Heitmann doesn't fit that identity, and it remains to be seen if Baas can be smash mouth or not at center. But my money is on him winning this job, for the season, because of his age and his upside. It follows the same line of thinking for why Iupati and Davis were inserted from practically the get. If Baas plays well through the preseason and in the opener and whatever remaining time Heitmann is out, there would be no reason to mess with the new and developing chemistry between the young guys.

Honestly, you don't know what you are talking about. So, please stop. When you say "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", let me ask you a couple questions:
1) Who was the unquestioned starter at center before Heitmann's injury? Uh, Heitmann. Baas wasn't even in contention for the starting job.
2) If "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", then why have the Niners bypassed drafting a center the past two years, including the 2009 Draft?
3) If "Heitmann doesn't fit that identity", then why did the Niners not pursue a center in free agency?

Heitmann was going to be the starter. This was unquestioned. The only reason Baas is getting snaps at all (he hasn't even been declared the starter for game 1 over Wragge yet), is because Heitmann is injured.

You don't know what you are talking about. Sorry, but your level of knowledge in the game is low. Watch the rest of the league, do some reading, and strip yourself of your bias against Heitmann. Until then, stop posting naive posts. They are embarrassing.

Well, this obviously needs some translation from the Intergalactic Maddog-Speak:

"Honestly, . . . " This means "Let me add the word 'honestly' to what I'm about to say, to counteract the impression that Immabout to bullsh*t you, cause that's what Immabout to do."

". . . you don't know what you're talking about." This translates: "the opinions you are expressing do not agree with my own, so I'm going to question your ethics, heritage, motives, lifestyle, religion, football knowledge, intellect, and right to exist."

"So please stop." This means: "So please stop disagreeing with me, it makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Who was the unquestioned starter at center before Heitmann's injury? Uh, Heitmann. Baas wasn't even in contention for the starter's job." This means: "I'm going to completely ignore the fact that Baas got multiple reps at center with the starters during OTAs and TC because its a fact that does not support my thesis."

". . . why have the Niners bypassed drafting a center the past two years, including the 2009 draft?" Translation: "Cody Wallace does not count as a center because he practiced and played a few snaps at guard, and besides, he was drafted by McCloughan, who's not even with the Niners anymore. Plus he was drafted in 2008, and that's so long ago (in light years) that I can barely remember it. On MY planet, there is no word for 'Cody Wallace' or anyone else who might disprove what I'm saying."

"If 'Heitmann doesn't fit that [smashmouth] identity,' then why did the Niners not pursue a center in free agency." Translation: "Imma gonna ignore the fact that there really wasn't a viable FA center available (Mawae being way too old) this year. I'm just going to ask the question, cause it seems to support my position. That's just the way I roll."

"Heitmann was going to be the starter. This was unquestioned." Translation: "It certainly was unquestioned BY ME, because I love Heitmann sooo much, and, well, you know he's just the greatest, an all. So I pretend that the coaches love him too. All that news and stuff about Baas and Wragge getting reps with the first team during OTAs, that wasn't really serious, cause that might have hurt his feelers. Next year, Ima pretend he was in the Pro Bowl. Maybe he'll send me his autographs."

"You don't know what you're talking about" "because you don't agree with me."

"Sorry, but your level of knowledge in the game is low." This means: "I'm repeating this simply for effect, cause the first time I said it, you may not have been properly and sufficiently insulted and humiliated. 'Your level of knowledge in the game is low.' Better add a quart."

". . . strip yourself of your bias against Heitmann." Translation: "Watch him play in your skivies. It's very liberating."

". . . stop posting naive posts. They are embarrassing." Translation: "Your views do not conform to those of myself and others from my planet. One of us is wrong, and it would be embarrassing if it were me, so it must be you. But stop anyway, just in case its me."

Those of us from this planet, Earth, hope this helps. Or at least amuses somewhat.

Baas is doing a good job of filling in but I don't think he's good enough to beat out Heittman. I hope I'm wrong because I'm all for whatever it takes to make the team better. If he can prove that he's a more dominant player at that position, I'm ok with that.

Originally posted by Kilgore_Trout:

Originally posted by MadDog49er:
I'm going to to play nice from now on, I promise.

OK, watched a LOT of Baas tonight to see if he could match last week's performance. Here is what I saw:
1) In the first series, he played pretty well. Seemed to work well with the interior linemen, and didn't have any glaring issues.
2) Second series, once again looked pretty good. Two plays I would grade against him, but not a bad start.
3) The wheels begin to fall off. Whiffed badly on MLB one play, double-down on DT allowing sack to come through the middle, DT splits Baas and Rachal. Counted 4 out of 6 bad plays in one stretch. Once again, had problems with DT. Pushed back on one play and Norris had to use block on his player, so Dixon was stuffed. Missed on another block down the field.
4) On final drive, the one and only play of possession, did not handle assignment well.

So, this was a mixed bag performance. Started out pretty strong, but really fell apart, especially in the second quarter. Way too many whiffs. Looking forward to a OldMan9er's weekly outstanding play by play breakdown of the OL's performance. I think he will see the same struggles. Did not grade nearly as well as last week, which was disappointing, since he primarily lined up against the Vikings' backup DT, Jimmy Kennedy, not Pro-Bowler Pat Williams.

Would like to hear someone else's feedback on what they saw in isolating his play.

Cheers.

P.S. I graded Rachal as below average for the second straight game, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if Baas slides over to RG when Heitmann returns, until Rachal raises his game. A vet next to Davis might also help Davis settle into the role more effectively.

The left side of the line is the bright spot this preseason. Iupati played really well against Williams tonight. Beat badly on one rush (Davis' bomb to Ginn), but overall played strong.

The only thing I could tell was that the line looked a lot better against Minnesota today than it did last year. I think Baas is keeping this job, I'll be surprised if I'm wrong.

Word. Hard to pinpoint, but possibly some strength or leverage issues, confidence(Baas had mass accolades as a center at Michigan), fear of failure or "chemistry", but there is a definite tangible improvement which will show up in statistics, I believe.

I think Heitmann is a solid center and takes his job back when healthy. I am glad Baas has improved his value showing he could be an adequete fill in at center when needed. My question is at what point do the Niners have to extend Baas and what is a fair value? Was Baas looking to be resigned for a mega deal or just fair market value? If he got a package similar to the one Snyder signed with a slight increase I would be in favor of extending soon. Baas is just as valuable as Snyder or Sims as a back up/fill in starter ...