JT to the Packers?

All over the blogosphere the last two days, there has been report of a possible trade between the Packers and Dolphins, likely a 1st or 2nd rounder for Jason Taylor.

Why haven't I mentioned anything? Because I don't think it's remotely happening. All the rumors have originated from one story. Basically, the Packers called up and asked. That's it. See this amusing account from FinsNation for his eerily similar take.

And speaking of FinsNation, this has nothing to do with the Dolphins, but it's sure worth seeing. Go take a look at these pictures right now!

The Old Hearing Aid Excuse

In today's Sun-Sentinel we find out that the current rift of many rifts between Duane Charles and Jason Taylor wasn't a rift at all. The problem? He didn't hear him.

No, seriously.

However, last Saturday, Taylor admitted that the widely circulated reports were accurate and that he did feel snubbed by Parcells when he made a brief appearance during a film session at team headquarters last month while on a break from his stint on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Taylor added that their encounter was not "confrontational."

"I was in the room there with a lot of people," Parcells said. "I have hearing aids. I didn't have them with me that day. I didn't see anybody walk into the room directly.

The quick and interesting read drops some more Parcells nuggets:

On running back Ricky Williams: "I've always had a high regard for the player. ... We're hoping he could recapture some of what he had because what he had was pretty special, so I'm rooting for him."

Aren't we all...

On Patriots coach Bill Belichick's Spygate episode: "I think it was overblown. If the competition is victimized by someone spying on you — if that happened — it's your fault because you could take precautions to keep that from happening if you're smart enough."

Appeasing the AFC East gatekeepers. Laud them with praise, then attack the champs. Interesting approach.

Insert pre-requisite Dancing With The Stars clip:

Dolphins News...Including JT

Contrary to popular belief, the Dolphins do have a team outside of Jason Taylor. In fact, Jason Taylor may or may not be on the team, so it's questionable whether he even counts. Before we get to the real team, however, let me share a quick bit on JT.

Bill Parcells may have a problem with Taylor, but coach Tony Sparano is adopting a much more civil approach. As FinsNation reports, Sparano seems - at least publicly - to want Jason Taylor on his squad. Not a bad idea, considering the guy's a Defensive MVP, Dolphins legend, and decent guy (yes, he is)! Major kudos to you, Tony Sparano, for actually saying the right thing.

Now as for other news, things are looking very promising for John Beck. Both FinsNation and Phinsider reported on this story...perhaps John Beck could be the answer at quarterback? If so, that would be far more integral to the Dolphins' success this year than a certain Dancing With the Stars contestant.

Josh McCown is also rumored to have played well, which is certainly a noteworthy story, but not something to get excited about. Beck is the one with a real future. I hope we never see McCown in a game unless it's garbage time.

A Little More JT

Just a little more to report for you. Sorry for those of you who have grown disenamored with this story...it's what's making headlines around the South Florida blogosphere, so I feel compelled to report it.

As you know, I've been adamant in my support of Jason Taylor over Bill Parcells. I want to share an additional opinion that I posted on Phinsider:

"What amazes me, though, is how you can just ignore the track records of the parties involved. Let’s see:

1. Jason Taylor – Always great teammate, always prepared for season, stayed loyal to a horrid team through coaching changes, poor personnel moves, and media scrutiny.

2. Bill Parcells – Reputed jerk, gets into squabbles with teammates and media constantly, doesn’t dignify people by saying their names (which is so unbelievably rude, by the way), known dictator, no-nonsense yet pervades nonsense. Bailed on teams EVERY SINGLE TIME, plays teams against each other to make more money.

Think about that before you start making assumptions. All Jason Taylor did was follow a great opportunity. The rest is Parcells being a prick."

Anyway, now that I've gotten in my two cents about fifty times, let me share a couple good JT links:

FinsNation shows that Jason Taylor has support from fellow players. As for how the situation will play out from here, Matty of Phinsider puts together an elaborate post here. There a lots of possibilities, but I still hope and maintain that we'll see Taylor in a Dolphins uniform next year.

Blogosphere Divide: JT 2, Parcells 2

As many of you know, we often refer to FinsNation, Phinsider, and PhinFever for Dolphins commentary. All have been loyal - if not perturbed - providers on the Jason Taylor-Bill Parcells feud.

Well today, it seems the battle lines have been drawn, with two on each side. Not since the fabled clash of D'Artagnan & Porthos vs. Athos & Aramis in Dumas' Twenty Years After has such division fermented among allies. Alas, such is the way of things.

Let's start with the Parcellsists. Phinsider comes out strongly against Jason Taylor. His words:

"To be honest, though, this whole entire situation just sickens me. It really does. And what I'm hoping for is for Taylor to be traded...and traded soon."

PhinFever joins in dissent:

"All of his actions, in this blogger’s opinion, have been detrimental to the team. His initial decision to be on Dancing with the Stars has caused this media maelstrom. Him missing mandatory mini-camps and eventually training camp will only add to the frenzy. The rumors that he wants to be traded, and yes he does, along with the idea that Hollywood is waiting for him, have all caused distractions for what the new front office wants to do."

And now to the Taylorists, myself included. FinsNation shows a bit of bravery as he makes his case, despite its apparent unpopularity. I give you one of the non-vulgar quotes (there are few):

"Point is: I side with JT. He's done nothing wrong. Parcells could and should have defused the situation from the beginning and handled it quietly and responsibly. Now, I understand that most of you disagree with my stance. That's cool. Disagreements are a part of what makes sports fun, and debates are a healthy way to hash out differences of opinion."

Well FinsNation, you have some company here at The South Florida Fan. What does Jason Taylor owe this franchise; the same franchise that treated him like garbage this entire offseason; the same franchise that gave him horrible coaches and horrendous draft picks for teammates; the same franchise that leaves him at the twilight of his career with nothing close to a ring. My god, what a terrible person!

How dare he want to play for a winning team??? How dare he seize an elusive opportunity to boost a post-NFL career by going on Dancing With the Stars and milking it for all its worth? All this, while Bill Parcells acted like a total jackass. JT, you have our full support. Now come back and play for us!

Jason Taylor Update (Snore)

This Jason Taylor story is just getting old...and yet, we still don't have any new information. Taylor says one thing, the team says another, the media says A WHOLE LOT MORE than either side in the form of nonsensical speculation and senseless argument. Yep, that just about sums it up.

For once, FinsNation provides a refreshing take on the situation:

"Hold on. Before I type another sentence, I have to consult my Magic 8-Ball about something….

Waiting.....waiting..... yup, this story is still annoying."

Agreed. Agreed.

(Now weren't we just guilty of everything we blamed the media for? Crap!)

Cote's Rendition of 'The 4 Questions'

Greg Cote hosted his usual Monday chat, albeit on Tuesday (postponed a day for Memorial Day). As always, he was gracious with our questions. There's no better source on the state of Miami sports, so he's a great person to ask. Today's questions:

1. Q: Have your media counterparts in other cities started to take more notice of the Marlins? Are they finally getting some respect?

A: Yes, gradually, by degrees. Heard Boog Schiambi on the broadcast just yesterday touting Dan Uggla as an NL MVP candidate at this point. Acceptance coming hard, though. Lots of national folk still expect the starting pitching to wither.

Boog Schiambi isn't really an encouraging source, considering his previous history with the Marlins. A strong road trip against NL East rivals would make an impression, I'm sure.

2. Q: Are the Marlins Willie Randolph's worst nightmare? First they knock the Mets out of the playoffs last year, now they could knock him out of his job.

A: Yeah the "Fire Willie" signs have begun to sprout at Shea. Should his supporters counter with "Free Willie" signs?

As stated earlier, I think Randolph is getting too much of the blame. Then again, a new voice might be essential now.

3. Q: Do you see Elton Brand as a member of the 2008-09 Heat? What about Ron Artest?

A: I know Pat Riley has liked Elton Brand's game for years. Ron Artest would be a great signing despite the baggage.

Cote and I wholeheartedly agree. I'd love to see these guys in a Heat uniform next year.

4. Q: Would you rather be stuck on a deserted island with Jason Taylor or Bill Parcells?

A: Oddly enough, probably Parcells. Because I'd rather talk football than dancing. (Time for one more question. Who wins the nonexistent prize!?)

I completely disagree here. First of all, I'd imagine Bill Parcells would eat the bulk of the available food resources. He'd also be pretty useless in terms of hunting and fishing. His grumpy demeanor couldn't be too good for morale either.

And hey...Jason Taylor could teach me how to dance!

Prediction: Jason Taylor Stays

These superstar-management tiffs have a way of working out, especially when there are significant obstacles in the way of a trade. Here are two examples:

1. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers - He demanded a trade all summer, but his no-trade clause and incomparable value forced both sides to coexist.

2. Manny Ramirez and the Red Sox - Manny demands a trade every year, and the Red Sox find a way to placate him by pretending to look around. Never happens, obviously.

Trades are difficult to pull off in the NFL. There are salary cap problems on both sides, the Draft already happened, and JT isn't enhancing his value by plugging his acting career.

Phinsider tells us the rumored teams thus far: San Diego and Washington. Neither seem particularly interested beyond a low-level draft pick.

In my view, the Dolphins and Jason Taylor will reconcile their differences and play out a juicy soap opera. When will Bill Parcells learn that his antagonistic style only exacerbates the situation? He should just shut up and say, "Jason will be on the team come August." Period.

Jason Taylor Remix

So it still seems apparent Jason Taylor is on his way out the door. I've been spirited in my defense of Taylor, while The South Florida Fan as a whole seems to have taken different sides.

It's good to know I have some company from other blogs. FinsNation comes out in support of JT. I still maintain that Taylor isn't much at fault, and the blame should be directed at Bill Parcells.

If Taylor is to be traded, where are his potential destinations? Phinsider makes a strong case for San Diego, throwing out an appetizing idea of a swap for Vincent Jackson + pick. That would be an interesting WR reversal, considering the Dolphins shipped Chris Chambers there last year.

What it really comes down to, though, is which NFL team is close enough to take a gamble. Look at how successful the Giants' defensive line was in the Super Bowl last year. Somewhere out there, a GM is going to cave and offer an earlier pick.

Jason Taylor Era Over?

And the seasons, they go round and round. And the painted ponies go up and down...

Oh wait, that's James Taylor.

Unfortunately, the carousel of time may have reached the end for Jason Taylor and the Dolphins. It's a sad conclusion to a prosperous saga, which never lacked flair, excitement, or sacks for that matter.

An unsympathetic Phinsider says "this is getting very ugly" and puts Taylor with the likes of Nick Saban. I think that's ridiculous, considering the Dolphins did nothing to help Taylor all these years and Bill Parcells has been a total prick. I'm 80% with Taylor on this one.

FinsNation signifies the writing on the wall, entitling his piece: "JT's Days with the Fins are Done." How's he taking it?

"I just dialed up 976-SHRINK and the guy with the Jamaican accent who answered the phone told me that the most reasonable reaction to this news is pure unbridled anger. So just go with that."

That's FinsNation therapy for you. Then again, this sucks. I feel the unbridled anger coming already.

Maybe there's room for one last dance, last chance...for love? Come back Jason!

Greg Cote Answers 7 Questions

We at The South Florida Fan (TSFF) are indebted to Greg Cote for being so gracious with our questions. He answered seven of them in his chat today. I give them to you below, with an additional comment from us beneath:

1. Q: With the Hanley Ramirez signing, the Marlins' record, and the poor play from other South Florida teams, do you plan on giving the Marlins some more spirited coverage? They could really use your help!

A: Yeah I've written columns off a handful of games already, most of the spirited variety. Fish have until mid-July (Dolph training camp) to themselves in the market and must take advantage. But the starting pitching is starting to be the concern everyone thought it might be.

Comment: Cote and the Herald have started to jump on board. The Fish need to stay in contention through July to garner perpetual interest.

2. Q: What are your thoughts on the Heat's chances in the lottery tomorrow night? Is the organization doing anything superstitious?

A: No, no rabbit's feet. However Dwyane Wade's feet will be at the lottery. Dwyane just bought his mother a church; maybe he can bribe somebody. As it is the Heat has a 46.5% shot at the 1st or 2nd pick. It's a really bad system that needs reworking. I'll say that now so it doesn't look like I'm whining when the awful Heat get the fourth pick and a much better teams lands Derrick Rose.

Comment: Glad Dwyane Wade will be there. 46.5% for the top 2 picks really isn't all that good, so we should hold off on the Rose vs. Beasley comparisons.

3. Q: Do you support instant replay in baseball, and do you think it will be approved any time soon? Thanks!

A: I don't support instant replay for calls like balls and strikes, but would like to see it for plays such as whether a home run was fair or foul.

Comment: Agreed, except I'd also like plays at the bases to be reviewed.

4. Q: Who makes it bigger in Hollywood: Jason Taylor or Dwyane Wade?

A: Damn good question, which is another way of saying I have no answer. Like both of their futures outside of their sport, but if I had to buystock in one guy's non-sports stardom it might be Wade. His greater appeal to the hip-hop crowd opens a few doors JT might not have. Close call, though.

Comment: Cote has always been fascinated by Hollywood potential. I think Wade has the higher ceiling, but he'll need to regain his top form and stay healthy.

5. Q: Between the Marlins, Heat, Panthers, and Dolphins, who are the five most standup guys? Are they also your favorites?

A: Marlins, Fredi Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Matt Treanor. Panthers, Olli Jokinen. Heat, Wade, Zo, Udonis. Dolphins, Taylor, Channing Crowder, with good early vibes from Tony Sparano. Will miss Zach Thomas. Yes the standup guys tend to be my favorites. The guys who don't duck when things are going wrong.

Comment: Excellent, thorough answer from Cote. Channing Crowder is a surprising inclusion (especially after his infamous "London" comments), but he is a Gator after all. Nice to see Tony Sparano getting some early love from the Miami media.

6. Q: Do you sometimes find yourself rooting against Lebron because he steals so much of Wade's attention (even when Wade won Finals MVP)? I couldn't help myself in the Celtics-Cavs series.

A: No, not really. That's cyclical. In June '06 it looked like Wade had overtaken LeBron. There's enough room for both, just as there was enough for Magic and Bird.

Comment: Apparently that's just me.

7. Q: With Le Batard on sabbatical, do you see yourself stepping in like a backup QB? You could be Steve Young to his Joe Montana...the Herald could have some tough choices.

A: I prefer to think of myself as Lou Gehrig stepping for Wally Pipp. Actually I've written more columns than Dan the past couple of years or so as he's cut back, so taking over this chat every Monday is probably the biggest change for me.

Comment: Any Lou Gehrig (of Columbia fame) reference gets major points at The South Florida Fan.

Thank you to all who participated, and special thanks to Greg Cote for accepting so many questions.

Live Chat with Cote: 1-2PM

Just a notice to all of you that Greg Cote will be holding one of his live chats from 1-2 HERE at the Miami Herald.

It would be great to get a strong The South Florida Fan (TSFF) presence, especially since Cote has always been good about answering our questions. Fans and writers alike, go take a look. Topics should include Hanley Ramirez's contract, the Marlins' legitimacy, and the Jason Taylor saga. See you there!

Phin-Mates the New Bengals?

We've had a lot of positive coverage of the Parcells-era Dolphins lately. You all know I've even been a bit ridiculous, projecting playoff possibilities. As Jason Taylor keeps improving on Dancing With the Stars, so are the Dolphins in their offseason standing.

I regret to inform you, then, that there's a disturbing trend developing among Dolphins players: arrests. Phinfever tells us that the Dolphins now have four arrests this year, thanks to some misbehavior from CB Will Allen. PhinFever's thoughts:

"Even though I am one of the biggest supporters of "innocent until proven guilty" at Phinfever, this is starting to get irritating. It's only May and we already have four arrests on our record for the 2008 season."

Keep in mind that the modern-day record was set by the 2006 Bengals, who managed double digits in arrests. At four, the Dolphins aren't far behind. Right now, Ricky Williams is looking like the most upstanding citizen on the squad.

FinsNation IS Cultured After All

In our Jason Taylor post yesterday, we insinuated that we were the only blog in South Florida with an appreciation for Jason Taylor's dancing skills.

Well, it seems we need to print a retraction. FinsNation actually holds great admiration for Jason Taylor's dancing skills, but just finds the show Dancing With the Stars dreadfully boring. That's a big difference.

So FinsNation, we apologize for misinterpreting your taste in shows for your taste in culture. We hope you'll forgive us for our transgression.

Jason Taylor Dances, Blogosphere Cries Foul

The South Florida Fan just might be the only blog out there that admires Jason Taylor for his dancing prowess. There's something unsettling about ballroom dancing and football, apparently, and our fellow bloggers feel the need to puff their masculinity. Not so here at The South Florida Fan, where we're man enough to admit the virtues of dance.

PhinFever provides video of Dancing with the Stars, while making sure to say "You all know that I really am not into JT's Dancing With The Stars stint."

FinsNation had this to say in his piece: "Jason Taylor has made the final round of Dancing With the Stars. I know this because I can read. No so much because I watched last night's show. Because I didn't."

And Phinsider entitles his piece "The story that won't go away...because Jason Taylor will not let it."

Call us cultured wimps if you want, but our sensitivity will pay dividends on the dance floor...take us at our word.

Dolphins Salary Cap

I hate to break away from baseball talk, being that the Marlins currently own the best record in the league (it never gets old saying it).

It would be my duty, however, to send you over to PhinFever's new salary cap page, which illustrates the Dolphins' salary cap situation as lucidly as any place I've seen. A few notes:

Joey Porter is the proud owner of the biggest "Total Cap Hit" at $14,800,000. The fact that Porter dwarfs Jason Taylor (second on that list at $9,173,500) is evidence of how poorly managed the 'Fins were in the pre-Parcells era. Thankfully, those days are now over (we think).

Also of note: The Dolphins are absorbing $4,200,000 in dead weight from Daunte Culpepper...ouch. The total cap space remaining is $14,857,667, which should be put to good use as the Dolphins build a formidable squad.

Jason Taylor Has Quite a Life

We've had a number of debates at The South Florida Fan about the Jason Taylor-Bill Parcells feud. I've come out on Jason Taylor's side, while Stanley C. and company have taken the opposing stance/straddled the fence.

For those still interested, I strongly encourage you to peruse Dan le Batard's piece on Jason Taylor's rise to stardom. A little passage:

"The other day, Taylor rushed late to a lunch with Denzel Washington. Taylor's Dancing With the Stars partner kept texting him during that two-hour meal to remind Taylor he was late for rehearsal. So Taylor told Washington that, sorry, he couldn't go over to a nearby hotel to meet a waiting friend of Washington's who also wanted an audience with Taylor. That friend was Al Pacino."

Let's just say Bill Parcells isn't too high on Taylor's list of priorities, and why should he be? Right now, Taylor can dance pirouettes around him.

Jason Taylor Needs to Wake Up

Jason Taylor needs to wake up. As earlier posted on TSFFB here , there is an apparent feud brewing between JT and Bill Parcells. The Tuna is upset over Jason Taylor missing out on the voluntary offseason workouts that are going on.

Let's look at things from Bill's side. You are Bill Parcells. Your team had the worst record in the NFL last season. You are the new "executive vice-president of football operations" of said team. You have a new coach, Tony Sparano, who has never been a head coach before at this level. Sparano was hired because of his widely recognized ability to get along with players and develop young talent. You don't have to be the players' friend, because you aren't their coach. You aren't their sitter. You are there to build a team up from the bottom of the NFL barrel. You have been shopping your aging captain, Jason Taylor, hoping to get more young talent in return. Unfortunately, you received little to no attention from other teams. Then, said captain leaves your young team for a reality dancing show on network TV during an offseason that his leadership is needed more than ever before. There are no other leaders, no other faces to look up to. One day, said captain "pops in" for a visit to say hi to teammates, and decides to come in to your office while you are studying tape. Would you welcome him with open arms?

Now clearly, from a human relations standpoint, Bill Parcells has a lot to learn. Could he have handled it better? Of course. But does he have a right to be peeved? I certainly think so. Emmit Smith and Jerry Rice had great careers on "Dancing With the Stars," but they were retired. Jason Taylor is the face of the Dolphins, the leader of a 1-15 team trying to take a good draft class and prepare them for a long season. He can't dance around his responsibilities.

Bill Parcells Needs to Grow Up

Those who have faithfully read our blog would know we've been highly supportive of Bill Parcells, especially in regard to the draft. He's a veritable sage when it comes to evaluating personnel, and his steady hand is just what the Dolphins need to right their ship (which had fallen somewhere near the place Captain Jack Sparrow found himself in the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie).

With those praises out of the way, it's time for a little criticism. What was it that made Parcells ineffective as coach of the Cowboys? His people skills, namely when applied to outspoken superstars like "the player" (that's T.O. if you didn't recall).

The childlike antics seem to have surfaced again, this time with Jason Taylor. There's no excuse for this:

"Two weeks ago, Taylor took a break from his dancing gig and visited the Dolphins. He visited with teammates in the locker room and, after a warm reception, decided to call on Parcells.
Taylor walked into a room where Parcells was watching tape, and Parcells ignored him. He looked at Taylor and went back to his work without saying a word.
That incensed Taylor."

In cases like these, Bill Parcells needs to rediscover that thing called puberty, which supposedly raises the mind to a more adult form.

More Jason Taylor rumors

XM radio and FinHeaven have reports that a deal between the Fins and Bucs is a done deal. Apparently Tampa Bay is giving Miami the 2nd and 4th from this year, and next year's 6th (probably a conditional).

Just a rumor, but it would be nice to get that much for him.

EDIT: Another rumor is that Lorenzo Booker was traded to Philly for a 4th round pick.

The JT trade I wouldn't mind. The LoBo trade would, quite frankly, tick me off.

EDIT 2: Both trades have been confirmed in some respect. SIRIUS radio is confirming the JT trade, and NFL Network is confirming the LoBo trade.