Chargers cut David Binn

In most NFL teams, the snapper is simply a part of the special teams. You know of his name when he made a major mistake, but for the San Diego Chargers, David Binn was a well known part of the San Diego organization. For nearly two decades, Binn personified San Diego's special teams.

That’s why there are many sad fans in San Diego after the Chargers cut him. He is, by far, the biggest name in the AFC West to be cut this week. He played in San Diego for a team-record 17 seasons and a team-record 179 consecutive games, 256 games overall. He is the only player remaining from the 1994 AFC Champions that went the Super Bowl, the only time San Diego played in the Super Bowl.

He will come down as one of the most remembered San Diego players of all time.

The Chargers have decided to go with Mike Windt at long snapper. In the end, youth and the fact that Windt has two more years on his contract swayed the Chargers. Binn, 39, was entering his contract's final year.

We will all miss you David Binn. Good luck and thanks for the memories....

Adams, Ludwick...traded

The Padres sent Mike Adams to Texas for a couple of minor-league starting pitchers, 20-year-old left-hander Robbie Erlin and 21-year-old right-hander Joe Wieland, both of whom were at Double-A Frisco.
Erlin was considered a B prospect and Wieland a C-plus prospect before the season. Some people in baseball says of the deal that “the Padres just added two major league quality pitchers to the mix.”

Both prospects have seen their stock rise in the eyes of some evaluators. This may or may not mean anything, but it’s worth noting that people who are paid to pay attention to such things like what they see.

As for Adams, it’s really tough to see him go. The Padres got him for almost nothing and helped turn him into one of baseball’s elite relievers. But I can see why the Padres traded him, as dominant as Mike Adams has been over the past few years, I can't really see how critical it is to protect an eighth-inning lead when the team is over 14 games back. It is clear that the Padres have given up on the season and thing of the future.

In the day’s other trade, San Diego sent outfielder Ryan Ludwick to the Pirates for a player to be named later or cash considerations. This, I think, was a good move. Trading Ludwick clears a spot for some of the young players to get at-bats.

It also clears salary. Between the two players, the Padres save a little more than $3 million, which could prove useful over the next couple of weeks as they try to sign all of their draft picks by the August 15 deadline.

The Padres didn’t give up much to get Ludwick from St. Louis at this time last year, he didn’t do much while he was here (659 PA, .228/.301/.358, 87 OPS+) and he didn’t fetch much on his way out of town.

Ludwick’s departure, whatever or whomever else it might bring, paves the way for any number of young outfielders to get a shot at left field. Kyle Blanks, Aaron Cunningham, James Darnell, and Blake Tekotte all appear to be worthy candidates. Cunningham is expected to replace Ludwick on the roster, with 24-year-old right-hander Robert Hamren being recalled from Double-A San Antonio to take Adams’ spot.

Eric Weddle will stay a Charger

Safety Eric Weddle signed a record deal to stay with the San Diego Chargers. Weddle was San Diego's top free-agent priority and he will receive $40 million over the next five years. Weddle will receive $19 million in guaranteed money. It’s the highest contract ever given to a safety.

It's great to know that Eric Weddle will be back with the Chargers because he is a very good player, but I think they may have overpaid for him. That's just me....what do you think?

Chargers makes some cuts....

The San Diego Union Tribune reported the Chargers cut linebacker Jyles Tucker and receiver Buster Davis and that linebacker Antwan Applewhite will soon join Tucker on the outside. Tucker was given a contract extension three years ago and the Chargers thought he would become a premier pass rusher. But he couldn’t stay healthy. That’s also been the case with Davis, a former first-round pick. It’s been expected that he will be cut. The moves will be made official Thursday.

Busy first day for the Chargers

Source: AP

The Chargers agreed to terms with former San Francisco inside linebacker Takeo Spikes on Tuesday. He reunites with former San Francisco defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, who is now San Diego’s defensive coordinator.

Spikes highlights a busy first day for the Chargers, who clearly are bent on returning to the playoffs after they saw their four-year AFC West championship run end in 2010. In addition to agreeing to terms with Spikes, the Chargers agreed to bring back right tackle Jeromey Clary (four years, $20 million) and tight end Randy McMichael (for one year). They also agreed to terms with free-agent safety Bob Sanders prior to the lockout. 

Spikes, 34, gives San Diego some clarity at inside linebacker. He is a 14-year veteran with 109 tackles for the 49ers last season. Spikes, known for his strikingly large neck, will give the Chargers a needed nasty demeanor. The Chargers were pushed around some on defense the past couple of seasons. Spikes and healthy Sanders should change that. 

Next, the Chargers need to lock up safety Eric Weddle and the free agency will be a strong one. Weddle will get plenty of interest elsewhere, though, but the Chargers need to make him a priority.