Which just proves that there is a leak in the coaching staff and the head guys probably are wise not to inform them of everything, although that's not an ideal way to operate either.

Hello Matt,

Please update on Jay Cutler situation. The 49ers better be calling Denver to see what it takes to get Mr. Cutler.

Just give Denver our 1st and 3rd round picks of this year draft and throw in Many Lawson while you at it.

Just get Jay Cutler already!!! Don't sit own your butt Scott (the so-called GM)

Those who have worked in large organizations will recognize that the kind of problem alleged by Trotter can become cancerous if not dealt with properly. The next person up the ladder (in this case young York) has to step in and see that communications (or at least the perception thereof) are improved. Otherwise, the underlings continue to grumble and ultimately react in different ways, none good --- undermining the people above them, bailing ship, etc.

The question is whether young Jed York with his Ivy League degree(s) and brief stint on Wall Street (or wherever it was) is capable of dealing with this kind of complex human relations issue.

Not surprised the front office has been a joke since they got rid of Eddie.

Remeber Mike and his staff keep hinting for a new QB to join the fray. It was McClueless that wanted Smith back. It wouldn't surprise me if that started the mess.

Actually, Jed York attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame which isn't an "Ivy League" school. It may carry a similar degree of quality and excellence but it is not "Ivy League", just as Stanford isn't "Ivy League", even though an "Ivy League" school (Harvard/Yale/Brown/Columbia/etc) and Stanford/ND are comparable in quality and academic toughness.

Just FYI.

No way in hell do I want to give up Manny Lawson! What the hell? He has shown flashes of ability, but just needs more playing time. Lawson should come back to full strength this season after recovering from his injury. Manny Lawson will prove his worth in 2009. I HAVE NO DOUBT!

What is Trotter's vendetta against the Niners? Did he get spurned for an interview or something?

I can't believe that Singletary and McCloughan would have signed a second-tier WR without consultation from the position coaches and even if they did, so what. It's the coaches job to coach the players and GM's job to get players.

To Jerry, Jed went to Notre Dame, and while a fine educational institution, not Ivy League.

FightinIri says, "Actually, Jed York attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame which isn't an "Ivy League" school".

Thanks for the reminder, but that doesn't change my basic point.

BTW, belated Happy ST. Pat's Day.

I totally agree. People say he can't rush the qb but I think thats complete nonsense. In passing situations he's typically covering the TE or being pulled from the field and on run defense plays you typically dont go after the qb. How's he supposed to show he can rush the passer when he isnt being used for that? He showed in college he could get to the qb, anyone remember when Mario Williams was drafted all the pundits talking about how you always saw Manny causing problems that made it easier for Mario? The guys a speed rusher, let him speed rush.

I don't get where Trotter is getting that! I plainly remember everyone talking about how Mcloughan would always talk to the OC and DC about guys that they like or what they thought about guys and how they would fit in!

Let's face it! The dude got some wrong info or is making it up!

Besides I don't expect my boss's boss to come to me and make sure I'm ok with every little move!

"since they got rid of eddie"

Like the dude had a choice...He was kinda forced by Big Brother!!

Matt,

Does this latest report, in conjunction with the Kurt Warner mess, and some other recent moves, make the 49ers look like a team in disarray to the rest of the league? I looks that way from here, but I am curious as to what you hear from other league people. Thanks for the great reporting.

If Jerry Sullivan griped over Brandon Jones, who really cares? Jerry has fallen way short of his hype (e.g., credit for Boldin, Boston). Lelie? D-Jax? B.Johnson? Br.Williams? A.Bryant? Maxwell? Marshall? Gilmore? Jacobs? McAddley? He's done little, so let his feathers get ruffled. Let's hope he adds something to Josh Morgan and Jason Hill.

Trotter's writings should be taken with a grain of salt...make that several. Down here in San Diego, Trotter is best remembered for wearing a Niners sweatshirt to a Chargers practice - ticking off Jim Harbaugh in the process - and then writing about it, conveniently leaving out the fact that he was the culprit.

As for experience in dealing with HR issues in the NFL...Jed has about as much experience at that as his uncle did in 1977. At least Jed doesn't have to deal with Joe Thomas.

Hey Matt,
I just wanted to say thanks! Thanks for keeping all of us fans updated with all of the great information. I'm sure you may laugh at many of the things posted here. But all I wanted to do was drop in and say THANKS! I check this blog daily.

Let's not be myopic and maintain a sense of reality and perspective. I don't know the reason for Trotter's often expressed negative opinion about the 49ers but the frequency of it certainly calls into question his objectivity. As far as the working relationships go, I would expect that Matt M, Matt B. and their fellow Bay Area colleagues would be far closer, and better able, to identify and report quicker on any real material rift between the front office, HC and staff. And, really, I certainly think the Broncos, Browns, Jets, Cowboys and Cardinals front offices/coaches/players facially look to be far less united than the 49ers right now. More importantly, does anybody here really think that Bill Walsh spent a lot to time making sure he cleared and obtained approval from his assistants for all his moves before he undertook them? Does anyone think that Parcells, Bellichek, Shanahan, Holmgren, Shottenheimer, Cowher or any of the other name coaches that bloggers pine for here really care about what all their assistants think of their decisions? Hell, a significant majority of them prohibit assistants from even speaking with the press. Ultimately, McLoughan, Singletary and everyone associated with the organization will be evaluated by their collective success going forward and if the present proves anything it is that the time allowed for improvment is not usually very long. Don't fall for the national reporter hype generated because Trotter and others need something to beat their gums and pens about to justify a pay check between now and the start of the season.

Well said Drew.

Commentary on Marvel: *Marvel Smith, OT: If his back trouble subsides, he’s on the fringe of the league’s top 10 tackles. If it doesn’t, his career may be in jeopardy

From the top 100 Free agents list:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AqVhuhUZ3YeTDvPmNMhvaRE5nYcB?slug=ys-freeagenttracker022509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

49er fans should not get upset at Trotter. 49er fans should objectively look at the dysfunctional pile of crap that is the 49ers organizational structure. Jed the boy-king, McSpineless, and the reverend Mike are considered a joke around the NFL. Just look at this off-season so far, where is the rhyme or reason? Top dollar for a 3rd string WR, Vick yes/no, Warner LOL, monthlong OC fiasco, please root for the team, but do not delude yourselves into thinking that the three clowns plus Marathe have the answers.

We paid top dollar for Brandon Jones? No, no we did not.

It's the off-season and we're past the initial wave of FA. Reporters need something to report. Either it's true and some feathers were ruffled over a lack of communication or the reporter found an easy target and fabricated a story. Unfortunatley, the 9ers are ripe for this kind of reporting. The organization has been incompetent on and off the field for over 5 years. When/If the team wins, Singletary and McC will be lauded as great leaders who bypassed the naysayers and signed the right players. No matter what, this story is a mole hill.

I forgot who said it, but someone said that it is the GM's job to go out and get talent and the coaches' job to get the most out of the talent.

I understand that the assistant coaches perhaps want a bit of input, but ultimately it's not their job. The only person McCloughin should listen to is SIngletary. There is a chain of command and the GM can't spend his time running every little personnel decision by every position coach. The team should have a philosophy about talent that everyone agrees with and if a player comes up, Scot should ask Parag and Sing for input, then pull the trigger. Really, that's only a courtesy. The GM only answers to the owner.

5 yrs for 16 million isn't top dollar smart guy. It's actually a bargain if this guy can bring his speed and toughness to the field. it wasn't Houshmandzadeh, but it was a solid signing.

What does Jim Trotter know, he recently blasted the 49ers organization for going after Warner. I don't see how any self respecting 49er player or peronnel would want to talk to the guy.

If you notice on that list, no sign of Brandon Jones or Demetrik Evans.

You've brought the value of this blog down with this post. You've taken up space in which you shouldn't be given. The comment is off base, lacking facts, and is basic drivel. Sometimes I think the Raider fans get bored and come on here with nonsense.

I was liking your post Jon in SoCal until you mentioned Parag ........ No one in the FO should be asking Parag Marathe for his input on anything regarding football, he's a joke. Hey, go ask Ralph Barbieri what he thinks of Parag

With no offense to Matt, as a general rule I would trust the national press more than I would the local writers. The locals are more likely to be biased much like the fans themselves, and they are dependent upon the team for access ... that is their lifeblood. Not to mention a spot at the press club buffet. As for the integrity of the article in question, I could completely understand the coaches complaints. They are judged by the performance of their unit and should have some input about players. What I don't understand is why the 49ers would feel a need for that level of secrecy to protect their selections ... I don't think there was a lot of competition for the players they have signed.

If I may, I'd like to co-sign w/ you on this one D, well put.

Let's see what what the finished product is. This Trotter guy's report is booty. Sing appears to be pretty inclusive from what I've seen so far. For example, he had his coaches provide their opinions during the OC search.

Coach Sing is suppose to be with Ralph & Tom tomorrow afternoon 4:30pm

Sorry,
Coach Sing is supposed to on the Ralph & Tom show on FRIDAY not tomorrow.

Trotter's leak is obviously Jerry Sullivan. The link between these two would be Chargers, where Sullivan coached from 92-96, and where Trotter was a beat writerfor several seasons, including the year the Chargers were shilacked by the 49ers in 1995. It might be too late to find a replacement for Sullivan at this point, but I'd be surprised if he isn't out of here after the upcoming season. I guess the only question is can the Yorks connect the dots?

I hope Ralph will shut up long enough to let Sing get a few words in ! They get 5 or maybe 10 minutes with someone like Sing or Scotty or Jed etc and Ralph won't shut up and let them talk and inform us. Ralph askes a 2 minute long question and lets the guest talk for 10 seconds before he interups . Barbieri,what a blowhard know nothing !!! (If you have ever heard the line Ralph uses to end every show you will understand... Angels fly because they are trying to get away from Ralph ,lol, ).

What that so called commentator Trotter said on a tv show is a complete non story. Who cares what that Niners hater made up in his imagination so he could get on tv? He seems to be one of those "journalists" that fabricate stories or quote people out of context (on purpose) just to try to make some sort of splash.
Nothing to see here,move along ...

Totally agree about Ralph. He interrupts Matt M everytime they have him on. He dwells on things way too long, and he isn't even knowledgeable about the 49ers and their players, depth chart, etc. He is rude to the guest. It's crazy and frustrating to listen to.

I only mention Parag for numbers things. He should ask him about cap implications and budgeting. I wouldn't ask him a football question. Parag is the main negotiating guy. He should be consulted about the biz side.

If Jerry Sullivan griped over Brandon Jones, who really cares?


That's my guess, as well. The leak is likely to be an older coach who's got a sense of himself, his own constituency if you will. If he is in fact openly bitching about Brandon Jones, maybe it's time for a coaching change. Singletary doesn't need this carp.

For the people that are tired of Ralph...thee's something on a radio that you can change the station or just do not listen to that liberal guy...

I'm aware of how to change the station. My comments are directly related to his interviewing technique. I'll suffer through the interview to hear the information the guest provides, my complaint is that the interview could me more. I generally like their show though.

I would lean towards agreeing with you, Jerry Sullivan hasen't done anything for the WR potential that's come through this team. Maybe we picked them wrong, but after their drafts no one was saying Brandon Williams was a bad pick. If Hill and Morgan don't pan out then what the hell is he doing on the team. You don't want to direspect the assistants, but who said they had any personnel power?

Love your blog pic, guy. I knew Suzy Creamcheese for awhile in Cotati during the 70's. Definitely a spacey babe. First time I got stoned, Zappa was playing on the stereo. Got totally lost somewhere in the It Can't Happen Here segment. Changed my life. Some say not for the better. The rest just smile and nod.

Stampede,

In my view, you are one of the most reasoned, balanced and insightful commenters, so I am very happy and pleased that you would want to "co-sign." Cheers.

In other news, Kurt Warner had a 'scope done today to repair a torn labrum in his hip.

i wonder if they've run some more mature draft-day scenarios and feel the O-tackles expected to be available at #10 (or otherwise) aren't quite right. Therefore, maybe they are looking to add a little insurance to get some more draft-day flexibility. Trading-down?

Anyone wanting to get some outside perspective on us going after Cutler, go to ESPN.com and listen to Bill Simmon's BS Report from 3/17 with Mike Lombardi. Two guys who have the intelligence to know the Niners should do whatever it takes to get Cutler.

Right on D, allow me to return those same sentiments to you brotha. *digital fist bump*

Gents -
We should never take anything an East Coast SI sports scribe seriously. Trotter is one of those guys trying to find a niche is the ever more crowded sports scribe profession. They come and go at SI like there is no tomorrow and there won't be for a guy like Trotter.
Everything Coach Sing does is the opposite of what this guy has said. It make good banter tho don't it!?!?

And aptly named.

Sounds like Maybin had an impressive workout today. MM mentioned the 49ers maybe liking him or Brown better than Orakapo. Maybin's before and after picks are pretty impressive and that is a fast time for a pash rusher at 252 pounds. I still think he seems a lot like a Manny Lawsome/Julian Peterson type and a bigger/stronger Orakapo/suggs type is what we need:

http://blog.pennlive.com/bobflounders/2009/03/maybin_significantly_lowers_40.html

He gained 25 lbs and dropped a lot of time from the combine. He's a redshirt sophomore that came out way early. I agree with you, except I don't think he sounds like Lawson. He sounds like Mike Mamula.

Let's get over Cutler. I would rather burn draft picks to move up to get Aaron Curry than trade for Cutler.

That's Coach SIngletary you disrespectful wanker.

Cutler? You think they will trde him or cut him?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBj5ULGVDJA

TOP CAT, I could not agree with you more, Ralph is an opinionated jerk that acts like he believes he is the smartest man in radio broadcasting history.

I would dislike him less if he wasn't so intent on sharing his Liberal views AS THE ONLY rational viewpoint.

Come on KNBR, IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE SPORTS TALK, NOT Political or Christian VIEWPOINT BASHING. I have NEVER listened to sports talk so that I could hear someone express their moral or anti moral viewpoints. I don't care what ANY persons political leanings are, that's for each to decide.

I was so relieved when KNBR stopped airing Rush Limbaugh, and I will be just as relieved when Ralph is gone too.

I only can tolerate listening because of Tom Tolbert. If Ralph retired, I don't think I could recall a fond memory of one of his broadcasts. Even if you paid me $10,000.00 I doubt I could fake it. I am only sorry that I really had no other Sports talk options than that show.

In the grand scheme of things the signing of Jones is about as relevant as Johnson being a Lion.They are jags.We need a receiver who warrants double coverage to open lanes for Gore.Morgan and Hill might have that upside,Percy Harvin would demand double coverage from the get-go.We haven.'t had anyone nearly as explosive since Owens.

What's with all the Ralph bashing? GO SHARKS

"Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter reported this morning on ESPN's "First Take" that a schism is developing between the coaching staff and the front office."

That's going to be a funny soap opera all season long.

From somewhat of an outsider, I am telling you Ralph B is the WORST sports radio personality I've ever heard. I listen online occasionally and try to catch the interviews. The guy thinks his opinion outweighs any of his guests and he never lets anyone get a word in during an interview. I can't believe the station allows a guy like him on the air. I've pretty much stopped listening because I don't get anything out of the interviews.

I think his interviews with nelly are pretty interesting. love the "You dumb bastard" sound byte, almost as good as damon's "pound it, pound it" byte.

The best thing about Ralph Barbieri was "FREE ALEX!" And it was so true. When they let him loose he could actually play.

Tom Tolbert is awesome, fellow U of A alumn. Cats out in first round, mark it. :D

This whole assistant not happy flap is stupid. Watch for fans blowing it out of proportion.

I agree with most of the comments about Ralph. He is an over opinionated jerk (tho that is his job), who does not let other people speak, one who comes to the brink of straight insulting people during interviews. His voice is awful, that hissy lisp makes me wonder how he really got the job in the first place. The only reason I listen is becuase of Tom. I can say about Ralph is that sometimes his comments will make me think "Huh, that is a good point." Where I could never say that is the case with Gary who fills the air with garbage, he simply doesn't seem capable of filling 3 hours with sports raido so he goes off on tangents about crappy music, or the size of his wallet, or how he has such "Great Knowledge."

Ralph Barbieri's sissy lisp with the obnoxious liberal viewpoint is San Francisco chic. It wouldn't be acceptable anywhere else in the country. Tom Tolbert is awesome. However, Ralph isn't going anywhere and has a job as long as he wants it.

we need to draft Wake Forest safety Chip Vaughn -

Only with Juice can you put on 25 lbs of muscle in two months. Those pictures are INSANE. Stay away from him.

Maybe he gained the 25 that Andre Smith lost. Whatever he's on, he should mail it to Smith. Hopefully that'll get rid of the moobs

Chip Vaughn is a great player. But he is in the mold of a run support/hitter. He makes big plays, but mostly at the LOS. If we draft him, we'll need to start getting rid of some of our SS. He is exactly like M.Lewis.

We need a playmaking FS who breaks on the ball and gets INTS/big hits. Goldson is supposed to be that guy now. We can't keep multiple safties on the team. If we are looking to draft a DB, we're probably looking at a CB, then FS, then SS. A great second day pick up would be Rashad Johnson. Big School/competition, great size, good value.

What's taking so long with Marvel's physical? Is he now being examined by the 49ers resident proctologist?

Yes, and since he's an Offensive Tackle, that particular part of the examination takes several days.

All kidding aside, I heard he left w/out a contract but his agent says they hope to begin negotiations either today or tomorrow. I'm guessing that means he wants more than we want to pay.

you are right he his a great player and he makes big plays - not because he plays SS most times but because of his speed, he his no Ed Reed but his closing speed and ability to make open field tackle would project him to be a really good FS in the nfl......he his no doubt faster than most SS in the nfl - his speed reminds me of former eagle FS dawkins....the niners can complement his speed with Willis's- with lawson, willis, clements, and chip - thats 4 players in diff. positions on the field with very good speed.......

With or without Marvel, the niners will have to get some tackle depth in the draft. Are there any decent tackles that wont be taken in the first round that can be grabed in the 2nd or 3rd?

Yes, there is lots. Left tackles get grabbed early, right tackles linger a bit longer. If we got Marvel Smith then we could afford to wait until the second or third and grab someone who will have a year or two to learn. But to be specific here is a list of good right tackles, and possibly good left tackles that will likely be available inthe second or third.

Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma: Looks like he was born to play right tackle.

Fenuki Tupou, Oregon: Very underated, 6-6 320lbs.

Jamon Meredith, South Carolina: My persoanl favorite, Very strong, great on the run, and has the ability to become a left tackle if we need it.

William Beaty, UConn: Very versatile, could be left or right tackle, might go at the end of the first round.

Xavier Fulton, Illinois: Projected as an athletic left tackle, shoulder injury in senior year has him falling a bit.

Tony Kropog, Tulane: In his junior year had the most TD resulting blocks of any tackle in the country (18) blocking for Matt Forte. 6-6, 315lbs and still runs a 4.9 40.

If so, pass rush could be addressed right away.

Im hoping that Crabtree falls or we get one of the pass rushers (Orakpo, Everette-Brown). Either way signing Marvel Smith frees us up a bit because it would take the pressure off going for a tackle early and possibly reaching for Andre Smith or Oher. If we traded back and took Smith or Oher than that would be fine but if we stay at 10 then i would hate to reach because we are in need of a tackle.

Turns out Master Blaster had a good workout at Georgia pro day.

Just increases the likelihood that some schmuck team in the top 9 will take him, and someone like a Crabtree or Orakpo could trickle down to 10.

Everyone mark your calendar's for April 1st, the USC pro day.

In addition to those mentioned above by Alaska 77(I mentioned Tupou under last topic !)-Lydon Murtha is a very interesting mid round OT prospect -also Sebastian Vollmer a little later !

While we're looking at trading for disgruntled players, Shaun Rogers is pissed off at Mangini. We should probably call them and see wuz up