Sports Blog August 4, 2008 Baker gets back to work Chris Baker is happy to be back on the field. He was activated off the PUP list this morning and was on the field with his teammates for the first time this training camp. He mostly worked on blocking and did not catch a pass in the live drills. When asked about the contract negotiations, Baker continued to block. He said he would no longer be talking about his contract. He did say he was ?happy to be here.? Laveranues Coles was also back on the field for the first time since last Tuesday. Coles missed six practices, including the Green and White scrimmage, with an injury to his leg. Three players worked on the sidelines during practice. LB David Harris (leg), RB Jesse Chatman (undisclosed) and LB Jason Trusnik (foot) did not practice in the morning session, which went two hours and four minutes.
I think he understands he'll either play the contract out or not play at all. Not playing doesn't bode well when looking for a new team to take interest or for the opportunity for a new contract. "Shut up and catch the damb ball"! I personally think Bubba Franks is a better receiver then Baker and also we haven't been this deep in the Tight end position as long as I can remember. Two tight end set anyone!!
A lot of the Baker drama has to be attributed to his agent. I still think he's a good team player despite that outburst this summer. Baker must have also realized that this could be a surprise team and the revamped offense could make for a big season for him. And I gotta argue that Baker is a better receiver than Franks. Franks is on a decline, and is a great blocking TE. In fact when the Jets signed him he was intended to be used as a backup to Baker. I think Franks will be a superb mentor to Keller, as Keller really needs to work on blocking. Regardless, with Keller/Baker/Franks, I could see some great 2 TE sets. I have this vision of Baker/Keller, play action, with Keller going deep :jets:
I commend Baker. I was a loud voice for dumping his ass when he opened his mouth, but it takes a good man to own up and shut his mouth, even when baited, which the media clearly attempted by asking about the negotiations. Now he can get back out on the field and get the work done.
I think the part thats not talked about in the media alot is the front office and bakers agent have been talking. Don't dismiss the fact that perhaps baker was right to some degree and was lied to by the front office. So how about the front office also 'manned up' or everybody in the situation 'manned up'.
Uhh, no. Baker wasn't right to any degree, and there is no evidence that they lied to him. There never was.
Even if he was lied to, he should have kept his mouth shut. On most teams his cage rattling would have tweaked nerves, on this team, it's practically writing your own walk ticket.
I am getting a little nervous about Harris not getting back. Hope he is ok before season starts. He is critical to our defense
All good but I agree completely with your earlier comments, it takes a man to swallow his pride and move on, lets do likewise. Baker is a huge playmaker on this team and gives us another dimension. I'm getting really pumped for the season and Belichiken is getting nervous.
Oh absolutely. For me, it's forgiven. It can never be truly forgotten, but it's definitely forgiven. All I ask of him now is to play to the best of his ability, and have the best season he can.
Good to know Baker is back in camp. I look forward to seeing how this CS utilizes the TE position this year - now that we have a very reliable blocker in Franks and a deep threat to catch the ball in Keller.
