49ers Sign S Lewis Baker and LB Mark Washington

by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 16, 2009 12:59 PM PDT in News Comment 47 comments

Not major news, but the 2009 roster is beginning to take more and more of a defined shape. I don't believe that either of these players will be stealing much time from the usual starters, but quality bodies on the practice squad with enough skill to challenge our starters during the week is very important. Terms of the contracts were not announced.

Safety Lewis Baker (6-2, 202 lbs) rejoins San Francisco after being signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the 49ers out of Oklahoma in 2008. He spent training camp with San Francisco and was released prior to the start of the 2008 regular season. Baker played in 50 career games with 19 starts at Oklahoma, seeing action at both safety and linebacker.

Linebacker Mark Washington (6-3, 245 lbs) was originally signed as a free agent by the 49ers following the 2007 supplemental draft out of Texas State-San Marcos. He spent 12 weeks on San Francisco’s practice squad that year before being signed to the active roster by the Miami Dolphins. Washington went on to play in three games in 2007 for the Dolphins.

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I think

We are truly wrapping things up about free agency, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
I wouldn’t expect anything major from here on out.

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Mar 16, 2009 1:08 PM PDT reply actions

we could have

try to sign samari Rolle. He could had been a signing for us.

by warriorfan4life on Mar 16, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions

What will it take

for the 9er’s organization to get serious about winning again???

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Mar 16, 2009 2:29 PM PDT reply actions

I'm not sure what you mean by this...

What about this post prompted that response?

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 16, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

he has a personal problem with Lewis Baker....

don’t we all?

by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Mar 16, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Apparently...

… he doesn’t understand the concept of camp-fodder.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions

don't you see what's happening here

We’re trying to replace Roman with Linebackers
Goldston, Williams, Baker, Washington
I’m assuming all these guy’s niche is playing the run, leaving passing teams like… Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams(could be different this year) to pass at will against us.(us being myself and the 49ers)

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Mar 16, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions

O RLY?

Goldson and Williams are LBs? If I’m not mistaken, both are more built in the CB/FS mold than they are SS/LB.

In any case, I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of Washington and Baker. The team liked them during camp last year, and teams sign camp-bodies all the time. Not all 80+ players on a teams roster makes the 53-man roster, but teams do need extra bodies during camp to keep people fresh. You don’t give signing bonuses to players like that, and players like that are like Baker and Washington.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Obviously they're not Linebackers

I’m just saying none of they players look as if they can play the pass that well. ( I also realize I haven’t given any of them a chance to prove themselves)
and the whole “don’t you see what’s happening here” was me exaggerating the whole situation. Still don’t like the signings though.

http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com

by supraman on Mar 16, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions

what prompted him to make the post..

is that the 49ers can talk about becoming champions all they want but they are too hesitent to pull the trigger on any amazing players, or even “good” players, they sit back on a pretty large space of cap room, pick up mediocre “roll players” and just drop them into our system. Professor Bigelow i see how u could be alarmed by supramans reply as u seem acused of the same laziness by just copying and pasting ur blog from the niners official site. the niners have no direction as of right now, and who is controlling the team? singletary? mcloughan? jed? i dont feel very comfortable with any of the 3.. mcloughan some bc he got pat willis, but i think he even surprised himself with that one…is what i belive prompted it

by 2ninersonecup on Mar 16, 2009 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

reply button

Just a heads-up, but it’s best to click on the reply button for comments relating to a previous comment. Keeps things relatively clear.

As far as what Bigelow posted, that’s from the 49ers official press release (thus the reason it resembles the blog). For something like this, where it’s not a big story, I encouraged it just to get the information out to people.

by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Mar 16, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh?

So the team should go out and give bonus money to guys like McAlister or Rolle who OTHER teams don’t even want right now just so they can maybe not even make the squad? If those aren’t the “good” players you’re speaking about, please, provide a list of players you know for sure the 49ers aren’t pursuing. As far as I (or anyone else) should know, they haven’t ruled out ANYONE that’s available in free agency.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions

"not ruling out"

another new niner quote i’ve been hearing alot lately…who have we “ruled in” that can provide us talent, other then maybe just maybe evans and jones…funny u pick on two guys from baltimores defense who was way better then ours tho..

by 2ninersonecup on Mar 16, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Picking on?

I don’t think I’m the only one who has question marks about those two guys. Calling it “picking on” is just utterly ridiculous and shows one of two things: one, you don’t have a very good understanding about how free agency works, or two, you have a tendency to live in the past.

Rolle and McAlister are both aging veterans who don’t have the same physical tools they once did. Both have had injury/medical issues in recent years. Both were deemed expendable enough that the Ravens were willing to eat BOTH of their remaining signing bonuses. Basically, they both have question marks, and both are probably trying to market themselves as starting CBs (and expect to be paid as much). They AREN’T the same players they were four or five years ago, and teams are rightfully treating them as such.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Besides.

You’re the one who claimed to know they are shy about pulling the trigger on “good” players. The burden of proof is on you to first and foremost show what “good” players are still available, and secondly show the 49ers are indeed shy about pulling the trigger.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm new to the site..

but it seems u are judging me as i judge the niners, but that is ok i’ll go on with my point, and also answer a couple of your questions. the cb’s from the ravens were which that you brought up i never said the niners should take either. but thats ok put words in my mouth. which i said was dont count out pro bowl players they will make a bigger impact then u think for a smaller price somewhere.. but also on the cb issue i think someone like ken lucas could be a good fit for us as we raise our young cbs and walt haris ages(bring strickland or spencer back also.. next, free agency fills your holes, as well the draft, in the past several seasons we’ve had the same holes over and over and over again. so apparently u should judge the niners knowledge of that not mine… now to the being shy part… did they show interest in tj whosyourmama? no and he would have fit perfectly here, matt cassel, jay cutler, torry holt, julian peterson, multiple good young ot’s some of which are availible, most of which are not..bc the fact they wait and watch and “never pull the trigger”.. but they can bring in mediocre cb’s galore, kurt warner (come on?)..i like the guy but that was terribly hypocritical. many more could be listed but im sure ive dragged on enough.

by 2ninersonecup on Mar 16, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

also

i would take either ravens player for the right place, either is better then harris.. where was our interest in scott, suggs, chris canty, pac man jones(haha i love the guy), brian dawkins possibly… at least one of the all above listed players would make a better impact then anyone we signed..other then demetric evans as ive previously stated i liked that move.

by 2ninersonecup on Mar 16, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm sorry...

… if it feels like I was putting words in your mouth. That’s why I said in my original response that if those aren’t the two players you were speaking about, then who?

As for Lucas, I put him under the same category as the other guys. I’m not saying they won’t help the team. I’m saying that they all think they’re worth a lot more than they actually are, and that’s why they’re still free agents. Like you, I’d be interested if they were at the “right price”. Right now, starting CB money for any of the three isn’t really the right price, and I think we both agree here.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Also.

I disagree that either player is better than Harris. Harris has shown to be a capable CB who hardly misses games for a VERY decent price. McAlister can’t promise he won’t miss games, as he’s had a VERY hard time staying on the field. Rolle is still expecting to be paid like he’s a top flight CB, probably, and he really isn’t, so he isn’t a viable option until his demands are more in light with the supply for his services.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Laziness? Is that so...

Maybe I should have specified that was a press release from the Niners. I honestly have never heard of either of these players, and just wanted to inform the fans that come to this site about any and all news involving the niners. The reason I didn’t understand where the comment came from was because these players were new to me, and based off of their resume it seemed that they would be, at the best, scout team heroes.

Not every player picked up in free agency can be a superstar; sometimes you need roll players. You seem to be assuming a lot based off of two small-time roster moves. And you know what assuming does…

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 16, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

yes it is so

as you have basicaly just reitterated what sfgfan had said to me. anyways ur hurt feelings aside, sorry professor bigleow i love the niners as much anyone on here.. but if we assume that scout players should make up our entire team, then u know what that makes the niners orginazation look like…

by 2ninersonecup on Mar 16, 2009 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Now you are putting words in my mouth..

I’m not saying a team should be made up of scout players. What I did say is that you need role players on your team to fill certain roles on your team. This could have been throw away news, barely worthy to be posted on this site. You don’t see this on the front page of NFL.com and PFT, and you have to dig a bit to find it on 49ers.com. I just put it up here thinking that, as Niners news, it should be here.

Do I believe this will reflect the rest of our off-season moves? No. Do I think we are done in this off season? No. There are still some free agents out there that interest me (Holt) and who knows, that big empty cap number could be used to pay a player we get in a trade (calm down Cutler-holics). I’m still confident in the Niners and excited about the rest of this off-season and what it can bring to the team.

As for you 2ninersonecup, the only thing that hurt my feelings is the thought that a random poster I’ve never seen thinks he, or someone else, hurt my feelings on a message board reply to a news story I posted. Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t have time for people who attempt to make back-handed comments at me. Supraman answered my original question, but you went out of your way to question my integrity in his name.

And that key next to the Z on the keyboard, that is the shift button. You use that when you want to change a lowercase letter to a CAPITAL letter.

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 16, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions

role/roll

add it to my list

Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis

by wjackalope on Mar 16, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

clever..

i dont proof read..

by 2ninersonecup on Mar 16, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions

So what do you do?

With Jonas told to stay away from camp (goner) . What will happen to Sims? Entering his 13th season and considered a backup (may be a goner too) and then needing two backups ……. Are the Niners showing their cards? Could be! To be continue!!!

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 3:34 PM PDT reply actions

Jennings

I think it was a well known fact that Jennings will be let go once he finishes his rehab. I don’t think it’s any secret to any GM in the NFL. The only reason he isn’t on the field is because they don’t want him to chip a nail, leaving the team on the hook for all of his salary.

by sfgfan on Mar 16, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think our problem at OT...

…is any closely guarded secret.

Of the OTs who are still available (or recently got released), might we pick one up to bridge between the RT I assume we’re going to draft and his readiness for the position?

And, NO — I am not suggesting Kwame “Turnstile” Harris

by Odquest on Mar 16, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions

The offense needs...

an OT either through FA or the draft,( hopefully both ) and HOLT !

by BIZZO4949 on Mar 16, 2009 5:32 PM PDT reply actions

Right side help

If you didn’t already know, the Niners had three linemen play the right tackle position last year. They have to shore it up. As to the FA Market, the good RTs are already gone. What’s left are elders and backups looking for jobs. Once Sims is gone, the rest of the o-line is fairly young at 3 to 5 years in the Pros. Heitmann is the oldest, playing 8 years and still is a good player. So, there is a fairly good group of O-linemen. But you still got two position to be filled. You could wait into the Preseason and pick one up but he’ll need to learn the system quickly.Rather not, to much time to get in the grove. A Draft pick, YES! But when? Based on which Mock Draft you choose, most say that the top 8 will be gone in the 1st round, so now you’re looking for backup. How many good linemen will be available in the 2nd,3th or even the 4th round? I doubt many. Some of you knows my position about a OL in the 1st round and I’ll stand by it. Although, it’s still early,the Niners have in my mind, shown what they’re going to do. Remember, 27th in rushing Offense and 55 sacks in the last 2 years (07and 08).

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 6:10 PM PDT reply actions

Good right tackles...

… can be found in the second round and beyond. As a matter of fact, there are at least two or three tackles that will go around the top of round two (when the 49ers pick), and they’ll have their choice of at least one of them.

by sfgfan on Mar 17, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Professor

Get use to it. It’s what you say and what he thinks you said and gets it all wrong. Then, gots the Balls to air it. Had that happen to me yesterday. Choose your words wisely because the biting and snarling is real!!! Welcome to the Niners Dogpound!!!

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 6:36 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks vegas

Welcome to you as well

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 16, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Professor

You will do fine! Just stick to your GUNS when you’re right and admit when you’re wrong. Most people wouldn’t!!

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 6:43 PM PDT reply actions

Reply button

Please start using the reply button. It just makes things easier to follow in all the conversations.

by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Mar 16, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions

got it

saw what you meant.

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions

thanks.

It becomes a bigger issue when we’ve got long threads, which comes up during the draft and on game days and other big events.

by David Fucillo (Fooch) on Mar 16, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Listen to Fooch

He will take you far

Blind devotion.

by ProfessorBigelow on Mar 16, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I will

I new to this site and fooch has help before. I may be an old dog but this one is still willing to learn. Thanks, guys.

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Going from all caps to proper capitalization..

… earned you a LOT of points with a lot of people on the site. Your thoughts are a LOT easier to read now.

by sfgfan on Mar 17, 2009 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions

In case you're like me

and you wound up just scrolling down to the end of this post….

how in the heck did a post about baker and washington generate this many replies…wow

by foosball4949 on Mar 16, 2009 7:55 PM PDT reply actions

by which I meant I got sick or reading fighting words...

by foosball4949 on Mar 16, 2009 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions

this was my question

how in the heck did a post about baker and washington generate this many replies…wow

Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal

by 49erLou on Mar 16, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Because...

Signing FA scrubs is the only 49er fans can talk about right now?

Well, we're waiting....

by drummer on Mar 16, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions

touche

by foosball4949 on Mar 17, 2009 6:45 AM PDT up reply actions

hanging around

Who’s scrolling? For Pennies on the Dollars! For practice Players? That what’s they ‘re spending it on! Not one Mid range player except maybe Evans and he’s not a pass rusher. I wish I was spending their Money. With $23/25 million, it would gotten you a front line WR and pass Rusher. Than you would have front Line news everywhere and everyone would be saying that the Niners are making a BEE line towards CONTENDERS! So far, I feel like a punch drunk boxer! WHAT? Where am I? PLEASE, tell me I didn’t do that!!!

by LASVEGASNINER on Mar 16, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions