Pagano: It's going to be a great journey

Football Betting Lines

01/26/2012 - Indianapolis, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Indianapolis Colts introduced new head coach Chuck Pagano to the media on Thursday.

It has been a whirlwind week for the former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator who anticipated being in Indianapolis for another reason.

"I thought, for sure, that I was going to be coming to Indy to play for a world championship," admitted the 51-year-old Pagano. "That's what I thought I was coming here for, certainly not standing here as the next head football coach."

Pagano and the Ravens lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game after Billy Cundiff missed a game-tying field goal in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.

"Words can't describe the emotions that I'm going through right now and the feelings," Pagano said. "Coming off probably the most devastating loss that I've ever been a part of in the AFC championship game and to go in that locker room and see the faces and we all know how hard it is to get to that stage and to see the tears. It's an all-time low, and the last thing I ever expected came across my table and now here I [stand] at an all-time high."

Pagano was the Ravens' defensive coordinator in 2011, and the unit ranked third in total defense and allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL. He was Baltimore's secondary coach for three seasons prior to taking over the defense.

"I can't tell you how excited I am," the first-time head coach added. "It's the next chapter, another journey, and it's going to be a great journey."

Pagano takes over a 2-14 team that could be in a complete transition depending on the status of star quarterback Peyton Manning. The four-time MVP missed the entire 2011 season because of neck surgery, and with Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck available as the first pick in the NFL Draft, Manning's tenure with the Colts is clearly in doubt.

Regardless of the personnel at his disposal, Pagano said he "can't wait to go to work and start building and recreating the excitement and passion and energy that's been here for so long."

Pagano was also the defensive backs coach for the Oakland Raiders (2005-06) and secondary coach with the Cleveland Browns (2001-04). He has also held a string of jobs at the collegiate level.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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