Thursday, October 4, 2012

What MVP Race?




Despite winning the Triple-Crown, Miguel Cabrera isn’t a lock for his league’s MVP Award.


There are few moments in professional sports cemented in history. These moments are rare, remarkable, and gratifying for people who love to follow any and all sorts of competition.

Last night on the final night of Major League Baseball’s season, game 162 provided one of these noteworthy moments. A moment in baseball’s history peaked by the culmination of an amazing accomplishment. A feat that younger generations (my generation) of sports fans have yet to witness and may never witness again.

What Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera completed on baseball’s final day, will remain etched in the history books and in the minds of not just baseball fans, but fans who can appreciate what Cabrera achieved.

Winning the Triple-Crown was last accomplished 45 years ago in 1967 by Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Yastrzemski.

Cabrera brought an end to the Triple-Crown drought in 2012.

Cabrera put together one of the finest seasons a batter can have. He accumulated a .330 batting average, 44 homeruns, and 139 RBI.  Though, he still isn’t a lock for the American League MVP.

Los Angeles Angels rookie Mike Trout, a lock for AL Rookie of the Year honors, might very well take home MVP honors as well.

Trout had a phenomenal year batting .326, with 30 homers, and 83 RBI. Truly great numbers considering Trout only played in 139 games in 2012.

A case can be made for Trout. He has MVP caliber numbers, not to mention he shows up every night and leaves it all on the field. His 49 stolen bases paint a picture of just how hard he performed on a nightly basis.

However, everything can be up for debate in sports, but Cabrera, who has never won an MVP Award, put the discussion to rest last night.

Not only did he win the first Triple-Crown in 45 years, he also helped carry his team to their second straight AL Central division title. 

Trout’s Angels on the other hand, will be watching the playoffs from home.

Cabrera’s Triple-Crown is unyielding to debate on so many levels. Baseball is thriving with great hitters and more so with pitchers. Cabrera raised his game to a level that hasn’t been seen in 45 years during one of the most exciting seasons in baseball history.

Yes, debate is apart of sports, but there is no MVP race. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Strasburg Deals in Dog Days

Washington Nationals ace, Stephen Strasburg gathered win number 15 on the season and maintained his unblemished record in August.  Strasburg (15-5) shut down the Atlanta Braves last night in DC in one of the biggest games up to this point in the season for both clubs.  Atlanta seemingly had no answer for Strasburg in a 4-1 defeat, losing for the second straight night in a crucial three game series.    

In a post game interview with the Nationals TV affiliate, MASN, Strasburg likened the atmosphere to that of his first home start.  A good thing considering that Strasburg and the fans had to endure a 51 minute rain delay in the top of the third inning.

The delay could have potentially ended or at least hindered Strasburg’s night, especially since the Nationals are carefully protecting his arm. 

He didn’t get shut down and he wasn’t fazed by the delay; instead Strasburg pitched three more innings, completing six total, with 10 strikeouts and allowing one earned run before being pulled prior to the seventh.

With Strasburg dealing and the Nationals atop all of Major League Baseball with the best record in the league (77-46), it’s almost unfathomable to think that he could quite possibly be shut down for the season at some point in September. 

Unfathomable because Washington DC hasn’t had pro ball club sniff the postseason since 1933; amazing when you take into consideration the history of professional baseball in DC; a history that dates back to 1901. 

All history aside, the Nationals don’t seem to be bluffing and general manager Mike Rizzo is standing firm on the premise that he wants to protect their prized 24 year old right hander’s future.

Although, for a team that has done nothing but struggle since arriving to the nation’s capital in 2005, they should also consider the fans that have paid the money in an effort to fill the stands and support a team in hopes that this moment would arrive.

It’s no guarantee that Strasburg and the Nationals could ever be in this situation down the road.  Strasburg could very well pitch the rest of his career in DC (if he stays) and never play for a squad this dominate again.  It’s also no guarantee that he will be pitching for the Nationals two seasons from now, so if it’s really his future management is protecting then they could very well be doing so for the next team he plays for.

For now, Strasburg is focused start after start, delivering gems all month long.  The potential pitch cap hasn’t deterred his performances on the mound.  However, Braves fans are becoming more and more concerned for the guys future. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Detrimental to the League

Commentary

The worst scenario for a sports fan sitting at home or in the stadium watching a highly anticipated basketball, football, or baseball game is to have talk of referees dominate the in-game and post game chatter. 

Although, this is the case in a few instances as regular and postseasons play out; it has provided NFL fans with worry after the first week of preseason football.  Seven rookies on the field looking lost and at times goofy, have been put in charge of officiating world class athletes, playing a game on a level in which these replacements are unfamiliar with.  Clearly after the sample size we have (albeit small) replacement officials have no business being on the same field as NFL players for a myriad of obvious reasons. 

The NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell are in control of a product so popular and respected, but yet lowered itself to locking out arguably its most crucial on field aspect.  Without experienced officials running the show, player safety is put in jeopardy, game speed is slowed, unexplained calls occur more frequently, and both players and fans simply can’t trust what is taking place during the game. 

Now, this is not to suggest the locked out officials haven’t made bad calls or had lapses in judgment on the field in the past that put player safety at risk.  Indeed they have.  Poorly officiated games will always be apart of the sport.  There is no doubt that the NFL needs to make changes; making their officials full time employs instead of part time weekend warriors might be a start.
                    
You would think that a league so profitable and gung-ho about safety, would consider compensating its rule enforcers to the level at which they request.  Not doing so causes players and fans to question the league and its leaders of what they consider to be their best interest.  It makes it seem as if player safety and a quality game have been placed on the back burner, so owners and league executives can pocket a little more revenue.    

After what fans witnessed in week one of preseason, it’s safe to assume that the NFL recognizes the need to get their veteran guys back to work.  At least let’s hope so.    

Friday, August 10, 2012

Dwight Howard Trade Raises Questions for Lakers

A blockbuster trade in August is a wonderful thing for NBA fans.  However, if you’re a supporter of the Los Angeles Lakers, then there were many reasons to celebrate last night.  

The Lakers swung a deal for All-Star center and three-time Defensive Player of the year, Dwight Howard.  Howard joins the Lakers from the Orlando Magic while former Laker big man, Andrew Bynum, heads east to the Philadelphia 76ers.  Either Bynum of Pau Gasol had to go in order to make room for Howard in the paint.  Many thought that both Bynum and Gasol would be dealt in a multiple team trade scenario, but that was not the case. 

Of the four teams involved in last night’s headliner (Lakers, Sixers, Nuggets, Magic), the Lakers hit a grand slam by not only landing Howard, but for being able to maintain Gasol in the deal as well.

The Lakers promptly become the favorites out west.  Although, the Oklahoma City Thunder are a young dynamic team both offensively and defensively and still demand respect going into this season as the defending Western Conference Champions.  The Lakers, on the other hand, have continued to get rich with talent all offseason long.   First, they land a two-time league MVP at the point in free agent Steve Nash and now with the acquisition Howard, they add a gigantic defensive presence to their frontcourt. 

Their success this upcoming season hinges on a couple of things.  

First, can a starting five of Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard gel enough in 82 games to make a championship run?  

This is a logical question considering the talent loaded Lakers of ’03-’04 never came together; this team will be different.  Nash and Bryant are true floor leaders, who have a lot of respect from everyone around them.  Howard’s ability to defend will fit in perfectly with Lakers head coach Mike Brown and his tactical defensive mind set.  Both Gasol and World Peace are veterans and proven teammates who know their role and will contribute accordingly.  It still won't be easy.  The Lakers will need every bit of training camp and preseason to continue to work out the kinks of Brown's offense; plus grow together as a group. 

The second question concerns Dwight Howard’s back and whether or not he will be ready to go once the season gets underway.  

Howard had major back surgery in April and has reportedly been limiting his travel this offseason due to the strain a plane ride puts on his recovery.  Back injuries are serious and surgery can be strenuous to recover from.  It is very likely that Howard will have to miss a significant amount of time at the beginning of the season.  The Lakers know this and with the talent and role players they currently have on their roster they will be able to power through the first couple of months of the season if they have to.

The third and final question deals with the issue of Howard handling the pressure of playing in LA. 

Howard joins a list of Hall of Fame centers: George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and future Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal who have all donned the purple and gold.  The pressure to be great and win every night didn’t exist in Orlando.  It exists now and Howard will have to elevate his game every time he steps out onto the court.  He garnered the individual accolades with the Magic.  He has proven himself as an individual.  He has to prove himself as a teammate playing alongside fellow superstars.  Not an easy task for someone who has shared the stage in Orlando with no one, but himself. 

Every single one of these questions will resolve itself as the 2012-2013 season plays out. 

Going forward, all eyes shift from South Beach to Southern California.  Maybe now we will get to witness a Kobe/LeBron Finals and maybe we won’t know what kind of teammate Howard will be, until that happens.         

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Dwight Howard Traded to the Lakers

Dwight Howard has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a four team deal.

According to a report from ESPN, Andre Iguodala has been dealt to the Denver Nuggets for Andrew Bynum via LA.  Jason Richardson via Orlando, joins Bynum who is headed to the Sixers.  The Orlando Magic will receive Al Harrington and Arron Afflalo from Denver.  The Sixers give up their first round draft pick, Moe Harkless, in the deal to Orlando.  The Magic will also obtain one protected future first round draft pick from the Lakers, Nuggets, and Sixers.

Pau Gasol will remain with the Lakers.

Howard's arrival to Hollywood instantly makes the Lakers the favorites to win the West over the defending Western Conference Champions; the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Not every day that big time NBA news breaks in August.  More to come......

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Stay Relevant San Diego

The San Diego Padres might not be so irrelevant going forward after news broke today concerning the potential sale of the franchise.  The Padres reportedly sold for an estimated 800 million dollars to a group headlined by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley, San Diego businessman Ron Fowler, and four-time major champion golfer Phil Mickelson. 

The news had to have sent positive vibes through the Padres fan base, but the deal won’t be final until approved by MLB owners later this month at a gathering in Denver, CO. 

One would think that this deal is a slam dunk for approval and indeed it should be.  This franchise is accustomed to exciting ownership change and San Diego is a perfect candidate for a shake-up.    

The Padres first joined Major League Baseball in 1969 and quickly became bottom feeders, so much so that after just five years in existence, owner C. Arnholt Smith wanted to sell the club in 1974.  However, selling the club meant relocation to Washington D.C.  Instead, Ray Kroc (McDonalds), who had no intention of moving the club, stepped in and saved the day for San Diegans and their Padres.

This deal is eerily similar to that of 1974; the primary difference is that the Padres were never considering selling to an owner who wanted to relocate.     

Now, with the Padres sitting in fourth place in NL West (47-64), hope rests in the hands of a possible ownership group that is poised and determined to revitalize a franchise that has the potential to be dangerous; dangerous to the point of once again contending for division titles and NL Pennants.

Why not San Diego?  They have the history with two World Series appearances (1984/1998), the weather is beyond perfect (free agent paradise), Petco Park is wonderful, and they have great fans.

Plus, with new ownership comes new money to spend.  Just use the Dodgers’ spending spree as of late as an example. 

Pair the willingness of new ownership to go out and spend with the splendid backdrop San Diego has to offer; the Padres just might be this upcoming off-season’s version of the LA Angels or Miami Marlins.      

Either way, the Padres are back….pending approval.       

Friday, July 27, 2012

Greinke Gives Halos Best Starting Five

A seismic shift of pitching prowess to Southern California occurred tonight.  With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching (July 31st) things are really starting to heat up.  Yes, the Seattle Mariners trading their veteran All-Star Ichiro Suzuki to the New York Yankees was a shocker, but things really got interesting on Friday night when the Milwaukee Brewers shipped their ace, Zack Greinke, to the Los Angeles Angels for three minor league prospects (two pitchers and a shortstop).

The move brings Greinke back to the American League, where he was an All-Star in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals.  More importantly, this deal gives the Angels the best starting rotation in baseball.

LA’s pitching staff was already loaded prior to this trade happening tonight.  The Angels rotation is of course led by All-Star and true ace Jared Weaver, who many would argue to be the best pitcher in the big leagues.  Weaver is backed up by fellow All-Star and former Texas Ranger, C.J. Wilson. 

Dan Haren has struggled as of late with a 6.97 ERA in July (2 starts), due largely impart because of injury.  However, Haren is a very talented pitcher and the Angels are paying him like one.  As Haren gets healthier, there is no doubt that he will have a major impact for his club as the postseason approaches. 

Jerome Williams’ struggles as a starter have opened the door for 24 year old right hander Garrett Richards.  Richards (3-2) possesses a 3.91 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 8 starts.  Not gaudy numbers by any stretch, but Richards has shown the ability to win games and pitch well giving the Angels a solid young starter deep in the rotation. 

Ervin Santana rounds it out, meaning Greinke will probably be the third starter for a dynamic starting five pitching staff. 

The Greinke deal truly shakes up the landscape around the American League.  The biggest impact will obviously be felt in the AL West.  The Angels are still five games back of the Rangers and are closely followed by the Oakland A’s, who sit a half game back for the AL’s top wildcard spot.  Greinke leaves the National League this season with a 9-3 record, a 3.44 ERA, and 122 strikeouts in 21 games played.   

This move has been one of many aggressive moves made by new Angels general manager, Jerry Dipoto.  He made a splash during the winter meetings when LA announced the signings of All-Star slugger Albert Pujols and the aforementioned pitcher, C.J. Wilson.  The Greinke trade shouldn’t have been such a surprise. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Ramirez Makes Dodgers Favorites in the NL West

It was a solid debut in Dodger Blue for Hanley Ramirez.  Seemingly un-phased by his new surroundings, Ramirez stepped up to the plate in St. Louis, batting fifth, and delivered a triple, eventually turning it into a run.  He followed that up with a sac fly, and an RBI single in a 3-2 loss to the Cardinals.     

While the Marlins are unloading talent, the Dodgers are more than willing to accept it.   

The Los Angeles Dodgers proved active leading up to the trade deadline, trading for Miami Marlins veteran infielder, Hanley Ramirez, in a four player deal Wednesday. 

The acquisition of Ramirez pairs him with fellow All-Stars Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, while also giving the Dodgers one of the most exciting 3, 4, 5 batting trios in the majors.  Ramirez’s talents will with out a doubt provide swagger for a Dodger team that currently sits two games out of first, behind NL West rival San Francisco.    Not only does this addition add to the Hollywood flare the Dodgers are seeking under new ownership, but it also makes them the favorite to recapture the NL West crown. 

Ramirez needed a change in scenery; a new stadium, name, and uniforms weren’t enough to get him back in the grove.  Despite the shift from the old Marlins to the new Marlins, Ramirez never settled in.  Miami brought in free agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, which in turn forced Ramirez to play third base, a switch he seemed OK with.  Throw in an ocean of outfield grass in the new Marlins ball park and maybe too much change was at play.  Ramirez’s power numbers were falling drastically in the new park which can only be attributed to its gigantic dimensions.  It’s obvious that he would welcome the trade to LA.  A smaller outfield and the potential to play some shortstop, has to make him feel good about the situation.   

Ramirez had become a staple for the Marlins organization and their fans.  He voiced his disappointment for not having delivered any postseason action for the club in an ESPN.com report; "I leave with some regret, not having helped bring a championship to Miami," Ramirez said. "But otherwise, I just keep positive memories of my time with the team." 

Ramirez’s words reflect the professional that he is and his willingness to yet again deal with change in 2012. 

Now Ramirez has a whole new club to adjust to and the Dodgers hope this latest change can give his career the jolt it needs.  A career with a resume that is highlighted by a .300 average, a 2006 rookie of the year award, and ’08-’09 Silver Slugger honors, LA has to believe that their newest investment can help lift them into the World Series, sooner rather than later.  Tonight’s debut performance was a fine start and perhaps a sign of things to come.   


Monday, July 23, 2012

Rising A's

It took 12 innings, but the Oakland A’s completed a four game sweep of the New York Yankees in fine fashion.  A’s outfielder, Coco Crisp, stepped up as a pinch hitter and drilled a walk-off single that allowed teammate Derek Norris to cross the plate for the winning run.  The Yankees would fall 5-4 and leave the Bay Area without a single win.  A surprising series for the Yankees, but an even more improbable one for the A’s. 

No one was giving Oakland a fighting chance at making the postseason during preseason discussions.  By the time they opened up their season in Japan for a two game series against the Seattle Mariners, they were all but forgotten about.  Now, they sit one game back of the LA Angels for the top wild card spot (51-44) and currently rank in the top ten in all four major pitching categories (4th ERA, 10th Q Starts, 3rd WHIP, 4th BAA). 

Pitching has clearly been their calling card so far in 2012.  Led predominantly by 25 year old lefty, Tommy Milone, who has stepped up with a team leading 9 wins and 86 strikeouts, the A’s are counting on their arms (young and old) to help fuel the charge. 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, 39 year old veteran right hander, Bartolo Colon, has been a satisfying addition to the young A’s starting rotation.  Colon’s resurgent play in Oakland can’t be defined by his 6-8 record or by his trademark body about to burst out of his uniform.  He is bettering his career ERA and WHIP at the moment, but it is his experience and energy that has to be sending positive vibes through the A’s entire clubhouse. 

Oakland needs all of the good vibes they can get.  They are grinding out wins and that can only carry them so far.  Talented hungry teams in the AL East are looming and will be sure to charge for one of the two wild card spots come October.

Statistically the bats aren’t producing enough to keep the A’s head above water.  They are treading feverishly at the moment, ranking near the bottom of the league in the four major batting categories (27th in Runs, 30th BA, 28th OBP, 25th Slg Pct). 

Outfielder Josh Reddick is having a career year and rookie outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is flying under the radar, despite 13 homeruns and a .299 average at the plate.  Those two guys have been the catalyst on the field and in the box for Oakland for all of 2012; giving promise to a fan base that hasn’t witnessed the playoffs since 2006. 
    
The 2012 A’s are a far cry from the franchise’s dynasties of the early 1970’s, but no one expected Oakland to be in the position they are in right now.  They just swept arguably the hottest team in baseball and did so in the grind it out fashion they have become accustom to.      

With a solid rotation and a deep bullpen, Oakland is poised to build off of the momentum they have obtained so far.  Their work needs to improve at the plate.  However, if the strong pitching holds up then all Oakland might need is continued clutch hitting late in games.  They need this because Reggie Jackson or Mark McGwire aren’t walking through that clubhouse door and that’s probably ok with the 2012 Oakland A’s.  

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Indecision Equals Payday for Howard

Dwight Howard continues to be the topic of discussion dominating the NBA offseason.  Yesterday, the Howard talk got even more interesting as another twist got interwoven in the mix.  Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, stated that his client would not sign an extension with the Los Angeles Lakers or with any team for that matter.  This story coming only one day after it was reported that Howard would in fact sign an extension with the Lakers if dealt there.

The All-Star center’s indecision has damaged his image and made him a villain in the city of Orlando.  His most recent decision not to sign an extension with anyone is a smart move on his part, financially.  Howard will be eligible to sign a max deal after this upcoming season for five years and 116.9 million.   

The Brooklyn Nets apparently never made the commitment to sign an extension with them a precondition before they would have traded for Howard.  Howard’s top choice all along has been to be dealt to the Nets, but that will not happen this summer.  The Lakers and Houston Rockets have been aggressive in trying to swing a deal, but as of now nothing is imminent.

The Magic don’t have to do anything.  They don’t have to trade Howard, although they should.  Build a team for the future and move on.  Obviously, a Howard trade could be the foundation on which to build on. 

However, it is Dwight Howard’s inability to make up his mind that captures the headlines.  As bad as it makes him look, it will payoff for him in the end.  The team that does land Howard for next season will have to earn his signature to stay on board long term.  If they don’t, then the money will still be there and Howard will have the freedom to be recruited by many of the top franchises in the league.  His indecision probably doesn’t seem that bad in his mind. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Stairway in Seven

In what could be an early October wildcard (play-in game) preview, the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers have split games one and two of a four game series in the Motor City.  After tonight’s 13-0 thumping of the Tigers, the Angels progress to 50-41, improving their lead atop the AL wildcard standings and still giving them a shot at chasing down the Texas Rangers in the AL West. 

If there was ever an up and down season for a World Series contender, it would be the 2012 Angels.  The Angels are opening up baseballs second half with a daunting seven game road trip; which has already included three games at Yankee Stadium and now a four game set in Detroit.  After LA's horrible opening to the 2012 season, this seven game roadie could serve as building blocks for a playoff run. 

Heading into tonight’s matchup, the Angels were sitting at 1-3 through four games.  In the midst of a seven game gauntlet and coming off of a disappointing loss to the Tigers on Monday night, LA’s bats came alive early in game two against the Tigers.  Mark Trumbo, Mike Trout, and Albert Pujols all homered by the end to the second inning, propelling LA to a 7-0 lead heading into the top of the third.  The early onslaught buried the Tigers, thus giving LA a potential momentum building victory going forward in 2012. 

The Angels hit five homeruns total in a win they needed desperately.  Even though it’s the middle of July, LA could not afford another let down and fall to 1-4 on their second half opening road trip.   

The Angels have been by far the most intriguing team to follow in the AL; not because of their inconsistency at times, but due in large part because of their call-ups and acquisitions. 

Outfielder Mark Trumbo, who first debuted in eight games with the Angels in 2010, has been remarkable.  He currently has homered six times in his last eight games and leads his club in homeruns (26), RBI (65), and OPS (.995).  Twenty year old outfielder Mike Trout has a clear beat on the AL Rookie of the Year award.  Trout leads the Angels with a .355 batting average and 30 stolen bases.  Oh and let’s not forget that he is a monster athlete that could probably open up Chargers training camp as their starting tight-end.  LA’s super-star signee, Albert Pujols, finally seems to be adjusting to AL pitching.  With his single shot tonight, he sits on 16 homers and his average is slowly beginning to climb.

The Angels as a team are beginning to climb.  They have the pitching; that was never in question, but now all of their bats are becoming a force.  A three game home-stand against the Rangers follows the Detroit series.  Three games that could fuel an AL West showdown from here on out, now that’s something the Angels can build on.           

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Not Fit for a King

It didn’t take a complete game shutout against one of the best teams in baseball to realize that three time All-Star and former Cy Young Award winner, Felix Hernandez was an extraordinary pitcher.

What we might have realized last night was that no matter how impressive “King Felix” is in his starts, he might very well be wasting away in his youth for a bad Seattle Mariners team.   

Last nights 7-0 win in Seattle over the AL West division leading Texas Rangers, was a nice feather in the cap for a low producing (37-52) ball club.  Hernandez brought the pain to the “murders row” of Rangers by racking up 12 strikeouts and only giving up three hits.  The highlights from his performance include striking out Josh Hamilton in three at bats and doing the same to last years ALCS MVP, Nelson Cruz.  Hernandez was dialed in.  However, this wasn’t his first masterpiece of the 2012 season.  On June 28th, he registered 13 strikeouts in a complete game shutout at home against the Boston Red Sox.

If you just looked at his record of 7-5 you might think he’s having a poor season, but wins and losses don’t define his ability, given where he has played his entire career.  When Hernandez won the 2010 AL Cy Young Award he had a record of 13-12, but had an ERA of 2.27 an allowed only 194 hits in 34 starts.  The Mariners finished in last place in the AL West that season with a record of 61-101.  The run support and talent wasn’t present then in Seattle for Hernandez to rack up the wins and it isn’t there now in 2012.  In fact, Felix Hernandez hasn’t even come close to pitching in the postseason since he was called up from the minors by the Mariners in 2005. 

Seattle is a wonderful city with some of the most passionate sports fans in the country.  They have watched the Hall of Fame career of outfielder Ichiro Suzuki for almost 12 seasons now without ever witnessing him come close to playing in a World Series and for that matter, the only time Suzuki has played in the postseason was in his first year with the Mariners in 2001.  It would be unprecedented and border line disastrous to see the same happen to Hernandez.

The right hander is currently three years into a five year extension he signed back in January of 2010 with Seattle.  The Mariners are indeed paying their ace big time dollars, as “King Felix” is set to earn 18.5 million dollars this season alone and a reported 19.5 million in 2013.  The money is nice and Hernandez clearly enjoys playing for the Mariners.  If he’s comfortable in the Emerald City then he should stay there.  If he wants to win and compete in meaningful games in his prime then he should consider playing elsewhere or put pressure on the Mariners to spend the money to get better. 

Maybe "King Felix" will learn from his future Hall of Fame teammate, not to be so loyal.  Suzuki’s amazing career is wrapping up.  It’s poignant that he will never play in a World Series for the city and the franchise he has been so loyal to.  Hernandez showed the same kind of loyalty when he re-upped with the Mariners in 2010.  When his contract expires after the 2014 season, Hernandez will be 28, still young, but who knows if Seattle will ever be competitive over the next couple of seasons.  Right now, it doesn’t seem likely that they will be.           


Friday, July 13, 2012

Giant Second Half

The San Francisco Giants open up baseball’s second half tonight against the Houston Astros and sit just a half game back of the NL West leading, Los Angeles Dodgers.  To say that the play of Giants All-Stars Matt Cain, Pablo Sandoval, and Melky Cabrera (All-Star MVP) last Tuesday night, didn’t mean anything would be misguided.  Cabrera and Sandoval had a hand in all of the eight total runs scored on the AL and Matt Cain only gave up one hit in the two innings he pitched.  Their performances clearly sent a message that they are ready to make a second half push for the NL West division title.

The Giants have to feel somewhat disrespected given all of the attention their bitter rival, the LA Dodgers, received early on. 

The Giants are just two years removed from winning the World Series and are still loaded with talent.  Their pitching as a whole ranks in the top ten of the four major statistical categories (ERA, Qt Starts, WHIP, BAA) and their newly acquired All-Star left fielder Melky Cabrera, is second in the NL behind Andrew McCutchen in batting average (.353) and leads the NL with 119 hits. 

Yet, the Giants have made headlines in other areas. 

Despite the negative reaction that surrounded it, Pablo Sandoval was voted in by the fans to start in the All-Star game at third base over Mets third baseman, David Wright.  Wrights numbers are better than Sandoval’s, but Sandoval is still having a very productive year for his team with a .863 OPS, which is higher than his career average of .857.

San Francisco has garnered more attention concerning the struggles of starting pitcher Tim Lincecum; rather than their star laden pitching lineup.  Couple that with the love their rivals to the south have obtained and the bad press that got stirred up when Sandoval was selected as a starter in the All-Star game…..San Francisco now has a giant chip on their shoulder to play with going forward; and that could be a scary thing for the rest of the NL West.     

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Old Story; New Year

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a long storied tradition dating back to 1887 when they first joined the National League.  They possess a rich history with Hall-of-Famers like Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski and five World Series Titles, their last one coming in 1979.  

However, for many young fans that follow the game today, the Pirates have been somewhat of a joke competitively for most of the past two decades.   

The last time the Pittsburgh Pirates saw playoff action was 19 postseasons ago in the fall of 1992 (no MLB postseason in ’94).  Now for the second straight year at the All-Star break, we are discussing the possibility of the Pirates holding on and ending their postseason drought. 

Pittsburgh sits atop the NL Central at 48-37 with a slight one game lead over a talented Cincinnati Reds club and only two-and-a-half games ahead of the defending World Series Champion, St. Louis Cardinals.

What makes this Pirates story different from last years is that they now have experience leading the division deep into the season.  Plus, they also have a solid crop of emerging talent.  Center fielder Andrew McCutchen is having an MVP caliber season.  He currently leads the NL in batting average at .362 and slugging at .625.  Pair that with 18 homers and an OPS of 1.039 and it’s safe to say that the Pirates have a player they can lean on going forward. 

They won’t have to lean on McCutchen too hard though.  They have a budding star starting pitcher, in right hander James McDonald whose record sits at 9-3 with the third best ERA (2.37) in the NL.  The Pirates also added veteran pitcher, A.J. Burnett from the New York Yankees and catcher Rod Barajas who spent last season with the LA Dodgers.  Don’t forget about their All-Star closer, Joel Hanrahan, who is riding the momentum he built up in 2011 and is now crushing it with 23 saves thus far.

The Pirates have the experience and talent to continue to compete and perhaps win their division.  It won’t be easy though. 

The Reds have strong bats in outfielder Jay Bruce (18 homers), first baseman Joey Votto (.348 batting average), and second baseman Brandon Phillips (48 RBI).  The Reds have a little deeper team all around and probably have the best shot at taking home the NL Central crown when its all said and done. 

Let’s not sleep on the Cardinals either.  St. Louis is coming off of an improbable World Series run and haven’t missed a beat in the absence of Albert Pujols (left for the LA Angels in the offseason).  The team as a whole sits 5th in the NL in slugging, 4th in runs scored and 2nd in both batting average and on base percentage.  The Pirates rank 21st, 22nd, 29th and 15th is those same categories respectively.  The Reds are 17th, 20th, 20th and 11th is those statistical categories.  St. Louis has the numbers, but they are coming up short in close games.  If they can find a way to close out in tight games then they could also be starring down yet another NL Central title. 

Probably safe to assume that at least two of these teams will be represented come playoff time.  Though most baseball fans that don’t have a rooting interest in the NL Central, would more than likely love to see the Pirates make it in the postseason as division winners.  The Pirates, who haven’t played October baseball in quite sometime, would probably be happy getting in anyway they can.         

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Too Much of a Good Thing

The resurgence of NBA teams accumulating three big stars in order to win championships started back in 2007.  The Boston Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett from Minnesota and Ray Allen from Seattle in an attempt to revamp the Celtics franchise by pairing those two with current All-Star, Paul Pierce.  The formula worked.  The Celtics won an NBA title in 2008, in just their first full season after obtaining Garnett and Allen.

The success of the ’07-’08 Celtics spawned what we now refer to as the “big 3 blueprint.”  This now implies that it takes three super-star caliber players on a given roster in order to secure an NBA Championship.

The Miami Heat followed suit in the offseason of 2010 by dumping almost their entire roster and then signing free agents, Chris Bosh and LeBron James to team-up with Dwyane Wade.  Wade, like Pierce in Boston, was the focal point in which Miami chose to attract top free agents and build a championship squad around.

The Heat had built a “Super Team.”  Unlike in Boston’s case, Miami brought in two of the best players in the game in the prime of their careers.  A championship wasn’t won overnight though.

The Heat failed to achieve greatness in their opening campaign.  They fell short in the 2011 NBA Finals to Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks; thus proving that it takes a true team effort to win it all and not just an accumulation of high powered names on the backs of uniforms. 

Nowitzki’s triumph in the 2011 Finals shook the “big 3 blueprint” to its core. 

The Heat would re-tool and not panic.  They continued to learn and grow under their head coach Erik Spoelstra and in time began to play better as a team.  Winning a championship took patience and the Heat would go on to hoist the trophy last month.

The recent successes of the Celtics and Heat have led these teams to wanting more, but history should tell them to be content with what they have. 

While many are salivating over Ray Allen’s departure from Boston to Miami, the ’03-’04 Lakers ring fresh in the minds of some NBA fans.

In the summer of 2003, the Lakers brought in forward Karl Malone and point guard Gary Payton to join forces with Shaq and Kobe, who had already won three titles together.  The Lakers weren’t happy with falling short of winning a fourth straight championship in 2003 and decided to build the decades first “super team.”  With Malone and Payton in the fold, the Lakers seemed poised to break the ’95-’96 Bulls winning mark of 72 games and had fans everywhere ready to witness true dominance. 

It didn’t happen.  The Lakers won 56 games in ’03-’04, a good season, but they looked dysfunctional night in and night out.  Not even the great Phil Jackson could harness all of that talent.

The Lakers would go onto appear in the ’04 Finals, but got rocked in five games by the Detroit Pistons.  The “super team” had fallen well short of expectations. 

The Miami Heat have now added an aging All-Star to its already high octane roster and has teams like the Brooklyn Nets trying to keep up by putting super-star pieces together, that might not fit.

The ’03-’04 Lakers, proved that an overloaded roster doesn’t necessarily guarantee a title.  Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks showed that just having one super-star in his prime, could still win it all.  

However, it is tempting to continue to load-up because teams like the Heat don’t want to risk ever giving up their championship swagger.  Loading up though, could mean breaking down sooner rather than later.   

Monday, July 9, 2012

Aces Wild

Major League Baseball’s halftime has arrived.  The Home Run Derby is set to kick off tonight in Kansas City and the All-Star Game will follow on Tuesday night.  After all of the All-Star festivities subside, we are in store for one of the most exciting second half’s in recent baseball memory.

This past November, Major League Baseball decided to implement a second wild card team in each league into the new CBA going forward. 

The past postseason format, which contained only one wild card team from each league, was implemented in 1994 and was first officially put into playoff action during the 1995 postseason.  Originally, the wild card team made it so each league would have an even number of four teams in the postseason.  The wild card of course, being awarded to the team in each league with the best record of the non-division winners, (3 divisions in a league plus the wild card meant a four team playoff in each league).

This decision to expand the postseason to a non-division winning team back in 1994 had baseball purist in an up-roar and rightfully so.  Yes, the wild card provides more excitement for fans at the end of a season (just use September, 2011 as a reference).  However, purist felt that it took away the value of winning the division.  In a way it did, but fast forward to now. 

It seems obvious that die hard baseball fans would be outraged by the decision in the new CBA, to allow yet another wild card team into the playoff mix.  Now a total of five teams from each league will have a shot at winning the World Series come October.  It’s obvious these writers and fans would be ready to torch MLB headquarters, right? Wrong.

The addition of a second wild card team has put even more emphasis on winning the division. 

How so? 

Let’s call this new single elimination “Wild Card Showdown” what it really is…a PLAY-IN game. 

If a team fails to win its division, but still has the best record amongst non-division winners, instead of automatically qualifying for baseball’s coveted postseason, that team will have to battle it out with the team that has the second best record of non-division winners. 

This newly formed play-in game makes it so a team doesn’t want to settle on winning the wild card race, because it will put them at a huge competitive disadvantage, even for the team that wins the play-in game. 

When a 162 game season is coming to a close, starting pitchers are at a premium for those teams in playoff mode.  The extra game for wild card teams means that both teams’ aces might have to start in the single elimination contest.  This suggests that a team’s ace could miss the entire best 3 out of 5 Division Series, not to mention the ware of a play-in game on a team’s bullpen. 

Managers may perhaps manage to avoid this, but with tight finishes on the horizon in both leagues, that scenario is unlikely. 

All we can do now is sit back and enjoy Major League Baseball’s second half.  With the importance put back on winning the division, it will surely afford fans with even more excitement by the time September rolls around.    

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Time is Now

The time has come for the Orlando Magic to trade their super-star center, Dwight Howard.  In fact they should have dealt him a long time ago.  The Magic should have moved Howard prior to the 2012 trade deadline this past season.  Instead they pushed for Howard to sign-on for one more year and now, all hell has broken loose.  

Stan Van Gundy has since been fired as well as their respected general manager Otis Smith.  It seemed as if Howard had gotten what he wanted with these firings.  

Reports had surfaced during this past season, that Howard and Van Gundy didn’t get along and Howard was tired of playing for his head coach.  

Then there was the awkward interview with Van Gundy telling reporters that he knew for certain that Howard had requested he be terminated.  Seconds later, the “big man” himself put his arm around his coach, having no clue of the accusations he had just told the media.  

The Magic could have avoided all of the drama if they would have just taken a page out of Denver’s playbook.  In February 2011, the Denver Nuggets fulfilled the wishes of their super-star forward, by trading Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks.  Denver received valuable role players in return; Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler have panned out nicely in a Nugget uniform since the deal went down. 

This past season the Nuggets were a competitive playoff contender, while Melo and the Knicks struggled and got a coach fired.  Denver was a respected opponent and the Knicks were kind of a joke for most of the ’11-’12 season.  The mega trade of 2011 appears to have worked out in Denver’s favor; at least early on it has. 

Denver is a similar market to Orlando.  The Nuggets have proven that life in a smaller market goes on without a diva super-star on the roster.  Denver didn’t allow Melo to walk away in free agency, but instead pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade that gave them key assets in return.  Orlando should have done the same and in fact they still can. 

The Magic need to move Howard sooner rather then later, but if they do trade him they better be smart about it.  A Howard deal should be loaded with future draft picks and solid role players in return.  If Orlando can swing a deal like Denver did in 2011, then they will have a much brighter future without Howard, then with him.   

Monday, July 2, 2012

We're Dealing: Nets Reportedly Trade for Johnson

The new-look Brooklyn Nets have been by far the most intriguing team to follow during the early stages of free agency.   

According to a report from ESPN's Chris Broussard and Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of dealing for Atlanta Hawks guard, Joe Johnson.  The report also states that this trade hinges on the highly anticipated decision from free agent guard, Deron Williams.  Bottom line is this; if Williams decides not to re-sign with the Nets then the trade with the Hawks for Joe Johnson will not go down. 

The Nets would be giving up quite a lot in order to receive Joe Johnson’s services.  Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar, Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, DeShawn Stevenson and a 2013 first round pick (lottery protected) from the Houston Rockets, would all be packaged up and sent to Atlanta for Johnson.

The Nets needed this news to surface.  Deron Williams reportedly began to meet with teams earlier today.  The two front runners are the Dallas Mavericks and his current team, the Brooklyn Nets. 

This news today also gives Brooklyn continued momentum from the Gerald Wallace commitment on Sunday.  Wallace apparently told the Nets that he would sign his deal on July 11th, which is reportedly worth 40 million dollars over four years. 

All of these reports only help the cause for the Nets, who are going to be opening up in a new city and new arena come October.  However, this news is only good if their All-Star, Deron Williams, decides to join the team going forward. 

The possibility of bringing in Joe Johnson helps.  Johnson is a scorer and a big guard, weighing in at 6’7”/240.  He averaged just under 19 points per game last season with the Hawks, but his ability to spread the floor and help create opportunities for Williams and Wallace will be his biggest contribution to the Nets.

This is all speculation because the deal rest in Williams’ hands.  The backcourt of Williams, Johnson, and Wallace sounds pretty dynamic, but let’s not sit back and assume that this deal will go through though. 

In 2008 a similar situation arose with the LA Clippers.  The Clippers brought in guard, Baron Davis, to team up with good friend and All-Star, Elton Brand.  LA thought this would sure up Brand’s decision to re-sign with the team, but it didn’t.  Brand left for more money and joined the Philadelphia 76ers that same offseason.

If Brooklyn does end up with both Johnson and Williams next season, it surely makes them a playoff contender.  If Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard, gets dealt there next season then it makes them a championship contender.   

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Decision Time for Nash

The NBA free agency frenzy begins on July 1st.  Veteran point guard and two time league MVP, Steve Nash, is the most intriguing name that could possibly be on the move.  

As a free agent during the summer of 2004, Nash wasted no time in departing from the Dallas Mavericks to the Phoenix Suns.  Nash has spent the last eight seasons with the Suns. He enjoyed three Western Conference Finals appearances and two 60 plus game winning seasons.  However, despite all of the success in Phoenix, Nash and the Suns fell short of winning a championship. 

At age 38, Nash averaged 10.7 assist per game last season; finishing only second behind Boston Celtics point guard, Rajon Rondo.  He has stated that he wants to play at least three more years and after his performance this past season, he has earned that right.

Here is where it gets interesting with Nash.  Will he select a team solely based on the opportunity to win a championship or will he go to a club that has young talented players and can offer him a lot more money over the next three seasons?

The championship contenders that have shown interest in Nash’s services at point guard are the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and the New York Knicks.  The Mavericks and Heat are legit title contenders heading into the 2012-2013 season.  The Knicks have work to do, but the addition of Nash could vault them up to becoming a championship challenger.

The possibility of winning a championship won’t be the only thing Nash considers when choosing his next team.  In a recent interview with ESPN's, Marc Stein, Nash seems to be approaching this situation with transparency; "It's just a different free agency for me and I have to be open-minded to everything." 


It appears that money will be a major factor in Nash’s decision going forward; as it was in 2004.

Teams that have young talent and can offer Nash plenty of money are the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers.  Out of these two teams, the Blazers make the most sense; a.) they could use a proven point guard to help mentor their newest draft pick, Damian Lillard, b.) They have the cap space to make him an enticing offer, c.) Portland is the closest city in the league to his hometown of Vancouver and d.) with the addition of Nash, the Blazers could become a legit championship contender in the next two years.

The Raptors can offer money as well and bring Nash home to his home country of Canada, but they will be competing for playoff spots and not a championship over his three year contract there.

Staying in Phoenix is another possible scenario, but very unlikely to happen.  Nash has made it clear that if the Suns don’t add star pieces around him, then he will be gone come July.  Plus, Nash just isn’t feeling the love from the Suns anymore.  He told ESPN’s, Marc Stein, in the same interview, "I don't necessarily feel like they're determined to keep me. I think there's a lot of factors. So, one, I'm not sure they're determined to keep me, (and) two, there's other opportunities that are exciting.”  Nash did go on to say that he wants to play somewhere where he can be happy.  Clearly, Phoenix might not be that place anymore for him.

Look for Nash to make a quick decision early in free agency.  No matter what he decides to do, the choice he makes will be what he feels is the most right for him.   

Friday, June 29, 2012

Highlights From the Lottery

The 2012 NBA Draft is a wrap.  Who won and who dropped the ball?  Well, it’s way too early to know exactly how each team did last night and we won’t know until these guys start playing real games.  What we do know, is that no major trades went down the entire night. 

Dwight Howard didn’t end up in Houston and the Bobcats stood firm at No. 2.  The Wizards got who they wanted in Florida guard, Bradley Beal, and can start right away alongside point guard John Wall. The Cavaliers did the same by drafting Syracuse guard, Dion Waiters, who some feel was the most “NBA ready” player in last night’s draft. 

No surprise at NO. 1.  The Hornets selected Anthony Davis who was followed by Kentucky teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, the Bobcats nabbed with the second pick. 

The Sacramento Kings got exactly who they wanted at NO. 5.  The Kings had reportedly been in trade talks, trying desperately to move up, in hopes to potentially land Kansas “big man,” Thomas Robinson.  They didn’t have to move an inch however.  Robinson was there, waiting to be taken with the fifth pick.  The 6’9”/237lb Robinson will be a force playing in the post with Kings center, DeMarcus Cousins.

Last season, as a junior at Kansas, Robinson averaged 17.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game.  He racked up 42 steals total, showing he has a knack for forcing turnovers.  His numbers indicate that he’s not a shot blocker, but his size and defensive mindset demonstrate that he has the talent to improve that skill at the next level. The numbers that do stand out however, are his ability to score and rebound.

Robinson’s most telling stats came against Big 12 power-houses; Baylor, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. He averaged 21.1 points and 12 rebounds per game in nine meetings against those conference foes.  This is telling because he put up his best numbers against teams that are most familiar with him.

In his first match-up against Anthony Davis and Kentucky in Hawaii, Robinson dropped in 11 points and pulled in 12 rebounds, a double-double none-the-less, but he later proved to be a more polished player come national championship time.  Robinson stepped up with 18 points and 17 rebounds against Kentucky on college basketball’s biggest stage.  Despite the loss in the championship, Robinson led Kansas to a 32-7 record and indeed led his squad in scoring and rebounds through 39 games.

The Portland Trail Blazers filled huge voids in the draft.  They got a solid point guard in Damian Lillard out of
Weber St.
and a guy that will fit in nicely in Rip City.  Portland also helped out their lack of depth in the post by adding Illinois center, Meyers Leonard.  Leonard weighs in at 7’1”/250 and will be a major asset for All-Star forward, LeMarcus Aldridge. 

The Golden State Warriors got another scorer and a really good small forward in Harrison Barnes from UNC.  Barnes solidifies that line-up and can be a starter right away for Golden State.

Barnes was rated as the third best player in most mock drafts and the Warriors got him at 7.  He averaged 16.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in two full seasons at UNC.  People around the league are saying that Barnes could be a better pro than college player.  A scary thought, considering his ability to grow as a scorer. 

Let's not forget who the Hornet's took at 10.  The Hornets got a very talented player in Duke guard, Austin Rivers.  Many believe that Rivers can play in the backcourt with guard Eric Gordon (if he resigns) as a true point guard.  Comparisons to Nets point guard Deron Williams have been made.  Williams, like Rivers, was not considered to be a true point coming out of college.  His size and ability to score has made Williams an All-Star point guard in the NBA.  Rivers has a lot of those same attributes.  He's 6'5" can score and handle the ball.  Look for the Rivers/Gordon combo to be ruthless next season.

That completes the highlights from the lottery portion of the 2012 NBA Draft.