1. Billy Billy Billy. What a game by Billy Hamilton: two infield singles, stolen base and a home run! Oh, don't forget that he also made a great diving catch in center field. Hamilton has quietly lifted his batting average to nearly .250 with a .281 OBP, or 8 points higher than Brandon Phillips. If Hamilton can maintain a .250 average and raise the the OBP to around .300 then he is doing enough to maintain the lead off spot. Adding in plus defense and the speed on the basepaths and Hamilton could be the trigger to turn around this Reds season.
2. The difference between a single and a walk. Joey Votto appears to be forever caught in the middle of the debate over which is more important: hits or getting on base. It certainly seems like the most important aspect of any baseball player is their ability to not make outs. The game is very simple, if you team makes outs less frequently than the other team then you will win most games. Votto has established himself as the best player in baseball at not making outs. People who argue and say that he should swing at pitches out of the strike zone in an attempt to hit more doubles and drive in more runs were most likely the same people that got made that Wily Mo Pena struck out so often. If you don't make an out, you get on base, if you get on base you are more likely to score and the more you the score the more likely you are to win. Give me 9 guys who get on base at a .420 clip and I'll give you a World Championship.
3. Rick Renteria has the rain delays to thank for his ejection last night. Renteria was ejected after yelling, "That's an F'in good pitch" multiple times to the umpire. Had there been more than 1000 people remaining in the stadium the home plate umpire would most likely had heard Renteria but allowed him to continue yelling, but because it was so audible due to the lack of outside noise, he was forced to eject him. The words of Renteria are no worse than any other argument you will hear from a manager directed at an umpire, the key difference is that everyone in the stadium was able to hear it.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
I apologize
It has been my plan to write two daily pieces and have them posted every day and then to also write additional stories on most days, but with having a job and other commitments this has become a issue so I have decided that in order to maintain some form of consistency that I will return to writing a daily Thrice is Nice to be posted each night in order to be ready for a morning read.
In addition, I will continue to write as often as I can, and most days will be able to write an additional article.
Thanks for reading and look forward to reading Thrice is Nice either late tonight or tomorrow morning!
Thanks!
In addition, I will continue to write as often as I can, and most days will be able to write an additional article.
Thanks for reading and look forward to reading Thrice is Nice either late tonight or tomorrow morning!
Thanks!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Mock Draft 3.
While there are many changes this week from last week, I have actually become more comfortable with a number of my picks and feel that I am getting closer to feeling confident come May 8th. As this mock draft began I had initial thoughts on how far some guys may fall, but as it would come to the next pick and I reviewed what position on each team was in need of my help, many new names appeared on the board and it ended up with 4 quarterbacks and 8 wide receivers being taken. If that doesn't show a change in the NFL landscape to a spread out and throw all over the place kind of league, not sure what will.
1. Houston: Jadeveon Clowney (Previously: Clowney)
I just get the vibe that the Texans are going to wait and select a QB at the top of round 2 and take the best playmaker in the draft to start off. Don't forget, this is the same organization that took Mario Williams over Reggie Bush.
2. St. Louis: Greg Robison (Watkins)
The offensive line situation for St. Louis is terrible right now. The healthy players are not great and Jake Long is not healthy. Robison is begin by filling in for Long at left tackle and them seamlessly transfer to right take after his return.
3. Jacksonville: Blake Bortles (Bortles)
Bortles is solid in the pocket with ability to move around enough in the pocket to keep defenses honest. While not a huge believer that size makes a quarterback, Bortles definitely has the traditional frame wanted from your signal caller.
4. Cleveland: Sammy Watkins (Manziel)
Sammy Watkins, Jordan Cameron, Josh Gordon, Ben Tate and Andrew Hawkins. Does it really matter who is throwing the football in this potentially explosive offense?
5. Oakland: Mike Evans (Robison)
Oakland is always a crap shoot as to who they will really select and typically go after playmakers. Mike Evans is arguably the best wide receiver in this draft and will upgrade Oakland's offense immediately. Matt Schaub certainly wouldn't mind.
6. Atlanta: Khalil Mack (Mack)
I said it last week, but it's the truth.This is the dream scenario for Atlanta, a team in dire need of a pass rusher and presence on the defensive side of the ball. They will have to hold themselves back from sprinting the card to the table if Mack is still there at 6.
7. Tampa Bay: Taylor Lewan (Evans)
I think that the Bucs were targeting Mike Evans here but with the Raiders grabbing him, the Bucs will be forced to either look to trade out of number 7 or take the best available player. Adding Lewan, and making him a RT or LG, will complete the revamped offensive line in Tampa.
8. Minnesota: Teddy Bridgewater (Bridgewater)
Mike Zimmer understands that he needs an upgrade at quarterback and grabbing a guy who at one time thought of as hands down the best quarterback in the draft will fill that need. The Vikings do have a veteran presence at the position currently which will allow them to rest Bridgewater for a learn.
9. Buffalo: Eric Ebron (Dennard)
Buffalo does not have many holes to fill but one glaring hole is at tight end. Ebron has been rumored to be of great interest to the Bills and he certainly has the ability to be a top 10 pick. Surround EJ Manuel with weapons will only make him a better quarterback.
10. Detroit: Jake Matthews (Matthews)
Matt Stafford is a top 5 quarterback when he is not injured or being knocked down more times than anyone is able to count. When he is dinged up and knocked up over and over again? Not so much. Jake Matthews brings a big, athletic body to the Lions and will help to protect Stafford's blind side.
11. Tennessee: CJ Mosley (Mosley)
I am still only lukewarm on this pick because I can not figure out a strategy for the Titans. Linebacker seems like the only logical place to slot anyone left on the board. The Titans could literally select anything from a quarterback to a cornerback and everything in between.
12. New York Giants: Zach Martin (Lewan)
Up to this point I have had Lewan slotted in here to the Giants but with him already being grabbed, they men in blue take the best remaining option to help keep Eli healthy and upright.
13. St. Louis: Odell Beckham Jr. (Gilbert)
The Rams still need to add playmakers to help Sam Bradford reach his potential and sense they passed on Sammy Watkins at the top of the draft, grabbing an explosive player like Beckham is their smartest option.
14. Chicago: Darqueze Dennard (Fuller)
The Bears will be looking to upgrade their secondary and are lucky enough to have a future star fall directly into their laps at 14. Dennard is tough nosed and could be a shutdown corner for seasons to come.
15. Pittsburgh: Aaron Donald (Donald)
Donald has been dominating Heinz Field on Saturdays and will now get the chance to do the same on Sundays as the Steelers focus on an aging defense with a dynamic defensive lineman. Adding the most dominant interior defensive linemen will help the Steeler defense to get back to being as tough as they once were.
16. Dallas: Johnny Manziel (Clinton Dix)
I mentioned last week that Dallas could pull the trigger on Derek Carr in this spot, but they won't even think about that if Johnny Football is still here. Jerry Jones loves attention and Manziel will brings plenty of that. Jerry's World just got a little more crazy.
17. Baltimore: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (Martin)
The secondary in Baltimore got younger last year with Matt Elam taking over for Ed Reed and by pairing him with the Alabama product will make the secondary in Baltimore fly around with a lot of speed and a lot of ballhawking abilities.
18. New York Jets: Brandin Cooks (Cooks)
I do believe Michael Vick ends up starting for the Jets and that he will want additional targets in that offense. Enter Brandin Cooks and his explosiveness.
19. Miami: Ryan Shazier (Moses)
Shazier can bring some youth and athleticism to the middle portion of the Dolphin's defense and be a key to energizing a defensive side of the ball that has the opportunity to be a part of a playoff push.
20. Arizona: Derek Carr (Carr)
Perfect situation for Derek Carr to be able to sit behind Carson Palmer for a season and learn how to become a professional.
21. Green Bay: Justin Gilbert (Pryor)
With few holes, if any, on the offensive side of the ball the Packers select the top rated defensive back remaining and fill a need in the secondary.
22. Philadelphia: Cory Latimer (Beckham)
Latimer is new to the first round but his stock continues to rise and he will be a sure handed replacement for DeSean Jackson to line up across from Riley Cooper.
23. Kansas City: Marquise Lee (Jerrigan)
Alex Smith can not be counted on to continue to produce with such a lack of wide receivers to throw too. I am nervous that Lee reminds me of a young Dwayne Bowe, but if he becomes a young and determined Dwayne Bowe: watch out.
24. Cincinnati: Bradley Roby ( Fuller)
Roby fills one of the very few holes that this Cincinnati team currently possesses. With the exception of the secondary, this defense is already pretty stout and could lead this team back to the playoffs. Roby will allow the aging Terrance Newman to slide to the slot and a combo of Roby and Pacman Jones is no secondary to mock for opposing offensives.
25. San Diego: Kyle Fuller (Ebron)
Fuller is a big and physical corner who can help a San Diego team protect against having to constantly try to outscore opponents. It's more likely that San Diego trades this pick to acquire more mid round selections because they do not have many holes.
26. Cleveland: Jason Verrett (Verrett)
The duo of Verrett and Watkins bring the Browns playmakers on both sides of the passing game. The team on the shores of Lake Erie is not as far away as many believe.
27: New Orleans: Calvin Pryor (Barr)
When a guy with this much talent falls all the way to 27. You draft him and find a way to make him work in your lineup. The Saints will do just that.
28. Carolina: Kelvin Benjamin (Lee)
The Panthers badly need someone to throw the ball to but I really think that the poor attitude and supposed lack of effort that Benjamin displays will cause him to have rifts with Ron Rivera. Or Ron Rivera is exactly the kind of guy needed to straighten him out.
29. New England: Kyle Van Noy (Shazier)
This is the typical New England pick. A guy slightly under the radar who is simply a football player. Just how Bellicheck likes em.
30. San Francisco: Cyrus Kouandjio (Ealy)
San Francisco is in the envious position where they can take a chance on a high potential player who could end up being a solid starter in the league for many seasons.
31. Denver: Anthony Barr (Nix III)
It somehow always seems like the best teams have very good players fall to them for some unknown reason and this is no different. Barr is a game changer and will fit in very nicely with the Mile High Defense
32. Seattle: Davante Adams (Haseman)
The Seahawks go off script and draft a wide receiver early in the draft. A great replacement for Golden Tate.
Only 10 more days....
Friday, April 25, 2014
Trading to win
Draft day trades are almost as exciting to follow as the picks themselves, but typically people want professional teams to make "fantasy league" type trades on draft day and over value the picks that their favorite teams possess. There is a standard value chart used by NFL executives to decide the fairness or equal value of a trade proposal, a chart which is trusted and used to decide a lot of trades. Between now and May 8th, this blog will be focused almost entirely on the upcoming NFL draft and it will start with my review of possible trades to look for in the first round on Thursday May 8th and breaking down the value of each trade. Also, the link on this page will take you to the chart that values each pick. Of course, most draft day trades are unforeseen but here are some options that teams, either hungry for a certain type of player (Falcons) or have a lot of picks (Browns), may be interested in pursuing.
Let's start at the top:
Atlanta trades picks 6, 37 and 2015 1st (Total points: 3,130 (1,600 for #6, 530 for #37, and 1,000 for next years 1st rounder)) to Houston for pick 1 (3,000)
- If the Texans are not sold on any one player then this pick will allow them to stockpile quality picks for this season and next season. Being able to own 3 of the first 37 picks and a 2 first rounders next season will put them in position to turn around their organization immediately. Consider this: The Texans could add three quality starters immediately with their first three picks all for moving down five slots. If the Texans feel inclined to draft a quarterback in the first round then this would be their smartest move. What does Atlanta receive for this? Jadeveon Clowney.
Cleveland trades picks 26, 71, 83 (1,110) to Chicago for pick 14 (1,100)
- This trade is a win for both teams and allows the Browns to select either wide receiver or quarterback at #4 and still be able to grab a high quality player at the 14th pick. For instance, they could go Sammy Watkins at 4 and still most likely be able to grab Bridgewater, Manziel, or Carr at 14. Or they could draft Manziel or Bortles at 4 and then get a wide receiver with the quality of Mike Evans at 14. The Bears also come out on top of this pick by moving back 12 slots and picking up an additional 3rd and 4th round pick. Most likely targeting help in their secondary, the Bears know that there are roughly 7 or 8 secondary players with first round grades that they can wait on and get one at 26 and be able to add additional quality in the middle rounds.
The real fun with draft day trades is often one trade starts a ripple effect and results in multiple other teams making trades to adjust to the initial trade. We are only 13 days away folks....
Draft pick value chart
Let's start at the top:
Atlanta trades picks 6, 37 and 2015 1st (Total points: 3,130 (1,600 for #6, 530 for #37, and 1,000 for next years 1st rounder)) to Houston for pick 1 (3,000)
- If the Texans are not sold on any one player then this pick will allow them to stockpile quality picks for this season and next season. Being able to own 3 of the first 37 picks and a 2 first rounders next season will put them in position to turn around their organization immediately. Consider this: The Texans could add three quality starters immediately with their first three picks all for moving down five slots. If the Texans feel inclined to draft a quarterback in the first round then this would be their smartest move. What does Atlanta receive for this? Jadeveon Clowney.
Cleveland trades picks 26, 71, 83 (1,110) to Chicago for pick 14 (1,100)
- This trade is a win for both teams and allows the Browns to select either wide receiver or quarterback at #4 and still be able to grab a high quality player at the 14th pick. For instance, they could go Sammy Watkins at 4 and still most likely be able to grab Bridgewater, Manziel, or Carr at 14. Or they could draft Manziel or Bortles at 4 and then get a wide receiver with the quality of Mike Evans at 14. The Bears also come out on top of this pick by moving back 12 slots and picking up an additional 3rd and 4th round pick. Most likely targeting help in their secondary, the Bears know that there are roughly 7 or 8 secondary players with first round grades that they can wait on and get one at 26 and be able to add additional quality in the middle rounds.
The real fun with draft day trades is often one trade starts a ripple effect and results in multiple other teams making trades to adjust to the initial trade. We are only 13 days away folks....
Draft pick value chart
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Thrice is Nice
1. Never a believer in putting a high importance on April games but if the Reds can win this afternoon in Pittsburgh and climb back to .500 after starting the season in such a rough manner, then they have truly proven that they will be a team to worry about. Yes, all games are important and a win in April is as good as a win in July or August, but in terms of raised importance and worrying about the resulting aspect of a win or loss normally does not take place in April, but it should today. Between the level of competition and the record to start the season, to be .500 again already would be huge.
2. The NFL schedule was released last night. While it's fun to go through the schedules and take guesses at which games each team will win and which games they will lose, the beauty of the NFL is the idea that each game is basically a crap shoot. I do think the AFC North lucked out that their cross divisional foes this season from a weakened NFC South and a poor AFC South.
3. Wrigley Field turned 100 and Sammy Sosa was no where to be found? The Cubs did not invite Sammy Sosa to return to Wrigley to take part in the celebration of a century of baseball at the friendly confines. Every baseball fan has a special place in their heart regarding Wrigley Field, personally it's because growing up you could arrive home from school turn on WGN and catch the Cubs afternoon game. With the expansion of TV contracts for each club, it has lessened the American following of the Cubs but Wrigley Field will always stand as a monument of baseball lore. Happy Belated Birthday Wrigley!
2. The NFL schedule was released last night. While it's fun to go through the schedules and take guesses at which games each team will win and which games they will lose, the beauty of the NFL is the idea that each game is basically a crap shoot. I do think the AFC North lucked out that their cross divisional foes this season from a weakened NFC South and a poor AFC South.
3. Wrigley Field turned 100 and Sammy Sosa was no where to be found? The Cubs did not invite Sammy Sosa to return to Wrigley to take part in the celebration of a century of baseball at the friendly confines. Every baseball fan has a special place in their heart regarding Wrigley Field, personally it's because growing up you could arrive home from school turn on WGN and catch the Cubs afternoon game. With the expansion of TV contracts for each club, it has lessened the American following of the Cubs but Wrigley Field will always stand as a monument of baseball lore. Happy Belated Birthday Wrigley!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
The Nightcap
I'm going to call it the Bryan Price effect. The overall aggressiveness of the Reds seems to be at a higher level this year than the last few years and I do not just mean because the number of stolen bases is higher. That number is typically dictated by the personnel of a team, but rather I mean the style in which these Reds are running the bases. It is much closer to the Reds team of 2010 who led the world in going 1st to 3rd on singles.
In this series alone, we have seen many players going 1st to 3rd on singles and running the bases aggressively but in tonight's game we saw the Reds take control of the game because of their ability and desire to be active on the basepaths. Roger Bernadina stole second early in the game and forced a bad throw which resulted in him ending up at third. The same thing happened with Billy Hamilton stealing second base and resulted in Hamilton going to third and Ramon Santiago scoring. Hamilton and Bruce also took extra bases on what should have been singles to center field but both of them played it aggressive and ended up at second base. Jay Bruce had two stolen bases tonight.
As mentioned above, stolen bases do not always tell a story of running the bases with passion and aggressiveness but it is more important to notice who is stealing the bases. The Reds do currently rank 3rd in baseball in stolen bases with 20 but more impressive is that 9 players currently have stolen bases this season including the likes of Brayan Pena, Devin Mesoraco and Neftali Soto. These guys are running and running often which not only puts more pressure on the defense and catcher in particular to make plays but makes the game just a little more exciting to watch from home.
It was discussed before this road trip if the Reds could come home at 12-13 then it would have to be a success considering the level of competition they have played to this point, and that record is well within reach. It would take a 2-2 record over the remaining 4 games to make this a reality and with Tony Cingrani pitching against a guy who was scratched from his AAA start tonight, you would hope that tomorrow would result in a W.
In this series alone, we have seen many players going 1st to 3rd on singles and running the bases aggressively but in tonight's game we saw the Reds take control of the game because of their ability and desire to be active on the basepaths. Roger Bernadina stole second early in the game and forced a bad throw which resulted in him ending up at third. The same thing happened with Billy Hamilton stealing second base and resulted in Hamilton going to third and Ramon Santiago scoring. Hamilton and Bruce also took extra bases on what should have been singles to center field but both of them played it aggressive and ended up at second base. Jay Bruce had two stolen bases tonight.
As mentioned above, stolen bases do not always tell a story of running the bases with passion and aggressiveness but it is more important to notice who is stealing the bases. The Reds do currently rank 3rd in baseball in stolen bases with 20 but more impressive is that 9 players currently have stolen bases this season including the likes of Brayan Pena, Devin Mesoraco and Neftali Soto. These guys are running and running often which not only puts more pressure on the defense and catcher in particular to make plays but makes the game just a little more exciting to watch from home.
It was discussed before this road trip if the Reds could come home at 12-13 then it would have to be a success considering the level of competition they have played to this point, and that record is well within reach. It would take a 2-2 record over the remaining 4 games to make this a reality and with Tony Cingrani pitching against a guy who was scratched from his AAA start tonight, you would hope that tomorrow would result in a W.
Thrice is Nice
1. Oh Johnny Boy... Johnny Cueto is pitching like the ace that many people argued he would be in the offseason, and that's great news for the Reds. Right now, there may not be a tougher back to back pitching duo than what the Reds are presenting last night and tonight with Cueto followed by Alfredo Simon. People can complain about the offense and worry about the bullpen but this starting pitching will keep the Reds not only in nearly every game but also in this NL Central race until the end.
2. A quick pitcher comparison.
Pitcher A: 4 starts, 28 IP, 1.61 ERA, 1.107 WHIP, 5 Earned Runs, 29 Strikeouts
Pitcher B: 3 starts, 21 IP, .86 ERA, .81 WHIP, 2 Earned Runs, 13 Strikeouts
Pitcher A is Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish who has started the season as everyone would expect, by absolutely dominating the American League. Pitcher B? Alfredo Simon. Let that soak in for a minute, Alfredo Simon currently has one of, if not the, best pitching lines in baseball. Raise your hand if you saw that coming. Now, put it back down because you are lying.
3. 11,926. That was last night's attendance at PNC Park for the Reds and Pirates game. A game featuring two teams that will be vying for 1st place in the NL Central all season long and only 12,000 people show up? Its was 53 degrees and the game featured an early Cy Young candidate and two former MVPs. This blows my mind and I understand that attendance is down a lot of places, but c'mon Pittsburgh you are making it even easier to dislike your city.
2. A quick pitcher comparison.
Pitcher A: 4 starts, 28 IP, 1.61 ERA, 1.107 WHIP, 5 Earned Runs, 29 Strikeouts
Pitcher B: 3 starts, 21 IP, .86 ERA, .81 WHIP, 2 Earned Runs, 13 Strikeouts
Pitcher A is Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish who has started the season as everyone would expect, by absolutely dominating the American League. Pitcher B? Alfredo Simon. Let that soak in for a minute, Alfredo Simon currently has one of, if not the, best pitching lines in baseball. Raise your hand if you saw that coming. Now, put it back down because you are lying.
3. 11,926. That was last night's attendance at PNC Park for the Reds and Pirates game. A game featuring two teams that will be vying for 1st place in the NL Central all season long and only 12,000 people show up? Its was 53 degrees and the game featured an early Cy Young candidate and two former MVPs. This blows my mind and I understand that attendance is down a lot of places, but c'mon Pittsburgh you are making it even easier to dislike your city.
Monday, April 21, 2014
The Nightcap
This Reds' bullpen is becoming an issue and becoming an issue quickly. It's understandable that you will not win every game that you take a lead into the 7th or 8th inning but you should feel pretty confident going into the last third of the game with a lead. Unfortunately, that has not been the case this season for the Reds (I'm currently watching Manny Parra get hit very hard for the second consecutive day and JJ Hoover not know how to throw strikes). The starting rotation for the Reds is too good to have this poor of outings from a bullpen, that is supposed to be a strength for this team. It is early and the bullpen was down 3 of the most important guys at the beginning of the year, but the biggest issues haven't come from their replacements. If all the issues were coming from Curtis Partch, Nick Christiani and Trevor Bell then it would be a logical argument and an issue that you would assume would fix itself shortly. The problem is that the lack of production has come from individuals who will have to perform this season for the Reds to succeed. JJ Hoover, Manny Parra, and Logan Ondrusek will all have vital roles in the bullpen but up to this point they have not shown the ability to get guys out when the pressure is on.
JJ Hoover is currently the owner of a 14.54 ERA while giving up 7 runs and 5 walks over only 4.1 innings. Logan Ondrusek is not far behind sporting a 11.25 ERA while giving up 5 runs on 9 hits over 4 innings. Manny Parra came into the game tonight with a 4.00 ERA and promptly gave up the game tying home run to Andrew McCutcheon.
The plan eventually would have Marshall and Broxton, both injured at the beginning of the year, being the setup men for Aroldis Chapman, currently injured but that does not mean that Parra, Hoover, and Ondrusek will not be counted on for big innings and to get tough outs.
Hopefully, this bullpen comes through tonight and immediately makes me eat my words but the confidence level of this current bullpen is incredibly low. The Pirate have the top 3 in their order to lead off the ninth, and you just get the feeling we may not get to see the 4th batter.
Given each of these guys' histories you would believe that they will be able to turn it around and become that powerful bullpen that we all expect. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Let's hope for extra innings....
JJ Hoover is currently the owner of a 14.54 ERA while giving up 7 runs and 5 walks over only 4.1 innings. Logan Ondrusek is not far behind sporting a 11.25 ERA while giving up 5 runs on 9 hits over 4 innings. Manny Parra came into the game tonight with a 4.00 ERA and promptly gave up the game tying home run to Andrew McCutcheon.
The plan eventually would have Marshall and Broxton, both injured at the beginning of the year, being the setup men for Aroldis Chapman, currently injured but that does not mean that Parra, Hoover, and Ondrusek will not be counted on for big innings and to get tough outs.
Hopefully, this bullpen comes through tonight and immediately makes me eat my words but the confidence level of this current bullpen is incredibly low. The Pirate have the top 3 in their order to lead off the ninth, and you just get the feeling we may not get to see the 4th batter.
Given each of these guys' histories you would believe that they will be able to turn it around and become that powerful bullpen that we all expect. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Let's hope for extra innings....
NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Well in a weeks time, I have apparently had a lot of changes of heart about what teams will do because the 2.0 version of this draft is drastically different than the 1.0. Most of the same players are drafted throughout round 1 but the teams and slots in which the drafting takes place is very different starting at the top.
1. Houston: Jadeveon Clowney (Previously: Blake Bortles)
Pairing Clowney with Watt is too tempting for the Texas pass up on with the depth of the quarterback class and ability to draft a potential starting quarterback at the top of round 2.
2. St. Louis: Sammy Watkins (Watkins)
Recent word out of the St. Louis is they may pursue a quarterback with the 2nd pick but I firmly believe this to be a smokescreen created to raise the value of the 2nd pick in an opportunity to trade. Watkins should be the pick here.
3. Jacksonville: Blake Bortles (Clowney)
Jaguars decide to go quarterback and keep Bortles in Florida where he has proven he can win. Bortles is the safest quarterback pick in this draft and could be a solid starter for the Jaguars for years to come, but I advise starting Chad Henne an additional season and letting Bortles learn slowly.
4. Cleveland: Johnny Manziel (Mack)
As a Browns fan, I do not like this pick but I believe that Jimmy Haslam will be too intrigued by the dynamic that is Johnny Football to not push for him to be drafted. My concerns? Manziel's ability to run around like a mad man in the 5 degree weather of the AFC North after getting blasted by Vontaze Burfict on the previous run. Confession time: if the Browns do draft Manziel, I will turn into the biggest Johnny Football fan ever.
5. Oakland: Greg Robison (Manziel)
A bad quarterback can look a lot better when given the time to throw and Matt Schaub is not a bad quarterback. Give him the time and opportunity to throw and he can win some games for the Raiders.
6. Atlanta: Khalil Mack (Mosley)
This is the dream scenario for Atlanta, a team in dire need of a pass rusher and presence on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons will without a doubt be contemplating trading up to draft either Mack or Clowney, but in this draft it would be unnecessary. They will have to hold themselves back from sprinting the card to the table if Mack is still there at 6.
7. Tampa Bay: Mike Evans (Evans)
Dynamic talent to pair with Vincent Jackson to create a duo that makes Mike Glennon look like a much better quarterback. Watch out NFC South but an offense featuring Evans, Jackson, and Doug Martin is pretty impressive and will cause issues for those defenses.
8. Minnesota: Teddy Bridgewater (Robinson)
Mike Zimmer spent two days with Bridgewater in Minnesota this past week being convinced that Teddy can excel in the NFL. Who cares if he has to have a glove on to play quarterback, there is no rule that says he can't wear one year round. Remember this guy was the surefire number one quarterback in this draft coming into the offseason and a poor pro-day has derailed him. For reference, Brady Quinn had a pro-day labeled as one of the best ever.
9. Buffalo: Darqueze Dennard (Dennard)
The Bills are very close to be a very good football team and by beefing up the cornerback spot, they fill one of their weaknesses. And remember they face Tom Brady twice a year, so you can never have enough good corners.
10. Detroit: Jake Matthews (Matthews)
Matt Stafford is a top 5 quarterback when he is not injured or being knocked down more times than anyone is able to count. When he is dinged up and knocked up over and over again? Not so much. Jake Matthews brings a big, athletic body to the Lions and will help to protect Stafford's blind side.
11. Tennessee: CJ Mosley (Donald)
The Titans may be the toughest team to predict who they will select because it could be logical for them to select anyone from an offensive lineman to a wide receiver to a linebacker. Well, in this draft they sure up the middle of the defense and bring leadership to the middle linebacker spot. Mosley will being athleticism and toughness to this defense.
12. New York Giants: Taylor Lewan (Lewan)
Much like the Falcons, this draft could not have played out better for the Giants who badly need offensive line help and were able to grab potentially the most athletic of the O-Line prospects. The Giants just have to hope that the legal troubles do not hold back Lewan and he can become the cornerstone of that line.
13. St. Louis: Justin Gilbert (Clinton-Dix)
After grabbing a play making wide receiver at #2 like Sammy Watkins, Jeff Fisher gets a shutdown corner to help stop the opposing passing game. The opportunity to go against each other everyday in practice will do nothing but help both Gilbert and Watkins as they grow into stars for the Rams.
14. Chicago: Kyle Fuller ( Gilbert)
The Bears have to improve their pass defense and with Justin Gilbert going the pick before, they are forced to take the next best corner on the board in Kyle Fuller. The rest of their secondary is aging quickly and Fuller will be able to infuse some new life and ability to the Monsters of the Midway.
15. Pittsburgh: Aaron Donald (Moses)
Donald has been dominating Heinz Field on Saturdays and will now get the chance to do the same on Sundays as the Steelers focus on an aging defense with a dynamic defensive lineman. Donald will have an opportunity to place his name as the most recent on the long list of great Steeler defenders.
16. Dallas: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (Pryor)
Cowboys have opportunity to grab the best safety in the draft and immediately improve a dreadful secondary. Last season it was practice going against the poor back end of America's Team. Don't be surprised to see the Cowboys possibly pull the trigger on a Derek Carr in this slot, remember that Romo is 34.
17. Baltimore: Zach Martin (Martin)
The Ravens have to get back to running the ball first and letting Joe Flacco play the way he plays best, in the play action. The best way to get a running game back? Strengthen the offensive line and hope that Ray Rice doesn't find himself in jail for too long.
18. New York Jets: Brandin Cooks (Cooks)
Geno or Vick need more play makers and home run threats around them in this offense. Cooks brings that highlight reel threat to the game each time he touches the football and will bring excitement to the Jets offense that has been badly missed the last few seasons.
19. Miami: Morgan Moses (Jerrigan)
Moses can start his career playing RT and create a great offensive line tandem with Branden Albert on the other side of the line. Ryan Tannehill can be a great quarterback when given time to see receivers and the field, placing Moses opposite of Albert will give him all day. Moses is also good for the run, which will put smiles on the faces of Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller.
20. Arizona: Derek Carr (Bridgewater)
There may not be a better situation for Carr than in Arizona where he can comfortable sit behind Carson Palmer and learn from a true professional for a season before taking over the reins to the offense and being a successful quarterback of the future.
21. Green Bay: Calvin Pryor (Roby)
With few holes, if any, on the offensive side of the ball the Packers select the top rated defensive back remaining and fill a need in the secondary.
22. Philadelphia: Odell Beckham (Beckham)
Replacement for DeSean Jackson comes in the form a similar bodied wide receiver with strong hands and speed to burn. Beckham will allow Brian Kelly to continue to deploy fast and big play offensive calls. This offense would be scary good.
23. Kansas City: Timmy Jerrigan (Nix III)
The Chiefs defense began to slow down towards the end of last season and adding Jerrigan, who's own stamina is a concern, adds depth for the club and allows him to work in a rotation to stay fresh. This is a perfect situation for Jerrigan to play to the most of his ability.
24. Cincinnati: Bradley Roby ( Fuller)
Roby fills one of the very few holes that this Cincinnati team currently possesses. With the exception of the secondary, this defense is already pretty stout and could lead this team back to the playoffs. Roby will allow the aging Terrance Newman to slide to the slot and a combo of Roby and Pacman Jones is no secondary to mock for opposing offensives.
25. San Diego: Eric Ebron (Verrett)
Fills multiple holes for Chargers. Ebron gives Rivers an additional target in this high volume passing game while also lining up a replacement for Antonio Gates as he continues to age and slowly break down.
26. Cleveland: Jason Verrett (Jean-Baptiste)
Cleveland gets their wish and has a solid cornerback fall into their laps at 26 with Verrett. The addition of Verrett will allow Buster Skrine to slid inside where he is an above average cover on the slot receiver and give a viable corner to start opposite Pro-Bowler Joe Haden on the other side. Cleveland lost multiple games they should not have last season with late half and game breakdowns in their secondary.
27: New Orleans: Anthony Barr (Barr)
The Saints can score, this we all know but they need to continue to improve that defense so Drew Brees isn't forced to throw 5 touchdowns a game to win. Barr is a huge talent that for some unknown reason has kind of fallen off the map as a high prospect. At the beginning of the offseason he was labeled as one of the best. The Saints would be very happy with this pick.
28. Carolina: Marquise Lee (Lee)
Seriously, if they don't draft a wide receiver Cam Newton will have no one to throw the football too. They have to go wide receiver. No questions.
29. New England: Ryan Shazier (Ebron)
Shazier plays the fast and physical defense that Belicheck likes without the attitude of the recently departed Brandon Spikes. Think Tedy Bruschi with better speed.
30. San Francisco: Kony Ealy (Ealy)
Aldon Smith is either on his way out of San Francisco or his way in to a prison or possibly both. The 49ers are too good of a football team and organization to put up with much more from Smith. Ealy will bring another pass rusher to the tenacious defensive line in San Fran.
31. Denver: Louis Nix III (Shazier)
Paired with Terrance Knighton will create a monster in the middle of the Bronco's defensive line. It was obvious in the Super Bowl that you win championships with defense and fill stat sheets with offense. I think they would prefer the championships.
32. Seattle: Ra'Shede Haseman (Haseman)
And the rich get richer.....
1. Houston: Jadeveon Clowney (Previously: Blake Bortles)
Pairing Clowney with Watt is too tempting for the Texas pass up on with the depth of the quarterback class and ability to draft a potential starting quarterback at the top of round 2.
2. St. Louis: Sammy Watkins (Watkins)
Recent word out of the St. Louis is they may pursue a quarterback with the 2nd pick but I firmly believe this to be a smokescreen created to raise the value of the 2nd pick in an opportunity to trade. Watkins should be the pick here.
3. Jacksonville: Blake Bortles (Clowney)
Jaguars decide to go quarterback and keep Bortles in Florida where he has proven he can win. Bortles is the safest quarterback pick in this draft and could be a solid starter for the Jaguars for years to come, but I advise starting Chad Henne an additional season and letting Bortles learn slowly.
4. Cleveland: Johnny Manziel (Mack)
As a Browns fan, I do not like this pick but I believe that Jimmy Haslam will be too intrigued by the dynamic that is Johnny Football to not push for him to be drafted. My concerns? Manziel's ability to run around like a mad man in the 5 degree weather of the AFC North after getting blasted by Vontaze Burfict on the previous run. Confession time: if the Browns do draft Manziel, I will turn into the biggest Johnny Football fan ever.
5. Oakland: Greg Robison (Manziel)
A bad quarterback can look a lot better when given the time to throw and Matt Schaub is not a bad quarterback. Give him the time and opportunity to throw and he can win some games for the Raiders.
6. Atlanta: Khalil Mack (Mosley)
This is the dream scenario for Atlanta, a team in dire need of a pass rusher and presence on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons will without a doubt be contemplating trading up to draft either Mack or Clowney, but in this draft it would be unnecessary. They will have to hold themselves back from sprinting the card to the table if Mack is still there at 6.
7. Tampa Bay: Mike Evans (Evans)
Dynamic talent to pair with Vincent Jackson to create a duo that makes Mike Glennon look like a much better quarterback. Watch out NFC South but an offense featuring Evans, Jackson, and Doug Martin is pretty impressive and will cause issues for those defenses.
8. Minnesota: Teddy Bridgewater (Robinson)
Mike Zimmer spent two days with Bridgewater in Minnesota this past week being convinced that Teddy can excel in the NFL. Who cares if he has to have a glove on to play quarterback, there is no rule that says he can't wear one year round. Remember this guy was the surefire number one quarterback in this draft coming into the offseason and a poor pro-day has derailed him. For reference, Brady Quinn had a pro-day labeled as one of the best ever.
9. Buffalo: Darqueze Dennard (Dennard)
The Bills are very close to be a very good football team and by beefing up the cornerback spot, they fill one of their weaknesses. And remember they face Tom Brady twice a year, so you can never have enough good corners.
10. Detroit: Jake Matthews (Matthews)
Matt Stafford is a top 5 quarterback when he is not injured or being knocked down more times than anyone is able to count. When he is dinged up and knocked up over and over again? Not so much. Jake Matthews brings a big, athletic body to the Lions and will help to protect Stafford's blind side.
11. Tennessee: CJ Mosley (Donald)
The Titans may be the toughest team to predict who they will select because it could be logical for them to select anyone from an offensive lineman to a wide receiver to a linebacker. Well, in this draft they sure up the middle of the defense and bring leadership to the middle linebacker spot. Mosley will being athleticism and toughness to this defense.
12. New York Giants: Taylor Lewan (Lewan)
Much like the Falcons, this draft could not have played out better for the Giants who badly need offensive line help and were able to grab potentially the most athletic of the O-Line prospects. The Giants just have to hope that the legal troubles do not hold back Lewan and he can become the cornerstone of that line.
13. St. Louis: Justin Gilbert (Clinton-Dix)
After grabbing a play making wide receiver at #2 like Sammy Watkins, Jeff Fisher gets a shutdown corner to help stop the opposing passing game. The opportunity to go against each other everyday in practice will do nothing but help both Gilbert and Watkins as they grow into stars for the Rams.
14. Chicago: Kyle Fuller ( Gilbert)
The Bears have to improve their pass defense and with Justin Gilbert going the pick before, they are forced to take the next best corner on the board in Kyle Fuller. The rest of their secondary is aging quickly and Fuller will be able to infuse some new life and ability to the Monsters of the Midway.
15. Pittsburgh: Aaron Donald (Moses)
Donald has been dominating Heinz Field on Saturdays and will now get the chance to do the same on Sundays as the Steelers focus on an aging defense with a dynamic defensive lineman. Donald will have an opportunity to place his name as the most recent on the long list of great Steeler defenders.
16. Dallas: Ha Ha Clinton Dix (Pryor)
Cowboys have opportunity to grab the best safety in the draft and immediately improve a dreadful secondary. Last season it was practice going against the poor back end of America's Team. Don't be surprised to see the Cowboys possibly pull the trigger on a Derek Carr in this slot, remember that Romo is 34.
17. Baltimore: Zach Martin (Martin)
The Ravens have to get back to running the ball first and letting Joe Flacco play the way he plays best, in the play action. The best way to get a running game back? Strengthen the offensive line and hope that Ray Rice doesn't find himself in jail for too long.
18. New York Jets: Brandin Cooks (Cooks)
Geno or Vick need more play makers and home run threats around them in this offense. Cooks brings that highlight reel threat to the game each time he touches the football and will bring excitement to the Jets offense that has been badly missed the last few seasons.
19. Miami: Morgan Moses (Jerrigan)
Moses can start his career playing RT and create a great offensive line tandem with Branden Albert on the other side of the line. Ryan Tannehill can be a great quarterback when given time to see receivers and the field, placing Moses opposite of Albert will give him all day. Moses is also good for the run, which will put smiles on the faces of Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller.
20. Arizona: Derek Carr (Bridgewater)
There may not be a better situation for Carr than in Arizona where he can comfortable sit behind Carson Palmer and learn from a true professional for a season before taking over the reins to the offense and being a successful quarterback of the future.
21. Green Bay: Calvin Pryor (Roby)
With few holes, if any, on the offensive side of the ball the Packers select the top rated defensive back remaining and fill a need in the secondary.
22. Philadelphia: Odell Beckham (Beckham)
Replacement for DeSean Jackson comes in the form a similar bodied wide receiver with strong hands and speed to burn. Beckham will allow Brian Kelly to continue to deploy fast and big play offensive calls. This offense would be scary good.
23. Kansas City: Timmy Jerrigan (Nix III)
The Chiefs defense began to slow down towards the end of last season and adding Jerrigan, who's own stamina is a concern, adds depth for the club and allows him to work in a rotation to stay fresh. This is a perfect situation for Jerrigan to play to the most of his ability.
24. Cincinnati: Bradley Roby ( Fuller)
Roby fills one of the very few holes that this Cincinnati team currently possesses. With the exception of the secondary, this defense is already pretty stout and could lead this team back to the playoffs. Roby will allow the aging Terrance Newman to slide to the slot and a combo of Roby and Pacman Jones is no secondary to mock for opposing offensives.
25. San Diego: Eric Ebron (Verrett)
Fills multiple holes for Chargers. Ebron gives Rivers an additional target in this high volume passing game while also lining up a replacement for Antonio Gates as he continues to age and slowly break down.
26. Cleveland: Jason Verrett (Jean-Baptiste)
Cleveland gets their wish and has a solid cornerback fall into their laps at 26 with Verrett. The addition of Verrett will allow Buster Skrine to slid inside where he is an above average cover on the slot receiver and give a viable corner to start opposite Pro-Bowler Joe Haden on the other side. Cleveland lost multiple games they should not have last season with late half and game breakdowns in their secondary.
27: New Orleans: Anthony Barr (Barr)
The Saints can score, this we all know but they need to continue to improve that defense so Drew Brees isn't forced to throw 5 touchdowns a game to win. Barr is a huge talent that for some unknown reason has kind of fallen off the map as a high prospect. At the beginning of the offseason he was labeled as one of the best. The Saints would be very happy with this pick.
28. Carolina: Marquise Lee (Lee)
Seriously, if they don't draft a wide receiver Cam Newton will have no one to throw the football too. They have to go wide receiver. No questions.
29. New England: Ryan Shazier (Ebron)
Shazier plays the fast and physical defense that Belicheck likes without the attitude of the recently departed Brandon Spikes. Think Tedy Bruschi with better speed.
30. San Francisco: Kony Ealy (Ealy)
Aldon Smith is either on his way out of San Francisco or his way in to a prison or possibly both. The 49ers are too good of a football team and organization to put up with much more from Smith. Ealy will bring another pass rusher to the tenacious defensive line in San Fran.
31. Denver: Louis Nix III (Shazier)
Paired with Terrance Knighton will create a monster in the middle of the Bronco's defensive line. It was obvious in the Super Bowl that you win championships with defense and fill stat sheets with offense. I think they would prefer the championships.
32. Seattle: Ra'Shede Haseman (Haseman)
And the rich get richer.....
Thrice is Nice
1.
Two out
of three ain’t bad. The Reds taking two of out three from this Cubs this
weekend was big for a few reasons. Firstly, it sustained the winning ways put
place by the series against the Pirates and it brought some needed confidence
to a club that sputtered out of the gates. I know that a sweep, especially of
the Cubs, is always great but if you win every series, then you end up being a
very good team.
2.
Devin
Mesoraco is a man amongst boys right now. Yes, he will fizzle out at some point and
come back down to Earth but right now he is showing that Jay Bruce is not the
only Red that can carry this team when on fire. Many people are beginning to
wonder why he has not been moved up in the lineup, but my question is why mess with
something that is working. If he is comfortable hitting 7th, then
let the man dominate in the 7 hole.
3.
Call me
whatever you want but I hope the Heat lost in the 1st round. I
realize that I should be over the who “Decision” but I’m not. I do not like
that “superstars” had to come together to win a championship as opposed to
being like the greats before them and leading their team to championships on
their backs. LeBron is the best player the NBA has seen in a long time, but he
had to go to a city with two other stars to win a championship? Jordan did not
leave Chicago.
NFL Mock Draft 2.0
coming later today…. Many changes and my favorite team makes a pick I do not
like.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Thrice is Nice
1. Frank Haith is leaving Missouri for... what for it.... Tulsa? Unless I have completely missed something, this move makes zero sense to me. Why leave a team playing in the SEC for a team playing Conference USA? This moves makes sense if you are Haith's assistant coach but not the head coach of a team that has accumulated a 76-28 record during your years at Mizzou, and for what reason would a coach want to take a step backwards to a worse program in a worse conference? I hate to be synical, but in today's college landscape, could Haith be leaving Missouri just in time to avoid some punishment from the NCAA for some illegal doings on his watch? I wouldn't bet against it.
2. It's official, the dumbest stat in sports is the Win for a starting pitcher. Pitcher A pitches 8 innings of 1 run baseball but his team scores zero so he gets a loss. Pitcher B pitches 5 innings of 6 run baseball but his teams score 8 so he gets the win. Rewarding the pitcher for the output of their teammates offense that day makes no sense and too often taints great pitching performances. This season, Lance Lynn is 3-0 with a 4.00 ERA while Johnny Cueto is 1-2 with a 1.50 ERA. If you can explain how this makes any sense in terms of who is deserving of having a better record, then please let me know. Pitchers should be judged in terms of ERA and WHIP as opposed to wins, but sadly we will continue to judge the quality of pitcher by the numbers of wins they have acquired as opposed to the overall quality of their starts.
3. The NCAA finally gains some perspective and common sense about food. NCAA president Mark Emmert has loosen the restrictions on food for student-athletes and its about time. There are many absurd rules stipulated by the NCAA on their student athletes that makes it very difficult for schools to always take care of their athletes but it appears that Emmert has also come to this realization. He stated this morning, "The biggest problem was, the NCAA has historically had all kinds of, I don't know how to describe it but dumb, rules about food. The infamous one is you can provide between meals a snack but you can't provide a meal. Well, then you got to define what's the difference between a snack and a meal? So it was literally the case that a bagel was defined as a snack -- unless you put cream cheese on it. Now it becomes a meal. That's absurd." Good for you Mr. Emmert, way to recognize the shortcomings of the NCAA and acknowledge them, first step towards progress.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
The Nightcap
Outgoing, extrovert, friendly, joyful, and personable. Great qualities for people to embody but not qualities that are necessary of a professor athlete. Constantly, in our society today, people whine and complain about the fact that a certain professional athlete did not sign an autograph or did not stop to take a picture and they never seem as nice as they should. As they should? Why should an athlete be expected to stop doing whatever they are doing at any given time and be willing to take a picture with you just because they can throw a baseball hard or dunk a basketball or make a hard hit on a wide receiver over the middle? These are normal people who happen to be good at a particular sport, these are not people who applied and accepted a job to be the all-time entertainer to anyone that sees them in public.
The classic argument is always, "I pay his salary". Sure, this is true to an extent but not nearly as true as you would like to believe. In reality, advertisers, revenue sharing and sports networks pay the majority of his salary, but if you would like to go ask for an autograph and a picture with someone who's salary you truly pay feel free to contact any government official. Or, better yet, the next time you see one walking down the street sprint after them yelling their name and ask for an autograph and a picture with them. I bet you get an even ruder response than you would from most athletes.
When it comes down to it, a professional athletes job is to win games in his or her respective sport. It's not to be best friends with the fans, its not to sign autographs and take pictures at a restaurant until their own food gets cold, and its certainly not to take time out of their personal day to make sure to accommodate yours. Yes, it is nice when they do and yea, they probably should be willing most of the time but it in no way should be expected or frowned upon when it does not occur. The next time you want to hassle someone in public because they are "famous" just imagine if everyone came running up to you as soon as you stepped out of your car to walk in to dinner and see how welcoming you would be.
I'm guessing you would be even less welcoming than you are willing to admit.
The classic argument is always, "I pay his salary". Sure, this is true to an extent but not nearly as true as you would like to believe. In reality, advertisers, revenue sharing and sports networks pay the majority of his salary, but if you would like to go ask for an autograph and a picture with someone who's salary you truly pay feel free to contact any government official. Or, better yet, the next time you see one walking down the street sprint after them yelling their name and ask for an autograph and a picture with them. I bet you get an even ruder response than you would from most athletes.
When it comes down to it, a professional athletes job is to win games in his or her respective sport. It's not to be best friends with the fans, its not to sign autographs and take pictures at a restaurant until their own food gets cold, and its certainly not to take time out of their personal day to make sure to accommodate yours. Yes, it is nice when they do and yea, they probably should be willing most of the time but it in no way should be expected or frowned upon when it does not occur. The next time you want to hassle someone in public because they are "famous" just imagine if everyone came running up to you as soon as you stepped out of your car to walk in to dinner and see how welcoming you would be.
I'm guessing you would be even less welcoming than you are willing to admit.
Thrice is Nice!
1.
Johnny
Johnny Johnny…. All offseason people have complained and moaned about how
Cueto doesn’t deserve to start Opening Day and that he hasn’t been good the
last two years. Both of those statements are false and unfounded, particularly the
declaration that he has not been good the last two season. Two years ago Johnny
was 19-9 with a 2.78 ERA and then got hurt in the first inning of the playoff game,
which does not mean that he did not have a good season. Last season he went 5-2
with 2.82 ERA while battling through injuries and then struggled in the one game
playoff. Again, that does not mean that he was not good. All Cueto has done
this season is pitch 30 innings through 4 starts and produce a 1.50 ERA.
Cincinnati, wake up and recognize that you have the opportunity to watch one of
the top 5 pitchers in this game every fifth day.
2.
So Blake
Griffin wants to get high. Griffin told Rolling Stone that he would support
the use of medical marijuana in the NBA, is anyone surprised? States are
legalizing marijuana and the stern stance against the use of marijuana is not
what it was only 5 years ago, so why would professional sports leagues expect a
different viewpoint form its players. While it’s understandable for the NBA, as
with many other professional organizations, to set rules above and beyond those
of the law for their employees it should surprise no one that one of the NBA’s
biggest stars supports allowing marijuana.
3.
Who wants
to head to Brooklyn with me on July 5th? The Brooklyn Cyclones,
a minor league baseball team, is having a Seinfeld Night at their ballpark on
the day following Independence Day. This is one of the coolest promotions that
there will be run by any organization this season and will include such gems,
according to the Cyclones website, as :
-
The ballpark new name will be Vandelay
Industries
-
Mailmen in uniform get to throw out ceremonial
first pitch
-
Anyone with a business card that proves they are
a Latex Salesmen gets in free
-
Foul poles are renamed Festivus Poles
-
Low-Talking PA Announcer
-
Elaine Dancing Contest
-
Players warming up in puffy shirts
-
Anyone named George Costanza can join the radio
booth and doing color commentary for one inning
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The Nightcap
I'm pretty tired tonight, so this nightcap will be short. Joey Votto gets a lot of grief for not being overly personable or available to the public but I want to fight that claim and challenge it with the fact that I believe him to simply be a reserved and shy individual. Then he does something like this and proves both sides of this debate to be incorrect....
Or this...
Or this...
Thrice is Nice!
1.
Welcome
back Joey Votto. Votto is not only locked in at the plate right now but is
looking like the player that won the MVP. All last season, people hoped that
Votto would come through with a big hit whereas we are back to thinking that he
will come through with the big hit. Most impressive part of the 4-4, on base 5
times, night that Votto had last night? Two singles off swings in which he
broke his bat, the man is strong.
2.
Speaking
of strength let me introduce you to Todd Frazier. Breaking ball on the outside
corner that completely fools the hitter should not end up in the 5th
row of the right field bleachers but that is exactly what happened last night.
Todd Frazier hit a home run on a ball that he honestly had very little right to
even make contact with, let alone hit it 397 feet. As most of you will
remember, Frazier has also hit a home run with only one hand in his career and
hit a different home run off of the riverboat on top of the batters eye in
straight away center field. Oh, he also hit a 446 foot shot this season into
the upper deck of the upper deck. Frazier is proving that when he hits a ball,
it stays hit and goes very far.
3.
Opportunity
to win a series. Today marks the first day this season that the Reds have
the opportunity to win a 3 games series as opposed to having to win the 3rd
game to avoid a sweep. Taking 2 of 3 from the Pirates would be huge for this
club before embarking on a 10 game road trip which includes stops in Wrigley,
these same Pirates, and then to the monster that is the Braves pitching staff
this season. Currently sitting at 5-9, with 1 game remaining on this home stand
and 10 games on the road, I believe when the Reds return home for a game on
April 28th against the Cubs they will be 12-13. At 12-13 against the
quality of opponent the Reds have faced this month, that would be a win.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Nightcap
Despite the early struggles for the Cincinnati Reds this season, Bryan Price has been a refreshing change at the helm for the hometown team. Let's preference this with the fact that I personally liked Dusty Baker and stood up for him until the end, so this is not a bashing of Dusty but rather a deeper look at some of the actions by Price that may not have occurred if he weren't leading.
The first change that Price made which is very un-Dusty was to acknowledge in Spring Training that he would not hesitate to bat Jay Bruce behind Joey Votto despite both swinging from the left side and that he did not buy into the idea that left handed pitchers should only be used out of the bullpen for left handed batters. Price has used Manny Parra on multiple occasions, currently as I write this, to pitch an entire inning regardless of who is swinging, and guess what: it's working.
Price again showed his differences when being interviewed after the Mets' walk-off grand slam win against the Reds in New York. Price was asked about a defensive decision by Joey Votto on a sacrifice bunt opportunity in which Votto tried to get the lead runner as opposed to taking the out. The response from a clearly ticked off and emotional Price was along the lines of, "I don't care who would have got out. I care that we did not get anyone out. I care that we walked the guy to start the inning." This is quite the contrary reaction to recent seasons in which Baker most likely would have responded in a manner such as, "Well, you got to let guys try to make plays and sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't but you can't punish a guy for playing hard" While its easy to like the support that Baker showed his players at all times, it is very refreshing to see a manager clearly disappointed in mistakes by his players and holding them accountable.
As the Reds offense, and team in general, was struggling Price decided it was time to move Joey Votto up to the two hole in the lineup. (As I am typing all of this Thom and The Cowboy are stating pretty much everything I have researched) Since the switch on Saturday, the Reds have scored 26 runs and Votto is 8-14 with 2 home runs, a double and 5 RBI. Does this mean that the lineup switch suddenly triggered all of these things? Most likely not, but at least Price was willing to give it a shot.
The first change that Price made which is very un-Dusty was to acknowledge in Spring Training that he would not hesitate to bat Jay Bruce behind Joey Votto despite both swinging from the left side and that he did not buy into the idea that left handed pitchers should only be used out of the bullpen for left handed batters. Price has used Manny Parra on multiple occasions, currently as I write this, to pitch an entire inning regardless of who is swinging, and guess what: it's working.
Price again showed his differences when being interviewed after the Mets' walk-off grand slam win against the Reds in New York. Price was asked about a defensive decision by Joey Votto on a sacrifice bunt opportunity in which Votto tried to get the lead runner as opposed to taking the out. The response from a clearly ticked off and emotional Price was along the lines of, "I don't care who would have got out. I care that we did not get anyone out. I care that we walked the guy to start the inning." This is quite the contrary reaction to recent seasons in which Baker most likely would have responded in a manner such as, "Well, you got to let guys try to make plays and sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't but you can't punish a guy for playing hard" While its easy to like the support that Baker showed his players at all times, it is very refreshing to see a manager clearly disappointed in mistakes by his players and holding them accountable.
As the Reds offense, and team in general, was struggling Price decided it was time to move Joey Votto up to the two hole in the lineup. (As I am typing all of this Thom and The Cowboy are stating pretty much everything I have researched) Since the switch on Saturday, the Reds have scored 26 runs and Votto is 8-14 with 2 home runs, a double and 5 RBI. Does this mean that the lineup switch suddenly triggered all of these things? Most likely not, but at least Price was willing to give it a shot.
Drafting a Quarterback Early
Every year, as we approach the NFL draft, all the talk tends to revolve around the impact quarterbacks each season and who will be the first quarterback taken each year, typically as the top pick overall. This season is no different as the headlines all fall to Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, and Teddy Bridgewater but this season there is also a strong class of "secondary" quarterbacks being reviewed and measured up by NFL head coaches and scouts. Guys such as Derek Carr, AJ Mettenberger, Aaron Murray, Tahj Boyd, and Jimmy Garoppolo are all fighting to be at the top of the second run of quarterbacks. These type of quarterbacks have been all the craze of late with the success of players like Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson becoming successful despite not being labeled "can't miss" or "first round talent".
The idea that a team can find a starting quarterback in the 2nd or 3rd round is a great thought, particularly for teams who have multiple holes and would like to think they could fill additional holes by drafting a non-quarterback in the first round, but the truth remains that starting quarterbacks generally are drafted right where you would expect. In the first round. Recognize that this speaks in respect to starting quarterbacks, not successful quarterbacks. Those are two very different things, which will be seen in a minute.
Quick, try to think of every starting quarterback in the NFL that was not drafted in the 1st round. Were you able to guess 4? 6? 12? If the 2014 season started today, according to current team depth charts, 19 of 32 starting quarterbacks were 1st round selections, 5 were selected in the 2nd round, 4 in the 3rd, and 4 in the 6th round or not drafted at all. That's 60% of starting quarterbacks coming from the 1st round.
What does this all mean? It seems to indicate that unless an organization gets very lucky and selects one of the few quarterbacks in the later rounds that makes it to starting levels, you must select a quarterback in the 1st round if you wish to find a starter. The idea of a developmental quarterback to eventually take over the reigns after learning the game does not exist as often as many believe it does. The key, of course, is finding a quarterback in any round with the ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. With that said, on to the hard part.... drafting a quality quarterback.
For some reference on drafting starting quarterbacks and the difficulty of finding a player with the ability to succeed in the NFL, check out these stats.
Since 2004 (10 years is a reasonable amount of time that a team would hope a 1st round pick would perform)
- Quarterbacks Selected in 1st Round: 28
- Current Starter: 17
- Current Backup: 6
- No Longer in League: 5
A little under 50% of all 1st round selected quarterbacks are now either out of the league or not starting. Not the best return on investment. Come May 8th, if your team is drafting a quarterback in the 1st round, good luck.
A look at current Quarterbacks
The idea that a team can find a starting quarterback in the 2nd or 3rd round is a great thought, particularly for teams who have multiple holes and would like to think they could fill additional holes by drafting a non-quarterback in the first round, but the truth remains that starting quarterbacks generally are drafted right where you would expect. In the first round. Recognize that this speaks in respect to starting quarterbacks, not successful quarterbacks. Those are two very different things, which will be seen in a minute.
Quick, try to think of every starting quarterback in the NFL that was not drafted in the 1st round. Were you able to guess 4? 6? 12? If the 2014 season started today, according to current team depth charts, 19 of 32 starting quarterbacks were 1st round selections, 5 were selected in the 2nd round, 4 in the 3rd, and 4 in the 6th round or not drafted at all. That's 60% of starting quarterbacks coming from the 1st round.
What does this all mean? It seems to indicate that unless an organization gets very lucky and selects one of the few quarterbacks in the later rounds that makes it to starting levels, you must select a quarterback in the 1st round if you wish to find a starter. The idea of a developmental quarterback to eventually take over the reigns after learning the game does not exist as often as many believe it does. The key, of course, is finding a quarterback in any round with the ability to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. With that said, on to the hard part.... drafting a quality quarterback.
For some reference on drafting starting quarterbacks and the difficulty of finding a player with the ability to succeed in the NFL, check out these stats.
Since 2004 (10 years is a reasonable amount of time that a team would hope a 1st round pick would perform)
- Quarterbacks Selected in 1st Round: 28
- Current Starter: 17
- Current Backup: 6
- No Longer in League: 5
A little under 50% of all 1st round selected quarterbacks are now either out of the league or not starting. Not the best return on investment. Come May 8th, if your team is drafting a quarterback in the 1st round, good luck.
A look at current Quarterbacks
| QB Name | Round | School | Win% |
| Eli Manning | 1 | Ole Miss | 0.563 |
| RG3 | 1 | Baylor | 0.429 |
| EJ Manuel | 1 | Florida St | 0.4 |
| Ryan Tannehill | 1 | Texas A&M | 0.469 |
| Carson Palmer | 1 | USC | 0.467 |
| Sam Bradford | 1 | Oklahoma | 0.378 |
| Peyton Manning | 1 | Tennessee | 0.696 |
| Alex Smith | 1 | Utah | 0.55 |
| Phillip Rivers | 1 | NC State | 0.617 |
| Jay Cutler | 1 | Vanderbilt | 0.538 |
| Matt Stafford | 1 | Georgia | 0.393 |
| Aaron Rodgers | 1 | California | 0.667 |
| Christian Ponder | 1 | Florida St | 0.414 |
| Joe Flacco | 1 | Delaware | 0.646 |
| Ben Roethlisbeger | 1 | Miami (Oh) | 0.669 |
| Matt Ryan | 1 | Boston College | 0.638 |
| Cam Newton | 1 | Auburn | 0.521 |
| Andrew Luck | 1 | Stanford | 0.688 |
| Jake Locker | 1 | Washington | 0.444 |
| Geno Smith | 2 | West Virgina | 0.5 |
| Colin Kaepernick | 2 | Nevada | 0.739 |
| Andy Dalton | 2 | TCU | 0.625 |
| Drew Brees | 2 | Purdue | 0.595 |
| Chad Henne | 2 | Michigan | 0.36 |
| Mike Glennon | 3 | Syracuse | 0.308 |
| Nick Foles | 3 | Arizona | 0.563 |
| Russell Wilson | 3 | Wisconsin | 0.75 |
| Matt Schaub | 3 | Virginia | 0.511 |
| Tom Brady | 6 | Michigan | 0.775 |
| Tony Romo | Undrafted | E. Illinois | 0.583 |
| Brian Hoyer | Undrafted | Michigan St | 0.75 |
| Case Keenum | Undrafted | Houston | 0 |
Thrice is Nice!
1. Good for Willie Cauley-Stein. The Kentucky sophomore big man tweeted yesterday that he will be staying in school for his Junior season as opposed to jumping to the NBA. Over the recent years, players have been making jumps to the NBA way to early and never panning out because they are forced to mature and learn to play at a physical level while already in the NBA. This one and done era, which works fine for a select few players (John Wall, Kyrie Irving) but fails for many others (Michael Kidd Gilchrist, Omar Cook, and Byron Mullens) is a new aspect to college recruiting that coaches must learn to deal with. Whether it was Cauley-Stein recognizing he wasn't ready or Coach Cal offering advice to stay, all that really matters in this situation is a kid who has the potential to be good in the NBA down the road decided to wait and give himself a better chance to succeed at the next level by staying in school. Well done.
2.The return of Great American Small Park. Remember the first week of the season when the Reds and Cardinals split 1-0 games? Or last weekend when the Reds and Rays played a 2-1 and 1-0 game? Well, things changed a bit last night and made it feel like we were watching the 2005 Reds all over again. The game, currently tied 7-7 in the 7th, was suspended until this afternoon due to rain but not before the teams combined for 10 home runs and 3 sets of back to back home runs. This was truly one of the craziest games played at Great American, where neither team could maintain a lead for more than what seemed like half an inning. The 10 home runs sets a new ballpark record and there are still 2+ innings to play. The game will resume this afternoon at 5:30pm. It would only seem fitting for the Reds to be down 1 going into the 9th and hit a walk-off to win.
3. Who knew Adidas had so much money? Damian Lilliard signed a deal with Adidas yesterday for a reported 100 million dollars for the shoe company to produce his shoes. Yes, he is getting paid 1/10 of a billion dollars in order for his name to appear on a shoe! I get paying LeBron or Kobe or DWade that kind of money, but Damian Lilliard? The thought that a kid would be badgering his parents to take him to the store to get the "New Lilliards" seems improbable at best, and yet Adidas apparently believes it will makes them multiple hundreds of millions of dollars. Seems crazy.
2.The return of Great American Small Park. Remember the first week of the season when the Reds and Cardinals split 1-0 games? Or last weekend when the Reds and Rays played a 2-1 and 1-0 game? Well, things changed a bit last night and made it feel like we were watching the 2005 Reds all over again. The game, currently tied 7-7 in the 7th, was suspended until this afternoon due to rain but not before the teams combined for 10 home runs and 3 sets of back to back home runs. This was truly one of the craziest games played at Great American, where neither team could maintain a lead for more than what seemed like half an inning. The 10 home runs sets a new ballpark record and there are still 2+ innings to play. The game will resume this afternoon at 5:30pm. It would only seem fitting for the Reds to be down 1 going into the 9th and hit a walk-off to win.
3. Who knew Adidas had so much money? Damian Lilliard signed a deal with Adidas yesterday for a reported 100 million dollars for the shoe company to produce his shoes. Yes, he is getting paid 1/10 of a billion dollars in order for his name to appear on a shoe! I get paying LeBron or Kobe or DWade that kind of money, but Damian Lilliard? The thought that a kid would be badgering his parents to take him to the store to get the "New Lilliards" seems improbable at best, and yet Adidas apparently believes it will makes them multiple hundreds of millions of dollars. Seems crazy.
Monday, April 14, 2014
The Nightcap
During this Reds' rain delay tonight, I watched a new show on Fox Sports Ohio called "Beer Money" and it truly made me dislike "Sports Fans". Let me clarify that when I say Sports Fans, I do not mean fans of sports teams, I mean people who pretend to be fans because its the cool thing to do. This happens in every city and for every team but it frustrates me more when it involves Cincinnati. The premise of the show Beer Money is a basic question and answer trivia game involving "fans" from bars for the opportunity to win money.
Every contestant claims to be a fan and is wearing some form of their team's logo on their clothing. You would think this would lead to some general knowledge of the team for which you are claiming an affiliation, sadly it does not. Let's run through some of the contestants:
First contestant is an older gentleman who claims to have "always been a Reds fan" and is now a "big Reds fan". The question he got wrong: What Red led the team in stolen bases and home runs during the 90s? I am ok with him getting the question wrong, I am not ok that his guess was Joe Morgan. Morgan, a member of the Big Red Machine, stopped playing for the Reds in 1979. Clearly this "big Reds fan" was paying a lot of attention during the 90s. The answer, by the way, is Barry Larkin which should have been pretty simple to guess.
The second contestant gets all three answers correct and wins $130.00. True fan. Congrats.
For the record, I recognize that I hold so much anger for these people because I am jealous that they get to be on a show and answer sports related questions while I do not. I am bitter and I am fine with that.
Another contestant later in the show is asked the name of the stadium that the Reds played in from 1996-2002 and was told that this stadium was also named Riverfront Stadium. The guy's guess? Riverfront Stadium. No man, the answer to the question is not part of the question. Fail. Correct Answer: Cinergy Field.
Perhaps my favorite contestant of the night was Jason from Batavia, naturally I had high hopes for Jason but he quickly let me down. Jason was asked to name as many starters as he could for the Reds on Opening Day 2013, this was last season. I just want to make that clear. His responses:
- Mat Latos: Wrong but a fair guess
- Zack Cozart: Correct, but I do find it strange that he was his second guess
- Jay Bruce: Again, correct.
- Joey Votto: Another correct. Great Job!
Then it all falls apart....
- Edinson Volquez: What? Volquez was part of the deal that brought the Reds Mat Latos, the first guess. Would be weird for them both to be starting for the Reds.
- Brandon Phillips: Correct, perhaps the Volquez guess was just a temporary mind stumble. No, it wasn't
- Scott Rolen: Retired
- Ken Griffey Jr.: Clearly that is not a serious answer
- Chris Heisey: A strange current player to know considering all of the ones that he is not saying, but wrong.
- Joe Morgan: Again, 1979. Why does this city think Joe Morgan has been playing forever?
- Chris Sabo: Sadly, no.
Maybe I am more bothered by this than I should be or maybe everyone shares my disdain. Maybe I should write a letter to Beer Money and ask to be the next participate.
Every contestant claims to be a fan and is wearing some form of their team's logo on their clothing. You would think this would lead to some general knowledge of the team for which you are claiming an affiliation, sadly it does not. Let's run through some of the contestants:
First contestant is an older gentleman who claims to have "always been a Reds fan" and is now a "big Reds fan". The question he got wrong: What Red led the team in stolen bases and home runs during the 90s? I am ok with him getting the question wrong, I am not ok that his guess was Joe Morgan. Morgan, a member of the Big Red Machine, stopped playing for the Reds in 1979. Clearly this "big Reds fan" was paying a lot of attention during the 90s. The answer, by the way, is Barry Larkin which should have been pretty simple to guess.
The second contestant gets all three answers correct and wins $130.00. True fan. Congrats.
For the record, I recognize that I hold so much anger for these people because I am jealous that they get to be on a show and answer sports related questions while I do not. I am bitter and I am fine with that.
Another contestant later in the show is asked the name of the stadium that the Reds played in from 1996-2002 and was told that this stadium was also named Riverfront Stadium. The guy's guess? Riverfront Stadium. No man, the answer to the question is not part of the question. Fail. Correct Answer: Cinergy Field.
Perhaps my favorite contestant of the night was Jason from Batavia, naturally I had high hopes for Jason but he quickly let me down. Jason was asked to name as many starters as he could for the Reds on Opening Day 2013, this was last season. I just want to make that clear. His responses:
- Mat Latos: Wrong but a fair guess
- Zack Cozart: Correct, but I do find it strange that he was his second guess
- Jay Bruce: Again, correct.
- Joey Votto: Another correct. Great Job!
Then it all falls apart....
- Edinson Volquez: What? Volquez was part of the deal that brought the Reds Mat Latos, the first guess. Would be weird for them both to be starting for the Reds.
- Brandon Phillips: Correct, perhaps the Volquez guess was just a temporary mind stumble. No, it wasn't
- Scott Rolen: Retired
- Ken Griffey Jr.: Clearly that is not a serious answer
- Chris Heisey: A strange current player to know considering all of the ones that he is not saying, but wrong.
- Joe Morgan: Again, 1979. Why does this city think Joe Morgan has been playing forever?
- Chris Sabo: Sadly, no.
Maybe I am more bothered by this than I should be or maybe everyone shares my disdain. Maybe I should write a letter to Beer Money and ask to be the next participate.
NFL Mock Draft 1.0
With the NFL draft only 24 days away, rumors are beginning
to fly every direction and with every report of possible “interest” towards a
play by one team, there is a report that says the same team has “concerns”
about the player. No one, except maybe
the general managers of these teams truly know what they are thinking – and even
that is questionable in some organizations.
The following is my first stab at
predicting the 1st round of the draft on May 8th. As a rule, I select as if no draft day trades
occur and will only pick players based on the need of the team picking, not the
best location for the player.
I would like to pretend that I would predict that a majority
of my predictions, at least by my final mock draft on May 8th, would
come true but truthfully, if I can get 10 of the 32 on the correct team, I will
be more than excited. Here we go:
Houston Texans: Blake Bortles, QB UCF
-
New head coach Bill O’Brien can’t forget when
Bortles threw for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns while beating O’Brien’s Nittany
Lions last season on the road.
St. Louis Rams: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson
-
Jeff Fisher FINALLY gets Sam Bradford a true
number 1 receiver to throw too. Rams quickly becoming a very good football
team.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina
-
Best player in the draft and instant playmaker.
Buyer Beware.
Cleveland Browns: Khalil Mack, OLB Buffalo
-
Not a coincidence head coach Mike Pettine only
attended one pro day.
Oakland Raiders: Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M
-
Manziel can excel playing the nice weather of
California and will bring excitement back to the bay area.
Atlanta Falcons: CJ Mosley, LB Alabama
-
Falcons recognize last season as enigma and
select the best up the middle defender in the draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M
-
Paired with Vincent Jackson could instantly
become the best wide receiver duo in the game and remember it was Lovie Smith who
wanted Alshon Jeffrey paired with Brandon Marshall.
Minnesota Vikings: Greg Robinson, OT Auburn
-
Mike Zimmer’s first pick as a head coach is a
lot like him. Not flashy but impactful and will get the job done.
Buffalo Bills: Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan St.
-
Bills draft a shutdown corner to face Tom Brady
two times a year
Detroit Lions: Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M
-
Matthew Stafford has to stay upright to stay
healthy and he must stay healthy to be effective. This pick helps
Tennessee Titans: Aaron Donald, DT Pittsburgh
-
Titans get a BIG playmaker along their defensive
line
New York Giants: Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan
-
ABSOLUTE STEAL. Giants will be ecstatic is
Lewan, and his criminal issues, fall to 12.
St. Louis Rams: Ha Ha Clinton Dix, S Alabama
-
Shores up secondary for team that could be very
good for a while.
Chicago Bears: Justin Gilbert, CB Oklahoma St.
-
The Bears secondary is getting old and Gilbert
will bring new life and ability to the backend of the Chicago defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Morgan Moses, OT Virginia
-
Adding Moses = Less hits on Big Ben.
Dallas Cowboys: Calvin Pryor, S Lousiville
-
Pryor will be tasked to trying to turn around a
secondary that let anyone and everyone throw all over them last season.
Baltimore Ravens: Zack Martin, OT Notre Dame
-
Perhaps Ray Rice can turn back into Ray Rice
with an improved line.
New York Jets: Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon St.
-
Geno needs some playmakers. Cooks is a highlight
reel waiting to happen.
Miami Dolphins: Timmy Jerrigan, DT Florida St.
-
Instant help for the 24th ranked run
defense last season.
Arizona Cardinals: Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville
-
Quarterback of the future but will have ability
to sit behind Carson Palmer for a season before taking over. Palmer knows a
thing or two about sitting for a year and being groomed so he will be a great
influence.
Green Bay Packers: Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State
-
25th ranked pass defense gains a top
notch corner. The Packers learned last season that they can not just try to
outscore everyone.
Philadelphia Eagles: Odell Beckham Jr, WR LSU
-
Goodbye DeSean Jackson. Hello DeSean Jackson
replacement.
Kansas City Chiefs: Louis Nix III, DT Notre Dame
-
Improves the defensive line for a team that
defensively slowed down dramatically at the end of the season last year.
Cincinnati Bengals: Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech
-
Fills one of the very few holes that this
Bengals team currently has.
San Diego Chargers: Jason Verrett, CB TCU
-
The back to back selection of cornerbacks breaks
the hearts of all Browns front office and fans who thought either Fuller or
Verrett would fall to them with the next pick.
Cleveland Browns: Stan Jean-Baptiste, CB Nebraska
-
Cleveland falls victim to the run on corners and
were forced to reach for Jean-Baptiste. Using both 1st round picks on
defensive players may surprise quite a few people.
New Orleans Saints: Anthony Barr, MLB UCLA
-
Early draft projections had him in the top 5,
too good for New Orleans to let slip passed.
Carolina Panthers: Marquise Lee, WR USC
-
Cam Newton has to have someone to throw the
ball, right?
New England Patriots: Eric Ebron, TE UNC
-
Ebron brings two things to the Patriots,
protection against Gronk injuries and will allow Brady to run the 2 tight end
offense he excelled in with Gronk and Hernandez
San Francisco 49ers: Kony Ealy, DE Missouri
-
The need for a DE become much more prevalent
when Aldon Smith thought pretending to have a bomb in an airport was a good
idea.
Denver Broncos: Ryan Shazier, MLB Ohio State
- Adds athleticism and youth to the Broncos
defensive side of the ball. Not many holes on this roster.
Seattle Seahawks: Ra’Shede Haseman, DT Minnesota
And the rich get richer…
Only 24 more days! Look for Mock Draft 2.0 on April 21st!
Thrice is Nice!
Feels great to be writing again! Let’s get started….
1. Will the
real Devin Mesoraco please stand up? The Reds organization has been
promoting Mesoraco as a future middle of the order batter from day one in the
majors, but the production has not always been there. That seems to be changing
(yes, I realize he’s played all of 4 games, and could simply be on a hot streak).
No, Mesoraco will not continue to bat .500 or have 3 doubles and 2 home runs
every 4 games but what if he could just maintain about half of that? If
Mesoraco is becoming a guy who can hit .275 with 20 homers and drive in 80 runs
for a team that is badly struggling to score runs and get big hits, then he may
just have found himself becoming the difference between a lineup filled with
holes, and a lineup with a scary middle part of the order.
2. Thank you
sir, may I have another? Probably not what Bubba Watson said when receiving
his second green jacket but I would not put it past him. The hovercraft riding
southpaw cemented himself into golf lore yesterday afternoon by winning his
second Master’s and holding off the fireball 20 year old Jordan Spieth (which
honestly, had Spieth won, may have been an even cooler story). But he did not.
Rather, Bubba Watson showed his dominance of Augusta once again, and then went
with his family to Waffle House for a celebration dinner. I hope you got those hash
browns smothered, covered, chunked, diced and peppered good sir, you deserve
it.
3. Jadeveon
Clowney: spoiled and lazy. Those
are the words of a current NFL Exec, according to multiple sources, about the
South Carolina standout that may be in line to be the number 1 overall selection
this May by the Houston Texans. Has anyone in recent drafts had more
controversy surrounding their balance of talent and character issues than
Clowney? Talent wise, he is the best player in college football and will
probably be a dominant force in the NFL, but he appeared to take off a lot of
plays last season for the Gamecocks knowing he would be top pick regardless of
his production last season. This morning, Clowney announced that he will no
longer be participating in any personal workouts for teams before this draft. I
understand that he will sight that he wants to make sure he remains healthy,
but if I am spending my first pick on a player, I want that player to show me
that he is willing to do anything and everything to get on the field. Clowney
isn’t doing that and I think you will see that hurt him come May 8th.
Where do I think Clowney
falls in the draft? I will be publishing my first mock draft later today!
It's Back!!!
I'm excited to announce that Sports According to Strine will be returning to daily posts and up and running today!
There will be a slight modification to the format of the blog in the form of two daily pieces which will occur each day at the same time. Thrice is Nice will be written and uploaded each day at 1:00pm and a new daily segment named The Nightcap will be written and uploaded each day at 11:00pm which will be a rundown of the most important sports occurrences of the day.
Outside of these two daily write ups, there will also be additional items written and placed on the blog regularly.
I'm excited to be writing again and I hope you enjoy what you read!
There will be a slight modification to the format of the blog in the form of two daily pieces which will occur each day at the same time. Thrice is Nice will be written and uploaded each day at 1:00pm and a new daily segment named The Nightcap will be written and uploaded each day at 11:00pm which will be a rundown of the most important sports occurrences of the day.
Outside of these two daily write ups, there will also be additional items written and placed on the blog regularly.
I'm excited to be writing again and I hope you enjoy what you read!
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