Saturday, March 31, 2018

Mets move to 2-0 after bats help out deGrom


A big day offensively for veterans Asdrubal Cabrera, Todd Fraizer and Yoenis Cespedes propelled New York to a 6-2 victory over the Cardinals, and the club’s first 2-0 start in more than five seasons.

On a day where plenty of focus was on Jacob deGrom’s first start of the season, the Mets gave their star pitcher more than enough run support with a barrage of power and clutch hitting against Cardinals righty Michael Wacha.

It didn’t take the Mets long to set the tone for the day. In the lead-off spot for the first time this year, Cabrera wacked a Wacha fastball to right on a 3-2 count to open the bottom half of the first. After Cespedes walked and Jay Bruce grounded into a Fielder’s Choice.

With Bruce and Cespedes aboard, Todd Fraizer took the first pitch he saw from Wacha and lined it down the right field line for a two-run double.

Even when the Cardinals scratched out a run on a Jose Martinez RBI single in the top half of the fourth inning, New York quickly responded when Travis d’Arnaud deposited Wacha’s 3-2 fastball into the left field bleachers for his first homer of the year to make it 3-1.

An inning later, Cespedes hit his first homer of the year to push the Mets lead to 4-1.

As for deGrom he was not his best on Saturday. Mickey Callaway said afterwards that deGrom was spinning off on his some of his pitches, meaning he struggled to release his pitches with accuracy.

Still, an off day for deGrom was good enough for the Mets. Over 5.2 innings of work, deGrom gave up only one run on four hits, and struck out seven Cardinal hitters. 

One of the key moments of the game came in the top of the sixth inning when Callaway removed deGrom with a runner in scoring position and two out for reliever Robert Gsellman.

As a former starter, this was a huge test for Gsellman to see how he would do in relief for the second straight game and he passed the test. After falling behind 3-1 to Jose Martinez, Gsellman came back to strikeout Martinez on a letter high fastball to get out of the jam.

In the top of the seventh, Gsellman got into some trouble, giving up base hits to Yadier Molina and Paul DeJong. Mickey Callaway once again was tested with his management of the bullpen, and once again he came up golden. He called upon Anthony Swarzak, who struck out Greg Garcia and jammed Dexter Fowler into an inning ending fly out.

The Mets would tack on a couple of runs late, one on a sac fly by Fraizer for his third RBI of the afternoon. The final run of the day came on a double by Cabrera for his first RBI of the season.

NOTES: Swarzak left the game in the top of the eighth inning after walking Jose Martinez. Word is Swarzak has a sore left oblique muscle. The severity of the injury is unknown. The righty will undergo further evaluation before a DL stint is determined if needed.


TOMORROW: The Mets give the ball to Steven Matz on Sunday afternoon. This is a big start for Matz, who is coming off a rocky Spring Training and a rough couple of seasons where he has failed to stay healthy. Matz is looking to show Mickey Callaway and company that he is here to stay in the Mets rotation. Matz will go up against Luke Weaver who won seven games as a rookie last season.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Giancarlo Stanton Stars in Yankees Debut

YANKEES 6 - BLUE JAYS 1

It didn't take long for Giancarlo Stanton to adjust to the American League East. The former NL MVP blasted two home runs in his first regular season game as a Yankee -- staking himself to a very, very early claim to what could be a big year for the Bronx Bombers.

Stanton was 3-for-5 in his debut with four RBI; his first hit was a home run to right that gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Then in the top of the fifth, with his fellow Bash Brother Aaron Judge off of first base after a walk, Stanton crushed a two-out double to center, scoring Judge to give the Bombers a 3-0 lead.

The big guy wasn't done. He had one more statement in his first game as a Yankee and what a statement it was, a towering solo-homer to right-center to push the Yankee lead 6-1 in the top of the ninth inning.

What a day; what a premier. Teams in the American League were on notice before the season started, now they are really on notice. Giancarlo Stanton is going to make the Yankees better -- much better than they were a year ago.

On the hill for New York, Luis Severino picked up where he left off in 2017. Severino held the Blue Jays to a single hit over 5.2 innings, while walking three and striking out seven. It was a solid outing for a guy who is expected to carry this rotation all season. There will be no surprises anymore with Severino, only expectations. This was a good first start.



The Yankee bullpen was also solid. The combination of Chad Green, Dillon Betances and Aroldis Chapman shut the door on the beleaguered Blue Jays in the final innings.

NOTES: Forgotten in Stanton's debut was the fact that reigning AL Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge went 2-for-4 with a run scored in the victory. Brett Gardner had his first homer of the season in the seventh inning. Gary Sanchez got off to a good with a RBI double in the fifth inning. Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson played through what appeared to be a shoulder injury in the defeat. He was 0-for-3 at the plate, but defensively looked worse for wear when trying to field his position. An injury to Donaldson is something to keep an eye on.

Mets Top Cardinals 9-4 on Opening Day

METS 9 - CARDINALS 4

It may have been overcast with a slight chance of showers, but it didn't dampen what was a great day for the Mets in the opener of the 2018 season. The Mets road a 10-strikeout performance by Noah Syndergaard, and a huge day at the plate for Yoenis Cespedes to a 9-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. The Mets (1-0) are now 37-20 all time on Opening Day.

While Syndergaard gave up four runs, including home runs to Yadier Molina and Jose Martinez, he was still his awesome self. His fastball topped over 100, his off-speed pitches were in the mid-to-upper 90s. He was solid when he needed to be. The 10 strikeouts Syndergaard recorded made him the first Met since Pedro Martinez to strikeout 10 or more hitters in an Opening Day game. After a tremendous spring training, the outing was a positive first step for a guy making his first regular season start since coming back from a lat injury last September.

Offensively, the Mets took advantage of a wild Carlos Martinez. In the bottom of the first Brandon Nimmo was hit by a pitch and Jay Bruce walked. Asdrubal Cabrera hit a slow roller to first that Cardinals first baseman Jose Martinez air-mailed over the short stop's head, allowing Nimmo to score the first run of the day for New York.

An inning later with the Mets trailing 2-1, Martinez continued to struggle with the strike zone. He walked Kevin Pawlecki and Nimmo, and surrendered a base hit to Amed Rosario. With the bases full and two out, Yoenis Cespedes lined a pitch to shallow left-center to score two runs to give the Mets a 3-2 lead.

It would not be the last time Cespedes would come up big for the Mets. The Mets tattooed Carlos Martinez and the Cardinals bullpen in the bottom of the fifth. Adrian Gonzalez doubled in Todd Fraizer to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Three batters later, Rosario got two RBIs on a single to left-center, scoring Gonzalez and Pawlecki.

 Cespedes added to his day by slapping another RBI single to plate Rosario to make it 7-3. Jay Bruce finally got into the action with his first RBI base hit of the season to push the lead to five runs.

The Met bullpen was phenominal. Robert Gsellman needed only 14 pitches to strikeout the side in the top of the seventh inning, an impressive showing for a guy who was once a starter. Anthony Swarzak pitched a clean eighth inning, before Jeurys Familia pitched a shutout ninth inning to solidify the victory.

NOTES: Mickey Callaway is now 1-0 as Mets manager. The last Met manager to open his first full season as a manager at 1-0, Jerry Manuel was 1-0 in 2009, however keep in mind Manuel was the Mets interim manager for the second half of 2008.

Before the game, the Mets honored the passing for Rusty Staub, who died due to organ failure the morning of March 29. An emotional Keith Hernandez reflected on the loss of his friend and teammate.



Wednesday, March 28, 2018

New York Mets 2018 Season Preview

The New York Mets open the season Thursday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals. Before the season begins let's see what is in store for the Mets and whether they can get back to the postseason. I talk everything Mets with John Pielli of the Passed Ball Show.


Todd Bowles All In for Baker Mayfield?

It doesn't take much to stoke a fire in New York. When Jets coach Todd Bowles gave some praise to Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield on Tuesday, of course the media ran with it making it out that the Jets are definitely going to draft the controversial quarterback with the third overall pick in next months draft.

However, if you read through the tea leaves that is the NFL rumor mill, the Jets are heads over heals for Mayfield as Brian Costello of the New York Post points out. "There has been heavy buzz at the NFL League meetings that the Jets love Baker Mayfield, and he is the one they want to pick in next month's draft."

When Bowles was asked about Mayfield, he gave a lot of generalities and some praise, including that Mayfield's size isn't an issue as long as he finds a way to win ballgames.

The praise might be deserved. Mayfield is a Heisman trophy winner after all, and he did complete about 70 percent of his passes while in college. Yet there are a lot of red flags surrounding him as well.

Mayfield's maturity and personality has been the topic of discussion for a long time now, and Mayfieldd has done little to quiet the chatter. Wether it is the on-the-field outbursts, which includes planting a Oklahoma flag at midfield in Ohio State and grabbing his groin and yelling at players from Kansas. Or whether it is the off-the-field issues that include an arrest for running away from police for public intoxication, Mayfield worries a lot of folks.

In fact, many point to the incidents, the lack of maturity and Mayfield's diminutive size and compare him more with NFL bust Johnny Manziel than future Hall of Famer Drew Brees.



Then there is this: the Jets traded three second round picks to move up three spots from the sixth overall to the third overall pick to take a quarterback. Of the four top prospects, everyone feels that Mayfield could slip in the draft and would be available at the sixth had the Jets stay put. It makes little sense for the Jets to basically trade away all those assets for a guy who would have been there had they done nothing.

This is not to say that Mayfield can't be a good quarterback, but the odds are stacked against him. The Jets need a big quarterback with a big arm to cut through the winds of MetLife Stadium. Mayfield is accurate, but doesn't have a big time arm. His size would mean that the Jets would need to be creative in designing their offensive schemes for him.

For a team that has to get the right guy at quarterback, drafting Mayfield because he is the flavor of the month is not the right decision. We'll see what the Jets decide to do, but if all rumors are true -- get ready for a bumpy ride with Broadway Baker at the helm.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Yankees Greg Bird Out 6-8 Weeks

The 2018 Yankees were supposed to be an unbreakable team, a locomotive with its sights set squarely on hoisting up the World Series trophy at the end of October. That might still happen -- the regular season begins Thursday, but it will begin with a dark cloud hanging over the team.

First baseman Greg Bird will miss 6-8 weeks after he undergoes ankle surgery to remove a bone spur.  The Yankees might be forced to use a platoon of Neil Waker and Tyler Austin at first base. Keep in mind the team doesn't have Todd Fraizer anymore, who signed with the Mets -- otherwise he would have been an ideal replacement.

This is hard news for the Yankees who had visions of a lineup that featured Bird in the middle of a 21st Century version of Murderers Row alongside Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregarious. Instead Bird is out for two months -- which at this point means the Yankees may night see him until June at the latest; late may at the earliest.

The injury has to raise the question of whether Bird will ever become a full-time player in this powerful Yankee lineup. He missed the 2016 season after having a torn labrum repaired in his right shoulder. Last year he missed most of the season after he fouled off a ball onto his right ankle.

If Bird suffers a setback, or is unable to produce when he returns what can the Yankees do?

There might be a couple of options, but it would be costly.

Freddie Freeman is 28-years old and is in the middle of an eight-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are still rebuilding, and who knows they could move Freeman's contract if they feel can get some prospects for him. The Yankees are loaded with prospects. If the Braves wanted to contact anyone about Freeman, the Yankees would be an option. Keep in mind Freeman has about $88 million left on his deal -- it would require Brian Cashman to get take on some of that money onto the Yankees salary cap -- and we know the Yankees have an aversion to getting the payroll over $200 million.

Still Freeman is a power bat and left handed. He could be a plus if the Yankees need a first baseman to challenge for the postseason.

Eric Hosmer is another name. But he just signed a 8-year $144 million deal. So the chances the Yankees will give up the farm to acquire that contract is highly unlikely.

However, they could inquire about Hosmer's old teammate, Mike Moustakas, who has a one-year deal with Kansas City. The Yankees and Moustakas did talk during the off-season about a possible deal, but never came to terms.

Giants Might Be Looking to Dump Odell Beckham

Troubled Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. might be on his way out of town ... eventually.

A day after a story broke in the New York Post that Giants owner John Mara has grown "tired" of having to answer questions about Beckham's antics, and was mum on the idea of committing to Beckham longterm, a potential war between the Giants and the wide receiver is brewing in the background.

Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Beckham will hold out if he does not receive a contract extension  from the "Giants or any team."

When asked about the report, the Daily News said Mara and co-owner Steve Tisch would not answer any questions regarding a potential hold out or contract negotiations, obviously nobody wants to do these things through the media.

However, Giants Wire reports that Tisch told reporters that any speculation on Beckham's future is just that ... speculation. Adding that the Giants and Beckham are opening up talks on a long term contract.

Depending on who you want to believe, the fact is that Beckham's days in New York might be numbered. While the Giants are willing to talk contract with him, there is rampant talk that a trade could be in the works. The Daily News sites sources that the Los Angeles Rams have inquired interest in Beckham. The Giants would want at least a first round pick in return for Beckham. Whether the Rams willing to part with the 23rd pick in the draft for the troubled star is anyone's guess at this point.

In all honesty there are a lot of teams that would be willing to take the risk on Beckham. Distractions aside, he is one of the most talented receivers in the sport, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field with acrobatic skill is what put him in the spotlight to begin with.

Yet, as we all know, there has been a dark side to Beckham. The on-field fight he had with Josh Norman a few years ago rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

Then at the end of the 2016 season, Beckham decided to take the entire Giants receiving corps down to Miami for a night of boating and fun -- a moment that was captured in an infamous photo with shirtless receivers on Justin Bieber's boat.

The "Miami-gate" incident was quickly followed up days later by a horrible postseason performance by Beckham, in which he had a number of critical drops that helped cost the Giants the game in Green Bay. The result that day: Packers 38, Giants 13, and one gigantic hole in the wall of the visiting locker room left by Beckham's fist.

Last season, Beckham's antics hurt his team and Ben McAdoo's credibility when he decided to lift his leg like a urinating dog after scoring a touchdown in Philadelphia. McAdoo didn't reprimand Beckham, who was seen screaming at Eagle fans shortly after the incident. The Giants lost that game on a 61-yard field goal.

Now, there are two separate controversies surrounding the Giants star. The first is a video that was released two weeks ago the features Beckham in bed with French model Laura Cuenca where they spent a night together boozing and drugging it up at the Four Seasons George V Hotel.

The second controversy  is related to Beckham being named in a $15 million lawsuit filed by a man named Ishmael Temple who claims that he was beaten up in Beckham's home. While Beckham wasn't involved directly, Temple says that Beckham didn't tell anyone to stop. Beckham's lawyer has denied the accusations.

It's a laundry list of issues, and if the Giants are smart they should pursue a trade and get Beckham out of town. As talented as he is, and Beckham is a game-changing receiver; he still thinks he is bigger than the team. The Giants have coddled Beckham every step of the way throughout his career and all he has done is reward the Giants with one bad story after another. And to top it off the team hasn't won anything since he has been here.

If a team like the Rams, who are also reportedly interested in bad-boy free agent defensive lineman Ndamukong Shuh, is serious about trading for Beckham, the Giants should fleece them. The Giants should get the Rams first round pick this year, next year and maybe even a couple of second rounders to boot. Heck, GM David Gettleman should do his best Kevin Costner impression and ask for David "G-D" Putney because (he) feels like it.

The time has come for the Giants to split ties with Beckham. The franchise has a new coach, a new GM, and eventually, they will have a new quarterback as well. The tides are moving in a new direction for Big Blue and they shouldn't let a career saboteur like Beckham ruin it.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Mets Option Zack Wheeler to Triple-A

As expected the Mets have optioned right-handed starter Zack Wheeler to Triple-A Las Vegas for the start of the 2018 season. 

Wheeler got shelled in his last outing of the spring, giving up five runs on seven hits over two innings of work against the Washington Nationals. Outside of a solid outing against the Yankees in the middle of Spring Training, Wheeler really struggled, posting an ERA of 8.10 in 10 innings of work. 

The Mets will insert Seth Lugo into the fifth starter's spot of the rotation, taking Wheeler's place. 

Lugo pitched four shutout innings in relief of Wheeler on Thursday night against the Nationals. This spring, Lugo has been marvelous, pitching to a 2.84 ERA in 15.2 innings of work as both a receiver and starter. His versatility will be of importance to Mickey Callaway this season. 

Jason Vargas, whom the Mets signed before camp opened to a two-year $16 million deal will likely open the season on the disabled list as he recovers from surgery on his non-pitching hand to correct a nondisplaced fracture in his hamate bone. 

The Mets hope that Wheeler can work out his mechanics and come back to the Mets a better starting pitcher. In the interim, the Mets will have a rotation of Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, and Seth Lugo. 


NY Yankees 2018 Preview Show

On this episode of the Open Mike Program, myself and Karen Vankat preview the 2018 Yankees. We look at the strengths and weaknesses of this year's squad and whether they can get all the way to the World Series.

Enjoy!


Friday, March 23, 2018

Zack Wheeler in danger of losing rotation Spot with Mets

On March 19, the New York Post published an article about how the New York Mets would finally trout out their “Fab Five” rotation of Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler when the season opens next week at Citi Field.


It appears, however that those best laid plans are on hold now after Wheeler failed in his latest opportunity to nail down the fifth starter spot on Thursday night against Washington. 

Wheeler lasted only two innings, allowing five runs, three earned on seven hits. While he didn’t walk a batter, the fact is Wheeler was hit hard early and often as the Nationals scratched out a 5-0 lead on the Mets.

After 58 pitches, Mickey Callaway saw enough and pulled the plug on Wheeler, giving the ball instead to Seth Lugo to quiet the storm.

Lugo answered the call. He shut down the Nationals over the next four innings, allowing only two hits, while striking out five.

With Jason Vargas still sidelined by hand surgery to remove hamate bone, Lugo has now entered the conversation for the fifth starter spot.

Looking at the numbers and the performances this spring, Lugo has earned the right to take the spot away from Wheeler. Heck, Lugo deserves to be on this team, period.

Lugo has proven to be versatile, coming in relief six times and starting another game this spring. Through 15.2 innings, he has allowed only five runs, walked three and struck out 17. Those numbers are good enough to give Lugo a 2.87 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. Not bad at all.

Very early in camp, Mickey Callaway preached versatility as a major contributing factor he looks for in his pitchers. Lugo fits the bill, showing to be both dependable both as a starter or reliever for the Mets in his two short stints with New York in 2016 and 2017.

As for Wheeler, he hasn’t been good. This was a golden opportunity for a guy who won his arbitration case against the Mets to prove he was the better starter than Jason Vargas, especially with Vargas out with an injury to start the season. However an ERA of 8.10 in five appearances and four starts is not going to endear much confidence.

Not to mention there were already reservations about Wheeler coming out of the bullpen, particularly on his arms ability to recover quickly.

If the Mets decide the Wheeler needs more work, he is going to have to accept assignment to Triple-A.

There is precedence for starting pitchers to head to the minor leagues to work on their mechanics only to come back to be a serious contributor in the majors. Just look at Steve Trachsel.

 In 2001, the Mets optioned Trachsel to Triple-A Norfolk when he was 1-6 with an ERA of 8.24. When he returned he was a totally different pitcher. Much more confident and affective in his approach, Trachsel won 11 games and lowered his season ERA to 4.46. At times that year, Trachsel was the Mets most reliable starter.


Can Wheeler be the guy the Mets hoped he would be? Can the Mets have a Fab Five at some point this season? They could, but it is up to Wheeler to figure it out.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Jets Trade Up to 3rd Overall Pick in Blockbuster Trade

The New York Jets are in desperate need for a quarterback.

Even with General Manager Mike Maccagnan spending $25 million combined on Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, the need for a franchise quarterback is painfully obvious for Gang Green, and the Jets quickly moved to mortgage draft picks to make it happen.

The Jets agreed to send the sixth overall pick and the 37th and 49th overall picks in the second round, and next year's second round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for the third overall pick in the this year's draft. In short the Jets gave up three second round picks to move up three spots in the first round.

It is a huge gamble, and it must pay off for the Jets.

There are plenty of signal callers to choose from, from Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Baker Mayfield. All are considered top prospects, and all have plenty of red flags as well.

The question now is who will drop to the Jets? And, will that player fit what the Jets want?

Keep in mind these are the Jets we are talking about. This is a franchise that has defined and re-defined draft futility. They drafted Ken O'Brien over Dan Marino in 1983. Drafted Kyle Brady over Warren Sapp in 1995. Lost out on Brett Favre. Watched Peyton Manning reject them to stay in college. Drafted Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg in a period of eight years.

In addition, Mike Maccagnan's draft history hasn't been very good either since taking over as GM back in 2015.

So if you are a Jets fan, and are nervous with the thought the Jets have the third overall pick in the draft, nobody can blame you. The Jets don't inspire confidence.



Whom the Jets take could be predetermined by what the Cleveland Browns and the Giants do ahead of them. The Browns have long been linked to either Penn State running back Saquan Barkley or quarterbacks' Sam Darnold and Josh Allen. The Browns still have the fourth overall pick. Will the Browns feel pressured to take a quarterback first overall with the Jets two spots behind them? That is a legitimate question.

Behind the Browns are the Giants. The Giants could take Eli Manning's successor (i.e. Darnold, Allen or Josh Rosen) or they could take the safe pick and take Barkley (if he is still available) or Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson. A lot of experts believe the Giants are going to take Barkley or Nelson with the second pick. They could also trade the pick to a QB-needy team like the Bills.

Let's say this scenario plays out: the Browns draft Allen; the Giants draft Barkley, leaving the Jets to choose from Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen.

Rosen has a big arm, and is highly regarded as a passer by many scouts. In fact the Jets attended his pro-day this week. However, he is known as someone who is tough to coach, has a high opinion of himself, and, many have questioned his passion for the game. Is this the right guy for New York?

Darnold is the more polished quarterback in the eyes of many scouts. However he turned the ball over 20 times last season, and did not look like the quarterback who lit things up for USC during his freshman year in 2016. Oh, and he's from USC -- a school with a checkered history of bad quarterback play in the NFL.

Then again, the Browns could take either Darnold or Rosen, leaving the Jets to consider Josh Allen. Allen comes from a small school, Wyoming, and has drawn comparisons to Carson Wentz because of his big arm. However, the knock on Allen is that he is inaccurate, and never completed more than 56 percent of his passes in college.

Baker Mayfield at this point would be a waste of draft picks, considering the Jets didn't have to move from the sixth slot to draft him, if they want him. Plus Mayfield's small size and questionable on-field and off-field behavior should be an automatic turn-off.

The ball is now in the Jets court. They can't get this wrong ... right?

Evaluating the New York Giants Free Agent Frenzy

The Giants added some much needed beef to their offensive line at the opening of free agency this week. When he took the job as general manager, David Gettleman he said that he wanted to bring in some "hog mollies" to fortify Big Blue's offensive line and he did just that.

The Giants signed former New England Patriots left tackle Nate Solder to a four-year $62 million contract. Solder is considered one of the best tackles in the NFL, having played in 98 games and all 16 games last season. For a team that had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season, adding Solder vastly improves the group.

The Solder addition also means that the Giants could move Erik Flowers over to the right side of the offensive line - and relieve him of the pressure of protecting Eli Manning's blindside.

In addition, the Giants signed free agent guard Patrick Omameh to file a void at the guard position. While Omameh had a mixed bag at Jacksonville, he has upside and could be a nice piece should he turn the corner with the Giants.

At the very least the Giants answered some questions on the offensive line. This does not mean they won't draft a lineman next month. There are a lot of rumors the Giants could be targeting Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson with their first round pick. If they pass on him, they'll certainly address the line later in the draft.

Meanwhile, the Giants signed veteran running back Jonathan Stewart to a two-year $6.9 million contract. When healthy, Stewart is a nice change of pace back. He was part of a two-headed monster in Carolina early in his career when he split time with DeAngelo Williams. The one problem for Stewart is health -- he almost always found himself on the disabled list.

If the Giants are unable to draft Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the second pick in the draft, at the very least Stewart is an insurance policy. However, if the Giants do get Barkley, the Giants will have a dynamic backfield with the veteran Stewart and Barkley. Talk about taking pressure off Eli Manning?

The rest of the Giants free agent frenzy was spent addressing holes at linebacker. They acquired Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree for a fourth and sixth round pick. While the Giants did restructure his contract, he is locked up for the next four years. Ogletree is not a big time sacker, but he is always in on tackles, having lead the Rams in tackles with 136 in 2016. He is a solid addition to slot into the middle of the Giants defense.

Other additions: Kareem Martin, LB, three-years - $24 million; Mark Herzlich, LB, one-year - $1.1 million; Teddy Williams, CB, one-year - $800,000; and Curtis Riley, CB, agreed to terms.

GRADE: B

The Giants addressed their offensive line woes in free agency, and added a veteran running back to the mix who is better than anyone they currently have on the roster. Adding Ogletree was a bold and fresh move for Gettleman.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Evaluating the New York Jets Free Agent Frenzy

Here is one that is going to leave heads spinning.

The Jets have agreed to one-year contracts with both quarterbacks Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater. What a mess! The team that couldn't shoot straight, and lost out on Kirk Cousins has rolled the dice on a 39-year journeyman quarterback in McCown, and a once promising quarterback who's career came to a halt two years ago when he suffered a devastating knee injury.

Most of the time, signing two starting quarterbacks means that a team has really no clear direction at the quarterback position; and that is exactly where they Jets are. They are twisting in the wind wondering where the wind is going to blow.

The Jets will likely draft a quarterback in next month's draft -- perhaps in the first round, but with both McCown and Bridgewater on the roster it is hard to imagine a scenario where that young player gets any playing time. And if we know anything about Todd Bowles, he doesn't like playing young quarterbacks, i.e. Christian Hackenberg.

Bridgewater, who hasn't started a game since 2015 is getting paid $15 million for one year to play for the Jets. His signing is the wild card. Are the Jets saying that they will have a quarterback competition between Bridgewater and McCown? If so, when and how will a rookie get an opportunity with two veteran quarterbacks in camp and on the roster?

There is always the possibility that a rookie could outplay both McCown and Bridgewater, but that is unlikely.

There is also a scenario where the Jets could avoid drafting a quarterback in the first round, settling instead to fill other positions of need, which will likely send Jets fans into a total panic.

In more ways than one, Mike Maccagnan's signing of both McCown and Bridgewater leaves everyone scratching their heads. But it's the Jets after all, so what else is new?

In other moves, the Jets signed former Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell to a three-year deal in another bizarre move by Maccagnan. While the Jets have to address the running position, addressing it with a three-year deal for Crowell who has underwhelmed his entire career just doesn't make any sense.

After four seasons in Cleveland, Crowell has yet to rush for 1000 yards in a season. To say that the Jets solved their backfield issues with this signing is ludicrous.  Crowell marks yet another season where the Jets turn to a underachieving veteran at the running back position. A few years ago it was Chris Ivory. Two years ago it was Matt Forte. Now it is Crowell. Will they ever learn?

The Jets may have addressed their problem at center, although if they can upgrade in the draft, they should. Spencer Long, formally of the Redskins, agreed to a deal with New York this week. He can play both center and guard, although there are concerns. He had a chance to be the Redskins starting guard in 2014, but lost out on the starting job. Two seasons ago he became the team's center and served in that role until last season, when he suffered a season ending knee injury in November. Long could be a nice surprise, but we'll have to see.

The best signing by far for the Jets was brining in former Ram cornerback Trumaine Johnson. At 28, Johnson has developed a true ball-hawking style of play with 18 picks in his career and three returns for touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, he gives the Jets a tall, physical corner, something Todd Bowles team desperately needs.

Meanwhile, the Jets replaced DeMario Davis with for Titan Avery Williams -- a tough-nosed middle linebacker who has racked up over 90-plus tackles in each of the past three seasons. At 26-years old, Williams could be a nice steal for the Jets this season.

Other moves: signed cornerback Morris Claiborne; safety Terrance Brooks; offensive lineman Ben Ijalana and kicker Cairo Santos.

GRADE: C. The Jets answered needs on defense with Williams and Johnson, but left too many questions regarding their offense. Signing two veteran journeyman quarterbacks is not the answer, and they still can't find ways to get legitimate help at running back and offensive line.




Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Jets off-season turning into a mess after Cousins goes to Vikings

For months the Jets touted their $90 million in payroll flexibility, and promised to be aggressive once free agency began.

While the official start of free agent signings does not begin until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, the Jets have watched just about everyone else make swift moves to sign players, trade players and move picks in the days leading up to the opening of free agency. And thus far the Jets look like a team left with nothing, because, simply they have done nothing.

Yes, the Jets wanted Kirk Cousins, and were willing to pay, but Cousins wanted to be a Viking. The Vikings offer him a better chance to win than the Jets do, and even guaranteed all three years of his contract. That is $84 million in guaranteed money. In today's NFL where careers are short and an injury can wreck a career at any moment, his contract could set a precedent for players to follow who are willing to bet on themselves and have collateral doing it.


Once the Vikings entered the Cousins sweepstakes, it was pretty obvious the Jets were not going to end up with him.

What really has to bother fans, however, is the Jets virtual inactivity the past 48 hours. They were linked to former Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson. He signed with the Bears. They were believed to have interest in former Giants center Weston Richburg, but he signed a long-term deal with the 49ers.

Quarterback Case Keenum? Signed with the Broncos. How about Sam Bradford (a.k.a Mr. Disabled List)? Signed with the Cardinals.

Oh, and the Buffalo Bills made a huge trade up in the draft to possibly position themselves to leapfrog the Jets for one of the coveted college quarterbacks in the NFL draft next month.

In short this has been a nightmare 48 hours for Jets GM Mike Maccagnan and Head Coach Todd Bowles.

They were expected to be big spenders (and may still be), but have shown little life while everyone else is gobbling up contracts like its going out of style.

Rumors are the Jets might have to settle for Josh McCown, the 39-year old journeyman quarterback who was decent for the Jets last season before getting suffering a season-ending injury in a 23-0 loss to Denver last December.

The Jets could also sign former Viking, Teddy Bridgewater, who has not started an NFL in game in almost three years, and has spent the past two years rehabbing from a horrifying knee injury. Who knows if Bridgewater can still play at an elite starting quarterback level?

Rumors are the Jets are in negotiations with Bridgewater and a deal could be imminent.

Even when he was healthy, Bridgewater was never a great quarterback -- he was just ok, mediocre at best. His small size, 6-foot-2, and little arm power is not something that is going to help this team long term. He has never thrown for more than 14 touchdowns in a season, and has turned the ball over 30 times in just 28 games.

He is not a long term option, and is not going to solve what has become an epidemic mess at the quarterback position for the Jets.

Some even think the Jets should or will sign both McCown and Bridgewater -- which will be a clear indication that the Jets have no idea of what they are doing.

In sum, the pressure is now ratcheted up on Maccagnan and Bowles to draft a quarterback, the right quarterback, next month. Every NFL scout believes that Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield have "star" quality. We'll see. There is a chance that the Jets could get one of them. There is also a chance that the Jets may be left with nothing much like they are in free agency at the moment.

Let's also remember that this is the same head coach/GM tandem that selected Christian Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 draft. This is also the same tandem that selected Bryce Petty in the third round in 2015. Neither quarterback has done anything significant, as the coaching staff has taken plenty of hits for not developing either player properly.

Can Bowles and his staff be trusted with someone line a Baker Mayfield, who would come to New York with questions about his off-the-field behavior? Can they mold a Josh Allen, who many wonder if he'll ever be an accurate quarterback?

There are legitimate concerns here for the Jets. The Jets failed in the early stages of free agency. The pressure is on for Maccagnan and Bowles to get it right as quickly as possible.


Monday, March 12, 2018

Making Sense of Yankees Signing of Neil Walker

In a rather surprising move the Yankees singed for Mets and Brewers second baseman Neil Walker to a one-year, $5 million deal.

The move is surprising because a lot of the Yankees young prospects have been hitting the ball extremely well this Spring. Ronald Torreyes is hitting .316 with three RBI. Brandon Drury, whom the Yankees acquired from Arizona before camp started is hitting .304 with a homer and 4 RBI. Miguel Andujar, who is expected to start at third base is killing the baseball, hitting .281 with four homers and nine RBI. Tyler Wade is hitting .292 with a couple of RBI.

The only weak link in the chain comes in the form of Gleyber Torres who is 3-for-23 this spring.

Event with Torres' struggles, it makes little sense for the Yankees to sign the aging Walker who's time with the Mets was blistered with injuries and inconsistent play. After playing in 111 games for the Mets in 2016, Walker played in only 73 games, hit .264 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI before he was dumped on the Milwaukee Brewers for the final month of the season. Walker just never fit with the Mets and it was time to move on.

If Walker is going to be on the roster, he'll likely start which comes at the detriment of some young talent that was showing promise this spring season.

Call a move that wasn't exactly necessary for the Yankees to contend this season.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Yankees Top Mets with Late Inning rally

It was a big day in Port St. Lucie as the Mets couldn't hold a 4-1 lead late against the Yankees. Billy McKinney proved to be the hero as he launched a grand slam home run in the seventh inning to give the Yankees a 7-4 lead. New York would not look back, beating the Boys from Flushing 11-4.

Here is our video recap!


Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Mets Spring Training Vlog Day 3, Mets vs. Astros

The Mets gave their fans a hint at their opening day lineup, while youngsters Phillip Evans, Tomas Nido and Luis Guillorme starred in a 9-5 win.


Mets manager Mickey Callaway gave fans a preview of what New York’s opening day lineup may look like in 23 days when the Mets open the season at Citi Field against the St. Louis Cardinals.

On a hot-hazy day under the sun in Port St. Lucie, Callaway featured the following order:

Brandon Nimmo CF
Yoenis Cespedes LF
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Jay Bruce RF
Todd Fraizer 3B
Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
Travis d’Arnaud C

Aside from shortstop Ahmed Rosario, who did not play Tuesday afternoon in the Mets 9-5 win over the Houston Astros, that order is pretty much what fans will become accustomed to in the near future.

It wasn’t a bad game for the Mets starting lineup, they produced three runs on Astros starter Collin McHugh, and displayed the kind of power that can come from the top half of the order.

In the bottom of the first inning, Brandon Nimmo started off the game with a leadoff walk, which was quickly followed by an Adrian Gonzalez double to right to move the speedy center fielder to third base. Finally Jay Bruce just missed on a McHugh fastball, launching the pitch to straight away center field for a sac fly to give the Mets a 1-0 lead.

Two innings later, after the Astros tied the game at two, Yoenis Cespedes cracked his second homer of the spring off the batter’s eye in center field to give the Mets a 3-2 lead.

While it was a small sample size, the Mets showed the ability to manufacture runs with both power and smart situational baseball. The Mets are in a unique situation with this lineup. Many have pointed out, and rightfully so that a lineup with Gonzalez, Bruce, Fraizer and Cespedes would have been frightening three or four years ago.

With Gonzalez’s production declining in recent years as he gets older, and injuries to Cespedes the past two seasons, it is easy to be cynical when looking at the Met lineup. Yet, the potential is still there for them to do damage this season. That is the gamble Sandy Alderson is willing to make in order to get the Mets back into contention for a playoff spot this season.

Meanwhile, it was a big afternoon for some of the Mets young prospects as they powered New York to a 9-5 win over Houston. The Mets trailed 4-3 in the seventh inning when Tomas Nido, a 23-year old who was in Double-A last season, cracked a game tying home run to right to stun Houston.

An inning later, Nido’s Double-A Binghamton teammate, Luis Guillorme lined a RBI single to left that scored Kevin Kaczmarksi to tie the game again, this time at five.

Finally in the ninth inning, Houston’s Rogelio Armenteros completely imploded, allowing the Mets to load the bases before Triple-A first baseman Phillip Evans launched a grand slam over the left-center field wall to win the ball game. Evans is having a really nice camp for the Mets this spring, batting .308 with five RBI and a .923 slugging percentage. Nido is hitting an even .300, while Guillorme is getting an extensive amount of playing time from Mickey Callaway, hitting .375 in eight games.


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