Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Todd Bowles Takes Over Bucs as Bruce Arians Resigns

 In shocking news the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that Head Coach Bruce Arians has resigned as head coach and will take on a front office role.


In three seasons as head coach, Arians led the Bucs to a 31-18 record with a victory in Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season the Bucs went 13-4, but dealt with plenty of drama — namely the bizarre Antonio Brown meltdown on sideline during a game against the New York Jets. The Bucs were knocked out of the playoffs in the divisional round by the eventual Super Bowl champion LA Rams.

According to Peter King of Pro Football Talk on NBC Sports, Arians will be a senior consultant. That means the new head coach will be none-other than ex-New York Jets Head Coach Todd Bowles.

Bowles has served as defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers the past three seasons. His work with Tampa’s defense drew high praise from around the sport, as the Bucs went on to win the Super Bowl two years ago.

 In four seasons in New York’s head coach, Bowles went 24-40 forthe Green and White from 2015 to 2018. His career with the Jets started out great; the Jets went 10-6, and narrowly missed the playoffs in 2015. The Jets went into Week 17 of that 2015 before quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick imploded up in Buffalo, costing the Jets a playoff berth.

 The following two seasons Bowles’ Jets went 5-11 each year as the team was clearly rebuilding. In 2018, the club selected Sam Darnold as its “franchise quarterback.” Of course, as things turned out, it didn’t work out. Bowles was out after a 4-12 season in 2018, and Adam Gase replaced him. Gase had two miserable seasons in New York, and Darnold was traded to Carolina last off-season.

 As for Bowles, the great irony of now becoming the Head Coach of the Bucs, is he now gets to work more closely with Tom Brady, the man who once was the Jets ultimate tormentor when he was a six-time Super Bowl winning quarterback of the New England Patriots.

Sunday, March 27, 2022

St. Peter's Run to Elie Eight Ends vs. North Carolina

 NORTH CAROLINA 69 - St. PETER'S 49

St. Peter's miraculous run through the NCAA Tournament came to a halt Sunday night against the North Carolina Tar Heels, who grabbed an early lead and never looked back, winning going away 69-49.

It was a rough shooting night for the Peacocks, who at one point were 7-of-37 from the field, and finished hitting on 30 percent of their shots (18-of-60). Against a team like North Carolina who terrific players like Armando Bacot and Brady Manek, missing on makable shots cannot happen.


And that is exactly what happened to St. Peter's. The Peacocks missed on their first six shots, four of them from downtown, as the Tar Heels methodically built an early 9-0 lead.

St. Peter's finally responded with 15:52 to go in the first half when Hassan Drame connected on a three-pointer and a layup to make it 9-5. That was as close as St. Peter's would get again for the rest of the night.

North Carolina would later go on a 12-2 run, coupled with a pair of Caleb Love three-pointers to take a 24-9 lead with 6:58 to go in the first half.

After trailing 38-19 at the half, St. Peter's picked it up in the second half, were outscored only by a point, 31-30, as shooting improved.

Fousseyni Drame finished the night with 12 points to lead the way for St. Peter's. K.C. Ndefo led Peacock starters with 10 points on the night.

Bacot led the Tar Heels with 20 points, while Manek contributed 19 points and Love finished with 14 points for North Carolina.

The Tar Heels advance to the Final Four where they will face arch rival Duke next Saturday.

 

Friday, March 25, 2022

St. Peter's Men's Basketball Shocks the World Again, Heads to Elite 8

 ST. PETER'S 67 - PURDUE 64

Cinderella has put that pumpkin on hold.

St. Peter's men's basketball pulled out another miracle finish, storming back to beat third ranked Purdue 67-64 to advance to the Elite 8 for the first time in program history. The Peacocks are the first ever 15 seed to get to an Elite 8 match-up.


The last time a men's college basketball team got this far in the NCAA tournament, you'd have to go back to the 1991 Seton Hall Pirates.

In a see-saw affair that saw both Purdue and St. Peter's go on several extended hot and cold streaks throughout the game, the turning point for the Peacocks really began late in the second half with the Boilermakers holding a 56-52 lead with 4:23 to go.

Purdue's Trevion Williams tried to go up for a jump shot, but his shot was blocked by Clarence Rupert. Purdue came down with the board, but Jaden Ivey couldn't hold on the ball, turning it back over to St. Peter's. On the return down the court, Doug Edert took his shot from downtown and drew the foul.

If this sounds familiar, it should. Edert drew a huge foul last week against Murray State that led to three consecutive free throws as St. Peter's put that game away. This time, it was the start of something big.

Edert, as cool as he usually is underneath that mop of hair and bad 70's style-mustache, nailed all three free throws. Just like that it was a one point game with 4:02 to go.  Purdue was in big trouble now. St. Peter's knew they had a shot.

After Williams hit one of two free throws for Purdue to make it a 57-55 game, Daryl Banks III bounced off his defender, spun around and shot the ball at the top of the circle, draining the jumper to tie it at 57 with 3:18 to go.

Now the Peacocks could really feel it.

Another miss by Purdue led to another Daryl Banks III jump shot that he nailed, driving through the lane to give the Peacocks a 59-57 lead with 2:16 to go.

Purdue was totally cold. Williams missed another shot for the Boilermakers, as he -- like many other Purdue Boilermakers on this night -- struggled to handle St. Peter's pressing zone defense and double teams.

Hassan Drame came up with the rebound for St. Peter's and was quickly fouled. At the line Drame hit both free throws, putting the game firmly in St. Peter's control at 61-57 with 1:43 to go.

The Peacocks incredible play at the line was huge in the late stages as Matthew Lee and Daryl Banks III all hits their free throws to put immense pressure on Purdue.


 

With eight seconds to go, the Boilermakers got the miracle three from Jaden Ivey to make it a one-point game, 65-64. Now it was up to Edert, who drew the foul with 4.1 seconds to go, to finish what he had started. He did, nailing both free throws to make it a three point game.

Once the final desperation shot by Ivey hit the rim, bounced up in the air and fell away from the net as the buzzer sounded, the Peacocks stormed the court in celebration. 

Not only were they celebrating, all of New Jersey was in total jubilation.

In what has been an incredible tournament, the gutsy team from Jersey City just never gives up, and they find themselves in the Elite 8, a win away from the most cherished piece of real estate in college basketball.

Mayor Adams Getting Criticized For Exempting Athletes from Vaccine

New Yorkers are mad as hell at New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and some aren't going to take it anymore. 

On Thursday Adams did a complete about-face from his staunch stance that professional athletes would not be exempt from the employee vaccination mandate, flip-flopping on the position by doing a partial lifting of the order. 


Now Brookyln Nets star Kyrie Irving, as well as any unvaccinated Mets and Yankees player can play home games. Irving had been barred from playing in New York City all season; he has played in only 20 games this year, all on the road. 

The Nets had tried all season to get Adams to budge, but he never relented on the mandate. When it came to the Mets and Yankees, the pressure became too much, and he gave in. 

At Citi Field, Thursday, Adams stood with Yankees President Randy Levine and Mets President Sandy Alderson to announce that professional athletes and performers would be exempt from the mandate. However no such change is coming for workers like police, fire and stadium workers. 

This has led to an onslaught of anger from New Yorkers.

The New York Post chronicled stories of several workers who had lost their jobs because they didn’t get the jab against the virus, including Elissa Embree, who worked at Citi Field as a waitress for Aramark, and hasn’t been able to get back to work because she is unvaccinated.

The Post also reported that a group of workers who were terminated for not getting the vaccine would sue the City. "Long Island lawyer James Mermigis called Adam' announcement Thursday, "another slap in the face to regular New Yorkers who just want to earn a living." 

Meanwhile, the mayor’s opponents are taking pot shots, including his opponent in the 2021 mayoral election, Curtis Sliwa, who was one of many online to point out that Adams received a $1.5 million campaign donation from Mets owner Steve Cohen.

It's a bad look for a Mayor who comes across as out of touch.  It looks bad for the Mets and Yankees who come across as above the needs of regular folks. In fact many online have thrown around conspiracy theories that bribes were made.

So, yes, it's good from the sports perspective that players can play at home, but it doesn't dilute the political mess that this has created.

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Mayor Adams Will Roll Back Vaccine Mandates, Unvaxed Kyrie Irving, Yankees & Mets Can Play

 Today is a big day for the Brooklyn Nets, New York Mets and Yankees. 

After stating earlier this week that he would not budge on the private sector vaccine mandate that has locked Nets superstar Kyrie Irving from playing in games in New York this season, and would have prevented a number of un-vaccinated Mets and Yankees from playing on Opening Day in New York, Mayor Eric Adams has changed his tune

The mandate is expected to be lifted on Thursday.

About damn time too. 


This is not to say that the vaccine isn't important. It is. Without it, we wouldn't have come out of the pandemic they way we have two years removed from when it took over our lives. 

 The private sector mandate, which was instituted by Bill deBlasio, would require that employees must be vaccinated in order to work in New York City. That also includes professional athletes. The problem is players like Iriving, and reportedly, a number of Yankees and Mets were not vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Irving, who has played in only road games this year, will be eligible to play in Brooklyn's final seven games in New York this season, which includes a date at MSG against the Knicks in April. Brooklyn's next home game is March 27. It will also mean he will be able to participate in the playoffs. The Nets desperately could use Irving on the court; he has been great this season, averaging 27 points a game in 19 road contests. 

Irving's return to New York would also take a lot of heat off Kevin Durant, who has had to carry this team, even on a bum knee. 

Perhaps the pressure from the Mets and Yankees got to Adams. Perhaps the Players Union also got involved, for had the mandate remained, it would have affected service time, which in turn affects free agency. That's a loss of money nobody wants. 

On Tuesday, Adams said that those who aren't vaccinated would have to "wait" and that he was following the "science." Yet other states and cities, including those run by Democrats were starting to loosen mandates, from vaccines to face masks. Even New Jersey, loosened its mandates earlier this month. 

It's about time. Let the player play. It's their choice. The only good news on the virus front is that the rate of transmission is down. It's long overdue to be open and re-open. 

Jets Try (and Fail) to Acquire Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs

 For at least one hour on Wednesday it looked like the New York Jets were on the precipice of a huge trade for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Imagine Hill using his speed to run past defenders in the AFC East this year after catching passes from Zach Wilson. After a solid free agency run for Joe Douglas, nabbing Hill would be a huge boon to the Jets playoff hopes in 2022. 


Instead Hill will indeed catch passes in the AFC East, only it will be for the Miami Dolphins. And it was his call to make. 

The Jets and Dolphins reportedly had equal value trade offers on the table, and the Chiefs liked both deals, but Hill chose the warm weather, no taxes and party life of Miami over the cold, dingy, media scrutiny of New York/New Jersey. 

Hill signed a $120 million extension, with $72 million guaranteed. 


 

As bad as it will be for the Jets to see Hill twice a year burning their secondary in Dolphins aqua and orange, they do save some money on the cap, and preserve their two high second round picks, which would have been used in the trade. 

Now the pressure is on Joe Douglas to get creative, and find players in the draft who can have an immediate impact to the roster. They need a top flight wide receiver. They need an edge rusher, corners, safeties, the works. They need it all. 

Get creative Joe, and maybe you can save face from getting smacked by a division foe.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Will Not Change Vaccine Policies for Mets & Yankees

 As I wrote on Fox Sports New Jersey. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams remains steadfast on his position that athletes who play on the various professional sports teams in New York can not play in town unless they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

For a better part of the past three months since Adams took over the mayoral seat in New York City from Bill DeBlasio, he has been in a battle over the vaccination status of Nets star guard Kyrie Irving. Iriving has refused to get vaccinated against the virus, and as a result has not played in a game in New York this season. Now there is speculation that a number of Yankees and Mets are also un-vaccinated.

To date no player on either baseball team has officially be named as un-vaccinated. Many have jumped to conclusions that players like Aaron Judge are not vaccinated due to his evasive comments on the subject.

“Right now, we’re going to take some complaints,” Adams said during a Tuesday morning news conference, “But when this is all said and done, people are going to realize this is a thoughtful administration and we got it right. So baseball, basketball, businesses, all of those things, they have to wait until that layer comes.”

Adams has been consistent in his assertion that the city will follow the science, and that he won’t change the private employer mandate that requires employees to be vaccinated against the deadly virus.

Yet other aspects of the city, as well as neighboring states are already scaling back their COVID-19 restrictions.

According to ESPN,  “When asked if he has felt heat from local sports teams to pull back the mandate, Adams said he doesn’t ‘feel any pressure doing this job at all, because I’m going to do what’s right.'”


 

“New York City’s infection rate has been climbing again lately, rising 50% over the past week. The city is averaging a little more than 950 new cases per day, comparable to the daily average in early November before the start of the omicron wave.”

That means there is a good chance the Yankees, who open the season at Yankees Stadium on April 7, and the Mets, whose home opener is April 15, may be without a number of players on the field because of their vaccination status.

Of course Adams’ decision has exasperated fans, who just want a return to normalcy — especially when it comes to baseball. Many fans have blasted the mayor on Twitter.  Even political candidates for New York Governor are jumping in to the fray.

Sunday, March 20, 2022

St. Peter's Heads to Sweet 16 After Another Shocking Upset

 As I wrote on Fox Sports New Jersey!

ST. PETER'S 70 - MURRAY STATE 60

The magic will continue for at least another week!

In a year where Rutgers and Seton Hall dominated the headlines in the college basketball world here in New Jersey, it is St. Peter's University, a private Jesuit college in the heart of Jersey City, off JFK Boulevard, and blocks away from Journal Square that has the entire state, if not the entire country buzzing.

getty images


The Peacocks did it again on Saturday. They upset another heavy favorite, this time in seventh ranked Murray State, who had won 21 straight games, and hadn't lost a game since December 22 at Auburn.

The Peacocks did it with grit, determination and an undeniable commitment to one another. Because, let's be real -- nobody gave them a chance against Kentucky and Murray State, except for themselves. Now they head to Philly and the Sweet Sixteen for the first time ever!

St. Peter's is also the third 15th seed to ever make it to the regional semi finals. Oral Roberts did it last year. Florida Gulf Coast did it back in 2013.

If there is one thing that is true about the people of Jersey City, Hudson County, and even New Jersey for that matter, it is this: the people there never forget a face; they are passionate, and are incredible loyal (unless your a jerk ... and if you are, they'll let you know about it).

And in this tournament, between Rutgers last second heart-breaker to Notre Dame, and St. Peter's incredible run here, the Nation has seen what Jersey sports is all about.

In this game St. Peter's never trailed. Not for one second. Sure the game was tied on a number of occasions in the first half, but St. Peter's played out front the entire night. The Peacocks flustered Murray State's offense, holding them to 32 percent shooting in the first half, as St.Peter's carried a slim 32-27 lead into the break.

In the second half, St. Peter's jumped out to an 8-0 run with Matthew Lee's three pointer, and Clarence Rupert's jumper paving the way to a 40-27 lead.

Slowly Murray State stared to chip away at the lead, and for much of the second half the two schools were dancing the line of a six-point St. Peter's lead.

One of the more crucial moments came with 5:48 to go when Doug Edert, who again was incredible off the bench, drew a foul while attempting a three-pointer at the top of the key. He would nail all three free throws to give the Peacocks a 57-50 lead.

After Trea Hannibal cut the St. Peter's lead to just three points when he drew a defensive foul on a layup. Edert responded with a jumper of his own with 4:25 to go to make it 59-54.

Justice Hill answered with a three of his own to bring Murray State to within two-points, 59-57, but Edert had the answer again -- this one from down town to push the lead back out to five with 3:39 to go. Edert finished the game with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

With one minute to go, St. Peter's held a four point lead, 64-60. All they had to do was hold on and make their foul shouts, which they did. Daryl Banks III, Matthew Lee and Hassan Drame all connected to help build a 70-60 lead as the time ran out.

But, give credit to the St. Peter's defense here for the way they finished the game. Murray State missed four three pointers inside the final minute, and the Peacocks were quick on the glass to rebound and force Murray State to use its fouls.

As reality set in, Murray State was frozen on the bench in shock. St. Peter's bench was jumping in jubilation as that little school from Jersey was moving on to the next round.

Depending on Sunday's action, St. Peter's will play either Texas or Purdue on Friday.

Friday, March 18, 2022

Deshaun Watson Trade Flips NFL on its Head

 As if the quarterback movement that had taken place prior to Friday blockbuster trade wasn’t enough to leave ones head spinning, this certainly did it.

After an entire week of rumors that controversial Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was going to choose between the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, or Cleveland Browns as a possible trade destination, it was the Browns who end up winning the Watson sweepstakes.

According to reports the Texans are to receive three first round picks, a third round pick and a fourth round pick, while a fifth rounder heads back to Cleveland along with Watson.

 In addition, Watson agreed to a new five-year $230 million, with $184 million in the first four years of the contract, from the Browns. All the money is fully guaranteed, making him the highest paid quarterback in the league as far as guaranteed money is concerned. Amazing considering that Watson, who, while he was cleared of criminal charges, is still facing litigation over 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault.

In fact, the Watson trade brings the entire drama full circle. A year ago Watson demanded a trade from Houston, even after he signed a mega contract to stay a Texan. The Dolphins, Jets and Eagles were all rumored suitors at the time. Soon-thereafter reports started coming out that Watson was being sued by multiple women alleging sexual assault.

Watson didn’t play at all in 2021 as the cloud of criminal charges hung over he head. He was finally cleared of criminality a week ago by a Texas Grand Jury.

The Browns were believed to be out of the mix at one point this week in the Watson sweeps, and it was believed the Falcons and Saints were the favorites. Instead, Watson chose Cleveland.

What does this mean? It means that Baker Mayfield, who made it clear that he was bothered by Cleveland’s pursuit of Watson will get his wish and will be traded. Rumors are he prefers the Indianapolis Colts, who traded Carson Wentz over to Washington last week. 

Meanwhile, the Saints are expected to re-sign Jamies Winston for the 2022 season.

The intriguing development is going to be in Atlanta with the Falcons and Matt Ryan.

Reports surfaced that Falcons owner Arthur Blank wanted to bring Watson in, even tough he has a Pro Bowl quarterback, who once took his franchise to a Super Bowl in Matt Ryan.

The Falcons agreed to push back Ryan’s $7.5 million roster bonus back to next Tuesday, so he can explore his trade options. It is hard to imagine that the Falcons can just turn around and kiss and make-up with Ryan after this.  They left Ryan with a decimated roster last year, and are willing to simply kick him out the door now.

If Ryan can find a team he wants to play for, the Colts and Seahawks remain viable options. It’s hard to imagine the Texans would be a destination, since they seemed determined to go with Davis Mills for a second straight season.

The question is is the amount of quarterback shuffling a good thing for the NFL? While it certainly adds intrigue, it makes it clear we are in a new era of quarterbacking at the NFL level. No longer are teams willing to have one franchise quarterback be "THE" guy for years upon years. 

If teams feel they can move on, especially in an era where quarterbacks are making the most money in the NFL, teams are going to look for other options. It's the world we live in. Just look at the focus on making quick decisions on young quarterbacks in a rookie contract. No longer can quarterback struggle or learn on the job over 2-3 years. Teams need answers instantly.  

It's a troubling trend. But everyone is looking at what the Rams and Lions did last year in the Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford trade, and are thinking 'why not us.'


Monday, March 14, 2022

New York Jets re-sign Berrios, Add OG Tomlinson and TE Uzomah

 The New York Jets have been busy on the first day of free agency in the NFL, re-signing one of their more popular players from last season, and bringing in much needed help for the offensive line.

The Jets announced the signing of wide receiver/special teams ace Braxton Berrios to a two-year deal, worth $12 million, with $7 million guaranteed. 

 

In addition, the team inked former San Francisco 49ers guard Laken Tomlinson to a three-year $41 million deal, with $27 million guaranteed.

The Jets also signed former Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah to a three-year deal, $24 million deal.  Running back Tevin Coleman also re-upped with Gang Green.

Signing Tomlinson is a huge move for the Jets, who are in need of adding to their offensive line. The Jets like what they have in Alijah-Vera Tucker at left guard, so Tomlinson fits perfectly at right guard. 

The Jets, who re-signed guard/tackle Connor McDermmott to a one-year deal as well, may not be done adding to the O-line. With the draft and more free agents available, right tackle and/or left tackle could also be addressed.

Meanwhile, the return of Berrios should please a lot of Jets fans. Berrios was electric last season as both a receiver and special teams return man. He had 46 catches for 431 yards, and proved to be incredibly valuable to quarterback Zach Wilson on third down. In addition, Berrios led the league in kick return average at 30.4 yards, and even had a 102 yard touchdown against Jacksonville.

Uzomah departs the AFC Champion Bengals to join a Jets team that is dire need of a pass catching tight end. This past season, Uzomah set career highs in receptions (49), receiving yards (493) and touchdowns (five). In the playoffs, he had 15 catches and a touchdown. He was injured in the AFC Title game, but came back to haul in two passes for 11 yards in Super Bowl LVI.

Mets' Pete Alonso invoved in Car Wreck, Says he's 'Ok'

 New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said he is “lucky to be alive” after being involved in a hideous car accident near the Mets spring training home in Port St. Lucie in which his vehicle flipped over “several times.”

Alonso spoke openly about the subject in front of his locker before practice on Monday.

The first baseman claimed a driver ran a red light and crashed into his vehicle. Alonso’s wife, Haley, was not in the car, but in the car behind Alonso, following him when it happened. Alonso said the couple was driving across the state from Tampa Bay to Port St. Lucie to get ready for spring training. Alonso credited his wife with jumping into action to call authorities and get him removed from the vehicle.

“It’s amazing I am here. I am fortunate that everyone is ok,” Alonso said. “I am ok, I wanted you to hear from me first. The other people in the other cars were ok.”

 


 

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Mets Adding to Pitching Staff as Season Nears Post Lockout

 

There is a different feel right now around the two  New York baseball teams. Typically the Yankees are the ones spending big money at free agents, while the Mets are counting their pennies. This year has been the complete opposite so far.


In the post-lockout era, the Mets have been busy, picking up right where they left of in December, trading a pair of minor league players to the Oakland A's for right-handed starter Chris Bassitt, and inking free agent reliever Adam Ottavino to a one-year deal.

In Bassitt the Mets get a middle-of-the-rotation starter, who was 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA last year in Oakland. In 2020 Bassitt came in eighth in the AL Cy Young vote after posting a 2.29 ERA in 11 starts. He has a good mid-90s fastball that has a lot of movement, and a killer curve ball that comes in between 73 to 75 mph.

If he continues to pitch at the rate he has the past two seasons, he is going to be a welcome addition. It is interesting to note, Bassitt is a free-agent after the 2022 season.

Ottavino is no stranger to New York having pitched for the Yankees in 2019 and 2020. After a great year in 2019 where he posted a 1.90 ERA for New York, he was 2-3 with a 5.89 ERA in only 24 appearances in 2020. The Yankees traded him away to Boston without even thinking twice, and he was just 'ok' for the Red Sox last season.


 

 While his name won't jump off the page, Ottavino is a veteran and a much needed arm in the Mets bullpen.

Speaking of the Yankees, word came down Sunday that Gio Urshela is expected to be the Yankees starting short stop this season.

 The Yankees have been linked to the likes of Carlos Correa and Trevor Story all  off-season, but the likeihood is they will bypass paying big bucks to a top free agent, since Anthony Volpe is closer and closer to becoming Major League ready. Volpe might even find himself starting for the Somerset Patriots this summer.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

MLB Cancels More Regular Season Games Through April 14 as Deal Still Not Struck

 To nobody’s surprise Major League Baseball and the Players Union could not come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and as a result games are now canceled through April 14. That means if you are a Mets or Yankees fan, the season won’t begin until April 15 – at the earliest.

This time the International Draft played a major role in destroying any momentum either side had to a potential deal. The International Draft wasn’t even a discussion point until Tuesday when the League tried to tie it to the removal of direct draft-pick compensation, in which teams are penalized draft picks for signing top free agents.

The players, obviously, wanted no part of it.


“A large contingent of the rank-and-file from Latin America opposes it, and player leadership, sources said, bristled at what it felt was the late introduction of it as a key issue to the league,” (Jeff Passan, ESPN).

According to Jeff Passan, the Players Union threatened to remove playoff expansion from its proposal should the League refuse to full pay and service time.

On Wednesday MLB offered three options for the Union, and they had to choose one of them to get negotiations moving forward toward a new CBA — and, of course, the 2022 season.

Those options included:

1) Studying the international draft plan, and if its not accepted by November 15 of this year, the CBA can be reopened in 2024 for discussion. Additionally remove direct draft pick compensation.

2) Remove the International draft entirely from this plan, and maintain draft pick compensation.

3) Implement the international draft in 2024 in exchange for the removal of direct draft-pick compensation.

Bottom line is the players didn’t like having the international draft shoved down their collective throats at the 11th hour, and decided to balk.

In response to the days events, Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement saying: “The clubs went to extraordinary lengths to meet the demands of the MLBPA. On key economic issues that have posed stumbling blocks, the clubs proposed ways to bridge gaps to preserve the schedule. Regrettably, after out second late night bargaining session in a week, we remain without a deal.”

In response, the MLBPA issued a statement saying: “After making a set of comprehensive proposals to the league earlier this afternoon, and being told substantive responses were forthcoming, players have yet to hear back.”

Now the sport finds itself in a huge pickle. With two weeks of the regular season now shelved, there is no telling when both sides will meet again. If they have any intention of saving even a sliver of the month of April, they need to meet sooner rather than later.

However the statements from both parties makes it seem slim to none that a deal is forthcoming any time soon.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

MLBPA Rejects MLB Final Offer, Opening Day is Canceled

 And just like that MLB Opening Day is canceled. The first two series in fact are now scrapped.

After nine days of intense negotiations that included a 16-hour marathon on Monday into Tuesday, where it looked like there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, the Players Union decided Tuesday afternoon to reject the owners final offer.


The lockout remains steadfast. The chances of opening the season March 31, or even within the first week of April are likely doomed.  Both sides will reportedly “head home” to determine next steps.

MLB’s final proposal featured an increase of $5 million in pre-arbitration bonus money from $25 million to $30 million, which would subsequently increase by $5 million in each year of the new CBA. The union wanted to begin at an $85 million pool and increase it every year by $5 million.

 On the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) the League was steadfast, holding at $220 million for three years, before an incremental increase to $224 million in year four, and $230 million in year five. The union offer started at $238 million, and ended at $263 million by year five.

The League also proposed to increase the minimum salary from $675,000 to $700,000.

Bottom line here is there is plenty of sides to blame, and the facts are that both sides have plenty of acrimony for the other.

Players are angry that revenue for the game has increased, while their pay (believe it or not) has in their estimation decreased. Players are reasonably upset that service time has been manipulated by owners for years, in order to avoid paying steep prices on free agency and arbitration. The players had enough. The owners felt they were paying enough as is. At the end of the day, neither side could agree on much, even if it was reported they were having “positive talks.”

 As a result, the extended lockout, and failure to come to terms on a new CBA is another dent in a sport littered with dents.  Both sides spent the better part of two years knowing full well that this could happen and did little to stop it. They proved in 2020 when they struggled to even form a 60-game season amid the Coronavirus that no baseball in 2022 was a possibility.

Add Commissioner Rob Manfred calling the World Series trophy a “piece of metal,” to the Hall of Fame vote where it appears writers are voting in players based on “how nice they are” rather than their stats (regardless of steroid use) as the standard.

Also add the fact that the NFL and NBA both outpace baseball in terms of television ratings and revenue. The 2021 World Series between the Braves and Astros averaged just under 12 million viewers. Compare that to the 2003 World Series between the Marlins and Yankees which averaged 26 million viewers, and to the average NFL regular season game in 2021, which garnered about 17 million eyeballs, and you see how far baseball is falling behind.

This won’t help.

Yankees Stay Busy Get Goldschmidt for First Base

 You can cross the Yankees off the list for former Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.  The Bronx Bombers came to terms on a one-year, $12.5 mil...