Thank you everyone for continuing to check this website on a regular basis for my articles. I just want to let everyone know that The 3rd Man In has moved to a new website. You can check it out here: The3rdManIn.com
Thank you in advance for checking it out. Dan Zielinski III
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
My 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot
A year ago not a single player was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, as Craig Biggio was the closest receiving 68.2 percent of the votes, but one thing is for sure the 2014 class could be one of the best fans have seen in years. Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa and Joe Torre are already apart of the 2014 Hall of Fame class, and in a few days baseball fans will find out who will be joining them.
To be elected for the Hall of Fame a player must receive 75 percent of the votes while the voters are able to elect up to 10 different players. When I constructed my list of players who I would vote for I used all 10 votes because I felt that every one of these players deserve to be elected. Here is whom I would select for the 2014 Hall of Fame class:
* = First-time candidates
Greg Maddux* - RHP - 1986-2008: Do I have to say much about why Greg Maddux should be a Hall of Famer? He was one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever seen, as he had 355 career wins, which are good for eighth all-time. From 1992-1995 he won four straight Cy Young Awards, while also leading the league in ERA four times, innings pitched five times and in WHIP four times. He did all of this while pitching during the Steroid Era when batters where crushing the ball.
Maddux was a dominating control pitcher who found success without having an over powering fastball, and he will be a great addition to the Hall of Fame.
Frank Thomas* - 1B/DH - 1990-2008: The former South Side slugger, Frank Thomas, was an excellent power hitter in his time, hitting 521 home runs, good for 18th all-time. During his 18 years in the Show, he captured two MVP Awards and a batting title. The two knocks people have on him though is that he was primarily a DH his entire career, and he is from the Steroid Era, causing people to speculate him because of his ability to destroy the ball.
The Big Hurt has the numbers to be in the Hall of Fame, and while some people debate whether he deserves to get in, he will be selected on his first time on the ballot.
Tom Glavine* - LHP - 1987-2008: To have some people arguing that Tom Glavine does not deserve to be elected into the Hall of Fame on his first time appearing on the ballot is ridiculous. Glavine has the numbers to warrant his selection. He accumulated 305 wins over his 22-year career, while having an impressive 3.54 ERA during the Steroid Era. He also has two Cy Young Awards to add to his respectable resume.
The crafty lefty never over powered batters instead using location and deception to get batters out. He will receive at least the 75 percent required to get in, to join Maddux and Cox in Cooperstown.
Craig Biggio - 2B - 1988-2007: This will be Craig Biggio's second year on the ballot after falling just short in his first year receiving 68.2 percent of the votes. Biggio was never the best player in the game, but he was always a solid and reliable player. In his 20-year career, all with the Houston Astros, he collected 3,060 hits, while making numerous All-Star Game appearances and winning Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger Awards.
Biggio's name has never been linked to PEDs, and because of this along with his impressive career, he will be voted in the Hall of Fame this time around.
Mike Piazza - C - 1992-2007: Mike Piazza is an interesting candidate because although he is the greatest hitting catcher in baseball history, there has been speculation of him using PEDs. While anyone can speculate there is no convincing evidence, in fact he has stated in his book he never took any illegal steroids.
Piazza is the all-time leader in home runs and OPS by a catcher, and in his second year on the ballot, after receiving 57.8 percent of the vote a year ago, fans can expect his vote percentage to increase. If he wants to get in he will have to hope voters believe he is steroid free.
Jack Morris - RHP - 1977-1994: This is the final year Jack Morris will appear on the ballot, and last season he took a step closer to being nominated receiving 67.7 percent of the votes. During Morris' time he was one of the best pitchers in the game, and was always referred to as the ace of the pitching staff he was on. He won 254 games in his career, and finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting five times.
For some reason though he has not been elected. It will be really close, but Morris has to hope that voters will vote for him since it is his last year on the ballot if he wants to surpass the 75 percent mark.
Jeff Bagwell - 1B - 1991-2005: In his 15-year career Jeff Bagwell was an excellent first baseman. He was a well-rounded player showing his ability to hit for power, steal bases, hit for average and play adequate defense. Bagwell was a muscular player in his playing days, but besides that there are no ties to him using PEDs.
Last year Bagwell received 59.6 percent of the votes, and that number is expected to rise. He needs to hope that voters believe that he never used PEDs to have a chance, but one problem he still might face is the large amount of other deserving candidates on the ballot.
Curt Schilling - RHP - 1988-2007: Curt Schilling definitely has a Hall of Fame resume, but it is just a matter of the voters looking past his win total. In his career he won 216 games, but he was always referred to as one of the top pitchers in the game. He finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting four times including three second place finishes.
In the history of the game, there might not be a better postseason pitcher than Schilling who went 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA in 12 postseason series. He also won 3 World Series titles while winning the 2001 World Series MVP Award with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Schilling received 38.8 percent of the votes last year, and it will be hard for him to get in this time around, but there is no doubting the he deserves to be in.
Mike Mussina* - RHP - 1991-2008: During Mike Mussina's 18-year career he was the most under appreciated pitcher in the game. He pitched his entire career in the difficult American League East, and put up incredible numbers during the Steroid Era as he won 270 games while posting a 3.68 ERA.
Mussina will most likely be overlooked on his first time on the ballot just like he was throughout his career, but in order for him to have a chance to get in he will need voters to understand how difficult it was for him to be successful due to the talented lineups he faced.
Fred McGriff - 1B - 1986-2004: Fred McGriff was an underrated player during his time, and while he did not blow you away, he was a consistent performer. He was never a big name star, but he did hit nearly 500 home runs while holding a .284 career batting average and playing solid defense.
With the ballot being filled with many star players, it will not be easy for McGriff to get voted in especially after receiving 20.7 percent of the votes last year, but he does deserve to have his name among the others in Cooperstown.
To be elected for the Hall of Fame a player must receive 75 percent of the votes while the voters are able to elect up to 10 different players. When I constructed my list of players who I would vote for I used all 10 votes because I felt that every one of these players deserve to be elected. Here is whom I would select for the 2014 Hall of Fame class:
* = First-time candidates
Greg Maddux* - RHP - 1986-2008: Do I have to say much about why Greg Maddux should be a Hall of Famer? He was one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever seen, as he had 355 career wins, which are good for eighth all-time. From 1992-1995 he won four straight Cy Young Awards, while also leading the league in ERA four times, innings pitched five times and in WHIP four times. He did all of this while pitching during the Steroid Era when batters where crushing the ball.
Maddux was a dominating control pitcher who found success without having an over powering fastball, and he will be a great addition to the Hall of Fame.
Frank Thomas* - 1B/DH - 1990-2008: The former South Side slugger, Frank Thomas, was an excellent power hitter in his time, hitting 521 home runs, good for 18th all-time. During his 18 years in the Show, he captured two MVP Awards and a batting title. The two knocks people have on him though is that he was primarily a DH his entire career, and he is from the Steroid Era, causing people to speculate him because of his ability to destroy the ball.
The Big Hurt has the numbers to be in the Hall of Fame, and while some people debate whether he deserves to get in, he will be selected on his first time on the ballot.
Tom Glavine* - LHP - 1987-2008: To have some people arguing that Tom Glavine does not deserve to be elected into the Hall of Fame on his first time appearing on the ballot is ridiculous. Glavine has the numbers to warrant his selection. He accumulated 305 wins over his 22-year career, while having an impressive 3.54 ERA during the Steroid Era. He also has two Cy Young Awards to add to his respectable resume.
The crafty lefty never over powered batters instead using location and deception to get batters out. He will receive at least the 75 percent required to get in, to join Maddux and Cox in Cooperstown.
Craig Biggio - 2B - 1988-2007: This will be Craig Biggio's second year on the ballot after falling just short in his first year receiving 68.2 percent of the votes. Biggio was never the best player in the game, but he was always a solid and reliable player. In his 20-year career, all with the Houston Astros, he collected 3,060 hits, while making numerous All-Star Game appearances and winning Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger Awards.
Biggio's name has never been linked to PEDs, and because of this along with his impressive career, he will be voted in the Hall of Fame this time around.
Mike Piazza - C - 1992-2007: Mike Piazza is an interesting candidate because although he is the greatest hitting catcher in baseball history, there has been speculation of him using PEDs. While anyone can speculate there is no convincing evidence, in fact he has stated in his book he never took any illegal steroids.
Piazza is the all-time leader in home runs and OPS by a catcher, and in his second year on the ballot, after receiving 57.8 percent of the vote a year ago, fans can expect his vote percentage to increase. If he wants to get in he will have to hope voters believe he is steroid free.
Jack Morris - RHP - 1977-1994: This is the final year Jack Morris will appear on the ballot, and last season he took a step closer to being nominated receiving 67.7 percent of the votes. During Morris' time he was one of the best pitchers in the game, and was always referred to as the ace of the pitching staff he was on. He won 254 games in his career, and finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting five times.
For some reason though he has not been elected. It will be really close, but Morris has to hope that voters will vote for him since it is his last year on the ballot if he wants to surpass the 75 percent mark.
Jeff Bagwell - 1B - 1991-2005: In his 15-year career Jeff Bagwell was an excellent first baseman. He was a well-rounded player showing his ability to hit for power, steal bases, hit for average and play adequate defense. Bagwell was a muscular player in his playing days, but besides that there are no ties to him using PEDs.
Last year Bagwell received 59.6 percent of the votes, and that number is expected to rise. He needs to hope that voters believe that he never used PEDs to have a chance, but one problem he still might face is the large amount of other deserving candidates on the ballot.
Curt Schilling - RHP - 1988-2007: Curt Schilling definitely has a Hall of Fame resume, but it is just a matter of the voters looking past his win total. In his career he won 216 games, but he was always referred to as one of the top pitchers in the game. He finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting four times including three second place finishes.
In the history of the game, there might not be a better postseason pitcher than Schilling who went 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA in 12 postseason series. He also won 3 World Series titles while winning the 2001 World Series MVP Award with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Schilling received 38.8 percent of the votes last year, and it will be hard for him to get in this time around, but there is no doubting the he deserves to be in.
Mike Mussina* - RHP - 1991-2008: During Mike Mussina's 18-year career he was the most under appreciated pitcher in the game. He pitched his entire career in the difficult American League East, and put up incredible numbers during the Steroid Era as he won 270 games while posting a 3.68 ERA.
Mussina will most likely be overlooked on his first time on the ballot just like he was throughout his career, but in order for him to have a chance to get in he will need voters to understand how difficult it was for him to be successful due to the talented lineups he faced.
Fred McGriff - 1B - 1986-2004: Fred McGriff was an underrated player during his time, and while he did not blow you away, he was a consistent performer. He was never a big name star, but he did hit nearly 500 home runs while holding a .284 career batting average and playing solid defense.
With the ballot being filled with many star players, it will not be easy for McGriff to get voted in especially after receiving 20.7 percent of the votes last year, but he does deserve to have his name among the others in Cooperstown.
Who do you think will be elected into the Hall of Fame this year? Leave your comments below.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Don't blame Capers for the defenses struggles
It was a disappointing season for the Green Bay Packers as they just barely made the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record, and fell in their first round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Although many fans might place the blame all on Dom Capers, he does not deserve all of it.
While the Packers defense ranked 25th in the NFL, allowing 372.3 yards and 26.8 points per game, the struggles of the defense go beyond coaching.
First the defense suffered an immense amount of injuries, as at times it seemed like almost every player was on the injury report at some point throughout the season. Casey Hayward, who was regarded entering the season as a top-10 cornerback in the NFL, was limited to only three games with hamstring injuries.
Clay Matthews had to also deal with injuries missing five games this season after receiving a massive contract extension to be the playmaker on defense.
Another problem the Packers' defense had was players struggling to make plays. It was a common site to see players, especially the secondary, getting burned on a regular basis. Although Capers job is to make sure the defensive players are prepared for the game, he cannot be out their playing for them, and making sure they do everything correct.
Sure the defense struggled this season, but in five years with Capers at the helm, it has been ranked 15th in total defense in the NFL. The Packers need to add players this offseason to the defense who can make a positive contribution, but firing their defensive coordinator is not the answer.
While the Packers defense ranked 25th in the NFL, allowing 372.3 yards and 26.8 points per game, the struggles of the defense go beyond coaching.
First the defense suffered an immense amount of injuries, as at times it seemed like almost every player was on the injury report at some point throughout the season. Casey Hayward, who was regarded entering the season as a top-10 cornerback in the NFL, was limited to only three games with hamstring injuries.
Clay Matthews had to also deal with injuries missing five games this season after receiving a massive contract extension to be the playmaker on defense.
Another problem the Packers' defense had was players struggling to make plays. It was a common site to see players, especially the secondary, getting burned on a regular basis. Although Capers job is to make sure the defensive players are prepared for the game, he cannot be out their playing for them, and making sure they do everything correct.
Sure the defense struggled this season, but in five years with Capers at the helm, it has been ranked 15th in total defense in the NFL. The Packers need to add players this offseason to the defense who can make a positive contribution, but firing their defensive coordinator is not the answer.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
49ers vs. Packers: Preview and prediction
After knocking off the Chicago Bears last week to secure a playoff spot, the Green Bay Packers will now have a chance to compete for another Super Bowl. It will not be easy though as they face the San Francisco 49ers who have had the Packers' number of late.
The 49ers have won the last three meetings between the two teams, including the last two season openers and last season's divisional round. In the last three games the 49ers have a plus-28 point differential, as they only trailed once in the fourth quarter.
Anything is possible in the playoffs, and while the Packers defense is horrific, they do have the best player in the NFL under center in Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are the underdog and if they want to get ahead they should come out throwing the ball all over the field.
Throwing the ball is what the Packers do best, and although their running game has been excellent this season, the 49ers are expecting them to pound the rock with the fringed weather conditions.
Although Green Bay is at home and is use to the playing in the cold environment, the 49ers have a solid running game and outstanding defense. This will be the difference in this matchup, as San Fran will win 31-17.
The 49ers have won the last three meetings between the two teams, including the last two season openers and last season's divisional round. In the last three games the 49ers have a plus-28 point differential, as they only trailed once in the fourth quarter.
Anything is possible in the playoffs, and while the Packers defense is horrific, they do have the best player in the NFL under center in Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are the underdog and if they want to get ahead they should come out throwing the ball all over the field.
Throwing the ball is what the Packers do best, and although their running game has been excellent this season, the 49ers are expecting them to pound the rock with the fringed weather conditions.
Although Green Bay is at home and is use to the playing in the cold environment, the 49ers have a solid running game and outstanding defense. This will be the difference in this matchup, as San Fran will win 31-17.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Badgers hit a grand slam
For four straight years the Wisconsin Badgers football team has suffered a loss to end their season. This streak has hurt their program because instead of being regarded as one of the top football schools in the country, they are just an average team. This is starting to change though, as the Badgers have one of the most underrated coaches in college football and a great recruiter in Gary Anderson.
In Anderson's first season at Madison he lead the Badgers to a 9-4 record. While he was unable to beat Ohio State or win their bowl game against South Carolina, this was still an impressive year. He was stuck with a roster full of players he did not recruit, while also not have a quarterback that was capable of starting at the D-I level.
Badger fans should expect this to change as Anderson has already made some noise on the recruiting trail. He has received commitments from 25 different high school players including four 4-star recruits, as the recruiting class is currently ranked 31st in the nation by ESPN. One of Anderson's biggest commitments has come from dual-threat QB, D.J. Gillins.
Barry Alvarez said he feels like they hit a home run with the hiring of Anderson, but I would argue they hit a grand slam. Once Anderson has some more time at Wisconsin and can bring in players who fit his system, Wisconsin will not only be a top 10 program, but they will be competing for a National Championship on a regular basis.
In Anderson's first season at Madison he lead the Badgers to a 9-4 record. While he was unable to beat Ohio State or win their bowl game against South Carolina, this was still an impressive year. He was stuck with a roster full of players he did not recruit, while also not have a quarterback that was capable of starting at the D-I level.
Badger fans should expect this to change as Anderson has already made some noise on the recruiting trail. He has received commitments from 25 different high school players including four 4-star recruits, as the recruiting class is currently ranked 31st in the nation by ESPN. One of Anderson's biggest commitments has come from dual-threat QB, D.J. Gillins.
Barry Alvarez said he feels like they hit a home run with the hiring of Anderson, but I would argue they hit a grand slam. Once Anderson has some more time at Wisconsin and can bring in players who fit his system, Wisconsin will not only be a top 10 program, but they will be competing for a National Championship on a regular basis.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wisconsin's biggest sports story in 2013
Wisconsin was filled with many positive and some negative sports stories throughout 2013, but most people can agree that Ryan Braun's suspension and Aaron Rodgers' injury were the two biggest ones. Now the question is which one of these was the biggest story?
You can make an argument for either one of them, but Braun being suspended for Performance Enhancing Drugs is the bigger story. While Rodgers' injury affected him and the entire team, as the Packers only went 2-4-1 without him, they still have a chance to win a Super Bowl. Plus the injury only affects the organization this season.
While on the other hand Braun's suspension does not last just this year, the effects will carry on for the years to come. You can say what you want about Braun, but his suspension will live with him throughout the rest of his career. It just does not affect him though; it affects many more including the Brewers organization who have to deal with all the bad PR surrounding him. Brewers' fans have also felt betrayed by Braun as he admitted that he never used PEDs.
2013 has been a roller coaster year, as there have been many great sports stories, but also some negative ones too. Unfortunately the biggest story was Ryan Braun's suspension because of the impact it had on so many people. Lets just hope 2014 is a better sports year, filled with a couple of championships.
You can make an argument for either one of them, but Braun being suspended for Performance Enhancing Drugs is the bigger story. While Rodgers' injury affected him and the entire team, as the Packers only went 2-4-1 without him, they still have a chance to win a Super Bowl. Plus the injury only affects the organization this season.
While on the other hand Braun's suspension does not last just this year, the effects will carry on for the years to come. You can say what you want about Braun, but his suspension will live with him throughout the rest of his career. It just does not affect him though; it affects many more including the Brewers organization who have to deal with all the bad PR surrounding him. Brewers' fans have also felt betrayed by Braun as he admitted that he never used PEDs.
2013 has been a roller coaster year, as there have been many great sports stories, but also some negative ones too. Unfortunately the biggest story was Ryan Braun's suspension because of the impact it had on so many people. Lets just hope 2014 is a better sports year, filled with a couple of championships.
Where will Masahiro Tanaka land?
Talented starting pitchers are always sought after on the free agent market, and this offseason with the lack of quality pitching, Masahiro Tanaka will cash in big time. Now the question is, which team will step up to the plate to sign the 25-year-old Japanese sensation?
There are a handful of teams who are believed to be seriously interested, and of course the high spending New York Yankees are the favorite to land the righties services; but just because the Yanks are the favorite, doesn't mean they will end up landing him. Instead the Seattle Mariners will be the lucky organization to sign the young pitching star.
The Mariners have a huge presence in Japan due to their owner being Nintendo of America, and Ichiro Suzuki spending the majority of his career with them. Plus with Hisashi Iwakuma, a former teammate of Tanaka, there is now a bigger connection. Due to these connections and a comfort level with the organization, it will put the Mariners ahead of the other teams trying to land Tanaka.
Seattle has already signed the top bat on the market, and time will tell if they can add Tanaka to their already solid pitching staff. Jack Zduriecik has shown that he wants to build a competitive team, and if he can get upper management to approve this move, it will take their ball club to the next level.
The Mariners have a huge presence in Japan due to their owner being Nintendo of America, and Ichiro Suzuki spending the majority of his career with them. Plus with Hisashi Iwakuma, a former teammate of Tanaka, there is now a bigger connection. Due to these connections and a comfort level with the organization, it will put the Mariners ahead of the other teams trying to land Tanaka.
Seattle has already signed the top bat on the market, and time will tell if they can add Tanaka to their already solid pitching staff. Jack Zduriecik has shown that he wants to build a competitive team, and if he can get upper management to approve this move, it will take their ball club to the next level.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Luke Fischer is transferring from Indiana
Indiana freshman, Luke Fischer, has made a decision that has shocked everyone around college basketball. A former Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Wisconsin, and a top-100 recruit coming out of high school, Fischer has decided to transfer to another school.
Fischer, a 6-foot-11 center, was expected to make an impact with the departure of Cody Zeller to the NBA, but in the Hoosiers 13 games he received little opportunities, only averaging 10 minutes per game.
Indiana's head coach Tom Crean said that Fischer is looking for a different fit for him, and it was later reported by JP Cadorin from Time Warner Cable that he was supposedly home sick.
It should not surprise many people that he is home sick especially for being so far away from home because many college students have trouble adjusting to the different environment of college. If he is truly home sick, it could be interesting to see what program he decides to transfer to as it would most likely be a program in Wisconsin.
The decision just came out today about Fischer deciding to transfer, but when he choses his new team, it will change that program, as he is one of the more talented freshman big men in the country. And who knows, what if he choses the Milwaukee Panthers?
Fischer, a 6-foot-11 center, was expected to make an impact with the departure of Cody Zeller to the NBA, but in the Hoosiers 13 games he received little opportunities, only averaging 10 minutes per game.
Indiana's head coach Tom Crean said that Fischer is looking for a different fit for him, and it was later reported by JP Cadorin from Time Warner Cable that he was supposedly home sick.
It should not surprise many people that he is home sick especially for being so far away from home because many college students have trouble adjusting to the different environment of college. If he is truly home sick, it could be interesting to see what program he decides to transfer to as it would most likely be a program in Wisconsin.
The decision just came out today about Fischer deciding to transfer, but when he choses his new team, it will change that program, as he is one of the more talented freshman big men in the country. And who knows, what if he choses the Milwaukee Panthers?
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Packers vs. Bears: Preview and prediction
It comes down to just one game. One more win and you are in the playoffs. This is the situation the Green Bay Packers (7-7-1) and Chicago Bears (8-7) will be in as they square off this afternoon for the NFC North division crown.
In the first meeting between these two teams earlier this season at Lambeau Field, the Chicago Bears where able to grab the 27-20 victory, as Aaron Rodgers left the game early with a broken collarbone.
Without Rodgers the Packers have struggled to play consistent football going 2-4-1, causing many people to believe the Green and Gold would be out of the playoff picture by the time A-Rod got back onto the field. Fortunately for the Packers, the Bears have not played much better either going 3-4, giving them a chance to win the division in the final week of the regular season.
Now with Rodgers back, the Pack have a chance. Both teams' defenses have struggled, and in fact the Bears defense has been even worse as they allowed 54 points to Philly a week ago. The running game will be key for both teams as it is expected to be a cold and windy day down in the Windy City, but the difference in today's game will be Rodgers.
Everyone can agree that he will be the best player on the field, and when it comes down to it, quarterbacks are the reason teams win games. As long as the offensive line can hold a block for three seconds, Rodgers should do just fine. Plus whom would you rather have throwing the ball late in a big game situation, Aaron Rodgers or Jay Cutler? The answer is Rodgers, unless you are a clueless Bears fan.
This game could go either way, but Aaron Rodgers and Co. will be too much for the Bears to handle, as they will win this game 34-31 to keep their season alive.
In the first meeting between these two teams earlier this season at Lambeau Field, the Chicago Bears where able to grab the 27-20 victory, as Aaron Rodgers left the game early with a broken collarbone.
Without Rodgers the Packers have struggled to play consistent football going 2-4-1, causing many people to believe the Green and Gold would be out of the playoff picture by the time A-Rod got back onto the field. Fortunately for the Packers, the Bears have not played much better either going 3-4, giving them a chance to win the division in the final week of the regular season.
Now with Rodgers back, the Pack have a chance. Both teams' defenses have struggled, and in fact the Bears defense has been even worse as they allowed 54 points to Philly a week ago. The running game will be key for both teams as it is expected to be a cold and windy day down in the Windy City, but the difference in today's game will be Rodgers.
Everyone can agree that he will be the best player on the field, and when it comes down to it, quarterbacks are the reason teams win games. As long as the offensive line can hold a block for three seconds, Rodgers should do just fine. Plus whom would you rather have throwing the ball late in a big game situation, Aaron Rodgers or Jay Cutler? The answer is Rodgers, unless you are a clueless Bears fan.
This game could go either way, but Aaron Rodgers and Co. will be too much for the Bears to handle, as they will win this game 34-31 to keep their season alive.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Michael Young is a perfect fit at first base
Finding someone to play first base for the 2014 season has been atop the Milwaukee Brewers shopping list since the beginning of the offseason, and it is now time for the Brewers to finally check it off their list. While they have explored options including resigning Corey Hart or trading for Ike Davis, nothing has happened yet. One solution could be veteran infielder Michael Young.
The 14-year veteran is 37 years old, and although his great years are behind him, he still has enough left in the tank to be a solid contributor next season. Young split last season with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers showing his ability to still hit for average and get on base (.279/.335/.395). While Young has played on the left side of the infield for most of his career, he has experience playing anywhere in the infield including first base.
Bringing in Young would not only fill their opening at first, but it would also allow the Brewers to give Hunter Morris more at-bats and time to develop in Triple-A. He would also be a great clubhouse guy, who could teach the young Brewer hitters a few things about being successful big league hitters.
In this stage of Young's career he can still be a solid contributor, while playing on a short term deal for an affordable price. He solves the Brewers first base issue for the short-term while the Brewers wait for their young first base prospects to be major league ready. Signing Young makes so much sense, that the Brewers need to make sure that he is wearing their jersey next season.
The 14-year veteran is 37 years old, and although his great years are behind him, he still has enough left in the tank to be a solid contributor next season. Young split last season with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers showing his ability to still hit for average and get on base (.279/.335/.395). While Young has played on the left side of the infield for most of his career, he has experience playing anywhere in the infield including first base.
Bringing in Young would not only fill their opening at first, but it would also allow the Brewers to give Hunter Morris more at-bats and time to develop in Triple-A. He would also be a great clubhouse guy, who could teach the young Brewer hitters a few things about being successful big league hitters.
In this stage of Young's career he can still be a solid contributor, while playing on a short term deal for an affordable price. He solves the Brewers first base issue for the short-term while the Brewers wait for their young first base prospects to be major league ready. Signing Young makes so much sense, that the Brewers need to make sure that he is wearing their jersey next season.
Friday, December 27, 2013
The 3rd Man In Sounds Off: Tanaka isn't worth huge money
In baseball pitching wins championships. While it sounds cliche it is true. If you look around the major leagues, all the great franchises have great pitching. This causes talented pitchers to be coveted and overvalued when they hit the open market, and Japanese pitching sensation Masahiro Tanaka is the latest example of this.
After months of speculation the 25-year-old phenom has officially been posted, and is expected to land a long-term deal that pays him at least $17 million per season, along with the $20 million release fee the team that signs him has to pay.
Last season the righty completely dominated in Japan going 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA in 212 innings, and in his seven years playing professionally he has gone 99-35 with a 2.30 ERA, while averaging almost a strikeout per inning.
Although those are impressive numbers, he has thrown more innings at a young age than anyone in baseball has in the past 35 years, as he has pitched in 1,315 innings throughout his young career. Japanese pitchers are also know for having bigger workloads, and after a few seasons performing in the major leagues they tend to break down. In fact out of the 11 Japanese born pitchers who have made 25 MLB starts, only Hideo Nomo and Hiroki Kuroda were able to reach that number three or more times.
These two statistics alone are reasons to be concerned, plus he has never faced a lineup anywhere near the level he will be facing in the majors on a consistent bases.
Signing any pitcher is a risk, but Tanaka seems to have more question marks surrounding him than most others usually do. While signing a top of the rotation pitcher to a huge deal is not uncommon in today's age, signing someone who has no MLB experience and some miles on his shoulder is. Baseball is a game of risks, but signing Tanaka to a major deal worth at least $17 million per season is a risk that will never live up to the reward.
After months of speculation the 25-year-old phenom has officially been posted, and is expected to land a long-term deal that pays him at least $17 million per season, along with the $20 million release fee the team that signs him has to pay.
Last season the righty completely dominated in Japan going 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA in 212 innings, and in his seven years playing professionally he has gone 99-35 with a 2.30 ERA, while averaging almost a strikeout per inning.
Although those are impressive numbers, he has thrown more innings at a young age than anyone in baseball has in the past 35 years, as he has pitched in 1,315 innings throughout his young career. Japanese pitchers are also know for having bigger workloads, and after a few seasons performing in the major leagues they tend to break down. In fact out of the 11 Japanese born pitchers who have made 25 MLB starts, only Hideo Nomo and Hiroki Kuroda were able to reach that number three or more times.
These two statistics alone are reasons to be concerned, plus he has never faced a lineup anywhere near the level he will be facing in the majors on a consistent bases.
Signing any pitcher is a risk, but Tanaka seems to have more question marks surrounding him than most others usually do. While signing a top of the rotation pitcher to a huge deal is not uncommon in today's age, signing someone who has no MLB experience and some miles on his shoulder is. Baseball is a game of risks, but signing Tanaka to a major deal worth at least $17 million per season is a risk that will never live up to the reward.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Red Sox sign submarine-style pitcher
When it comes to taking chances on Japanese players, the Boston Red Sox are notorious for doing so, as they have had five different Japanese pitchers pitch for them over the years. So seeing the Red Sox going out and signing a Japanese pitcher is not uncommon, but when they sign a pitcher that has a delivery like Shunsuke Watanabe, it surprises some people.
Watanable, 37, signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox last week, after spending 13 seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. Mostly as a starter the submarine-style pitcher posted a career record of 87-82 with a 3.65 ERA and 846 strikeouts in 255 games, 244 of them as starts.
He will report to minor league camp this spring, and will work as a reliever the Red Sox reported. Although people should not expect him to break camp on the major league roster, if he performs well in the minors, there is a good chance fans could see him in midsummer.
It is rare to see a pitcher with a submarine delivery, and hopefully Watanable will appear in at least one game with the Red Sox next season because if he does, he will go down as having the most unorthodox delivery baseball has ever seen.
(Watanable delivery in slow motion)
Watanable, 37, signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox last week, after spending 13 seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. Mostly as a starter the submarine-style pitcher posted a career record of 87-82 with a 3.65 ERA and 846 strikeouts in 255 games, 244 of them as starts.
He will report to minor league camp this spring, and will work as a reliever the Red Sox reported. Although people should not expect him to break camp on the major league roster, if he performs well in the minors, there is a good chance fans could see him in midsummer.
It is rare to see a pitcher with a submarine delivery, and hopefully Watanable will appear in at least one game with the Red Sox next season because if he does, he will go down as having the most unorthodox delivery baseball has ever seen.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Jesse Crain is worth the risk
First base is a glaring question mark for the Milwaukee Brewers right now, causing the bullpen holes to go under the radar, but they are just as important. Jim Henderson, Brandon Kintzler and Tom Gorzelanny are the only relief pitchers guaranteed a spot for next season; otherwise the Brewers have a handful of players who have struggled to produce consistently at the major league level.
Veteran righty, Jesse Crain would be a great fit for the Milwaukee Brewers. An All-Star a year ago, he missed the final three months of the season with a shoulder injury, but when he was healthy he had a 0.74 ERA in 36.2 innings while striking out 46 batters.
Assuming he is healthy and the Brewers could sign him to a contract with a small base salary, that is incentives based would be one of the biggest steals on the free agent market as he was having a career year until he got hurt last season.
The Milwaukee Brewers have vacant spots in their bullpen, and signing Crain would solidify one of those spots. He has had successes over his nine-year career pitching in late inning situations, and he would bring experience to a young Brewers bullpen.
Veteran righty, Jesse Crain would be a great fit for the Milwaukee Brewers. An All-Star a year ago, he missed the final three months of the season with a shoulder injury, but when he was healthy he had a 0.74 ERA in 36.2 innings while striking out 46 batters.
Assuming he is healthy and the Brewers could sign him to a contract with a small base salary, that is incentives based would be one of the biggest steals on the free agent market as he was having a career year until he got hurt last season.
The Milwaukee Brewers have vacant spots in their bullpen, and signing Crain would solidify one of those spots. He has had successes over his nine-year career pitching in late inning situations, and he would bring experience to a young Brewers bullpen.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Top 4 prospects for the Bucks in 2014 NBA Draft
It continues to be an awful season for the Milwaukee Bucks as they are the worst team in the NBA with a 5-20 record. While the franchise might be disappointed with the Bucks success so far, fans on the other hand are happy. With one of the deepest drafts expected to take place in 2014, this is a perfect time for them to be struggling.
Last week I gave the top four prospects that the Bucks should select in the 2014 NBA Draft if they receive one of the top picks, and now it is time to see if those four players still remain in the top four.
1. Jabari Parker - SF - Duke: Jabari Parker has earned the right to be the top prospect the last two weeks, as he as been the most dominating player in college basketball this season. He is a great scorer and in his two games this past week he showed it averaging 22 points per contest while shooting an average of 56 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc.
In his game against UCLA he did it all scoring 23 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and recording five assists. His stock continues to remain high, and if he continues to produce the way he has in the first five weeks of the season, he will be the most sought after prospect in the upcoming draft.
2. Andrew Wiggins - SG - Kansas: Andrew Wiggins only played in one game this week, and he would have been better off just sitting on the bench. While Wiggins possess all the tools to make him a great NBA player, he has not proved that in his first 10 games this season.
His performance has been up and down all season, and on Saturday night he was really struggling to do anything against New Mexico at home. In 28 minutes of action he made only three of his 11 shots from the field scoring a total of 11 points, while securing four boards and recording four personal fouls.
Wiggins' stock is falling as he has not performed to the level many people thought coming into the season. Although he remains the number two overall prospect for the Bucks, if he continues to struggle offensively like he did this week, you will see him fall in the rankings.
3. Joel Embiid - C - Kansas: The Milwaukee Bucks already have Larry Sanders projected as their starting center for the seasons to come, but his lack of performance and off the court issues have caused people to be concerned. While drafting a center might not fill a need as of now, Embiid continues to put his name in the conversation with his consistent high level of play.
In his lone game against New Mexico he played in 25 minutes while shooting 83.3 percent (5-6) from the floor and 80 percent (8-10) from the charity strip for a total of 18 points. He also added six rebounds, four blocks and three steals for an all around great performance.
While he needs to add more strength to his frame, and could use more in game experience, his stock continues to rise after another outstanding performance.
4. Marcus Smart - PG - Oklahoma State: Marcus Smart returned for his sophomore season to improve his game, after last year when he could have been a top three pick in the draft. This decision has hurt Smart so far because he has not taken his game to the next step like many people thought he would.
This week he played in two home games against non-conference opponents, Louisiana Tech and Delaware State, and had two awful showings. In the two contests he averaged about 30 minutes of action while scoring 10.5 points per game on 46.2 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from distance. He did record at least three rebounds, assists and steals in each game, but he turned the ball over a combined eight times in the two games.
Smart stock is falling after last week when he ranked as the third best prospect for Milwaukee, and while he would make a lot of sense for them, he has not been performing up to the level that a top pick should be playing at.
Prospects on the outside looking in: Dante Exum - PG - Australia; Zach LaVine - PG - UCLA
The 2014 NBA Draft is still a long ways away, but as of now Jabari Parker is the player that is the most deserving of being selected number one, while Andrew Wiggins' stock continues to fall. It will be another interesting week of college basketball, and make sure to check back next week to see if Joel Embiid is able to overtake Wiggins for the number two spot and if Marcus Smart falls out of the rankings.
The 2014 NBA Draft is still a long ways away, but as of now Jabari Parker is the player that is the most deserving of being selected number one, while Andrew Wiggins' stock continues to fall. It will be another interesting week of college basketball, and make sure to check back next week to see if Joel Embiid is able to overtake Wiggins for the number two spot and if Marcus Smart falls out of the rankings.
The 3rd Man In Sounds Off: Brewers should trade Braun
It was a disastrous season for the Milwaukee Brewers a year ago as their face of their franchise, Ryan Braun, missed 101 games throughout the 162 game schedule. Braun was on the shelf for 36 games due to injuries, and then missed the final 65 games for using Performance Enhancing Drugs.
Doug Melvin has said that Braun is not available for trade, but I think they need to rethink this. With the Brewers years away from being a competitive ball club, trading Braun would be the solution to rebuilding one of the worst farm systems in all of baseball. Braun definitely has trade value if the Brewers put him on the block even with seven-years, $113 million remaining left on his deal, and with the controversy surrounding his PED use.
While he still has to prove that he can be a productive player, he is in the prime of his career, and Braun said that he used the banned substance only at the end of the 2011 season to help with the injury, meaning we should all expect him to return to his MVP level of production.
With this free agent class only having one superstar available, and many teams needing a big bat, teams would have lined up to give Melvin their offers. Plus as we have seen this offseason, players who have been cracked with using PEDs, have not seen their value decrease at all.
Braun is one of the most affordable superstars in all of baseball, and while he brings some negative attention to the franchise, he still possesses great value. Milwaukee is making a huge mistake by not dealing Braun to rebuild their farm system for the future, and this could be a decision that affects them long term with all four NL Central teams continuing to get better.
Doug Melvin has said that Braun is not available for trade, but I think they need to rethink this. With the Brewers years away from being a competitive ball club, trading Braun would be the solution to rebuilding one of the worst farm systems in all of baseball. Braun definitely has trade value if the Brewers put him on the block even with seven-years, $113 million remaining left on his deal, and with the controversy surrounding his PED use.
While he still has to prove that he can be a productive player, he is in the prime of his career, and Braun said that he used the banned substance only at the end of the 2011 season to help with the injury, meaning we should all expect him to return to his MVP level of production.
With this free agent class only having one superstar available, and many teams needing a big bat, teams would have lined up to give Melvin their offers. Plus as we have seen this offseason, players who have been cracked with using PEDs, have not seen their value decrease at all.
Braun is one of the most affordable superstars in all of baseball, and while he brings some negative attention to the franchise, he still possesses great value. Milwaukee is making a huge mistake by not dealing Braun to rebuild their farm system for the future, and this could be a decision that affects them long term with all four NL Central teams continuing to get better.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Top 4 prospects for the Bucks in 2014 NBA Draft
It is a great time to be a Milwaukee Bucks fan as the team has struggled to begin the season sitting near the bottom of the NBA with a 5-17 record, and appear be one of the lucky teams who will get one of the top picks in the deep 2014 NBA Draft. The Bucks are in need of a young, talented player to build their franchise around, and in this draft that looks possible with many potential stars projected to be available. Here are the rankings for the top players that the Bucks should take if they do receive one of the top picks in the 2014 NBA Draft:
1. Jabari Parker - SF - Duke: Jabari Parker has been the best player in college basketball so far this season. In almost every game this year, he has clearly been the best and most dynamic player on the court. Although he isn't a great athlete, he is very skilled and can score from anywhere on the floor. Through nine games this season he is averaging 22.1 points per game, while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from behind the arc. He is also averaging nearly eight rebounds per game.
Not only are the Bucks looking for an electric scorer, they are also looking for someone to build the franchise around. Parker is a high character guy, who is an exceptional basketball talent, and would be deserving of being selected near the top of the draft.
2. Andrew Wiggins - SG - Kansas: Andrew Wiggins is an incredible athlete, and has the most potential in the upcoming draft, but he has not stood out so far this season. Although he is only a freshman, he was the most talked about player entering the season, and he has not lived up to all the attention he received. He is averaging 16.4 points per game, while making 50.5 percent of his shots and 36.7 percent of his attempts from three-point territory, but he has only dominated in only one game this season.
Wiggins can play multiple positions on the floor and is very talented, but right now he has not done anything to set himself apart from all the other talented players in college basketball.
Not only are the Bucks looking for an electric scorer, they are also looking for someone to build the franchise around. Parker is a high character guy, who is an exceptional basketball talent, and would be deserving of being selected near the top of the draft.
2. Andrew Wiggins - SG - Kansas: Andrew Wiggins is an incredible athlete, and has the most potential in the upcoming draft, but he has not stood out so far this season. Although he is only a freshman, he was the most talked about player entering the season, and he has not lived up to all the attention he received. He is averaging 16.4 points per game, while making 50.5 percent of his shots and 36.7 percent of his attempts from three-point territory, but he has only dominated in only one game this season.
Wiggins can play multiple positions on the floor and is very talented, but right now he has not done anything to set himself apart from all the other talented players in college basketball.
3. Marcus Smart - PG - Oklahoma State: Marcus Smart would be the perfect point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is capable of playing both the one and two, but whatever position he plays, he will produce. The sophomore guard chose to return to Stillwater after last year to improve his game, and it has looked like it was a good decision. He is averaging 19.7 points per game, while holding a 46.3 shooting percentage and making 34.6 percent of his long-range attempts. All three statistics are an improvement from last season.
Smart is a strong, physical player who plays good defense, and is a born leader. He is another high character guy who brings a lot of energy and competitiveness to the court, and is someone teams can build their franchise around.
4. Joel Embiid - C - Kansas: The seven foot freshman is a raw, freaky big man that possess tons of upside along with his 7'-5" wingspan. Although he does need more game experience, and could add more strength, the sky is the limit. Per game Embiid is averaging 8.9 points, while grabbing 6.6 rebounds, and blocking 2.2 shots in only 20 minutes of action.
This would be a surprising move for the Bucks since they need a scorer, and locked up the dysfunctional Larry Sanders this past offseason. But Embiid is nothing like Sanders because he has more potential and is a harder worker. Embiid's stock is rising, and while he would not fill a need, his potential maybe to much for the Bucks to pass on if they are unable to select the three players above.
Final thoughts:
While the 2014 NBA Draft is still many months away, it is never too early to look into the future. With the way the Bucks have been playing this season, do not be surprised if they end up with one of the top three picks in the draft. As of now these four players should be atop the Bucks draft board because they have shown that they are capable of being very talented NBA players that could help a struggling Bucks franchise.
Smart is a strong, physical player who plays good defense, and is a born leader. He is another high character guy who brings a lot of energy and competitiveness to the court, and is someone teams can build their franchise around.
4. Joel Embiid - C - Kansas: The seven foot freshman is a raw, freaky big man that possess tons of upside along with his 7'-5" wingspan. Although he does need more game experience, and could add more strength, the sky is the limit. Per game Embiid is averaging 8.9 points, while grabbing 6.6 rebounds, and blocking 2.2 shots in only 20 minutes of action.
This would be a surprising move for the Bucks since they need a scorer, and locked up the dysfunctional Larry Sanders this past offseason. But Embiid is nothing like Sanders because he has more potential and is a harder worker. Embiid's stock is rising, and while he would not fill a need, his potential maybe to much for the Bucks to pass on if they are unable to select the three players above.
Final thoughts:
While the 2014 NBA Draft is still many months away, it is never too early to look into the future. With the way the Bucks have been playing this season, do not be surprised if they end up with one of the top three picks in the draft. As of now these four players should be atop the Bucks draft board because they have shown that they are capable of being very talented NBA players that could help a struggling Bucks franchise.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Anaheim Ducks call up David Steckel
According to a source close to the family, David Steckel has been called up to the Anaheim Ducks for the injured Mathieu Perreault, who will miss time due to a lower-body injury.
After getting off to a fast start with 13 points in his first 14 games, the 25-year-old forward has struggled with only two points in the 14 games since.
Due to his injury, Steckel will take his spot on the roster, and will suit up for their game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. The former first round pick has spent the beginning part of the season in the AHL with the Iowa Wild and Norfolk Admirals scoring three goals while recording three assist for six points.
With his call up to the NHL, he will provide the Ducks with experience. In his career he has been known for being a solid and reliable faceoff man, with a 58.3 percent career faceoff success rate.
While Steckel might not be a well-known name, his experience in faceoffs in big games will be a huge addition to the Ducks as they try to continue to stay near the top in the Western Conference.
After getting off to a fast start with 13 points in his first 14 games, the 25-year-old forward has struggled with only two points in the 14 games since.
Due to his injury, Steckel will take his spot on the roster, and will suit up for their game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. The former first round pick has spent the beginning part of the season in the AHL with the Iowa Wild and Norfolk Admirals scoring three goals while recording three assist for six points.
With his call up to the NHL, he will provide the Ducks with experience. In his career he has been known for being a solid and reliable faceoff man, with a 58.3 percent career faceoff success rate.
While Steckel might not be a well-known name, his experience in faceoffs in big games will be a huge addition to the Ducks as they try to continue to stay near the top in the Western Conference.
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