Archive for the ‘baseball’ Category

Let’s call it Wednesday

Posted: February 27, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Free agency doesn’t appear to be anywhere near over in baseball for this coming season but one of the marquee names that would have hit the free agent market after the 2019 season will no longer be available.

It looks like Nolan Arenado will be with the Colorado Rockies for a while. Before he could get to arbitration the Rockies and Arenado agreed on a 1 year $26 million dollar deal, but yesterday that deal was null and void as Arenado and the Rockies came to terms with an 8 year $260 million dollar deal. Until Bryce Harper finally signs, Arenado’s deal is the highest annual salary for a position player. The only player with a higher yearly salary is Zach Greinke of the Arizona Diamondbacks who gets $34.4 million dollars this season. Right now Arenado’s deal is the 4th largest in total money of any contract. Only Giancarlo Stanton; 13 years $325 million dollars, Manny Machado; 10 years $300 million dollars and Alex Rodriguez; 10 years $275 million dollars have had higher guaranteed money.

Arenado will turn 28 years old in April but he’s won a Gold Glove in all six of his major leagues seasons. Arenado has also won the Silver Slugger each of the past four seasons. Add in four straight All-Star appearances as well as four consecutive Top 10 finishes in the National League MVP voting as well as leading the National League in home runs three of the last four seasons. Arenado has also driven in 110 runs or more in the last four seasons.

Of course, the first thing that any detractor is going to say is that Arenado plays half of his games in Coors Field. It’s no real surprise that Arenado’s numbers are better at home that on the road but that’s true for a lot of players. Don’t forget to add in the fact that the other three teams in Arenado’s division, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres play in what would be considered pitcher friendly ballparks.

Personally I like the fact that Arenado should be in a Rockies uniform for most of if not all of his career. Not only is it something that we don’t see much in baseball these days with superstar players but also think about the value Arenado has not only to the Rockies, but to their fan base.

Arenado wasn’t the only player to sign a long term deal instead of testing the free agent market after the 2019 season.

Aaron Hicks signed a 7 year $70 million dollar contract extension to stay with the New York Yankees. The deal also includes a club option for an 8th season. This contract takes Hicks through the age of 35.

Hicks was a 1st round pick; 14th overall by the Minnesota Twins in 2008. It was looking as though Hicks was going to just be another 1st round draft pick to wash out until he got to the Yankees.

With a little more regular playing time in New York than he had been getting in Minnesota, Hicks started putting up some numbers.

In three seasons with the Yankees, Hicks has hit 50 home runs and driven in 162 RBI’s. Most of those home runs came last season as Hicks notched a career high 27 home runs.   Hicks has never hit for a high average and he’s not afraid to take his walks. In 137 games last season Hicks walked 90 times which was tied for the 11th most in baseball last season.

By signing Hicks, the Yankees locked up there outfield long term. Hicks is signed through 2025, Giancarlo Stanton is signed through 2027 and Aaron Judge is under team control through 2022. Brett Gardner was resigned for the 2019 season and don’t forget that Jacob Ellsbury is still under contract until 2020.

The Yankees are also considered to have two top outfield prospects. Clint Frazier was sidelined by a concussion last season but has been a on the verge of finding his way into the major league line up for the last two seasons. New York also has Estevan Florial who his ranked in the Top 45 in all three of the top prospect rankings. Now Florial hasn’t played above Class-A ball, so it will be a few years before he’s ready for the major leagues.

Arenado and Hicks did something that most players haven’t done. Both of these players took long term deals with their current teams instead of playing out the final year of their contracts and testing the free agent market. Now it’s very possible that both players could’ve gotten more money had they went out on the free agent market.

You have to wonder if it’s the way the free agent market has played out these last two off seasons that made these two players sign extensions or if they just liked where they were and wanted to stay there. I guess we’ll never know. What do you think?

After spending four years pitching in Japan, Miles Mikolas came back and went 18-4 in 32 starts with an ERA of 2.83 for the St. Louis Cardinals last season. It appears as though it looks like the Cardinal would like Mikolas to stay a little longer.

Mikolas was already signed for the 2019 season and it’s being reported that the Cardinals and Mikolas are finalizing a four year extension that will keep him with St. Louis until 2023.

While I haven’t seen the final contract, it’s being reported that Mikolas will receive a $5 million dollar signing bonus with the annual salary is being reported at $15.75 million dollars. There are also $2 million dollars in an escalator clause with full no-trade protection.

When the Cardinals signed him in the off season, there where some questions that came with that signing. Mikolas had never proven himself at the major league level but St. Louis was right about him last season. Now we will have to see if the Cardinals are right about him long term.

What do you think about the Cardinals signing Mikolas long term? Do you think he’ll be able to put up similar numbers to last season? Or is it possible that he was just a one season wonder?

You can listen to the Sports Time Radio podcast live on BlogTalkRadio.com, but if you miss the podcast live you can listen to the podcast anytime you want at TuneIn.com.

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White Sox still on track

Posted: February 25, 2019 by Daniel Kupres in baseball, sports
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As we all know by now Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres for 10 years at $300,000. The White Sox were allegedly the “runner up” until Manny came out and said that he always intended to go to San Diego. Was I surprised that he went there? No. Was I surprised he did not end up in Chicago? No.

The Big Jack and I had discussed in several occasions that Manny fit with both of these teams but we also had no reservations that he could fit with every team in the MLB with the exception of the Dodgers and Baltimore. The Dodgers have a young superstar short stop in Corey Seager and third base is locked with Justin Turner. I think it was plain fully obvious that he wasn’t returning to the Orioles.

Like I said, he would have fit well on the south side of Chicago, whether it was at short or third. The White Sox “did all the right things” with signing and trading family and friends that are in his inner circle. However, I think that was the bigger mistake rather than not signing Machado. Saturday morning as I listened to Chicago’s, the Score and Inside the Clubhouse, Bruce Levine, who covers the Sox & Cubs for the station, alleged that the White Sox offers was for 8 years at roughly $250,000.00 with options for the following two years and with incentives that could get him up to $350,000.00. He of course went with the guaranteed $300,000.00 that has an opt out after 5 years, which to me, the Padres better hope that he performs at high level where he chooses to opt out, otherwise they’ll be in the same boat as the Angels, Tigers and Mariners.

I unlike most White Sox fans and media, do not think the Sox dropped the ball one bit. Did they miss out? Currently, yes. But I have been a proponent of incentive based contracts. After watching what the Yankees had gone through and even now with the Tigers and Miggy’s contract, I have been a big believer in incentive based contracts. I’m all for players getting what they are worth but when a player is getting payed $20 million plus a year to essentially come off the bench, how does that help the team? It is a TEAM sport. It’s not tennis. It’s not Greco Roman wrestling. Even if the team just lets the player go, the team is still responsible for that contract.

I know what I am saying is not popular but I truly believe that the White Sox made the right decision. I know that this decision wasn’t easy to take but if you want to hear it directly from Rick Hahn himself, give his interview a listen from The Score.

@DanZeeeMan

Let’s call it Wednesday

Posted: February 20, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, basketball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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MLB

Finally one of our baseball free agent nightmares is over as Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres yesterday. Not all of the details of the contract where released but it’s reported to be a $300 million dollar deal over 10 years. It’s also been reported that there is an opt out clause after 5 years and the contract has a limited no trade clause.

The Padres ended up being a bit of a surprise team in the Machado negotiations as they didn’t show any interest in him until last month. I think the fact the Machado didn’t receive the offers a lot of teams thought he would that allowed the Padres to join in the negotiations. It appears the only other team to make Machado a serious contract where the Chicago White Sox.

It was reported that the White Sox last offer to Machado was 8 years at $250 million dollars with 2 option years. In the end that wasn’t enough and Machado signed with the Padres.

Machado has to pass a physical before the contract is official but as long as that goes well there should be a press conference tomorrow or Friday to introduce him as the newest member of the Padres.

So it’s one down and one to go, but who knows how long it will be before Bryce Harper signs. While Machado’s deal didn’t surpass in total money; he will earn more per season. Giancarlo Stanton’s deal was 13 years for $325 million dollars. Since Scott Boras doesn’t represent Stanton I think he’s going to try and get Harper a deal bigger than Stanton’s. Which means we could still be waiting a while before we actually see Harper sign with a team.

I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that one of these guys signed and I wish they would’ve both signed on the same day. I am just completely over listening to every single baseball show be it on television or on the radio only talk about these two players even though pitchers and catchers have reported and we’re not too far away from all players reporting to spring training.

I’ve said this once and I’m going to say it again. There needs to be a signing deadline in the off season. I get tired of agents like Boras keeping his players out as long as he can thinking that they’ll get a better deal than if they would’ve signed earlier.

At least Boras and his corporation managed to get one of his clients signed as Mike Moustakas will be returning to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Moustakas signed a one year $10 million dollar deal with a $11 million dollar option for the 2020 season. There is a $3 million dollar buyout if the Brewers decide not to pick up the option year.

The Brewers acquired Moustakas in July of last season from the Kansas City Royals and he played in 54 games for them in 2018. He hit .256 with 8 home runs and 33 RBI’s with the Brewers last season.

Bringing Moustakas back will make it interesting to see how the Brewers line up defensively. Now last season when Moustakas came to Milwaukee it was Travis Shaw who was displaced as the everyday 3rd baseman and 39 games at 2nd base; 36 of them he started at 2nd base. After the signing was announced there was some talk that it would be Moustakas that will be moved to 2nd base.

Having Moustakas for a full season will really help the Brewers offense, but he’s never played 2nd base in the major leagues. Even if the Brewers decide to put Shaw back at 2nd base he’s only played those 39 games in the majors at the position; all last season.

It won’t come as a surprise to me at all if whichever one of them ends up being the full time 2nd baseman that they’ll commit more errors than any other 2nd baseman in baseball. The only thing that may save them is you have to wonder what kind of range they’ll have and how many balls they’ll actual get to.

NBA

Of course over the All-Star break Anthony Davis was badged by reporters about being traded. Interestingly when Davis answered, he made a point that I think every team but the Los Angeles Lakers should be aware of if they’re interested in trading for him.

During his interview he mentioned that all 29 NBA teams where on his list of teams he’d be willing to be traded to. Of course the New Orleans Pelicans would be the one team not on that list. Davis who has one year left on his contract after this one went on to point out that no matter where he’s traded he’ll be testing free agency.

What this more or less means is that if he doesn’t get his wish and is traded to the Lakers he’ll play out his contract with whichever team he’s dealt to and then sign with the Lakers as a free agent. Even if the team Davis is traded to wins the NBA title with him he’ll still be signing with the Lakers as a free agent.

Now I know there are a lot of teams interested in acquiring Davis and the Pelicans have been asking for a lot in return for him, but after listening to his interview can you really mortgage your future for what will be just one year of Davis.

Do you think that Davis lowered his trade value with what he said in his interview? Or do you think that a team is still going to pay the Pelicans asking price? When healthy Davis is one of the top players in the NBA, but what is one year of him worth?

Now remember that you can listen to the Sports Time Radio podcast six days a week live on BlogTalkRadio.com. Now if you miss the podcast live all you have to do is head over to TuneIn.com and you can listen to the podcast any time you want.

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Let’s call it Wednesday

Posted: February 13, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Pitchers and catcher are reporting, so the baseball season is right around the corner and yet we still have some top name free agents that are still unsigned. I guess the teams and the agents didn’t learn anything from last off season.

Now I don’t think a late signing affects a hitters as much as it affects a pitcher. J.D. Martinez signed later than most free agents last season and he still had an MVP caliber season. Now as for the pitchers, it took Jake Arrieta a little while to get into a groove and Alex Cobb never found a groove last season. Of course both of these pitchers where two of the later free agents signed. Arrieta and Cobb are just two examples, but I’m sure I could dig up a few more if I needed to.

While we wait for the Manny Machado and Bryce Harper free agent derby to come to an end. You have to start to wonder how long it will be before Dallas Keuchel or Craig Kimbrell sign contracts. I believe they’re the two biggest name left on the free agent market for pitchers. Both have been rumored as possibilities for the Atlanta Braves, but it doesn’t seem like the Braves have shown any interest in either pitcher.

We’ve never had a top reliever like Kimbrell sign this late; so I’m not sure what kind of affect signing late will have on him. You have to figure that Kimbrell’s demand for a five year contract has scared a lot of teams off. Kimbrell turns 31 years old in May and I can understand a team not wanting to be tied to a big contract for an aging closer. You have to wonder if Kimbrell and his representation are to the point where they’re willing to take a shorter deal or even a one year kind of prove it deal, so he can go back out on the free agent market again next season.

Now Kimbrell does have the numbers to ask for big years and money as he’s never had a long stint on the disabled list and has appeared in at least 57 games since becoming a full time closer in 2011. It does appear as though most of the top contenders are set at closer except for possible the Boston Red Sox. Could it be possible for Kimbrell to end up back in a Red Sox uniform this season?

Now I’m not sure why Keuchel is still unsigned. I’m not sure what kind of money or years he’s looking for. Maybe that’s the problem but there are still a lot of teams who could use a top left handed starting pitcher.

I have heard some people say that Keuchel is coming off a down year. Now he was just 12-11 with 34 starts and an ERA of 3.74 while pitching 204 2/3rd innings which was tied for 7th most last season. It’s difficult to not only find a pitcher to make 30 plus starts but to also pitch 200 plus innings and Keuchel has done both. Not to mention that he’s a former Cy Young Award winner.

There are a lot of teams where Keuchel would fill a big need but now you have to start to ask yourself if getting into camp late is going to affect him like it did the late signing starters last season.

How many of you remember Daisuke Matsuzaka? Maybe the name would’ve rung a bell had I called him “Dice-K”. Now does it sound familiar?

The Boston Red Sox won the bidding for Matsuzaka services back in 2007. He had two good years for them winning 15 games in 2007 and 18 games in 2008 before injuries caught up to him.

After going 1-7 in 11 starts with an ERA of 8.28 Matsuzaka was released by the Red Sox after the 2012 season. The Cleveland Indians signed him but he never pitched for them at the major league level. Matsuzaka ended up finding his way to the New York Mets where he spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In two seasons he pitched in 41 games for the Mets, 16 of which were starts. He went 6-6 with a 4.06 ERA and 1 save in his two seasons with the Mets.

After not pitching in 2015 Matsuzaka returned to Japan. He’s made 21 starts over the last three seasons; 11 of which came last season. He has a 6-10 record with an ERA of 6.37.

Matsuzaka is currently with the Chunichi Dragons in the Japanese Central League and I’m sure by now you’re wondering why I’m writing about him.

Well at a spring training event the team was holding Matsuzaka ended up getting injured but it’s how he got injury that’s a little odd. At this event an overzealous fan pulled on Matsuzaka’s throwing arm and injured him. Matsuzaka was diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder after the meet and greet with that fan. Luckily Matsuzaka’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious and the Dragons are hoping that some rest will clear up the inflammation.

Jorge Posada will be teaming up with Derek Jeter again but this time it will be in the front office of the Miami Marlins.

It’s being reported that Posada will become a special advisor to Jeter, the Marlins CEO.

Posada just like Jeter spent his entire 17 year playing career with the New York Yankees. Since retiring after the 2011 season Posada’s primary residence has been in South Florida; so it’s a natural fit for him to join the Marlins.

Posada will be the fifth former Yankee to join the Marlins organization. Posada joins manager Don Mattingly, Vice President of Player Development Gary Denbo, Director of Player Personnel Dan Greenlee and Director of Amateur Scouting DJ Svihlik.

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@Burketime

 

How was your week

Posted: February 9, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, football, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Well the NBA trade deadline came and went and Anthony Davis is still a member of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Now that Davis will be with the Pelicans for the rest of this season the question became if New Orleans would play him. Now the NBA does have a rule regarding “rest” of a player and they reminded New Orleans that a violation of that rule carries a $100,000 fine.

Davis player for the first time since January 18th and had played well as the Pelicans beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-117 on Friday night. Davis played 25 minutes in the game, but sat out the entire 4th quarter. In his return Davis ended up scoring 32 points. Davis shot 11 of 15 from the floor; missing the only 3-pointer he took. He was also 10 of 11 from the free throw line. Davis added 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocked shots to his stat line.

I’m sure with Davis on is way out the door at the end of the season that the Pelicans would prefer to land in the draft lottery and take their chances there, but sitting at 25-31 New Orleans is just 5 games out of the 8th and final Western Conference playoff spot. Now I don’t expect the Pelicans to make an actual effort to get into the playoff, but they do have a chance to get into them. my guess is if they start to trend upwards that Davis minutes will decline, but will have to wait and see how they play that and him.

So who was the biggest star traded at the deadline? I guess you’d have to pick between Tobias Harris or Marc Gasol unless you’re an Otto Porter Jr. guy.

Harris was the first one in that group dealt. Harris went to the Philadelphia 76ers along with Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott. In return the 76ers sent Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, a lottery protected 2020 1st round draft pick, a 2021 1st and 2nd round pick and a 2023 2nd round pick.

The Washington Wizards where able to move Porter Jr. and his big contract to the Chicago Bulls for Bobby Portis, Jabri Parker and a 2023 2nd round pick.

The Memphis Grizzlies had talked about moving their top two players before the trade deadline expired, but in the end they only moved one of them. Memphis sent Gasol to the Toronto Raptors for Jonas Valanciunias, CJ Miles, Delon Wright and a 2024 2nd round pick.

While he was playing on Wednesday night Harrison Barnes was traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the Sacramento Kings for Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph.

Now depending on which report you want to believe either Barnes was notified by the Mavericks that this could happen and he wanted to pay or he was caught completely by surprise while have was playing. Now it’s not the first time a player has ever been traded during a game, but for some reason LeBron James decided to chime in about the situation on his Instagram page.

Here’s what James wrote: “So let me guess this is cool cause they had to do what was best for the franchise right???”. He added: “Traded this man while he was literally playing in the game and had ZERO idea. I’m not knocking who traded him because it’s a business and you have to do what you feel what’s best but I just want this narrative to start to get REAL/CHANGE and not when a player wants to be traded or leaves a Franchise that he’s a selfish/ungrateful player but when they trade you, release , waive, cut etc etc it’s best for them! I’m ok with both honestly, truly am. Just call a ♠️ a ♠️!!”

Now it’s clear that James wasn’t defending Barnes in any way shape or form, but was trying to get his point across about Anthony Davis. Is there actually anyone out their that thought this post was about Barnes?

Since about the July 31st trading deadline last season there has been speculation that the Miami Marlins would be trading catcher J.T. Realmuto and while it took about 7 months it finally happened.

On Thursday the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Realmuto from the Marlins for catcher Jorge Alfaro and two pitching prospects Sixto Sanchez and left hander Will Stewart. The Marlins also picked up an International signing slot worth $250,000.

Realmuto is coming off a season where he posted a career high in home runs with 21 and RBI’s with 74. With the move to a more hitter friendly Citizen’s Bank Park for 81 games this season he may post another career high in home runs this season.

Sanchez was the top pitching prospect in the Phillies organization, but has had injury issues. Sanchez pitched 46 2/3rd innings last season due to injury and has never thrown more than 95 innings in a season. He did go 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA in high Class A last season. Sanchez is just 20 years old and is headed into his fifth season; so the Marlins have time to develop him.

Stewart is 21 years old and doesn’t seem to be considered a prospect, but he went 8-1 with an ERA of 2.06 over 20 starts in Class A last season. Stewart threw 113 2/3rd innings last season and had 2 complete game shutouts. I’m not sure why Stewart isn’t considered a prospect, but if he keeps putting up numbers like he did last season he’ll find his way into the big leagues.

By dealing Realmuto the Marlins needed a catcher; so Alfaro was put into this deal. Alfaro played in 108 games last season. He hit .262 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI’s. The issue with Alfaro like a lot of players today is that he strikes out a lot. Last season he struck out 134 times in 344 at bats. Alfaro is looked at as a good defensive catcher and he threw out 26% of runners trying to steal last season.

Of course the first question that came up was; did the Marlins get enough for Realmuto. It seemed as though the Marlins where asking for a lot more than the other teams looking to deal for Realmuto than they ended up getting from the Phillies. I guess will have to wait and see how this deal turns out.

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Let’s call it Wednesday

Posted: February 6, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, basketball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Out of all of the sports that I watch baseball is my favorite. Now I don’t have a problem with the games like a lot of people do, but I’ve now developed an issue with the off season and I believe I have a way to fix it.

It’s time that Major League Baseball and the players union get together and come up with a an off season deadline that players have to be signed by. With pitchers and catchers reporting next week we should be focusing on the 2019 season, but instead will still be stuck with talk of the two big free agents that don’t look like they’ll be signed by then. Would it really be that difficult for either the top two guys on the free agent market or any other unsigned player to make a decision by next week?

Now this seems like it would be pretty easy to implement. Give teams a week after the World Series has ended until the day pitchers and catchers report to spring training to sign players. If there’s an agent who thinks it would be a good idea to not have his guy sign then allow that player to sign after the deadline, but the first year of his contract must be spent playing in Triple-A. I understand that is a pretty hardline stance and I also know that Major League Baseball and the owners don’t have a big enough set of you know what to do that, but I’m tired of agents drawing this out.

I’m quite surprised that the agents and the players they represent didn’t learn anything from last season, but I guess “stupid is as stupid does”.

I think a deadline like this might be more important for pitchers than it is for hitters. Last season pitchers like Alex Cobb and Lance Lynn had down seasons. I guess you could even throw Jake Arrieta into this mix even though he pitched better as the season went on. What do these three pitchers have in common? They all signed after spring training had started.

Dallas Keuchel is the only bigger name starting pitcher left on the free agent market. Could he have a sow start to his 2019 season if he’s not signed by next week? Craig Kimbrell is also unsigned, but he’s a closer and I can understand why he’s still available. Kimbrell’s demands are pretty high and unless he’s willing to make some concessions he may not be signed until well after spring training has started.

Now on the hitters side we still have the big two out there in Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, but there’s also Mike Moustakas, Josh Harrison, Adam jones and Carlos Gonzalez who could also help some teams.

If a team signs one or more of these players after spring training has started; will they get enough at bats for the start of the regular season? Now both Harper and Machado are expected to get very large contract offers; would the team they signed with fan base turn on them if they got off to a slower than expected stat? Remember Harper had a down first half of the season in 2018 and he had a full spring training. Imagine how the Philadelphia Phillies fans would react if they landed one of the two big time free agents and the guy didn’t produce right out of the gate.

Now I know that the owners and the players association has spoken about making some changes, but I didn’t see this on the list that I read. I hope that it was just left off of that list, but their is a chance that they don’t think this is an issue. Well I’m here to tell you that it is.

I’m not sure where you stand on this, but I am actually to the point where I won’t even bother to turn on the MLB Network. I don’t have to turn over there to know what I’m going to get. Right now there’s not much going on with the stagnant free agent market; so all they’re going to be talking about is where they think Harper and Machado will end up.

I hope there’s someone out their with a lot more power than I have that realizes this is a problem not only for teams, but for fans. Someone make a change; please.

Now I think ever sports fan knows that when it’s all said and done Anthony Davis will be wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform. That’s why I thought it was hilarious yesterday when there was a report that came out saying the Lakers are no longer negotiating with the New Orleans Pelicans on a trade for Davis. Is there anyone who actually believed this report? If you did I have a nice piece of swamp land to sell you in Florida.

I’ll buy that the Lakers are a little upset with what the Pelicans want in return for Davis, but there’s no way they’re put of these negotiations.

I think the Lakes where under the impression that since Davis has expressed his desire to leave the Pelicans that they would panic and more or less give him away. It appears as though the Pelicans realize what kind of player they’re going to be dealing and they’re looking for a lot of compensation in the deal and you can’t blame them for that.

Reports are the Pelicans would like Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball along with four 1st round draft picks and four 2nd round draft picks. That sounds like a lot to give up, but let’s take a closer look.

Right off the bat the 2nd round draft picks are a throw away part of the deal. How often does an NBA team hit on a 2nd round draft pick? You can even say the same thing about the 1st round draft picks. If the Lakers are a playoff team these picks would be farther enough down in the 1st round that New Orleans probably couldn’t find an impact player.

As for the actually players. Ball is clearly a 1st round bust. While he is at distributing the basketball he can’t shoot it. Ball is shooting 40.6% from the floor and 32.9% from behind the 3-point line, but the problem comes when he get s to the free throw line. Ball is shooting just 41.7% from the foul line that’s embarrassing no matter what his father says.

Kuzma played pretty well when LeBron James was out with his groin injury and even had a 41 point game, but since James has returned Kuzma’s numbers are down. It’s clear the Lakers don’t have any idea what to do with him, but if he’s dealt and given the minutes maybe he could turn into a solid NBA player.

Ingram like Kuzma showed something when James was out injured, but Ingram has been able to continue to play well with the return of James. Ingram has scored double digit points in 22of the last 23 games he’s played in. He did struggle last night putting up just 12 points as the Lakers where blown out by the Indiana Pacers; so will have to watch the next few games and see if he gets back on track.

What do you think? Are the Pelicans asking too much for Davis?

You can listen to the Sports Time Radio podcast live on BlogTalkRadio.com, but don’t forget that the podcast is available for you to listen to any time you ant at TuneIn.com.

 

How was your week

Posted: January 26, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, basketball, football, hockey, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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I seem to be at the point where I’m done and over winter. I can’t seem to shake this feeling no matter what I do. Now normally I turn to sports and that will help me shake this feeling, but for some reason that’s not working for me this year.

As you know we’re at the point where football season is more or less over and baseball season hasn’t started yet. That of course leaves me with basketball and hockey to watch and I’m not sure why, but that just hasn’t been enough for me.

I’m also started to wonder if it’s the struggle of the local NBA and NHL teams that is contributing to my issues.

In the NBA the Chicago Bulls are 11-38 and have lost 12 of their last 13 games. Last night the Bulls dropped a 106-101 contest to the Los Angeles Clippers. Maybe the Bulls will have a chance to pick up another win this Sunday as they’re playing the team with the worst record in the NBA the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland is currently an NBA worst 9-41.

Now over in the NHL the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t in a much better situation than the Bulls are in.

The Blackhawks are currently 18-24-9 for a total of 45 points. There are currently only three teams in the NHL with a lower point total than the Blackhawks. The Los Angeles Kings have 44 points while the New Jersey Devils and the Ottawa Senators it at 43 points. While the NHL is currently on their All-Star break at least the Blackhawks won 2 games in a row heading into the break.

Oh well; I guess I just have to look forward the Super Bowl and then pitchers and catchers reporting to shale these winter blues.

On Wednesday we where talking about some of the interesting free agents left on the market and we stopped when we got to the outfielders.

Now of course Bryce Harper hasn’t been signed, but another top outfielder did ink a deal. A.J. Pollock signed a four year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pollock’s deal is reported to be for $60 million dollars.

Even with Pollock off the board and not including Harper there are still some quality outfielders out there for teams to take a look at.

There are a couple of former Colorado Rockies teammates who could still fit in as corner outfielders for a team. Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra are still on the free agent market.

Gonzalez has had his share of injuries though his career, but the last four seasons he has played in at least 132 games. If Gonzalez found his way to an American League team the opportunity for him to be used as a DH at times could lower a teams concern of injury his risk.

Parra is a top outfielder defender and has won two Gold Gloves. Even while playing half of a season in Coors Field Parra has never been a big home run hitter. In his three seasons with the Rockies Parra reached double digit home runs just once. In today’s game where home runs are everything this could be held against Parra by teams looking to fill an outfield spot.

Going over the free agent outfielders list I think there’s only one player left that could be an everyday centerfielder for a team and that’s Adam Jones.

Jones has been with the Baltimore Orioles for the last 11 seasons. He’s picked up 4 Gold Gloves as a centerfielder and last season spent time at all three outfield positions. Jones power numbers did drop last season as he hit 15 home runs, but it’s possible that as one of the few threats in the Orioles line up that he was pitched around quite a bit.

Besides Gonzalez, Parra and Jones I’m not sure if there are any other outfielders that would be looked at as a significant contributor on a contender, but maybe some team will take a chance on them.

Melky Cabrera hit .280 with the Cleveland Indians and could be a solid 5th outfielder and bench player for a team. Cameron Maybin has always been looked at as a player with potential, but he’s 32 now and may never get that chance to play everyday. However he can play all three outfield spots and can still run. Could he be a solid bench player? Denard Span has been a solid player though his 11 year career, but he’s turning 35 soon and you have to wonder if a team will take a chance on him. Span could fill in at all three outfield spots and while speed isn’t as prevalent in his game he can still steal a base for you. Hunter Pence battled injuries last season and his numbers suffered for it. Pence has stated that he’d like to play in 2019, but as a soon to be 36 year old is their a team out there that might be willing to take a chance on him. I am curious to see if Jose Bautista will be on someone’s roster in 2019. Bautista sent time with the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies last season. Bautista also played five different positions last season. Overall he hit .203 with 13 home runs.

Do you see any of these outfielders finding jobs for the 2019 season?

I guess while we’re talking about baseball free agents I’d be interested to know when you think Bryce Harper and Manny Machado will sign. I was kind of under the impression that neither guy would sign a new deal until possibly late February and that’s not all that far away. Do you think we’ll see one or both of them sing sooner than that? Or are we still about a month away from either guy finding a new team?

I haven’t heard much new on the Harper front, but there are some reports that the San Diego Padres have shown interest in Machado. I guess will have to watch and see if that goes anywhere.

Don’t forget that the Sports Time Radio podcast can be heard live on BlogTalkRadio.com. If you miss the podcast live you can just head over to TuneIn.com and listen to it whenever you’d like.

Feel free to look me up n Twitter @Burketime

Let’s call it Wednesday

Posted: January 23, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, football, NFL picks, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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We’re less than a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting and besides the top two free agents there are still quite a few players out their looking for work. Let’s see if we can find some of these guys some jobs.

There aren’t a lot of top flight catchers left on the free agent market, but there are a few that should still get some work. Devin Mesoraco has good power and could fit in with any teams platoon at catcher. Martin Maldonado has always been a very good defensive catcher and also handles a pitching staff well. Caleb Joseph is another solid defender behind the plate, but Maldonado may be a little better hitter. Matt Wieters was looked at as one of the top catchers in the game until the injury bug hit him. If he’s healthy you have to wonder if he could get back to that top form.

It may be difficult for a team to sign one of these catchers if they think that they’re in the mix to acquire J.T. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins; so we’ll have to keep an eye out and see if and where these catchers sign at.

1st base is another position where there aren’t any really big names left on the free agent market, but there are some quality veterans who could fill a platoon role at 1st base or possible DH.

Logan Morrison is coming back from injury, but if healthy could add power to a line up. You could add Lucas Dida and Mark Reynolds into that mix to as they both are solid power hitters, but probably aren’t everyday players at this point. Hanley Ramirez is still hanging around since no one picked him up after the Boston Red Sox released him last season.

At 2nd base it looks like Josh Harrison is the biggest name left on the free agent board. There was some talk early in the off season that the New York Mets where interested in Harrison, but that never ended up happening and there really haven’t been any other teams attached to Harrison.

Besides Harrison here are a couple of veterans still out on the free agent market. Neil Walker had a bit of a down year with the New York Yankees last season, but has had a solid career. Logan Forsythe is another veteran still available.

Besides Manny Machado the best shortstop on the free agent market is probably Freddy Galvis. Galvis is just 29; so he still has some quality seasons left in him. Jose Iglesias is also 29 and is a top defender who has hit better as his career went on. Iglesias has battled some injuries the last couple of seasons, but you’d think he’s healthy now. There are some proven guys like Alcides Escobar and Adeiny Hechavarria out there. Neither is a big time threat at the plate, but both play excellent defense at shortstop.

Mike Moustakas is clearly the best 3rd baseman left in free agency, but you have to wonder if he’s hurt his chances by saying he was waiting for Machado to sign before he does. The Texas Rangers had a need at 3rd base with the retirement of Adrian Beltre, but it looks like Asdrubal Cabrera will fill that role. The Rangers signed Cabrera yesterday. Remember Moustakas ended up going back to the Kansas City Royals on a low money deal when he couldn’t get a bigger offer anywhere else last off season. Could he be putting himself in that spot again waiting for Machado to sign.

A couple of other options at 3rd base could be Matt Davidson or Chase Headley. Davidson is just 28 and is a legitimate power hitter. There actually has been some talk of teams looking at Davidson as a possible pitcher as well as a 3rd baseman. Maybe someone will sign him as a duel threat. Headley is 35 and may be at the end of his career, but could give a team that veteran off the bench they could use to spell their everyday 3rd baseman.

There are also a couple of utility guys still on the free agent market with the biggest name being Marwin Gonzalez. You do have to wonder if teams are waiting on these utility guys, but Gonzalez was thought to be a notch above the other utility players available, but he’s still unsigned. Sean Rodriguez is also available to fill that utility role for a team. Derek Dietrich cold also be an option as a utility player, but I’m not sure if he could handle playing shortstop regularly. All three of these guys could easily fit into any corner outfield spot as well; so they’re not just limited to being used in the infield.

Now there are quite a few outfielders that we can go through; so I think I’m going to save them for the Saturday blog and we’ll take a look at them then.

As for our football picks. I managed to be the only one to get both games right as I had the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots to meet in the Super Bowl and they will after winning their Conference Championship games. Dan the Man, Schaumburg Stu and believe it or not Mr. Fantasy went 1-1 with their picks. That win by Mr. Fantasy stopped his eight game playoff losing streak.

Overall our playoff picks heading into the Super Bowl look like this. Dan the Man is 8-2, Schaumburg Stu and I are 6-4 while Mr. Fantasy is 1-9.

Now for our Super Bowl picks we not only pick who we thin will win the game, but also what the final score will be and who will win the MVP. I encourage everyone to not just pick the quarterback of the winning team as their MVP, but that is an obvious choice.

Feel free to make some picks with us. Just leave what you think is going to happen in the comment section.

Remember that you can listen to the Sports Time Radio podcast live on BlogTallkRadio.com. If you miss the podcast live you can head over to TuneIn.com and listen to it any time you want to.

You can follow me on Twitter @Burketime

No Big Time Signing

Posted: January 22, 2019 by Daniel Kupres in baseball, fantasy, sports
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Okay, I am a day late but wasn’t a dollar short for parking on my commute this weekend. I was really hoping that by this weekend we would have the contracts/signings for Harper and Machado. But noooo!
My prediction is that he will go or stay in DC. Under Armour is headquartered there. I don’t think any team is going to match the supposed 10 year $300 million offer and if they get close, I’m positive the Nationals will counter to keep him. I know, I know but he’s posted on Instagram once a picture of he and Kris Bryant with #backtoback or what about the picture with him wearing a Chicago Bulls hat. He’s not coming to Chicago. I of course would like to see it just like everyone else here but it’s not happening. Tom Ricketts, despite the cancellation of the owners panel at the Cubs Convention shut down that topic as well as Joe Maddon. Cubs fans I ask, who gets left off this roster to make room for Harper? There’s a thousand different scenarios but he’s still not coming here. The one thing I found most interesting is the lack of positioning on behalf of the Scott Boras agency this year as opposed to last years off season. There has not been reports of Boras handing out a 75 page document on why you should sign Harper. The one team aside from the Nationals to be in position to sign Harper, the Dodgers. They opened up right field with the trade that sent Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig to the Reds.
For me personally, his performance in the postseason was a real turnoff. What i saw was a guy swinging for his next contract and not looking at winning a World Series. Of course, I don’t know him, so I could be wrong. He obviously not going back to Baltimore and with the Dodgers already having their short stop, he’s not going there either. With all the buzz surrounding him and what information we have, I think it is narrowed down to the White Sox and the Phillies. I am not a fan of a Mystery Team because every team should be looking at themselves and trying to figure how he works in their system. I would be surprised if a Florida team signed him, but that’s a whole other topic. The Phillies have come out and said they are willing to spend “stupid money.” Which would make it really interesting if in the next two weeks they signed Harper then Machado. They have a relatively young staff and after last year, they look like they are ready for a post season run over the next few seasons. The White Sox are almost their mirror image on the AL side with the hitting being a little subpar. For either team, I think 7 years would be ideal, but then again I don’t think a 10 year contract makes much sense. Options could be added to the end of the 7 years that are incentive based and of course you’ll have to have at minimum one opt out. With the financial position both teams are in, i can see them front loading as much of his contract as possible, especially in this upcoming season, to the tune of minimum $35 million because entering the 2021 season is when both teams will have to re-evaluate team and their contracts going forward. This would also make it slightly easier toward the end of the contract to be able to move him if necessary.
What do I know though, maybe the Tampa Bay Rays will sign Machado and the Miami Marlins will sign Harper.

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How was your week

Posted: January 19, 2019 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, football, NFL picks, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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With the existing roster they had and the additions they’ve ae this off season are the New York Yankees not only the favorite to win the American League East, but also the favorite to win the World Series?

The Yankees everyday line up didn’t need too many adjustments, The two biggest question where who’d be the everyday 1st baseman and how would the fill in for the injured Didi Gregorius. Gregorius is scheduled to return from Tommy John surgery by late July or possibly early August.

Right now it appears that Luke Voit will be given a chance t be the Yankees everyday 1st baseman. Voit has never had the chance to play on a full time basis at the major league level, but he played well for the Yankees after they acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals on July 29th last season. Voit played in 39 games for the Yankees last season. He hit .333 with 14 home runs and 33 RBI’s. With those numbers it looks like Voit will go into the season as the Yankees 1st baseman.

At first it looked like the Yankees where going to go with oft injured Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop. I didn’t understand why everyone was so excited about Tulowitzki being the everyday shortstop, but I didn’t think that was the route the Yankees where going; so it was no surprise to me when the Yankees added free agent 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Oddly there are people out there that think LeMahieu will become a utility infielder with the Yankees, but I believe that he’ll be the everyday 2nd baseman and Gleyber Torres will move over to shortstop.

LeMahieu is coming off a down year where he hit .276 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI’s in 128 games. While the 15 home runs was a career high for LeMahieu the 128 games is the lowest number of games he’s played since his first season with the Colorado Rockies in 2012. LeMahieu has won three Gold Gloves and was the National League batting champion in 2016 with a .348 average.

Now their will be people out thee who say that LeMahieu’s numbers where inflated by playing 81 games a year in Coors Field, but what about Tulowitzki. Since Tulowitzki was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays he’s hit .250. Don’t forget that Tulowitzki didn’t played a game last season and in 2017 he played in just 66 games. While Tulowitzki has an impressive resume; two Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers and four All-Star appearances. His Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers where won in 2010 and 11 and he hasn’t made an All-Star team since 2015. At one point Tulowtzki was one of the top players in baseball, but right now the Yankees would be better of with LeMahieu playing everyday and Tulowitzki being the utility player.

Could their be some at bats for Tulowitzki as a 1st baseman?

As for Torres; he played 21 games at shortstop as a rookie last season, but through his minor league career he played 321 games at shortstop through 5 minor league seasons. Torres will have to prove that he can played quality defense at shortstop I the big leagues. Last season he committed 5 errors in his 21 games at the position. With some regular playing time at the position he should settle in.

While the Yankees didn’t have too may questions in their everyday line up they had some decisions to make in their starting rotation and bullpen.

The Yankees address the starting rotation by making a trade with the Seattle Mariners for James Paxson. Then the Yankees resigned J.A. Happ who they acquired from the Blue Jays last July. Then to round out the rotation the Yankees brought back veteran C.C. Sabathia for one more season.

Paxson has had some health issues through his career, but last season he made a career high 28 starts. Paxson also pitched a career high 160 1/3rd innings last season. Happ made 11 starts for the Yankees after the acquired him. He went 7-0 with an ERA of 2.69. Sabathia also had a solid 2018 season. He was 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA in 29 starts.

Adding Paxson, Happ and Sabathia to Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino should give the Yankees one of the better rotation in baseball.

In the bullpen the Yankees appeared to be in a good position with Aroldis Chapman closing and Dellin Betances as the main set up guy, but they added a couple of quality pitchers to the mix.

The Yankees acquired Zach Britton from the Baltimore Orioles in July of last season and while Britton hasn’t quite found the form he had in 2016 when he was the best closer in baseball he did post a 2.88 ERA with 3 saves in 25 games for the Yankees last season. The Yankees resigned Britton where he’ll be the main left handed set up man for Chapman and if he’s need can close games as well.

Just bringing Britton back gives the Yankees a big three in the bullpen that most teams covet, but they went a step further and added another big arm to that bullpen.

Earlier this week the Yankees added free agent right hander Adam Ottavino to their bullpen. Ottavino was one of the top free agent relievers on the free agent market and now he’s part of the Yankees bullpen. Ottavino appeared in 75 games for the Colorado Rockies last season. He was 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA, but the stat that stands out for Ottavino is his strikeouts per 9 innings ratio which was 13 last season.

It looks like Chad Green who was 8-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 63 games last season and the hard throwing Tommy Kahnle who was 2-0 with a rough 6.56 ERA in 24 games last season will also be part of the Yankees bullpen.

There is one more bullpen spot to fill and barring a trade it look like Sonny Gray will be the final piece in the Yankees bullpen. If Gray is traded and there are three or four teams interested in him the final spot in the Yankees Bullpen could go to Jonathan Holder. Holder pitched in 60 games last season; he went 1-3 with an ERA of 3.14.

Do you think that these moves make the Yankees the team to beat coming into the 2019 season?

The NFL Conference Championships are tomorrow and I didn’t want to forget to give you are picks. As always I don’t have Mr. Fantasy’s picks as he likes to wait until the last minute to make them.

The NFC kicks off first with the Los Angeles Rams at the New Orleans Saints. Dan the Man and I are taking the Rams while Schaumburg Stu is going with the Saints. In the AFC the New England Patriots are at the Kansas City Chiefs. In this one Schaumburg Stu and I are taking the Patriots while Dan the Man is going with the Chiefs. Feel free to leave your picks in the comments.

Now the Sports Time Radio podcast is going to be off the next two Sunday’s as Mr. Fantasy is in Disney World, but we’re still on Monday through Friday live on BlogTalkRadio.com. The podcast can also be heard on TuneIn.com.

 

 

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