This MLB off season, we have seen many big moves made by multiple teams. There was a large pool of free agents going into free agency and many have found new clubs already. Here are what I believe to be the five most important signings thus far;
1) Robinson Cano (10 years, 240 million) Seattle Mariners
During the 2013 season, Cano signed with Jay-Z, so there were signs that Cano was hoping to make a big splash in the off season. He initially asked for over 300 million dollars which was way over budget for many clubs contending. It then became a two horse race between Seattle and New York. Seattle offered a place to start a new legacy and more money, while New York promised a flip-over in the roster and instant championship aspirations for much less money. Robinson Cano sided with the Mariners, a club with a lot of young talent and potential. What Seattle has lacked most in the past few years was consistency. They ranked 28th in batting average, 26th in on-base percentage, and 20th in runs. Cano (.314 batting average, 27 home runs and 107 RBIs) provides just what they need. He can hit any where from the 2 hole to the 5 hole and bolsters up any teams lineup. with a tough out like Robinson Cano in the lineup and a talented pitching staff, look for Seattle to improve drastically this season.
2) Jacoby Ellsbury (7 years, 153 million) New York Yankees
Last Year, the Yankees projected starting outfielders ( Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Ichiro Suzuki) averaged a .254 batting average, seven home runs and 34 RBIs. Jacoby Ellsbury, when healthy, can go above and beyond those numbers. last year batted at .298 had 9 home runs and 53 RBIs. He also stole 52 bases and played stellar defense. The leadoff and two spot have been shaky ever since the 2009 championship season so to have a five tool player like Ellsbury for seven years is a hug plus for the Yankees.
3) Curtis Granderson (4 years, 60 million) New York Mets
Curtis Granderson was plagued with a string of injuries last year. He only played 61 games and totaled a lack luster .229 batting average and only 7 home runs and 15 RBIs. Despite these poor statistics, we have seen how good Granderson can be. He hit 108 home runs from 2010-2012, his first full three seasons with the Yankees. He also is an excellent outfielder and provides speed on the basepaths. The Mets lack offensive experience and talent, so Curtis Granderson is a big addition. The Mets ranked 25th in total home runs last year. Marlyn Byrd led the team with only 21 home runs and Daniel Murphy led the team with 78 RBIs. Granderson can easily surpass these numbers and make the Mets a legitimate threat. The Mets will not be much better next year, but we have seen in the past that NL East teams can quickly become contenders. Look for a young Mets team to rally around Granderson as well as Wright and Harvey for many years to come, and who knows... they could return to being a threat in the National League.
4) Carlos Beltran (3 years, 45 million) New York Yankees
Beltran is not only a hall of famer in the future, but is a Yankee fan's dream right now. He is an every day, five tool player, who can switch hit and fit into any lineup. As previously noted, the Yankees outfield was very weak last season. Beltran on the other hand, destroyed national league pitching when he was a member of the Cardinals. He racked up 24 home runs and 84 RBIs and a .286 batting average. Beltran fits nicely into a reloaded Yankee lineup, and I could see him putting up big numbers against AL pitching in Yankee Stadium. The Yankees offensive numbers were not even close to what they produced in previous years, so I can't wait to see how Carlos Beltran improves a new-look Yankee squad.
5) Jared Saltalamacchia (3 years, 21 million) Miami Marlins
While many believe there are other big signings this offseason that are more important, I believe the signing of Jared Saltalamacchia is an important one. It shows that the Miami Marlins are make strides towards a successful future. The Marlins learned quickly that some big name players just did not work out and shipped them off quickly. Last season was basically a tryout for prospects and players on brief contracts to see if they can fit some pieces together. They found some potential in players such as Giancarlo Stanton, Adeiny Hechaverria, and Justin Ruggiano, they still ranked last in every offensive category in the league. Saltalamacchia, (.273 average 14 home runs 73 RBIs) provides some consitency and experience to a young Marlins club. Coming off a huge world championship in Boston to Miami is a step down, but nevertheless, Jared Saltalamacchia can hep many different ways. he is a great defensive catcher and will produce effectively on offense and will build the foundation for a rebuilding Marlins franchise.
These are just a few big signings this off season. There are still some big names left out there for some building teams to sign, so things should get interesting. Stay tuned for more MLB Hot Stove, the NBA and also new content about the NFL and bowl season picks!
Don't forget to follow us on twitter @Sherry Sports
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Heisman
As many of you know, The Heisman trophy Presentation is this Saturday night. There are six finalists that will be in New York in hope of winning college football's most prestigious award. Here are the candidates:
(no particular order)
Andre Williams grew overnight into a Heisman contender. He led the NCAA in rushing with 2012 yards and also scored 17 touchdowns. He rushed for over 200 yards in five games this year. Many say his Heisman moment was against NC State where he rushed for 339 yards on 42 carries. He took a two-win Boston College team and led them to a 7-5 campaign and a trip to a bowl game. It's hard to argue how great Williams was against some exceptional competition. Was his work on the ground enough to win? We'll have to wait and see.
Johnny Manziel is last years winner and had a stellar campaign. he is the definition of the dual threat quarterback in college football. He passed for 3732 yards and 33 touchdowns while he also rushed for 686 yards and 8 touchdowns. His ability to extend and make big plays is second to none which helped hi win the trophy last year. The ting that is holding Manziel back is his teams record. Texas A&M took a step back this year after a great 2012 season. This year they finished 8-4 (4-4 in the SEC). His completion percentage was low and turnovers were high in big games against key opponents. This will be the one kryptonite in a superman-type season for Manziel.
AJ McCarron embodies everything the the Heisman trophy should. He is the clean-cut leader, he plays well under pressure and most importantly, he wins. In the past three years, he has lost only three times. This year he totaled 2676 yards, 26 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. many thought his 99 yard touchdown heave would end up being his Heisman moment, but a missed field goal change all of that. To say that McCarron does not deserve consideration due to the loss to Auburn would be a great injustice. He is the ultimate game manager, but the voting is not something he can manage. we will have to see how it plays out.
Tre Mason of Auburn had a late surge in the season that got him a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. he totaled 1621 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns. He also had an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. Mason played in the tough SEC with some of the best front sevens in the nation, yet still had some monster games and led Auburn to the BCS title game. Against opponents such as LSU, Alabama and Texas A&M he averaged well over 100 yards per game. In the SEC Championship game vs #5 Missouri when the stakes were high, he totaled 304 yards and four touchdowns. With talent like that, it would be hard not to ignore Mason when it comes time to vote.
Jameis Winston is considered by many to be the favorite to win. In his freshman campaign, he threw for 3820 yards, 38 touchdowns, had a 67.9% completion percentage and a 90.9 Quarterback Rating. He led the Florida State Seminoles to an undefeated regular season and a 45-7 win in the ACC Championship game. The one dark spot for Winston was the strength of schedule simply was not there for Florida State. other than that, the solid campaign makes it hard for others to compete. Just from the eye test you can tell by his poise and sucess that he is worthy of the trophy despite being a freshman.
This year has many worthy candidates,but only one will win. Tune in on Saturday at 8 to find out!
(no particular order)
Andre Williams grew overnight into a Heisman contender. He led the NCAA in rushing with 2012 yards and also scored 17 touchdowns. He rushed for over 200 yards in five games this year. Many say his Heisman moment was against NC State where he rushed for 339 yards on 42 carries. He took a two-win Boston College team and led them to a 7-5 campaign and a trip to a bowl game. It's hard to argue how great Williams was against some exceptional competition. Was his work on the ground enough to win? We'll have to wait and see.
Johnny Manziel is last years winner and had a stellar campaign. he is the definition of the dual threat quarterback in college football. He passed for 3732 yards and 33 touchdowns while he also rushed for 686 yards and 8 touchdowns. His ability to extend and make big plays is second to none which helped hi win the trophy last year. The ting that is holding Manziel back is his teams record. Texas A&M took a step back this year after a great 2012 season. This year they finished 8-4 (4-4 in the SEC). His completion percentage was low and turnovers were high in big games against key opponents. This will be the one kryptonite in a superman-type season for Manziel.
AJ McCarron embodies everything the the Heisman trophy should. He is the clean-cut leader, he plays well under pressure and most importantly, he wins. In the past three years, he has lost only three times. This year he totaled 2676 yards, 26 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. many thought his 99 yard touchdown heave would end up being his Heisman moment, but a missed field goal change all of that. To say that McCarron does not deserve consideration due to the loss to Auburn would be a great injustice. He is the ultimate game manager, but the voting is not something he can manage. we will have to see how it plays out.
Tre Mason of Auburn had a late surge in the season that got him a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. he totaled 1621 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns. He also had an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. Mason played in the tough SEC with some of the best front sevens in the nation, yet still had some monster games and led Auburn to the BCS title game. Against opponents such as LSU, Alabama and Texas A&M he averaged well over 100 yards per game. In the SEC Championship game vs #5 Missouri when the stakes were high, he totaled 304 yards and four touchdowns. With talent like that, it would be hard not to ignore Mason when it comes time to vote.
Jameis Winston is considered by many to be the favorite to win. In his freshman campaign, he threw for 3820 yards, 38 touchdowns, had a 67.9% completion percentage and a 90.9 Quarterback Rating. He led the Florida State Seminoles to an undefeated regular season and a 45-7 win in the ACC Championship game. The one dark spot for Winston was the strength of schedule simply was not there for Florida State. other than that, the solid campaign makes it hard for others to compete. Just from the eye test you can tell by his poise and sucess that he is worthy of the trophy despite being a freshman.
This year has many worthy candidates,but only one will win. Tune in on Saturday at 8 to find out!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Looking Ahead in the NFL
In these coming weeks, a lot will be sorted out in the NFL. We will find the out who has a late playoff push in them, and who will have December Blues. there are a few big match ups this week, that have heavy playoff implication for some divisions.
The Patriots and The Dolphins play on Sunday in a big AFC East match up. New England can clinch the division with a win, and Miami is vying for the final playoff spot, so they need a big win. Last time these two teams played, The Patriots won in Foxborough 27-17. With home field advantage, and strong performances in the past five weeks, the Dolphins have a very good chance of knocking off the Pats and keeping their fifth straight division crown on hold.
The NFC East is a very tight race as usual. The Eagles have the outright lead (8-5) while the Cowboys (7-6) are looking to narrow the gap. The Eagles will square off against the Vikings in Minnesota while the Cowboys will play the Packers. To get an idea of how close this race is, check this out;
The Patriots and The Dolphins play on Sunday in a big AFC East match up. New England can clinch the division with a win, and Miami is vying for the final playoff spot, so they need a big win. Last time these two teams played, The Patriots won in Foxborough 27-17. With home field advantage, and strong performances in the past five weeks, the Dolphins have a very good chance of knocking off the Pats and keeping their fifth straight division crown on hold.
The NFC East is a very tight race as usual. The Eagles have the outright lead (8-5) while the Cowboys (7-6) are looking to narrow the gap. The Eagles will square off against the Vikings in Minnesota while the Cowboys will play the Packers. To get an idea of how close this race is, check this out;
- Combined records of remaining opponents
- Eagles: 17-21-1
- Cowboys: 17-21-1
- Cowboys beat Philadelphia week 7 and currently own the tie-breaker
- The Eagles and Cowboys play each other week 17, which could ultimately decide the outright division winner
The NFC North is another close call. The Lions have the current lead (7-6) but the Bears have the same record, and you can't count out the Packers who currently sit at 6-6-1. Detroit beat Chicago in both meeting this year and traded wins with Green Bay.
- Detroit plays The Ravens Giants and Lions
- Chicago plays The Browns, Eagles and Packers
- Green Bay plays The Cowboys, Steelers, and Bears
Here is the current playoff picture:
AFC: 1) Denver 2) New England 3) Cincinnati 4) Indianapolis 5) Kansas City 6) Baltimore
NFC: 1) Seattle 2) New Orleans 3) Philadelphia 4) Detroit 5) Carolina 6) San Francisco
This season has been great and I can't wait to see how the regular season finishes out!
Thanks for reading! Dont forget to follow on Twitter @SherrySports
Sunday, December 8, 2013
'Tis The Bowl Season
After an exciting conference championship week, the bowl games are set. the BCS Bowl Games are listed below:
Rose Bowl: #4 Michigan State vs #5 Stanford January 1st, 5:00 PM
Fiesta Bowl: #15 UCF vs #6 Baylor January 1st, 8:30 PM
Sugar Bowl: #11 Oklahoma vs #3 Alabama January 3rd, 7:30 PM
Orange Bowl: #12 Clemson vs #7 Ohio State January 3rd, 8:30 PM
BCS National Championship: #2 Auburn vs #1 Florida State January 6th, 8:30 PM
The Rose Bowl pits two power football against each other. Michigan State comes off a statement win vs Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Spartans have the top defense in the nation and are experts at bottling up running backs between the tackles. Stanford on the other hand has one of the most potent running games in the nation. They average around 200 rush yards per game (around 140 against BCS ranked teams). This game will come down to quarterback play. Both rushing attacks and defenses are solid. Whichever quarterback can limit turnovers and control the game will win the game. While many would argue The Spartans have the better front seven, Stanford has an edge since they won last years Rose Bowl. Their experienced roster will help them if the game is tight.
Prediction: Michigan State 27 Stanford: 31
The Fiesta Bowl has a match up with two great quarterbacks, Blake Bortles and Bryce Petty. UCF won the American Athletic Conference rather easily behind a methodical offense and a defense that produced turnovers and averaged 19.6 points per game. Baylor came off a big win against Texas. Baylor's up-tempo offense has made exceptional defenses look bad this year and have averaged 53.3 points per game. If Bryce Petty gets into a early rhythm, this bowl game could end up being rather lopsided, but I have faith that a future NFL prospect Blake Bortles (3280 yards 22 TDs 7 INTs) will keep the game in reach.
Prediction: UCF: 20 Baylor: 37
The Sugar Bowl looks like it could potentially be a classic. Alabama is still bitter after a tough loss in the Iron Bowl. There are no surprises when playing the Crimson Tide. They have a balanced offense and a smash mouth defense. Both TJ Yeldon and AJ McCarron can make big plays at any given moment and an experienced linebacker core hopes to bottle up the Sooners running game. Oklahoma's spread offense uses a variety of speed backs and skilled wide receivers to spread the ball around. Their up tempo pace puts defenses on their heels. The defense will look to force a few turnovers against a disciplined Alabama team. If they are able to do so, they will have a great chance on knocking off the mighty Crimson Tide. Until then, I am not sold on the fact that Nick Saban can lose with a month to prepare.
Prediction: Alabama 36 Oklahoma 28
The Orange Bowl has two teams with similar styles against each other. Both teams have dynamic quarterbacks and running backs. Both teams score often and don't give up a lot. While Clemson has been exposed in their big games, Senior Taj Boyd has performed admirably in bowl games and Sammy Watkins can expose even the best secondaries. The Ohio State defense has not looked strong recently so we should see the Tigers put up points. Ohio State comes off their first loss in 24 games and looked weaker than usual on both sides of the ball. Nonetheless, dual threat Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde could make big plays against Clemson. This game will come down to if Clemson can stop the run game like Michigan State was able to, and if Ohio State can take advantage of Clemson's weak secondary. whoever rises to the occasion will be victorious.
Prediction: Clemson 38 Ohio State: 35
The BCS National Championship looks like will be a shootout for the ages. Auburn's defense will have their hands full against Heisman front runner Jameis Winston. Auburn has some fire power themselves as well. Their rushing attacks has looking very impressive vs Alabama and Missouri, two strong SEC teams. Florida State blew out yet another, #20 Duke. They have proven all year how good they are and an average Tiger defense will have to prepare for a relentless offense attack. Both offenses will put up a lot of points, so special teams play will be key. A blocked punt, good kickoff return, (or even a missed field goal TD) could be the difference when both offenses are so good. In the end though, I believe the undefeated Seminoles will prevail.
Prediction: Florida State: 45 Auburn: 24
Rose Bowl: #4 Michigan State vs #5 Stanford January 1st, 5:00 PM
Fiesta Bowl: #15 UCF vs #6 Baylor January 1st, 8:30 PM
Sugar Bowl: #11 Oklahoma vs #3 Alabama January 3rd, 7:30 PM
Orange Bowl: #12 Clemson vs #7 Ohio State January 3rd, 8:30 PM
BCS National Championship: #2 Auburn vs #1 Florida State January 6th, 8:30 PM
The Rose Bowl pits two power football against each other. Michigan State comes off a statement win vs Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Spartans have the top defense in the nation and are experts at bottling up running backs between the tackles. Stanford on the other hand has one of the most potent running games in the nation. They average around 200 rush yards per game (around 140 against BCS ranked teams). This game will come down to quarterback play. Both rushing attacks and defenses are solid. Whichever quarterback can limit turnovers and control the game will win the game. While many would argue The Spartans have the better front seven, Stanford has an edge since they won last years Rose Bowl. Their experienced roster will help them if the game is tight.
Prediction: Michigan State 27 Stanford: 31
The Fiesta Bowl has a match up with two great quarterbacks, Blake Bortles and Bryce Petty. UCF won the American Athletic Conference rather easily behind a methodical offense and a defense that produced turnovers and averaged 19.6 points per game. Baylor came off a big win against Texas. Baylor's up-tempo offense has made exceptional defenses look bad this year and have averaged 53.3 points per game. If Bryce Petty gets into a early rhythm, this bowl game could end up being rather lopsided, but I have faith that a future NFL prospect Blake Bortles (3280 yards 22 TDs 7 INTs) will keep the game in reach.
Prediction: UCF: 20 Baylor: 37
The Sugar Bowl looks like it could potentially be a classic. Alabama is still bitter after a tough loss in the Iron Bowl. There are no surprises when playing the Crimson Tide. They have a balanced offense and a smash mouth defense. Both TJ Yeldon and AJ McCarron can make big plays at any given moment and an experienced linebacker core hopes to bottle up the Sooners running game. Oklahoma's spread offense uses a variety of speed backs and skilled wide receivers to spread the ball around. Their up tempo pace puts defenses on their heels. The defense will look to force a few turnovers against a disciplined Alabama team. If they are able to do so, they will have a great chance on knocking off the mighty Crimson Tide. Until then, I am not sold on the fact that Nick Saban can lose with a month to prepare.
Prediction: Alabama 36 Oklahoma 28
The Orange Bowl has two teams with similar styles against each other. Both teams have dynamic quarterbacks and running backs. Both teams score often and don't give up a lot. While Clemson has been exposed in their big games, Senior Taj Boyd has performed admirably in bowl games and Sammy Watkins can expose even the best secondaries. The Ohio State defense has not looked strong recently so we should see the Tigers put up points. Ohio State comes off their first loss in 24 games and looked weaker than usual on both sides of the ball. Nonetheless, dual threat Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde could make big plays against Clemson. This game will come down to if Clemson can stop the run game like Michigan State was able to, and if Ohio State can take advantage of Clemson's weak secondary. whoever rises to the occasion will be victorious.
Prediction: Clemson 38 Ohio State: 35
The BCS National Championship looks like will be a shootout for the ages. Auburn's defense will have their hands full against Heisman front runner Jameis Winston. Auburn has some fire power themselves as well. Their rushing attacks has looking very impressive vs Alabama and Missouri, two strong SEC teams. Florida State blew out yet another, #20 Duke. They have proven all year how good they are and an average Tiger defense will have to prepare for a relentless offense attack. Both offenses will put up a lot of points, so special teams play will be key. A blocked punt, good kickoff return, (or even a missed field goal TD) could be the difference when both offenses are so good. In the end though, I believe the undefeated Seminoles will prevail.
Prediction: Florida State: 45 Auburn: 24
Monday, December 2, 2013
The Wild BCS
After a huge week in college football, there was a big shakeup in the BCS standings. Alabama was #1 and had an 11-0 record coming into Saturday. They lost a thriller to #4 Auburn and dropped from their #1 ranking. The new BCS standings are below:
1)Florida State 12-0
2) Ohio State 12-0
3) Auburn 11-1
4) Alabama 11-1
5) Missouri 11-1
All these teams have a potential chance to make the BCS National Championship:
Florida State is unblemished this year. They are led by a potent offense run by the Heisman front runner Jameis Winston. They are second in points per game and first in points allowed. They have plowed through everyone they have played and averaged a margin of victory around 41 points. Many have questioned the strength of their schedule and argue that their non conference games were all against extremely unworthy opponents. Also, the question looms about Jameis Winston. If he is convicted of what he is accused of, he will most likely not play in a bowl game leaving the Seminoles season up to their third string quarterback (the second string QB is out for the season after surgery).
Nest Game: Saturday vs #20 Duke: ACC Championship game
Ohio State has also not lost this year. They have won 24 consecutive games under Urban Meyer and have looked great on both sides of the ball. They average the third most points per game and have one of the best rushing attacks in the game run by Quarterback Braxton Miller and Running Back Carlos Hyde. They have a tough test ahead vs Michigan State, who only has one loss and the top ranked defense in the nation. Once again, people have questioned the Buckeyes schedule. Their only two wins vs ranked opponents were against Northwestern (currently 5-7) and Wisconsin who lost on Saturday to Penn State. Many have said that even if the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Championship game, they could be jumped by one loss Auburn for a spot in the championship game.
Next Game: Saturday vs #11 Michigan State: Big Ten Championship Game
Auburn recently won the game of the year vs Alabama on a last second 100 yard field goal return for a touchdown. While they do have one loss, any would argue that strength of schedule would play in their favor. They have beaten Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M. A win this weekend vs Missouri would cap off and impressive resume'. They do not control their own destiny despite what Tiger die-hards think, but the games listed above are not easy ones, so don't be surprised to see Auburn back in the BCS National Championship Game.
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1)Florida State 12-0
2) Ohio State 12-0
3) Auburn 11-1
4) Alabama 11-1
5) Missouri 11-1
All these teams have a potential chance to make the BCS National Championship:
Florida State is unblemished this year. They are led by a potent offense run by the Heisman front runner Jameis Winston. They are second in points per game and first in points allowed. They have plowed through everyone they have played and averaged a margin of victory around 41 points. Many have questioned the strength of their schedule and argue that their non conference games were all against extremely unworthy opponents. Also, the question looms about Jameis Winston. If he is convicted of what he is accused of, he will most likely not play in a bowl game leaving the Seminoles season up to their third string quarterback (the second string QB is out for the season after surgery).
Nest Game: Saturday vs #20 Duke: ACC Championship game
Ohio State has also not lost this year. They have won 24 consecutive games under Urban Meyer and have looked great on both sides of the ball. They average the third most points per game and have one of the best rushing attacks in the game run by Quarterback Braxton Miller and Running Back Carlos Hyde. They have a tough test ahead vs Michigan State, who only has one loss and the top ranked defense in the nation. Once again, people have questioned the Buckeyes schedule. Their only two wins vs ranked opponents were against Northwestern (currently 5-7) and Wisconsin who lost on Saturday to Penn State. Many have said that even if the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Championship game, they could be jumped by one loss Auburn for a spot in the championship game.
Next Game: Saturday vs #11 Michigan State: Big Ten Championship Game
Auburn recently won the game of the year vs Alabama on a last second 100 yard field goal return for a touchdown. While they do have one loss, any would argue that strength of schedule would play in their favor. They have beaten Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M. A win this weekend vs Missouri would cap off and impressive resume'. They do not control their own destiny despite what Tiger die-hards think, but the games listed above are not easy ones, so don't be surprised to see Auburn back in the BCS National Championship Game.
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