Author: Rich Sports Talk

ASU Sun Devil Hockey gets new Adidas Uniforms for 2018-19

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It’s still summer, but for college hockey fans the season is just around the corner. One of the newest teams to the Division One ranks has been the Arizona State Sun Devils who have officially unveiled their new uniforms for the 2018-19 season.

 

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The new uniforms mark provided by Adidas have given the Sun Devils an updated home and a completely overhauled road uniform. Event though there are just two uniforms, according to the ASU athletic department the hockey team will have 72 uniform combinations with four helmets (maroon, white, gold, and gray) along with three pairs of gloves  pants (maroon, black, and gray). Let’s take a look at what’s stayed the same and what changes have been implemented.

ASU will have 72 combinations of uniforms for next season.

What’s the same?

First the main crest on the uniform has remained the same with the devil’s pitchfork. This was a great logo in the middle of the uniform and I am really glad they kept this. The home uniforms remain a classic white color as opposed to going to a colored home uniform like Quinnipiac University that wears a gold uniform for home games. One minor feature that remains the same is the captain’s crest with the state of Arizona as the background. This is a nice subtle detail that I can see other state university’s copying in the future.

What has changed?

ASU’s old home uniforms. the school has changed the main logo color and dropped the ASU shoulder yokes.

There is a lot of changes to the ASU uniform set. First let’s start with the minor changes. The main logo on both jerseys is now a red trident with gold piping instead of the old combo which was the opposite last year. While it still pops on the white, I do think the gold trident would pop better rather than a maroon crest on maroon jersey.

From the top ASU has added four new helmets to the set each with the trident logos. Last season the team had a gold and red helmet but will now add grey and white helmets to the set.

ASU’s new lids look like football helmets with the trident logo and gives them four options for helmet options

The piping on the sleeves and socks have changed from a classic three stripe to now a layered look of red, gold, grey, and black. This style is very similar to what the Vegas Golden Knight Uniforms look like. Each jersey also features the state of Arizona embroidered under the back collar above the name plate.

ASU’s new road uniform not only has a new color, but continues to focus on the minor details.

The biggest change is the road uniform which drops the former black uniform in favor of a maroon uniform. This uniform features gold numbers and uses grey as the secondary color saving the gold as an accent color with the black. Overall this is a sharp set of uniforms with ASU quickly becoming the Oregon of college hockey with their multiple combinations. Don’t be surprised if other schools follow suit with additional helmets, gloves, and pants to pair with their uniforms.

What could have been improved?

Despite the great new set, ASU dropped their sharp-looking black uniform

Really my only complaint is that despite the combinations the team only has three uniforms. While they gold have easily added a gold or dark gray uniform to the set, personally I wish they kept their sharp-looking black road uniforms as an alternate. These were some of the sharpest uniforms in college hockey and the red, gold, and black combo was not only sharp but the black made the maroon and gold really pop. Hopefully the team can bring these back next year as a third uniform because this was the program’s best uniform.

 

 

The New York Mets should move Cespedes to first base

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Yo? Yo? Where are you Yo? This has been the question on a lot of Mets fans minds as the team’s star slugger has fallen off the map since he went on the disabled list on May 13th. True, there is no question this lineup sorely misses the slugger’s big bat in the lineup as the injury coincides with the beginning of the Mets plummet down the standings. Despite the need in their lineup, New York has said that Cespedes isn’t close to returning as the star left fielder is back on the disabled list with a lower body injury. With the wear and tear on Cespedes in left field along with a chronic heel problem there could be a solution on the horizon that will hopefully keep the Mets slugger on the field.

A chronic heel issue and lower body issues have limited Cespedes to 118 games over the past two seasons.

According to the New York Daily News Cespedes has been taking ground balls at first base during his rehab in Port St. Lucie and the organization has hinted it is looking to move the slugger to first base to eliminate the wear and tear playing in the outfield. Physically speaking this makes a lot of sense for a player that has only played in 118 games over the past two seasons and at the age of 32 already has a chronic heel problem coupled with multiple lower body injuries. Let’s not forget the Mets have already tried to do this with Jay Bruce, but in training camp the Bruce reportedly balked at the move to first.

Unlike Bruce it has been reported that Cespedes is open to the change to first and given that the Mets don’t have an immediate solution at first base the timing is perfect. Dominic Smith has been a massive disappointment since his call up as a highly touted prospect. As of July 12th he has one RBI this season. Just one.

Dominic Smith has not lived up to the hype and first base is a big question for New York moving forward

Many fans have been clamoring for the team’s second rated prospect on MLB Pipeline Peter Alonso to be called up to Flushing, but despite a fast start Alonso has cooled off considerably. Even if he finishes strong, multiple reports are that the Mets have no interest in calling him up this year.

Let’s not forget that Cespedes is going to have to play. He’s still owed over $58 Million over the final two years of his contract after this season. Plus, it would benefit the Mets because of the log jam of outfielders. Brandon Nimmo has played like an All Star this season but even though he has the flexibility to play center, he’s better suited for a corner spot. Not to mention Michael Conforto who the Mets hope will regain his former All Star form and Jay Bruce who is still under contract for an additional two years. With all these outfielders on the roster and the need for the team to find a true center fielder in the offseason, moving Cespedes helps alleviate the corner outfield spots.

A move to first opens up the corner spots for Nimmo, Conforto, & Bruce.

At this point Cespedes is a below average outfield defender and is a pure slugger. With first base open the Mets could move him there to try to get him to play over 130 games next season. He may be the most valuable player to their lineup in baseball because without him, the Mets offense has been putrid and statistically one of the worst in baseball. This also allows the Mets to continue to develop Alonso in the minors until he is ready to take over or grow his trade value if the Mets need a chip in a future trade.

The next month will undoubtedly be used to decide the roster makeup of the New York Mets going forward, but the final months of the season should be used to develop Yoenis Cespedes into the 2019 first baseman. A move that not only give the team flexibility in the outfield while filling a need at first base, but most importantly a move that will hopefully allow Cespedes to stay on the field.

Trading Places: Who the New York Mets should move at the trade deadline

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2018 has not be the Mets year. As the New York Mets continue to fall out of contention it is clear that they will not be in contention this year and should be sellers in order to replenish their depleted farm system. However, in my most recent podcast (click here) I discussed why New York shouldn’t trade their ace Jacob deGrom and they would not get a full return if they also moved on from Noah Syndergaard at the deadline. While these names would surely get the biggest hauls at the deadline, the Mets have other pieces they can move for future prospects.

 

Asdrubal Cabrera: 2B

Cabrera is playing like an All Star and the Mets should capitalize on his value

Cabrera has been one of the few Mets that has lived up to expectations this season. At 32, Cabrera is playing at an All Star level being top five in both home runs and RBIs among second baseman this season. Despite being a free agent at the end of the 2018 season, his value comes from his offense and versatility. Despite the woeful order around him, Cabrera is on pace for one of his best offensive seasons ever and unlike previous years has not had any nagging injuries hampering him this season.

The contract and injury history may decrease Cabrera’s value, but he adds versatility to a contender with his flexibility to not only play second. Cabrera has played third base and second for the Mets and could easily fit into either of those roles. He could even play shortstop, but at this age he is better off at the other two positions but gives a team the ability to plug him into three infield positions adding value as both a starter or utility man for a team with World Series aspirations.

 

Todd Frazier: 3B

Like last season, Frazier could be moving at the trade deadline.

Cabrera undoubtedly has more value than Frazier at this point but don’t be surprised if the Mets end up shopping their third baseman as well. This team would probably be looking to shop Jay Bruce at this deadline if he wasn’t hurt and producing. More likely Frazier will be a salary dump with the Mets on the hook for 2019 after the $ 17 Million dollar deal this past offseason.

Money has always been an issue with the Mets and a salary dump could open up the hot corner in the upcoming offseason. The team could look to give Wilmer Flores a full-time role at third in the second half to see if he can be penciled in for their starting third baseman in 2019. Could the Mets keep Frazier because he is under contract and they don’t have a prospect pushing the hot corner position? It certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility but the team could look at this chance to dump salary.

Despite being on the Disabled list this season, Frazier has nearly matched his home run and RBI totals from last season at the midway point in the season. He may not have starting value like Cabrera, Frazier could be an appealing bench or role player for a playoff contender.

 

Zack Wheeler: Pitcher

Wheeler has been gaining traction on the trade market and the Mets should take advantage.

While deGrom and Syndergaard have been the big names getting the attention at the deadline the Mets could potentially trade another starting pitcher for prospects and that is Zack Wheeler. Despite not having the pedigree of the later two, there are a few reasons why the Mets could deal Wheeler. According to New York Times writer James Wagner teams have been reportedly calling the Mets about Wheeler in trade discussion.

This could be the perfect time to deal Wheeler for multiple reasons. First, it’s a weak starters market at the deadline and the Mets could get more for Wheeler then they bargained for. Second, Wheeler is peaking at the right time with his fastball in the upper 90s and a 3.38 ERA over his last eight starts. Third, he has had a long injury history missing two full seasons with the Mets and is 28 years old. Finally, he will be a free agent after 2019 and as noted both in this article and the previous podcast the Mets probably won’t be looking to break the bank for a career 23-29 starter as of July first.

With an expiring contract approaching and a long injury history, of the Mets can get prospects for Wheeler this is the time to do it. The team could look to deal him in the offseason, but personally I would be wary of Wheeler’s injury history and if he misses any time later in the season that will only diminish his value.

Some may be wondering with not Steven Matz? If there are offers the Mets should listen but here’s why I don’t see the Mets moving on from him. First, he’s a year younger then Wheeler. Second, his contract has him under the Mets control until 2022. Third, he’s a lefty in a rotation that has struggled to find a great left handed starter since Johan Santana. Finally, despite both having injury problems Matz hasn’t had the serious arm injuries like Wheeler where Wheeler has missed two full seasons with the Mets.

 

Jose Bautista: OF

The Mets brought in Bautista off the scrap heap, now it’s time to recycle.

Like Frazier, Bautista won’t bring back a haul of prospects but the Mets need bodies in their minor league organization and would be smart to take advantage of Bautista’s recent play. After picking up the 37-year-old off the scrap heap from the Atlanta Braves, Bautista has taken advantage of playing time with the Mets hitting .266 with three home runs and 13 RBIs since joining the club.

It’s clear that his skillset has diminished but he could be a valuable fourth outfielder for a postseason contender at a low asking price. Bautista could give a team a right-handed bat off the bench against lefties or be a spot starting outfielder if necessary. Contractually it would be easy to move Bautista and the Mets would take a mid to low range prospect in return. Not to mention the Mets might consider bringing up a certain Heisman Winner to play the outfield in August. Stranger things have happened to the Mets this season.

Jeurys Familia

With free agency for Familia at the end of the season, the Mets should get some value back for the former All Star closer.

If the Mets traded Familia the first reaction from the fanbase would probably be it’s about time! After an All Star campaign in 2016, Familia has not been the same closer and will hit the free agency market after the season at 28 years old. Sounding like a broken record again the Mets are stingy for the money and will not want to pay the high price tag for a closer that has been regressing over the past two years.

Still, with the premium on relievers especially for the postseason Familia could be a valuable piece for the Mets to move especially with the unlikelihood he will be back in Queens for 2019. Even if he won’t be the closer, Familia could become a seventh or eighth inning role player for a playoff team moving forward. Despite four blown saves this season, Familia still has 14 saves and a ERA just over three. It’s hard to find power back-end of the bullpen relievers on the market and the Mets could look to make a swap similar to what they did with the Red Sox when they dealt Addison Reed last season.

 

 

Why the New York Mets are actually looking to move Jacob deGrom

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Why are the Mets really trading Jacob deGrom? On the surface it seems crystal clear the Metropolitans are trying to reload their minor league system and get the most return on deGrom when his value is peaking.

However, there is an underlying reason why the Mets are looking to move deGrom and it’s broken down on the podcast with which chips the Mets should look to move instead. In my opinion, moving deGrom would be foolish by the front office when they can get some mid range players with current roster members.

Who should the Mets trade? What’s the reason deGrom will likely get traded that no one is talking about? Check it out on the latest podcast below.

 

Will the NHL cash in on expansion plan after Vegas success?

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Who could have predicted this? When the National Hockey League announced that they would be putting the leagues thirty-first franchise in the desert of Las Vegas there were plenty of cynics. Not only was the NHL trying to put another team in the desert then a traditional hockey market, but many saw this as another expansion franchise that it would take years to reach relevancy. Less than a calendar year after the first puck was dropped in Sin City the Vegas Golden Knights and the NHL have hit the jackpot.

The Golden Knights proved that the new NHL expansion format could create a competitive franchise.

It’s fitting to see the Vegas Golden Knights as the team that defied all the odds in their inaugural season. Taking advantage of the new expansion draft the roster was filled with young talent and solid veterans that turned Vegas into the storyline of the season. Even with the early hardships with an injury bug that decimated the team’s goaltending depth the team still finished with one of the league’s best records at 51-24-7. Even with the team falling in five games in the Stanley Cup Finals, it’s clear that this team has a bright future.

What people aren’t talking about is what the success in Vegas means for the league’s aggressive expansion plan. Don’t forget that Gary Bettman said he could imagine a 34 team league back in 2017 and the NHL has set a fee for cities looking for an expansion franchise. In fact the league is closing in on team number 32 in Seattle has an ownership group has already started a season ticket drive and the franchise is hoping to hit the ice for the 2020-2021 season.

Gary Bettman has said he could envision a 34 team league and has been pushing for league expansion.

For a city that wants a major league franchise or looking to add another team the success in Vegas and the generous expansion draft could give a team the opportunity to be competitive from day one. With other league’s not looking into expansion and with expansion teams in the NBA, NFL, and MLB toiling in obscurity for years it makes the NHL a more enticing investment for a city that wants a major league team. Even with a $650 Million expansion fee for a new franchise, it still cheaper to get a NHL franchise then getting and NBA and NFL franchise where recent sales of franchises in those leagues have been valued in the billion dollar range.

Seattle has already had a season ticket drive and is looking to be the NHL’s 32nd franchise by 2020.

Meanwhile, the expansion would be beneficial for the owners in the league. The would receive an expansion fee from these new teams, as they would split up the expansion fees from these cities. With Seattle closing in on a team, it will be interesting to see if there will be any other movement in the NHL whether through expansion or relocation. There have been cities that have expressed interest in both the United States and Canada for potential franchises. These include cities like Quebec, Hamilton, Kansas City, and Hartford who have expressed interest in hosting a hockey franchise.

The success of the Vegas Golden Knights has been huge for the NHL. Not only do they have a successful franchise in a new market, but the league’s new expansion format has set the league up for the potential for the next wave of expansion franchises. No matter how you look at it, it’s clear the Vegas experiment has been a resounding success.

 

NBA Finals Game 1 Reaction

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Game one of the 2018 NBA Finals is in the book and my reaction is now available on the Rich Sports Talk podcast. Remember to like and subscribe for all the latest content. We break down the biggest blown call of the game to how JR Smith may have already cost the Cleveland Cavaliers this series.