The future is looking brighter for the Mets, but the present is a different story
Well it’s that time of year again. Before we know it pitchers and catchers will report for spring training and baseball season will finally kick into high gear. While most of these camps will focus on the present, in Port St. Lucie the eyes will be looking toward the future. For 2013 the highlight for the New York Mets won’t be the play on the field, but the hosting of the MLB All-star game at Citi Field. It’s been a rough offseason for Mets fans as the franchise traded away the reigning N.L. Cy Young award winner and has done nothing to address an outfield situation that is almost
D’arnaud was the key piece in the R.A. Dickey trade and could be the Mets backstop for the next decade
bleaker then a Stephen King novel. While 2013 will probably be a lost season for the Metropolitans and their fans the prospects of competing in 2014 is a reason for optimism. After trading R.A. Dicky to Toronto the Mets now have two of the top prospects in baseball. Travis D’arnaud is ranked #6 and Zack Wheeler # 8 on MLB.com’s top 100 prospects list. Not to be outdone the other key piece in the deal, Noah Syndergaard a right-handed pitcher, is ranked 29th on the top 100 list as well. D’arnnaud was the key in the Dickey trade, and as the best catching prospect in baseball he could give the Mets their best backstop since Gary Carter. Well all Mets fans know about Matt Harvey and the impact he had last season, Zack Wheeler could be an even better pitcher. The right hander was traded to the club during the Carlos Beltran trade and has been compared to Justin Verlander with a 98 MPH fastball and a devastating curveball. Not to be
Wheeler has all of the tools to be the next ace of the Mets
outdone Syndergaard while young, can throw in the upper 90s and if he can develop his secondary pitchers could an integral part of the rotation in flushing. You can view all of the Mets top prospects and see their scouting report videos by clicking here. While the future looks bright for the Mets, especially with the possible rotation of Wheeler, Harvey, Niese, and Syndergaard in the near future, the Mets have once again swung and missed in the offseason. While signing Shaun Marcum will add a solid arm to the rotation the Mets waited until this week to try to fix their disastrous bullpen for a season ago. Feliciano to a minor league deal and Brandon Lyon will give them a possible solution at closer the Mets could have vastly improved earlier in the offseason. Overall I give the Mets a B+ with the Dickey trade and these solid last-minute signings, but they kinda missed something important. Um guys you do realize you need three players to play the outfield right?? Whoops while the Mets were busy creating their new alternate uniforms this offseason they kinda forgot that you need people to catch the ball in the outfield. Kirk Nieuwenhuis is a good outfielder they have, but they let Scott Hairston go and now have Lucas Duda and Mike Baxter penciled in as outfielders. They aren’t starting outfielders, although they are an improvement over Jason Bay. Bottom line if you want to know how the Met’s season is going to be then click on this link. Overall though I am getting excited for the Mets future and I can see these team competing in the next few seasons. The only problem is it’s going to be a llllooooonnnnngggg 2013. However, if the Mets prospects are as good as advertised than not only will the Mets make it back to the playoffs, but a World Series could be heading to Citi Field.
It’s brother versus brother in the first ever sibling Super Bowl
It’s finally here!!!! After the long journey that began in August 32 teams began the season, but only 2 remain. However, football is like Highlander in that there can be only one! This Super Bowl has been anointed the Harbowl as we see the classic sibling rivalry of whose is better. I know one thing it’s sure going to be awkward at the dinner table in the Harbaugh house after this one. Maybe Mrs. Harbaugh should ask Archie Manning how he deals with his boys. Getting back on track the Ravens have ridden the inspirational words of Tim Tebow, whoops I meant Ray Lewis on a magical playoff run. Sorry Ravens fans I love Ray Lewis but I think he’s going a little overboard with the religious references since he decided this would be his last playoff ride. The question remains can Lewis inspire his team to overcome the 49ers in his last game? The 49ers, on the other hand, have ridden the tattooed cannon arm of Colin Kaepernick since he took over for Alex Smith midway through the season. Remember when there was a supposed quarterback controversy only a few weeks ago? He’s been an unstoppable ground and aerial assault throughout the postseason and is looking to cap off his amazing season with the 49ers sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. Both teams have taken very different paths to get top New Orleans, but surprisingly they are similarly constructed. Both have very good defenses, quarterbacks that can make the big play, and great running backs. Here’s my preview of why I believe both teams could win the Superbowl.
Why the Ravens will win
The Ravens will need to ride their emotional leader
The Ravens success this postseason is because of the strong quarterback play out of Joe Flacco and their resurgent defense with the return of Lewis. Baltimore has been flying high since Lewis announced that this will be his last season with the team. The win one for the gipper attitude has spread throughout the Ravens locker room as they try to give number 52 one more ring as he walks into the sunset. One of the biggest reasons that the Ravens are in this position is because of their leader under center. Joe Flacco has thrown 8 touchdowns with no interceptions this postseason and while the offense is usually the achilles hill for the Ravens, it has been their strength this postseason. Don’t forget these Ravens have beaten both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in their respective buildings. Last time I checked they were two of the best quarterbacks in the game. While the defense has been good it hasn’t been anywhere near the dominant defense we’ve come to expect from the purple and black. This two-week layoff benefits this banged up unit and will allow them to get some much-needed rest. The keys to for the Ravens to win is they must have a big game on the ground with Ray Rice. This is a battle of defenses and the best way to beat a great defense is to keep them on the field. If the Ravens can wear down the formidable 49ers defense it will not only wear them down but give them more favorable deep ball match ups. This is where the Ravens need to make play is down the field and use Flaccos big arm. They need Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin to stretch the field. I believe that the Ravens have the better special teams entering this game while also having the major x factor of Ray Lewis’ retirement for added motivation. You can’t tell me they’re not going to give everything they have for their leader so he can go out a champion. On the defensive side of the ball the Ravens need to figure out how to slow the read option. This will be a test, but the Ravens have one of the most seasoned defenses in the NFL and aren’t fooled easily or for long. They need to play Raven defense which is to play physical and break the will of the 49ers. If the Ravens continue to play at the level they’ve been playing, especially Joe Flacco, it could be an easy win in the Big Easy.
Why the 49ers will win
My the difference a year can make. A year ago the 49ers were kicking themselves because of the butter fingers their special teams had. This team feels that they should have been in the Super Bowl over the Giants and that this should be a repeat year. However, this season they have made it but not in the way that most 49ers fans, and football fans in general, expected.
The multi-dimensional Kaepernick leads the 49ers offensive attack
Ever since the glory days of Montana and Young the quarterback position for the 49ers has been a question mark. It still is but today it’s a riddle that gives defensive coordinators headaches. Coming into this season the 49ers were highly favored to be in this Super Bowl and that Alex Smith would finally get the monkey off his back, much like Steve Young, and get ride of his “Bust” tag that has haunted him since being the number one draft choice. However, Alex Smith is riding the pine pony as his replacement Colin Kaerpernick looks to win the 49ers sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. Even coming into this postseason there was a “quarterback controversy” about who would lead this team. However, Kaerpernick has run away with this job much like he had all season. The read option has added a new dimension to the dominant running game that the 49ers have built since Jim Harbaugh took over. Run the ball and play great defense a memo that both the Ravens and 49ers have flourished with. However, the Ravens do not have a dominating offensive line or a stable of running backs that have the first ranked rushing attack in the postseason. They also don’t have the dynamic quarterback that can shred defense with both his legs and his arm. Add in the top overall ranked defense and you have the recipe for the 49ers success. San Francisco can win this game if they just continue to do what they do best. Play fast and physical defense and force the opponent to make mistakes. On offense run the ball!!!!!! Use the dynamic rushing attack to wear the Ravens older defense down and keep their offense off the field. By running the ball you give Kaepernick more big plays by opening the field with both rushing and passing lanes. If Vernon Davis can match the performance he gave against the Falcons that will really open up the middle of the field and give Kapernick a great target in the seam. While they might not have the same explosiveness on the outside like the Ravens, they do have the advantage in the TE position and can control the middle of the field. Don’t forget the Raven defense is old, wearing them down and keeping them on the field is crucial for the 49ers to be successful. If the 49ers play like they have all postseason they could bring back the sixth Lombardi trophy back to San Francisco.
And the Winner is ……………..
49ers 27 Ravens 24
This is why I’m picking the 49ers. I think that while Joe Flacco has played great this postseason he is a quarterback known for mistakes and I think he is well overdue. The Ravens defense this postseason has played great this postseason they have played against passing offenses. They’re great against stopping the past and have been mediocre at stopping the run. They haven’t played a physical team like the 49ers and while I think the Ravens can stop the run early as the game wears on they will wear down. I understand that the field goal kicking unit has been shaky for the 49ers but I think overall they have a better defense then the Ravens. While the Ravens have the better passing game the 49ers have a slight edge in the ground game with their dynamic offense and these new looks will catch the Ravens off guard. Overall I do think this will be a close Super Bowl and has the potential to be one of the best ones ever. Do you agree or disagree? Take the poll at the the bottom and vote for who you think the Super Bowl champion will be.
49ers and Ravens who will be the last one standing??
It’s not all fun in the sun on Revis island right now
Few things in this world are certain. The sun will rise in the east, the grass will grow, and star receivers will get stranded on Revis Island. However, this luxury island may be for sale sooner than later as the Jets may be looking to trade their best players. With new general manager John Idzik stating that no players were safe speculation and rumors out of Florham park just keeping adding fuel to the out of control fire the Jets have become this offseason. Despite the outcry from many Jet fans saying that the team would be foolish to trade Revis, I actually believe trading Revis would be a good thing. Hold on Jets fans I know your probably shouting expletives at me for saying that but hear me out. While Darrelle has been one, if not the greatest Jets players of all time the pros of the trade severely outweigh the cons. I do believe that the Jets should make every effort to lock up Revis to a long-term contract before the draft. However, if they cannot do this then they need to trade him. Revis will be a free agent at the end of the following season and we all know he will not take a home town discount. As a Mets fan it was painful to see Jose Reyes walk and the team not getting anything in return and I do not want this to happen to the Jets. Also Revis has been a pain in the you know what about contracts. It seems like every other year he wants a new contract and I don’t know about you but I’m sick of it. Revis isn’t a defensive leader and he is not a team player. He just covers his one receiver and at the end of the season asks for more money. While having the elite corner in the game is great it’s more of a luxury then a necessity. Having great corners helps your defense but it doesn’t automatically make you a championship team. Even last year without Revis the Jets still managed to have one of the better secondaries in the game. Heck you could argue Santonio Holmes is more valuable because the second he went down with his injury the offense collapse. Trading Revis would bring in multiple draft picks which the Jets desperately need right now and the Jets secondary is one of their strengths even without Darrelle. The list of needs for this team goes on and on quarterback, running back, tight end, fullback, offensive line, defensive tackle, outside line backer and safety. Wooo gotta catch my breath after that laundry list. While Revis definitely makes the Jets defensive units one of the best in the NFL, he does not, and do not believe what Rex Ryan says, does not make the Jets a super bowl contender. Just look at the Herschel Walker trade. With the multiple draft picks the Cowboys received they were able to build a perennial super bowl championship team. The Jets could have a similar situation by trading Darrelle Revis. While the draft is still months away, eyes will be on the Jets to see if they will make this trade. Whatever happens, no matter the outcome, the one certainty is that the way the New York Jets handle this situation will determine the future of this for years to come.
If Detroit is known as hockey town for the NHL, there is no question that Boston has been known as the college hockey town. Four college teams have dominated the bean pot region and the kings of this hockey kingdom are the Boston College Eagles and the Boston University Terriers. Both programs are perennial contenders with the Eagles winning three of the past five National Championships and the Terriers winning it all in 2009. While these two superpowers of college hockey have dominated for years Boston is also home to the Harvard Crimson and NorthEastern which have also had a major impact on college hockey. But hang on, because the power maybe shifting south and more specifically to Whitney Avenue. Only seven miles apart are two of the hottest teams in college hockey and what is fast becoming one of, if not the biggest rivalry in college hockey. The Yale Bulldogs and Quinnipiac Bobcats have always made noise in the ECAC Division but now they have roared into the national spotlight. In the most recent USCHO national poll both teams have cracked the top 10. While both have been in the top 10 before this is the first time that both schools have been in the top 10 at the same time. Both teams are riding major winning streaks and have been forces in the college hockey landscape. The Yale Bulldogs are currently riding a five game win streak and defeated both Harvard and Dartmouth this past weekend. The Quinnipiac Bobcats have remained unbeaten in their last sixteen games and have achieved the highest ranking in the University’s history as the second best team in the nation. Both Yale and Quinnipiac have dominated the national field with a combined 13-0-2 record against ranked opponents this season. This will only add fuel to an already heated rivalry as both teams still have to play each other for their annual meetings at both Ingalls Rink, and TD Bank Center. Not only are these two teams pushing Connecticut into the national picture but another college team could soon enter the race. Just by saying Uconn or Connecticut the first thing people think of is basketball. Maybe a few people might think of the Huskies football team but when asked about the hockey program most people say wait, Uconn has a hockey team? Indeed they do and the so called forgotten child in the Uconn athletic department is now making a major splash. This past weekend the Huskies played tough against the Bobcats and lost 2-1 in
Uconn is joining Hockey East in 2014
the inagural meeting between the two. Uconn made headlines this summer when it was announced that the hockey program would be getting a major overhaul. Not only would the program be joining the prestigious Hockey East conference but it would also be adding 18 scholarships for the program. Another major announcement was that for the Hockey East conference games is that the Huskies would move from the Mark Edwards Freitas Ice Forum to the XL center in Hartford. While the basketball program has the proper facilities the Hockey team doesn’t and is now exploring new options which include building a new ice rink on the Storrs campus. For the short term this is great news for the XL Center whose contract with the Connecticut Whale will expire at the end of the upcoming season and whose future is up in the air. However, the XL Center may not be the the longterm solution for the program because of it’s age and size. Uconn can just look at the blueprint Quinnipiac used for their success. The key cog in building the Quinnipiac machine came with the construction of the TD Bank Center in 2007 for 52 million dollars. The arena has been a major tool in recruitment and one of if not the major reason behind the success of the Bobcats over the past few seasons. While Connecticut has been known for the success of it’s college basketball teams, it is also famously known for losing it’s NHL franchise the Hartford Whalers in 1997, the only professional franchise the state has had. Connecticut hasn’t had the same identity since the Whalers departed for Carolina but now thee college hockey teams could put Connecticut back on the national hockey map. Now if the Huskies continue building in the right direction while Yale and Quinnipiac continue to dominate in the national field Connecticut may soon well dethrone Boston as the mecca for college hockey. Even though these hockey teams have a long way to go before the national tournament the buzz they’ve been creating cannot be ignored. Before we know it Yale or Quinnipiac may not only be in the Frozen Four, but they also may bring back the states first national championship in ice hockey.
Browns fans continue to wonder what could have been?
Cleveland is still waiting for their championship
For the city of Baltimore it is an exciting time as the Ravens will go for their second Lombardi trophy in their brief history. However, for the city of Cleveland it is a recurring nightmare that still haunts the ill-fated franchise. Before 1995 the Browns were known for their infuriating streak of bad luck. From Red Right 88, The Drive, and The Fumble were all constant reminders to the Cleveland faithful about their misfortune. This frustration boiled over after the 1995 season when owner Art Modell announced that the team would be moving to Baltimore. Despite their best efforts the team would leave town to become the Ravens and five years later were Super Bowl XXXV Champions. Even though the Browns were reborn as an expansion team in 1999, they have been perennial cellar dwellers as opposed to contenders. Meanwhile the former franchise has been a model of consistency reaching the postseason for the past five years. What’s even worse is that the Browns coach in 1995 who was fired at the end of the season was Bill Bellichick. Not only has Baltimore won a championship, but Bellichick is the mad scientist behind the three Lombardi trophies that now reside in Foxboro. While I am not from the city of Cleveland I can only imagine what the city has had to endure. It is a city starving for a championship since no team in Cleveland has won a championship in over sixty years. A great pieces that illustrates this is A Football Life: Cleveland 95 which I highly recommend and can be viewed by clicking on the link. Cleveland has been burned on numerous occasions from the Browns move to more recently Lebron James’ decision to take his talents to south beach. While the city still desperately tries to build a contending team it only adds insult to injury when the former Browns left town they were able to win a Super Bowl. Browns fans still cannot fathom how the football gods would give a super bowl to the Ravens before the Browns. I know one thing for sure, and that is on February 3rd the city of Cleveland will all be wearing 49ers jerseys.
Rich Sports Talk 