Monthly Archives: January 2017

Posted on January 31, 2017  by Bryan Zarpentine With the start of spring training closing in fast, the Washington Nationals still have some work to do in their bullpen. Most notably, the Nationals lack a bonafide closer, but on Tuesday they did add some much needed depth to their bullpen by signing veterans Joe Nathan […]

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Well, we thought the hacking scandal in which former St. Louis Cardinals employee Chris Correa illegally gained access to a Houston Astros player database had been put to bed, but apparently not. One day after MLB commissioner Rob Manfred fined the Cardinals $2 million, forced them to […]

Posted on January 31, 2017, by Travis Pulver Adversity is not something the New England Patriots are accustomed to dealing with. They are the one team that tows the party line, says nothing to the media that anyone could find inflammatory, and keeps any and all issues (if there have ever been any) in house. Yes, […]

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine In the aftermath of last week’s trade of second baseman Logan Forsythe to the Dodgers, the Tampa Bay Rays are looking to replace him in their lineup. The trade of Forsythe has actually given the Rays quite a bit of flexibility to explore their options at multiple […]

Posted on January 30, 2017, by Travis Pulver It took some time, but it appears that the San Francisco 49ers have finally found a new general manager in former safety-turned-television commentator John Lynch. He has no experience in an NFL front office, and his only experience evaluating talent lies in whatever he needed to do […]

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Aside from the signing of catcher Jason Castro early in the winter and the will they or won’t they drama surrounding the possible trade of second baseman Brian Dozier, it’s been a rather quiet offseason for the Minnesota Twins. However, like a few other small-market clubs, the […]

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Major League Baseball announced Monday that it has levied punishment against the St. Louis Cardinals after a former team employee hacked into a player database belonging to the Houston Astros. In 2013 and 2014, former Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa illegally gained access to Houston’s servers that included […]

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine When spring training gets underway next month, all 30 MLB teams will be on equal footing, and all will have a chance to earn a spot in the postseason. That being said, few people are giving the Cincinnati Reds much of a chance to keep up in […]

Posted on January 29, 2017, by Travis Pulver It has been a long time coming for Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Back in 2012, it looked like they were going to do it after winning 13 games during the regular season. But the 49ers defense (No. 2) slowed Matt Ryan down and Colin Kaepernick […]

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Kansas City Royals have agreed to sign first baseman-outfielder Brandon Moss. The team has yet to officially announce the deal, which is pending a physical that is scheduled for later this week. However, multiple outlets are reporting that the deal is for two years and $12 […]

Posted on January 29, 2017, by Travis Pulver Miami is not a bad team at all. They are far from being one of the best scoring teams in the nation (No. 199), but they are one of the best defensive teams the country has (No. 17). Good? Yes—but more talented than the North Carolina Tar […]

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Despite re-signing closer Kenley Jansen earlier this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t exactly confident in the look of their bullpen heading into spring training, something they hope to rectify. Despite winning four straight NL West division crowns on the trot, the Dodgers have been unable to […]

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine After trading Logan Forsythe to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, the Tampa Bay Rays created a vacancy for themselves at second base just weeks before the start of spring training. But the Rays did not recklessly make the trade without some kind of plan in place […]

Posted on January 29, 2017, by Travis Pulver Saturday’s game between two of college basketball’s blue-bloods, the Kansas Jayhawks, and Kentucky Wildcats, saw both teams enter the game in the same position—looking to bounce back from a loss. Both teams lost on Tuesday, Kentucky to Tennessee by two (82-80) and Kansas to West Virginia by […]

Posted on January 28, 2017, by Travis Pulver After starting the new year with nothing but ranked opponents on their schedule for a few weeks, the Florida State Seminoles were probably looking forward to playing Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Both are good teams but not great teams; teams they should be able to handle after […]

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine When the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a trade for second baseman Logan Forsythe earlier this week, it was a huge sigh of relief for Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier. Throughout the offseason, Dozier has been the subject of trade talk, and for the most part, he’s […]

Posted on January 28, 2017, by Travis Pulver When the Houston Rockets acquired James Harden back before the 2012-13 season, they knew they were getting a pretty good basketball player. Anyone that wins the Sixth Man of the Year Award (like he did for the 2011-12 season) can’t be half bad. Does that mean he […]

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Chicago White Sox have spent the winter engaged in what can only be described as a mini-fire sale. The White Sox have traded ace Chris Sale to the Red Sox and Adam Eaton to the Nationals, and they may not be done yet. Speaking publicly on […]

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine While playing in the World Series last year, the Cleveland Indians were missing a few key players. Aside from Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco missing from the starting rotation, the Indians were without left fielder Michael Brantley, who would have been one of the team’s best hitters […]

Posted on January 27, 2017, by Travis Pulver The Chicago Bulls needed an opponent like the Miami Heat Friday night. They needed to play a team that—well, a team that stinks. After all the drama during the week involving Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade, and Rajon Rondo, they needed a win. Nothing cures dysfunction quite like […]

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The free agency saga of catcher Matt Wieters has had an infinite number of twists and turns, and there’s still no end in sight. The latest development comes from Tommy Stokke, who reports that the Milwaukee Brewers have “emerged as a potential suitor” for Wieters. Milwaukee’s exact […]

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine So far this offseason, the Washington Nationals have acquired their center fielder of the future in Adam Eaton, moved Trea Turner back to shortstop, filled their void behind the plate with Derek Norris, and solidified their bench with Stephen Drew. But there’s one thing they haven’t done […]

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine With February nearly upon us, teams are scouring the free agent market looking for a bargain. This is particularly true for small market teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, who are reportedly looking to add a power hitter after trading second baseman Logan Forsythe to the Dodgers […]

Posted on January 26, 2017, by Travis Pulver There is nothing like playing your rival to bring out your best. So when UCLA hosted USC Wednesday night, the Bruins knew it would not be an easy one. Tack on the desire not to lose back to back games for the first time this season and […]

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Washington Nationals have declined to spend much money in free agency this offseason, but they have made some relatively small moves to improve the periphery of their roster, and that continued Thursday when the team re-signed infielder Stephen Drew to a one-year deal. Drew will earn […]

Posted on January 26, 2017, by Travis Pulver A team like Florida State should not have any trouble playing a squad like the one Georgia Tech is putting on the court these days. Not that the Yellow Jackets are bad; the Seminoles are just better. But just like in football where any team can win […]

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Los Angeles Dodgers got great contributions down the stretch last season from 20-year old lefty Julio Urias. The rookie from Mexico posted a 1.99 ERA the second half of the season and earned a spot in the team’s postseason rotation. Naturally, the Dodgers are hoping Urias […]

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Cincinnati Reds have signed veteran pitcher Scott Feldman to a one-year deal. The Reds formally announced the deal Thursday morning. Feldman will make a base salary of $2.3 million with the chance to make an additional $2.2 million in incentives. The signing of Feldman comes one […]

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Outside of the trio of Chapman, Jansen, and Melancon, Greg Holland was one of the most intriguing relief pitchers on the free agent market this winter. Despite missing the entire 2016 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, more than a dozen teams expressed interest in signing him. […]

Posted on January 25, 2017, by Travis Pulver The ultimate goal of every college basketball team is to be considered the best team in the nation. Everyone wants to be No. 1 but those that achieve it know one thing all too well—everyone you face wants nothing more than to knock you back down and […]

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The plan to trade outfielder Jay Bruce this winter has not worked out as the New York Mets hoped, forcing the team to come to terms with keeping him around in 2017. At first glance, it appeared that Bruce would be relegated to a bench role with […]

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine A few days after reports surfaced that a deal was close, the Los Angeles Angels have completed an agreement with free agent infielder Luis Valbuena. The deal will pay Valbuena $15 million over the next two years, with a mutual option for the 2019 season worth $8.5 […]

Posted on January 24, 2017, by Travis Pulver When you are the defending champions, expectations are placed upon you by the fans, the media, opponents, and to a degree yourselves. When you have one of the greatest players in NBA history on the roster those expectations are a little higher. So—when they are not met, […]

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine After signing closer Mark Melancon to a long-term contract early in the offseason, the San Francisco Giants have been noticeably quiet this winter. However, with spring training just a few weeks away, the Giants appear to be taking advantage of a buyer’s market and signing some free […]

Posted on January 24, 2017, by Travis Pulver The Cleveland Cavaliers may be the defending champions, but the team to beat is the Golden State Warriors. Yes, the Cavaliers are good, and the team in the East anyone that wants to contend has to beat but to be taken seriously as a potential championship contender, […]

Posted on January 24, 2017, by Travis Pulver Having a roster of talented veteran players can be a very good thing for a team except for one thing—older guys can’t handle the wear and tear of the NBA schedule as well as their younger counterparts can. As a result, injuries can test a roster from […]

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Chicago Cubs already have one of the better starting rotations in the National League, but it never hurts to try to get a little better. The Cubs have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with lefty Brett Anderson. The deal reportedly has a base salary of […]

Posted on January 23, 2017, by Travis Pulver Adam Jones had done it. He had succeeded in doing something that many had tried to do, but precious few have ever succeeded at doing. He managed to rebuild his career and become a productive member of the Cincinnati Bengals after countless idiotic and often criminal mistakes […]

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine It has taken most of the offseason, but the Los Angeles Dodgers have finally found their second baseman for 2017. Monday night, the Dodgers completed a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring second baseman Logan Forsythe for pitching prospect Jose De Leon. The Dodgers have spent […]

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine After agreeing to bring back outfielder Jose Bautista, the Toronto Blue Jays appear ready to put a bow on the offseason and head to spring training. But if there’s one thing left on Toronto’s to-do list, it’s add a backup catcher. Russell Martin is entrenched as the […]

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Boston Red Sox lefty Drew Pomeranz is in a unique position; he was an all-star last season, but is somehow not a lock to be in his team’s starting rotation this year. After the acquisition of Chris Sale, three of the spots in Boston’s rotation are spoken […]

Posted on January 23, 2017, by Travis Pulver After struggling for the last few seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers hoped for a rebirth of sorts this season with Kobe Bryant retired and new head coach Luke Walton in charge. With the work he had done as a part of the Golden State Warriors staff, they […]

Posted on January 23, 2017, by Travis Pulver For the Pittsburgh Steelers to record a win over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, they could not afford to make many (if any) mistakes. They couldn’t afford to have any part of their game falter. They had to be at their best. They […]

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine One of the biggest winners of the baseball offseason has to be the Houston Astros. Perhaps wisely so, the Astros were active early in the winter and have put together what on paper looks like one of the best offensive lineups in baseball. However, we’ve heard little […]

Posted on January 23, 2017, by Travis Pulver It was supposed to be a shootout. The NFC Championship was supposed to feature two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL doing what they do best—torching defenses for massive yards as they attempt to lead their team to victory. Not just any win, but one that […]

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The clock is slowly ticking down of free agent catcher Matt Wieters, who is yet to sign with a team despite being arguably the top catcher on the free agent market this winter. Unlike many of the other top free agents who have had trouble finding a […]

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine For the second time in less than four months, the baseball world has lost one of its brightest young pitching stars far too soon. Officials in the Dominican Republic confirmed Sunday morning that Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura has died in a car crash. He was […]

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Tampa Bay Rays made headlines earlier this month by trading starting pitcher Drew Smyly to the Seattle Mariners in order to acquire young talent. Despite losing a pitcher as talented as Smyly, that trade made sense for the Rays in that they traded from a position […]

Posted on January 22, 2017, by Travis Pulver Whenever the name “Grayson Allen” comes up, college basketball fans have come to expect to hear another story about him tripping someone, looking like he was thinking about it, or some other form of potentially questionable contact. Thanks to his actual tripping incidents, fans tend to assume […]

Posted on January 21, 2017, by Travis Pulver The one thing fans of losing teams or teams not making the playoffs want to see as their team’s season winds down is a reason to believe that next year is going to be better—or at least may be. Even though the season ended with a win […]

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Atlanta Braves have made several moves this offseason to strengthen their pitching staff, and on Saturday they made a move to shore up the other half of their battery. Atlanta has agreed to a one-year deal with veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki. The deal is pending a […]

Posted on January 21, 2017, by Travis Pulver The Houston Rockets have been taking a very Golden State-like approach to this season. It’s a method that has become synonymous with the Warriors as they have risen to elite status in the NBA over the last few years. They’ve been making it rain from behind the […]

Posted on January 21, 2017  by Bryan Zarpentine With time slowly running out until the start of spring training, free agent catcher Matt Wieters remains unsigned despite many considering him to be the top catcher available on the market this winter. Many have speculated that the Washington Nationals would ultimatley emerge as the favorites to […]

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine At the start of the offseason, Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila told reporters that changes were coming, and that the team wanted to get younger and gain more payroll flexibility. To many, this translated to a potential fire sale. However, other than trading Cameron Maybin to the […]

Posted on January 21, 2017, by Travis Pulver The Philadelphia 76ers have stunk for years. Not just stunk—they’ve been downright terrible. They’ve redefined the concept of “stinking.” How else can you describe a team that has won just 47 games over the last three seasons? So, when the Portland Trail Blazers took the court against […]

Posted on January 20, 2017, by Travis Pulver When the Pittsburgh Steelers were trounced 34-3 by the Philadelphia Eagles back in Week Three, the AFC Championship game is the last place they were expected to be, come mid/late January. But when your young defense gels and your superstars play like they are supposed to play, […]

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Miami Marlins have been willing spenders this offseason with regard to pitching, signing two starters, two relievers, and trading for starter Dan Straily earlier this week. However, they’ve yet to add any offensive help, although rumors suggest that could change. Recent reports suggest the Marlins are […]

Posted on January 20, 2017, by Travis Pulver When the Houston Texans signed Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract the football-loving free world thought it was a good idea; that he would be the quarterback of the future for the franchise. A year later it is safe to say that Osweiler is probably […]

Posted on January 20, 2017, by Travis Pulver The Dallas Cowboys were very concerned about who they would have backing up Tony Romo coming into this season. With his injury history and how things went in 2015 without him, the team knew it had to be better prepared for the worst case scenario—but it wasn’t. […]

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine With time starting to run out before the start of spring training, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still without a full-time second baseman, and with trade talks with the Minnesota Twins regarding Brian Dozier still at an impasse, the Dodgers are reportedly expanding their search. Ken Rosenthal […]

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine One of the longest and most complicated sagas of the baseball offseason has come to its conclusion. The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to re-sign slugger Mark Trumbo. The two sides have gone back and forth in negotiations all offseason. There were moments when a deal looked inevitable […]

Posted on January 19, 2017, by Travis Pulver No matter what transpires over the next century, Texas A&M fans will always hate the Texas Longhorns. Auburn fans will show no particular affinity for Alabama, and Oregon State fans will not be too eager to wear any shade of green their rival, the Oregon Ducks, may […]

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Milwaukee Brewers are very much in rebuilding mode and may find it difficult to compete in 2017. But that hasn’t stopped them from venturing into the free agent pool and spending some money to improve their team for the upcoming season. The Brewers announced Thursday that […]

Published January 19, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Prior to the November election, oddsmakers were giving Donald Trump long odds on defeating Hillary Clinton in the general election and becoming President of the United States. They, of course, were wrong, as the Republican nominee won the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by a few […]

Posted on January 19, 2017, by Travis Pulver Even if you don’t follow the NBA, you have probably heard the story by now. Kevin Durant ditched his old team, a bigger contract, and Russell Westbrook for the Golden State Warriors, a not-as-big-but-still-big contract, Steph Curry, and a better chance of winning an NBA title. It […]

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine In an effort to strengthen their starting rotation before the start of the season, the Miami Marlins have acquired righty Dan Straily from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for three minor leaguers. The deal was completed Thursday morning but is still pending physicals. For giving up Straily, […]

Posted on January 19, 2017, by Travis Pulver After ending their first losing streak of the season at two games Sunday night with a dominant win over the Brooklyn Nets, the Rockets probably expected to start their next winning streak with a big game over one of the worst teams in the NBA Tuesday night, […]

Posted on January 18, 2017, by Travis Pulver Rumors have swirled around Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and his job security of late. Whether the stories were created because of someone’s wrongful assumption, an overheard comment, or because the team has actually lost confidence in him, we’ll never know. But, at least for now, […]

Whether you heard sports betting advertisements years ago on Howard Sterns XM-Sirius satellite radio show or on television during your favorite NBA or Sunday NFL action you can always find a handicapper willing and ready to help you with a prediction. If you have a voicemail from a 800-474-8002 and are looking to try out […]

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed three new members Wednesday night with the announcement that Tim Raines, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and Jeff Bagwell have all received enough votes to attain entry into Cooperstown. Several notable players fell short of the 75% vote needed to reach the Hall, […]

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine After three solid seasons from right fielder Kole Calhoun, the Los Angeles Angels are ready to commit to three more years of Calhoun in right field. On Wednesday, the Angels announced that they have agreed to a three-year extension with Calhoun worth $26 million. The deal will […]

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine One of the more under-rated players that helped the Cleveland Indians get within a game of a world championship in 2016 was Brandon Guyer, who was acquired in a mid-season trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. On Wednesday, the Indians made sure that Guyer will remain in […]

Posted on January 17, 2017, by Travis Pulver After destroying the Seattle Seahawks last Saturday to earn a spot in the NFC Championship game, the general perception was that the team said one heck of a goodbye to their soon-to-be-former-stadium, the Georgia Dome (next year they move into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium). They expected to be […]

Posted on January 17, 2017, by Travis Pulver The AFC Championship Game cannot come soon enough, and not just because a Patriots-Steelers matchup should be pretty darn good. If they start playing, maybe one of the dumbest controversies in recent history will go away—Antonio Brown’s Facebook video in the Steelers locker room following the win […]

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Ever since the Detroit Tigers traded Cameron Maybin to the Angels early in the offseason, they’ve had a vacancy in center field. Most consider prospect JaCoby Jones, an incredible athlete who’s had difficulty sticking at one position, to be the team’s center fielder of the future. Jones, […]

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine It’s been a wild and unpredictable offseason for outfielder Jose Bautista, but in the end, he’s ending up back where he started: with the Toronto Blue Jays. Multiple outlets are reporting that the Blue Jays and Bautista have agreed to a one-year deal with mutual options for […]

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Texas Rangers have agreed to sign outfielder Josh Hamilton to a minor league deal. Re-signing Hamilton had been expected for quite some time, but is now official. Hamilton will be invited to major league spring training and have the opportunity to make the Rangers’ opening day […]

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Even after an offseason full of big moves, the Houston Astros appear to be looking to make one more big splash, most likely in the form of a frontline starting pitcher. One pitcher they have been linked to at various times this offseason is Sonny Gray of the […]

Posted on January 17, 2017, by Travis Pulver It is only the regular season. It is only one game of the 82 contests each team will play before the regular season is over. In the big picture—it doesn’t mean a lot. But that doesn’t mean the Golden State Warriors are not going to take a […]

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Kansas City Royals announced Monday that they have signed starting pitcher Danny Duffy to a five-year extension worth $65 million. The deal comes as the southpaw is about to enter his final year of arbitration, and ensures that he will remain in Kansas City through the […]

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine All-star outfielder Michael Saunders has a new home, and it’s with the Philadelphia Phillies. Multiple outlets are reporting that Saunders has agreed to sign a one-year deal with Philadelphia for $9 million. The deal also has an $11 million option for the 2018 season that could be worth […]

Posted on January 16, 2017, by Travis Pulver Had you asked anyone before kickoff who the hero of the game was going to be when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs were done playing they would have said Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Travis Kelce, Alex Smith, Tyreek Hill, or Eric Berry. The […]

Posted on January 15, 2017, by Travis Pulver This one must hurt for Dallas Cowboys fans—and not just a little bit but a whole freaking lot. It has to hurt not just because they lost on an end of game field goal attempt, but more because of the insane roller coaster of emotions fans experienced […]

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Of all the players who could be with a new team by the start of spring training, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana is undoubtedly the most intriguing. Teams have refused to give up their pursuit of the lefty, and the latest rumors suggest that interest in […]

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The free agent market has moved so slowly this winter that less than a month before spring training gets underway, there is still a large collection of free agents who remain unsigned. Those players are undoubtedly getting anxious and will become more willing to accept offers below […]

Posted on January 15, 2017, by Travis Pulver For the Houston Texans to beat the New England Patriots Saturday night, they would need to make history. They would need to figure out some way to slow down the No. 3 scoring offense in the league while somehow getting their 28th ranked scoring offense to put […]

Posted on January 15, 2017, by Travis Pulver Fans of teams other than the Atlanta Falcons were probably a little surprised at how the Falcons-Seahawks game turned out. Not so much that the Falcons won but how they won the game. Atlanta’s offensive prowess was no surprise, but how the defense played certainly was. When […]

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine With trade talks between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins regarding second baseman Brian Dozier reportedly at an impasse, the Dodgers may look to pivot and look elsewhere for a second baseman. There’s been speculation that Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler could be Plan B if […]

Posted on January 15, 2017, by Travis Pulver When the 2016-17 Men’s College Basketball season started, much was expected of the Duke Blue Devils. They were named the preseason No. 1 so, of course, there were expectations. However, they haven’t really lived up to them so far. The loss to Kansas can be lived with; […]

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The free agent market has been unkind to power hitters this winter, and it’s been especially harsh on Michael Saunders. There’s been little chatter about Saunders this winter, especially with players like Mark Trumbo, Mike Napoli, and Jose Bautista still unsigned. However, Saunders is arguably the best […]

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine With just over a month until the start of spring training, there are quite a few proven major league catchers still available on the free agent market. Matt Wieters is the most notable of them, as he was regarded by many as the top catcher available when […]

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Arizona Diamondbacks, as they were expected to do, shored up their catching situation on Friday by signing veteran backstop Chris Iannetta to a one-year deal. Iannetta will make $1.5 million in 2017, as he helps fill Arizona’s need behind the plate after the Diamondbacks parted ways […]

Posted on January 14, 2017, by Travis Pulver There is a trick to beating the Memphis Grizzlies that will sound very simple and easy to the fair-weather basketball fan–but is easier said than done. What is it? Easy, you must outscore them. It can’t get much more basic than that, right? Basic—yes, but that doesn’t […]

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The Texas Rangers have signed starting pitcher Tyson Ross to a one-year deal. The team is yet to announce the deal, but multiple sources have confirmed that an agreement has been reached between Ross and the Rangers. Ross will reportedly make $6 million plus incentives in 2017. […]

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine The San Diego Padres are in the midst of a long rebuilding process that may not be finished for a few more years. However, the team is ready to ensure that first baseman Will Myers is with them when they reach the end of the road. Multiple […]

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine It took roughly three dozen trades, all of which came in a span of less than 16 months, but Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto finally appears satisfied with the look of his team. After an offseason that included one trader after another after another, the Mariners appear […]

Posted on January 13, 2017, by Travis Pulver It has been a long time coming as far as Dallas Cowboys fans are concerned, but if all goes well Sunday afternoon, their team is going to be moving on to a place that used to be familiar territory. Sadly, they have not been there in a […]

Posted on January 13, 2017 by Bryan Zarpentine Despite coming back in time to be part of the Chicago Cubs team that won the World Series, a knee injury in early April deprived Kyle Schwarber of spending his first full season in the big leagues in 2016. However, Schwarber will get another chance at his […]

Posted on January 13, 2017, by Travis Pulver Revenge can be a powerful motivational tool. It can drive a player to dig deeper than they thought possible to make the big play for their team when it is needed most. However, at the same time, if a player is unable to keep the passion and […]

Posted on January 12, 2017, by Travis Pulver The Baltimore Colts were not supposed to beat the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. Kansas City didn’t have any business beating the Minnesota Vikings the following year either. Super Bowl XXV was finally going to be Buffalo’s year, but instead, it belonged to the New […]