* Well, I had a feeling Brian Cashman wasn't done yet and sure enough the Yankees acquired fireballing reliever Aroldis Chapman for 4 minor leaguers, none of which were any of the team's top prospects. With Chapman, the Yankees will have an awesome back of the bullpen with Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances and Chapman. The only concern is whether the 3-time 27 year old All-Star will be suspended for an alleged domestic violence incident. One would think that the Yankees would have checked out the situation and believe even if Chapman is suspended he would still be available for most of the 2016 season. A bulked up hard throwing bullpen will help to bolster a fragile starting rotation.
* As many of you who follow me know, I have been extremely critical of Cashman but right now I would give him high marks for this off season's acquisitions as the Yankees continue to get younger and more athletic. It will only get better as the 4 big contracts come off the books.(Beltran, Sabathia, Texiera and ARod)
* The Maple Leafs continue to shock many in Leafs Nation as they defeated the New York Islanders in the Barclay Center. It is apparent that the team is responding quite well to Head Coach Mike Babcock and if they can get decent goaltending they will be a factor in determining who gets into the playoffs. One only wonders where they would be in the standings if they hadn't had such a terrible October.
* What will be interesting to see is who General Manager Lou Lamiorello will try to move at the trade deadline. Certainly it's possible that Michael Grabner and P.A.Parentau could be moved but one has to wonder if there would be any consideration to move Roman Polak or fan favorite Leo Komorov. Of course, there is the persistent speculation about the Leaf futures of Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf and Tyler Bozak.
* Speaking of Bozak, it has been really annoying how this guy has been a constant whipping boy. The fact remains that he didn't ask to be the team's number one center. He is a college free agent who has played up to his ability and has served the Leafs well. Babcock seems to have slotted him perfectly as is the case with Dion Phaneuf.
* Watching William Nylander get knocked out of Team Sweden's game against Switzerland had me thinking that this franchise is cursed. Luckily, the word is that he very well may play again in the World Juniors and that is good news for Sweden and better news for the Marlies and the Maple Leafs.
* It's interesting how Manzielmania continues to grow with each game that Johnny Football plays. I guess I'm confused as to how an NFL quarterback who rushes for nearly the same number of yards as he passes for is the formula for a Super Bowl contender.
* While I would agree that it may be unfair to evaluate Manziel with the receivers that he has to throw to, his actions off the field may be just as important when determining whether or not he is the quarterback of the future. Of course, now we see the Christmas Eve video of Manziel with an alcoholic beverage in his hand. Many will say what is the big deal. But the big deal is this kid was in an alcohol rehabilitation program. He shouldn't be drinking period. This has to call into question his judgment. To me the Browns have 2 options: 1.) get rid of him or 2.) keep him and draft another quarterback, not necessarily with their first round pick.
* The Bleacher Report is reporting that Ray Farmer will be shown the door once the season is over but Mike Pettine will be retained as head coach. I don't have a problem with that, particularly if Browns owner Jimmy Haslam insists that Pettine bring in some assistants who have some pro football experience. There is also rumors that Haslam will bring in former Green Bay GM Ron Wolf to act as a consultant to rebuild football operations. Would be a good move in my opinion.
* It didn't take long for the honeymoon to end between Bills fans and Buffalo head coach Rex Ryan. What is very telling is how the Bills have regressed under Ryan and the Jets are on the verge of making the playoffs under Todd Bowles.
* If I were a member of the Jets and needed additional motivation for Sunday's game, all I would think about is how Ryan was jumping around on the sidelines after the Bills win at MetLife Stadium earlier this season.
* Would really like to see Arizona or Carolina win the Super Bowl. Bruce Arians has done a great job and it's fun watching Carson Palmer have a chance to go far in the playoffs, particularly after the crushing injury he received a few years back against the Steelers when he was playing for Cincinnati. What can I say about Cam Newton. The kid is having an awesome year and Ron Rivera has this team really playing well. Would be a great NFC Championship Game.
* I don't know what to think about the Al Jazeera report about Peyton Manning and others using HGH. It seems hard to believe that Manning would risk his reputation. With the so-called source recanting his story, one would have to give Peyton the benefit of the doubt.
* For all of the gasbags and self-righteous morons who are slamming Mike Ditka for calling Al Jazeera not credible and garbage, I'm with Ditka. Since when is Al Jazeera a sports reporting agency. Credit to Da Coach for telling it like it is.
* With word that the Maple Leafs are looking to change their uniforms, one has to wonder how much of this is a result of Addidas getting the NHL contract for apparel next season. We know that Nike was involved in the ridiculously stupid new uniforms for the Browns. So much for tradition.
* There was an interesting article last week in the NY Post that raised the question as to whether or not Sidney Crosby is a coach killer. Crosby has had four head coaches in his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The article pointed out that Crosby has a close relationship with Penguins owner and icon, Mario Lemieux. I'm a Crosby fan, but the article gave me something to think about.
* If the playoffs started tomorrow in the NFL, the starting quarterbacks for the AFC playoff teams would be: Tom Brady, AJ McCarron, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Alex Smith and Brock Osweiler. A far cry from the days of Kelly, Elway, Kosar, Marino and Esiason.
* By the way, the Browns could have had Bruce Arians or Todd Bowles as their head coach.
* Really looking forward to watching the Final Four in the College Football Playoffs and the Fiesta Bowl with Notre Dame and Ohio State. I'm pulling for Oklahoma, Michigan State and the Fighting Irish.
* Wonder if the gasbags on WGR550 realize that these college games are taking place this weekend. I'd bet anything I have that there will not be a segment in the morning or during drive time about them. More concerned about getting the right musical effects when they talk about Ryan O'Reilly.
* Here's hoping that you all have a Happy and Healthy 2016!!
No comments:
Post a Comment