Showing posts with label Albert Pujols. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Albert Pujols. Show all posts

Monday, December 12, 2011

Monday Night Thoughts

Let's take a look at the happening of this Monday....

- It was a bad day to be a NFL coach as Miami's Tony Sparano and Kansas City's Todd Haley were shown the door. There are so many high-profile coaches sitting on the sidelines right now, both teams need to make some calls. However, Haley didn't deserve his fate since basically all of the good Chiefs players got hurt and ended up on injured reserve. He will turn up next I see as the new Bears offensive coordinator in 2012.
- This business with Chris Paul continues to drag on as a trade to the Clippers were knocked down today but reports tonight are saying that there is a new push to get a trade done with the Staples Center's other team. Get it done and over with already! In the meantime, the Clippers claimed Chauncey Billups off waivers. I guess that's the backup plan.
- Now, a classic example of pay attention to what your spouse is saying. Albert Pujols' wife Diedre went on St. Louis radio today to explain how Pujols would have stayed with the Cardinals for less money but the Cards only offered a five-year deal to begin negotiations. I don't know how much I believe of this but if it is true, that is definitely a key development. A 5-year deal in my opinion would be enough but Pujols I figure wanted one long deal to end his career and that is what he got with the Angels.
- Elsewhere in the NL Central, the Brewers have signed former Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez. This figures to fill the void offensively with Prince Fielder likely out of town and could be headed to Chicago. I think a lot of Cubs fans would trade a Fielder-for-Ramirez deal. In Milwaukee though, Ramirez will probably need to carry the load for the first 2 months with Ryan Braun on suspension more than likely. This is not one of the best qualities of Ramirez though, will be interesting to see what happens.
- With Ramirez now in the fold, the Brewers traded Casey McGehee to the Pirates. If McGehee can get back his 2010 form, Pittsburgh may get to the .500 mark in 2012. The talent level on that team with Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker is way up there and better than a lot of young groups. McGehee will probably play first base for the Pirates and spell Alvarez at third.

That's tonight's opinions, things are always breaking so more in the morning......

Monday is here again

Late last night, it was all football. Now we go into the other sports reports....

- The Chris Paul trade game continues as now he may be heading to the Clippers for a package of players. This has dragged out long enough, either make the trade or he stays in New Orleans. I thought the NBA wanted good publicity now that they actually have a season.
- One thing I didn't touch on much Saturday was the fight between Cincinnati and Xavier at the end of the game. A very ugly scene between the crosstown rivals. There is no place for fights like that as emotions were growing hotter and hotter as the game progressed. Time to grow up boys and remember you aren't playing at your neighborhood playground.
- In other NBA news, the Lakers did make a trade but it was Lamar Odom being dealt to Dallas. Odom was very upset over being included in the proposed Chris Paul trade that he wanted out of LA. So Odom gets to go to the defending champions. Not a bad place to land.
- Talk about a fan base that is excited. About 4,000 fans showed up outside Angel Stadium for the formal introductions of Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. They are very serious about winning and capturing more of the Los Angeles market. Those two moves for now at least achieve that goal.
- Now one of the busiest men in hockey recently, Patrick Sharp. Sharp scored an overtime goal Thursday for the Blackhawks to defeat the Islanders, then found out his wife was in labor, flew home to Chicago in time to see baby Madelyn be born. Then Sunday adds another overtime goal in a win over San Jose. Try to get some sleep now, big guy or maybe Hawks fans would like you to continue your whirlwind.
- Surprised even myself with a 15-5 record on weekend predictions including 12-2 on NFL games. If the Bengals could have just held on and the Cowboys wouldn't have choked again. Tonight, a game that only fantasy players care about in Seattle as the Seahawks face the Rams. I'll take Seattle for the win 24-7.

That's all for now, today's trivia question comes up at midday and more sports thoughts are forthcoming tonight....

Thursday, December 8, 2011

It's Late Night in Blogland

Sitting at the desk late tonight, let's go...

- Just after I posted the morning report, reports begin flying that Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson have signed with the Angels. A war has developed now between the Angels and Rangers for the AL West crown, this should be interesting. Pujols gets over $250 million while Wilson gets $77 million, would be nice to make that kind of money.
- Also on Thursday, the Cubs traded Tyler Colvin to Colorado for Ian Stewart. North Siders needed a 3rd baseman with Aramis Ramirez now gone. This is a big risk for a Cub team that wants defense and there is no doubt Stewart won't match Ramirez's production offensively.
- Very interesting news in the NBA as the New Orleans Hornets were going to trade star point guard Chris Paul to the Lakers but one problem, the NBA owns the Hornets right now and killed the trade. David Stern wants competitive balance but I'm not sure if he should be sticking his nose in this.

That's it for tonight, more in the morning

Thursday Thoughts

I talked all about baseball in last night's post, a little more baseball now among other things....

- It appears Albert Pujols will take more time to think about where he will play in 2012. Numerous reports came out last night saying that no decision will be made before the end of the Winter Meetings. I have zero clue where he's landing now. Could it be St. Louis again? Los Angeles with the Angels? However, I'm going to venture this guess. The Mets looked to look Ike Davis yesterday, there's your mystery team. Let that simmer. (UPDATE: About 10 minutes after posting this, Yahoo reported Pujols has agreed to 10 year/$260 million deal with the Angels)
- In international news, Yu Darvish will be posted by his Japanese club to go to the States to play. Darvish has been a dominating pitcher in Japan, going 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA this past season. One major issue is this, Darvish was getting 6 days off between starts as opposed to the 4 he would get in MLB. This has all the potential of a Yankees or Red Sox signing with the amount of money needed in posting fees to get Darvish plus the contract. Probably going to take over $100 million. Just don't see anyone else going after him for that kind of money.
- There seems to be a growing tidal wave wanting a college football playoff with Stanford AD Bob Bowlsby saying that a 4-team playoff is "inevitable".Would that idea be so bad? Really?
- The opening of NBA training camps and free agency begin tomorrow. It seems more and more likely that not a lot of trades are going to happen and there aren't any big-name free agents. A tweak here and there for some teams but you have to think the two teams to beat are still Miami and Dallas.
- Last but not least today, I go to high school football. A team in Massachusetts lost the state title game this past weekend because their quarterback while running in for the winning touchdown raises his arm for five yards. That brought out a penalty for taunting. Give me a break! These kids are in high school, they get excited. Why don't we just put all the players on pills to make them even the whole game, no excitement about anything and see how fun the game looks then. Shame shame on the high school association.

That's it for now, maybe more tonight if things develop....

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Baseball, Baseball, Baseball

The rumors and signings are coming fast and furious now...

- I guess there is a money tree in Miami for the Marlins now that they have signed Mark Buehrle to a four-year deal. Reunited Buehrle with former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. 3 big signings, are more coming?
- Now we wait on Albert Pujols....it appears more and more likely he is going back to St. Louis but the Marlins keep peeking back in to try to get him. Rumors have connected Pujols to the Cubs at some point but that's not happening. I won't predict where Pujols goes but it won't be Clark and Addison.
- Let's now talk about a player I do see on the Cubs next season and that's Prince Fielder. He's telling friends he wants to go to Chicago (Twitter can be a treat though). This would be a great signing just getting a left-handed hitter with power but lots of work needs to be done on the North Side even if this happens.
- Next, we go to CJ Wilson. Marlins still poking around, Nationals poking around, Angels seem to be the front runner but then the Rangers spring back up. I'm thinking Wilson is headed to the Angels. He likes the West I read so sounds logical.
- Huston Street was traded today from the Rockies to the Padres. San Diego needed a new closer after Heath Bell went to South Beach. Rockies wanted Street out of there and get away with not paying much of the 2012 salary either. Don't think the trades are over for Colorado yet though.
- Another player out there is Jimmy Rollins, who I don't think will be heading back to Philadelphia. All has mostly been quiet on his front at the Winter Meetings with all of the attention on the others I already mentioned but look for J-Roll to end up in Milwaukee.

That's it for now, we'll recap in the morning....

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tuesday night thoughts

It's getting late but here's a quick group of thoughts...

- We may have a decision from Albert Pujols by the time my next blog post. 3 teams are in at over $200 million. Likely Marlins, Cardinals and Angels. Cubs may be involved too but it's looking likely Pujols is heading for South Beach. See if LeBron can host a Decision special for him.
- The Big East is adding members that are nowhere near east in Boise State and San Diego State. Last time I checked San Diego is on the Pacific Ocean not the Atlantic which puts them as far west as you can be...interesting.
- Week 14 of the NFL Season starts Thursday...get your fantasy roster ready as the playoffs begin. Hopefully you made it. Took a bunch of work but thankfully I did.

That's all for now, more in the morning hopefully....

Tuesday morning thought pattern

First day of the week is through, let's look at what's going on....

- I have to open this with the happy announcement of Ron Santo making the Hall of Fame. It took long enough and it's quite sad that he isn't alive to see it. A great day yesterday was for Santo's family and Cubs fans everywhere
- The NHL must want attention as it was approved a new four-conference realignment. I'm quite pleased by the fact that leagues are grouping teams by geography area and that the schedule will be more balanced but must said, some radical move to group 7 or 8 teams into a conference like the old MLB setup.
- Finally a coach is speaking up on the injustice of the BCS. Give Boise State coach Chris Petersen a lot of credit for coming out and blasting this current system. No one likes it, it must be changed. How hard would it be to have a 8-team playoff? Not at all.
- I would love to find out where the Miami Marlins found a money machine at. After signing Jose Reyes and Heath Bell, the Marlins offered a 10-year contract to Albert Pujols on Monday. They seem to be in on every free agent, where is it coming from?
- The Chargers finally found their way last night with a win over the Jaguars. Finally, a good game from Philip Rivers. Those have been few and far between this year but makes the AFC West all competitive still with four weeks to go.
- It was reported late last night that the Lakers are exploring trading for both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. The way the NBA is headed, we may as well just have 8 super teams and forget everyone else. This is no way competitive balance can succeed with superstars on just a few teams.

There's your morning report, more late tonight....

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Reflections....

As the wind blows past the windows, a look at what is up in sports....

- Drew Brees once again lit up another opposing defense Monday night in the Saints' 49-24 win over the Giants. Brees threw for five touchdowns and amassed enough fantasy points where I lost my matchup. Brees and company get the Lions Sunday night, Brees may throw for another five scores there.
- The Jaguars fired Jack Del Rio this morning, ending his 9-year run in Jacksonville. The Jags are 3-8 this season with rookie QB Blaine Gabbert at the helm. It will take time for Gabbert to mature as a quarterback it may seem since the only light is Maurice Jones-Drew right now.
- The firing line continues in the NHL as Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice got the boot for the second time from the team. Kirk Muller assumes control in Carolina. A good, solid NHL player and now we shall see how he is as a coach.
- Can you play quarterback? Give a call to the Houston Texans today. The Texans lost Matt Leinart Sunday and had to go to 3rd-string QB T.J. Yates in their win this week. It appears Kellen Clemens, who was signed when Matt Schaub was lost for the season, will have to start this week against the Falcons. Houston is 8-3 and well on the way to a division title for the first time in team history and are going to have to ride Arian Foster if they want to go anywhere in the playoffs.
- Fox Sports is reporting today that the Cubs are going after Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. Obviously, they are not signing both.....or are they? The report states the Cubs like Pujols more because of his defense. Why not put Pujols at 3B, where he started his career, and have Fielder at first? Pipe dream for Cubs fans but why not dream when you haven't won a World Series in a LONG time.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Thursday, Nov. 3

Here are today's topics.....

- We brought up the Cubs yesterday with the completion of the "Dream Team" front office. Now Theo and company have fired Mike Quade. Theo wants a manager with some major league managing or coaching experience so that leaves Ryne Sandberg out of the mix.....so who will be the next Cubs manager? I'll give you two names that I think it will be. You are looking at either Terry Francona or Dale Sveum. Sveum being the former Brewers legend, let the guessing game begin.
- We shall continue the baseball conversation with these three free agent predictions....Pujols remains in St. Louis, Fielder goes to the Cubs and Aramis Ramirez is a Tiger next season. Pujols is this generation's Stan Musial in St. Louis, he's not leaving. Prince doesn't want to leave the Central and can go just 90 miles down the road and Detroit really needs a 3B. Put Ramirez in there with Cabrera and Martinez and watch out.
- So the Capitals' coaching staff decided that Alex Ovechkin didn't need to be on the ice late in regulation Tuesday night...this move will backfire. Only time will time when.
- The NBA lockout is still going on.....
- NFL season is near at the midpoint, two things are for sure I figure.....The Packers will be the NFC rep in Super Bowl XLI and the No. 1 pick or the "Luck" of the draw will go to Miami. The Dolphins have 1-15 written all over them right now.
- On the draft note, if Indianapolis finishes with the No. 1 pick. I feel very confident San Francisco will be calling to try to get that pick with former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh in charge. What it would take to get it is anyone's guess but figure on some packages that involves at least 4 draft picks, 3 of which in the first round.

Fantasy Player of the Day: Toronto LW Joffrey Lupul
Lupul scored a hat trick, all in the second period as the Maple Leafs hit the road for a 5-3 win over the Devils.

Matchup to Watch: Florida St. at Boston College, 7 p.m. (CT), ESPN
The Seminoles need a win to stay in the chase in the ACC Atlantic Division and hope that Clemson slips up again at some point the rest of the way.

This Day in History: Nov. 3, 1989
Lou Pinella takes over as manager of the Cincinnati Reds after Pete Rose is banned from baseball forever. Pinella would lead the Reds to a World Series title in his first year at the helm in 1990, sweeping the Oakland A's.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Saga Continues

As we reach the middle of the first week of spring training as pitchers and catchers report and their rest of the teammates are sure to follow, here's a look at what is happening and what to look for.

- The deadline has been set for today with the Cardinals and Albert Pujols. I talked about this at length yesterday but you have to believe a deal isn't happening and Pujols will believe a free agent. It doesn't mean he is leaving St. Louis and the chance is there for a number of teams to sign him, even ones who have top-flight first basemen who could be traded to clear room for Pujols. Keep an ear open and your eyes locked down to see where this goes.

- As pitchers and catchers continue to report, it will be interesting to see what the Reds will do with Cuban phenom Aroldis Chapman. Last season in his brief stay in Cincinnati, the lefty had pitches clocked at 105 MPH out of the bullpen. Will the Reds keep him in the bullpen? You would have to assume for this season they would and get him prepped for a spot in the starting five in 2012.

- The Mariners announced on Tuesday that Ken Griffey, Jr. has been named a special consultant to the team and will be at spring training. This is an obvious first step for the certain Hall of Famer in helping the team that drafted him over 20 years ago get back on the winning track again. Maybe Griffey has some ideas on how to find more runs in the Pacific Northwest.

-  Michael Young is still in Texas as of today and it looks more and more likely he is staying there this season. While Young is going to be used as mostly a super utility player and DH, Young has been a loyal soldier to the fans in Arlington and should be treated that way. However, it looks like there is no room for him in Texas and a bad contract swap is going to have to happen for Young to leave. A lot of teams could use him in their lineup and in the field but Young will need to extend on his eight teams he agreed to be traded to.

The lineup is set for today. Tomorrow, we'll look at the Pujols aftermath and other MLB stories as we trek our way toward Opening Day.