Sheet's , Perez, and Pettitte under Mets radar ?

The Mets right now have a couple of options, they can either welcome back Oliver Perez who went 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA, Ben Sheets a fellow national league pitcher,who went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA, or their 3rd option in a pitcher who played across the city with the Yankees, In Andy Pettitte, Pettitte who went 14-14 with a 4.54 ERA. The Mets will most likely land one of these pitchers. In my Opinion I believe the Mets will give Sheet's a chance, taking into consideration that he played in the National League his whole career, and he knows it pretty well. The Mets off season is far from being over, and one of these pitchers can help the Mets regain stature in the NL EAST.

NFC Championship

The NFC Championship consists of the Cardinals and the Eagles.  This game will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium.  This stadium is the home stadium of the Cardinals.  In this game both teams are basically evenly matched.  When the Eagles played the Cardinals in the season they won 48-20, but we feel this game will be different.  The Cardinals have proved they are a good team and are tough to beat after beating the 12-4 Panthers and 11-5 Falcons.  We feel the Cardinals will come out on top and win this game.

JOE - Cardinals

JEFF - Cardinals

AFC Championship

The AFC Championship features the Ravens vs the Steelers at Heinz Field.  Even though the Steelers have home field advantage and are picked to win this game we feel the Ravens will pull through and win this game.

JOE - Ravens

JEFF - Ravens

Steve Spagnuolo Next Rams Head Coach

The Rams next head coach will be the Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.  According to rotoworld.com, "the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and NFL.com has confirmed the news."  Adam Schefter reports, "he'll get four years and $11.5 million."  Spagnuolo did wonders for the Giants defense and maybe now he can turn the Rams around and make them an all around better team.

Cole Hamels contract with Phillies

Phillies have agreed on a three-year, $20.5 million contract with Cole Hamels.  According to rotoworld.com, "Hamels will receive $4.35 million in 2009, $6.65 million in 2010 and $9.5 million in 2011."

Andrew Jones Released

On January 15th it was announced that the Dodgers have released outfielder Andrew Jones.  Jones played one year with the Dodgers.  He only played a total of 75 games that year because of his injuries.  In 209 at bats he had 3 home runs, 14 runs batted in, 33 hits, 21 runs, and a batting average of .158.  Where will he go now?  The best possibility of where he is going, is back to Atlanta where he played 12 seasons.  He might not be a starter, but he will be going back.  If he goes to Atlanta he will have to fight to gain the starting center field position.  Or the Braves might feel that he should automatically be the starting outfielder.

Nady or Swisher?

Which will go Nady or Swisher? In my opinion I think that Swisher is the odd man out, taking in to consideration that Xavier Nady was one of the best Trades they have made in a while. Last year's stats really show how many teams can use Nady, he had a .305 Average 25 Long balls, and 97 RBI'S, and do you really want to get rid of him? If I’m the Yankees I keep Nady and trade Swisher for a 5th starter or some bullpen help. I believe that both players are very good and can produce run support, but they are two different players, Nady is more of a power hitter and a decent fielder, and Swisher is more of a contact hitter with gold glove caliber. In the long run one of these players is going, and I think it will be Swisher

Mets looking to keep Perez

The New York Mets are looking to keep Oliver Perez. They have allegedly made an offer of 3 years $30 million. Perez who went 10-7 ,with a 4.22 ERA ,wants to play for the Mets said by agent Scott Boras. If this deal is accepted, the mets will have a strong rotation, and will have a better chance at playoff contention.

Braves, Lowe agree to deal

Today the Atlanta Braves added another starter to their rotation, Derek Lowe. Lowe reportedly signed a 4 year $60 million dollar contract. The 35 year old righty last season went 14 -11 with a 3.24 ERA for the Dodgers" He also increased his stock by going 6-1 with a 1.27 ERA in his final 10 starts" according to MLB.com. Lowe will be a great addition to this new braves team , with adding new faces in the rotation such as, Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami, and now Lowe, they should have a solid 3, and with a healthy Jair Jurrjens you have a good rotation.

Hall of Fame Voting 09 Results

Player	Total Votes	Percentage
Rickey Henderson	511	94.8%
Jim Rice	412	76.4%
Andre Dawson	361	67.0%
Bert Blyleven	338	62.7%
Lee Smith	240	44.5%
Jack Morris	237	44.0%
Tommy John	171	31.7%
Tim Raines	122	22.6%
Mark McGwire	118	21.9%
Alan Trammell	94	17.4%
Dave Parker	81	15.0%
Don Mattingly	64	11.9%
Dale Murphy	62	11.5%
Harold Baines	32	5.9%
Mark Grace	22	4.1%
David Cone	21	3.9%
Matt Williams	7	1.3%
Mo Vaughn	6	1.1%
Jay Bell	2	0.4%
Jesse Orosco	1	0.2%
Ron Gant	0	0%
Dan Plesac	0	0%
Greg Vaughn	0	0%

Henderson earns Hall pass.

Throughout his storied career, Rickey Henderson (the man of steal) has been the best leadoff hitter in baseball history. Henderson was the all-time leader with 1,406 steals and 2,295 runs scored. Widely considered to be the greatest leadoff hitter ever, he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first time on the ballot with 94.8 percent of the votes cast by the Baseball Writers' Association of America MLB.com reports. Henderson played for many teams including the Yankees, and Mets, but his best days were with the Oakland Athletics, and Yankees. In 1982 With Oakland Henderson stole 130 bases, his career high, and in 1986 with the Yankees he hit a career high 28 homeruns.

Dungy Steps down as Colts Head Coach

On Monday January 12th Tony Dungy Steps down as Colts head coach. Soon he should end up retiring.  Caldwell will become the new head coach.

Tony Dungy Set to Retire

It was announced that at a press conference Tony Dungy will announce his retirement as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.  Dungy has been the head coach of the colts since 2002.  He had an astonishing record of 80-28 during those years as Colts head coach.  He had one Super Bowl as a head coach.  This occurred in 2006 at Miami's stadium.  He was the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl.  Jim Caldwell is most likely going to be the replacement for Dungy if he retires.

Pedro Talks with the Marlins

It has been said that right hand pitcher Pedro Martinez might be the newest addition to the Florida Marlins.  He and the Marlins will meet next week and try to work out a deal.  Martinez is a 37-year old pitcher who in the past few years has had constant injury problems.  If things work out Martinez will be joining Mets division rival the Marlins.

Newest Addition to Braves Japanese Pitcher Kawakami

According to MLB.com, "ATLANTA -- Kenshin Kawakami is scheduled to undergo a physical in Atlanta on Monday. If all goes well, the Japanese right-hander will become the newest addition to Braves general manager Frank Wren's rotation-reconstruction project.

A Major League source confirmed Saturday that the Braves have reached an agreement with Kawakami, who has spent the past 11 seasons as one of the top pitchers in Japan's Central League.

As MLB.com reported Friday night, Kawakami is expected to arrive in the United States on Sunday and prepare to finalize this deal with the completion of his physical on Monday. The Braves could make an official announcement on Monday or Tuesday.

Earlier this week, a source with knowledge of the negotiations indicated that Kawakami was impressed with the way the Braves marketed themselves and the city of Atlanta. The 33-year-old right-hander was looking to land with a team that has a chance to win and in a city that possesses Japanese culture.

Kawakami went 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA in 20 appearances (16 starts) and 117 1/3 innings for the Chunichi Dragons this past season. He missed nearly three weeks in September with a strained back and pitched most of the season in a six-man rotation.

Armed with an average fastball that sits around 90 mph, a slow curveball and an effective cutter, Kawakami is projected to serve in the third or fourth spot of a Braves rotation that still lacks a legitimate ace.

The Braves, who acquired Javier Vazquez from the White Sox in December, are planning to make their first formal offer to Derek Lowe on Monday or Tuesday.

If the Braves are able to acquire Lowe, they'd place him at the front of a rotation that would also include Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens and Kawakami. Tom Glavine, James Parr, Jorge Campillo, Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton are among the potential candidates for the rotation's fifth spot.

Kawakami enjoyed a stellar season in 2004, when he went 17-7 with a 3.32 ERA and two shutouts. He was named the winner of the Sawamura Award, Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young Award, and the Central League MVP.

There's reason to argue Kawakami was better in 2006, when he went 17-7 with a 2.51 ERA, while posting career highs in starts (26) and innings (215)"

Cardinals vs Panthers

Tonight at 8 the Cardinals take on the Panthers for a right to get into the NFC championship to play the winner of the game of Eagles vs Giants.  The 12-4 Panthers face the 9-7 Cardinals.  Their previous matchup was during this season and 

the Panthers came out on top 27-23.  With Boldin trying to play through an injury this might hurt the Cardinals greatly.  The Panthers DeAngelo William's has  a been a threat all year with his runs.  The Cardinals wide receivers have been a threat all year as well.  This should come out to a good and close game.

Jeff - Panthers

Joey - Panthers

Red Sox Offseason Moves Continue

According to Mlb.com,

"The Red Sox continue to stay busy this offseason. On Saturday, they officially announced they have signed reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year contract with a club option for 2010.
Saito is the fourth player Boston has signed this week, joining pitchers John Smoltz and Brad Penny and outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Like the trio, Saito is considered a low-risk, high-reward gamble. Saito missed most of last season with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

According to FOXSports.com, Saito's deal includes a guarantee between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. He could also earn more than $7 million if he reaches all of his incentives.

Saito, 38, joins an already impressive relief corps that includes Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima and closer Jonathan Papelbon. Saito spent the past three years with the Dodgers, saving 81 games with a 1.95 ERA."

The Brewers ink all time save leader in Hoffman

Today the Milwaukie Brewers signed the all time save leader Trevor Hoffman. Both Hoffman and Brewers agreed on a 1 year $ 6 million dollar contract with $1.5 million dollars in incentives. Sources say that Hoffman is very excited about playing for the Brewers, and can’t wait for season to start.

Baldelli signs with home town sox , Smoltz next?

With the Yankees adding all these big market players, such as C.C Sabathia, A.J Burnett, and Mark Texeria, many people are speculating whether or not the Red Sox can hold at top of the A.L East. With the addition of Brad Penny, and John Smoltz to boost their rotation. They also add Baldelli to spiffy up their offense and defense. The 27-year-old Baldelli was limited to just 28 regular-season games in 2008 with 4 home runs, 13 RBIs and a .263 average after being diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder, which caused constant fatigue according to MLB.com. Moments ago Yahoosports.com reports that John Smoltz agrees to a deal worth $5 million dollars with $5 million dollars in incentives. The 21 year veteran quoted “I want to finish my career as a starter”. If you really come to think of it does money buy championships? Or can they be like the Red Sox and spend as little money as possible and still win.

Teixeira Interview

LT Doubtful for this sundays game vs Steelers

According to rotoworld, "LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed Wednesday that he has a torn tendon in his groin and called himself "doubtful" to play on Sunday."  With this information given it is unlikely to see LT in this weeks game.  With the possibility of an absence of their best player, this brings up much concern.  If LT can't go the Chargers will have to play their heart out and will need a good performance for Rivers, Sproles, and their defense.  Now the chargers are missing their number one wide receiver Vincent Jackson and now most likely their number one running back LT.

BCS National Championship January 8th 2009!

Tonight at 8 on Fox is the start of the 2009 BCS National Championship! The National Championship features the SEC 12-1 Florida Gators vs the Big 12 12-1 Oklahoma Sooners. Heisman winner quarterback Sam Bradford faces off against runner up Heisman quarterback Tim Tebow. Both teams have great offenses and defenses. This game we hope will be a good game. The past 3 out of 4 national championship games were basically blow outs. The SEC has won the National Championship the past two years and Florida is trying to make it a 3rd. Two years ago Tim Tebow was a freshman on the National Championship in 2007. In that game Tebow threw a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. He completed these accomplishments and he was a freshman and not even the starting quarterback. The starting quarterback was Chris Leak who ended up winning most valuable player that game. The last two times Oklahoma was in a the biggest bowl game of the year they lost both. They lost to USC in 2005 in the Orange Bowl. The year before that they lost to LSU in the Sugar Bowl. The last time the Sooners played an SEC team in the highest bowl game they lost. Will history repeat itself or will the Sooners change history and defeat the number one Florida Gators? We will find out tonight in what should be a spectacular and exciting game!

Joe - Gators
Jeff - Gators

Farewell Jets Hello Browns

As of yesterday Eric Mangini former coach for the Jets will now be the coach for the 4-12 Cleveland Browns. It was said that his contract is a 4-year deal. He was the head coach for the Jets from 2006 to 2008. After the Jets blew a 8-3 record they ended up missing the playoffs yet again for the second straight year the Jets fired him. His record within those years with the Jets was 23 wins and 25 losses. Will Mangini be able to turn the browns around or will Mangini have another one of his disappointing season? This will all be answered at the start of the 2009 NFL season.

Giants V.S Eagles

This weekend at the Meadow lands, the Giants and Eagles will add more more turmoil to their rivalry. It is going to be a game of hard hits and aggression. Look to see that both running games will be affective, but will McNabb be able to throw the long ball? I'm saying that he won’t be able to get the ball deep to his prime target in DeSean Jackson without the Giants secondary interfering. On the flip side I'm saying Manning will have a game that he has come accustom to with over 200 yards and a couple of TD'S. This will no doubt be a good game but I'm saying the Giants win this one over the Eagles.

Joe - Giants
Jeff - Giants

Sam Bradford aka Heisman Winner 2008 Highlights

Florida Gators 2008 Highlights

Mets front office meets with Boras

The New York Mets are meeting with Scott Boras this week to discuss the contracts of two possible pitchers they have interest in. The pitches are Oliver Perez and Derek Lowe. Derek Lowe who declined the Mets offer of $ 36 million dollars for 3 years, and the Mets declared arbitration on Perez. The Mets will most likely get Randy Wolfe, instead of Lowe or Perez. I believe this is true because of their high prices that the Mets are not willing to pay.

Giambino is Back in Oakland

Jason Giambi just has to go for a physical on Wednesday, and he will officially be a part of the Oakland Athletics again. Giambi and Bean agreed on a 1 year $3.5 million dollar contract, with a $5 million dollar option for next season with a 1 million dollar buyout.

Giants utilityman Aurilia trying to workout a new contract

Aurilia a great utility player who wants to remain with the Giants. Aurilia who has been around the league for 14 seasons whom spent 11 seasons with San Francisco and a small break up period of 3 years with the Mariners, Padres, and Reds. Aurilia has been a solid defensive player who has been in the past a candidate for a gold glove award. Aurilia who has 184 career home runs, 740 RBI’s, and a Batting average of.277. Puts him among the top of the Giants free agent to do list.

Cubs deal Marquis to Rockies for Vizcaino

Mlb.com reports The Cubs dealt Jason Marquis to the Rockies on Tuesday for reliever Luis Vizcaino and created an opening in the rotation for another starting pitcher. Some possible Cubs bullpen pitchers that can fill in for a starting pitcher role are as listed. A good Lefty in Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, Kevin Hart, and Chad Gaudin who pitched with Rich Harder in Oakland . The Rockies got a great deal in trading for Jason Marquis who had a record of 11-9 an ERA. Of 4.53, 91 strike outs and 70 walks. I believe that Marquis is a great # 3 starter in the Rockies rotation, with Cook leading, and having Francis as your #2, it doesn’t put that much pressure on Marquis, and I think he will do good in Colorado. While on the other hand by the Cubs acquiring Jose Vizcaino was smart on their part to help out Marmol and Greggin the bullpen, you can use Vizcaino as a 3rd setup man or you can use him as long reliever.

ROMERO SUSPENDED FOR USING ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

It was announced that Romero a left-handed pitcher for the Phillies will serve a 50 game suspension for using illegal over-the-counter substances.  He will serve his suspension at the start of the 2009 regular season.  He tested positive during the 2008 season.  The Phillies made it to the world series with a player that used illegal substances.  Romero doesn't believe in what he did was wrong and he shouldn't be penalized for it.  According to Mlb.com, "I still cannot see where I did something wrong," Romero said this to ESPN.com. "There is nothing that should take away from the rings of my teammates. I didn't cheat. I tried to follow the rules."  Now there is some speculation I believe of maybe that Romero using substances helped the Phillies bullpen chances.  According to Mlb.com, "He pitched eight times in the postseason and was the winning pitcher in Games 3 and 5 of the World Series, which the Phillies won over the Rays in five games."  By him taking substances it might have helped him gain those wins and his good pitching performances in the postseason.  Maybe, Maybe Not?  Who knows?  Give us your feedback and how you feel about this situation.

Vincent Jackson arrested and charged with DUI

In the middle of the night Jackson of the Chargers was pulled over and was charged with driving under the influence.  With this happening, will this effect their playoff game against the Steelers this weekend?  Will he play?  Will his reputation be affected by this?  Over the next few days we will find out if these statements are true regarding this weeks AFC divisional playoff game.  Jackson right now is the Chargers number one receiver and if he doesn't play it can hurt their chances of making it to the next round.

Indians and Pavano reach deal

According to Mlb.com "Pavano and the Indians have agreed to a one-year Major League deal that was to be announced Tuesday afternoon. Pavano is guaranteed $1.5 million for '09, with the opportunity to make another $5.3 million in performance-based incentives. The deal does not include an option."  The past 4 years Pavano has had injuries that prevented him from appearing in many games.  He's only pitched a total of 26 games in the past 4 years.  Who knows if he will be able to pitch efficiently and effectively for the Indians with his constant injuries.  Maybe Pavano might feel more comfortable in Cleveland than in New York.  This will all be decided with the start of the 2009 MLB season.  

Hoffman to Brewers?

It has been rumored that Trevor Hoffman is on the move to the Milwaukee Brewers. It is very possible with the Brewers having a hole in the closing position, and with the release of Eric Gagne. By the Brewers missing out on C.C and possibly Sheets, they need as much help as they can get. No money or contract info has been discussed yet. This is very possible that they will land the 41 year old in Milwaukee.

Pettitte rejects Yankee's Offer

On Monday Andy Pettitte a long time Yankee declined the offer that the Yankees offered him, The contract was for 1 year 10 million dollars. I don't exactly know if that's a smart move by Andy cause nobody wants a 37 year old pitcher who wants 16 million + for 2 years. Andy stated that he wants to return to the Yankees so he can pitch in the new stadium, but if he wants to pitch in the new stadium why is money such an issue? I'm saying that the dodgers might take a shot on Pettitte considering that Torre spoke to him before the winter meetings saying that he would be a great addition to our team, and considering that Lowe is walking, and Penny is on Boston. So who is your ace? Are going to trust the injury prone Jason Schmidt to be your ace? I don't think that's a good choice. He hasn't preformed since playing on the Giants. MLB.com reports that the Rangers are showing some interest in the veteran lefty .I'm saying Andy returns to the Yankee's for about 12 to 13 million for 1 year or go to L.A for a possible multi year deal for around 16 +. If these agreements are not met is there a small possibility that he might retire?