CHARK A COWBOY?

BY MARK HALPERN

The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to bring in another Pro Bowl caliber Wide Receiver to their depth chart. D.J Chark, who has spent his time in the NFL with  five different teams (Jacksonville who drafted him, Detroit, Carolina and Chargers) and has been considering retirement. 

      On July 17th, Chark was asked if his plan was to retire from the NFL. Chark responded “Well I am mulling retirement but, if the Cowboys come calling, I would be very interested.” He also mentioned Houston or New Orleans because of geographical location to where he wants to end up living. (Note Chark visited the Bears on Monday) Chark made the Pro Bowl in 2019 as a member of the Jaguars. 2019 is the only season Chark has gone for over 1,000 yards. Injuries have hampered Chark’s career, he’s only played in 15 games twice in his career, but he’ll be 29 during the season and would provide an instant deep threat to go along with Cee Dee Lamb and recently acquired WR George Pickens. 

    The Cowboys currently have a little over $24 million in salary cap left for this season. Looking over Chark’s numbers I would offer a 2-year deal for $12 million paying him $6 million per season, max. That’s beyond a fair offer for a former pro bowl receiver. Chark would probably land as the third or fourth receiver along with Kavonte Turpin and Jalen Tolbert competing for spots. If the Dallas Cowboys go this way it not only will be an instant upgrade but will give Dak Prescott the best targets he has had in a few years.

ALL IN

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The Pittsburgh Steelers put an exclamation point on their offseason by re-signing star Edge rusher TJ Watt to a three year 123 million dollar extension. The 41 million dollar AAV makes Watt the highest paid non-qb in the NFL. GM Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin were busy this offseason, in addition to Watt coming back, the Steelers added Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Receiver DK Metcalf, and Cornerback Jalen Ramsey to their roster. All of these moves mean the Steelers are all in, but the question is should the Steelers be all in? 

The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 AFC Divisional round against the Chiefs. Last season the Steelers lost their last five games (including playoffs) against the Eagles, Ravens (2x), Chiefs, and Bengals. So in important games down the stretch the Steelers choked, and it feels like they’ve choked in big games over the past few seasons. Yes, Aaron Rodgers is an upgrade over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, but there while his overall numbers were solid, Rodgers had some games where he terrible and is 41 years old. 

But should these moves make the Steelers favorites in the AFC? The answer is simple, No, I don’t think the Steelers are even the best team forget in their own division, they’re not the best team in their own state. But, I will not take them over the Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens, if the Bengals figure out their defense they might be better.Outside of the division the Steelers will have games against four playoff teams (Bills, Vikings, Lions, and Packers). The Steelers are all in this season, but what happens if they fail? Will there be repercussions, or will the Steelers continue to be the same?

2025 MLB First Half Awards

By Mike Rifkin

At the All-Star Break, here is how I would vote for each award. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE 

MVP  : Cal Raleigh – Mariners : Raleigh already has surpassed his career high with 38 homers at the break. His slash line is not that of Aaron Judge, but his .259/.376/.634 line is respectable. He also is second in OPS, only trailing Judge. But the most impressive thing about Raleigh is he is doing this while catching everyday. Other Candidate : Aaron Judge (Yankees)

CY YOUNG : Tarik Skubal – Tigers : The Tigers have the best record in baseball (more on that later), and Skubal is a major part of that. Skubal is in the top ten in wins, ERA, Strikeouts and WHIP. Skubal is also looking for his second consecutive Pitching Triple Crown. Other Candidates : Max Fried (Yankees), Garrett Crochet (Red Sox)

MANAGER OF THE YEAR  : AJ Hinch – Tigers : If I asked you before the season, who would have the best record in baseball at the break, how many people would say the Detroit Tigers? Answer is probably not many, and the man in charge deserves a ton of credit. The Tigers are getting contributions from everyone and that’s a credit to Hinch. Other Candidates : Joe Espada (Astros), John Schneider (Blue Jays), Alex Cora (Red Sox)

NATIONAL LEAGUE

MVP : Pete Crow -Armstrong – Cubs : I’ll be honest I really just didn’t want to hand another MVP to Ohtani, so I looked for someone as deserving. The Cubs have had a fantastic first half and this 23 year old sensation has been a big reason why. Crow-Armstrong has 25 homers and 71 RBI, to go with a slash line of .265/.302/.544 with 27 stolen bases, while playing a great Center Field. (All Met fans reminder to thank Zack Scott). Other candidates : Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), Pete Alonso (Mets) 

CY YOUNG : Zack Wheeler – Phillies – Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since joining the Phillies, but has yet to win a CY Young award. In the first half Wheeler has posted a 9-3 record with a 2.36 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts all in the top ten in baseball. He has a 3.7 strikeout to walk ratio as well. He’s having this kinda season without his partner in crime in Aaron Nola, who has been hurt, but really struggled beforehand. Other candidates : Logan Webb (Giants), Paul Skenes (Pirates), Cristopher Sanchez (Phillies)
MANAGER OF THE YEAR : Craig Counsell – Cubs : Every year the Central divisions are guess work. But nobody thought the Cubs would have the second best record in the NL, just a half game behind the Dodgers. But they’re doing this with Justin Steele out with Tommy John surgery and Shota Imanaga missed time with a hamstring injury, those were the top two starters for the Cubs last season. Counsell is doing a tremendous job. Other candidates : Pat Murphy(Brewers), Carlos Mendoza (Mets)

Quarterbacks Under Pressure

BY : Mike Rifkin

With training camp a couple weeks away, ESPN has released their top 10 Quarterbacks for 2025 through conversations with executives, scouts and coaches. Here is the list https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45530940/top-10-nfl-quarterbacks-execs-scouts-2025-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings. This list is going to be a little different, this list will be the top 10 quarterbacks I believe are under pressure this season. 

  1.  Trevor Lawrence – Jags : Lawrence signed a five year 275 million dollar in October, and the AAV is tied for the highest in the league with Joe Burrow. Last season Lawrence had a 60.6 completion percentage, 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. If Lawrence doesn’t show improvement under new coach Liam Cohen, maybe there’s another team that will take a chance on the former number one pick. 
  1. Caleb Williams – Bears : The Bears spent their offseason doing one thing and that was build around Caleb Williams. Wether it was the additions on the offensive line or the hiring of Ben Johnson, Bears fans are going to want to see an improved Williams and potentially compete in the NFC North.
  1. Dak Prescott- Cowboys : You knew this was coming, Mike McCarthy didn’t get a pass with Dak getting hurt last season. Here is where I have to give Jerry Jones some credit, the addition of George Pickens to play alongside Ceedee Lamb gives Dak a tremendous duo at receiver. So playmakers is one reason the Cowboy QB is under pressure, him being the highest paid QB in the league is another, and the biggest reason Dak is under fire is because for the second time Cowboy fans saw the Eagles win the Lombardi. 
  1. Aaron Rodgers – Steelers : There’s only one reason Rodgers is on this list, and that is he believes the Pittsburgh Steelers are good enough to get to Santa Clara and the Super Bowl. If Rodgers can’t get the Steelers there it’s a failure and all the pressure is on Rodgers ( and should be on Tomlin too).
  1. Justin Herbert – Chargers : One of the questions I ask myself every year, Is Justin Herbert an elite QB? Stats wise he’s fantastic, but when they falter it’s not on Herbert. Whether it’s a lack of receivers or the defense can’t hold the lead, it’s not Herbert’s fault. Well the last time we saw Herbert, he threw four interceptions against the Texans in the playoffs. So, why is Herbert under pressure this season, because he has the same amount of playoff wins as me, and that’s not good. Time for the former Duck to put up or for the media to shut up. 
  1. Brock Purdy – 49ers : Brock got his bag and it’s deserved, but now to quote the great Uncle Ben from Spiderman : “With great power, comes great responsibility”. The Niners were a team decimated by injuries last season, and now healthy it’s on Brock to play like an elite talent and take the Niners to the promiseland. 
  2. Tua Tagovailoa – Dolphins : I know what you’re thinking, how can you put Tua this low on the list? Well, the answer is simple, the Dolphins don’t have the same expectations as some of these other teams entering the season. But, this is a major year for Tua and he has to do one thing in order to make it a success and that is stay healthy. If he has another injury plagued season, his career could be in jeopardy.
  1. JJ Mccarthy – Vikings : The  Vikings were one of the best stories in football last season, led by Sam Darnold. Now they’ve let Darnold walk and said no to Aaron Rodgers, because they believe in the former Michigan Wolverine. With the roster the Vikings have assembled, Mccarthy must lead them to the playoffs, which is asking a lot of a guy coming off ACL surgery. 
  1. Michael Penix Jr. – Falcons : This is not Penix’s fault, this is on the Falcons front office, who after signing Kirk Cousins decided to take Penix with eighth overall pick. Penix played in five games last season, and showed some glimpses, but now he has to prove the Falcons were right in taking him after signing Cousins otherwise somebody’s got a lot of explaining to do. 
  1.  Anthony Richardson – Colts : If you lose your starting job to Daniel Jones ( who apparently the Counting Crows song Mr. Jones isn’t about) you have a massive issue. Richardson, has dealt with some shoulder issues as well, but if he can’t prove to the Colts he is their future Quarterback, he will be out of the league shortly. 

Honorable Mention : Justin Fields (Jets)

People who will read this list are going to ask where are Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, well I’ll tell you their only pressure is to win the Super Bowl, the 10 listed above most of them (outside of Rodgers) have more to prove, and that’s why they’re under more pressure.

Going For It : Mets Trade Deadline Needs

By Mike Rifkin

Under Steve Cohen’s ownership, the Mets goal has been to win the World Series, the team’s first since 1986. Cohen has shown multiple times through his wallet that he’ll do whatever it takes to win the World Series. In free agency he has signed Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, and Juan Soto just to name a few. The trade deadline has been a different monster for the Mets though, as the past few deadlines they have tried to bandaid stuff together and it hasn’t worked. Whether it was the Darrin Ruf and Daniel Vogelbach experiment or adding Paul Blackburn, if the Mets want to be a serious contender this is the deadline to show that and it’s a cherry on top if they don’t have to obliterate the farm system. So what do the Mets need at the deadline? In my opinion the Mets need one or two starters, two relievers (one lefty) and a center fielder. So, what could they get? 

STARTERS

  1. Sandy Alcantara – Marlins : A year removed from Tommy John Surgery, Alcantra has not had a great season with a 4-8 record and an ERA of 7.01. The positive on Alcantara would be he has one year left with a club option for a second.The downside would be trading within the division and helping the Marlins through their rebuild. 
  1. Zac Gallen – Diamondbacks : This one will hinge on whether the Diamondbacks sit in the standings, as of this writing they are 10.5 games behind the Dodgers and 5.5 games in the wild card. Like Alcantra, Gallen has struggled this season with an 5.15 ERA, so he could be a buy low candidate and with him being a free agent after the season could work in the Mets favor. 
  1. Mitch Keller – Pirates : Keller is 29 years old and under contract through 2029. With the Pirates always wanting to shed money, the Mets could be a good partner as they could take the entire salary. But because Keller is under contract, his price might be a little higher. 
  1. Kyle Freeland and German Marquez – Rockies : Ok, both of these guys have good stuff and have pitched well in the past, but not this season. Is it them declining or is it the fact that the Rockies stink. Freeland is 1-10 with an ERA of 5.44. He has one more year left plus a vesting option for 2027. Marquez is 3-10 with a 5.84 ERA, what is worrisome about Marquez is he has a higher ERA on the road as opposed to Coors Field. Marquez will be a free agent after the season. 
  1. Jacob DeGrom – Rangers : Yeah, this is a dream scenario, but let me have this. After another injury plagued season, the leader of the Nation of DeGromination has returned with a vengeance, He is 9-2 with a 2.29 ERA and should be in the running for CY Young. Now, he does have two years plus a 2028 club option left on his contract, so it’ll be interesting to see if Texas wants to move him. 

RELIEVERS : I do think the Mets bullpen will get a boost in the playoffs, with the addition of Clay Holmes, who has been in the rotation all season, but along with him and the return of Brooks Raley, the Mets still need two arms (one lefty) in the pen. 

  1. Pete Fairbanks – Rays : The Rays are always tinkering with their team, so if Fairbanks is available, he’d give Carlos Mendoza a solid option on days Edwin Diaz cannot pitch. Fairbanks has just a seven million dollar club option for 2026. 
  1. Kyle Finnegian – Nats : The Nationals just fired GM Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez and are in the midst of a rebuild. Finnegan has 18 saves to go along with a 2.49 ERA. Finnegian is a free agent after the season. 
  1. Gregory Soto – Orioles – Soto has 39 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched. Soto, who is in the last year of his deal has a 3.90 ERA.

CENTER FIELD : 

  1. Luis Robert : White Sox : Robert, has been involved in trade talks for the last year. Last season was a rough season for him with 14 homers and a slash line of .224/.278/.379. This year has been tougher with eight homers so far and a slash line of .187/.272/.315. Robert also has 22 steals in 30 attempts.  Is this what Robert is or is this because the White Sox stink? Who knows, but adding a 27 year old, who has two 20 million dollar club options over the next two seasons might be worth a risk. 
  1. Cedric Mullins : Orioles : Mullins has been a big piece for the Orioles rise the last few years. He is a very good defender. This season he has a slash line of .211/.300/.410 with 13 homers and 41 RBI. Mullins would bring an element of speed with 11 stolen bases in 13 tries. Mullins is a free agent after the season. 

This is a big deadline for Steve Cohen and David Stearns, the Mets have put them in a position to buy. Even though Stearns likes to use upside and potential in deals, I believe this is a go for it year, they have certain untouchables in terms of prospects, but this is not a time to hug all the prospects. To use a poker term the Mets need to go all in.

Lost Treasure

By Mike Rifkin

Remember last week when the Pittsburgh Pirates won six consecutive games, and you thought hey maybe they turned the corner? Well, they didn’t and the Pirates spent the July fourth weekend without fireworks, as they were shutout in an entire series by the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners outscored the Pirates 8-0, including 1-0 wins on Saturday and Sunday. 

Sunday’s loss hurts more because it was Paul Skenes pitching, and Skenes was fantastic, with 10 strikeouts and no runs allowed in his five innings of work. Why he was pulled at 78 pitches is something I don’t understand (unless it’s injury related). Paul Skenes is in the top ten in ERA (1.94), strikeouts (125), and WHIP(0.92), yet his record is 4-7. Why is such a dominant pitcher 4-7? Well, the Pirates have scored two runs or less in seven of Skenes’ starts. The Pirates are 26th in team batting average (.231) and 30th in homers (61). With the trade deadline looming the Pirates have a few names to consider moving are outfielder Brian Reynolds, starting pitcher Mitch Keller and Closer David Bednar. 

Now here’s the thing for GM Ben Cherington, he has to add pieces for the 2026 Pirates, as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. If they don’t make those additions and the 2026 Pirates are similar to the Pirates we’ve seen this season, well then the Paul Skenes trade whispers are going to get louder. And for a team that has already gone through this (Gerrit Cole) it’s not out of the realm of possibility it can happen again, and the Pirates could lose two treasured pitchers.

NHL FREE AGENCY : WINNERS AND LOSERS (BY TEAM) BY MIKE RIFKIN

We are in the midst of NHL free agency. And while most of the top guys have signed, we will wait and see what happens on the trade market. But, while we wait here are my winners and losers so far. 

WINNERS: 

  1. PANTHERS – How do the back to back champs get better? By retaining all three of their massive free agents. You can make the case that all three could’ve made more money (AAV) on the market, but chose to stay in Florida. Retaining all three of these players will help the Panthers on their quest to win a third consecutive Cup.
  1. MAMMOTH –  It’s not often that 23 year old, that has the potential to score 30 goals hits the market. And in the case of JJ Peterka, he was an RFA and Utah struck a deal quickly with the Sabres to acquire him and subsequently sign him to a five year 38.5 million dollar contract. Nate Schmidt, will replace Michael Kesserling, who was traded to Buffalo for Peterka. Schmidt, was outstanding for the Panthers with five goals and 19 points in 80 regular season games. In the Panthers’ run to the Cup Schmidt had three goals and 12 points in 23 games. As for Tanev, he is an energy player, he will fit in the bottom six and kills penalties. He also will add some physicality to the Mammoth. 
  1. GOLDEN KNIGHTS  – Since their inception into the league, the Vegas Golden Knights have not been afraid of the big splash. This summer they reeled in the big fish in Mitch Marner, in a sign and trade with the Maple Leafs. Marner, is a highly skilled player, who hit 100 points last season. Marner also has 63 points in 70 career playoff games. In the sign and trade for Marner, the Golden Knights traded away Nic Roy, who is a useful two way forward. In replacing him he Knights acquired Colton Sissons from the Predators. Sissons, is a nice complimentary piece, who can play in the middle six, and help kill penalties. Sissons also brings a lot of playoff experience as well, not that the Knights need it. 
  1. ISLANDERS –  The Islanders might have had the best offseason so far, having the number one overall pick in the draft and three total in the first round. The Islanders also had an underrated signing in Jonathan Drouin. Drouin had 37 points in 43 games last season for the Avs, two years ago he had 56 points in 79 games. Drouin, playing on a line with either Mat Barzal or Bo Horvat should help the Isles offense, that averaged 2.71 goals per game. 
  1. CANADIENS – They are young, hungry and very close to ending this rebuild with a bang. They traded for and subsequently signed defenseman Noah Dobson, as well as traded for Zac Bolduc from the Blues. Both players fit the age gap of this young, up and coming team led by Marty ST. Louis. 

LOSERS

  1. BRUINS : The Bruins are in an interesting spot with their franchise. While they still have a lot of talent under contract, they need to start thinking about the future. The Bruins made one of the most confusing deals in free agency when they signed Tanner Jeannot, to a five year 17 million dollar contract (3.4 AAV). In 2021-22 Jeannot scored 24 goals, if you combine the three seasons since, he’s only scored 20 goals. He’ll fit in Boston as a physical player, but unless he finds his offensive game, this contract is not pretty. 
  1. CANUCKS : I know what you’re thinking, Mike they brought back Brock Boeser, and you are 100% right. I have no problem with Boeser, but I am confused on the state of the Canucks. Are they closer to the team two years ago, that was a playoff team or are they the dysfunctional mess they were last season? Anyway the two deals I have a problem with are the addition of Evander Kane, and the Thatcher Demko extension. Let’s start with Kane, there are a few problems I have with it, the biggest one being you help a division rival dump a salary, and don’t get a sweetener. Kane can be an effective player, but there are times where he will lose his cool ( watch the Stanley Cup Final). Not sure he’s the best addition to a team trying to cleanse out their locker room. I love Thatcher Demko, when healthy he’s an elite goalie. The key is when healthy, two of the last three seasons Demko has played less than 40 games.They need to keep Demko healthy otherwise that 3 year (8.5 Mill AAV) is going last forever. 
  2. SABRES – Someone check on Kevyn Adams, the Sabres have been relatively quiet. They traded away Peterka ( mentioned above) and have done very little to improve this team. The Sabres have the longest playoff drought in the league, and one would think if they miss again Adams will be fired.

Another Russ In NY?

BY MARK HALPERN

      The New York Giants will have a new quarterback in 2025 by the name of Russell Wilson, could the Knicks land another marquee Russell? The New York Knicks ambitions of finals glory was ended by the Pacers, who lost in the Finals to the Thunder. Speaking of the Thunder, a former perennial all-star has emerged as a possible target and that’s Russell Westbrook.

     Westbrook played his first 11 seasons in the league with the Thunder. Russell is a nine time all-star. Westbrook has led the league in many categories,he is a two time scoring champ and a three time assists leader, as well as the 2016-17 MVP.  Westbrook is the all-time leader in Triple-Doubles with 203. Westbrook has bounced around since, playing for both LA teams, Houston, Washington, and this season Denver. His days of starting are over, but he still brings energy and can provide a spark every game. Once his trade to the Lakers was proven to be two of his worst years trying to live around the spotlight of Lebron James and Anthony Davis and was lost in the mix. His numbers suffered greatly and almost in an instance he wasn’t a big name anymore.

     The Knicks are in dire need of help off the bench (as the starting 5 is pretty solid). The Knicks sorely lacked in bench production this season after the departing of Donte DiVincenzo (who is rumored to want to come back) and could use the talents and likes of Westbrook as long as his shooting selection has changed. Being in New York with this team could see his name put up for the likes of Sixth man of the year. If Westbrook could handle the LA spotlight, he can handle New York. But one thing he needs to know is that this is not his team.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PROBLEM LIKE SOTO

BY MARK HALPERN

The title may be misleading a little. For one the New York Mets have a problem that does not need solving. As proving again time and time before Juan Soto has been consistent in 90% of all his attributes. Whether it has been hitting, fielding Juan Soto has lived up to the name “The Most Dangerous Man in Baseball.”

    Soto has been up against critics and team pressure not once, not twice but every team he has played for. When he was traded to the New York Yankees, he was brought in because of the respect he commands in the field. Let’s face it Yankee Stadium plays more friendly than Citi Field does (especially for left handed hitters). The Yankees were fleeced of their farm system to acquire Soto only to see him leave a year later. What happened you may ask? He played to every point he was expected but, “THE TEAM FAILED” not just Soto but the Yankees saw that as the $65 Million Dollar Answer. Juan Soto at the end of another good season didn’t get offered the maximum he though he was worth and saw him move across town to the Rival Mets for a difference of $65 Million.

   It was clear Soto wanted to stay in New York. He liked the rush of the big time, he was not just a fan favorite but, also began taking away the spotlight of the $400 Million Dollar man Aaron Judge. Also did the Yankees necessarily have the money to sign Soto? 

    The question became is how did the Mets steal him? Steve Cohen used the all-mighty dollar and gave his family a Suite forever, this is what the Yankees gave up. Every team would love to have a problem of Juan Soto and the fact he could play for any team at any time and still thrive. 

    Shohei Ohtani set the record for a contract just a year before at 700 million dollars (even though the bulk is deferred money and he makes 2.1 Million). The difference between the two is Ohtani can pitch, that has been made clear. He is even returning to the mound today for his second time this season as he looks to build up strength. Ohtani is considered the face of baseball and the Dodgers when we look at it now under paid. 

    The problem that Soto has brought to Queens isn’t anything to do with money. Players are now going to want to come play in Citi (again not a problem), more advertisers and bigger media contracts isn’t the issue. The problem he brings is that Cohen can’t sign everyone to playing queens. Cohen is making sure his investment will bring is not only revenue but, more fans to the venue area and a desire to want to come to New York and view the team but, what is the draw you may ask? How about the multi-billion dollar complex he is designing to be built with hotels looking in on stadium (which has become a trend in baseball) but huge attraction including a bigger tennis complex as well.

    The Mets Problem is not what to do about Soto but, it is more how can we help make this thrive for decades to come something the New York Mets fans have been missing in ownership. Will players take less to play in Queens, we have to wait and see?

TRADE DEADLINE

BY MARK HALPERN

    The Mets have had hit a big time speedbump in their season. A massive reason for them being 3-12 in their last 15 games is the fact that the starting pitching just isn’t going deep into games. . The Mets have had to deal with injuries (just like all other teams), Clay Holmes is on an innings limit, and other guys are coming back from injuries. Here is a massive question: Are the Mets and Stearns willing to part with some of the young talent, to improve this rotation for the present.

  The Mets have been one of the best teams in baseball. About three weeks ago the lineup went cold and  the pitching staff looked fine, but with Kodai Senga and Griffin Canning going down with injuries. Fans are still waiting for Sean Manea to come back from an oblique injury in Spring Training. Frankie Montas just came back and has had one good outing and one dreadful outing. David Peterson’s last two starts have been terrible, and Clay Holmes has thrown the most innings of his career. With about a month until the trade deadline, what will the Mets do?

   We have seen time and time again teams made better by the use of the trade deadline. Lower end teams or teams that are already out of contention look to move players they won’t be able to sign and gain future pieces from other teams. Well, if it is youth that teams are going to look at it will be the Mets. The Mets have 8 of the top 100 prospects currently playing at AA or higher. The question becomes who of those prospects are they willing to part with. I can’t see them parting with some bigger names The Mets do have a logjam of infielders, so could they move a Mauricio or Baty? Probably not, but the other question you have to ask is that is any of their players worth what is out there. Myself and Mike Rifkin believe there is a starter out there for the Mets to pull a trigger on. The Mets might have to let one or two pieces leave to get a high-end pitcher the question becomes, will they?

 One of the things Steve Cohen did when he took over was he improved the farm system, by paying out the contracts of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.  Now might be the time for Stearns and Cohen to pull the trigger on something big, because this is a go for it season, as will most seasons with Juan Soto.