THREE’S COMPANY

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The Mets on Sunday will call up Brandon Sproat to make his MLB debut on Sunday against the Reds. Sproat is the third Mets pitching prospect to start following Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. Over his last 11 appearances for Triple A Syracuse Sproat has posted a 2.40 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 59 innings. Sproat has held opposing hitters to a .163 average in that span. 

Sproat’s start will be in place of Kodai Senga. Senga and his representatives are in conversations with the Mets about a possibility of pitching in Triple A. Since returning from injury Senga has struggled mightily posting a 5.90 ERA and struggling to go deep into games. The Mets have gone to this well twice and have had success, they’re hoping it works for a third time. 

Senga is not the only Mets’ starter who is struggling Sean Manea and David Peterson have also struggled. But what David Stearns is doing is giving the fans and himself a glimpse into the future of this organization. Even with Sproat’s debut Sunday, what intrigues me more is the role Sproat, McLean and Tong could play in October if the Mets get there.

AND, HERE WE GO

BY MARK HALPERN

     Well, here we are one day before the NFL season kicks off with a volatile matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. There is no love between these two teams as they have been battling on the gridiron for better than 45 years.

     The Cowboys have been on the forefront the NFL news as of late with the trading of superstar Micah Parsons. It doesn’t help the defense at all this season but, does clear the media distraction. Dak Prescott will be leading the Cowboys out with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and try and make a point by taking down the reigning super bowl champs

    Dallas will be relying on their offense to carry them this season as the defense has been an issue (especially last year) and it won’t get easier this season. Dak is going to have to lead this team and for once he has a young set of wide receivers in Lamb and new acquisition George Pickens. Ferguson is coming off an improved season. The running back position that’s still a band aid used to fix a gash with three on the depth chart. Look for veteran Javonte Williams to start and see Miles Sanders mix in and rookie Jaydon Blue should also get looks. The Cowboys haven’t really had a great back since they first drafted Zeke, although Tony Pollard gave them some years. But we know if you can run the ball, it’ll take pressure off those receivers. 

   The Dallas defense has a lot of questions to it. The biggest one is with Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence gone, who will be the big time edge rusher. Da’ron Bland and Tre’von Diggs form one of the better corner duos in the league, but they have to be able to get to the quarterback too. We’ll see what happens in week one, but this Cowboys defense does have questions.

2025 Blitzer Questionnaire 

BY SIN BLITZERS

Hello Football fans and welcome back to another great season. Here at the Network we do a questionnaire entering the season and we will keep track throughout the season. Here are the questions that were asked and how some of the guys responded. If you’d like to do the questionnaire yourself just leave it in the comment section below. 

  1. BIGGEST THREATS TO CHIEFS AND EAGLES IN THEIR CONFERENCES?
  2. FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE MOVE OF OFFSEASON?
  3. COACH/PLAYER ON THE HOT SEAT?
  4. COACH AND PLAYER WITH MOST TO PROVE?
  5. WHICH FIRST YEAR COACH WINS THE MOST GAMES?
  6. WHO IS THE FIRST COACH FIRED
  7. WHAT PLAYOFF TEAM FROM LAST SEASON WILL MISS THIS SEASON?
  8. WHAT NON PLAYOFF TEAM FROM LAST SEASON WILL MAKE IT THIS SEASON?
  9. AWARDS
  10. DIVISION WINNERS AND SUPERBOWL

HERE ARE OUR RESPONSES

  1.  NFC : BILL/MARK – LIONS : After what they did last year, which was impressive. They will be getting Aidan Hutchinson back on defense and that should help. 

Mike : 49ers : I know what you’re thinking, but there is no way the Niners can be as injured as they were last year. There’s going to be two massive returns, one is CMC and the other is Robert Saleh. 

AFC : ALL : RAVENS : They were a Mark Andrews drop away from beating the Bills last season. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins should help Lamar Jackson, and somehow this defense was able to add Malakai Starks in the draft. This might be the Ravens’ year.

  1. FAVORITES : MARK : JUSTIN FIELDS AND DAVANTE ADAMS : This was hard so I’m going with two. Fields might be the solution to the Jets QB woes over the years. As for Adams, adding him to an offense with Puka Nacua, might give them the best receiving duo in the league. 

BILL : Pats adding offense : The Pats spent the offseason finding ways to help Drake Maye in his development.  They beefed up the line with Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradbury and drafting Will Campbell. They also got him Stefon Diggs on the outside. 

Mike: Bears going on the offensive : Like the Pats the Bears beefed up their offense. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times last season. The Bears added Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman to help protect their prized investment. 

LEAST FAVORITE : MIKE : MYLES GARRETT RE-SIGNING WITH BROWNS : This is strictly based on not knowing what direction the Browns want to go in. If the Browns gave into the trade request the Browns could find their future QB, but we’ll see how 2025 goes for them. 

BILL : SAINTS QB SITUATION : With Derek Carr retired, the Saints will turn to Spencer Rattler, who last season had a 57% completion percentage, 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games, including six starts. By the way the Saints were 0-6 in those games. I would’ve started Tyler Shough, who they took in the second round of the draft.

  1. COACH : MARK : MIKE MCDANIEL – DOLPHINS : Despite making the playoffs in his first two seasons, most people look at the lack of success this team has late in the season. If the Dolphins either start slow or miss the playoffs again McDaniel could be gone.

BILL : ZAC TAYLOR : BENGALS : Joe Burrow had an MVP type season last season and the Bengals missed the playoffs. The Bengals were able to retain Ja’marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson if they miss the playoffs this season, Taylor is done. 

MIKE : MIKE TOMLIN : STEELERS : I know the Steelers have had three coaches in 30+ seasons and they don’t fire people. It’s been nine seasons since they last won a playoff game, if they fail this year with Aaron Rodgers it might be time for a change that I feel is long overdue. 

Player : BILL/MIKE : TREVOR LAWRENCE : Lawrence threw 11 touchdowns last season in an injury plagued season. Now he is going to make 55 million dollars, the same as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen, let’s be honest Lawrence isn’t close to that level yet and he is on his third coach already. 

MARK : DANIEL JONES : Yeah, he beat out Anthony Richardson to start this season, but I think that says more about Richardson then Jones. If Danny Dimes does what he did in New York in Indy, the fans will call to go back to Richardson. 

  1. PLAYER  : MIKE/BILL: AARON RODGERS : The Steelers view themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and if they think Aaron Rodgers puts them over the top, he’s going to have to do the job. Rodgers, played well for the Jets last year, especially after they were eliminated, this is his best chance to win a second ring in a loaded conference. 

MARK : MICAH PARSONS : The Green Bay Packers must feel Parsons is the missing piece on their roster. If the Packers fall short of their goal over the next four years, we’ll see what happens, but Parsons has to continue to play at a defensive player of the year level. 

COACH : BILL : SEAN MCDERMOTT : Every year we hype the Bills to be the team representing the AFC in the Super Bowl and every year they fall short. At some point they have to get over the hump otherwise they’re wasting prime Josh Allen. 

MARK  : Brian Schottenheimer : Cowboys : This team still has talent despite the Parsons trade. Brian’s late father Marty was an outstanding coach, we’ll see if the son can be the same, otherwise Jerry might look for another coach really soon. 

MIKE : MIKE TOMLIN : On the prior question I put Tomlin on the hot seat, and here I am saying he has the most to prove, are you sensing the pattern? The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in nine years, if Rodgers and Tomlin don’t win one this year it could be a wrap. 

  1. MIKE/ MARK : Schottenheimer : The Cowboys are way too talented to not win games. With a healthy Dak and the addition of George Pickens, they will definitely score points. 

BILL : Ben Johnson : Bears : The Bears spent this offseason trying to make things better for Caleb Williams, I think that will lead to success for DA BEARS. 

  1. BILL : DAVE CANALES : PANTHERS : Despite the turnaround at the end of last season, David Tepper could make a change quickly if the Panthers struggle early.

MARK : MCDANIEL : For the reasons I said above, if the Dolphins start slow McDaniel will be gone.

MIKE : SHANE STEICHEN : Steichen has yet to make the playoffs and is entering his third year. But with the issues at the Quarterback position, that might be the biggest problem in Indy. If Indy struggles early it might be time for a change. 

  1. MARK : STEELERS : I think they actually regress this season, they have to prove they can beat good teams, I just think the AFC is too strong and the Steelers miss.

BILL : VIKINGS : A lot of this has to do with JJ McCarthy, he hasn’t played football in two years. If he can’t push the ball downfield to Justin Jefferson there will be issues. 

MIKE : STEELERS AND VIKINGS : Yeah, I am in agreement with my colleagues on this. I think both of these teams miss the playoffs. But I will say the Vikings missing Jordan Addison for the first three games will be a major factor for them missing. 

  1. BILL : PATRIOTS : I am a believer in Mike Vrabel and everything the Pats did this offseason. If Drake Maye plays well I think the Patriots are back in the playoffs. 

MIKE : 49ERS AND BENGALS : For the Niners this all about getting and staying healthy. If they do that they’re back in the conversation for the Lombardi. As for the Bengals they solved everything they had to this offseason and if they miss the playoffs again Zac Taylor will be out of a job. 

  1. MVP : BILL: JALEN HURTS/ MIKE : JOE BURROW

OPTOY : BILL : SAQUON BARKLEY/MIKE : DERRICK HENRY

DPTOY : BILL : PARSONS/ MIKE : MAXX CROSBY

ORTOY : BILL : MATTHEW GOLDEN/MIKE : ASHTON JEANTY

DROTY : BILL/MIKE : ABDUL CARTER

COACH OF THE YEAR : BILL : BEN JOHNSON/MIKE : SEAN PAYTON

  1. AFC EAST : ALL : BILLS

AFC NORTH : ALL : RAVENS

AFC SOUTH : MIKE/MARK : TEXANS,  BILL : JAGS

AFC WEST : MARK : CHARGERS, MIKE/BILL CHIEFS

WILD CARDS : MARK : CHIEFS, BRONCOS, BENGALS. MIKE : BRONCOS, CHARGERS, BENGALS

NFC EAST : ALL : EAGLES 

NFC NORTH : ALL : LIONS

NFC SOUTH : BILL/MIKE BUCS. MARK : FALCONS

NFC WEST : ALL : 49ERS

WILD CARDS : MIKE : RAMS, COMMANDERS, PACKERS. MARK : COWBOYS, COMMANDERS, VIKINGS.

  1. SB PREDICTION : BILL: RAVENS VS EAGLES, MARK : RAVENS VS COWBOYS, MIKE : RAMS VS RAVENS

SB WINNER : MIKE/BILL : RAVENS. MARK : COWBOYS.

Earned It

By Mike Rifkin

One of the things most Mets fans hoped for last Winter was a new contract for Pete Alonso. Alonso’s season in 2024 was not what he hoped for. He hit 34 homers, which outside of 2020 was a career low, 88 RBI along with a slash line of .240/.329/.459. 

The free agent market didn’t pan out for Alonso, as he signed a two year contract (one year plus an option) with the Mets. In 2025 however Alonso has carried over what he did for the Mets in the postseason and in past seasons. In last night’s loss to the Marlins, Alonso hit his 30th homer of the season (4 away from matching last season’s total) 108 RBI along with a slash line of .267/.348/.514. You could make the case of Alonso being the most valuable Met, although David Peterson might have something to say about that, Alonso will garner some MVP votes. 

After the season, Alonso will certainly opt out of his contract with the Mets and put himself back on the market. I think the number one priority for David Stearns and Steve Cohen this winter is to lock Pete up to a long term deal. Met fans got to witness a great moment when he passed Darryl Strawberry on the all-time homer list, and is now the franchise leader. Met fans have not had a homegrown superstar position player wise since David Wright. It would be special for the fanbase to witness Pete try to get to other milestone homers and potentially bring a World Series back to Queens. But, let’s get one thing straight, all credit to Alonso, because he has earned a new deal.

NEED MORE

BY MIKE RIFKIN

One of the things I thought the Mets needed at the trade deadline was another starting pitcher. There are a few reasons why they did need a starter, the biggest being the rotation as is has been ineffective. Outside of David Peterson no Met starter has gotten out of the sixth inning and they are taxing the bullpen. Right now the Mets are clinging to a half game lead over the Reds for the last wild card spot. 

One of the reasons Mets fans were excited entering the second half was they were getting both Sean Manea and Kodai Senga back from injury. But those results have been not been good, Manea has an ERA of 5.15 and Senga has an ERA of 6.00 over his last six starts. Senga’s first 14 starts he had an ERA of 1.39. The Mets staff in the first half was great with reclamation projects Griffin Canning and Clay Holmes. But Holmes is looks tired as he has a career high in innings and Canning tore his Achilles. Had David Stearns acquired a starter, they could move Holmes to the bullpen for the stretch run, instead he acquired a couple relievers to solidify the pen.The Mets have called up prospect Nolan McLean, who was great in his first start. Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong are in Triple A and probably close to a call up. But let’s look at the National League as a whole. In Philadelphia, the Phillies lost Zack Wheeler (who hopefully has a safe recovery), but they are able to withstand it because Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo have been fantastic. The Dodgers’ rotation has been able to withstand a ton of injuries as well. Both those teams have top of the rotation arms, the Mets have a need for an ace. So whether it’s a trade for Sandy Alcantara or signing a guy like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen or Framber Valdez the Mets need a proven guy at the top of the rotation in 2026, especially if 2025 doesn’t pan out their way.

Keeping Up With the Jones

By Mike Rifkin

Earlier this summer I wrote an article based on Quarterbacks who are under pressure entering the season. (https://thesportsinsanitynetwork.com/2025/07/14/quarterbacks-under-pressure/) One of the QB’s on the list is Anthony Richardson of the Colts. During the draft process a lot of analysts talked about Richardson’s upside, but also noted that he had played 24 games at the college level, in comparison Bryce Young, the number one pick in that draft played in 36 games. Richardson the fourth overall pick in 2023 has played in 15 games through two seasons compiling a 50.6 completion percentage, 2,391 yards, 11 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions and a 67.8 Quarterback rating. Richardson also has 635 rushing yards along with 10 touchdowns, nine fumbles, losing two of them.The Colts signed Daniel Jones this offseason to compete with Richardson. Jones, a former first round pick himself with the Giants found himself released during the season after another tough season. In 70 games with the Giants Jones compiled a 64.1 completion percentage, 14,582 yards, 70 touchdown passes and 47 interceptions. Jones also ran for 2,179 yards on 399 carries with 15 touchdowns, but did fumble 15 times losing seven of them. 

Jones is still 28 years old, so if he can redeem himself in Indy he could put himself in a nice position after the season. The Colts have put themselves in a really tough spot, because unless there is an  injury to Jones, I’m not sure you can go back to Richardson. Daniel Jones was brought in to compete with Richardson, not take the job, Richardson losing this battle is bad for both he and the organization. If Jones struggles, the Colts will have to continue their search for a franchise QB, something they haven’t had since Andrew Luck.

THE TREND CONTINUES : PRESEASON INJURIES

BY MARK HALPERN

     We all know that injuries happen before the season starts (preseason) or obviously during it. The NFL season kicks off in just under a month and there has been more than a 200% increase of preseason injuries than last year. Is it because teams are pushing players too much, is it because most practices are held outdoors in scorching heat making players practice (with all that gear) or is it young guys trying to make an impression and trying to win a roster spot? It is a little of everything. Let’s take a look at the major blows to this season.

Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater tore his patella tendon during a practice where the field was over 100 degrees. He also got hurt after signing a massive extension.

Indianapolis Colts : Quarterback Anthony Richardson was leveled and was forced to leave the game against the Ravens.He did play this week.

Baltimore Ravens also suffered a huge loss in Bilhal Kone, a rookie cornerback. He tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee.

Arizona Cardinals: They’re waiting for the return of Edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who tore his ACL during training camp last season. 

Tennessee Titians Lost  Quarterback Will Levis and starting wide receiver Trelyon Burks

The Texans: Joe Mixon is yet to practice with an ankle injury. Rumors are out that he might miss the first two games of the season.
    There are a lot more injuries out there. But, with only ONE bye week for teams to attempt to recover from various injuries and the fact that today’s game is faster and players are bigger and stronger than before. Teams need to lobby for a second bye week. Especially with the league wanting to expand the season an extra week or two. One bye week is not going to cut it, so what should happen is the league gives two bye weeks and spreads them out, every team gets one bye week prior to week 10 and another one after week 10.

POLAR HISTORY

BY MIKE RIFKIN

Gary Cohen said it best on Tuesday night saying “The Polar Bear is on his own private iceberg.” when Pete Alonso homered in bottom of the third inning of the Mets 13-5 win over the division rival Atlanta Braves. Alonso homered twice in the game giving him 254 career home runs, passing Darryl Strawberry for the most in franchise history. There is also some irony in here, when Alonso hit his 53rd home run in 2019, the rookie record that also came at the expense of the Braves, and 200 homers later Alonso makes more history against the Braves.

This Winter Mets fans didn’t know if this moment would come. Alonso was a free agent, and remained on the market for a long time. The Mets and their slugger came to terms on a two year contract (one year plus an option). Since his arrival in 2019 Alonso has embraced the Mets fans and organization similar to another Mets legend, who spent their entire career with the team David Wright. During Wright’s tenure with the team the Mets made big splashes in signing guys like Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, etc… During Alonso’s tenure the Mets have signed Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. While signing free agents is great, there’s something special about the relationship between the fans and homegrown players. If Steve Cohen wants special nights like Tuesday night, he has to re-sign Alonso and make him a Met for life, and just like Wright before him Alonso’s number 20 will be retired.

OFF TO A VERY SLOW START BUT DON’T WORRY

BY MARK HALPERN

     Cedric Mullins has been a consistent player in the MLB for better than the last 7 years. He was a staple in Baltimore’s lineup from 2013-2025 (when he was traded to the Mets) and plays Center Field well. The one thing that has fallen off a little has been his bat but, that isn’t the reason David Stearns acquired him. 

     The Mets haven’t gotten consistent offense from the  Center Field position in a long time. With Jett Williams just waiting for his opportunity the Mets needed a Center Fielder that could produce some offense. With the Orioles having a down season and Mullins being an impending free agent, the Mets and Orioles were able to strike a deal.

  Mullins is 4-24 thus far as a Met and hit his first homer in Sunday’s loss to the Brewers. Mullins is adjusting to his first new team in a decade and is starting to come to life. With his experience and his capabilities of hitting better than 20 home runs in a season. Mullins also gives the Mets speed and another player who has the ability to steal bases. If Mullins’ offense comes around, the Mets will reap the benefits.

BOONE-HEAD MISTAKE

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The Yankees lost 5-3 on Friday night to the Houston Astros. This loss makes the Yankees 19-30 since June 13th, the worst record in the AL in that span. Going further the Yankees have 24 wins since June first, the same amount of wins as the White Sox. 

Once again in a big spot Aaron Boone went to Devin Williams and once again Devin Williams failed the Yankees. Williams gave up two earned runs (three overall) in the tenth inning Friday night, including a two run homer to Taylor Trammell, which was the difference in the game. On the season Williams has a 3-5 record, along with being 17-20 in save opportunities. Williams has a 5.73 ERA, he has allowed earned runs in five consecutive outings. Prior to this he had never gone three straight outings giving up runs. 

At the trade deadline the Yankees acquired David Bednar from the Pirates and Camilo Doval from the Giants, both of whom were closers in their prior spots, and have Luke Weaver, who closed big games for the Yankees last season. So the question is why does Aaron Boone continually go to Williams in big spots? The answer is simple, the Yankees think they know more than everyone else. Williams shouldn’t be the closer nor should he be put in big spots right now. Bednar went 1.2 innings in a huge win on Wednesday, and tonight (after a day off) Bednar wasn’t used. 

Entering Saturday the Yankees are hanging by a thread to a playoff spot, a half game up on the Guardians and 1.5 games up on the Rangers, and trailing the Mariners by 2.5 games. But right now the Yankees cannot afford for Devin Williams to cost them more games. It is imperative for Boone to find a way for Williams to regain his confidence, but if I’m a Yankee fan I trust Boone about as much as I trust Williams. And if Williams is the reason the Yankees miss the playoffs, Aaron Boone’s loyalty to him should also land him a pink slip.