Check Your Ego

By Mike Rifkin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the definition of consistency in the NFL for a long time. They haven’t had a losing season since 2003, they’ve had three head coaches spanning over 30 years, etc… This offseason the Steelers decided to make a change at the most important position quarterback. 

The trio of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph are all in different places. The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson, who was released by the Broncos and Justin Fields, who they acquired in a trade with the Bears. Coach Mike Tomlin was adamant that Wilson was in “pole position” from the start, so it should come to no surprise that Wilson was named the starter on Wednesday. Wilson, missed most of training camp with a calf injury, so that begs the question why Wilson over Fields?

Wilson has the experience edge, but his stint in Denver was not pretty especially 2022. Wilson was better last season under Sean Payton throwing for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a 66.4 completion percentage. Wilson hasn’t thrown for more than 30 touchdowns since 2020. Usually when you look at quarterbacks you’re looking for someone who can win you a Super Bowl or someone who may be your franchise quarterback. But here’s the thing Russell Wilson is neither. Russ will be 36 in November, and even with him at the helm does that make the Steelers better than the Bengals, Browns or Ravens the answer for me is no. 

Would Justin Fields make them better than those teams? The answer is still no, but at least playing Fields would at least give you a glimpse into who can be the quarterback of the future. Justin Fields is only 25 years old, and let’s be honest pairing him with a young defensive coach was a mistake on the Bears part. Last season Fields had a 61.4 completion percentage with 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and three fumbles. He also chipped in four rushing touchdowns. Fields also had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, he was sacked 44 times, the Bears Offensive line gave up 50 which was seventh most in the NFL. Fields is one of many young quarterbacks to struggle behind a bad offensive line and turnovers, so which begs me to ask again why Russ over Fields?

The answer is simple Mike Tomlin’s ego. Tomlin has never had a losing season, and he wants to keep that in check. But the problem is is might be hindering the progress of the organization. Because if the Steelers sneak into the playoffs at 9-8 or something, they’ll get dismantled by one of the better teams in the AFC. So here’s the question for me : How long is Wilson’s leash? I don’t care if they design a package for Fields (think Saints with Hill), because until we see if Fields has a grasp of the offense the Steelers are destined to be middle of the pack especially with Burrow and Lamar Jackson in their division.

HAS ROGER GONE TOO FAR?

BY MARK HALPERN

Roger Goodell the NFL commissioner has been trying to expand the viewership of the NFL in many different countries. We have seen the NFL play in London with great success, the NFL has had some games in Mexico and Germany, but London has seen the most action. Now this year Rodger and the executive body of the NFL thought lets go to Brazil. ( This may or may not have been decided after watching the Simpsons Brazil episode) Brazil being a very big Soccer country. But Roger and company believe they can get any country to love American Football. Rodger and the NFL arranged for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers play their opening game in Brazil. The idea has been well perceived by a lot but not too soon after the date was booked and plans arranged the NFL had been told that the Eagles and the Packers could not wear the color GREEN because of gang affiliations. Let me repeat myself the Packers whose prime colors are GREEN and yellow and the Eagles whose prime colors are GREEN and white won’t be able to wear their dominate color with the fear of gang violence. Why is this game with these teams being played if there is so much controversy of colors. I understand that timing would be horrible especially for people who have tickets to the game but if the Country’s President is that concerned why did the NFL pick two teams whose primary colors are Green to play? As the plans have been made available that the players planes will arrive separately and teams will enter ARMORED caravans to their hotel where they will be protected by some faction of the Brazilian Military (NOT POLICE). I see a bounty of problems and I truly hope that someone check all the facts before booking two NFL teams into a possible dangerous situation. To compare a recent event that was held we can only expect the same type of problems like Miami had for the soccer final. the Stadium in Miami was destroyed not only to the outside façade but many different internal areas including air ducts, V.I.P. rooms and escalators damaged and destroyed needless to say the security for that event was in no way prepared. After witnessing that disgusting display and disrespect I wonder how Brazil will choose to decide that the proper security not only be outside but inside the venue much prior to the event beginning and to secure the site maybe throw a few guys in the air vents just in case. This is a serious look for the league and hopefully everyone will be safe.

LEGENDARY BABE RUTH “CALLED SHOT”JERSEY SETS RECORD AT AUCTION

BY MARK HALPERN

In 1932 the biggest legend to ever step on a diamond George Herman “Babe” Ruth stood at home plate during game 3 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs and pointed to the center field wall. The Babe was calling his shot to clear the center field wall. At this time during baseball, he and probably Lou Gehrig who could have done that. On the next pitch The Babe hit a towering home run over the center field wall. It’s a moment in history and nearly a century later that jersey he wore set another record the other night. The Jersey was put up for auction with Heritage auctions one of the best companies that deals with sports collectibles of this caliber. When the final second ended the jersey sold for and tremendous $24.14 million dollars topping the 1952 Mantle that sold for $12 million not too long ago. 

       This is one of the most important pieces of baseball memorabilia as it represents just how good the babe was. He had gifted the jersey to a golfing buddy of his around 1940. The family kept it for decades and then it sold for just under a million in 2005 to another collector. Now it’s in the hands of yet another and not where it belongs and that is Cooperstown. A jersey of this importance belongs to be seen/viewed by all who come to Cooperstown to see and understand the legendary game.

All Time Great or All Time Distraction

By Mike Rifkin

This past weekend the New York Yankees honored the 2009 World Series Championship team (the last one they won). One member of that team has yet to be honored with a plaque in monument park and thinks he deserves it. That is Alex Rodriguez, but let me ask this question is A-Rod an all time Yankee, or was he an all time me guy? When I think about all time Yankees I think of Mantle, Berra, Mattingly, Jeter, Rivera, etc… 

A-Rod definitely had the regular season stats to be considered an all time Yankee. In his 12 seasons as a Yankee Rodriguez hit 351 homers and drove in 1,096 RBI’S and scored 1,012 runs in 1,509 games played with a slash line of .283/.378/.523. Rodriguez won two of his three MVP’S with the Yankees as well. But to judge a Yankee, it doesn’t matter what they do in the regular season, it matters what they do in the playoffs. In the Playoffs Rodriguez had 10 homers and 33 RBI and a slash line of .240/.363/.431 in 61 games played. And if you take away that 09 team the numbers are just not there. 

Then there’s the other side to Rodriguez and that’s the distraction part or the selfish part as I call it. Remember during the 2007 World Series where he announced he was opting out of his contract only to become the highest paid player in the game. Now to Yankee fans they’re ok with that because it tried to overshadow the Red Sox winning their second World Series in four seasons, but to a baseball fan to overshadow the world series. Then prior to the 2009 season Rodriguez admitted to using steroids during his Texas seasons after repeatedly denying the allegations. While the Yankees did win the world series that season, this could have been a massive distraction ( it didn’t hurt that the Yankees that they signed CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and AJ Burnett). Then there was the biogenesis scandal that had Rodriguez suspended for 211 games. Was that a witch hunt on the part of MLB? Sure, but that was the final straw for an individual who has already lied for his usage of PED’S. 

Rodriguez can try to clean up his image, as an analyst and think that changes his story. It shouldn’t, the New York Yankees are supposed to be the biggest franchise not just in Baseball, but in sports as a whole. While the Yankee fan may embrace A-Rod, there’s something about putting him among the All time greats who wore the pinstripes and even just all time greats that bothers me. Even if he winds up in Monument Park, he shouldn’t sniff Cooperstown. Yes, the numbers are there but if we’re not embracing the steroid era at all (and we should) he lied about it. Rodriguez was one of the most gifted players to play the game, but at the end of the day he ruined it for himself.

STICK A FORK IN LAMB’S CONTRACT CAUSE IT IS DONE

BY MARK HALPERN
   

  Well, the wait is over and Cee Dee Lamb is coming back to camp after his contract holdout. Cee Dee and the Cowboys were able to come together on a 4-year deal worth $136 million dollars with a $38 million dollar signing bonus. 100 million dollars guaranteed. Since entering the league Lamb has 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns. Last season Lamb led the league with 135 catches, second with 1,749 yards and third with 12 touchdowns. Lamb is now the second highest paid wide receiver next to Justin Jefferson. It looks like #88 is here to stay at least the next 4 years.

Gut Punch

By Mike Rifkin

The New York Mets kicked off what is a massive 10 game road trip, just a mere two games back in the NL Wild Card race. They started this massive trip in San Diego, a team the Mets are chasing in the Wild Card race. Now if you asked any Met fan if how’d they feel about splitting four games with the Padres, I’m sure they’d be ok with that. But it’s the way the split was secured that’s frustrating to Met fans. 

Met fans got the result they wanted on Sunday as the Nationals beat the Braves, meaning a Mets win would move them to 1.5 games behind Atlanta for that last wild card spot. The Mets got an absolute gem from Jose Quintana, who had struggled over his last several starts. Quintana gave the Mets 6.1 shutout innings giving up four hits and two walks. The Mets also played some splendid defense behind Quintana. (Just watch Jose Iglesias play over and over) But this is the Mets and nothing comes easy. Jose Butto entered the game and struggled a bit but a caught stealing got him through the seventh. Entering the eighth, Butto walked the ninth place hitter Mason McCoy, after getting ahead 0-2, and then promptly gave up a two run homer to Jurickson Profar to tie the game. After giving up another hit, the Mets went to Phil Maton who got his only out on two pitches. Then to enter the ninth inning in a tied game the Mets went to Edwin Diaz, who had not pitched since Wednesday. Diaz gave up a walkoff homer to Jackson Merrill to gain a split of the series for San Diego, and kept the Mets 2.5 games behind the Braves for the last wild card. 

Look I get the fact that Carlos Mendoza wanted to get Diaz into the game because he hadn’t pitched since Wednesday, but this is twofold. One if Diaz throws an abundance of pitches, even with the off day Monday would he be available Tuesday? Also Phil Maton retired one hitter with two pitches, why take him out and save Diaz for a potential save opportunity in the 10th inning? The Mets offense was held in check by San Diego’s bullpen, the Mets left eight runners on base and were 0-3 with runners in scoring position. The Mets scored their two runs with solo homers by JD Martinez and Mark Vientos. 

The Mets had all the momentum and had they won this game could have jump started this important trip. Now they need to recover quickly because they now go play another team in the wild card chase, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who just happen to have the best record in baseball since the All Star break. This is a Mets team that has always responded when something bad has occurred, let’s see how they handle this latest gut punch.

SCOTT BORAS DISSED BY MONTGOMERY

BY MARK HALPERN

   When you think of Sports Agents in the world today a few rank as high as Scott Boras. Boras is  known to get his clients lucrative contracts. Sometimes these contracts are so unreal that even some of the best baseball analysts today don’t have clear answers. Jordan Montgomery, a Boras client, was a highly sought after free agent after winning the World Series with the Rangers. When you have a player under contract, yes you do your best to get him what his value is on the market and Boras really embellished what Montgomery was worth and wanted so much that turned multiple teams away including the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees. It wasn’t till the end of spring training that Boras finally landed a deal for Montgomery with the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one year $25 million dollars. Here’s the problem and it isn’t the money it’s the fact that he was signed so late and didn’t ever really get going. After 19 starts this season, he has a ballooned ERA to 6.44 and has now been regulated to the bullpen.

     Scott Boras represented four of the biggest free agents on the Market this season. Boras got deals for Matt Chapman, Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell who all of late have started to turn it around. Now all of these guys can hit the free agent market again after the season.  Jordan Montgomery said “My Agent Scott Boras really butchered my offseason.” I clearly can read between the lines and Jordan Montgomery might be looking for a new team next year but with new representation as well. We’ll have to see if Montgomery can land the multi year deal he was unable to last winter.

Yaroslav Askarov Landing Spots

By Mike Rifkin

The Nashville Predators have been one of the most aggressive teams in free agency. Bringing in Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. The best move in my opinion was extending goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight year 61 million dollar contract. Saros last season was 35-24-5 with a 2.86 GAA  and a .906 save percentage with three shutouts. 

With Saros locked up what happens to prospect Yaroslav Askarov?

Askarov, the 11th overall pick in 2020 by the Preds is one of the top goalie prospects in the league. Askarov, earlier this week requested a trade from the organization. Askarov, who has played the last two seasons for the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL was 30-13-1 with a 2.39 GAA and .911 save percentage with six shutouts. So who should make the call to Barry Trotz to acquire the young Russian goalie. 

Contenders 

Colorado Avalanche : Alexandar Georgiev is entering the final season of his contract and didn’t have a tremendous season last season. Yes he won 38 games, but his save percentage was under .900 and his goals against were over three, the Avs have a win now roster, adding a 22 year old goalie could lengthen their window of contention. 

LA Kings : The Kings are entering a new phase of their organization. The Anze Kopitar/Drew Doughty era has a few seasons left, the Kings did get out of the Pierre Luc Dubois contract and got Darcy Kuemper. But using that fantastic farm system they can add Askarov to pair with Kuemper until Askarov takes over. 

Rebuilding

Columbus Blue Jackets : The Blue Jackets have had a few shocking moments over the last few summers, from signing Johnny Gaudreau to hiring Mike Babcock to this summer bringing in Don Waddell. The Blue Jackets have a need in goal. Daniil Tarasov had a decent season in a backup role and Elvis Merzlikins is someone they can move. 

San Jose Sharks : Mike Grier has discussed this being a long term rebuild in the Bay area. Well they did land the number one pick in the draft in Macklin Celebrini, and they brought in some veterans in Tyler Toffoli and Barclay Goodrow. The cherry on top would be adding a franchise altering goalie. 

Chicago Blackhawks : The Blackhawks as well have had a tremendous summer, adding Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen among others. The Blackhawks like the Sharks have had their rebuild accelerated because of a number one pick. Petr Mrazek had a solid season, but adding Askarov can put the Blackhawks on a different timeline to win. The one difficult thing is trading within their division. 

Wild Card : 

Anaheim Ducks : There’s only one way this works and that’s if the Ducks part ways with longtime goalie John Gibson. If they do they should be a player here. The Ducks have a young crop of forwards including Trevor Zegras, Mason Mctavish,  Cutter Gauthier, etc… And like the Sharks and Blackhawks adding Askarov can accelerate their rebuild. 

The Predators hold the cards here and can get a lofty price for the 22 year old goalie, we’ll have to wait to see what happens next.

I AM CASTING MY WNBA ROY

BY MARK HALPERN

       When you talk about a sport that has had a major impact over the last year. The WNBA is definitely on the right path for success. This has been a very exciting season because of the emergence of two certain rookies. One had an insane amount of pressure on her and has lived up to the insane hype and the other has gone about her business and become a double-double machine. Both have become faces of the league and hopefully can take the league to the next level. 

    Caitilin Clark and Angel Reese have brought fight and the will to win. Both have their teams fighting for a chance at the playoffs. Caitilin Clark has taken this league by storm (even though she plays for the fever) and is averaging an impressive 17.8 points a game, 5.8 rebounds a game, an impressive 8.3 assists and 1.4 steals a game. Despite this being her rookie season, she has quickly shown how she has grown her game. Every night she goes out with a singular thought and that’s how to win this game. Her teammates are not taking a down step behind her actually their entire team productivity is over 125% better than last year according to a fever official. 

    Now the other outstanding rookie is Angel Reese. Reese in her rookie season is averaging 13.6 points per game, an outstanding 12.3 rebounds a game, and 1.7 assists. One thing that she can work on is shot selection, she doesn’t have the range of Clark, but she is a force in the paint. Reese has made some comments regarding Clark, and while I may not agree with them rivalry is great for the game. 

    When we look at a ROY candidate the nominee is usually based on what they have achieved on the court and what their overall impact has been. I have Clark as the current rookie of the year, both the Fever and the Sky are battling for playoff positioning. But the voting might come down to what do the voters prefer, but one thing is for sure these two entered the league with a ton of hype and at least in there rookie seasons they’re living up to it.

WELL DARN IT’S SAM TO LEAD THE VIKINGS

By Mark Halpern

      Well, here we are again with a Quarterback who doesn’t need that much of an introduction as he has moved around this league and that’s Sam Darnold. Darnold was selected third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets.  I actually liked Darnold  but he was never given the talent for him to succeed. His best season in my opinion was his season in 2021 with the Carolina Panthers. Darnold played in 12 games that season throwing for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions and he was sacked 35 times. Sacks and turnovers have been the story of Darnold’s career. Darnold was the backup Quarterback in San Francisco last year and what’s better than being a part of a Super Bowl team you learn and gain experience and confidence. 

     During the off-season Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta on a massive 4-year deal (only to get dissed by the Falcons drafting Michael Penix) and at that point the Vikings grabbed Darnold to be the starting Quarterback, with the intentions of drafting a Quarterback in the first round and they did just that by moving up in the draft to get J.J MCCarthy. Despite the Vikings continuing to say it’d be a competition during training camp, Darnold began to believe he would be the backup yet again. However, an unfortunate accident at practice confirmed that rookie Quarterback J.J Mcarthy would miss the season due to a torn MCL. Not what any team wants is their number one pick down before he even gets started. Sam Darnold now knows he is the starting Quarterback for the Vikings.

     There are a lot of skeptics out there that Darnold won’t do any better than before due to his age. I tend to disagree with anyone who says he will fail. For the first time he has a above average offensive line, Darnold has an experienced Running back in Aaron Jones who will have a good season with over a thousand yards and 12 total TD’s. Darnold also has been handed the keys to one of the they most Deadly offenses in the NFL today. I have mentioned Jones and what he will accomplish but you have the best wide receiver in football in Justin Jefferson. Darnold has never had a Wide Receiver with Jefferson’s talent and I trust Jefferson will shine with a massive 1400-yard season and 13 Touchdowns. Now if being given the gift of the number one wide receiver in the game Darnold now has one of the best #2 wide receivers in the game with Jordan Addison who had an impressive rookie season (911 yards and 10 TD’s) and is poised for an even better sophomore year and I truly believe we will see both Addison and Jefferson surpass 1000 yards but also possible both attaining double digit Touchdown’s on this season. If that weren’t enough the Vikings also have T.J. Hockenson who is clearly a top five Tight End in the league. Darnold has been given a near perfect offense to work with. The Offensive line is more than capable in making holes but now it comes down to making time and if they can give Darnold that 3 seconds the Vikings will be the talk of the league. This is the best group of weapons that Darnold has ever had and with Kevin O’Connell coming from the Sean McVay/Kyle Shannahan coaching tree Darnold can succeed. 

    I really hope Darnold gets to prove all the nay sayers (yes including myself over the years) wrong and has a “Pro Bowl” season and finally shows why he was worthy of being a first round pick. Who knows if Darnold plays well, maybe he’s played himself into starting somewhere else in 2025.