METS OFF SEASON MOVES

By Mark Halpern

    Well, Mets fans, here we are again in the offseason with no World Series trophy.  However, I am not disappointed they didn’t win the trophy; I was more upset that they didn’t win the division.  The Mets have a lot to do in the offseason to try to have a repeat performance of last year. 

    The Mets have many star players who all just turned Free Agents.  Notably Jacob DeGrom, Bandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, Chris Bassitt, Trevor May, Seth Lugo, and Taijuan Walker.  These players were critical pieces of why the Mets had 20 more wins than last year, and Mets fans have to be happy about that.  However, if they lose too much of the team from last year to Free Agency, the Mets will have to find Relief in Free Agency themselves.

 All the Mets free agents deserve a contract, but the question is who will be first.  We must get Brandon Nimmo locked up now.  He is generating the most interest around the league so far.  The Blue Jays, Rockies, and Reds are just a few teams that have started making goo-goo eyes and talking with his agent.  My prediction is that the moment he is offered a contract Cohen (will) should go and make sure he is in center field next year.  Jacob Degrom is the biggest name of Mets free agents to test the market.  Only a handful of teams could even make an offer, and it will have to be around 42-45 million AAV in no more than 4 years.  I understand what Degrom is doing, and it’s only fitting that he gets what he wants.  Edwin Diaz was the best closer in baseball last season and had unique walk-out music that blew Mariano Rivera’s entrance out of the water.  When you hear  Narco played by Timmy Trumpet, the volume in the stadium can be heard in Westchester county, NY.  That being said, Diaz got a five year deal worth 102 million dollars, which is the richest deal for a reliever. 

 Taijuan Walker had a great first half and was all over in the second half.  He deserves another deal with the Mets but will be a casualty because someone will pay big for him.  As for Lugo and May, you should try to bring both back. 

 What do the Mets need the question?  The Mets need pitching (starting and relief.) Obviously, the fans want DeGrom back, but I want Carlos Rodon from the Giants. He has been a dominant pitcher in the league over the last 5 years, and he is not getting younger and has said he wants to go to a true contender.  The Mets are a perfect fit for him as he can be #3 pitcher for them if DeGrom stays; if DeGrom leaves, then #2 or #3.  Bassitt should be given an offer and look like Rodon, either #3 or #4, if DeGrom leaves.  The Mets have also talked to Kodai Senga, who pitched in Japan last year. The Mets also need Relief Pitching, and there needs to be a more significant sample of who is out there to get an idea of whom the Mets will go after.  I know I’ll take the flak for this but make a play for Aroldis Chapman as the eighth inning man and I would try and pry Taylor Rodgers away from the Brewers.

The Mets desperately need a Designated Hitter.  Almost anyone can be a DH, but you want someone reliable.  I wish for the Mets to bring back Conforto to be the DH, and he could still play right.  After his injury and missing last season, he isn’t going to get a 5 figure contract.  I would offer 3 years at a 17 million per year with an option for 4th.  Another name to try and explore would be J.D. Martinez. I would give him a two year contract worth 32 million dollars with an option for a third year. 

I know we are early into the process, and if it were up to us Mets fans, our payroll would be 500 million.  Steve Cohen will spend to get this team to greatness, but a 500mil payroll won’t happen this decade. But we know that Steve Cohen is willing to spend to make the Mets a World Series contender.

Trying To Right The Ship

By : Mike Rifkin

The New Orleans Saints host the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. When the schedule came out most people would think that this is a game between two contenders in the NFC, instead this is a game between two teams who are barely hanging on to playoff contention.

The defending Super Bowl champs are 3-6 and coming off a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. A game in which Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed with a concussion In his place John Wolford was 24-36 for 212 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Last season the Rams offense averaged 27.1 points per game, this season they are averaging 16.4 points per game.  The Rams offense is last in the league in rushing averaging 68.1 yards per game. The Rams offense took a major blow on Sunday when star receiver Cooper Kupp injured his ankle, earlier this week the Rams put him on IR meaning he will miss a minimum of four games. Now the question who will step up in Kupp’s absence? Last season the Rams defense was third in the NFL in sacks, then their pass rush helped them win the Super Bowl. This year they are 25th in sacks so far. 

The Saints are 3-7 and coming off a 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andy Dalton was 17-27 for 174 yards a touchdown and two interceptions. Alvin Kamara has three touchdowns on the season ( 1 rushing, 2 receiving) and only has ONE 100 yard rushing game on the season. Rookie receiver Chris Olave has been a bright spot for the offense with 46 catches for 658 yards and two touchdowns. Last year the Saints defense had a +7 turnover differential, this year they are -12 which is last in the NFL, the Rams are 30th with a -7 differential. 

Two teams that were playoff hopefuls to start the season, are now searching to find their game. Both teams are looking to right the ship, but it might be too late.

Opening A Can Of Heinicke 

By : Mike Rifkin

Monday night, the Washington Commanders ended the Philadelphia Eagles undefeated season hopes with a 32-21 win. Washington is now back to.500 and have now won four of their last five games, and their only loss was by a field goal to the Minnesota Vikings. 

This run has coincided since Taylor Heinicke took over for Carson Wentz, who underwent surgery on his finger. Heinicke isn’t flashy as the quarterback, but he gets the job done. This season Heinicke has a 62.0 completion percentage, 840 yards, five touchdowns, four interceptions and a Quarterback Rating of 82.7.

 In 2020 Heinicke started the NFC Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went toe to toe with Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl Champs. Heinicke in the game was 26-44 for 306 yards, one touchdown and an interception, he added 46 yards and a touchdown rushing. That performance earned Heinicke the starting job last year where he posted a 65.0 completion percentage, 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and had a 85.9 Quarterback Rating. Washington went 7-10 last season last season and the front office felt the biggest change needed was at quarterback. But was it really all on Taylor Heinicke? In 2020 Washington was second in yards allowed, last year they fell to 22nd. But the front office felt the biggest change needed was at quarterback. 

Heinicke Isn’t the best quarterback in the NFL, but his teammates have his back and he has played well. Heinicke has played too well to have the Commanders go back to Carson Wentz. Heinicke has earned the opportunity to continue to start. If he starts to struggle, then Ron Rivera can go back to Wentz. Neither one is the long term answer, but Heinicke deserves this opportunity. 

Swimming Into First Place

By : Mike Rifkin

On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Cleveland Browns 39-17. The win moves the Dolphins to 7-3 and with the win and the Bills loss the Dolphins now sit in first place in the AFC East. 

In the win Tua Tagovailoa continued his fantastic play by going 25-32 for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Tua is the first player in Dolphins history by completing 70 percent of his passes, at least three touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Dolphins offensive line had their best game of the season as the Browns didn’t have a sack and the team ran for 195 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. The trade deadline addition Jeff Wilson had 119 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert also had 65 yards, a touchdown and averaged 8.1 yards per carry. The Dolphins defense played well also. They sacked Jacoby Brissett three times and hitting him 14, Bradley Chubb had 0.5 sacks and three qb hits. They held Nick Chubb to 63 yards, 33 of which came on one run. 

The Dolphins enter their bye week at 7-3 and in first place in the AFC East. After the bye week the Dolphins will play the Houston Texans at home, before embarking on a three game road trip against the 49ers, Chargers, and Bills. 

Statement Win

By: Mike Rifkin

On Sunday the Vikings overcame a 17 point deficit and defeated the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in Overtime. The win moves the Vikings to 8-1 on the season and was the biggest win in the Kirk Cousins era. 

Cousins was 30-50 for 357 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Dalvin Cook had 119 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. 81 of those yards came on his touchdown run in the third quarter. Justin Jefferson had 10 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown. On Fourth and 18, trailing 27-23 Jefferson made arguably the greatest catch of all time, when he jumped in the air and snatched it with one hand away from the defender. That drive ended with Kirk Cousins getting stopped on fourth and goal. The next play the Bills had a bad exchange on a snap and Eric Kendricks recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. 

The Vikings defense forced four Bills turnovers including two interceptions by Patrick Peterson. The Vikings have a +8 turnover differential which is second in the NFL. 

This Viking team has a different feel than the ones in years past, because they are winning the close games. Last season the Vikings lost eight games by one possession. This season Vikings have won seven games by one possession. Their only loss so far is against the undefeated Eagles. Kevin O’Connell has his team as one of the best in the NFL.

HALF WAY AND THE COWBOYS ARE RIGHT IN THE THICK OF THINGS.

By Mark Halpern

     So as, all of us Dallas Cowboys fans are still sore to walk into Lambeau Field on Sunday because of the long history between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. When you look at the best rival teams that dig deep into the trenches, you think of matchups of New York Giants/ Washington Commanders (Formerly, the team’s real name should be the Redskins.) New England Patriots, the New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills vs. anyone in the NFC EAST, there’s a rivalry that goes back to the mid-1960s, and Dallas vs. Green Bay feud has been an exciting matchup, whether it’s a spot for the playoffs to just a win in the win column these games get fierce. From Staubach vs. Starr to Aikman vs. Farve and now Prescott vs. Rodgers. Even though the Cowboys are 6-2 and the Packers are 3-6, this weekend’s match isn’t going to be a walk into Lambeau and expect a win.

     The Cowboys have had two weeks to get rested, and they sure needed it, as they have been banged up all over the board. Zeke Eliot and Micah Parsons were the two who needed it. Parsons’s job is extremely safe, but what’s not safe is Elliot’s spot as the #1 running back in Dallas after Tony Pollard’s explosive year so far. If he can’t prove why he deserves to be #1 in the next two weeks, he will become the change of pace player that Tony Pollard has been for the last three seasons.

     This is a vital game for the Cowboys because of the position they are in, in the NFC EAST. The Eagles have yet to lose a game and are currently sitting atop the pyramid and looking down at the #2 Cowboys, #3 New York Giants, and then Commanders. Predictions were high for the Eagles this season. Dallas was another prominent team, but you heard of problems from the Giants and Commanders clubs right from the start of training camp. The Giants have squashed everyone’s prediction by playing exceptional football on both offensive and defensive fronts. The Giants’ two losses came from beyond a sub-par team being the Seahawks and the other is the Cowboys. It will be a tricky second part of the season for the Giants as they play much more formidable teams in the weeks ahead.

     The NFC EAST has been the surprising division through the first half of the season, and this division will push one another to the final whistle of the regular season blows, and that’s how the old man sees it.

 

Heavyweight Showdown

By : Mike Rifkin

Two of the NFL’S best will play each other in Buffalo, when the 7-1 Minnesota Vikings play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Vikings are coming off a 20-17 win over the Washington Commanders, giving them six wins in a row. Kirk Cousins went 22-40 for 265 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Cousins so far on the season has a 64.8 completion percentage , 1,999 yards 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. 

The Bills are coming off a 20-17 loss to the New York Jets. Josh Allen was 18-34 for 205 yards and two interceptions. Allen did have 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Late in the game Allen got hit in the Elbow and hurt his UCL, he is ruled questionable for the game. If he cannot go former Viking Case Keenum will get the start. 

This game will feature two of the best receivers in the NFL. Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson, who were actually traded for each other, in a deal that’s helped both teams. Currently Jefferson has 867 yards and Diggs has 857 yards which currently put them at second and third in the NFL respectively. This game might come down to which pass rush is more effective. The Vikings have 24 sacks on the season, while the Bills have 23. The Vikings defense also has a +6 turnover differential on the season, while the Bills are +1. 

This is a huge game for Minnesota in my opinion we always talk about the struggles of Cousins, but this team is winning and it flies under the radar. A win in Buffalo could do a lot for their confidence going forward, while the Bills look to right the ship. 

Browns at Dolphins Preview

By : Mike Rifkin

On Sunday the Cleveland Browns visit the Miami Dolphins, looking to continue what they did before their bye week. On Halloween the Browns treated their fans to a 32-13 beatdown of their in state rivals the Cincinnati Bengals 32-13. Former Dolphin Jacoby Brissett was 17-22 for 278 yards and two touchdowns ( 1 pass, 1 rush). Nick Chubb had 101 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Amari Cooper had five catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. The Browns defense sacked Joe Burrow five times and forced two Bengal turnovers. The win snapped a four game losing streak for Cleveland. 

Last week the Dolphins defeated the Bears 35 – 32 in Chicago. Tua Tagovailoa was 21-30 for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Tyreek Hill had 7 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown, while Jaylen Waddle added in five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins have won three in a row since Tua Tagovailoa came back from his Concussion. 

Browns Quarterback Jacoby Brissett played for the Dolphins last season and had a 62.7 completion percentage, 1,283 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 games played. Brissett should have some familiarity with the Dolphin defense, that struggled last week in Chicago.

Week 10: Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers

By: Ross Mazin

This is an interesting game between two teams seeking to find consistency to their game. Both teams had high expectations coming into the season, both teams currently sit in the number seven position in their respective conferences. 

The Chargers beat the Falcons last week 20-17 Justin Herbert was 30 for 43 for 245 yards . He had one touchdown and one interception. Austin Ekeler had 71 total yards and two touchdowns (1 rush, 1 receiving). The Chargers defense forced two turnovers and had two sacks. 

The 49ers are coming coming off their bye week. They beat the Rams 31-14 back on October 30th.. Jimmy Garoppolo was 21 for 25 for 235 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. That game was the exact reason the 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey, he had 26 touches for 149 yards and three touchdowns. (1 rush, 1 receiving, 1 passing) The 49ers offense should also get Deebo Samuel back from a Hamstring injury that kept him out of the Rams game. 

Two teams that are looking to make the playoffs play each other looking to make a statement. 

My prediction is Chargers 22- 49ers 20

MLB Award Predictions 

By : Mike Rifkin

Yesterday the BBWAA announced all of the finalists for award winners for the 2022 season. With the announcement of the winners being announced next week. Here is how I would vote.

American League 

MVP Candidates : Aaron Judge (Yankees), Yordan Alvarez (Astros), Shohei Ohtani (Angels). 

For me this would have been more of a race if Yordan Alvarez never got hurt during the season. Judge set an American League record and Yankee record with 62 home runs. Ohtani is fantastic and there is NOBODY in Baseball who can do what he does, but the Angels were 73-89 this season and Judge carried the Yankees offense all year. 

Pick: Aaron Judge.

CY Young Candidates : Dylan Cease (White Sox), Alek Manoah ( Blue Jays), Justin Verlander (Astros) 

Two years off because of Tommy John Surgery and at the age of 39 you can say Verlander had the best season of his Hall Of Fame career. 18-4 with an ERA of 1.75  (he won the ERA title)  9.5 strikeouts per nine innings, Verlander is looking to be the 11th guy to win 3 CY Young Awards. Dylan Cease never ceased to amaze fans on the South Side of Chicago by going 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA and 227 strikeouts. Manoah went 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA and pitched in the beast that is the AL East. 

Pick: Verlander.

Rookie Of The Year Candidates : Steven Kwan (Guardians), Julio Rodriguez (Mariners), Adley Rutschman (Orioles) 

Kwan was one of six qualified hitters to have more walks than strikeouts. He had a slash line of .298/.373/.400 with 6 home runs and 52 RBI. Kwan also was 19 of 24 in Stolen Bases.

Rodriguez is one of three rookies with at least 25 Home Runs and 25 Stolen Bases and the first since Mike Trout in 2012. Rodriguez had a slash line of .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI. Rodriguez also signed a massive deal with the Mariners. 

Rutschman, the number one overall pick in 2019 made his debut in May. He had a slash line of .254/.362/.445 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI. He showed a strong arm behind the plate as the Orioles had a tremendous season.

Pick: Rodriguez

Manager Of The Year Candidates Terry Francona (Guardians), Brandon Hyde (Orioles) Scott Servais ( Mariners) 

All three candidates are very deserving of the award. Servais led his team to end the longest playoff drought in the four major sports, as the Mariners made the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The Orioles and Guardians are two of the best stories in all of baseball, had the Orioles made the playoffs Hyde would win in a landslide. Francona is a future hall of famer and led the Guardians to his fourth division title in ten seasons. 

Pick: Francona (I am interested in seeing the voting on this award)

National League 

MVP Candidates : Paul Goldschmidt ( Cardinals), Nolan Arenado (Cardinals), Manny Machado (Padres) 

Goldschmidt was chasing a Triple Crown for the bulk of the season and finished with a slash line of .317/.404/.578 with 35 Home Runs and 115 RBI. Goldschmidt is looking for his first MVP award. As his teammate Nolan Arenado who hit 30 home runs and had 103 RBI with a slash line of .293/.358/.533. Arenado also won his tenth Gold Glove. Manny Machado hit 32 home runs and had 102 RBI with a slash line of .298/.366/.531. Machado had to lead a Padres team after Fernando Tatis Jr. got into a Motorcycle accident during the Lockout and during his rehab tested positive for PEDS

Pick: Machado

Cy Young Candidates : Sandy Alcantra (Marlins), Julio Urias (Dodgers), Max Fried (Braves) 

These were the top three in ERA in the National League this season (Urias 2.16, Alcantra 2.28, Fried 2.48). Alcantra threw 228.2 innings pitched which was a Major League best while Urias threw 175.0 and Fried threw 185.1. Alcantra went seven or more innings in thirteen consecutive starts during the season. 

Pick: Alcantra

Rookie Of The Year Candidates : Michael Harris (Braves), Spencer Strider (Braves), Brendan Donovan (Cardinals)

Harris and Strider were huge reason why the Braves were able to overcome a 10.5 deficit to win the NL East. Harris led NL rookies with a 5.3 WAR. Harris had a slash line of .297/.339/.514 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI, he was also 20 of 22 in Stolen Bases. Strider appeared out of the bullpen and started for the Braves he went 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and struck out 202 hitters in 131.2 innings pitched. Donovan played everywhere for the Cardinals in 2022, and won the first Utility player Gold Glove in history. Donovan hit 5 Home Runs and drove in 45 runs with a slash line of .281/.394/.379.

Pick Harris.

Manager Of The Year : Buck Showalter (Mets), Brian Snitker (Braves), Dave Roberts (Dodgers)

Showalter led the Mets to their first postseason appearance since 2016. Even though the Mets coughed up a 10.5 game lead in the division, Showalter led the Mets to their second most wins in franchise history

Snitker’s Braves overtook the Mets for the division late in the season. The 2021 Champs also won 101 games for the first time since 2003. In the biggest series of the season the Braves swept the Mets.

Roberts led the Dodgers to a franchise record with 111 wins. For the fourth time in his seven years Roberts won 100 games. 

Note : I feel Rob Thompson who took over for Joe Girardi was robbed of a nomination here. 

Pick: Showalter. Now I think the voters are going to pick Snitker because of what took place in the NL East, but that shouldn’t erase what Buck did for the Mets.