The Sports Insanity Network

SIN’S BLITZER OFFSEASON RECAP

With Training Camp on the horizon here is how we viewed the offseason.

Team that improved the most this offseason?

Mark- When you look at it Miami has really put the extra time and work to make them a favorite in AFC east this year. With the additions of Hill and Cedric Wilson along with Waddle are going to have very big stat seasons as long as these 3 are healthy.

Bill – I am going to say the Los Angeles Chargers with Khalil Mack trade and beefing up their Defensive line with Sebastian Joseph Day and Austin Johnson. .

Mike: The Los Angeles Chargers had a -1 turnover differential last season and had 35 sacks. How did they fix that they added JC Jackson and Khalil Mack to an already stacked defense in what will be a very competitive AFC West.

Jeff – The Jets greatly improved. During free agency they added a big hoss upfront with Laken Tomlinson, who only gave up 2 sacks and committed 5 penalties while playing about 1,100 snaps. They also added DB help with the addition of DJ Reed, who was near the top of the list in tackles for a DB. During the draft, they filled much needed holes, with a shutdown DB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, a burner at WR in Garrett Wilson and ACC Defensive Player of the year, DE Jermaine Johnson II

Patch-Man You have to give credit to Miami They went out and got Tyreek Hill on a 4 year deal along with getting Teddy Bridgewater who will back up Tua Tagovailoa and added other players such as OG Connor Williams OT Terron Armstead, WR cedrick Wilson Jr and RB Chase Edmonds. All of this with expression of Bridgewater will help Tua in the end cause it help improve the team on offense and with new head coach Mike Mcdaniel at helm Miami can definitely be a wildcard contender not saying a division frontrunner yet until the season gets started.

Ross- the New York Jets. Especially during the draft with getting a great supporting cast for Wilson.

Quarterback under the most pressure this season?

Mark- The Quarterback who has to perform is Daniel Jones if he has a poor season he will be on the outside looking in. Even though my expectation is he only lasts 3 -4 games before being replaced

Mike : Tua Tagovailoa. Yes this is a bit of a homer pick but the Dolphins went out and added Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, Raheem Mostert, and Chase Edmonds to what was a inconsistent offense last season if Tua doesn’t improve the Dolphins have the ammo to upgrade the quarterback position in the offseason.

Bill- Daniel Jones after they declined his fifth year option , this is a total prove it year for him. Going into his fourth season he has not had a winning season. Maybe with a new offense minded coach with Brian Daboll he can be molded into an NFL Quarterback

Jeff – Daniel Jones has the most amount of pressure on him. A high first round pick that has regressed in every category each year, who was sacks half the number of times as Joe Burrow and put up a fraction of his numbers. He is in the last year of his contract, since the Giants declined his 5th year option making him a free agent after the season, but now has to contend with journeyman veteran QB Tyrod Taylor, who was playing pretty well in Houston before losing his job to injury.

Patch-Man- Daniel Jones it’s simple his numbers are not bad I mean 45-29 TD-INT ratio in 4 years is not great and it’s not terrible this stents from that he is in New York and that old NY mentaly comes in if you are not great off the bat we don’t want you anymore. Also with it being the last year of his contract, maybe the NY Giants not picking up the last year of his contract is going to be lighting the fire under him to see if he can prove that he is worth a contract extension. Put it this way, if Jones and the Giants are not over .500 by the halfway point of the season the Daniel Jones Experiment will be over in NY and Tyrod Taylor will be in and the Giants will be getting a new QB at the 2023 NFL Draft. Where Jones goes after that if that happens who knows we will half to wait and see.

Ross- Zach Wilson has to improve this year. The organization made it a priority to surround the former second overall pick with talent.

Which first year head coach will win the most games?

Mark- Darrell Bevel of the Jags has the best shot of a 9 game win season. With a revamped team and some good signings this team is packed with talent and 9 wins will not get them into the playoffs but they will be contenders. You also have to give the Accountants/Lawyers on that team some credit with how contracts are worked and making sure the money is there with no violations.

Mike: Dennis Allen: Sean Payton’s former DC will get Michael Thomas back healthy and with the additions of Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry with Alvin Kamara the Saints offense should do damage. Defense should continue to be very good the Saints are a sleeper team to get to the Super Bowl.

Jeff- Although the Raiders and the Broncos have improved, they are in a tough division alongside the Chiefs, I will also have to say the New Orleans Saints’s Dennis Allen. Not only will they get a returning Jameis Winston and a healthy Michael Thomas, but they also added Jarvis Landry, and although they are going against the Bucs, who might sweep them both times, they have surefire wins against the Panthers, Falcons and Browns.

Bill – I am going with Nathaniel Hackett , I think we are going to have see how he works with Russell Wilson after seeing his work with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. This is a Bronco team that is ready to win games.

Patch-Man Nathaniel Hackett with Denver trading for Russel Wilson this gives Denver the best shot minus the 2021 season Wilson has had a winning season since he entered the league in 2012. With this also being a fresh start for Wilson Wilson will be out to prove that he can work with a new head coach. Yes the AFC West is tough when you have quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in it but i think Nathaniel Hackett and Wilson can get the job done and split division play and get a 10 game win season

What offseason addition will have the biggest impact?

Mark- I think that the addition of Tyreek Hill The dolphins are trying to win it this year. He will make Waddle better. I expect with the addition of Hill, Waddle is going to be even better than last season. With the addition of Mostert they now have a running game which they were seriously lacking last yr.

Mike: Von Miller. The one thing the Bills defense needed was a legit pass rusher. Miller was really good for the Rams on their way to the Super Bowl. He should do big things in Buffalo.

Jeff – The Broncos addition of Russell Wilson. Adding a franchise QB and possible future hall of famer will be what the Broncos need to challenge the rest of the teams in a strong AFC West

Bill- Davante Adams , I believe him reuniting with Derek Carr who he played with at Fresno State will be a beautiful thing. Adding Adams to an offense with Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs the Raiders offense should be able to score.

Patch-Man – Denver getting Russel Wilson this will bring some life to the Broncos as they have been struggling since they Peyton Manning era where they last one the Super bowl at SB 50. The Trade also just made the whole AFC West competitive and probably at a QB standpoint the best QB Division you have KC and Mahomes LAC and Herbert and LV and Carr. When it comes to the Division you will see that no team will win all their in division games and see a lot of splitting and this can make the case that this will be a close division as well.

Ross- George Karlfatis : The Chiefs had 31 sacks last season, the only teams with less were the Lions, Eagles and Falcons. Karlaftis should definitely help generate more of a pass rush for the Chiefs defense.

Head Coach under the most pressure?

Adam – Matt Rhule. It’s time for the Panthers to take that next step.

Mark- Mike McCarthy anything short of Super Bowl then Sean Payton is next Dallas head coach. McCarthy has NFC winning team possible its entrant for the Super bowl. If Dallas isn’t in the Super bowl than he is gone.

Mike: Matt Rhule. The Panthers have talent everywhere on the field but they need to upgrade the quarterback position. If Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield don’t play well enough again it will cost Rhule his job.

Jeff – Brandon Staley of the LA Chargers. This is Justin Herbert’s 4th year under a rookie contract. No playoff appearances in 3 years. Last year they were 2nd in passing yards, 5th in passing TDs, tied for 6th in rushing TDs, 3rd in scoring, had 2 players with 1000 receiving, 3 players with 99 or more tackles, Joey Bosa had 10.5 sacks. They also added Khalil Mack and Kyle Van Noy on defense. They have a real shot at making the playoffs, but if they don’t make it, tons of injuries notwithstanding, then Staley could be out in LA

Patch-Man – Mike McCarthy he has had one winning season (2021) where he went 12-5 and lost in first round of the playoffs to SF 49ers and his first season with Dallas (2020) where he went 6-10 granted Dak Prescott got hurt that year so who knows how the season would have ended. But coming into his third season as the Cowboys head coach he is under the most pressure because looking at the NFC East he has the best team and should easily win the Division and if so when it comes to playoff time he needs to take the Cowboys on a run instead of being one and done. If the Cowboy make the playoffs and go one and done or have a losing season Owner Jerry Jones will have to make the decision to weather to keep McCarthy or fire him and go Head Coach shopping at the end of season.

Would you rather trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo? (Note this was written before Baker was traded)

Adam – Jimmy Garoppolo : Garoppolo led the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance. In the right system Garoppolo can still be a very good quarterback.

Mark- Baker to me has the bigger upside with his arm and vision on the field. Baker also has a lot to prove that he is a top 12 QB in the NFL. With the Watson decision looming Baker could see a huge 1 yr contract and if he shows off well enough like we know he can then he will be the hottest FA next season.

Mike: This is a tough call for me but I lean towards Baker because the Browns adding Deshaun Watson should put a chip on his shoulder, and if he goes to the right situation (Seattle) Baker could flourish quickly.

Jeff – I’d take Jimmy G. Since 2019, Jimmy’s had a better starting record, better completion%, less Ints, almost a 12 points higher Quarterback rating and has taken 33 less sacks. Over 37 games, he’s 25-12 as a starter compared to Baker who is 23-23 over 46 games as a starter. He’s also won in the playoffs and Baker hasn’t been there yet.

Bill – I am going to say Jimmy G , he has more experience . My thing with Baker is needs to gain confidence back after the whole Deshaun Watson situation and see if he will be starting in Carolina.

Patch-Man I would go for Baker because of the Browns decision to go out and get Deshaun Watson before his case is settled and what the league will do with him. Baker Needs help and The Browns instead of trying to get more help for him went out and basically said screw you we want a new qb and saying its all his fault not ours. I like Jimmy Garoppolo but how many times is he going to be hot and cold? If you watch Garoppolo play when he has help he is hot but when that help is not there he is cold as ice. If you get Baker a new team and a fresh start i think he will go out and show that he belongs in NFL and that the Browns should have gotten him more help instead of going out and getting a QB who is off the field issues that have not been settled and that his suspension from the NFL has not been handed out yet. Now that we know Baker has a new home with the Carolina Panthers he will do his best to win the starting position to get that Week one matchup against the Browns .

Ross- Baker Mayfield

Which Quarterback are you more willing to give a long term contract to Lamar or Kyler?

Ross- Lamar Jackson : Lamar has won an MVP. Kyler at times has been very inconsistent.

Adam – Lamar Jackson certainly warrants a contract extension more than Kyler Murray in my opinion. Lamar was a league MVP just

Mark- Both are very accomplished Quarterbacks but after seeing the immaturity of Murray in the off season and play over the last 2 years it’s Lamar all the way. Lamar brings more to the table with his running ability. Jimmy has played well but just not well enough.

Mike : Lamar has won an MVP. Kyler the last two seasons has faded down the stretch and here is the thing Kyler should get an extension by way of Kliff Kingsbury getting one but I would be more comfortable handing one to Lamar Jackson.

Jeff – This is hard because Lamar is more versatile, and Kyler seems to be a bit more accurate of a passer. Kyler has only 1 playoff appearance that he lost and Lamar, who is an MVP has a 1-3 record in the playoffs. Lamar deserves it more at this point, but with all his running, I’d be a little scared of injury. Lamar’s 37-12 record vs Kyler’s 22-23 record, his MVP and he has more come back wins and game winning drives than Kyler. I might change my mind in a year or 2, but right now I’d stick with Lamar Jackson.

Bill- Lamar , I think he is a better running QB and he has a better record . Kyler only has one winning season and one playoff appearance. Lamar has won MVP.

Patch-Man This is interesting because at this time i think neither deserve a long term deal both QBs have their flaws. Jackson in four seasons is 37-12 at qb which is great but is 1-3 in postseason he is a great running qb in the age of the running qb but his postseason performance is subpar because its like he does great all regular season but come playoffs its like he cracks under pressure. Murray in three seasons with Arizona is 22-23-1 which its not great or terrible it’s ok. His immaturity off the field does not help his case for a long term deal but age could play into that giving he is only 24 and he entered the league at 22. But with the Cardinals picking up his fifth year option it might show that the Cardinals are giving him one more chance to prove that he deserves the deal. So at this point I can’t give an answer who deserves a long term deal. At the halfway point of the season I might be able to give an answer.

MLB Awards

By: Mike Rifkin

With the MLB All Star Game upon us here is how I would vote for each award.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

MVP : Aaron Judge – Yankees : Judge on Sunday tied a Yankees record by hitting his 33rd Home Run before the All Star Break. His 70 RBI’S are the most for a Yankee in 12 seasons. Every time the Yankees needed a big hit Judge has been the guy that has delivered. Other candidates: Yordan Alvarez (HOU), Shohei Ohtani (LAA)

Cy Young/Comeback Player Of The Year : Justin Verlander – Astros : 12-3 with a 1.89 ERA and 108 strikeouts two years after Tommy John Surgery. Verlander has been great for the first place Astros. Cy Young Other candidates : Shane McClanahan ( Rays) Dylan Cease ( White Sox), Shohei Ohtani (Angels) Comeback Player Of The Year other candidate : Mike Trout (Angels)

Manager Of The Year : Scott Servais – Mariners: Yes this is more of what is currently happening here as the Mariners have won 14 consecutive games prior to the break. The Mariners currently own the second wild card in the AL. Other candidate : Aaron Boone (Yankees), Terry Francona (Guardians), Brandon Hyde (Orioles)

Rookie Of The Year : Julio Rodriguez – Mariners : Rodriguez is four home runs shy of a 20/20 season. He already has 21 stolen bases and has a slash line of .275/.337.477. Other candidates: Jeremy Pena (Astros), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)

National League

MVP : Paul Goldschmidt – Goldschmidt leads the NL in Average, On Base Percentage, Slugging percentage, OPS, and runs scored. He is top ten in Home Runs and is second in RBI. Goldschmidt leads the Cardinals in all offensive categories all while still playing Gold Glove First Base. Where would the Cardinals be without Goldschmidt? Other Candidates: Pete Alonso (Mets), Austin Riley (Braves), Manny Machado (Padres), Freddie Freeman (Dodgers)

Cy Young : Sandy Alcantra : Marlins – 13 consecutive starts of going at least seven innings is where I start this. Alcantra (who should start the ASG for the NL) is 9-4 with a 1.76 ERA. And if he had more offensive support he could have a better record. Other Candidates : Max Fried (Braves), Tony Gonsolin (Dodgers), Corbin Burnes (Brewers), Carlos Rodon (Giants)

Manager Of The Year : Buck Showalter – Mets – Showalter has led the Mets to a very impressive first half. Jacob DeGrom has not thrown a pitch in the Majors and Max Scherzer missed six weeks due to an oblique injury yet the Mets are still in first place in the East. This team has taken on the personality of their manager. Other Candidates : Brian Snitker (Braves), Bob Melvin (Padres)

Rookie Of The Year : Spencer Strider – Braves : Strider has one of the better mustaches in baseball currently as well as sporting a 3.03 ERA. Strider has come out of the bullpen and started for the Braves. He has 114 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched. Other Candidates : Michael Harris (Braves), Nolan Gorman (Cardinals), Seiya Suzuki (Cubs)

Comeback Player Of The Year : Ronald Acuna Jr.- Braves: Acuna tore his ACL last season. The Braves were very cautious with the young superstar and he has been very good since returning to the lineup Acuna has a slash line of .265/.363/.413. Showing no after affects of the injury Acuna already has 20 stolen bases this season.

Mets Unsung Hero

By : Mike Rifkin

The New York Mets have gotten a lot of contributions throughout the first half of this season. David Peterson, Trevor Williams, Colin Holderman, Yoan Lopez, and Adonis Medina have contributed to help a pitching staff that has had some injuries. Offensively Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Starling Marte, Jeff McNeil and Francisco Lindor have been fantastic.

But the guy who has been doing it all for the Mets has been Luis Guillorme. Guillorme has been one of the team’s better defenders over the years, but this year he has gotten more playing time and has excelled. Guillorme has been stellar defensively creating a great combination up the middle with Lindor, but wherever he plays Guillorme has been sensational defensively. Guillorme’s offense has been good as well he has a slash line of .294/.372/.371 with Two Home Runs and Ten RBI’S. Guillorme has had a lot of big hits for the Mets this year including two in the series this past week against the Braves in helping the Mets win two of three.

Everything Guillorme gives the team offensively is a bonus because he plays Gold Glove caliber defense at Second Base, Third Base, and Short Stop. As the first half comes to a close on Sunday I think it is fair to ask where would the New York Mets be without Luis Guillorme?

DONOVAN MITCHELL TO THE KNICKS A PIPE DREAM BUT A POSSIBILITY

By Mark Halpern

As pointed out to me by Mike Rifken (Host of SIN Podcasts) last night that the Knicks haven’t had a superstar on their bench since Carmelo Anthony. During our podcast last night, I stopped and thought for a few seconds, and he is right. We haven’t had a true Superstar player on the Knicks in a very long time. We have and had plenty of stars but no real Super Star. Donovan Mitchell would change that immediately in New York. As Dan Ryans says, “Bring him home,” and I agree 100% with him. However, it’s not just as simple as a phone call. He would have to be traded to them, which is where things become dicey.

Everyone from ESPN-tiny affiliates has been putting together their version of what they think it will take to bring Mitchell here. The Knicks aren’t the only ones making offers, so time is of the essence. The Knicks did a fantastic job on draft night by acquiring numerous first-round picks in a multitude of trades. The Knicks have something many teams don’t, and that is a good crop of very young players to offer. These players are Quintin Grimes, Deuce McBride, Immanuel Quickly, and Obi Toppin. The Knicks also have some vets who they are willing to part with, and they are Julius Randle & Derrick Rose. The Knicks have said that R.J. Barrett is Untouchable (meaning they won’t move him under any circumstances.)

Instead of going Reporter by Reporter, Station by Station, and Analyst by Analyst of the trades they think should be offered. I will give you my offer, and you can compare it to yours and anyone else with an opinion on this matter. The first thing the Knicks will need to offer is draft picks. The Knicks have a lot of these, and they are all first-round picks. Considering we are talking Mitchell, here is my best offer.

6 first round picks (covering various years)
Immanuel Quickly
Quintin Grimes
Julius Randle
Obi Toppin. Note he is one player I want to see build into a superstar in this organization but to obtain the best, you have to offer the best you have to get it.

I think this offer is more than fair to obtain Donovan Mitchell. I know teams want McBride, but I hold his defense and shooting ability higher than others. We will see if the Knicks and Jazz can come to terms on a deal involving one of today’s biggest SUPERSTARS and that is how the old man sees it.

HOMERUN DERBY 2022

BY Mark Halpern

We are just two days away from the most extraordinary event during the All-Star break, the Home Run Derby. This year’s field combines a bit of old and new players to the derby. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

PETE ALONSO: is your two-time defending Home Run Derby champ. He is not holding back on how excited he is to try and go for the 3-peat. He currently has 24 Home Runs at the halfway point, and we know that balls will travel better once the warmer weather comes. Pete is my pick to win this derby. Pete will be facing Ronald Acuna Jr.

Kyle Schwarber: Another powerful Home Run hitter. Kyle is the DH for the Phillies, and despite his awful BA .221, you should get noticed when you hit 28 home runs by the break. He has good power and sees through the ball. Kyle will be facing off against the great Albert Pujols.

Ronald Acuna Jr: One of my favorite ball players in the game who isn’t a New York Met. He is that 5 tool player we hoped he would be, but last year ended with a torn ACL, and he missed most of last year and a small portion of this season. He currently only has 8 home runs, but this young superstar can do much more than just what he accomplished. Especially returning from the ACL tear. Ronald will be facing off against Pete Alonso

Albert Pujols: This ball player doesn’t need any introduction. In 2001 Pujols came on the scene and made an immediate impact. His powerful swing and vision on the field are why he will be a future HOF. Albert gets one final chance to swing as hard as possible with no consequences. He should make a run even though, with playing time diminished, he only has 6 home runs on the year. Albert faces off against Kyle Schwarber. I have Pujols losing to Alonso

Juan Soto: This Washington National is one of the scarier participants in this derby. Soto is surrounded by rumors of whether he will remain a national or go somewhere else for a lot of money. Soto is an accomplished hitter who can hit all fields of play. His power and smooth swing make me think he will hit the farthest home run during the derby. Juan currently has 19 home runs on the year. Juan will face off against Jose Ramirez.

Julio Rodriguez: Can we make it official and give him the ROY title now. This young kid has transformed into an MLB star. Rodriguez takes everything seriously on the field. He is a great teammate and nice young welcome addition to the derby. Coming in with 16 home runs on the year, he is a young rookie with good power. Julio will be facing off against Corey Seager.

Jose Ramirez: I am glad he has decided to join. Jose has been the most consistent player in the Guardians organization over the past few years, hence why he got his extension. Ramirez is not only a home run hitter with power, but he can spray the ball all over the diamond. Jose is my wild card for this derby. Jose will face off against Juan Soto, and this round will be fun.

Corey Seager: Over the past few years, Corey Seager has been a dominant player for the Dodgers. Corey decided to up and move to the Rangers on a massive 10-year deal. Corey has 22 home runs and is batting a meager .246. He is a very experienced ball player and can swing the bat well. Corey will face off against the rookie Julio Rodriguez.

Over the past 5 derby’s, this one has the best lineup. A mix of rookies and old veterans whom all have the power to hit the ball a country mile and then some. Pete Alonso will defend his championship, but anyone participating has a chance. My Final Two will be Pete Alonso vs. Albert Pujols.

5 cities where the MLB should expand to.

By Lawrence Lang

With the recent talk of Major League Baseball wanting to expand to 32 teams, the question is, where does MLB go if they were to expand to 32 teams. Here are my top five cities that I think deserve an MLB team. Las Vegas and Montreal would be excluded since Vegas will most likely be the new Home of the Oakland A’s and Montreal be the new home of the Tampa Bay Rays if MLB approves the relocations of both Teams. For now, we leave both cities alone since they are the two major cities that would get a major league team again; let’s get to the list.

5. San Antonio, Texas – Since 1888 baseball has been in San Antonio with the San Antonio Mission being there since the inspection of the Original Texas League and have been there ever since and are currently the Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. San Antonio has other sports teams in the area as well. The Spurs( NBA) and Stars (WNBA). Now with Houston Astros and Texas Rangers being MLB teams in the league, would that make a case for a third team in the Lone Star State? Well, Travel could be one from San Antonio to Houston is about a three-hour drive, and going from San Antonio to Dallas is just over a four-hour drive. Also interesting enough, when looking at a Texas map, the three cities create a triangle so that it could make for a great major league baseball trip. Plus, you could cut travel time for the other half of Texas if they want to see Major League Baseball. Baseball does exist on the west side of Texas, with El-Paso having the Chihuahuas sister farm team to the Mission and Triple-A affiliate to The Padres. Having Texas Get another team would be cool, especially in San Antonio since they have had baseball since the 19th Century, and it has remained for over 134 years. It shows that baseball can last, and MLB should pull the trigger here.

4. Indianapolis, Indiana – Now Minor League baseball is in Indiana having three teams that are affiliated with MLB teams. Fort Wayne Tincaps High-A affiliate to the San Diego Padres and the South Bend Cubs High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs both play in the Midwest League. Then in Triple-A, The Indianapolis Indians are the Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Indians were a part of the original member of the minor league American Association in 1902 and have been around ever since. Interestingly enough, the Indians play at Victory Field, a 15,000-seat stadium, and according to 2019 Attendance records, they were ranked fourth in attendance for the year. Now other sports do exist in Indianapolis. The Colts (NFL) and Pacers (NBA) are located here, and the famous Indianapolis motor speedway where the INDY 500 takes place. MLB can have a team here, especially if a minor league team is in the top five of attendees, and it also can bring some new rivalries in MLB. Detroit, Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, Cincinnati, Ohio, and St Louis, Missouri are in the surrounding area.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana. Interestingly, there is no Minor League Baseball team in Louisiana, and do you think either Baton Rouge or New Orleans would have at least a team? New Orleans is already a sports city with the Saints (NFL) and Pelicans (NBA). Adding baseball would be great because it would increase the tourist city’s revenue. It could also help bring minor league baseball to the state by adding the minor league teams in the state and having the teams in cities like Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Shreveport. Plus, if baseball can succeed in New Orleans, the National Hockey League might also consider an expansion team for them. Also, could you imagine an MLB All-Star Game down in New Orleans it’s already a fun week to watch, but it would be a big party as well because we all know New Orleans like to party!

2. Atlantic City, New Jersey. Now here is an interesting case because Jersey does have its sports team. It just happens to be that it’s pretty much minor league baseball. Granted, you have the New York Giants (NFL) and Jets (NFL), who play in East Rutherford. Yes, we can debate why they aren’t called the New Jersey Giants and Jets different time and place for that. So for them, it’s a hop and skip across the Hudson River. The New Jersey Devils (NHL) lost to the Nets (NBA) when they went across the Hudson to Brooklyn. So with the NBA out of Jersey, let’s give MLB a shot. New Jersey ready does have minor league baseball in Lakewood. You have the Jersey Shore Blueclaws High-A Affiliate to the Philadelphia Phillies. Bridgewater has the Somerset Patriots Double-A affiliate to the New York Yankees. Augusta has the Susses County Miners, and Little Falls has the New Jersey Jackals. Both play in the Frontier League, a partner league to the MLB. Finally, the Trenton Thunder, a former Double-A affiliate to the Yankees, is currently not affiliated with any MLB team after the Minor League baseball realignment but is part of the MLB Draft league for top Collegiate players that are draft-eligible. So baseball can last in Jersey. Why hasn’t MLB pulled the trigger in Jersey yet? Atlantic City would be perfect because it would be a good trip for the family that wants to go to AC and not gamble. Plus, it brings life to a city that is just synonymous with gambling. Plus, the Trenton, Miners, and Jackals could be your minor league farm system, and everything would be all in the state, so it helps with that. Plus, you could have a beautiful ocean view wherever you put the stadium. Who wouldn’t want that view of the ocean and the sounds of baseball? It would have you feeling like you’re on cloud 9. Yes, the possibility of hurricanes is possible, but that is something that MLB already deals with the Marlins and Rays playing in Florida. Baseball can work here because baseball is doing well in other gambling cities like Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Like the other cities listed above, Nashville, Tennessee, has other sports to fill up Tennessee. Nashville, you have the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Predators (NHL), plus in Memphis, you have the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA). Nashville is perfect because the Titans and Predators are already successful in the city. Plus, they have existed since 1978. The MLB would be foolish not to pull the trigger here because if a minor League team can last almost for 45 years, then it can deffinietly work here as well. It works; it could make a case for the NBA to consider maybe putting a team here as well, then Nashville would have all four major sports. Currently, in Nashville, a minor league team called the Nashville Sounds is a Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Nashville is already a tourist city with the Country Music hall of fame. Bumping the Sounds from Triple-A to an MLB team would probably boost revenue in the city, just a little as well, plus a payday in October. If the team were to make the playoffs, you could hit a three-run home run here and see the MLB team, the Titans, and Predators in a weekend getaway for sports. Now that to me sounds like heaven.

We will have to wait and see what MLB decides to do regarding an expansion. Any city that gets a team deserves it. Hopefully, it succeeds because if you’re able to bring a team to a city that doesn’t have one or upgrade persay a farm team to major league status. It just means they are expanding the game to give everyone a chance to see major league ball players play. Once again, these five cities are my thoughts, and me thinking outside the box. These five cities could work if done right, but for now, it is a wait-and-see game from MLB.

Making Noise In The Atlantic

By : Mike Rifkin

The Ottawa Senators have been a mess for a lot of reasons since losing in Game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017. The Detroit Red Wings had made the playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons until 2016. After finishing sixth and seventh in the Atlantic respectively they decided to rebuild their franchise but on the first day of free agency both Ottawa and Detroit have made moves in hopes of making noise in the Atlantic Division.

Let’s start with Ottawa who got started last week before the first round of the NHL draft when they acquired 40 goal scorer Alex Debrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for draft picks. Debrincat can be a Restricted Free Agent after the season, but at 24 years old I expect the Senators to sign him to a long term contract. Pierre Dorion then traded goaltender Matt Murray who they signed to a six year contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs with draft picks for future considerations. To replace Murray they traded for Cam Talbot from the Minnesota Wild. Last season Talbot went 32-12-4 with a 2.76 Goals Against Average and a .911 save percentage with 3 shutouts. Murray was 5-12-2 with a 3.05 Goals Against Average and .906 save percentage. The biggest difference between the two goalies is availability Murray the past few years has been limited due to injury including last season only playing in 20 games, while Talbot played in 49 starting in 48 of those. Dorion struck again today by signing former Flyers captain Claude Giroux to a three year contract. The Hearst Ontario native has played over 1,000 games in the NHL posting 294 goals and 923 points. Giroux also brings a ton of playoff experience to a team looking to get into the playoffs. Adding Giroux to a forward core that includes Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, Tim Stuzle gives Ottawa a deep lineup. The Senators have also been rumored to want to add a top four defenseman.

Steve Yzerman didn’t mess around before free agency he traded for goalie Ville Husso from the Blues and gave him a three year deal. Husso went 25-7-6 with a 2.56 Goals Against Average, .919 save percentage and two shutouts. Husso will pair with Alex Nedeljkovic, who was acquired from the Hurricanes prior to last season. Nedeljkovic went 20-24-9 with a 3.31 goals against average, .901 save percentage and four shutouts. That will give the Red Wings a solid 1-2 punch in the net. The Red Wings started today by adding Michigan native Andrew Copp on a five year contract. Copp last year had a career high in goals (21), assists (32) and points (53) with the Jets and Rangers. Copp can be a top 6 player for the Wings as well as help the special teams as well. The Wings also added Dominik Kubalik and David Perron up front. Kubalik has had 30,15,17 goals in his three seasons with the Blackhawks. Perron has scored at least 20 goals in three of the last four seasons. He has also been a big time performer in the playoffs for the Blues. Perron and Kubalik both should help a Red Wings Power Play that was 16.3 percent last season. Perron is third in the NHL over the last three seasons in power play points per 60 minutes and Kubalik has 11 career Power Play goals. Adding these three forwards to a group centered around Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Jakub Vrana gives the Wings a deep forward group. On the backend the Wings signed Ben Chiarot to a four year contract. Chiarot is more of a defensive defenseman who has 31 career goals in 489 games. Chiarot along with reigning Calder Trophy winner Moritz Seider gives the Wings a nice pair on the Blue line. Do I think Yzerman is done? No, I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit looks to add another defenseman.

It’s been a while for both of these teams since they made the playoffs. Now they are adding to groups that they are very confident in. Whether they make it this year or not both teams are building for big futures and taking their shot now.

Angels Need to Be Careful

By : Mike Rifkin

Every Season we expect the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to be a playoff team. And every year it is the same result they aren’t. The Angels just got swept in Baltimore by the Orioles and are now 38-49 fourth place in the AL West and seven games back of the third wild card. While seven doesn’t seem like a big number the only teams behind the Angels in the Wild Card race are the Tigers ( who are now only one game back of the Angels), Royals and Athletics who sold off a lot of their pieces prior to the season.

The Angels fired Manager Joe Maddon in the midst of their 14 game losing streak in June and hired Phil Nevin to be the interim. New manager same story the team has posted an 11-20 record since Nevin took over including the four game sweep at the hands of the Orioles the Angels are 2-8 in their last 10 games.

The Angels have a 3.93 team ERA so far this season, last season their team ERA was 4.69. Outside of Shohei Ohtani there isn’t a lot of trust in the rotation. Ohtani who is a unicorn has a 8-4 record with a 2.44 ERA, 111 strikeouts and an insane 12.3 strikeout to walk ratio this year. Ohtani was just named to the All Star team as a pitcher and will be the starting DH. The question is who would be behind Ohtani in the rotation? Now yes they tried to get big names like Max Scherzer and Gerritt Cole but they missed. They took a 20 million dollar shot on Noah Syndergaard who had thrown two innings the last two years prior due to Tommy John Surgery. Syndergaard is 5-7 with a 3.84 ERA now with the August 2nd trade deadline looming do the Angels trade Syndergaard or have they seen enough to attempt to extend him. Patrick Sandoval has a 2.95 ERA but Reid Detmers, Michael Lorenzen and Jose Suarez have ERA’s over 4 and that isn’t going to get it done. The Angels spent money on the bullpen this offseason as well. Ryan Tepera who signed a two year 14 million dollar contract leads the team with 15 holds but has an ERA of 4.19. Aaron Loup who in 2021 for the Mets had a 0.95 ERA signed a two year 17 million dollar contract has an ERA of 4.40. In the last two seasons Loup’s WHIP was under one and this year it is 1.37. The Angels also re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a four year 58 million dollar contract. Iglesias has a 2-5 record, 15 saves and three blown saves with an ERA of 4.50.

The Angels offense averages 3.99 runs per game this season down from their 4.46 runs per game last season. Mike Trout last season was limited to 36 games with a calf injury, this year Trout is back to being Trout with 24 home runs and 51 RBI with a slash line of .268/.367/.600. Shohei Ohtani the reigning AL MVP has 19 home runs and 54 RBI with a slash line of .256/..342/.491. Anthony Rendon who the Angels needed to have a big year hit .228 with five home runs and 24 RBI but is out for the season with a wrist injury. Next year Rendon will serve a five game suspension for his role in the brawl with the Mariners. Rendon has played in 155 games with the Angels since signing a seven year 245 million dollar contract has .252 average with 20 home runs and 89 RBI.

Add Rendon to the list of bad contracts of Josh Hamilton, CJ Wilson among others the Angels have signed in the past who just haven’t produced for them.And while the Angels may have the two best individual players in Los Angeles they will continue to be second fiddle to the Dodgers. It looks like another season where we will not get to see Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani play in the postseason. Ohtani can be a free agent soon and with Trout in his prime and only playing in three playoff games the Angels need to put together a team that can win otherwise Ohtani won’t re-sign and Trout may end up asking for a trade.

TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (7/2 – 7/8)

By Jeff Knapp

This past weekend we saw 2 solid PPVs (premium live events) from both Impact Wrestling with Against All Odds and the WWE with Money in the Bank.

At Against All Odds, we saw some solid tag team work with the veteran Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) notch a victory over the Bullet Club members of Ace Austin and Chris Bey. “Speedball” Mike Bailey retained his Impact X-Division Championship when he defeated Trey Miguel, The Impact women’s tag team champions, Rosemary and Taya Valkyrie defeated Tenille Dashwood and Gisele Shaw to retain their titles. In a brutal match, Moose was somehow able to overcome Sami Callihan in Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match. The main event didn’t disappoint as Impact World Champion Josh Alexander kept his title around his waist when he defeated another member of VBD, Joe Doering. This was a great match, Josh never lets me down and, in my opinion, this was Joe’s best match since arriving in Impact.

The next night at MITB we saw Liv Morgan claim that briefcase to with the Women’s MITB match agaisnt Becky Lynch, Asuka, Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez, Shotzi and Alexa Bliss, where she went on to cash it in later that night against a beatup Ronda Rousey and finally reach the mountain top to become the new WWE Smackdown Women’s champion. I am so proud of her. The hard work has paid off and we are behind you.

Bobby Lashley defeated Theory to become the new US Champion. Later that night Theory was granted a spot, presumably by Vince McMahon into the MITB match, a match in which he also won. The crowd was besides themselves and I’m not sure if that was heel heat or go away heat. Fans ask for new, they get new and then boo, but he’s a heel, so I’m hoping it was because of that.

Outside of the main event, the Men’s tag team title match between the Usos and the Street Profits was one hell of a match. The Uso are just top tier, and the Street Profits are just getting better and better. I wasn’t a fan of the 183 close 3 counts, but the ending with the shoulder up controversy was a great twist and should lead into something big, and I’m sure hard to top at Summer Slam between the 2 teams

We found out 3 of the matches for the next ROH PPV, Death Before Dishonor. Right now, the card has Wheeler Yuta defending his ROH Pure Championship against JAS’s Daniel Garcia, Samoa Joe will defend his ROH TV championship against the longest reigning ROH Champion, Jay Lethal and finally, FTR has issued a challenge to The Briscoes for a rematch with the ROH tag titles on the line. It will be hard to follow up their 1^st match.

Although the length of the contract hasn’t been revealed, Smackdown announcer Pat McAfee has signed a multiyear extension with the WWE. Let’s see if this motivates him to a victory at SummerSlam over Baron Corbin.

Over at Impact Wrestling, Killer Kelly is returning. She was a standout in NXT-UK and over at ROH as well.

WWE – RAW

It seems like every week I’m either saying Raw was pretty good, ehh or I’m glad I taped it. This week was the taped it scenario.

AJ Styles defeated the Miz. After the match AJ was jumped from behind Ciampa. Not sure why he did this, where this is going or anything. The only thing I’m positive about is that either this will set up a tag match at SummerSlam between The Miz & Ciampa vs Styles and the newly signed and out for revenge Logan Paul.

The other 2 big matches of the night were the 6-man tag team match between Bobby Lashley & the Street Profits and Theory & the Alpha Academy in which Bobby got the massive spear on Gable for the victory. The other big match was the main event where we saw Becky Lynch get some manner of revenge against Asuka in a No Holds Barred Match. She devastated Asuka with a Manhandle slam off the top rope through a table for the pinfall.

NXT – Great American Bash

The Great American Bash showed all the NXT titles on the line except for the Women’s championship held by Mandy Rose. Speaking of Mandy, her Toxic Attraction sable mates put their NXT Women’s Tag Team titles on the line against Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez. After a back-and-forth match, Cora & Roxanne pulled off the upset and dethroned the Champions and are now your NEW NXT women’s tag team champions.

Speaking of Champions, The North American Champion, The A Champion, Carmelo Hayes defeated Grayson Waller in a highly athletic match. Say what you want about Waller, but he’s incredibly athletic. His main event status is in question, but he’s got many of the tools. Carmelo has to be one of the favorites to either dethrone Bron down the road or be called up sooner than later to Raw or Smackdown. I’m hoping he doesn’t since he can be a pillar of NXT 2.0 like Gargano was for the better version of NXT.

The next championship match we saw was for the NXT Tag Team Championship Match which pitted Diamond Mine vs Diamond Mine when The Creed Brothers faced Roderick Strong & Damon Kemp. In the end The Brothers pin Kemp for the win with that sliding clothesline.

Finally, in the main event NXT Championship Bron Breakker defeated Cameron Grimes when Grimes leaped off the 2^nd turnbuckle and was speared by Bron for the pinfall. After the match former NXT-UK wrestler, Jordan Devlin, now going by JD McDonagh attacked Bron from behind and put him through a table to ebd the show.

AEW – DYNAMITE

I will never get tired of AEW starting things off on the right foot and this week was no different when Scorpio Sky defended his AEW TNT Championship against Wardlow. Sky had what seemed like the entire A.T.T. with him for this street fight, but he did want to go at it alone to prove he could defeat Wardlow. That didn’t happen. In the end, Wardlow connected with 4 powerbombs for the win and is not the NEW AEW TNT champion. He will be World Champion within 2 years.

Christian Cage comes out with Luchasaurus to cut a promo about Jungle Boy but is interrupted by Matt Hardy. This quickly takes a turn for the worse, in a great heel way, when Cage talks about how Matt rides the coattails of his brother, his wife, kids, uncle and anybody else. He brings up how he looks the other way with Jeff’s issues. Once again Christian shows how it’s done. I wish he was given this type of freedom on the mic in his WWE run.

Shane “Swerve” Strickland & Keith Lee were in tag team action and fought off a very tough Butcher and the Blade. After the match they are confronted by Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks. They are tired of hearing about who’s better when they know Hobbs and Starks are. Starks is a treasure on the mic. With that said, this brings out the AEW tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks. They talk about how they are the best, which causes FTR chants. The Bucks challenge both teams to a 3-way match next week on Dynamite.

After the 8-man tag team match between Leon Ruff, Bear Country & Fuego Del Sol and The Acclaimed & The Gunn Club, there is a fight between the Gunn Club and the Acclaimed. At one point it looks like Billy Gunn is going to take the sides of the Acclaimed, he takes them both out and shows that blood is thicker than water. Who else can’t wait for Platinum Max’s diss rap next week?

Just like AEW has an Interim champion, Stokely Hathaway mentions paying $1100 to Leila Gray to be Jade Cargill’s Interim baddie. Yes please. This beautiful lady has been busy, having time on WWE & AEW programming over the past few months.

In the main event, Interim Champion took on one of his toughest competitors to date, facing the House of Black’s Brody King. At one point, Jon looked out of it, but never count him out. In an amazing comeback, Jon ends up locking in an arching rear choak for the submission/ref stoppage.

IMPACT

Keeping with their strategy of starting the show off with action, Impact starts us off with a X Division title match. “Speedball” Mike Bailey successfully defended his title against newcomer and former Dark Order member Alan Angels. Overall a great match, but how does a wrestler whose 1st match in a company is for a championship.

After the match they were attacked from behind by VBD which brings out Eric Young who informs Deaner and Doering that the world belongs to him.

We see that HNM are backstage and need to see more from PCO, and need to see it happen tonight against Black Tarus.

In one hell of a hard hitting match, the ageless wonder PCO picks up a much needed win over Black Tarus.

Digital media champion, Brian Meyers informs Bhupinder Gujjar that he’ll need to get past Johnny Swinger in order to face him for the championship. 1st off, this is where Impact loses me. The American audience has trouble with harder names, that was an issue I heard about hockey too with the Russian and other names that were difficult for us to pronounce and don’t roll off the tongue. Change it to just Gujjar. Why is Johnny Swinger even there? I can’t take anything he’s involved in seriously and just a fast forward moment.

Thankfully the main event arrived and we got Mia Yim vs Deonna Purrazzo for the Knockout’s #1 contender match. despite being the Virtuosa, Mia connected with eat da feet for the 1-2-3. After that Knockouts champion Jordynne Grace came out and congratulated her and walked away.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

Tonight’s show started off with the Head of the Table, The Needle Mover, The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, who is joined by The Usos and Paul Heyman.

Paul talks about what Brock is like when he’s not only told what he can’t do, but what he’s like when he’s backed into a corner. He informs Roman what he will have to become in order to keep Brock down for 10.

As they are about to leave Theory comes out with his MITB briefcase and jogs around the ring. He later informs both Roman and Brock they will be in no condition to beat him when he cashes in after their match.

I try to give every new gimmick a try and sometimes it works out, like it did with the New Day, but this Maximum Male Models gimmick with Mace and Monsoor might be a mountain too large to overcome.

In a match to prove he should challenge Gunther for the IC championship, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Ludwig, who in return gets forcefully chopped by Gunther 3 times as punishment.

Ronda Rousey comes out with a lip and still gets into a fight with Natayla, who taps out to a leg lock. Will we see Liv vs Ronda at SummerSlam or will it be a 3 way with Natalya?

In what was supposed to be Lacey & Aliyah vs Shotzi & Shayna, Lacey gets upset on how the crowd reacts to her and as she’s about to leave the ring in disgust, she lays Aliyah out with a Women’s right. I’m still trying to figure out why the crowd turned on her. I’m actually a fan of hers.

In the main event, with the winner getting a shot at Roman in Cardiff, Wales, Drew McIntyre defeated Butch, who was filling in for a “sick” Sheamus.

AEW – RAMPAGE

In the opening contest, Eddie Kingston defeated Konosuke Takeshita in a hard hitting match.

Kris Statlander and Athena were backstage telling Jade Cardgill they were ready to be the competition she’s been waiting for

Tully Blanchard Enterprises Gates Of Agony defeated Jonathan Gresham & Lee Moriarty when Gresham turned his back on Moriarty and joined TBE in a shocking act that nobody saw coming.

In another tag team match Serena Deeb & Mercedes Martinez made very quick work of Christina Marie & Kayla Sparks. During the match both Deeb and Martinez were trying to show who was the better wrestler, which spilled over after the match when Deeb attacked Martinez and put her in the Serenity Lock.

In the Main Event Orange Cassidy defeated Tony Nese in which, if he lost would have had to sign Nese’s petition to remove Shane “Swerve” Strickland from AEW.

Blackhawk Rebuild

By : Mike Rifkin

When former Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman resigned in wake of the Kyle Beach lawsuit assistant GM Kyle Davidson took over and said he was going to rebuild this team. On Thursday he certainly decided to start that rebuild with two massive trades involving younger players. He traded 24 year old Alex Debrincat who last year scored 40 goals and moved 21 year old center and former third overall pick Kirby Dach.

Debrincat who has scored 41 goals twice in his career had a career high 78 points in all 82 games last season. Debrincat was traded to the Ottawa Senators for the seventh overall pick (Kevin Korchinski – defenseman), 39th overall pick (Paul Ludwinski – Center) and a 2024 third round pick. Davidson said on trading Debrincat “We feel as if this move sets the Blackhawks up for future success by giving us additional flexibility and future talent. Securing the first round pick tonight and an additional second round pick tomorrow allows us to fortify our prospect base with high end players who we expect to be difference makers in the coming years.” Debrincat is 24 years old and is a high end player so why make this move? If Debrincat who is a restricted free agent after the season had no intention on wanting to be a Blackhawk long term than that would make sense but that was never leaked. Guys who can score 40 goals don’t come along all the time, and when they do you have to pay them or they won’t play for you, but given Debrincat’s age it confuses me. The other part that gets me is planning for the future is a plan, but what about the team this upcoming season?

Kirby Dach who was the third overall pick in 2019 had nine goals and 26 points in 70 games played last season. Dach was traded for the 13th overall pick (Frank Nazar – Center) and the 66th overall pick (Gavin Hayes – LW). As a rookie Dach had eight goals and 23 points in 64 games played. Dach then fractured his wrist playing in an exhibition prior to the World Juniors. He wound up playing 18 games after the injury and had two goals and 10 points. Here is my question on Dach before trading him did the organization have they put him in the best position to succeed? Because if you didn’t I would have a hard time moving a 21 year old Center.

Who knows what happens with the players the Blackhawks selected, but moving off two players in your own building who can be a part of this rebuild is something. Davidson also went on to say last night regarding future Hall of Famers and stars Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane “ I think there is value in having guys like that can help mold and set the barand set the example for young players coming in. But that’s a two way street and they have to want to be a part of that.” Kane and Toews both are entering the last season of identical 10 year contracts. Both have been major reasons why the Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups and eventually both their numbers will be retired and both will go into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Kane and Toews both have earned every right to stay if they want to. But for me I see Kane on the move for sure and Toews is a tougher situation to read but it is the beginning of a rebuild for the Blackhawks.