Best. Tuesday. EVER!!

April 4, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Most sports fans get hyped over big events. Championship games. Drafts. Ya know, the important stuff.

But do you know what gets me going??

A random Tuesday in April!!

Yesterday was filled with more breaking news and highlights than I know what to do with. But I’ll try….

Didi Vs. Stanton

Didi Gregorius and Giancarlo Stanton couldn’t have had more polar opposite days:

Didi: 4 for 4 with 2 home runs and 8 rbis (most rbis in a Yankees’ home opener)

Stanton: 0 for 5 with 5 strikeouts

The New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 11-4 in their home opener. Didi singlehandedly won this game for the Yankees and was cheered appropriately (and showered with gifts). Stanton on the other hand, was booed. Yes, booed. The same Yankees’ fans who jumped up and down when Stanton hit 2 home runs in their season opener, and proclaimed Stanton could hit 100 home runs this season, are the same morons who booed him yesterday.

Most people are stupid, reactionary creatures, who can’t think more than 2 seconds ahead of their own face. It’s an embarrassing day to be a Yankees’ fan.

Canelo Withdraws From GGG Rematch

Speaking of embarrassing, Canelo Alvarez has withdrawn from his Cinco de Mayo rematch against GGG. Canelo is in the midst of an investigation by the Nevada Boxing Commission due to not 1, but 2, failed drug tests. The Commission has temporarily suspended Canelo, as they determine the ramifications from Canelo’s positive urine samples (clenbuterol) from February 17th and 20th.

The funny part is Canelo continues to claim his innocence. He says he’s always been a clean fighter. However, he’s also ready to accept whatever punishment comes his way. Yeah, that’s NOT HOW THIS WORKS!! If you’re being punished for something you didn’t do, you don’t just lay down and take it. You stand up and scream from here to kingdom come until your name is cleared.

This is a shame. I liked Canelo.

Ronaldo’s Greatness

If you haven’t seen Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal from his Champion’s League match against Juventus yet, watch it immediately.

After you watch it 17 times, and pick your jaw up from the floor, come back….

Watch until the end of the video. Zinedine Zidane and Gianluigi Buffon’s reactions are priceless!!

There are no words to explain the beauty, and difficulty, of that shot….

Patriots Complete Curious Trade

The New England Patriots have made the Los Angeles Rams really good. At the same time, they did something slightly unprecedented; they stockpiled draft picks:

New England Patriots Receive: 2018 1st round pick (23) and a 6th round pick

Los Angeles Rams Receive: WR Brandin Cooks and a 4th round pick

From the Patriots’ perspective, they got more in return for Cooks than it took to get him. He was originally traded to New England for the 32nd pick in the draft. Plus, Cooks is entering his contract year. It’s still an odd trade by the Patriots, as they don’t generally build through the draft. Now equipped with two 1st round picks, two 2nd round picks, and two 3rd round picks, it’ll be interesting to see what the Patriots do come April 26th.

Was that the most exciting Tuesday you can remember?? If not, tell me about it in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Porzingis Makes NBA History As Knicks Outlast Lakers

December 13, 2017December 13, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

new-york-porzingis

“I Don’t Know Is On Third”

Upon further review, it appears the New York Yankees were just getting started with the acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton. Tuesday afternoon, Brian Cashman traded Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell to the San Diego Padres (Headley’s former team) for Jabari Blash and $500,000. This move is strictly financial. With this move, the Yankees clear Headley’s $13 million salary off the books for 2018. This leaves the Yankees approximately $30 million under the $197 million luxury tax threshold. In other words, the Yankees aren’t done here….

Who will man the hot corner?? Some say they’ll re-sign Todd Frazier to a 1-year deal. Others think Cashman will let the youngsters ‘duke’ it out. Miguel Andujar would be the favorite in the clubhouse as the Yankees believe he’ll be a starting 3rd baseman in MLB for years to come. And the theory that brings out the ‘Evil Empire’ chant, is trading for Manny Machado. I’d go the Todd Frazier route. If he’s willing to take a 1-year deal to stay in pinstripes, I’d do that as soon as possible.

Japan’s Babe Ruth Has A New Home

The biggest story of MLB’s offseason — so far — has been Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has graced the headlines with his presence this month, while deciding where to call home in 2018. This past Friday, Ohtani revealed the Los Angeles Angels had the Golden Ticket. Ohtani, to my surprise, will climb into Mike Trout’s shadow next season as a starting pitcher and DH. Reportedly, he will not play the field.

Naturally, it’s time to put a negative spin on things. Ya know, criticize others for doing the same thing they would’ve done. Even though it was reported weeks ago, the media has decided Ohtani’s October elbow procedure is breaking news — today. Ohtani had a platelet-rich plasma injection in his throwing elbow this past October. This injection is used to either reduce inflammation or avoid Tommy John Surgery. This procedure was necessary due to a first-degree sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. The bottom line is, Ohtani will more than likely need Tommy John Surgery at some point in his career. But hey, what pitcher doesn’t??

Welcome To The Kristaps Porzingis Show!!

Not Billy Joel. Not the Rangers. Kristaps Porzingis, is the main attraction at Madison Square Garden. I’m not saying Porzingis didn’t like Carmelo Anthony, but Melo being shipped out of town was the best thing to ever happen to Porzingis. As the man of the house, Porzingis is averaging a career best 26 points per game. And every so often, he has a game like Tuesday night:

37 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 three-pointers made.

*If that stat-line looks unfamiliar it’s because it’s never been done before.

More importantly, he helped secure a 113-109 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks are now 13-5 at home. The only problem is, they only have 14 total wins this season.

The Knicks are 1-8 on the road!!

And, 19 of their next 26 games are on the road. I’m officially buckled in.

Who will Play 3rd base for the Yankees next season?? Did Shohei Ohtani make the right decision in signing with the Angels?? And is Kristaps Porzingis a top-10 player in the NBA?? Give me all the answers in the comment section below.

What’s Better Than One 50 Home Run Hitter??

December 11, 2017February 15, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

stanton

It’s a great day to be alive!!

But, more importantly, it’s a great day to be a Yankees’ fan!!

On Saturday, the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins agreed on a trade that would send Giancarlo Stanton to the Bronx. The Marlins received Starlin Castro and 2 prospects, Jorge Guzman and Jose Devers. The deal is pending a Stanton physical and signature. The Yankees will assume $265 million of the remaining $295 million left on his contract. This is significant, only for the Yankees’ wallet, as they’ll remain under the luxury tax threshold of $197 million next year (cutting their tax figure from 50% to 20%).

This deal comes on the heels of the Marlins shipping Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners. The Marlins’ new owner, Derek Jeter, is cutting costs in an effort to get payroll under $90 million. I wouldn’t get too comfy if I was Starlin Castro. Expect the Marlins to also get out from under the contracts of Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich in the near future. Keep your heads up Miami. While rebuilds aren’t fun to watch, I’d trust Derek Jeter with my baseball team.

This is a TREMENDOUS move by the Yankees. Fresh off the 2017 Executive of the Year Award, Brian Cashman is looking to add to his and the Yankees’ trophy case for years to come. There’s literally only 1 negative to this deal for the Yankees; Stanton is under contract for 10 more years. That’s enough negativity for 1 day.

Giancarlo Stanton, at 28, just won his 1st MVP Award. Check out his ridiculous stats here. Speaking of ridiculous, here’s the Yankees’ projected lineup for 2018:

1.) Brett Gardner

2.) Aaron Judge

3.) Giancarlo Stanton

4.) Gary Sanchez

5.) Greg Bird

6.) Didi Gregorius

7.) Aaron Hicks

8.) Chase Headley

9.) Ronald Torreyes (or me — it doesn’t matter who you put here)

Don’t feel like pitching to Judge because he’s hit 4 home runs in as many days?? No problem. Pitch around him to get to Stanton. Wait that’s a bad idea. Put 2 men on with nobody out to face Gary Sanchez?? Also, not the best of ideas.

It’s not even fair.

By no means am I saying this makes the Yankees World Series favorites. But, they’re closer than they were yesterday. If they acquire a decent starting pitcher, I’d imagine Vegas will reconsider.

This is the part when Yankees’ haters and bitter Mets’ fans make a lot of noise….

Scores of boos coupled with echoes of “Evil Empire” seem loud today, but will turn to white noise after the crack of Giancarlo Stanton’s bat in Yankee Stadium. All I have to say to the “haters” is: THIS WAS A TRADE!! It’s not the Yankees’ fault Stanton had a no-trade clause. It’s not the Yankees’ fault he said no to the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. Stanton wanted to be a Yankee, so Stanton is a Yankee. Period. End of story.

Who are the 2 happiest guys in New York right now?? Aaron Boone and Gary Sanchez. Boone, stepping into the most coveted position in all of sports, sans experience, is getting the best Christmas present anyone could ever hope for. And Gary Sanchez, already overshadowed by Aaron Judge, will slide even deeper into the shadows, and continue to hit home runs at a record setting pace.

Is it April yet????

What do you think of the Giancarlo Stanton trade?? Does this make the Yankees World Series favorites?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Episode #3 Of DaveTalksSports Radio

July 11, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Here it is!! Episode #3 of DaveTalksSports Radio. We talked Knicks, Home Run Derby, Wimbledon, and much more. All you have to do is Click, Listen, and Enjoy!! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports

Please leave any comments here or on YouTube. Thanks for listening and reading!!

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Casual Dominance

July 11, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 6 Comments

Human beings are not supposed to be able to do that. Just when you think there are limitations to what humans beings can do, expectations are shattered. And that’s what it’s all about; expectations. No one expects a rookie to be leading the MVP race. No one expects a rookie to hit baseballs 500+ feet. No one expects a rookie to take the world by storm. Until they do.

Aaron Judge is that rookie. Yes, he is only in his first full season in Major League Baseball. It’s hard to believe due to his size, strength, ability, and demeanor. He walks, talks, and acts like a 12-year, MLB veteran.

If Aaron Judge Isn’t The Perfect Candidate To Be The Face Of Baseball, I don’t Know Who Is.

MLB needs to seize the moment. Forget the “Judge” nicknames, they should make him the poster child for their league. He is just what baseball, and more importantly society needs. He is as confident as he is humble. He is as selfless as he is gracious. He is as talented as he is grounded. But don’t ask him for an opinion of himself, because he won’t give it. He’ll assuredly attribute his success to the support of his family, friends, coaches, and teammates. In a world filled with self-promotion, it is refreshing to see a 25-year old break the mold.

The mold is not the only thing Aaron Judge broke last night. He broke records and possibly some windows during his first Home Run Derby. As the 2-seed in the new “bracket” format the home run derby adopted, Judge had to overcome a mountainous obstacle in the first round. His opponent, 7-seeded Justin Bour, rallying behind his home crowd in Miami, posted 22 home runs in the first round (4th most in a single round..ever). It’s hard not to like Bour, “Mr. No Batting Gloves”, as I like to call him. His monstrous frame and forearms lend themselves to a Home Run Derby. I mean, the guy was fed a doughnut by teammate Giancarlo Stanton during one of his “timeouts”. You owe me a doughnut!

While Bour and Stanton brought energy and excitement to the Home Run Derby, Aaron Judge was not to be outshined, outmatched, or outdone. His home run hitting power stole the show, as he hit 23 home runs to narrowly advance past Bour.

And this is the only part of the Home Run Derby I would tweak. The time limit and brackets were great ideas, but Justin Bour (22) and Giancarlo Stanton (16) deserved to advance to the second round. Next year, of the 8 competitors, the top 4 should advance to the semi-finals. From there, based on the same rankings (1-8), the bracket format should ‘kick in’. This would allow the best performers to advance, and still provide the head-to-head matchup excitement.

Anyway, back to Judge….

He hit 47 total home runs, 5 that travelled at least 500 feet. He also owned the longest home run of the night; 513 feet. Can you imagine hitting a baseball 500 feet?! Yeah, me neither.

My favorite part of Judge’s performance was he showcased his opposite field power, utilizing the entire ballpark as his playground. And you’d need to watch the Home Run Derby to understand his raw power. Balls that mere mortals pop-up to shallow right field are 400 foot home runs for Judge, the demi-god. And as if all this wasn’t impressive enough, Judge actually hit the ceiling last night. HE HIT THE CEILING!! And it didn’t even count as a home run. Fortunately, this didn’t cause a Home Run Derby controversy. While it was certainly Aaron Judge’s night, I think he just drew a few more eyeballs to the game of baseball for the rest of the year.

Did you watch the Home Run Derby last night?? Did you tune in just to watch Aaron Judge?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

National League East Predictions

March 1, 2013March 11, 2013 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Over the next month I will be writing previews for every team and division in Major League Baseball. I will break down each team and predict the winner of each division. Today I will start with the National League East. Here is a look at how each team finished last season:

2012 National League East Final Standings:

W L

Washington Nationals: 98-64

Atlanta Braves: 94-68

Philadelphia Philles: 81-81

New York Mets: 74-88

Miami Marlins: 69-93

The Miami Marlins had very high expectations last season. Everyone crowned them NL East Champions before the season even started. However, the Marlins greatly underacheived. They took their projected record and flipped it upside down. So what did the Marlins owner do? Exactly what we all would have done (haha). Can anyone say FIRE SALE?!?! Everyone is criticising the Marlins owner for dumping his entire roster just one year after building a brand new stadium in Miami. I say to those people, wake up and smell the coffee!! This is the third time in Marlins franchise history that they’ve done this. I don’t know why anyone is surprised. Anyway, outside of Giancarlo Stanton this team is pretty much awful. I do like Justin Ruggiano’s potential, but he needs to get out of town before it is too late. I see the Marlins having a long frustrating season, finishing with a putrid record of 65-97. Sorry Miami. Hang tough though, in 5 years you’ll probably win another World Series.

What can I say about the New York Mets that hasn’t been said already? I love New York, and I try to root for every New York team even if they’re not my favorite team. But it is hard to root for the Mets. How long can they be downright awful for? It’s almost like being a Pittsburgh Pirates fan, you just know they are going to be bad every year. I hope they turn it around in the near future, but the near future is not going to be 2013. The Mets, like the Marlins, have a couple of nice players and the rest are essentially Triple-A ballplayers. I like David Wright and uh yeah only David Wright. Anyone else on the roster with potential to be great is injury prone. It would be a miracle if Shawn Marcum, Daniel Murphy, and Johan Santana last the entire season. I do actually like Jonathon Niese to be their best pitcher this season, but unfortunately they don’t have enough to compete in this division. The Mets will be slightly worse than last season, finishing with a record of 71-91.

The Philadelphia Phillies are no longer a great team. They proved that by finishing a pedestrian 81-81 last season. The majority of the problems are a result of injuries and aging players. Roy Halladay should bounce back from last season’s poor performance, but at 35 years old he doesn’t have any CY Young Awards coming his way. The additions of Michael Young, Delmon Young, and Ben Revere are all solid moves, but I don’t think it’s going to land them in the playoffs this season. They still have a very good pitching staff in Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Doc Halladay, but they like the Mets are also injury prone. I see a slight improvement from last season to the tune of an 87-75 record. This will leave them just outside the playoffs.

The Atlanta Braves were the first wild card in the National League last season. In the new playoff format that was put in place in 2012, they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a one game playoff. With the addition of the Upton brothers, the Braves have certainly improved their outfield and added some power to their lineup. The upton’s can both run also, so while Michael Bourn will be missed, they might actually steal more bases than they did in 2012. Without question the Braves have the best closer in baseball; Craig Kimbrel. As long as their starters can carry a lead through the 8th inning, the Braves will win A LOT of games. The Atlanta Braves have a decent pitching rotation that is headed up by old-timer Tim Hudson. Tim has remained very good even as he enters his late 30’s, and he will need to continue to pitch like a #1 starter if the Braves are going to make the playoffs this season. The rest of their pitching rotation is filled with younger guys with plenty of potential. These young guys bring about plenty of questions. Is Kris Medlen as good as the pitcher we saw last season, or will he regress? Is Paul Maholm the pitcher we’ve watched struggle for years in Pittsburgh, or is he the consistent pitcher we saw last year? What can we expect to see from Mike Minor and Julio Teheran? These questions make the Braves rotation a wildcard. Their success will be predicated on the rotation and will be the reason the Braves either return to the playoffs or falter and miss out on the party in October. I believe they will regress slightly from last year and finish with a record of 86-76.

Last season the Washington Nationals finished with the best record in the National League. They had a very successful season which was highlighted by their phenomenal pitching staff. Unfortunately, the Nationals weren’t able to win a playoff series and lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in 5 games in the Divison Series. This season the Nationals are primed and ready to make a deeper run into the playoffs. The silly innings limit has been officially lifted from Stephen Strasburg, and I believe he will be the best pitcher in baseball this season. The advantage gained by being able to pitch Gio Gonzalez against #2 starters from other teams can’t be overstated. Jordan Zimmerman is also looking to build on a solid 2012 season. The addition of Dan Haren to the rotation should help bolster the back end of their rotation. It should also be a nice change of scenery for Haren, as he looks to get back to winning ways after a poor 2012 season. You’d be hard pressed to find a better pitching rotation in all of baseball than the Washington Nationals. They also added Rafael Soriano to an already impressive bullpen. Handing the ball to Soriano, Tyler Clippard, or Drew Storen (if he can stay healthy) is a nice luxury to have and should help shorten games. They also brought in Denard Span who is a nice baserunner and fielder when healthy. Oh yeah, they also have this rising star you may have heard of named Bryce Harper. He is the youngest player in the Major Leagues and is only going to improve. The Nationals are a very good team who from top to bottom have the potential to be the best team in all of baseball. I see them finishing with a very similar record as last year, only this season they will get over the hump and win at least one playoff series. The Washington Nationals 2013 Regular Season Record will be 99-63 and they will win the National League East.

2013 National League East Projected Final Standings:

W L

Washington Nationals: 99-63

Philadelphia Phillies: 87-75

Atlanta Braves: 86-76

New York Mets: 71-91

Miami Marlins: 65-97

2013 National League East Projected Winner: Washington Nationals

If you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

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