Raucous Rivalry Renewed!!

April 12, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Greatest Rivalry In Sports

The hate is real. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox don’t like each other. And those feelings resurfaced Wednesday night. After Tyler Wade dropped down a bunt in the 3rd inning, Tyler Austin slid into 2nd base, trying to beat the throw. Austin came into 2nd base hard, intentionally sliding into Red Sox shortstop, Brock Holt’s leg. While Austin did clip the back of Holt’s leg, it wasn’t bench clearing brawl worthy.

As you can see, no punches were thrown, just choice words. But then, in the 7th inning, Joe Kelly retaliated, plunking Austin in the back. Austin wasn’t a happy camper:

Four ejections later, rivalry renewed.

My favorite part of this was Brock Holt’s thought process (referring to Judge and Stanton) during the brawl. “Yeah, I’m not trying to get involved with any of those guys,” Holt said. “I mean, not just those two. They have a pretty big team over there.”

Way to have your team’s back Brock!!

p.s. The Yankees put up 4 runs on David Price in the 1st inning, knocking him out of the game. The Yankees own him. After the dust settled, the Yankees would hang on, for a much needed, 10-7 victory.

Will The Mets Ever Lose Again?!

Miami Marlins’ pitcher, Jarlin Garcia, will have to wait to allow his 1st hit as a starter. He’ll also have to wait for his first win as a starter.

The New York Mets are riding an 8-game winning streak, following their 4-1 victory over the Marlins. The Mets, no offense fans, had no business winning this game. Marlins manager, Don Mattingly, lost this game (intentionally?). Donnie Baseball did something that should be illegal. He pulled his starting pitcher with a NO HITTER THROUGH SIX INNINGS (77 pitches)!!!!

WHAT THE WHAT?!?!

That makes no sense. That’s not baseball. That’s sabotage.

If Garcia was a rookie, making his 1st appearance in a MLB game, I’d almost understand. But this, wasn’t that. Garcia appeared in 68 games in 2017 (as a reliever). His arm could have handled 30-40 more pitches in an attempt at MLB’s 297th no hitter.

Be ashamed Don Mattingly. Be very ashamed.

Could New York sports teams possibly provide us with more news??

Yes. Yes they could.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com for BREAKING NEWS from the New York Knicks….

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With Every Valley, A Peak

April 11, 2018April 11, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s EARLY.

Not just in the morning but in the MLB season.

Teams off to a ‘hot’ start will regress, and teams who can’t buy a win will do just that. It’s baseball. It’s 162 games. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The instantaneous reaction generation can’t handle these moments.

On Monday, the Yankees could be the best team in MLB history.

And on Tuesday, they could be the biggest disappointment the world has ever seen.

Of course, a 14-1 loss, to a division rival, is never beneficial, but game 1 of 19 between the Red Sox and Yankees doesn’t determine the AL East.

Seriously though, letting the Red Sox drop a 9-spot in the 6th inning is not a recipe for success. Neither is starting Shane Robinson in centerfield, but that’s a different story….

Red Sox

Subjectively, I hate their guts. Objectively, they’re a really solid team. Those who wrote the Red Sox off, and crowned the Yankees AL East champs in March, were sorely mistaken. The Red Sox have been a well run organization since forever. Despite most Yankee fans’ distorted memories, the Red Sox have won the AL East the past 2 years (and 3 out of the last 5). This division will be hard fought all season (especially if David Price’s early season resurrection is real).

Yankees

Yes, I’m a Yankee fan. I want them to win every game. However, I don’t fit in with the typical Yankee fan. While I’ve been spoiled with their success throughout my life (I grew up in the 90s and early 2000s), I understand baseball. I understand reality.

They aren’t going to go 162-0. They may not play November baseball. And they aren’t the best lineup ever constructed. They will, however, level out. They’ll get healthy. They’ll win approximately 90 games. And they’ll make the playoffs.

Everyone calm down.

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The folklore of ‘Sister Jean’ continues. After famously assisting Loyola-Chicago’s men’s basketball team to the Final Four, she’s moved on to baseball. Sister Jean was invited to throw out the 1st pitch at Tuesday’s, Chicago Cubs’ home-opener.

Not bad Sister Jean, not bad.

Unfortunately, the Cubs weren’t able to harness Sister Jean’s winning power, as they fell 8-5 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates have gotten off to a red hot start (8-2), while the Cubs have struggled (5-5). The Pirates have scored 66 runs through their 1st 10 games, the most since 1923. The Cubs, however, played their 1st 9 games on the road, and are without all-star, 1st baseman, Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo landed on the 10-day DL Tuesday with back tightness.

Expect the Pirates to cool off and the Cubs to grab hold of the division in the near future.

What are your thoughts on the MLB season so far?? Post your genius in the comment section below.

The Mets Win — Again?!

April 10, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

THEY should enjoy IT while it lasts.

They; the New York Mets. It; winning.

The Mets have been the biggest surprise of the early season, boasting an MLB best, 8-1 record. They’re currently riding a 6-game winning streak, which includes a 4-game sweep of their bitter rival; the Washington Nationals (in Washington).

How are they doing it??

A simple, one-word answer will suffice: Pitching.

Heading into the season, the writing was on the wall. The Mets would go as far as their pitching staff goes. Just one season ago, 80% of the Mets’ starting rotation succumbed to injury. Hell, it seemed like 80% of the roster was injured last season. The Mets are hoping improved offseason workout regiments, coupled with a new training staff, will keep their arms out of the trainer’s room. So far, so good. Mets’ manager, Mickey Callaway, who’s been a successful pitching coach for years, is also looking to utilize his pitching staff in a more effective manner.

85, 101, 89, 86, 92, 86, 93, 85, 90.

Those would be the pitch counts of the Mets’ starting pitchers in their first nine games. Outside of Jacob deGrom throwing 101 pitches in game #2, Callaway has made a concerted effort to limit his starting pitcher’s usage. THIS IS SMART (especially in April). Granted, this strategy can ultimately overwork their bullpen, but Callaway plans to stretch his starting pitchers out by May. This will relieve some pressure from his relievers (pun intended).

It also doesn’t hurt that 4 Mets’ relievers have yet to give up a run. IT ALSO DOESN’T HURT that Jason Vargas, the Mets’ 5th starter, has yet to pitch in the regular season. Vargas is expected to return the last week of April from a broken bone in his non-pitching hand. He’ll add depth and experience to an already talented rotation.

We’ll see if the Mets can continue their winning ways Tuesday @ 7:10 p.m., on SNY, against the Miami Marlins. Jacob deGrom will look to build on his impressive start to the season.

Is the Mets’ start real, or a mirage?? How many games will the Mets win this season?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

The Pudgy-Faced Assassin Struck GREEN!!

April 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Patrick Reed won the Masters.

WHO the hell is Patrick Reed?!

The pudgy-faced assassin. I think we’ll call him that.

Patrick Reed is 27 years old (despite looking like he’s 12). He’s married with two children and resides in Texas. Entering the Masters, Reed was the 24th ranked golfer in the world. At -14, Reed took a 3-stroke lead into Sunday, fighting off the likes of Rory McIlroy (-11), Rickie Fowler (-9), and Jordan Spieth (-5).

Despite coming up short, Jordan Spieth’s round Sunday was the most impressive performance of the tournament. A final round 64 (-8) is other worldly.

Sunday at the Masters, usually reserved for names tumbling down the leaderboard, saw a record breaking 7 of the top-20 finishers post rounds of 67 or better. With virtually everyone around him charging up the leaderboard, Reed remained steady, posting a safe, conservative -1 (71). Needing a par at the last, Reed showed nerves of steel, hitting his drive right down the middle. He then hit the approach shot of his life, leaving 20-feet, and 2 putts, to win the Masters.

This was Reed’s 1st Major victory. And the Masters has now seen five consecutive 1st time winners. Life after Tiger. No no, I know Tiger is back. And played in this tournament. But he didn’t really play in this tournament….

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And then, there was baseball.

The New York Yankees lost to the Baltimore Orioles in tragic fashion Sunday afternoon (8-7 F/12). After being spotted a 5-0 lead in the 1st inning, Yankees’ starter, Jordan Montgomery, decided he didn’t want it to be his day either. Montgomery failed to get out of the 5th inning, giving up 4 runs. Fast forward to the 12th inning….

After a walk and 2 consecutive singles, the Orioles grabbed an 8-7 lead in the top of the 12th inning. To the bottom of the 12th we go….

Austin Romine, who had the game of his life, led off the inning with a walk. With Tyler Wade (who’s really fast) and Gary Sanchez (who plays catcher) still on the bench, it’s inexplicable that Aaron Boone didn’t pinch run for Romine. Regardless, the Yankees loaded the bases on another walk and an error by Orioles’ closer, Brad Brach.

Yup, the Yankees had bases loaded, with no one out, and DID NOT SCORE!!!!

Because nothing says clutch like an Aaron Judge, 1-2-5 double-play, ground out. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, Giancarlo Stanton followed it up with his 2nd FIVE STRIKEOUT GAME of the season. Stanton was the only Yankee who didn’t record a hit Sunday going an impressive 0-7.

Stanton will be fine, but New York and Miami are two different animals, aren’t they????

What did you watch Sunday?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.

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.

It’s Championship Time!!

April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Then, there were two.

Nearly three weeks ago, 68 teams had their sights set on the ultimate prize; a national championship. Today, only two teams are left standing: Villanova and Michigan.

Monday night, Villanova will look to capture their 2nd national championship in three years. They currently stand as 7-point favorites. That’s a lot of points for a national championship game. And Michigan is playing as well as Villanova right now. No, they can’t light it up from 3-point range like Villanova, but they can still overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor.

It would be hard for Villanova to repeat their shooting performance from their Final Four victory over Kansas (18-40 on 3-pointers)!! But expect them to come close. This will be a competitive game that comes down to the final two minutes.

Tune into TBS tonight @ the ungodly hour of 9:20 P.M. EST to catch all the action. As much as I want to watch this game, sadly, I will be sound asleep by 10:30 P.M.

Score Prediction: Villanova 74, Michigan 69

Imperferction

On the women’s side of things, UConn did not win the national championship. That doesn’t sound right. Undefeated heading into Friday’s final four matchup with Notre Dame, Uconn would fall, to the eventual champion, 91-89 F/OT.

Notre Dame’s championship victory Sunday night involved yet another buzzer beater by Arike Ogunbowale. Notre Dame’s junior guard hit the shot that took down UConn in overtime. And then she hit the shot that hoisted the trophy. While it wasn’t Kris Jenkins from 2016, it was pretty close.

Snow Baseball

It’s April. Oh, you thought you were done with snow for the year?? HA! So silly you are. While the MLB season is trying to get into full swing, New York (and other less important cities) may have an obstacle to hurdle today. With 4-6 inches of snow expected to accumulate in the Tri-State area, the Yankees’ home-opener is in slight jeopardy. Currently set for 1:05 P.M., my guess is it’ll be postponed allowing time for this snow to melt (it will). If not, the Yankees will have a double-header in their future.

Speaking of Yankees’ fans (I’m a die hard one as well), please RELAX!! The Yankees aren’t going to give up grand slams every day. Their bullpen will be a strength, not a weakness. And they’ll win 90+ games, not miss the playoffs. People are SO reactionary it makes me angry. Stop hanging on every moment of every game. IT’S A 162-GAME SEASON!!!!

Enjoy what should be the final snow of the year!! And enjoy your snow baseball!!

Who will win the Men’s National Championship?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

I Could Have Sworn I Was Worth More Than That!!

March 13, 2018March 13, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I don’t care if it’s half of what you wanted, just SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE!!

Said MLB owners everywhere.

With the weirdest, MLB free agency period ever in full swing, no one is receiving the contract they’d expected. But with the start of the season just 16 days away, players’ hands are being forced — literally. As usual, we made a handy dandy list of the latest market misreads (from best to worst):

4.) Lance Lynn

Lance Lynn barely made the list. Lynn has had a solid MLB career. With a career e.r.a. of 3.38 and a winning record in every season he’s been a starting pitcher, Lynn is a nice addition to any starting rotation. After signing a 1-year, $12 million deal with the Minnesota Twins, he’ll get right to work and try to improve a below average pitching staff. The only problem is, Lynn could have stayed in St. Louis, with the Cardinals, for a 1-year, qualifying offer of $17.4 million. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but $5.4 million is $5.4 million.

3.) Jake Arrieta

Rewind your clocks a little more than 2 months. Right around the New Year, Jake Arrieta publicly stated he would be seeking a new contract of approximately 6 years and $160 million. That’s $32 million per year. Yeah, not so much. After holding out as long as he could, Arrieta “settled” on a 3-year, $75 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal became official on Tuesday. $25 million per year isn’t bad for a 32-year old who’s best days are behind him. But by Arrieta’s estimation, he left an imaginary $85 million on the table.

2.) Carlos Gonzalez

Oh Carlos. What were you thinking?? Betting on yourself is a great concept. It exhibits a clear sense of confidence, and it often pays off. But sometimes, it backfires. Carlos Gonzalez was reportedly offered a 3-year, $45 million extension with the Colorado Rockies last Spring. Obviously Gonzalez didn’t foresee one of the worst seasons of his career, but I bet he wishes he had that contract now. Instead, he’ll have to re-prove himself on a 1-year, $8 million deal. Good luck!

1.) Mike Moustakas

Mr. Moustakas takes the cake. He accomplished it all this off-season. Mike Moustakas was reportedly seeking a long-term deal in line with his former teammate, Eric Hosmer (8-years, $144 million). HA! Moustakas and his super-agent, Scott Boras, were slightly off on this one, huh?! The worst part is, Moustakas turned down not one, but two deals significantly more than the 1-year, $6.5 million contract he signed with the Kansas City Royals.

First, he refused to sign the 1-year, $17.4 qualifying offer from the Royals. And then, he turned down a 3-year, $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Really solid decision making!! The real problem is, no one has ever had the huevos to tell Moustakas he’s just not that good. Scott Boras is like that parent who’s never had the courage to tell their kid they’re not good at something. And it cost Mike Moustakas $38.5 million.

Eh, it’s just money. Right??

Side Note: Neil Walker signed a 1-year, $5 million deal with the New York Yankees on Tuesday. And Ichiro Suzuki is coming back to the Seattle Mariners on a 1-year, $750,000 deal. Walker provides veteran stability in a young infield and is an absolute bargain. Ichiro can’t seem to hang ’em up, as he’s currently 44 years old. Good for you Ichiro!!

Who’s had the worst off-season so far?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

What’s Your Name Again??

March 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Who are you??

I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of you before. Can I see some identification please??

In the wide world of sports, many athletes fly under the radar. Some ride the bench, so they go unnoticed for good reason. Others, however, are “unknown superstars”. Today, we’ve comprised a list of the best athletes most people didn’t know existed.

Justin Thomas

justin thomas

Casual golf fans, if such a group exists, have heard of Tiger Woods. They’ve also probably heard of Phil Mickelson. But that’s about it. They probably haven’t heard of Justin Thomas. Thomas is currently the 3rd ranked golfer in the world. He’s already won two PGA Tour events this year, after winning five last year (including a Major). Oh, and he’s currently in 1st place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Not bad for a 5’10”, 145 pound, 24-year old man who could blend into a crowd easier than Where’s Waldo.

Whit Merrifield

whit

If you know who Whit Merrifield is, I’ll be impressed. Merrifield currently plays second base for the Kansas City Royals. At 29 years old, he’s looking to duplicate his success from last season. Merrifield was one of only two players to hit at least 15 home runs and steal at least 30 bases. The other; Jose Altuve. Colliding in the same sentence with the reigning AL MVP isn’t what I’d call a bad thing.

Nikita Kucherov

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll give you a hint. His team has the best record in his sport. Give up?? Nikita Kucherov plays in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They currently hold the best record in the league at 44-17 (92 points). Kucherov, despite never having entered a conversation in your living room, is leading the NHL in points (82). Yeah, the 24-year old is that good.

Megan Rapinoe

megan-rapinoe-1024

How is that you’ve never heard of one of the best soccer players in this country?! Megan Rapinoe is an international superstar. Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was a crucial part of their gold medals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. And she scored the lone goal in the U.S.’ victory over Germany yesterday. Shame on you for not knowing Megan Rapinoe!!

David Goffin

david goffin

If you were ranked 7th in the world, in an individual sport, you’d think people would know your name, no?! Well I’m betting most of you wouldn’t recognize David Goffin if you bumped into him on the street. Goffin won 2 single’s titles last year, and has been in the top-25 in the world tennis rankings since October of 2014.

Mario Addison

mario addison

I will be shocked if you know this next one. Who is Mario Addison?? Don’t go to the Google, that’s cheating. Okay, time’s up. Mario Addison is a defensive end the NFL. Addison has spent the past six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and may be the most overshadowed defensive player in the NFL. Addison is one of just seven players to average 10 or more sacks over the past two seasons.

Khris Middleton

khris-middleton

This one you may know, but his talent doesn’t match his name (or face) recognition. His celebrity status if you will. Khris Middleton is an extremely talented small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton is one of only nine NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season.

Had you heard of any of these athletes prior to today?? Don’t lie in my comment section!!

Apparently, They’re Just Giving NFL Contracts Away

February 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m confused!!

Evidently, so are the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Saturday, the Jaguars extended the contract of Blake Bortles through the 2020 season. The deal is for 3-years, $54 million, including $26.5 million of guaranteed money. I literally fell off my couch when this story broke.

This decision by Tom Coughlin, Vice President of Football Operations, makes no sense, for a multitude of reasons:

1.) Bortles’ contract didn’t need extending. The Jaguars already picked up his option (in May) for 2019 for $19.053 million.

2.) Bortles had wrist surgery this off season, creating doubt that he’ll be healthy for the start of the 2019 season.

3.) Bortles SUCKS at quarterback!!

This decision, guarantees the Jaguars will not win a Super Bowl. After reaching the AFC Championship last season, the Jaguars should have realized what the rest of the world did; they’re just 1 player away from being a Super Bowl contender. With a top-3 defense, a great running game, and a good offensive line, the only missing piece to the puzzle is a competent gunslinger. Blake Bortles is not the answer.

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It’s never too early for the hits to start coming for the New York Mets. No, not hits on a baseball field; “hits” as in injuries. Dominic Smith, the pudgy wonder, will undergo an MRI for a strained right quad today. After showing up late to his first Spring Training game, Smith isn’t exactly having the ‘best week ever’.

In other Mets’ injury news, Tim Tebow sprained his ankle running over a sprinkler head. I’m embarrassed to even be writing his name, but this kind of comedy is too good to pass up….

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LeBron James lost to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, 110-94. Despite posting 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in 40 minutes, LeBron and “new look” company got outclassed on their own court. Rather than discuss ways his team can improve, LeBron felt it necessary to complain about the referees:

“There’s no reason I should be going to the line four times in a game when I drive 100 times to the paint and I’m getting hit and slapped and grabbed and whatever and whatnot. We protect the shooter. That’s what it’s turned into. ‘Chicks dig the long ball,’ and that’s what it’s about.”

Listen, Little LeBron, while chicks definitely dig the long ball, quit your crying and complaining. It’s not a good look for the “face” of the NBA….

Like, Love, or Hate Blake Bortles’ contract extension?? I’ll give you a hint, there’s only one right answer….

Well….That Didn’t Go As Planned

February 20, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

J.D. Martinez, come on down! You’re the next contestant on the Price Is Righ….

No no, the price is wrong. Yes, Martinez has a lot more money today than he did two days ago, but he accepted a deal significantly less than he was seeking. For months, J.D. Martinez and his agent, Satan (ahem), I mean Scott Boras, played hardball. They stood tall and said they wouldn’t take less than 7 years, $210 million. They claimed they’d be willing to sit out the season to garner a “fair” contract.

Someone should explain the meaning of a standoff to Boras and Martinez.

Martinez, who hit a career best 45 home runs with the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks last season, signed a 5-year, $110 million contract with the Boston Red Sox Monday afternoon.

One of these numbers is not like the other….

The deal is front-loaded, so Martinez will earn $50 million over the first two years. The deal also includes an opt-out clause for Martinez after two years. With a full outfield in Boston, Martinez will serve as the primary DH, granting an occasional day off for Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, or Jackie Bradley Jr.

On the exterior, I graciously doled out a golf clap for the Red Sox, while the Yankees’ fan in me considered smashing a vase against the wall. Martinez is a solid run producer. If he’s afforded an opportunity as the full-time DH, glaring at the “Green Monster”, he’ll duplicate his 40 home run season.

Speed Kills

Upon losing Martinez to free agency, the Diamondbacks wasted little time finding a new outfielder. Monday night, they signed Jarrod Dyson to a 2-year, $7.5 million deal. Despite never exceeding 350 at-bats in a season, Dyson has stolen at least 25 bases in 6 consecutive seasons. He’ll likely serve in a platoon with Yasmany Tomas in left field.

“The Freak” Is Back!!

Tim Lincecum, “The Freak”, is making a comeback!! After holding a pitching showcase for a handful of MLB teams (he hit 93 m.p.h. on the radar gun), Lincecum has reportedly received a guaranteed offer to return to the mound in 2018. No team has been named in the report, however, the San Francisco Giants reportedly aren’t the winners of the Lincecum sweepstakes.

Lincecum’s last stint in MLB didn’t go smoothly, as he sported a 9.16 e.r.a. in 9 starts in 2016. In fact, he hasn’t pitched a season with a sub 4.00 e.r.a. since 2011. At 33 years old, “The Freak” has his work cut out for him, but we want to wish he and his mystery team the best of luck.

What do you think of these free agent signings?? Post your opinion in the comment section below.

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