Hey, IDIOT, Go Overreact To Something!!

Everything’s fine!! The sky is falling!!

It’s the best day ever!! The world is coming to an end!!

Some, live this reactionary life, riding the wave of EVERY moment. Some, would be REALLY DUMB!!

Remember when these collective group of morons thought the Cleveland Cavaliers wouldn’t represent the Eastern Conference??

Remember when they thought the Philadelphia 76ers could go to the NBA Finals??

Remember when they thought the New York Yankees were a disaster area, needing to be wiped off the face of the earth??

And remember when they were foolish enough to think the New York Mets could succeed, and stay healthy, and take back New York, and do anything remotely good, and make the playoffs??

Silly idiots….

LeBron, At The Buzzer!!

LeBron James continues to outdo himself, complimenting an already stellar career. His legacy, in his 15th season, is etched in stone. The only question is, how many times will it need to be upgraded or enhanced?? Saturday’s Game 3, 105-103 victory, over the Toronto Raptors didn’t hurt….

Nice double team Toronto!!

The LeBrons are now one game away from their 4th consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Finals (LeBron’s 8th). I’m pretty sure he’ll handle his business. But I’m also sure there’s a moron running around telling people the LeBrons are about to blow a 3-0 series lead….

Boston Strong

Boston Celtics v Philadelphia 76ers - Game Three

It’s time for a recent history lesson:

The Boston Celtics, aka Danny Ainge, traded out of the 1st overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. They swapped picks with the Philadelphia 76ers (3rd pick) and stored away extra picks for Winter. The 76ers selected Markelle Fultz with the 1st pick. The Celtics selected Jayson Tatum with the 3rd pick. Fultz is watching his 76ers get pummeled, from the bench (after missing nearly the entire season due to injury). Tatum, on the other hand, is leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Well played Danny Ainge, well played.

With the Cavaliers “struggling” in the 1st round, the 76ers became the sexy pick in the Eastern Conference. Sexy isn’t always the way to go. Personally, I’m a fan of sweatpants. The 76ers’ time will come, especially if LeBron lands in Philly next season, but that time, is not now.

The Yankees Forgot How To Lose

The future is bright for the Yankees. So is the present. Gleyber Torres has been the Yankees’ #1 prospect since landing in the Bronx via the Aroldis Chapman trade (2016). After being called up last month, Torres has wasted little time playing the part of hero. Torres hit his 1st MLB home run on Friday, May 4th. And just two days later, hit his 1st walk-off home run, helping the Yankees win their 6th straight game (15 of 16).

If only Torres was really young, with tremendous upside….

We Are Who We Thought We Were

matt-harvey_1gz9r5jte5g1o18y11bcjqz4ao

You didn’t think the Mets were the Mets who started this season 11-1, did you?! I know you did, based on the amount of trash talk I, the Yankee fan, had to listen to throughout most of April. It’s oddly quiet now…. 

All we had to do was fast forward three weeks to turn a nine game winning streak into a six game losing streak. And to see Matt Harvey’s fat, lazy, ungrateful ass out the door. Even though delusional Mets’ fans didn’t want to release Harvey in fear he’d land on the Yankees, “figure it out”, and somehow destroy the Mets’ stellar reputation (HAHA!!), they needn’t worry. Harvey’s done, now and forever.

Like I said before the season, 81-and-81 would be a successful season for the Mets.

 

Do you pretend not to overreact to everything?? Or can you admit you’re a roller coaster of stupidity?? Defend yourself in the comment section below.

You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

April Showers Bring May….Doubleheaders

Don’t let ‘April Showers’ get in your way.

Nearly one month into the season, MLB is having a hard time with that one. Tuesday’s weather caused another setback in an already tumultuous season — and set a MLB record. Despite the rain, wind, ice, freezing temperatures, occasional snow, and holey roofs, MLB’s first month has provided fans with plenty to cheer, or boo.

pirates rain

Rain On My Parade

Despite singing the “Rain, rain, go away” song, the Pirates, Tigers, Orioles and Rays weren’t allowed to play baseball on Tuesday. Inclement weather caused MLB’s 27th and 28th postponement of the season. 28 weather related postponements are the most since the commissioner’s office starting tracking them in 1986 (good year).

The Pirates and Tigers will play a doubleheader Wednesday, starting at 4:05 P.M. EST. The Rays and Orioles will make up their game during a doubleheader on May 12th.

matt harvey bullpen

Matt Harvey Stinks

Matt Harvey’s season isn’t going as planned. After four horrific starts, Harvey was banished (kicking and screaming) to the bullpen. Players usually over perform during a contract year. Harvey, apparently, didn’t receive that memo. Tuesday night, in St. Louis, Harvey made his season debut from the bullpen. He was asked to pitch the 5th and 6th inning in a tie game (4-4).

HOLD UP!!

Paging Mickey Callaway!! Was Matt Harvey’s 1st bullpen appearance during a tie game, on the road?!?! What’s the opposite of smart????

He was, uh, less than stellar (shocking). He coughed up 1 run, on 2 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts (on a whopping 35 pitches). I’d say it can’t get worse, but I’d be lying….

El Gary

Just click, watch until 1:46, and enjoy:

A monumental blast from Gary Sanchez, his 2nd of the game. Sanchez has been, well, Gary Sanchez over his past three games:

4 for 11 (.364), 2 home runs, and 5 rbi

Sanchez will likely be the designated hitter Wednesday, as Austin Romine is expected to catch Sonny Gray.

Oh, and all those who panicked a week ago, check the AL East standings now. All it takes is a four game winning streak from the Yankees to coincide with a three game losing streak by the Red Sox, and a seven-and-a-half game division lead becomes four in a hurry.

mike trout 3

The Best Player No One Knows

How is it possible the best player in a major sport is virtually unknown?! Mike Trout has been the best player in MLB for at least six years.

90% of the population wouldn’t recognize Mike Trout if they bumped into him on the street.

Through 24 games, Mike Trout has 10 home runs. Reread. Reprocess. Re-understand.

10 home runs through 24 games puts Trout on pace for 67 home runs. Oh, and he’s hitting .308 with 5 stolen bases. Oh, and he’s also the best defensive outfielder in MLB. Oh, and he’s also 26.

The 10% thank you Mike Trout. Please keep up the unbelievable work!!

 

What is the biggest takeaway from the first month of MLB?? Post your brilliant thoughts 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!!

Hey New York, Get Your S*** Together!!

New York.

It’s literally the greatest place on earth. It’s science. A fact.

Ya know, I suddenly understand why the rest of the world hates us….

Over the past decade, New York’s elite status in the sports world has diminished. The championship drought New York is experiencing is unacceptable:

Jets – 1969

NFL Historical Imagery

Knicks – 1973

knicks

Islanders – 1983

islanders stanley cup

Mets – 1986

mets world series

Rangers – 1994

messier

Yankees – 2009

Giants – 2011

Like you, I’m unimpressed. **Photo Album is for nostalgic purposes only. You don’t need photographs of the 2009 Yankees and 2011 Giants!!

(And no, the Bills, Devils, and Nets don’t count!!)

Now I know Cincinnati (28 years), Minnesota (27 years), and Washington D.C. (27 years) will tell us to cry a river, but this is New York. New York shouldn’t go seven years, and counting, without a championship.

With the Knicks, Islanders, Rangers, Jets, and Giants missing the postseason by wild margins this year, all of New York’s eggs rest in the Yankees’ Easter basket.

new_york_yankees_2018_preview

With World Series or bust expectations for the Yankees, panic started to reverberate throughout the city when they got off to a 5-6 start. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Panic, in April, is as absurd as thinking the Cleveland Browns will win a Super Bowl in your lifetime. Yes, that goes for newborn babies too.  

Fresh off a series win (three of four) against the Toronto Blue Jays, have the Yankees turned a corner??

They closed out their four-game series with a 5-1 victory over former Yankee, Jaime Garcia and now stand at 11-9. Luis Severino was fantastic — again. And Yankees’ top-prospect, Gleyber Torres, made his Major League debut.

Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees

They’ll look to carry this momentum into a four-game series (at home) against the Minnesota Twins. Another series win would be optimal, as their next 13 come against the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox. Yikes.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the only time you’ll find them in the loss column is via a no-hitter.

Warning: Objective Yankee fan moment coming….

The Red Sox got robbed during Sean Manaea’s no-hitter Saturday. Andrew Benintendi avoided a tag while running to first base, but was called out for being out of the base path (despite being originally called safe). Watch the play, courtesy of Baseball Rules Academy, here. Technically, a base runner can’t go three feet or more outside the base path, but technically, you can’t jaywalk….

Anyway, the moral of the story is, baseball is an incredibly long season. The Yankees dug themselves a nice size hole, but they have 142 more games to dig themselves out.

Everyone relax. Except Boston. You people panic. All day. Every day.

 

Have the Yankees turned a corner?? Or is this fools gold?? Tell me 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!!

 

APRIL; Where The Four Major Sports Collide

April is an interesting month.

The NBA and NHL playoffs, a.k.a. the never-ending journeys, begin. MLB gets under way (sort of). And the NFL sprinkles breaking news on top of the sports world to stay relevant.

NBA Playoffs

lebron-james-pacers-ap

If you already knew the outcome of a game, or series, would you still watch?? Well you already do, so don’t lie to me. Everyone knows the Golden State Warriors are going to win another NBA championship, yet we watch the NBA playoffs anyway.

Sunday’s round 1 drama was a good excuse to watch the meaningless. While the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics 113-107 F/OT, no one will doubt their effort. Check out the shot that sent this game to overtime:

Wild!!

LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, should be ashamed of themselves. They were outclassed by the Indiana Pacers on their home court Sunday afternoon. 98-80. No need to check your spectacles. The Cavaliers scored just 80 points, at home, in the playoffs. I do, however, feel bad for the Pacers. LeBron is going to do unspeakable things to them in Game 2. You’ll have to wait until WEDNESDAY NIGHT @ 7:00 P.M.!! Hence the never-ending part.

NHL Playoffs

las vegas

I don’t really like Pittsburgh. I don’t like Philadelphia. I really don’t like Boston. But Las Vegas I like. There’s a reason to enjoy the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ dominance over the Los Angeles Kings. Have your brooms handy?? Never has an NHL team gone from expansion team to Stanley Cup Champion in one year. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year. It would make me a hell of a lot happier than Sydney Crosby hoisting another trophy over his puny head.

MLB Season

MLB: Texas Rangers at Houston Astros

Jackie Robinson Day deserves a do-over. Only 10 out of a potential 16 games were played Sunday. The rest — rained/snowed out.

Despite actually losing a game (snapping a nine-game winning streak), the Mets got right back to their winning ways:

We must give a shout-out to Big Fat Bartolo Colon!! At the ripe old age of 44, Colon flirted with a perfect game Sunday night. Colon’s perfect game, no-hitter, and shutout were erased on consecutive batters. The first baserunner of the game was Carlos Correa (8th inning walk). Followed by a Josh Reddick double. Followed by a Yuli Gurriel sacrifice fly. The Rangers would hold on to win 3-1 F/10.

Who needs 98 m.p.h. when you have 86 m.p.h. with movement and location?!

Bye-Bye Dez

Dez-Bryant-Mad

One of the more overrated “superstars” in recent NFL history, Dez Bryant, is looking for work. In an era when wide receivers exceed 1,000 yards by accident, Dez hasn’t done so since 2014. And Friday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys sent Dez packing. This wasn’t a financial move, as the Cowboys will save just $4 million of Dez’s $12.5 million salary this upcoming season. As an unbiased outsider, I enjoy this story. Dez is easy to dislike thanks to his overtly cocky attitude, underwhelming production, and Dallas Cowboys jersey.

 

What is your favorite part of April?? Tell me all 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!!

Raucous Rivalry Renewed!!

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?!

MLB: New York Mets at Miami Marlins

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….

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!!

The Mets Win — Again?!

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.

noah_syndergaard

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).

jacob-degrom

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. 

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!!

Apparently, They’re Just Giving NFL Contracts Away

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.

____________________________________________________________________________

dominic smith

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….

____________________________________________________________________________

lebron baby 2

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….

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!!

 

Yu Is Worth A Lot More Than You!!

It’s finally here!!

Can you smell it??

No, not what the Rock is cookin’; BASEBALL!! It’s February 12th. It should smell like freshly cut grass and pine tar in your living room by now.

While pitchers and catchers start reporting to spring training today (Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets), some of those lockers may remain empty for the foreseeable future. By my count, 107 free agents remain unsigned. Unprecedented and wild.

****We now take a break from your regularly scheduled program to make fun of the Mets: How is it that the Mets report their pitchers, catchers, and position players (February 17th) EARLIER than the rest of the league, yet still suck so badly????

With this year’s free agent market so unbalanced, the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Player’s Association) has decided to host a spring training camp for free agents. I guess teams should be pleased players will be staying in shape, but I can’t imagine heads around MLB are sleeping soundly on pillows every night….

What caused this problem?? 

There are many theories floating around in the ether. Union chief, Tony Clark, believes teams are “racing toward the bottom”. MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred, thinks agents have “inaccurately assessed the market”. The bottom line is players want more money than they’re worth.

Worth is a funny thing. A player, like Carlos Santana, is worth $20 million per year in 2018. The same Carlos Santana may have been worth $22 million per year in 2017. Each year’s free agent market dictates a player’s worth. Regardless of the year, or market, one thing remains constant:

You are worth what someone is willing to pay you.

The Chicago Cubs decided Yu Darvish is worth $126 million (6 years). Contract incentives could push the deal as high as $150 million. Darvish’s new contract is the biggest of the offseason — so far. I, probably shouldn’t question Cubs’ president of baseball operations, Theo Esptein, but, ah, what the hell….

theoepstein-30744008

What is Theo Epstein thinking?!?! Yes, Yu Darvish is as talented a strikeout machine as anyone in MLB, but Yu can’t strike hitters out from the trainer’s room. Assuming 33 starts is a full season, Darvish has almost pitched 1 full season in his 5-year tenure in MLB (I know he pitched 31 games last year, but that doesn’t help prove my point). Darvish has started just 131 of a possible 165 games. Listen, not everyone’s Cal Ripken Jr., but I’d expect my 126 million dollar man to play more than 79% of the time.

And don’t forget his consecutive ‘blow-ups’ in the 2017 World Series. Both consisted of 4 earned runs in 1 and 2/3 innings, leaving a historically bad taste in ‘Dodger Nation’. Maybe Epstein thinks 1 World Series will override 6 injury plagued, inconsistent seasons.

I wish Yu luck.

 

Like, Love, or Hate Yu Darvish’s contract?? Tell me 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!!

What Do You Mean ‘Double Check’ My Sources?!

jay bruce 2

The world has been waiting….

Waiting for the dominoes to start falling in Major League Baseball. Who knew that first domino would be a fake report?! Wednesday morning, multiple sources reported Gerrit Cole had been traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Houston Astros. By Wednesday afternoon, we had learned this report was as make believe as the Easter Bunny. Sorry parents. Apparently, some journalists prefer being 1st and wrong over being 2nd and right.

See, this is a fun time for MLB; the offseason. The time when rumors fly, money gets tossed around, and players potentially relocate. Until Wednesday, this offseason had been notoriously slow. Just 30 of the 160 potential free agents had signed with their respective teams. Over the past 2 days, free agency has built up speed. It turns out, all it needed was a little nudge from a fake report.

These new deals are 1-year contracts in order to avoid arbitration:

  • Cody Allen – $10.575 Million (Indians)
  • Khris Davis – $10.5 Million (Athletics)
  • Patrick Corbin – $7.5 Million (Diamondbacks)
  • Miguel Gonzalez – $4.75 Million (White Sox)
  • Mike Zunino – $2.975 Million (Mariners)
  • Randal Grichuk – $2.6 Million (Cardinals)
  • Zach McAllister – $2.45 Million (Indians)
  • Jake Marisnick – $1.9 Million (Astros)
  • Tommy Kahnle – $1.3125 Million (Yankees)

Arbitration is a legal process used when a player (prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent) and team can’t come to terms on a 1-year contract. Both the player and team submit their proposed salary contracts to a 3rd-party, neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator then determines a fair salary based on the player’s statistics. Despite retaining the rights to said player, arbitration isn’t generally the 1st step in a long-term, healthy relationship.

While everyone’s attention turned to 1-year contracts, and a fake report, the New York Mets swooped in and ACTUALLY signed a contract paying out more than $12 per year. On Wednesday, the Mets came to terms with Jay Bruce on a 3-year, $39 million contract. While Bruce isn’t a hop on my back and ride to the playoffs type of guy, he’s a solid offensive outfielder. On a team (as cheap as the Mets) lacking offense, I like this deal for the Mets.

Only 2 bigger contracts have been signed, so far, than Bruce; Carlos Santana and Wade Davis. Santana signed a 3-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on December 20th. This makes the Bruce deal look even better. As for Davis, his 3-year, $52 million contract with the Colorado Rockies makes him the highest paid relief pitcher (per year) of all-time. We’ll see how he enjoys the “comfort” of pitching in Coors Field.

With just over a month until pitchers and catchers report, expect an avalanche of dominoes to fall in the near future. Here are the biggest, unsigned names:

J.D. Martinez, Jake Arrieta, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and Yu Darvish.

MLB Free Agency, a time when wildly overpaying players has become America’s new pastime.

 

What do you think of the Jay Bruce contract?? Does Wade Davis deserve to be the highest paid reliever of all-time?? Post your thoughts 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 6:00 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!!

 

I Don’t Always Sit Through Rain Delays, But When I Do, I Want Them To Be Longer Than The Game

lightning

The West coast is silly. Their games and events start at 10:15 P.M., and they don’t end until 1:30 or 2:00 A.M. It is not possible for us normal folk to watch more than 3 innings, or the 1st quarter, or the 1st period of these games. And then, there are the West coast games that are still happening, from the night before (!), when I get to work.

Who Doesn’t Enjoy A Little Lightning Delay??

The San Francisco Giants (the 2nd worst team in baseball), played host to the Los Angeles Dodgers (the best team in baseball), on Monday night. Thanks to a 3 hour and 34 minute rain-delay, Monday night turned into Tuesday morning. The game was originally delayed 42-minutes prior to first-pitch. But then, thanks to the infinite wisdom of the decision makers in San Francisco last night, the game was delayed again, after just 1 batter!! After Curtis Granderson struck out to lead off the game, the heavens opened up again, this time handing us a 2 hour and 52 minute rain and lightning delay.

The total rain delay was longer than the actual game.

When they finally played baseball, the Dodgers proceeded to lose their 11th consecutive game (8-6). The game ended at 5:10 in the morning!! Despite this horrid stretch, they’re still 40 games over .500, and hold the best record in MLB. Anybody else dislike roller coasters??

We’re Going Streaking!!

On the other hand, not all streaks are made the same. The Cleveland Indians are in the midst of a winning streak for the ages. With their 11-0 win over the Detroit Tigers Monday night, the Indians have won 19 consecutive games. They now stand 2 wins shy of tying the MLB record for most consecutive wins. This record belongs to the 1935 Chicago Cubs (they finished with a record of 100-54). The Indians should moonwalk their way to a share of the record with 2 more games against the hapless Detroit Tigers. If the Indians were to break the record, it would take place Thursday night, as they host the Kansas City Royals. I never thought I’d say this, but I’ll be watching. Who knew the Cleveland Indians were Must-Watch-TV?!

Tampa Bay Hosts New York….In New York????

Due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, the Tampa Rays are not able to host the New York Yankees this week. Instead, MLB decided to shift the Rays/Yankees series to a “neutral” site. Anyone care to venture a guess as to where they moved this series??

“Anyone?? Anyone?? Bueller??”

The answer is Citi Field. Yes, as in where the Mets play, in Queens. Listen, I’m a Yankees’ fan, so I’m not flipping park benches over this, but how is this fair to the Tampa Bay Rays?? I fully understand the situation due to the impact of Hurricane Irma, but MLB couldn’t find a stadium outside of the New York area for this series?? I find that hard to believe.

To accommodate fans, ticket prices for this series will be capped at $25, and only the lower deck will be open. Monday was the 1st of the 3-game series, as 15,327 fans promptly booed the “home” Rays. The Yankees went on to win 5-1, and have now won 3 games in a row. Game 2 will be played tonight @ 7:10 P.M., as Blake Snell will take on Sonny Gray.

Hopefully the Yankees can capitalize on these completely logical, rational, reasonable, fair circumstances.

 

What were you watching on Monday?? Baseball?? More Football?? Let me know 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 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

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!!