Walk It Like You Talk It ….
In the aftermath of the momentous joint victory for Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid , there are now looming doubts about whether or not Roger Goodell as the NFL Commissioner can continue to be granted so much latitude with regard to his wide-ranging powers , as well as how the league hierarchy and team owners can now deal with such issues of player grievances in the future. This was an extremely costly loss the NFL , albeit, with an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) being signed , we will never know the full extent of the compensatory figure paid out to both Kaepernick and Reid as part of their collusion grievance.
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While I believe this might provide some closure to the events surrounding the stance taken by Colin Kaepernick , there still leaves the fact that the former San Francisco Forty Niners’ starting quarterback is still unable to find a role on a team within the NFL. There are now rumors circulating that the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots are showing interest in signing the player whose last game in the NFL took place during the 2016 NFL season . I don’t believe the Patriots are a legitimate option , especially in light of both Tom Brady and the team owner Robert Kraft , being staunch supporters of Donald Trump , a President who was often critical of the NFL’s players and pointedly so towards Colin Kaepernick . It’s clear however, that could all change, in light of the judgment ruling against the league.
With the other alternative for Kaepernick being to sign with the Carolina Panthers, I am not so sure he would be welcomed with open arms by the coaching staff and front office of the organization . As to the current roster of Panthers’ players themselves , unless Cam Newton himself , steps up to the plate and were to make Colin Kaepernick feel welcomed. There again. I am not so sure he would be seen as an ideal fit for the team. The fans being what they are , and the fact that attendance within the NFL has ebbed and flowed since 2015 , and their being a marked decline with regard to an engaged television audience for regular season games . The NFL must now address this chapter once and for all , and bring it to a close. There were idiots, who believed that the NFL would suffer financially , but nothing could be further from the truth and among the league’s biggest corporate sponsors, Nike profited greatly from the exposure gained ,with Kaepernick being a client endorser .
The NBA’s mid-season showcase event was all the talk over the past weekend with the All Star Game taking place. This history of the event might well be the most fan-friendly of the four major professional sports’ events which take place. The NFL has it’s Pro-Bowl Game , but with each passing game, especially over the last decade , the game itself has become less and less popular for the fans and as a television spectacle. Major League Baseball places way too much emphasis on the players and the rather asinine way it has players nominated for an appearance in the MLB All Star Game , has the event seem something of a non-plus along with the Home Run Derby. Granted , the league that wins the All Star , their representative in the World Series is granted home-field advantage throughout the series. Yet, when it’s all said and done in spite of those incentives , the event itself remains something of a chore to watch. For the NHL , well let’s just say their All Star Game , ranks up there alongside watching paint dry or a Congressional Hearing in either the US House of Representatives or the US Senate .
Kevin Durant , already a two-time Finals’ MVP with the Golden State Warriors , might well have begun to ignite the debate as to whether he is now the best player in the NBA and what is with all due respect to four-time League MVP , LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers . James was an active participant in the All Star Game which was played on Monday Night . A high-scoring event where defense was not at an optimum , Durant put on a display of offensive prowess for the winning team and along the way he picked up his second All Star MVP Award.
The second-half of the season within the NBA will pick-up , with the teams looking to jockey themselves into position for the final games of the regular season . With things being what they are , the pressure is now on the Los Angeles Lakers to end their regular season run with a big bang. They’re not capable of winning their division and within the Western Conference , their remains a right race for the seeding’s, five ,
through eight . LeBron James and his teammates will be on the court for their next game , when they face the Houston Rockets and James Harden at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , California , on Thursday, 21st February , 2019. That is the day, when the league resumes its regular season schedule . Meanwhile, Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors will resume their regular season schedule with a contest against the Sacramento Kings .
In the Eastern Conference of the NBA , the Milwaukee Bucks led by Giannis Antetokounmpou , are looking to solidify their position as the best team in the conference. Antetokounmpou is proving to be one of the best offensive players in the entire NBA , in spite of his experience . All season long the Bucks have been extremely impressive , on the road or at home . Next up for this well-rounded team will be a game against the Boston Celtics , in a contest , which will provide the fans with a great deal more than just competitiveness and excitement .
If the rumors are to be believed , then James L Dolan might well be willing to listen to serious offers as he seeks to unload the New York Knicks . Dolan is not likely to sell the franchise at a bargain basement price , knowing that a $3,5 billion price tag is not out of the realms of possibility . The Knicks are no longer a viable competitive concern within the NBA , but they remain the most valuable franchise , because of their geographical and demo-graphical location. It’s hard to envisage who might willingly show interest in purchasing the New York Knicks and the possible price that’s likely to be above $4 billion , an exorbitant price to say the very least. The team’s season is in complete shambles and it’s my own belief , their coaching staff would like to ‘tank’ their season , which would provide them with a healthy chance of a Draft Lottery Pick in the first round of 2019 NBA Draft .
Courtesy of USA Today
Knicks shoot down report of James Dolan ‘courting offers’ to sell team
By Chris Iseman , USA Today , NBA Writer
Rumors that James Dolan is potentially interested in selling the New York Knicks have been circulating, and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons has now added more fuel to that fire. Citing people “who know things,” Simmons on his podcast said that he was told Dolan is courting offers. “It’s happening,” Simmons said. “It’s on. It’s go-time. He’s courting offers for the Knicks. That’s what I heard at All-Star weekend from people I trust.” Simmons believes Dolan is more interested in running the company’s entertainment division. But a statement released Monday by The Madison Square Garden Company, of which Dolan is chairman and CEO, denied all accounts of the report. “The story is 100% false,” the statement reads. “There has been nothing. No discussions. No plans to have discussions – nothing.” In an interview with ESPN’s Ian O’Connor in December, Dolan said he wouldn’t rule out selling the Knicks, mainly because he has a responsibility to his shareholders of the publicly traded company. “They’re not there because they’re fans,” Dolan said in the interview. “You don’t invest hundreds of millions of dollars in a stock because you’re a fan. You do it because you think that the business is going to increase in value, that the stock price is going to go up. You have a responsibility as the guy who runs the place to deliver on that for them, that’s being open and transparent. And so in that position, I could never say that I wouldn’t consider selling the Knicks.”
Click on link to read in full.
David Fizdale , current Head Coach of the New York Knicks presides over a team that is among the worst in all of the league’s vital statistical categories this season.. Over their last fifteen games the Knicks are a bewildering a 1-14 , which is among the worst in the league . Next up for the New York Knicks will be a game against the the Minnesota Timberwolves at home , where the Knicks are an abysmal 4-23 . It’s hard to envisage where the interest will come from concerning someone willing to buy the New York Knicks outright , but I am sure that the NBA hierarchy will find a way to make this franchise seem all the more alluring to a potential buyer.
So one of the two lynch-pins are down with GM AJ Preller having pulled off perhaps the biggest coup in San Diego Padres’ history with the team having agreed in principle to sign free agent Manny Machado to a ten-year , $300 million deal . It is by far the biggest free agent acquisition made in the Padres’ history and immediately makes Machado the highest paid player on the team’s roster . Machado who spent much of last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers , was by far in a way their best offensive player throughout the postseason , but somehow the Dodgers’ front office didn’t feel he would be a good fit for the team moving forward. I’m beginning to think that several of the front office executives within the Dodgers’ organization are not fully equipped to carry out their various duties along with the managerial staff of Dave Roberts . Where this now leaves Bryce Harper as a free agent and whether or not he’s in the driver’s seat to demand a similar type deal remains to be seen , but it is becoming abundantly clear , the player’s agent Scott Boras will demand something commensurate with his client’s abilities and standing as a former NL MVP and Rookie of The Year . There’s no denying that Bryce Harper is a five-tool player , capable of leading a team to a World Series’ title if the adequate pieces are around him, That was never the case while he was a player with the Washington Nationals .
There are likely to be at least three teams showing an interest in Bryce Harper , but I am not so all three are seen as outright favorites to sign the player. The ball-clubs, I believe still in the running for Harper, are the New York Yankees , Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox , all of whom would significantly increase their payroll in 2019 over last season . Scott Boras having seen Manny Machado signed to a $300 million contract , would clearly want a great deal more for Bryce Harper. The New York Yankees could easily afford to absorb such a deal, given their vast resources as a ball club and with the revenues of the organization alongside that of the YES Network . Capitalized at over $3.5 billion it is easy to understand why the Yankees remain profitable as well as the most valuable team in all of baseball and one of the most recognized professional sports clubs in the world .
The San Diego Padres will have will have several players reporting for Spring Training over the next few days along with non-roster invitees . Their exhibition season will begin in full earnest during March , with their first exhibition game being played against the Los Angeles Dodgers . Machado and his teammates should have a good workout against their divisional rivals in that game . San Diego will begin its regular season schedule with a game against the San Francisco Giants at home , PETCO Field , in San Diego , California on the 28th March , 2019 , Official Opening Day for Major League Baseball in 2019.
Time is running out for Scott Boras to get a deal done for his client and I do believe that the asking price might well be way too high. In this day and age , I don’t think that there is a team out there willing to commit $350 million , let alone $400 million to one player in a long-term contract , without any type of guarantee of success. One World Series’ title might well be good , but two or three would be better and I doubt that Bryce Harper , is worthy of that contract let alone be able to produce on such a grand scale for an organization .
In light of what’s now taking place in the world sports what are your expectations in the coming weeks and months ?
Tophatal …………
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OK then . we’re ready to resume the second half of the NBA season . Games will begin as of tomorrow with a slate of contests on parade for the fans .
It’s my belief that if an offer in excess of $4.5 billion were to be made for the purchase of the New York Knicks , it would be an offer that James L Dolan and senior executives within the franchise’s organization would not refuse. It would be by far the biggest sale of an NBA team made since Steve Ballmer bought the Los Angeles Clippers from the NBA hierarchy after Donald Sterling was forced to sell the franchise.
Tophatal ……………………………….
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Downtrodden Knick fans would welcome to rid the memories of Dolan and his prize employee Isiah Thomas.
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Ronbets
James Dolan has presided over a New York Knicks’ organization that remains an embarrassment around the NBA . This season alone , there has been nothing inspiring about this team .
If the New York Knicks are sold tab for over $4 billion , which seems in all likelihood would be the figure paid by a potential buyer. Then it would be by far the most the most expensive sale ever made of a professional sports’ franchise anywhere in the world.
Tophatal ……………………..
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During Roger Goodell’s tenure as NFL Commissioner , there’s no denying the league has made money. In all reality , an organgutan could have led the league as it’s top ranked executive and they would still end up making money. That may well be the only thing the team owners are concerned with , but there can be no denying Goodell has proven to be a truly poor communicator for the league (NFL) .
NFL news ….
Tophatal …………..
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So Manny Machado will be playing for the San Diego Padres this season. I would like to think that Ron Fowler as the senior managing partner for this franchise actually knows what he’s doing. I think it rather idiotic that the franchise has committed $300 million over the next ten years on one player , when the
team as a whole, still has issues across their playing roster .
I personally can’t see the San Diego Padres winning more than seventy-six games for this upcoming season .
San Diego Padres news
Tophatal …………….
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Tophat,
What puzzles me about the Padres is their lack of awareness that pitching trumps hitting. Letting go of one of the top lefty relievers in Brad Hand at the deadline last year was more than stupid. At one point in early August no lefty batter got a hit off of him. Machado, Hosmer and Myers are reputable, but pitching wins games.
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Ronbets
I think that Ron Fowler ,. team owner of the San Diego Padres has essentially become sick and tired of seeing the team play second fiddle to the likes of the Arizona Diamondbacks , Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies within the NL West over the past ten seasons never mind their record against the rest of baseball during that time, GM AJ Preller felt the need to do something big , but as you’ve rightly said , it’s pitching for the most part that wins games . The Padres’ pitching over the past six seasons at least has been abysmal . The addition of Manny Machado might bring some pop to the offense , but as for the rest of the lineup , I am not overly impressed by it at all from an offensive standpoint. This was an all or bust type of deal for the organization .
Tophatal ……..
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Ronbets
Your thoughts on what appears to be an irreparable impasse within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and the likelihood of the front office not franchise tagging Le’Veon Bell and their likelihood of also losing wide receiver Antionio Brown ? As good as Brown is , I don’t believe he’s the best wide receiver in the NFL at this moment in time. That distinction I do believe could be split closely between Julio Jones and AJ Green , but that’s just my opinion.
Tophatal …………
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Ronbets
Do you believe Bryce Harper is worth a $350-$400 million deal ? That’s clearly what his agent Scott Boras is actually pushing for . I don’t believe that either the Philadelphia Phillies , Chicago White Sox or San Francisco Giants are willing to commit that much to one player.
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Tophat,
In layman’s terms Harper isn’t worth Machado $$. However, it’s what the current market commands. For sure, Harper is not a fit for Oracle Park(neeAT&T) with the huge RF McCovey Cove. Philly would be a better choice. Plenty of $$ room with Howard’s contract settled.
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Ronbets
Scott Boras as Bryce Harper’s agent is looking to push the figure way beyond what Manny Machado will be receiving from the San Diego Padres . Baseball begun pricing itself out of the market the moment they made Albert Bell the first $10 million year a player in baseball. Then we had Alex Rodriguez sign two $250 million deals , first with the Texas Rangers and then with the New York Yankees . Since then the MLB hierarchy and those looking over the league’s finances have allowed things to spin out of control .
I personally don’t believe Bryce Harper is worth a $350 million deal , let alone one worth $400 million , but that’s clearly the price range gauged as worthy by Scott Boras.
When Mike Trout’s contract is up with the Los Angeles Angels , do you believe that Arte Moreno and the front office will do whatever it takes to retain the player. Trout remains the best player in the game by far and is already assured of being a Hall of Famer whether it’s with the Angels or some other ball club.
Tophatal ………………….
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Tophat,
I look for MTrout to move onto ‘greener’ pastures when this current paltry contract is up. Don’t expect to see him in an Angels uniform.
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Ronbets
I can definitely see Mike Trout leaving the Los Angeles Angels when his contract is up . It’s my belief that Arte Moreno and Billy Eppler will try and do the best they can to retain the player, but I just don’t believe the front office is capable of doing that , having not really done anything of note to boost that playing roster over the past five years . The Angels’ postseason record since 2011 has been mediocre to say the very least. Mike Scioscia during his tenure other than that lone World Series’ title hasn’t really done anything of note. Trout can become a free agent in 2022 and I dare say by then he can command a King’s ransom in terms of a contract , northwards of $400 million .
Tophatal ………..
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Good wide receivers are becoming a “dime a dozen”. With the new kid glove rule changes it doesn’t require the fortitude of previous greats, i.e. Swann or Rice. No doubt ABrown is a top 1 or 2 and wants guaranteed $$. The Rooney’s don’t work that way. They agreed to part ways. Trade imminent. Green Bay would be ideal if Rodgers would restructure.
IMO the best WR? Hopkins followed by Julio. AJGreen is great but a little “soft”.
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Ronbets
There are several good young receivers in the league at present and granted Larry Fitzgerald is coming to the end of an astounding career. Both he and Calvin Thomas have been among the best I’ve seen at the wide receiver position over the last ten years at least. All of the hype over Odell Beckham is still lost on me , because simple glimpses of brilliance can’t make up for all of his inconsistent performances .
You’re right concerning the Rooney family and the way they conduct business and that’s why they remain the class organization around the NFL . There’s never been any major scandal concerning the franchise .
Tophatal ………………
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Ronbets
What the f^ck was Patriots’ owner Robert ‘Bob’ Kraft thinking ? He just got busted in a prostitution sting in South Florida for trying to solicit a prostitute. Wtf ?????
“I was only showing her the size of my ring ” . Robert Kraft .
Tophatal ………………..
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An alcholic busted for solicitation. This rap will cost him atleast 25k to beat. In today’s environment this shit is becoming blase. Cops lure weak ppl into crime. How about that phony “Bait Car” sting they use to run? What do expect when they lure inner city kids with flashy cars unlocked. If it was up to me, I have Internal Affairs run a fake drug sting with piles of cash on display for the stealing. Let’s see what cop would go south with some of the bread. Never happen,
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Ronbets
The fact that this all happened in Jupiter , Florida comes as a big surprise. Now that we’ve been made aware that Robert Kraft isn’t the only person or billionaire caught up in this scandal is no longer the biggest surprise at all. What comes as a surprise however, is the cost of his paying for the services allegedly rendered. Less than $100 for a BJ and and hand job . Wtf ? 🙂 🙂 🙂
Tophatal …………………
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So it now looks as if Antonio Brown wide receiver with the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to part ways in what could turn out to be a truly acrimonious divorce . Brown has been an ever present force with the Steelers for the past eight years when the player was drafted by the franchise in 2010 . If the Steelers should seek to acquire a free agent wide receiver there are likely to be several viable candidates coming to the fore . Then among the declarers from the upcoming NFL Draft .
Mike Tomlin Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the front office head by GM Kevin Colbert will look to assess the roster and the needs for the upcoming season . Antonio Brown isn’t due to become a free agent until 2022 . It’s becoming clear that Brown believes he’s worthy of a big-time contract .
Last year it was easy to see why the Pittsburgh Steelers failed so miserably over the season . Mike Tomlin could very well seek to make some radical changes during the off-season . With the cap space available to the Pittsburgh Steelers in for 2019 , it will be very interesting to see what choices are going to be made by the coaching staff . With running back Le’Veon Bell also seeking to bolt from the Steelers , this off-season is becoming a nightmare for the franchise. Tagging him seems highly unlikely , but anything can happen at this juncture .
Pittsburgh Steelers news …..
Tophatal …………………….
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Tophat,
I have a racial question to ask you. A while back trouble maker Percy Harvin of the Seattle Seahawks was mumbling about Russell Wilson. The same subject was brought up about Kamala Harris by some of her black colleagues. “WTF does the term he(RW) or she(KH) “isn’t black enough” mean?
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Ronbets
Percy Harvin has always marched to the beat of his own drum . Unfortunately , as talented as he was , he seemed to repeatedly piss off his teammates for some unknown reason. I think it large part it stems from his narcissistic behavior and being a monumental asshole , just like the actor Jussie Smollett .
As to Kamala Harris , it’s not a matter of her being black enough , it’s the idiocy of her wanting to play the ‘race card’ to win over the black vote. To my mind , she’s facing an uphill battle and it all stems from her unwillingness to answer questions concerning her time as the California State Attorney General and the rather draconian laws she backed . That shit is going to come back to bite her in the ass . I equate Kamala Harris to being the black female version of Hillary Clinton with somewhat , a little less baggage.
Tophatal ………….
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Kamala Harris allegedly used the ‘coach card’ for here political gain. Her time with Willie Brown wasn’t spent playing chess…….maybe chest. This woman was quite the ‘hottie’ in her day and still today is in pretty good shape.
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*That should read couch card.
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Ronbets
Kamala Harris is more of a danger to herself and others, than she is to the Democratic Party . Now there’s talk that Hillary Clinton might consider a third run at the party’s Presidential nomination . A third Presidential run and more than likely a third loss.
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Well , the NBA will be back in action today with several games on the agenda . Among the contests taking place we have the Phoenix Suns taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers , in one six games on Thursday , 21st February , 2019. Also the Miami Heat will face conference rivals the Philadelphia 76ers in a contest where the Sixers’ bench will have to prove themselves in this match-up. Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazers will tip off against the Brooklyn Nets . The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks will clash in one of the best games on the schedule for the day.
At this point last season the teams were moving in the right direction .
NBA news ………
Tophatal ………………
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Perhaps it’s me , but I do believe that both the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be in a position to make some interesting choices in the upcoming NFL Draft . While there are some interesting options among the free agents on the market , it will be interesting to see the maneuvers made by the various teams during the off-season. Kareem Hunt was acquired by the Cleveland Browns having spent the beginning of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs . Hunt was draft by the Chiefs during the 2017 NFL Draft . Kareem Hunt was taken in the third round . Hunt’s acquisition will provide Baker Mayfield with some additional arsenal to an offense which was among the worst in the league during this past season .
The Cleveland Browns finished the season with a 7-8-1 record . Baker Mayfield for his part proved himself to adequate in his role as the team’s signal caller . From my own perspective while many believe that the Browns will be in contention for the AFC North this upcoming season . I don’t believe they are yet ready to contend within the conference or league itself.
NFL news ……..
Tophatal …………………………
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GM Rizzo slow played Strasburg for the the never to come future opportunity. You know, the old slogan “when opportunity knocks…….” Ask Dan Marino about second chances down the road. Strasburg’s mechanics reek of continued health issues.
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Ronbets
The window of opportunity for the Washington Nationals to have won a World Series’ title came and went with their lack of aggression and lame @ssed managerial skills shown by Dusty Baker when he was among their managers of the ball-club.
Tophatal ….
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The 2009 MLB Draft saw Stephen Strasburg being taken number one overall by the Washington Nationals . Strasburg made his debut for the Nationals in 2010 as the team would go on to finish with a record of 69-93 , 5th in the NL East for the season . Stephen Strasburg’s record was a spartan 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA . With the departure of Bryce Harper as a free agent , this provides for a compelling season in 2019 for the Washington Nationals as this team is revamped by the front office . It is my own belief this team will likely struggle without Bryce Harper as he provided so much of the Nationals’ offense last season while also being a great defensive asset.
The Washington Nationals will begin their exhibition schedule in earnest before embarking on their regular season with their Opener against the New York Mets at home .
While the whole world waits to see if Bryce Harper becomes the first $400 million player , it will be interesting what ensues for the Nationals’ ball-club.
Washington Nationals news …
Tophatal……………
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Well, the NBA resumed it’s schedule last night with several games on the agenda . The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to gain a victory over the Phoenix Suns , in what was considered a rather surprising win for the Eastern Conference based franchise. Among the other games played as of yesterday , we had the Miami Heat falling to the Philadelphia 76ers , in a contest where Sixers’ forward Joel Embiid missed the game.
NBA news ….
NBA weekend schedule
Tophatal …………
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So let’s see how the MLB season will pan out once it gets underway. Spring Training will begin in earnest on 21st February , 2019 . There will be a slate of games as of today and then throughout the weekend . Monday will also provide the fans with several contests .
One of the contests now in play on this Friday , we have the Oakland A’s taking on the Seattle Mariners . The Tampa Bay Rays will be hoping to get off to a fast start to their exhibition schedule when they face off against the Philadelphia Phillies .
It will be interesting to see which teams step to the fore during the exhibition season
Derek Jeter the Head of Baseball Operations for the Miami Marlins will be hoping that the team under Don Mattingly’s guidance will be able to bounce back after a disastrous season in 2018 and challenge within the NL East this year. Having slashed payroll , this might be a year where once again the Marlins are likely to struggle. Jeter will be hoping that the younger players on the team roster will be able to step up to the plate and contribute more than the efforts seen last season.
Miami will begin it’s exhibition season with a game against the St Louis Cardinals on the 23rd February .
MLB news
MLB Spring Training
MLB Spring Training Standings
MLB transactions ..
Tophatal ……………………
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Week twenty of the regular season of the NBA should provide an interesting start to the schedule . Of the contests set to take place on Monday , the most interesting might be the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Brooklyn Nets . This will be just one of eleven games taking place on the day. Also being set in motion will be the contest between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans .
NBA news ………
NBA standings (division) and by conference
Tophatal ……..
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So the results within the NBA since the 22nd February have proven to be very interesting . In the games played on Monday , 25th February , there were several pleasant surprises by way of the results . The Los Angeles Lakers were somehow upended by the Memphis Grizzlies , while the San Antonio Spurs were on the wrong side of a defeat to the Brooklyn Nets . Reigning champions the Golden State Warriors bounced back with a victory over the Charlotte Hornets .
With the ongoing rumors that James L Dolan will seek to sell the New York Knicks , it has been abundantly clear that the team is simply seeking to tank their season in order to go after a Lottery Pick in the upcoming NBA Draft . The consensus being that Duke’s young star Zion Williamson is likely to be the top pick in that Draft. Since 25th January , the New York Knicks’ record in the league has been among the worst in the NBA , having posted a 2-12 record . The Knicks under the coaching talents of Dave Fizdale will be back on the court when the team faces the Orlando Magic at home on Tuesday , 26th March .
NBA news ………..
Tophatal ……………..
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Nolan Arenado will remain in Colorado as a member of the Colorado Rockies as the team embarks on a new season. Arenado was simply be the best player on the Rockies in 2018 and is likely to prove his worth this upcoming season. Nolan Arenado’s eight year , $260 million deal is the third highest in baseball history and the player’s average salary will be among the highest ever in the game. Arenado and the team have begun their Spring Training Schedule . The Colorado Rockies will be back in action when they face the Cleveland Indians . They will then open their regular season with a match-up against the Miami Marlins on the road .
If the Colorado Rockies are to succeed this season then then their play against their NL West rivals could go a long way in determining their season,
MLB news …………
MLB Spring Training Standings
MLB schedule 26th February
Tophatal ………………
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It would be safe to suggest that the Jacksonville Jaguars have pretty much screwed up their season in 2018 , with their passing game being among the worst in the league. Blake Bortles for all of his alleged stealth has done little to prove himself since being drafted as a first round pick during the 2014 NFL Draft . In the four seasons since being drafted by the Jaguars , the player has made only one postseason appearance during 2017 , when he won two of the games where the team was a participant. They would make it as far as the AFC Championship Game , falling to the New England Patriots in that contest. Since that appearance the Jaguars have not been back to the postseason .
Courtesy of New Jacksonville 4
Shahid Khan , the billionaire team owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars remains ambitious that the franchise can win it’s first Superbowl title. However, during this off-season the front office and coaching staff will have some serious decisions to make concerning the makeup of this roster . Blake Bortles is on tap to make over $20 million in 2019 before becoming a free agent in 2021 . It is imperative that Bortles can prove his worth to this franchise without Doug Marrone feeling the need to pursue a free agent quarterback or head into the NFL Draft seeking a replacement . The team’s needs for the Draft are omnipresent and it’s my belief that Marrone and his coaching staff will be prudent , while looking to avail themselves of cap space , in order to meet their needs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Draft Class of 2018 was not overly impressive . One would dare say that Doug Marrone and the coaching staff are expecting much brighter prospects to be within their grasp for 2019 .
Jacksonville Jaguars news….
Tophatal …………..
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Of late the Los Angeles Lakers have not been impressive at home or on the road and I’d dare say , LeBron James must feel agitated with the lack of results and lack of positive play from his teammates and the team in general. As good as some believe the Lakers to be , a sub.500 record (29-31) is unlikely to place them in the NBA Playoffs for this season , not with the Western Conference being so strong. This Luke Walton coached team must prevail and win at least at a .650 clip or better over the rest of their schedule if they’re to be in with a chance of making the playoffs. Next up for the Los Angeles Lakers will be a match-up against the New Orleans Pelicans . With the NBA closing out it’s schedule in March the Lakers will certainly have to be at their best .
On Friday , 1st March the Los Angeles Lakers will square off against the best team in the league at this point of the season , when they face the Milwaukee Bucks , led by Giannis Antetokounmpou .
There will be several other games on the schedule as the month of February winds down . Today for instance the schedule will have eleven contests scheduled. The Houston Rockets will have to face the Charlotte Hornets as the the Michael Jordan owned Hornets will be looking to see if they can return to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 NBA Postseason
NBA news ….
NBA schedule 27th-28th February
Tophatal …………………
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I’m beginning to wonder if Miami Marlins’ team owner Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter as Head of Baseball Operations will have this team playing with any type of resourcefulness this upcoming season . Since 2005 the Marlins have failed to finish in the top three of the NL East . Over the past eight years in particular with differing owners the Marlins’ payroll has steadily declined as the organization has sought to save money due to declining attendance and lack of real corporate backing .
With the Miami Marlins having made several big off season trades to lessen their payroll for 2019 , this will be a team short on real experience several areas. Marlins’ manager Don Mattingly and his managerial staff will be hard-pressed to get the players in a position to compete against the very best that the NL has to offer much less the rest of the league. Having begun their exhibition schedule of Spring Training this regular season could prove to be very eventful for the Marlins. The month of March will see the Miami Marlins open their season , with their first game taking place on the 28th March , 2019 when they face the Colorado Rockies at home as part of their regular season series against their NL counterparts.
Miami Marlins news
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We all know that this past season both the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants faced real hardships within the NFL , with neither team actually competing within their respective divisions much less the NFC or league overall . From an offensive standpoint the game of these two respective NFC teams was simply atrocious. Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning might well have had one of the worst seasons of his career as neither her or his teammates could compete over the course of the season. In the case of the Cardinals , their woes started and finished with the lack of an offense and a woefully inept defense . Their Starting quarterback was Josh Rosen whose career to date has been nondescript. Both of these teams will be looking to the NFL Draft or quite possibly free agency in order to fulfill their needs at the position. Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray is considered to be the consensus number one overall pitch of this Draft , but I hazard a guess that there might be several teams willing to move up the pecking order to acquire a player to meet their needs.
Courtesy of 247sports.com
At this juncture I believe it’s a safe bet to suggest that Eli Manning will either remain with the New York Giants , but I also get the feeling that the front office might be willing to part ways with the seasoned veteran. Manning is due to become a free agent in 2020 , but is due to also make $23.2 million for the upcoming season , a sum I think Dave Gettleman would rather commit elsewhere . Yet at the end of the day , it really comes down to what is in the best interests of the Giants’ franchise moving forward.
NFL news …
New York Giants news
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So the Philadelphia Phillies and Bryce Harper have come to an agreement with the player signing a ten-year deal reportedly worth $330 million . While this deal makes the Phillies a better team it could also backfire for the ball-club in a number of ways. It will be interesting to see how the Philadelphia Phillies will fare over the course of the regular season. In all likelihood Harper will suit up in a couple of exhibition games for the Philadelphia Phillies before they begin their regular season on 28th March , 2019 . That game will be against the Atlanta Braves .
MLB news …
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Teams and their performances over the past week within the NBA . During that time the Memphis Grizzlies posted a 1-3 record over their four games played . The team had a signature season victory when they downed the Los Angeles Lakers on their way to a great win . Joakim Noah and Mike Conley were the mainstays behind the Grizzlies’ victory in this contest. During the game , LeBron James moved up to fifth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in career points. As the season enters it’s final month , it will be a real test of nerves for the teams . The Memphis Grizzlies will be back on the court
when they face the Dallas Mavericks at home.Meanwhile , the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Milwaukee Bucks .
There has been a great deal of inconsistency seen by both the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors over the last month . Golden State has been far from convincing over their last ten games and the same can be said of the Celtics . Both of these teams will be looking to rebound from those records as they embark on the final month of the season.
NBA news ……
NBA schedule (March)
NBA standings conference and standings (division)
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So with
Jason Witten returning back to the fold the Dallas Cowboys believe the franchise’s all-time leading receiver will be able to add some dimension to the Cowboys’ attack for this upcoming season. Witten’s last season in the NFL took place in 2017 . With the veteran tight end on the Cowboys’ roster , it will be interesting to see how the team is likely to fare. Jason Garrett and the coaching staff are going to be tested , just as they were last season . Having made it to the wildcard round of the NFL postseason the Dallas Cowboys fell to the Los Angeles Rams , as Jared Goff outplayed Dak Prescott during the game , which was exceptional at certain points during the contest.
Courtesy of CBS Sports
From my own perspective Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys’ front office will be hard pressed to improve this roster by way of the NFL Draft and possibly through free agency acquisitions .
Jason Witten’s return to the Dallas Cowboys is an act of desperation and it’s my belief the franchise would be better off either acquiring a free agent tight end or drafting one in the first round of this upcoming Draft.
Dallas Cowboys news
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I thought the broadcasting trio of Tessitore, Booger and Witten did well and had chemistry. However, you could feel the excitement in Witten’s voice and the absence of not being physically involved on the field. Unfortunately at his age he might be over-the-hill. The year off won’t help his skill set.
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Ronbets
Jason Witten is not in the same class as Tony Romo as NFL analyst at all. Witten doesn’t possess the charisma or the real in-depth knowledge to keep the fan or viewer engaged. At best , he makes both Roseanne Barr and Rosie O’Donnell seem downright sexy .LOL,LOL !!!!!
Roseanne at best makes Witten seem like an idiot .
Are you ready for some football ?
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So which starting pitcher will be the best in the Majors this season ? Will it be Chris Sale , Justin Verlander , David Price , Corey Kluber , Clayton Kershaw or some other player among those starters ?
MLB awards (players)
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I’ll rate Snell and DeGrom as the best in each league.
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Ronbets
Jacob deGrom was unstoppable last year. Unfortunately , I still believe he’s playing on a lousy team in spite of the New York Mets’ recent additions to the roster.
Blake Snell was the only positive thing on a truly mediocre Tampa Bay Rays’ team. If they’re not in a position to win this season, then I could see the Rays trading Snell. They have a front office that remains absolutely clueless concerning what it takes to be competitive much less win.
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Pat Riley the front office President of the Miami Heat and the architect of the franchise’s three title wins will be looking forward to the free agency market of 2020 when there will be several marquee players ready to parlay their skills elsewhere. Riley knows that the Heat are in serious need of some help concerning the team’s roster in spite of the victory over the Golden State Warriors , their best victory of the season to date. With veteran Dwyane Wade still on the roster leading the team with some aplomb .
Courtesy of NBA.com
As the Miami Heat heads into the final month of their schedule their chance of gaining a NBA Playoff berth does seem remote. Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra will prepare the team for their next game when they are due to face the Brooklyn Nets at home . With whatever the Heat has available for a cap in 2020 .
Miami Heat news
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Well as the final month of the NBA season winds down , teams are jockeying for position within their divisions and respective conferences . There will be several interesting contests taking place today , with perhaps the most interesting being the match-up between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers , while the Denver Nuggets will tip off against the San Antonio Spurs .
NBA news ….
NBA schedule 4th March ..
NBA conference standings
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Gonzaga (29-2) are back atop of the Men’s College Rankings . Over their last ten games the Bulldogs have been very impressive . Up next for the Bulldogs will likely be a conference title game before embarking on NCAA Men’s Tournament . The Tournament itself will begin on the 19th March , 2019.
NCAA Men’s Basketball ….
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We’re just over a month away from the NFL Draft and while analysts have begun to prognosticate as to who the number one overall pick will be the NFL Combine has proven to be somewhat informative , but nothing concrete has come out of it . In 2018 we had quarterback Baker Mayfield taken as the number one pick by the Cleveland Browns . It seems likely that another quarterback could be taken in this upcoming Draft with the name of Kyler Murray , current Heisman Trophy winner said to be atop of that very interesting list of college quarterbacks .
The Arizona Cardinals are set to have the first pick of the NFL Draft in 2019 having and it will be interesting to see how the front office and coaching staff go about making their choices as to the players they best feel match their needs . The Cardinals took Josh Rosen in 2018 as their first round pick , with the player having failed to meet expectations of then Head Coach Steve Wilks . His tenure lasted a year , having now been been replaced by Kliff Klingsbury as a first-year rookie Head Coach.
NFL news …………. and Combine News …..
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Jon Bones Jones proved why he might be the best UFC fighter of his generation and certainly one of the top-five UFC fighters of all-time . On Saturday night , Jones took no prisoners as he defeated Light Heavyweight Title challenger Anthony Smith by a unanimous decision , leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind why he is the current Light Heavyweight Champion. On the under-card though featured as the co-main event Tyron Woodley lost his Welterweight Title to challenger Kamaru Usman by a unanimous decision , ceding Woodley to the first loss of his professional career within the UFC. Woodley would certainly like a rematch against the new champion , but it is my belief that UFC President Dana White will allow Usman to make a defense against a top-ten contender within the division in a future UFC event .
Highlights from Jones vs Smith.
For Jon Jones it’s hard to suggest where he now goes from here having cleaned up his division and it clearly doesn’t make sense for him to face Daniel Cormier once again .
UFC news ………..
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Several games are taking place today as Major League Baseball continues with its Spring Training Schedule .
MLB news ….
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Offensive players are a dime a dozen and it should prove to be very interesting to see who beyond the quarterbacks are going to be up to the task once the NFL Draft gets underway. Running Backs are going to be pretty much among the throng of players desirable to the teams seeking a running game . There are several players who might fit the billing sought .
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I like Bosa as the top pick. Az needs some vicious defense. Kyler Murray? Great athlete but wouldn’t wanna book his health insurance. Might be too small for NFL. Look what those defensive beasts did to Bridgewater and Bradford and soon to added Rosen.
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Ronbets
I can see Bosa and Murray being consensus top-ten picks in the first round of this NFL Draft , but who knows how things are likely to pan out. ?
Your thoughts on Snoop Dogg’s expletive laden rant against Lakers’ Head Coach Like Walton ? I don’t believe Walton is alone to blame for this mess with team being sub.500 and out of contention for a Playoff Berth. After all this roster was out together by Magic Johnson and GM M Rob Pelinka . In all honesty on their best day , neither can tell the difference between a bucket full of shit and a bucket filled with sweet smelling roses. It’s clear that LeBron James isn’t happy with the current situation and I expect Walton might well be fired at the end of the regular season. That way Magic can bring a coach of his choice.
Tophatal …
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Snoop Dogg ain’t going anywhere. Just a fan venting. I use to see him at Bishop Gorman HS when his kid played there. Always wanted to approach him but never got the chance. Lakers? They traded for the the wrong guy. Shudda been Anthony Davis instead of LeBron. Walton is gone and if LBJ has his was Ty Lue would fill the vacancy.
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Ronbets
The Los Angeles Lakers have hamstrung themselves with the acquisition of LebBron James and having drafted Lonzo Ball . There’s no real depth on the Lakers’ roster and they’ve been far too inconsistent . Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are frigging clueless as front office executives .
As for Snoop , for $5 , I’ll gladly take his sky-box seats off his hand if that’s still his asking price.
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So last night , there were a number of games played within the NBA schedule . The best contest of the night was the game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors , as they faced off in a match-up of two of the league’s best teams. The thirty point plus victory for the Celtics was among their largest victory of the season and their best against a Western Conference opponent this season . Celtics’ guard Gordon Hayward , led all scorers within a thirty point night for his team.
Both of these teams the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors will be back on the court again this week , with the Celtics facing the Los Angeles Lakers on the road , while Golden State will tip off against the Denver Nuggets .
The Houston Rockets continued on their merry way as the NBA’s leading scorer James Harden was once again at the top of his game as the Rockets overcame the Toronto Raptors on the road.
NBA news
NBA results 5th March and schedule for the 6th March
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