My Favorite 10 Weird and Wacky Baseball Facts

I couldn’t get my MLB predictions out in time for the start of the MLB season, so I thought I’d celebrate the return of baseball with my top ten baseball facts. These facts are a reminder of how crazy baseball can get, which is fitting, because this is probably the MLB’s craziest season.

1.The 1924 World Series was impacted by a pebble.

I’ve dug way into baseball history for my first fact in chronological order. In 2014, eight reels of nitrate film were found stored in a Massachusetts garage after miraculously being stored there for 90 years. The film shows that the Washington Senators were losing 3-1 against the New York Giants in the eighth inning of game 7. With President Calvin Coolidge watching on, a routine ground ball hit a pebble and skipped over the Giants’ third baseman, scoring two runs. The game went into extra innings where the Nationals walked it off in the twelfth inning.

2. Lefty Grove was traded for a fence

Lefty Grove was born in Maryland in 1900 into a coal-mining family. He starting playing baseball at 17 and was offered a contract at age 20 to play in Martinsburg, West Virginia, for a team that didn’t have a fence. He struck out 60 in 59 innings and caught the attention of the owner of an Orioles minor league team. He was traded for between $3,000 and $3,500 enough money for his old team to buy a fence. Grove went on to have a great career with the As and Red Sox, winning two World Series with Philadelphia.

3. Sports Illustrated tricked everyone into believing there was a pitcher who could throw 168 mph

In the April 1, 1985 version of Sports Illustrated, George Plimpton ran a story about Sidd Finch, a pitcher in the Mets organization. Sidd apparently was from Tibet, loved to play the french horn, carried his fruit bowl everywhere, but craziest of all, could throw a 168 mph fastball. The only problem, Sidd was completely made up. Finch was modeled by Joe Berton, a friend of the photographer Lane Stewart, and an art teacher. On April 2, “Finch” announced that he’d retired from baseball and April 15, Sports Illustrated said the story was fake. Many people believed it was true, however they would’ve known it was fake if they had paid attention to the first letters of the subtitle, which spelled out “Happy April Fools Day, a fib”.

4. Mets fans celebrate Bobby Bonilla day

Bobby Bonilla is a very smart man. In 2000, Bonilla had $5.9 million left on his Mets contract. Instead of asking for all of the money then, Bonilla agreed with the Mets a deal where Bonilla would recieve $1.2 million a year for 25 years. The deal included an 8% interest and is paid every year on July 1st, starting in 2011. He also has another deferred-money contract with the Orioles. This one is also 25 years long, but the only have to pay him $500,000, starting in 2004.

5. The only player to ever hit the Baltimore warehouse was Ken Griffey Jr.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards was build to be one of the MLB’s most beautiful stadiums. One of of the most famous parts of the park is the B and O Warehouse in right field. The building was allegedly the largest brick building on the East Coast and looks like it could be hit by home runs. However, the building has never been hit in an actual game. In the 1993 Home Run Derby, Ken Griffey Jr. became the first player to ever hit the warehouse, doing so with his signature backwards hat. Griffey also has a bronze plaque on Eutaw Street, as does every player who has ever hit the ball out there.

6. Randy Johnson killed a bird

On March 24, 2001 Randy Johnson pitched against the Giants in a spring training game in a season that ended up rewarding him with a world series ring. In the 7th inning, pitching against Giants third baseman Calvin Murray, Johnson threw a 105 mph fastball. But the ball never hit the catcher’s mitt. Instead, it hit a dove flying by and killed it in a blur of feathers. The Umpires were force to call a rare “no pitch” and the pitch didn’t count. Looking back on the event after 15 years, “the Big Unit”, as he is known, said that the bird incident is what he gets asked about the most.

7. Zack Greinke received a samurai sword for winning the 2009 AL Cy Young

Current Astros pitcher Zack Greinke had an amazing 2009 season. After leading the MLB in ERA, WHIP and home runs allowed per nine innings with the Royals, he was awarded the American League’s Cy Young Award. Instead of getting the classic Cy Young trophy, Greinke received a samurai sword. When asked about it, Greinke said, “I’ve only kept one award in my whole life, and it’s the coolest thing ever. Mizuno gave me a samurai sword for winning the Cy Young. It’s awesome.” It sure sounds awesome.

8. Will Ferrell played for 10 teams in one day

On March 12, 2015 baseball history was going to be made. One man was going to play for 10 teams at nine positions in one day. That man was famous comedian and actor Will Ferrell. As part of the HBO series Funny or Die and for a million dollars for charity, Ferrell was going to suit up for 10 Cactus League Spring Training Teams. He started on the Oakland As where he took BP and played shortstop, but was traded to the Seattle Mariners. He played second base, but didn’t get anything hit to him. He then played center field for the Angels, third base coach and first base for the Cubs, left field for the Diamondbacks and third base for the Reds. He then lands in on the White Sox-Padres game in a helicopter and plays DH for the White Sox and catcher for the Giants. He ends off the day by pitching for the Dodgers and playing right field for the Padres.

9. Khris Davis had the same batting average in four straight seasons

Not much of a story for this fact. Khris Davis batted .247 in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 three seasons for the A’s and one season for the Brewers. To make it even more impressive he hit .244 in 2014 in Milwaukee.

10. Kevin Pillar strained his oblique after a hard sneeze

I’ve heard of some weird sports injuries, but I think this one takes the cake. In another Spring Training oddity, Kevin Pillar sneeze and felt a sharp pain in his right side. He didn’t tell any of the trainers and decided to play because he didn’t think it was a big deal. He got pulled from against the Yankees in the fifth inning and was told to rest. He ended up missing ten days will that injury.

Sources:

NBA First Round Preview

Exactly one day before the four month anniversary of when they were originally supposed to start, the NBA playoffs will tip-off this afternoon. After a pandemic and a month of playing games in the bubble, the important games finally start. Just like with my NFL playoff previews, I’ll give you a preview of all the matchups as well as players to watch out for for each team. I’ll also give you my prediction of who I think will win.

Eastern Conference

#1 Bucks vs. #8 Magic

After posting the NBA’s best record, the Bucks will have nothing but confidence especially with reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the Magic might feel they have home advantage, even after going 2-5 in the bubble.

Bucks Player to Watch: Giannis Antetokuompo

I don’t think there’s an easier player to watch to pick than Giannis. He’s proved he can be the complete big man by leading in two point shots made and coming second in rebounds per game. He’s also first in player efficiency rating.

Magic Player to Watch: Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic has also been one of the league’s best big men and the Magic’s best player this season. He averaged a double-double with 19.6 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game.

Prediction: Bucks in 5

#2 Raptors vs. #7 Nets

The Raptors surprised a lot of people this season. After losing their best player, Kawhi Leonard, a lot of fans had predicted them to not play well, but they earned the Eastern Conference’s two seed. The Nets were the opposite. After acquiring Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the offseason, expectations were high. Both players were injured for most of the season, causing the Nets not to live up to those expectations.

Raptors Player to Watch: Pascal Siakam

After a bright start to the season, Siakam earned himself a place as an All-Star starter. While helping the defending champions to the NBA’s second best record, Siakam averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Nets Player to Watch: Spencer Dinwiddie

On an injury-ravaged team, one ray of light was Spencer Dinwiddie. He started most of the games Kyrie was out, and put up some pretty good numbers. He scored 20.6 points per game and averaged 6.8 assists per game.

Prediction: Raptors in 6

#3 Celtics vs. #6 76ers

The Celtics were probably hoping for a bigger improvement from last year and although they played better, they only moved up one seed. The 76ers were bigger disappointment and went from the three seed last year to the six seed this year. Something about them didn’t click and their long rebuild might not work.

Celtics Player to Watch: Jayson Tatum

The Celtics were far from a one-man team, but there was one player who stood out: Jayson Tatum. With 23.4 points and seven assists per game, Tatum certainly was Boston’s standout player.

76ers Player to Watch: Joel Embiid

Embiid is another star big man and he has proven he can put up big numbers. He averages a double-double with 23 points per game and 11.6 rebounds per game (8.9 of which are offensive rebounds). He’s a key player with Ben Simmons out for the rest of the season.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

#4 Pacers vs. #5 Heat

Two evenly matched teams will play each other in the four seed/five seed match-up. They both have a 44-28 record, however they had very different times in the bubble. The Pacers have gone 5-2 in the bubble and have had to adapt almost all season without Victor Oladipo. The Heat have been led by Jimmy Butler, their big-name free agency signing.

Pacers Player to Watch: T.J. Warren

TJ Warren has been on fire in the bubble. After dropping 51 points in his first game in the bubble, he continued his run of form and averaged 31.3 points in the bubble. He’s also averaged 6.3 rebound since games got back underway.

Heat Player to Watch: Jimmy Butler

As I mentioned earlier, Jimmy Butler is the Heat’s best player. He didn’t play at his best, but he was still productive. He scored 19.9 points per game, had 6.7 rebounds per game and 6 assists per game.

Prediction: Heat in 7

Western Conference

#1 Lakers vs. #8 Trailblazers

Last season for the Lakers was a disappointment after they still missed the playoffs even with LeBron James. This year was a big step up as they were the third ranked team in the NBA and claimed the one seed in the West. The Trailblazers had to play a play-in game to get in, but they do deserve their place. They have of the league’s best back courts with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

Lakers Player to Watch: Anthony Davis

You might have expected me to pick LeBron, but Anthony Davis had a good season as well. He’s been a defensive beast, contributing a lot of defense. He ranks third in the NBA in blocks and second in defensive win shares.

Trailblazers Player to Watch: Damian Lillard

Lillard has had another explosive season. He was one of the best players in the NBA ranking second in points and fifth in assists, although it was easier considering he led the league in minutes per game. He was also best in the league in offensive contributions, leading in offensive win shares.

Prediction: Lakers in 7

#2 Clippers vs. #7 Mavericks

After the offseason acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, a lot people had expected big things for the Clippers. They finished second out West, just behind their LA rivals, the Lakers. The Mavericks thrived through European imports Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic, the latter of whom is an MVP candidate.

Clippers Player to Watch: Kawhi Leonard

Even with a change of environment, Kawhi has still had one of his best seasons on record. He’s averaged 27.1 points per game, 4.9 assists per game and 7.1 rebounds per game to lead the Clippers into the two seed.

Mavericks Player to Watch: Luka Doncic

Earlier on in the season, Luka was averaging a triple-double, and he got so close at the end of the season. He averaged 28.8 points per game, 8.8 assists per game and 9.4 rebounds per game.

Prediction: Mavericks in 6

#3 Nuggets vs. #6 Jazz

Two of last year’s surprising playoff teams have snuck in again. Both teams have good players, to be fair to them. The Nuggets have Nikola Jovic and the Jazz have Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

Nuggets Player to Watch: Nikola Jokic

On a team where he’s the star, he’s been able to contribute a lot offensively. He averages 19.9 points, 7 assists and 9.7 rebounds per game. He also has 6.7 offensive win shares, which is third in the NBA.

Jazz Player to Watch: Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has been given opportunities to do a lot for the Jazz and he’s taken them. He ranks fourth in the league in shot attempts and they’ve worked out because he averages 24 points per game.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6

#4 Rockets vs. #5 Thunder

These two teams traded players with each other, but no one would have guessed the two teams would be this close. The Rockets are led by James Harden and Russell Westbrook (both former Thunder players), whose talents have sort of balanced each other out this season. The story for the Thunder has been the strength of Chris Paul, who they acquired in that trade for Westbrook.

Rockets Player to Watch: James Harden

He’s the leader in three-pointers, free-throws, steals, points, win shares, value over replacement player, etc. James Harden has been the complete player this season and looks to be heading towards winning another MVP.

Thunder Player to Watch: Chris Paul

The 24-year-old Paul is still putting up good, consistent numbers in the NBA. He averages 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, enough for his team to make an unlikely playoff spot. He is also tied for fourth in steals, with 111.

Prediction: Rockets in 4

Sources:

Looking Back on the 1994 World Cup: Story Time

Depending on when you’re reading this, it may or may not be June 14. If it is June 14, that would make it two years since the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It would also be two years until the next World Cup in Qatar, but that one will take place in November. Today, however, we’re talking about the 1994 World Cup, which happened in none other than my home country of the United States.

Lots of people in the US have memories of that World Cup, especially people in the Boston area, where I live, because there were games at Gilette Stadium in Foxboro. One of those people is my seventh grade math teacher, Mr. Marino. When I emailed him last month, telling him about my blog, he noticed that I wrote a lot about soccer. He told me that he had one distinct memory from his childhood of this World Cup.

The particular game is a quarterfinal for Italy against Spain, where Italy advanced to the semifinals, only to lose to Brazil in the finals. This is Italy vs. Spain, as told by a 13-year-old Italy fan:

“I had never seen a grown man crying so theatrically my whole life. He was inconsolably wailing, only stopping every few seconds to say, “Non ci credo.” That’s Italian for, “I don’t believe it.” Seconds earlier Italy punched its ticket to the World Cup semi-finals with an 88th minute goal from its star striker, Roberto Baggio. When the ball hit the back of the net, the stadium, and its decidedly pro-Italian crowd, erupted. A shockwave of energy ran through the crowd and a chorus of “BAAAAGGGGGIIIIOOOOOOOOOOO!” chants emerged. As a thirteen-year-old at the event, two things had struck me before the goal; the number of women who were covered by little more than the Italian flag, and the number of men for whom every movement on the pitch took on the importance of a life or death moment. Specifically, a middle-aged man wearing a flag as a cape a few rows in front of me. All game he cheered and winced with embellished movements and loud Italian chants. When Italy went up one-nill earlier in the game he jumped and danced and when Spain tied the game just after halftime, you could see the air visibly leave his body. The rest of the game he nervously half-watched, forced to look away when the ball was on Italy’s side of the pitch. When the game-winning goal went in he cried like a family member had passed away. If I didn’t know it, I would have thought his team lost. The game was memorable, but the crowd, and the passion that took over the stadium that day are something that I will never forget.”

Ways Major Sports Leagues Are Dealing With COVID-19

COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has slightly changed our lives for the time being. With gatherings of more than 25 people banned in most countries around the globe, sports have been cancelled, with no clear timetable for a return. The only sports leagues currently going on are those in Belarus, a country whose president says that “football, saunas, and vodka” will cure COVID-19 and in South Korea, whose baseball league is broadcast too early for most Americans to watch.

With all these cancellations, leagues have nothing to broadcast and players have nothing to do. The majority of leagues have two ways they are keeping people entertained. First, they are organizing virtual tournaments and leagues on video games with real pro athletes competing. Second, they are re-showing classic games that are memorable in some way. Here are the things major sports leagues are doing during the pandemic.

MLB

MLB the Show Players League

The MLB the Show Players League is a 29-game league that works just like the regular MLB. Each team has one representative who is a player on the team. The best eight teams will move onto a knockout style tournament, with one player emerging victorious in a best-of-five World Series. The winner gets $25,000 dollars donated to the Boys and Girls Club in their team’s area, adding on to the $5,000 the MLB and the MLB Player’s Assocation already donated for each player.

The MLB sort of teased this idea a couple of weeks ago with a four-player tournament, with the winner being Amir Garrett. All games will streamed on the player’s Twitch, as well as on MLB.com with exclusive games on the MLB YouTube channel.

MLB Classic Games

The MLB has started to show famous games on their YouTube channel, mostly from the 1990s and 2000s. ESPN has also started to show classic baseball games and I’ve also been able to see classic Red Sox games on my local sports channel, NESN.

NFL

Madden NFL 20 Celebrity Tournament

A Madden Celebrity Tournament was competed by 14 celebrities and football players last week. Marquise Brown beat Snoop Dogg in the final 60-42 and subsequently won $25,000 for Feeding America.

NFL Classic Games

Like the MLB, the NFL has also posted famous games on their YouTube channel, both from the regular season and the postseason. ESPN has also started to show classic Monday Night Football games on Monday nights.

NBA

2K Player’s Tournament

The NBA were the first league to start a virtual sports tournament with players, which most major sports leagues have. The 16 players were ranked in order of the rankings on the game, which proved problematic as the number one seed, Kevin Durant, was knocked out in the first round. The final was contested by two Suns teammates, Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker, with the latter coming out on top.

NBA Classic Games

The NBA has also caught onto the trend of playing classic games on their YouTube channel. The games include the best from some teams as well as standout performances from the biggest players.

NHL

NHL Hat Trick Trivia

The coronavirus has treated the NHL differently as they’ve unleashed their own trivia game, hosted by P.K. Subban. The Devils defenceman asks three questions of huge NHL fans. If you get the first one right, you get a hat, the second one right, you get a jersey, and if you get the last, you get two tickets to any 2021 NHL regular season game. If you get any question wrong, you lose and your game ends. There are also sometimes surprise guests including actors, singers, chefs, referees and even the players themselves. Through four episodes, only nine people have gotten all three questions right.

NHL Retro Recap

You guessed it, the NHL has posted classic games on their YouTube channel. They post games every week or so. Like the other leagues, they’re some of the biggest games and moments in the league’s history, but instead they call it by a very cool name, Retro Recaps.

Premier League

ePremier League Invitational Tournament

The Premier League has already had one virtual tournament on FIFA20 and they are currently in the midst of another. The first one was won by Liverpool Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who came back from 2-0 to beat Man City’s Raheem Sterling 3-2 in the semifinal on golden goal. Each of the 20 teams has its own representative (either a player or a social media personality) and the teams battle it out in a 16 game tournament with four play-in games.

Premier League Classic Games

The Premier League channel itself doesn’t have any classic game replays, but the NBC Sports channel has had classic games for years now. With the pandemic, they’ve stepped up the amount of games they upload and they’ve also uploaded season recaps and best goals of the season from years past.

Sources:

  • Bleacher Report
  • ESPN.com
  • MLB on YouTube
  • NFL on YouTube
  • NBA on YouTube
  • NHL on YouTube
  • NBC Sports on YouTube
  • Premier League on YouTube

2020 NFL Draft First Round Predictions

After a hiatus from sports during the coronavirus, we’ve finally made it to a major sports event: the NFL draft! This time, the draft will be virtual and all players, coaches and GMs will be at home. Here are my predictions for how the first round will go.

  1. Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
  2. Redskins: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
  3. Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
  4. Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
  5. Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
  6. Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
  7. Panthers: Derrick Brown, IDL, Auburn
  8. Cardinals: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
  9. Jaguars: Javon Kinlaw, IDL, South Carolina
  10. Browns: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
  11. Jets: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
  12. Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
  13. 49ers: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
  14. Buccaneers: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
  15. Broncos: Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
  16. Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
  17. Cowboys: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
  18. Dolphins: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
  19. Raiders: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
  20. Jaguars: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
  21. Eagles: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
  22. Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
  23. Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
  24. Saints: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
  25. Vikings: K’lavon Chassion, EDGE, LSU
  26. Dolphins: Xavier McKinley, S, Alabama
  27. Seahawks: Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
  28. Ravens: Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan
  29. Titans: Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
  30. Packers: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
  31. 49ers: Jalen Reager, WR, TCU
  32. Cheifs: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

*There might be trades in the first round, but with the website I was using, you can’t do trades for free.

Sources:
  • The Draft Network

MLS Western Conference Preview

Last week, I wrote my MLS Eastern Conference Preview. I said in the newsletter that there would be a Western Conference Preview in the next week, so here it is. My predictions for the 2020 MLS Season in the Western Conference. Again, playoffs teams are in bold.

  1. Sporting Kansas City
  2. LAFC
  3. Seattle Sounders
  4. LA Galaxy
  5. Minnesota United
  6. FC Dallas
  7. Nashville SC
  8. Portland Timbers
  9. Real Salt Lake
  10. Colorado Rapids
  11. Houston Dynamo
  12. Vancouver Whitecaps
  13. San Jose Earthquakes
Sporting Kansas City

After finishing second-to-last in the West in 2019, I think that Sporting will make a huge jump up to winning it in 2020. After dominating their first two games of the season, SKC will continue on that path, backed up some interesting offseason arrivals.

LAFC

With good regular seasons and playoff heartbreak in their first two inaugural season, LAFC will look to replicate regular season success and not postseason pain. With 2019 top scorer Carlos Vela at the helm, LA will finish just one place behind where they were last year.

Seattle Sounders

The Sounders will look to win back to back championships after taking the MLS Cup home last season. With midfielders Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris and forward Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle brings together one of the league’s most exciting attacks.

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy’s offseason brought about some big changes. They sold away their leader Zlatan Ibrahimovic to AC Milan, but brought in a new leader, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. It will sure be a different team under Chicharito, but they’ll finish higher in the standings than last year.

Minnesota United

Another team that has started the season well, Minnesota will continue their recent success into the rest of the season. Last season, defense was key and they’ll add a great offense to that as they’ll come just short of their club-record year last year.

FC Dallas

A key for Dallas is youth as a side with basically half of the American young players in the MLS. They also prioritized teamwork, with 15 players bagging goals for them last season. A year after being a surprise package, they’ll be a force to be reckon with.

Nashville SC

In the Eastern Conference, I choose Inter Miami to go to the playoffs in their first season, and I’ll do the same with the western conference debutantes. Instead of a strong attack, this side prioritizes good defense, bringing in American international Walker Zimmerman.

Portland Timbers

After years and years of great success and winning the 2018 MLS Cup, it will be disappointing for Portland to miss the playoffs. But last year they had a lackluster year and they didn’t bring anyone in in the offseason.

Real Salt Lake

Another team with little offseason activity, they’ll be disappointed to finish eighth after finishing third last season. Not only will they drop off five places in 2020, but they’ll lose star goalkeeper and leader Nick Rimando.

Colorado Rapids

The Rapids were a team that did make improvements in the winter, however they might not pay off. They missed out on the playoffs by six points last year and their additions won’t be enough to dig them out of that hole.

Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo finished third-to-last in 2019, and their only real addition was a new manager in Tab Ramos. Even a coach with experience coaching for the USMNT will help elevate this side into playoff contention.

Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps finished in last a year ago, and they’ll be second-to-last this year, while still finishing 12th. They did, however, brought in Lucas Cavallini for $9 million pounds in the offseason. He will be a star in the MLS, but it won’t be enough for the ‘Caps to go to the playoffs.

San Jose Earthquakes

The quakes had an exciting season last year, but won’t be able to do the same in this year. They barely missed out on the playoffs in 2019, but they’ll miss out by wider margins in 2020.

Sources:
  • mlssoccer.com
  • FBref.com

2020 MLS Eastern Conference Season Preview

This is my first of many preview articles previewing American sports season. Since I have nothing else to talk about, and the MLS Season just started, I’ll talk about that. I know that it started a couple of weeks ago and they’ve already played two weeks, but I’ll do end of the season predictions.

I will rank the Eastern Conference teams from each conference and explain why I put them there. I will also include who will make it to the playoffs and give insights into what you should expect for each team. Teams that make the playoffs are in bold.

  1. Toronto FC
  2. NYCFC
  3. Atlanta United
  4. New England Revollution
  5. New York Red Bulls
  6. Inter Miami
  7. Montreal Impact
  8. Philadelphia Union
  9. FC Cincinnati
  10. DC United
  11. Columbus Crew
  12. Orlando City
  13. Chicago Fire
Toronto FC

After surprisingly representing the Eastern Conference in the MLS Cup Final, I think TFC will ride off of that success and win the Supporter’s Shield. Players like USMNT internationals Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley and Spaniard, Alejandro Pozuelo, will be key for them.

NYCFC

After winning the Eastern Conference, but getting knocked out in the second round, New York City FC will be trying to get revenge and come back after heartbreak. They will try to replicate what they did a season ago, coming just short of an Eastern Conference win.

Atlanta United

After their star Josef Martinez went down with an ACL injury, the question was how the rest of the team was going to cope. I don’t think they’ll be as good as last year, but some players will step up and they’ll surprise some fans.

New England Revolution

I know this might sound biased, but at the end of last season, the Revs were on a roll. After hiring Bruce Arena last year, he’ll get his first chance for a fresh start to a season. He’ll have the help of striker Adam Buksa, who they signed from Poland.

New York Red Bulls

They finished sixth last year and this year. They’ll have another solid season. They’ll have to cope with their leaders: Bradley Wright-Phillips and Luis Robles, being on other teams. They’ll finish fifth behind players like Daniel Royer and Aaron Long.

Inter Miami

After a big investment from co-owner David Beckham, Inter Miami are ready to kick off their inaugural season. With key additions like Wil Trapp, Roman Torres, and Rodolfo Pizzaro, Inter will be a surprise package.

Montreal Impact

After a disappointing last season, Montreal will look for the CONCACAF Champions League to carry them into the season. They’ll look to start off the Theirry Henry era well and they’ll be helped by former Spurs midfielder Victor Wanyama.

Philadelphia Union

Last year, the Union finished third in the Conference, pretty much getting carried by Kacper Przybylko. This might be their downfall, as it’s hard to replicate a 15 goal, four assist season. I predict that Philly will shockingly miss the playoffs.

FC Cincinnati

After finishing dead last in both the Eastern Conference and the league, this will be a huge improvement for Cincy. Even though their manager stepped down two weeks before the start of the season, players like Jurgen Locadia will contribute to their success.

DC United

DC United will hope to make a bigger playoff run than last year, when they were eliminated by the runners-up, Toronto FC. But this year, they will be without their leader, Wayne Rooney, which will cause them to miss the playoffs.

Columbus Crew

Even with USMNT star Gyasi Zardes, the Crew won’t live up to expectations and make the playoffs. Even though they made a couple of signings, they still won’t be much better than last year.

Orlando City

Another team with a star, but not much else. Orlando have Luis Nani as their star, but they need other players to step up. They have a new manager this year, but I don’t see them making the playoffs.

Chicago Fire

The Fire had a disappointing year last year, and they’ll replicate that again, finishing dead last this year in the Eastern Conference. Not even their cool new logo will help them get wins.

Sources:
  • mlssoccer.com
  • FBref.com

What NFL Teams could offer Tom Brady

It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Boston. What usually is a celebration in the city of Boston turned into a somber day. Fans of the rest of the 31 teams rejoiced, while Patriots fans woke up to this news: their dear leader and quarterback, Thomas Brady was entering free agency for the first time in his illustrious 20 year career, played all with the Patriots.

He can sign for any team but only certain teams want him. It seems like the Chargers, Buccaneers, and Patriots all are in the hunt. I have a list put together of what offers some GMs could make for Brady, included with why they works and why they don’t.

New England Patriots

You have served us well for 20 great years. You have six super bowls, but still unfinished business. As someone who is used to winning, you want to end on top as so many other winning players have. You thought you were going to do that last year, but it ended in pain as what may end up being your last pass as a Patriot was an interception.

Why it works: Brady and the Patriots going hand in hand has been the norm over the past 20 years. Brady knows he works well with the Patriots offense and with the coaching staff and front office. An even further benefit is that this time he controls his contract as a free agent.

Why it doesn’t work: Brady wants to go somewhere else. He wants to explore the world. Most of all, he wants to expand his brand. As we saw with Mookie, Boston is not seen as a place where you can be a world star.

Tennessee Titans

Here in Tennessee, you would be coached by your former teammate Mike Vrabel. We’re basically like a mini version of the Patriots organization, but there’s one thing the Patriots have, but we don’t and that is Super Bowls.

Why it works: Brady would be surrounded by people who love to use the system that he’s used to in New England. But instead of playing for a team on the decline like the Patriots, he plays for a team on the the rise, the Titans. After the loss in the Wild Card Round last year, he probably could sense how good this organization is.

Why it doesn’t: The Titans already have two quarter backs in Tannehill and Mariota. To make room for Brady, they would probably have to offload both of them and they are both really good.

Las Vegas Raiders

After moving from Oakland, we would love to have you be the first quarterback in a new city. Las Vegas is known as a big city good for big business. We could definitely use a quarterback of your talent and experience.

Why it does: If he moves to Las Vegas, he will have a team he can call his own as well as a team that is capable of making the playoffs year in and year out. He will be surrounded by talented players and coaches and be able to play in a new stadium.

Why it doesn’t: Las Vegas doesn’t need a franchise quarterback who will retire after a year or two. If they decide to get a quarterback, they should go for someone with a future.

Los Angeles Chargers

In LA, you would be surrounded by great players who, when at their best can make this team great. If you can replicate some of the seasons we had with Philip Rivers, we might o on a run. You will also be in your home state of California playing in its biggest city. You already started a movie company here and this would also be a great place to grow your brand TB12.

Why it does: In LA, Brady would iron out all of the problems that Philip Rivers had as a quarterback, especially last year. A lot of the losses last year were close games, something Brady is great at winning. Los Angeles seems like a great place to go for a big star and of the two LA teams, the Chargers makes the most sense.

Why it doesn’t: The Chargers have a pretty high pick in the draft after a sluggish season. Maybe they’ll try to go for one of the many quarterbacks in the draft, someone who has a future, instead of Brady.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Every since joining the NFL, there is one thing we’ve struggled with, finding the right quarterback to put us in the right position. You could play in the Florida sunshine and make us winners once and for all.

Why it works: Jameis Winston is not a quarterback who lead us where we want to go. He throws a lot of interceptions and he needs a role model to help him out. Even though Brady might not win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, they do need a leader desperately.

Why it doesn’t: The Bucs have played fine with Jameis. Throwing consistency is just something he can get over and something he can develop over time. I can’t see Brady in Tampa leading to playoff success.

Los Angeles Rams

We are not in need of a quarterback, but we do need a leader. As a California kid who wants to be in the spotlight, Los Angeles is the perfect place to play, especially with a new stadium. We’ve already proven we can be Super Bowl bound. Now go win us one.

Why it does: Brady has never really been able to get a taste of the NFC or the west coast. He’s said that he wants to experience other things and LA is the perfect place to spread his brand and become a celebrity.

Why it doesn’t: The Rams really don’t need an extra quarterback. Jared Goff is good enough already and has proven he can lead the Rams to a Super Bowl. Brady can just retire in LA without playing for a Los Angeles team as well.

San Francisco 49ers

Growing up a football fan in North California, your lifelong dream has always been to play for the 49ers. You idolized Joe Montana as a kid. Wouldn’t it be nice to end your career at home? You’d even play alongside your old trainee, Jimmy Garoppolo, and a group of talented stars.

Why it works: Brady could take the helm for one final season in his home state. He would be on a team capable of winning the Super Bowl and if he won, he would have won seven super Bowls, more than any player or team.

Why it doesn’t: Jimmy Garoppolo. Enough said.

Sources:
  • USA Today

The Story of Matthew Silliman, the Nats fan who went viral

One day Matthew Silliman was your average Nationals fan from the Tampa Bay area. The next, an online star. The reason? He got his signs trolling the Astros taken away by Fitteam Ballpark officials because they were deemed offensive. I was sitting four seats down from him and we exchanged emails. We’ve been in touch over the past week and a half and I finally get to bring this exclusive interview to you guys.

Alex Morrison: How long have you been a Nationals fan for?

Matt Silliman: I was living in [Virginia] at the time the team moved from Montreal. We were always Orioles fans before then. My Dad and I went to the first game at RFK and we’ve been fans since.

AM: Who was the guy sitting next to you at the game?

MS: The guy next to me is my Dad Dave Silliman. He still lives in the DC area and came down to FL for the trip. We had planned it since game 7.

AM: What did he write on his sign?

MS: There were 2 signs. One was front and back. The *’s sign was a complete afterthought. Originally I had a sign that read “You see my hat?” The other read “What you think about his hat?” With an arrow pointing at my Dad next to me.

AM: On the back of your sign, you wrote, “You see my hat?” What’s so special about your hat?

MS: It’s an inside joke between some friends of mine and my Dad. I just thought it would be a good way to get flashed on TV with my friends watching back at home. No one ever got to see those signs.

AM: What was your reaction when you got your sign taken away?

MS: When they were taken away I was a little stunned because I never saw the usher until she was right in front of me, asking for the signs. At first I thought we were going to get kicked out but when the cameras were noticed and I was seen being interviewed by everyone I think that was what saved me.

AM: According to the Minute Maid Park Website, “The Astros do not permit signs, posters or banners which are obscene, slanderous or in bad taste.” Do you think your sign fits these requirements?

MS: There was nothing profane, nothing directly to a person or player. I asked a couple security guards at the game prior to walking in, and no one ever said anything about the signs. We walked in the front gate just like everyone else with them. Walked around the entire stadium, and even went to the team store and got a rubber band from security to tie the signs up.

AM: What kind of questions did the reporters from ESPN and the AP ask you?

MS: They asked me what my sign said. Where I was from. If I had been planning this. Best one was, “Will you keep heckling even after they took your sign?” I said “Oh yeah!”

AM: What is your unbiased opinion on the cheating scandal?

MS: I think they should vacate the title. They cheated. Plain and simple. It’s one thing to have a man on 2nd base and looking at the catcher. But when you start using technology to aid you in doing so, you’ve crossed the line. Guys career’s are on the line in some of these cases. I think the League needs to be tougher on the players. I’m just glad it’s not my team. I would find it very hard to root for even the Nats if they had done this.

AM: Last but not least, what place do you think the Nationals will be in in the NL East and in the MLB this year?

MS: I think the Nat’s are restocked and ready for another deep postseason run. The loss of Rendon hurts but I think we have some pieces that can make up for his production. And if not I have faith in Rizzo “The Ninja” on pulling some deal before the trade deadline. If we don’t straight out win the NL East we get a Wildcard spot. It’ll be big to watch the starting rotation this year I think. After the extended work load last season and short off-season. That’s the price of being Champs I guess. 

Three Reasons Why I Feel Better About the Mookie Trade

If you’ve been living under a rock or if you only get your news from ESPN, you might not have heard about the trade that drastically changed the landscape of the MLB. If you are anybody else, you heard that top five MLB player and Red Sox star outfielder Mookie Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with pitcher David Price in exchange for outfielder Alex Verdugo and shortstop Jeter Downs.

This choice angered Red Sox fans, especially young fans like me not only because a once in a generation talent was traded away, but because of how the Red Sox front office treated the trade. After firing president of baseball operations, the Red Sox hired Chaim Bloom, whose job was to help the Red Sox to achieve long term success. The Red Sox were also due to spend enough to reach the luxury tax, but Bloom said that getting under the luxury tax wasn’t a requirement and said that Mookie would be on the opening day roster. This, of course, was a lie and like so many other times, the Red Sox front office fail to recognize the desires of the fans.

I could write this article about how shameful it is for the Red Sox to trade away such a great player, but I’m going to have an optimistic approach. I have had three ideas in the back of my head over the course of this entire trade saga and they’ve kept me optimistic.

1. We might just have to deal with what we have

Alex Verdugo and Jeter Downs are big players with bright futures. Don’t get me wrong, I would rather have Mookie than those two in an instant, but the deal’s over and we might just have to move on.

Alex Verdugo is a player who works really hard and has a huge potential. As a kid he grew up watching the likes of Manny and Big Papi and was a Red Sox fan. He exploded last year in 105 games, hitting 12 home runs and batting 294. Right now he has a back injury, but when he comes back, he will be a really good addition for the Red Sox.

Jeter Downs is also a talented young player. A big part of his game is speed. In 2018, Downs stole 37 bases and last year he stole 24 bases. Now, those two seasons were down in the Minors, but Downs will develop in to a big player.

As well as Verdugo and Downs, the Red Sox also bought some other players. They decided to keep a lot of last year’s players and Price and Betts were the only big departures along with Porcello, who left earlier. Days after trading away Mookie, the Red Sox signed former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar. He can be a really talented player when he’s at his best, especially in the outfield.

2. Some Red Sox greats don’t stay on the team for long

Last week, I was reading the book “The 50 Greatest Red Sox Games”, and while I was thinking about the Mookie trade, the story of Carlton Fisk came to my attention. He played 11 years for the Red Sox, yet he switched his socks color to white in 1980. In Boston, Fisk was never able to win a World Series but his legacy still remains with him famous down the foul line home run in the World Series.

Mookie has so many similarities. He played for nine years under the Red Sox, but unlike Fisk, winning an MVP and a World Series. After the Red Sox, Fisk still played well and we should hope that Mookie will do the same.

It was also brought up by John Henry that this situation is similar to the one that happened with Nomar in 2004. Just like now, it was a devastating trade to a fan favorite that could have been handled better by the front office. But hey, that’s baseball.

3. This could just be a long term plan to get Mookie back next year

Yes, this one is a bit outlandish. Yes, if he came back the fans would hate him for leaving in the first place. But wouldn’t you love to see him back. Technically after they don’t have to pay Mookie and Price anymore, they could have a lot of cap space. Maybe next year while Mookie’s in free agency, you get him back, even if he has a bad year, for much less than you would have to pay for him in the first place.

But hey, that’s just a theory. An MLB theory.

Sources:

  • probaseballreference.com
  • New York Post
  • Girrafeneckmarc on Youtube