Random Sports Thoughts

There's a lot of little things that I want to talk about so instead of blogging a few sentences on a couple different post, I'm just going to put them all in one. This has been a busy time in sports with baseball's hot stove, an NBA team on its way to being the best ever, and many teams fighting to get into the NFL playoffs.

The first thing I want to talk about is Jim Rome. I never really thought about if I were a fan or not until a few months ago when I caught his show almost everyday. Yes, this guy can say some strange things that make a viewer ponder, but he is entertaining to watch. His insults and subliminals are hilarious and he does bring up some interesting arguments. Besides who hasn't seen him pick a fight on his show with Jim Everett. Some people think that it was staged but even if it was, that's pretty cool. Here it is if you don't know what I'm talking about.

My next topic is the Boston Red Sox. What the hell are they doing up there? Their biggest rivals land the 2 biggest free agent pitchers and steal Mark Teixeira away from them. The only other big name out there is Manny and he obviously isn't coming back. They could sign somebody like Adam Dunn, but that isn't going to make the team that much better, even though Dunn hits bombs. Banking on an old player like Mike Lowell and a declining David Ortiz is not a smart decision. The Yankees offered Teixeira $180 million as opposed to Boston's $168 million. How about they stop being so cheap and dish out the extra $12 million for a player you desperately need. With the Yankees greatly improving and the Rays showing they are a legit contender, I expect Boston to miss out on the playoffs and finish 3rd in the AL East.

Donovan McNabb says that he wants a new contract from the Eagles after the season. Is he serious? Why would he want to stay on a team where the fans are losing faith in him, where he got benched in the middle of such an embarrassing season, where the team has missed the playoffs 3 out of the last 4 years?(When the Eagles last made the playoffs McNabb wasn't even the QB) I'm not sure if he was just saying that because he wants to please Philly, but there is no way that this guys wants to stay there, or should stay there. If the Eagles don't can this guy after the season they are morons. So Eagles fans, sorry to diss your QB who you have pretended to like all these years. After all, he did win 0 championships.

How awesome would it be if Manny came to the Yanks. He could do what Marion Hossa did in the NHL. Hossa was the biggest free agent last year. He took a paycut, signed a 1 year deal with the Red Wings. Now he gets his 8 million and has an incredible chance of winning a Stanley Cup and then weill get his big contract next season. Manny, how does 1 year $10 million sound? Believe it or not, the Yankees can sign Manny and still have a lower payroll than last year!

A few other quick things....

The Celtics are nasty but I hope they don't break Jordan and company's 1996 record of 72-10.

My Super Bowl prediction: Steelers 21 Panthers 17.

I hope Tebow stays at Florida one more year, he's great for the college game.

Teixeira to the Yankees

The Yankees landed yet another superstar this off season. They signed First Basemen Mark Teixeira to an 8 year $170 million contract. It was believed that the Yankees were out of the running for him and that he was likely going to sign with Boston or Washington.

For the Yankees and their fans, the past few weeks have been incredible. They sign the best 3 free agents, 2 of them are pitchers, and the other one of the best all around players in the game. I can't wait to see Tex in pinstripes.

Yankees Farm System

Many people have been claiming that the Yankees are buying themselves another championship and spend their money wildly. Buster Olney writes a great article seen here, explaining how well the Yankees are doing because even though they are spending big bucks, they are keeping their young prospects. This got me thinking about just how good the Yankees farm system is and I've realized that developing their young players is a priority in the organization again. Lets take a look at some of the future stars in their system.

Phil Hughes- Hughes was the Yankees first round pick a few years ago. Drafting him right out of high school, the Yanks have been grooming him for stardom. Most of you have already seen Hughes in pinstripes already and although I don't feel he is ready quite yet, he has shown glimpses of what he can do. Hughes took a no hitter into the 7th inning against the Rangers before getting hurt 2 years ago. His mid 90's fastball is good enough to strike people out and he has a great curveball. Hughes also doesn't walk many batters and still is only 22 years old. I expect Hughes to start this year in the minors and be a call up if anything happens anyone in the rotation, but a few years from now I can see Hughes being a #1 starter.

Austin Jackson- Jackson was an eighth round pick by the Yanks in 2005. He is the Yankees top position player prospect. After struggling in A Ball for a while, Jackson has been putting it together ever since. In his last 128 games in the minors he has hit .304, 88 runs, 21 doubles, and 33 stolen bases. He is also a stellar defensive player and could be seen on the Yankees as early as mid-season 2009.

Brett Gardner- Gardner saw some action during the 2008 season, and showed that he can cover some ground in Center and absolutely fly on the base paths. Gardner is a solid contact hitter and if he can add some more pop in his bat and put up a solid on base percentage, he can be a part of the Yankees quest for the World Series in 2009. He is well liked by manager Joe Girardi. Garnder's biggest contributions came from swiping bases and applies a ton of pressure on the defense when he is on base. I can see Brett being a part of the team next year and expect him to emerge into a Johnny Damon type player if he can put it all together.

J. Brent Cox- Many of you probably know him from his days when he was closing out games for the University of Texas. He followed Houston Street and posted many collegiate records while he was there. Cox has had success so far in the minors and is still only 24 years old. He has a great fastball and slider, and does well against both righties and lefties. Expect J. Brent Cox to be talked about either during the 2009 season if the Yankees bullpen is struggling or maybe a call up to the 40 man roster in September.

Like Buster Olney mentions, the Yankees were going to have to pay Santana a boatload of money last year on top of giving up prospects. Instead they were patient, still spent a lot of money this off season but have not given up any of their young guns. I like the fact that they are trying to develop their own players instead of trading them away for veterans. With the Yankees recent signings of Sabathia and Burnett and still looking to land Teixera or Manny, Yankee fans have a lot to look forward too, especially now that they held onto their young talented players.

Angels land Teixeira

According to Jayson Stark, the Angels have acquired Mark Tiexeira for Casey Kotchman, and a second "lesser name". This move may come as a bit of a surprise to many, as Arizona and Boston appeared to be the front runners.

Finally a trade that helps both sides. I honestly believe that as of row now, this is as even as it gets. Of course, a lot can change in the next 2 months.

The Braves definitely made the right decision to trade Tex, considering that he is destined to hit free agency this winter. Teixera will probably command a $20MM+ contract, and it was clear that the Braves were not going to resign him. Once the Braves were finally smart enough to realize that they cannot contend this year, trading Tex was a no-brainer. So, all things considered, anything the Braves get in return is good. Casey Kotchman is an excellent hitter, with loads of potential. At only 25 years old, he could easily develop into a player that resembles Teixeira. It hurts me to say it, but this was an excellent move by the Braves.

On the other side, the Angels solidify their position as the best team in baseball. As much as I like Kotchman, Teixeira is an instant upgrade. The key to the Angels is clearly pitching, but this lineup is downright scary right now. Vlad, Tex, Torii Hunter, and Garret Anderson...wow. The only downside to trading for Tex is that he could just as easily flee to NY in the offseason. The Angels certainly have the resources to sign him, but are they willing to overpay like the Mets will?

Only time will tell who wins in this trade, but I really feel like the Braves got the better end of the deal. Not that its a bad trade for LA, but I feel like Tex is a little overrated, and theres a chance that he is simply a 2 month rental.

UPDATE: MLB.com is reporting that the second player in the deal is AA pitching prospect Stephen Marek. The 24 year old reliever is 2-6 with a 3.66 ERA this year. He also sports a 57/21 K/BB ratio.