April 22, 2018

Each MLB Team’s Prospect Who Could Help Right Away

We spend a lot of time talking about a team’s top prospects, but what about the next prospect?

Sometimes those are one in the same, as highly regarded youngsters such as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Gleyber Torres are knocking on the door for a big league promotion.

Other times, it’s a largely unheralded middle reliever or a second-tier position player who winds up providing in-house support.

Ahead we’ve taken a closer look at the one prospect from each team who is ready to help in the majors.

Players were chosen based on a combination of their individual development and production as well as their path to MLB playing time based on current or expected team needs.

Baltimore Orioles: RF Austin Hays

Hays rocketed through the minors after being selected in the third round of the 2016 draft, posting a .958 OPS with 32 home runs and 95 RBI between High-A and Double-A last year to earn a late call-up.

The 22-year-old entered camp as the front-runner to win the starting right field job but hit just .243 with 12 strikeouts in 40 plate appearances before being optioned to Double-A.where to buy nfl jerseys online

With Anthony Santander, Colby Rasmus and Craig Gentry combining for a .167/.214/.273 line while manning right field, Hays will get his chance soon.

Boston Red Sox: RP Williams Jerez

Sam Travis is Boston’s most MLB-ready prospect, but the first baseman doesn’t have a clear path to playing time over Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland.

Instead, look for reliever Williams Jerez to be the next prospect to carve out a role in the majors.nfl china jersey

Using a heavy mid-90s fastball and plus slider, he held left-handed hitters to a .485 OPS while posting a 26.1 percent strikeout rate last year. His ability to be more than a specialist will hinge on his splitter’s development.

New York Yankees: 2B/3B Gleyber Torres

The late-offseason additions of Neil Walker and Brandon Drury meant the Yankees did not nfl women jersey start Torres’ arbitration clock by putting him on the Opening Day roster. He’ll push his way into the picture soon, though.

The 21-year-old underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery last June or he likely would have already nike nfl jerseys differences made his MLB debut.

With a hot start in Triple-A (16-for-43, 5 XBH) he could be promoted in short order.nfl china jerseys nike

April 22, 2018

Matt Harvey Sent to Mets Bullpen 2 Days After Saying He Is a Starting Pitcher

Matt Harvey may consider himself a starting pitcher, but the New York Mets are making him a reliever.

Per James Wagner of the New York Times, Mets manager Mickey Callaway authentic nfl jerseys sale announced Saturday that Harvey will move to the bullpen as Jason Vargas nears a return from his rehab assignment.

On Thursday, Harvey said that, even despite his struggles, he believes he is best suited for the rotation, via the New York Daily News’ Kristie Ackert: “I am a starting pitcher. I’ve always been a starting pitcher. I think I showed in the fifth and sixth inning I can get people out still when my pitch count gets up, so I am a starting pitcher.”

Less than three years ago, Harvey helped lead the Mets to the World Series. nike jersey nfl But ever since he stayed in to pitch to two batters in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 Fall Classic, he has not been the same pitcher.

The right-hander went 4-10 with a 4.86 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 2016 and followed that up with a 6.70 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 19 appearances, including 18 starts, last year. In 2018, he is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 17 strikeouts in 21 innings across four starts.

The 2010 No. 7 overall pick—who once finished fourth in National League Cy Young jersey nfl wholesale award voting—showed signs of getting back on track at the beginning of this season, throwing five innings of one-hit baseball with five strikeouts in his first start. However, he has been roughed up for 14 earned runs in 16 innings over his past three games.

Those struggles have made him the odd man out of the rotation.

Harvey was looking to rebuild his value in 2018, as he is set to become a free agent in the offseason.nfl nike jerseys for sale Perhaps a move to the bullpen will help him right the ship and show teams he can still get major league hitters out.

April 21, 2018

2018 NFL Draft Rumors: Browns Have Considered Drafting 2 QBs in 1st Round

The Cleveland Browns have considered selecting two quarterbacks in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft, according to Kevin Clark of The Ringer.

Cleveland holds picks No. 1 and No. 4, and Clark said he asked “multiple members” nfl jersey for cheap of the organization if they have “considered ignoring all norms and drafting two quarterbacks high in the draft.”

“The answer is yes. The people I asked have thought about it, discussed it and investigated it,” Clark wrote. “This is not to say it will happen, but the Browns have considered it. In fact, one person I spoke with could immediately rattle off every previous instance of teams drafting two passers high because he’d done the prep work on the idea.”

f the Browns selected a quarterback with their first-round picks at No. 1 and No. 4, it would be nfl jerseys cheap authentic unprecedented. It’s also fair to question if it would actually be logical.

The obvious benefit is that it would double the team’s odds of landing a franchise quarterback, a position that has been the realm of failed draft picks, washed-up veterans and journeymen placeholders since Bernie Kosar hung up his cleats.

On the other hand, Clark outlined the reasons it wouldn’t necessarily make sense:

“The people I spoke with, however, were quick to outline the downsides—not enough practice reps to develop two quarterbacks and the inability to trade a rookie midseason because of a clause in the CBA. One person I custom nfl jerseys cheap spoke with mentioned how many unintended consequences you’d face if you upended the draft in such a way (specifically in the far-fetched scenario in which they took two passers in the top four), but that he’d still thought about it plenty.”

Remember, the Browns have Tyrod Taylor on the roster, and he’s expected to be the starter in 2018. There are only so many reps to go around.

And what if the Browns whiffed on both quarterbacks they selected? What if they wasted not one,customized nfl jerseys cheap but two draft picks on a position and neither player became a long-term solution? The organization would never live it down. General manager John Dorsey’s reputation would forever be stained, and the team’s rebuilding strategy would be set back years.

April 21, 2018

Baker Mayfield Launches ‘Behind Baker’ Documentary Ahead of 2018 NFL Draft

With less than one week before the 2018 NFL draft begins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington,nfl authentic jerseys cheap Texas, quarterback Baker Mayfield is giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life.

On Friday, Mayfield announced the launch of a new documentary series titled Behind Baker on Facebook Watch, and the first episode shows him taking part in various fan and media events and discussing the Oklahoma Sooners’ 54-48 overtime loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Rose Bowl:

Speaking to his competitive nature, Mayfield also touched on a discussion he had with Kirk Cousins nfl jersey wholesale before the veteran quarterback signed a three-year, $84 million fully guaranteed deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

“I wanted to look at Kirk Cousins and say, you know, ‘I have a few places that I don’t want you to go so best nfl jerseys you don’t take my spot,'” Mayfield said.

The 23-year-old is expected to be a first-round pick when the draft begins Thursday. nfl jersey for cheap B/R’s Matt Miller projects the Denver Broncos will select Mayfield at No. 5 overall.

Mayfield won the 2017 Heisman Trophy after throwing for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns. He also led the Sooners to a 12-2 record and their second appearance in the College Football Playoff in the past three years.

April 20, 2018

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

As currently constructed, the Cowboys are closer to 2017’s 9-7 campaign than 2016’s 13-3 breakout performance. Having Ezekiel Elliott back in the lineup after he missed six games last season should work wonders,cheap custom nfl jerseys but the offense lacks a true playmaker in the passing game after Dez Bryant’s release. A hole at linebacker still exists with Anthony Hitchens’ free-agent departure, too. Elliott’s maturation and a rebound performance from Dak Prescott can keep the Cowboys competitive, but they’re far from the NFC East’s best team. They’ll also have to wait until Week 10 to test their mettle against the rival Eagles. cheap customized nfl jerseys

Prediction: 9-7

New York Giants

The New York Giants may not admit it, but they’re in the midst of a rebuild, especially if they trade Odell Beckham Jr. between now and the draft. However, they seem to believe they can win now with Eli Manning and no long-term answer at quarterback. Manning’s quarterback rating decreased in each of the last two seasons, and the addition of left tackle Nate Solder isn’t enough to put the offense over the top. The defense also took a hit when general manager Dave Gettleman decided to trade New York’s best pass-rusher, Jason Pierre-Paul. Where the Giants stand will be on display Week 1 when the Jacksonville Jaguars visit MetLife Stadium.

Prediction: 5-11

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles finally reached the mountaintop last season, winning the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy. Philadelphia is well-equipped to handle the barrage of every opponent’s best effort in 2018, as it didn’t hemorrhage custom nfl jerseys talent this offseason like most champions do. Instead, the Eagles added quality veterans like Haloti Ngata and Mike Wallace to supplement an already talented core. Oh, and rising star quarterback Carson Wentz will return from his knee injury at some point as well. Although, he’s not guaranteed to be on the field for the league’s kickoff game on Sept. 6 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Prediction: 12-4

Washington Redskins

A make-or-break year may be forthcoming for Washington head customized nfl jerseys coach Jay Gruden after the team missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons. While Washington is a solid squad, it lacks the firepower to be a true contender. The trade for Alex Smith can be viewed as an upgrade at quarterback, but the offense still needs a new left guard, a true lead back and an outside presence among the wide receivers. There’s only so much a quarterback can do with an incomplete surrounding cast. Smith’s value will be determined during a three-game stretch between Weeks 3-6 when Washington faces Aaron Rodgers,nfl custom jerseys cheap Drew Brees and Cam Newton.

Prediction: 6-10

April 20, 2018

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

The football gods finally smiled upon the Bills, allowing them to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season. A repeat appearance likely isn’t in the cards this year, though. AJ McCarron is not an upgrade over Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, and the offensive line remains in flux. LeSean McCoy turns 30 in July, while the team’s leading tackler, Preston Brown, signed with the Bengals in free agency. The schedule-makers didn’t do the Bills any favors, either, by placing the Chargers, Vikings, Packers and Titans—all of whom are playoff contenders—in Weeks 2-5.

Prediction: 7-9

Miami Dolphins

Plenty of uncertainty surrounds the Dolphins after head coach Adam Gase decided his team needed a new direction. Landry, Ndamukong Suh and Mike Pouncey—arguably the team’s best three players—are all gone. In their place, Miami targeted veteran free agents with winning experience. However, Frank Gore, Danny Amendola and Josh Sitton nfl jersey for cheap can only do so much, as they’re all on the downside of their careers. Each of the Dolphins’ last five games is against a team that made the playoffs last season.

Prediction: 4-12

New England Patriots

Cracks are starting to show in the Patriots’ once-pristine exterior. Tom Brady veered from his normal preparation this offseason. Rob Gronkowski is still contemplating retirement. The team traded its top receiver, Brandin Cooks, to the Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots no longer seem to be on the same page as an organization. nfl jerseys cheap authentic Even so, they’re still the AFC East’s best squad and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Once again, a December (Week 15) meeting with the Steelers could determine the AFC’s top seed. The end of the dynasty does appear to be in sight.

Prediction: 11-5

New York Jets

The Jets didn’t tank last season, but their 5-11 record wasn’t good, either. The organization hopes to build on last year’s surprising campaign with the additions of Tremaine Johnson, Avery Williamson, Isaiah Crowell and custom nfl jerseys cheap Teddy Bridgewater. The roster still has a long way to go, but New York is already through the difficult teardown portion of the rebuilding process, and it has some talented young players on its roster. Another should be forthcoming after the Jets traded up to the third overall pick in an attempt to land a customized nfl jerseys cheap quarterback of their choice. Said signal-caller could be in the lineup against the No. 1 overall pick when the Jets face the Browns in Week 3 on Thursday Night Football.

April 20, 2018

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The Bears aren’t quite ready to topple the Vikings or the Packers, but they should be excited about their outlook under nfl jersey for cheap new head coach Matt Nagy. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky enters his second season surrounded by improved pass-catchers in Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Trey Burton. Nagy’s decision to retain the defensive staff bordered on brilliant since the Bears ranked 10th overall in total defense last season. Chicago is well-positioned to rapidly improve even though its home schedule is difficult, with best nfl jerseys the Rams, Patriots, Seahawks, Jets and Buccaneers coming to town beyond its regular rivalries.

Prediction: 7-9

Detroit Lions

If the Bears improve and the Packers and Vikings stay locked in a battle to win another NFC North crown, the Lions become the team on the outside searching for answers. Plenty of question marks can be found. The offensive line is missing pieces. LeGarrette Blount isn’t the answer at running back after the team finished tied for last at 3.4 yards per carry. Ziggy Ansah needs a running mate to improve Detroit’s pass rush as well. New head coach Matt Patricia will need some time to adjust as he tries to solve the roster’s myriad problems, and they could be on display during the first Monday Night Football contest against the Jets.

Prediction: 7-9

Green Bay Packers

A healthy Aaron Rodgers changes the game. Rodgers missed nine contests last season due to a broken collarbone. He returns to an evolving organization with Brian Gutekunst as the new general manager. A Week 6 Monday night affair between the Packers and 49ers will pit Rogers and the Packers against Jimmy Garoppolo and his 49ers. official nfl jerseys cheap Green Bay splurged in free agency for a change to prepare for the season, adding Jimmy Graham and Muhammad Wilkerson. Graham could soon become Rodgers’ favorite target since the Packers released the quarterback’s security blanket, Jordy Nelson.

Prediction: 12-4

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings went 13-3 last year on the strength of an elite defense and opportunistic offense. Both sides of the ball are better this year, at least on paper, and the organization should expect similar nfl authentic jerseys (or even better) results. The biggest change came at quarterback, where Kirk Cousins enters the fray after three straight 4,000-plus-yard campaigns in Washington. He’ll be distributing the ball to a talented skill position group, whereas the defense acquired a standout 3-technique in Sheldon Richardson. Last year’s No. 1 defense will get a chance to slow the top scoring offense in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football when the Vikings go on nfl authentic jerseys cheap the road to take on the Rams.

Prediction: 13-3

April 19, 2018

James Harden Struggles, but Rockets Take 2-0 Series Lead vs. Timberwolves

After escaping Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a narrow three-point win, the Houston Rockets rolled in Wednesday’s Game 2 at Toyota Center and seized control of their first-round playoff series with a 102-82 victory.

James Harden was brilliant in Game 1 with 44 points, but Houston relied nfl jerseys china on Chris Paul and a balanced attack in its second win.

Four Houston players scored in double figures, including Paul, who spearheaded the blowout effort with 27 points, eight assists and three steals. Harden was another one of those players, totaling 12 points, but he was an abysmal 2-of-18 from the field and 1-of-10 from deep. He was far from the reason his team was victorious, even with seven assists.

Houston is so dangerous because it has two future Hall of Fame-caliber players in the backcourt, meaning it can afford a lackluster performance from one and still rely on the other to get it through a contest.nfl wholesale jerseys

That is exactly what has happened in this series against the eighth-seeded Timberwolves, as Harden made up for Paul’s 5-of-14 shooting and six turnovers in Game 1 and Paul compensated for Harden’s showing in Game 2.

It helps that the Rockets are playing a Minnesota team that was a mere 22nd in the league in defensive rating this season, per NBA.com, and doesn’t have much of an answer on that side of the ball outside of three-time All-Defensive selection Jimmy Butler.

With Butler shadowing Harden for stretches, Paul darted into the lane and either finished for himself or forced defenders to collapse before he found perimeter shooters. The nine-time All-Star dazzled the crowd with a nfl jerseys from china number of head-turning floaters and layups at the rim, many of which came when Minnesota’s big men were left helplessly flailing at his ball-handling and lightning-quick first step.

With the Timberwolves left chasing Paul, Gerald Green was left open a number of times and delivered with 21 points on 5-of-12 shooting from downtown. Trevor Ariza benefited as well with 15 points and three triples, official nfl jerseys cheap and Clint Capela dominated down low with eight points and 16 boards.

The fact Houston handled Minnesota with relative ease even with the potential league MVP struggling sends a message to the rest of the NBA in these playoffs. This team can win in the postseason without Harden dominating, and the ceiling is the Larry O’Brien Trophy when he does play well.

April 19, 2018

Karl-Anthony Towns Was Aggressive…At First

Karl-Anthony Towns wasn’t a big enough part of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ attack all year, particularly in the late stages of games. So it can’t count as a surprise that he pulled a disappearing act in Game 1 against Houston, taking just nine shots nfl jerseys wholesale .

The reason for his no-show was harder to discern. Was he failing to demand the ball in the post? Was he unwilling to run the floor and create his own transition opportunities?

Or was his repeated decision to space out toward the corner when guarded by a smaller defender mandated by the coaching staff?

At any rate, Towns got after it against the Rockets during the first quarter of Game 2, nfl jerseys china hitting a three, scoring down low on an assist from Andrew Wiggins and taking five shots in all. Minnesota led by five after the opening 12 minutes.

From there, the Rockets ran over the T-Wolves, rendering Towns’ early aggression (and everything else that might have sparked hope) meaningless. He finished with just five points on 2-of-9 shooting, as he failed to score in the second half.nfl wholesale jerseys

You can delve into the import of Towns’ play in this series as deeply as you like. It might indicate individual frailty, a shrinking from the moment. It might reflect a lack of faith from the coaching staff. It might be a strategic failing nfl jerseys from china by head coach Tom Thibodeau.

And it might mean the Rockets are just that much better than the Timberwolves.

Whatever the case, Towns needs to be better. It won’t matter in this series,nfl jerseys wholesale but it’s a big deal for the future of the T-Wolves.

April 18, 2018

Why the Analytics Love Baker Mayfield

Say it was your job to select a rookie quarterback for your NFL team, but you were forbidden from watching any of the prospects ever throw a single football.authentic nfl jerseys

Given such a ridiculous restriction, you would probably cross your fingers and scan the stat sheets for a quarterback who:

• Started a lot of college games…

• For a major program…

• Which faced a lot of great defenses…

• And who put up impressive totals and rate stats… 5d4e13a5e76dd838a87596a2528373f8_crop_exact

• But wasn’t obviously a product of a system full of great supporting talent.

Now, imagine taking all of those common-sense criteria, defining and quantifying wholesale nfl jerseys them precisely, and creating a metric to guide your scouting department when selecting a quarterback.

That method would look a lot like the Football Outsiders’ QBASE system. And like QBASE, that method would love Baker Mayfield.

You probably know Mayfield started for three seasons for Oklahoma (and a fourth for Texas Tech) and threw for precisely 54 zillion yards and infinite touchdowns (14,607 and 131, actually). Mayfield’s rate stats, including his 68.5 nfl jerseys wholesale percent completion rate and 9.8 yards per pass attempt, are exceptional, even by wide-open Big 12 standards.

Mayfield has has been helped along the way by some great playmakers and offensive linemen, but as Aaron Schatz wrote in this year’s QBASE report, his schedule wasn’t as Big 12 playground-tastic as you might think. Mayfield had a big game against Ohio State and held his own in the CFP semifinals against Georgia, after all. Shake the numbers out to nfl jerseys china remove some distortions, and Mayfield still laps this year’s field.

Moneyball is all about providing context and meaning for statistics. Sometimes, that just means confirming what’s obvious. Mayfield is the most productive, experienced quarterback in this draft class. It shows in the numbers. And it shows on the game film, too.