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Articles by John Delcos
Explaining The Wondering Of New York Mets' Delay, And Rationale, In Signing Jacob DeGrom Now
JUPITER, FL: The New York Mets finally agreed to terms with ace Jacob deGrom. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) Getty One has to wonder why it took so long for the Mets to agree to terms with Jacob deGrom, who is arguably their most important player. The Mets agreed to a five-year, $137.5-million extension today with last year’s National League Cy Young Award winner, that could climb to seven years and $170 million if all the options are picked up.
How Major League Baseball Lost The Concept Of Opening Day
TOKYO, JAPAN: Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners playing the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome on March 17, (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)Getty It has been clear Major League Baseball scuttled tradition in the name of progress years ago, but did it also have to do away with common sense?
Toronto Blue Jays Boost Pay Of Their Minor Leaguers; Major League Baseball Not Thrilled
WEST PALM BEACH, FL .: Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has another issue on his plate. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)Getty The Toronto Star reported in Monday's editions the Blue Jays will give their minor league players a 50-percent pay raise, an act that drew praise from the Players Association and a noncommittal ''we’ll look into it,'' statement from Major League Baseball.
Is Commissioner Rob Manfred Setting The Stage For A Labor War?
BOSTON: Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. speaking in Boston earlier this month. (Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)Getty What’s really important about today’s rule changes in Major League Baseball is whether this agreement with the Players Association will lay the foundation for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement after the 2021 season.
Making A Case For Steelers Winning The Antonio Brown Trade
NEW ORLEANS: Antonio Brown didn't understand how good he had it in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)Getty Most everything I have heard and read over the past 24 hours regarding Pittsburgh trading Antonio Brown to Oakland for a third- and fifth-round draft picks declared the Raiders overwhelming winners. However, a lot of that was on social media and ESPN.
Tom Seaver Diagnosed With Dementia; Mets Legend To Retire From Public Life
NEW YORK: Mike Piazza (left) and Tom Seaver during the closing of Shea Stadium in 2008. (Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic)Getty There is the great and the truly great, the one transcending time and the ages, which is Tom Seaver. For those who saw him pitch, those who love baseball in its purest form, today’s news is more than sad, it is heartbreaking.
Celtics' Rout Of Warriors Will Be A Fluke If Kyrie Irving Remains A Distraction
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: How much is Kyrie Irving (11) to blame for Celtics woes? (Photo by Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)Getty As impressive as the Boston Celtics were last night, it doesn’t erase the inconsistency that has been their signature this season. After handing the Golden State Warriors their worst home loss in the Steve Kerr Era – 128-95 – the knee-jerk reaction is to say all is well with the Celtics, a team projected by many to reach the NBA Finals.
Will Phillies' ''Stupid Money'' Every Turn Into Smart Money?
DENVER, CO: Bryce Harper agrees to terms with Phillies. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) Getty It is called ''stupid money'' for a reason. Perhaps the Philadelphia Phillies were stupid to make a 13-year, $330-million offer to Bryce Harper, and the 26-year-old free-agent outfielder would have been beyond stupid to turn it down. Harper agreed to the Phillies’ proposal that made him the recipient of the largest free-agent contract in baseball history.
Steelers Ready To Move On Without Bell And Brown
With the relationship between quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown seemingly fractured beyond repair, the Pittsburgh Steelers are faced with the inevitability of trading the troublesome wide receiver. The first step in attempting to trade a talent such as Brown is with the smokescreens. On the surface, the Steelers want to trade Brown to an NFC team, perhaps one a long way from Super Bowl contention, say Arizona or Detroit.
No Shortage Of Drama With Lakers; James Must Take Responsibility
NEW ORLEANS: LeBron James deserves some responsibility for Lakers miserable season. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)Getty While Los Angeles is eagerly awaiting the possibility of free agent Bryce Harper signing with the Dodgers, it would be wise to reflect on the last big name hired gun who came to town. It was believed signing LeBron James would improve the Lakers, but the playoffs weren’t a certainty.
The NBA's Top Stretch-Drive Storylines
CHICAGO: Giannis Antetokounmpo has the inside track at NBA MVP honors.(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)Getty The NBA schedule resumes tonight and with it, there are some compelling storylines for the stretch run. Here are the most intriguing: Who gets home court for the Finals? Do you remember when the East was considered a joke? Milwaukee and Toronto each have better records then Golden State. If either maintains their lead it could make for an interesting series.
Mets Aren't Obligated To Negotiate With DeGrom Now
NEW YORK, NY: Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets shouldn't threaten to not give his best. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Getty Perhaps Jacob deGrom spoke from frustration when he suggested he was considering cutting down on his innings this season if he doesn't get the extension from the Mets he is seeking.
Baseball Labor Talks Not Progressing Smoothly
NEW YORK: Is MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's hardlines stance a precursor to a work stoppage? (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) Getty Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is the proverbial weekend griller who can’t resist poking at the coals, trying to shave a precious few minutes off the game that has no clock.
Here's The One Thing That Will Determine The Outcome Of Rams-Patriots
NEW ORLEANS: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is the key to the Super Bowl. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Getty Super Bowl 2019 has been analyzed to death the past two weeks with a myriad of storylines that could determine the winner. Most make sense, but is there one that carries the most weight? I believe there is.
Examining One Voter's Hall Of Fame Ballot
BALTIMORE: Mike Mussina, then with the Baltimore Orioles, pitching against Cleveland in 2000.Getty It was 30 degrees this morning. What better time to think about baseball? The 2019 class was announced last night, I voted for three of the nominees: Yankees Mariano Rivera and Mike Mussina, and Seattle’s Edgar Martinez. Rivera was a first-ballot winner, garnering 100 percent of the votes; Mussina made it in his sixth year; Martinez finally made it in his last year of eligibility.
Not Buying Patriots' Whining About Being Underdogs
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots playing mind games against Chiefs. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Getty The New England Patriots are a three-point underdog in Sunday night’s AFC Championship Game in what will be a frigid Kansas City and couldn’t be happier. This will be the Patriots’ eighth straight championship game appearance. The last time they were underdogs was 2014 when they lost to the Broncos in Denver.
The Lakers Could Benefit The Longer LeBron James Is Out
SACRAMENTO, CA : Lonzo Ball could benefit most with LeBron James sidelined. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Getty LeBron James will miss his fourth straight game tonight when the Lakers are home to Oklahoma City. They lost two of the first three without him, and are six-point underdogs tonight. James sustained a severe groin strain, Christmas Day at Oakland, and is officially listed day-to-day, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he sat another two or three games. Perhaps more.
Ohio State's Haskins Shines In Rose Bowl; Is Ready For NFL Draft
PASADENA, CA.: Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins passes against Washington in the Rose Bowl. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) The 2019 NFL mock drafts are already rolling in, and more than a few are projecting Ohio State redshirt sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins will come out and be selected by the New York Giants with the sixth overall pick..
Mets Are Improved, But Not Significantly Better Than Last Year's Team
NEW YORK, NY: New Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen (L), Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon pictured at an introductory press conference at Citi Field, December 4. Credit: George Napolitano/MediaPunch /IPX. New general manager Brodie Van Wagenen vowed the Mets would compete in 2019, and his early moves dictated his seriousness in following through with that promise.
Signing Manny Machado Would Be Throwback To The Days Of George Steinbrenner
LOS ANGELES: The Dodgers' Manny Machado strikes out to end the World Series, (Photo by Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)Getty The Yankees could be back to being the Yankees again, or at least they are walking that edge. The team that won 100 games last year, only to be ousted in the playoffs by the World Champion Red Sox, today wooed marquee free-agent Manny Machado, who, according to multiple reports is seeking a ten-year, $300-million contract.
George Steinbrenner Deserves To Be In Hall Of Fame
NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1988: Yogi Berra, George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin celebrating at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by Louis Requena/MLB Photos via Getty Images)Getty Major League Baseball couldn’t beat George Steinbrenner when he was alive but is trying its hardest to beat him in death by keeping him out of Cooperstown.
Van Wagenen Makes His First Splash With Cano Deal, But What's Next?
SEATTLE, WA: Relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (R) with second baseman Robinson Cano while with the Mariners, were introduced and Mets today.(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)Getty It’s official, Brodie Van Wagenen got his picture taken today with his former client Robinson Cano.
Mets Emerging As Frontrunner To Land Cano, Which Is Not Good News
ARLINGTON, TX: The Mets should run away from trade talks with Seattle for Robinson Cano. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)Getty The buzz today on sports-talk radio in New York was how the Mets are frontrunners to land Robinson Cano from Seattle – even over the Yankees and Red Sox – which, if it happens, could subsequently set their franchise back at least five years.
Neither Machado Nor Harper Or Cano The Right Answer For Mets
DENVER, CO : Signing Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals won't help the Mets. Neither would be adding Manny Machado or Robinson Cano. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)Getty Naturally, when a team adds a player the caliber of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado it changes its culture and dynamics for years. New York sports-radio is all for the Mets signing Machado, but that would be one of the worst things the organization could do.
Undefeated Notre Dame Should Open The Door For Eight-Team Playoff
The Notre Dame logo. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Getty Since the days of Knute Rockne, Notre Dame has been linked to, if not identified with, college football. Look up college football in the dictionary and you will find a photo of the fighting leprechaun and a shamrock. While followers of the sport can appreciate what the Golden Domers have meant to college football, that’s no reason why they should be allowed the hi-jack the playoffs based on their history.
Chiefs-Rams Was Fun To Watch, But Hardly An Instant Classic
LOS ANGELES, CA : Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes (R) of the Kansas City Chiefs congratulates quarterback Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams last night's game. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)Getty Fun to watch? Definitely. Was it one of those games that kept you in your seat until the commercial? Absolutely. But, was last night’s Chiefs-Rams game the best ever Hardly? Not even close. Fastbreak scoring doesn’t make it a classic. In fact, it detracts.
Chiefs-Rams Not Super Bowl Preview; It Will Be Steelers-Saints
JACKSONVILLE, FL: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throwing against Jacksonville yesterday. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).Getty Finally, we’re a few hours from Chiefs-Rams, by many accounts a Super Bowl preview. If you like offense, it should be a great game, one of those games where one should set the alarm for the fourth quarter and then tune in.
DeGrom's Cy Young Award Was About Dominance And Nothing To Do With Analytics
NEW YORK, NY: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets this summer at Citi Field. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Getty In the end, Jacob deGrom’s National League Cy Young Award was less about analytics than it was about domination. The Mets’ ace dominated the voting like no game this season, collecting 29 of 30 first-place votes by the Baseball Writers Association of America – Washington’s Max Scherzer got the other – to become the sixth Cy Young Award winner in franchise history.
How Much Will Machado's Poor Postseason Cost Him In The Free-Agent Market?
Manny Machado will get his money. High-profile players usually do, but how much will his poor playoff performance cost him? Players are allowed down performances. In 1955, the city of Brooklyn prayed for Gil Hodges after the World Series, but who is praying for Machado? Certainly not his current team, the Dodgers, whom he has all-but-dismissed, while the team that shipped him to the West Coast, the Orioles, can’t afford him. Depending on whom you believe, Machado was to make close to $300 million.
Mets New GM Brodie Van Wagenen Addresses Issues
When the issue of a potential conflict-of-interest for former-agent and new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon arises as you know it will, they must have a better response than the one they gave at today’s Citi Field press conference. As a player agent for Creative Artists Agency, Van Wageman’s responsibility was to negotiate the most lucrative contract for his clients.
Mets Take A Gamble With Hire Of Agent Van Wagenen As Their New General Manager
The New York Mets are rebuilding again and in a most unusual way. The Mets announced today their next general manager will be Brodie Van Wagenen, who is the agent for Jacob deGrom and Yoenis Cespedes. Van Wagenen, the son-in-law of the late astronaut Neil Armstrong, will be introduced Tuesday afternoon in a Citi Field press conference. Van Wagenen beat out former Texas and Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin, and Tampa Bay senior vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
Celtics Have Enough To Unseat Warriors For NBA Title
Opening Night in the NBA reinforced two storylines that dominated the offseason: The Boston Celtics are the team to beat in the East; Golden State is the team in the West, and will cruise to its fourth title in five years. Nice and neat, deeming all other storylines as moot. Except this corner believes Boston will prevail to win its 18th title to extend its NBA record. The Celtics also believe they have enough to unseat the Warriors. ''Because of who we have,'' Kyrie Irving said.
Withdrawing From Ohio State A Business Decision For Nick Bosa
The knee-jerk reaction to the news injured Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa plans to withdraw from school is, ''if he can’t play anyway, why doesn’t he stay and work on getting his degree?'' The answer, quite simply, is because Bosa’s purpose in going to Ohio State was to follow his brother Joey to the National Football League. That’s what I surmise after this afternoon’s announcement Bosa is withdrawing from the university to prepare for the NFL Draft in the spring.
Giants Made $75 Million Mistake With Diva Beckham
It wasn’t just Odell Beckham who strutted off the field in disgust a few seconds before halftime while his New York Giants teammates ran one last play – the $75 million guaranteed the organization must pay him was also walking down that tunnel. Earlier in the day, the Giants fined Beckham for his hatchet job ESPN interview.
Frustrated Rodgers Key To Packers' Season
It’s the rage in professional sports these days for players to complain, criticizing coaches, management and teammates alike, but rarely do they look into the mirror. Aaron Rodgers is clearly unhappy with the Green Bay Packers’ offense, but his critique of coach Mike McCarthy’s game plan also includes the words ''I'' and ''me'' and he assumes the responsibility one would expect from somebody with a five-year, $110-million contract signed in 2013.
Why I Will Miss David Wright
David Wright’s eyes welled up and his voice cracked as he tried to fight back tears as he addressed the Citi Field crowd there to honor him. It was a very human thing to do, which is why they filled the park one last time Saturday night to thank the man who was a better person then ballplayer, and was one of them. ''You had my back from day one,'' Wright told the crowd who was there for the fireworks and cheer him because the Mets stopped playing meaningful baseball in May.
Most Compelling Storylines In NFL's Third Week
The Steelers don’t play until tonight, but they were busy making news over the weekend with the report they will listen to trade offers for Le’Veon Bell, who rejected the team’s $14.5 franchise tag and is reportedly riding jet skis and hosting parties in South Florida. He says he doesn’t want to risk injury by playing as to not damage his value in the free-agent market.
Mayfield Era In Cleveland Begins In Dramatic Fashion
Baker Mayfield spoke like a veteran, but more importantly, threw like one. The NFL’s No. 1 pick came off the bench Thursday night in Cleveland to replace the injured Tyrod Taylor and lead the Browns to their first victory in 635 days to break a 19-game winless streak. The Browns, who could’ve won their first two games, were in the process of being blown out by the Jets, who did themselves in when they knocked Taylor out of the game with a concussion.
Shurmur Defends Manning; Urges Fans Not To Panic
When the New York Giants hired Pat Shurmur to be coach, part of their reasoning was his composure under pressure, which he’s currently experiencing after losing his first two games. They hung tough against Jacksonville, but their offense came out flat in Sunday’s loss at Dallas, and the radio talk shows have been grilling Eli Manning since. Never mind the Giants have a make-shift offensive line they will keep rebuilding now that center Jon Halapio is lost for the season with a broken ankle.
Gordon Trade Gives Fans Another Reason To Hate - And Fear - The Patriots
Here’s what Tom Brady was really screaming on the sidelines Sunday: ''Get me Josh Gordon. Now!’’ Almost 24 hours later Cleveland traded the headache of a wide receiver to New England to give many fans another reason to hate the Patriots and illustrated the total dysfunction of the Browns. It also gave us a creepy insight as to what’s wrong with professional sports, in that once again poor behavior is ignored and even rewarded.
Most Compelling Storylines In NFL's Second Week
There’s much one can take from the NFL’s second week, including who’ll get in the playoffs and who won’t. Despite a tie, feel confident in both Green Bay and Minnesota’s chances. Also, the Rams, Chiefs, Jacksonville and Patriots. Here’s what to take away from the NFL’s second week: Collision courses: The Rams in the NFC and Kansas City in the AFC could be headed to a Super Bowl matchup. After two weeks it is clear the Rams are the league’s best.
Darnold, Mahomes Among New Quarterbacks To Make Strong First Impression
Jets fans keep reading in the tabloids and hearing on the radio talk shows how Sam Darnold is different. The New York Post even wrote he is the best thing since Joe Namath. Perhaps he can be, but of the 15 NFL teams that started different quarterbacks than they did last year in Week 1, Darnold is capturing the most attention. After throwing a Pick Six on his first play, Darnold regrouped to throw two touchdown passes in a 48-17 rout at Detroit in a nationally televised game Monday.
Rothlisberger Tries To Be Diplomatic, But Bell's Holdout Turning Bitter
What else would Ben Roethlisberger say? The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback was diplomatic this afternoon when asked about Le’Veon Bell’s holdout that passed today’s deadline many teammates expected would give him several practice days before Sunday’s season opener against Cleveland.
Is Le'Veon Bell Throwing Away Steelers' Career?
Is Le’Veon Bell on the verge of committing professional suicide? The Pittsburgh Steelers running back missed all of training camp for the second straight summer, and after rejecting a franchise tender offer of $14.54 million, they appear ready to move on with James Conner. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement: "We are disappointed Le'Veon Bell has not signed his franchise tender and rejoined his teammates.
A Key Question For Each NFL Team As The Preseason Winds Down
With the NFL’s exhibition schedule coming to an end this week, every team has at least one concern. With the Giants agreeing to terms with receiver Odell Beckham Monday, their ‘’To Do List,’’ is fairly well completed. Other teams aren’t so lucky. The following are the key questions each NFL team must answer: Dallas: Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t played in the preseason, so what is the level of rust? Giants: Will Beckham live up to his word and become a model citizen?
Giants' Blueprint Intact With Beckham Deal
Odell Beckham Jr., got his way. It remains to be seen whether the New York Giants get theirs. Beckham, the immensely talented, but sometimes controversial and misbehaving wide receiver, has been on his best behavior in an attempt to show Giants general manager Dave Gettleman he was worthy of the new contract that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, which he became today by agreeing to a five-year extension valued a $95 million.
DeGrom Dominant, But Tough Luck Loser Against Giants
Jacob deGrom has been a lot of things this season, but perhaps never more stand-up than in today’s loss to San Francisco. The Mets’ ace, who has arguably been the best pitcher in the major leagues – maybe even Cy Young worthy – was beaten today by the combination of Madison Bumgarner, a run-producing passed ball and a lack of offensive support. The one thing deGrom would not blame the 3-1 loss on was umpire Tony Randazzo’s missed call.
Nationals Rush To Make A Bad Decision
General manager Mike Rizzo’s decision to wave the white flag on the Washington Nationals’ season couldn’t help me think back to the arrogance of his move in 2012 to pull Stephen Strasburg from the rotation to preserve him for future pennant races. A team’s obligation to its paying customers, something Rizzo forgot six years ago, and apparently yesterday when he traded Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams to the chagrin to most of the average of 31,940 that attend each Nationals’ game this season.
No Major Surprises In Initial AP Preseason College Football Poll
There were no real surprises when The Associated Press released its Top 25 poll today. Defending champion Alabama ranked No.1, followed by Clemson, Georgia, Wisconsin are in the top four. The closest thing to a surprise has Wisconsin ranked fourth ahead of Ohio State (5), but perhaps not considering the turmoil surrounding the Buckeyes and their coach Urban Meyer, whose fate could be decided Wednesday.
Jets Coach Bowles Rips Pryor For Discussing Injuries
One would think New York Jets coach Todd Bowles would have better things on his mind to worry about, like trying to improve his team. Instead, the news out of Jets’ camp today was the head coach ripping receiver Terrelle Pryor, who talked to reporters about his recent injuries. Never mind the NFL puts out injury reports every week and the press will get the information regardless. What is Bowles trying to do, trying to imitate Bill Belichick? "Terrelle doesn't need to be descriptive,’’ Bowles said.
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