Major League Baseball Season Preview '20-'21

It’s SPRING Season! Welcome to the best part of the year for all Baseball Fans. The Spring Season kicks off this Sunday and with all teams on par to play starting this weekend. With a lot of off season moves, many teams have positioned themselves to make a run at the Pennant. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest moves, and favorite teams in each League. 

 

Big Acquisitions: National League

 

New York Mets: Francisco Lindor SS, Taijuan Walker P;

 

The signing Pitcher Taijuan Walker and Trading for perennial All-Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor. Walker has a huge upside coming off a two-year absence due to Tommy John Surgery. Since his return (Walker) he has an ERA of 2.70 and is only 28 years of age mlb.com. The “Amazins’” will rely on their depth and their defense to make a push for the postseason. There’s hope for that with Francisco, who is 27 years of age with a career batting average at .285. 

 

Los Angeles Dodgers: Trevor Bauer P; 

 

The defending Champs have reloaded for another run. Even with the turnover of certain players, the addition of Bauer matched with an already strong bullpen; the core of most of last year’s team remains. The Dodgers are in line for another Pennant run. 

 

St. Louis Cardinals: Nolan Arenado 3B.

 

The Cardinals get the guy they’ve been longing for at Third Base. A steal from the Rockies, Arenado has M.V.P potential for a team that has all the tools to make a Pennant run this season. 

 

San Diego Padres: Yu Darvish P; Blake Snell P; Joe Musgrove P; Fernando Tatis Jr. SS;

 

It’s hard not to mention the San Diego Padres with all the noise they’ve done this Off Season. They’ve added more pitching to all the bats and with extension of arguably the most exciting young player in the league in Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres can make some noise in a tough National League. 

 

Big Acquisitions: American League

 

Tampa Bay Rays:  Mike Zunino C;

 

Though the defending American League Champs traded away one of their best players in Blake Snell; do not count the Rays out. This is a team with a deep bullpen and most of the core is still intact. In fact, the Rays brought back a few familiar faces in Mike Zunino (Re-Sign) and Chris Archer. 

 

Chicago White Sox: Lance Lynn P;

 

With an Offense that can score from any position and an M.V.P Candidate in Jose Abreu; The White Sox have a chance with an added arm in Lance Lynn. 

 

World Series Prediction:

 

New York Yankees: Corey Kluber P;

 

It feels like this team has been destined to break through for years. With still a young core all signed. The Yankees have their Ace in Cole; now with the addition of Kluber, the Yankees again are big favorites for a World Series push. 

 

vs

 

Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test of Time Vol#1: Ms. Serena Williams

 The greatest Tennis player of our time, very arguable. Arguably, also the greatest Athlete of our time. Serena Williams has been the dominate force in Tennis over the past three decades. As they say, with all great reigns, father time is undefeated. Could this be the year that Ms. Serena Williams steps away? Personally, I hope not. Her grace, competitiveness and style has garnered a new attention to the sport throughout her years. 

 

With new heroes on the rise, at the top of their game namely, Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep. Young comers like; Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova and Bianca Andreescu. All seek to have similar success as Serena Williams. With 25 years professionally, according to Whitney McIntosh for SBNation.com; Ms. Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam Single matches, 316 Slam matches, a 72-20 record in Grand Slam competition and 172 wins versus top 10 opponents. 

 

Not only in her own accomplishments, as a doubles Champion shared with her; Hall of Fame career sister, Venus Williams; the two have 14 wins in Double’s championships. They are the only siblings to rank #1 and #2 within the same sport in the same calendar year. They’re also undefeated in Double’s match play, when reaching a Final Championship match. Maybe her biggest accomplishment with all the accolades, is her non-stop fire to remain at the top of her game. 

 

Recently her loss to Naomi Osaka, at the Australian Open Semi-Final. Has many asking if the reign of one of the most illustrious careers ever in sport, is near an end. According to D’Arcy Maine for ESPN.com; “…the questions started on television, social media and maybe from your couch: Was the match all that was over?”. I sure hope not, we should all hope she decides to leave the game, on her own terms. Hopefully, a few more Grand Slams, a few more patent screams and fist pumps. To watch greatness for just a little while longer, before father time wins again. 

Moe's NFL Mock Draft 1.0

With the season now over and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers crowned Champions. Here's a look forward to what teams may or may not due, moving into next season for their respective first round picks;

No Trades in Draft Order applied. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence QB - Clemson

*The only obvious choice in this years draft. He was a stud in college and has all the tools to pull Jacksonville back to respectability. 

2. New York Jets - Penei Sewell OT - Oregon

*This is where the draft will start, in my opinion. Under Adam Gase and talent around him, I believe Sam Darnold is a starting QB in the NFL. Sewell is regarded as the next great Left Tackle. It's time to build under the new Regime. 

3. Miami Dolphins - Devonta Smith WR - Alabama

*As much as I believe Ja'marr Chase should be here, you can't fight against chemistry. With the relationship between Tua and Devonta already there from their collegiate days in Alabama, adding the year that Devonta just had, he's the right pick. 

4. Atlanta Falcons - Zach Wilson QB - BYU

*The Falcons have a lot of holes to fill but with the aging and contract with Matt Ryan. You have to look to the future in this spot. Zach can sit and learn behind the Pro Bowler Matty Ice. 

5. Cincinnati Bengals - Kyle Pitts TE - U of Florida

*Your QB is Joe Burrow, now get him some help. Arguably the best catching prospect in this draft and the talent level of a Travis Kelce/Antonio Gates type. You can get someone who's an immediate outlet for Burrow. 

6. Philadelphia Eagles - Ja'Marr Chase WR - LSU

*Regardless of who their QB is. They need healthy weapons to throw too. With many of their WR going to be Free Agents, the Eagles get maybe the best Wideout in this class. 

7. Detroit Lions - Jaylen Waddle WR - Alabama

*With the trade for Jared Goff settled, the Lions surround him with talent. Similar to the Eagles situation, with a lot of pending WR in Free Agency. The Lions get a top prospect who some say was better than his teammate when healthy. 

8. Carolina Panthers - Justin Fields QB - Ohio State

*With reports of Carolina trying to trade Teddy Bridgewater, they sit tight and luckily have a top talent fall to them in Fields. He can sit behind the Vet for one year and be ready to go in year 2. 

9. Denver Broncos - Micah Parsons LB/Edge - Penn State

*John Elway is still searching for a QB but with the top three gone and Von Miller probably gone. You look at that next Hybrid type that can replace Von Miller in Micah Parsons. He's Strong, Fast, and can get to the QB. 

10. Dallas Cowboys - Rashawn Slater OT - Northwestern

*After significant injuries that depleted a great offensive line. The Cowboys need to re-tool and get back to what they do best. Handing it to their bell cow Eziekel Elliott and play action down field with hopefully a healthy Dak Presscott. 

11. New York Giants - Gregory Rousseau DE/Edge - U of Miami

*With all the top offensive talent gone. Under Patrick Graham's scheme this defense desperately needs a pass rusher. They get one of the best in this class with Rousseau. 

12. San Francisco 49ers - Trey Lance QB - NDSU

*With Jimmy Garoppolo injuries history, I wouldn't be surprised if San Francisco tries to grab a veteran in Free Agency and also Grab a Rookie here. This is a team with Super Bowl talent window that can close if they can get consistent QB play. 

13. Los Angeles Chargers - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB - Notre Dame

*With a loaded offense and a promising young QB. This team needs help on the Defensive side of the ball in the Offensive heavy AFC West Division. They can get a LB who similar to Parsons can do a little bit of everything. 

14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye DE/Edge - Michigan

*The once revered defensive line is gone. With a identity on Offense and a young secondary now with experience. Look for Coach Zimmerman to find someone to get to the QB. 

15. New England Patriots - Mac Jones QB - Alabama

*Belichick has to start somewhere and why not start with someone who just won a National Championship with your friend/colleague Nick Saban. He can make all the throws, he isn't flashy and just gets the job done. 

16. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Farley  CB - Virginia Tech

*This was one of the most prolific Offenses to watch last year and a defense who just couldn't cover late in games. With Patrick Patterson's time ticking, the Cardinals get secondary help, they need. 

17. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Barmore DT - Alabama

*The Raiders aren't far off from contention but they need more help on the defensive side of the ball. The one weakness was up the middle as teams ran the ball more and more especially in the Red Zone. 

18. Miami Dolphins - Azeez Ojulari DE/Edge - Georgia

*With the Offensive side of the ball pretty much covered. Though they could use a RB here, I think you go to the next big need. Brian Flores has done a tremendous job and this unit gets better by adding a pass rusher to help a young secondary. 

19. Washington Football Team - Patrick Surtain II CB - Alabama

*With a defense that is already one of the best in the league, they do need help with coverage. Patrick Surtain II will help fill that void. 

20. Chicago Bears - Christian Darishaw OT - Virginia Tech

*No matter who's at QB or who's at WR they need to fix this Offensive Line. Too many pressures is a large part to why they can't get any kind of play at QB. 

21. Indianapolis Colts - Jaycee Horn CB - South Carolina 

*This is a ready playoff team that needs a QB. With the top QB's gone, they're going to have to let some Free Agents go in order to sign or trade for a Veteran. With that being said, the glaring hole is at the Corner position and that gets filled with one of the better Cornerbacks in Jaycee Horn. 

22. Tennesse Titans - Joseph Ossai DE/Edge - Texas

*This defense needs a pass rusher. They can get a WR in the later Rounds but the need at this point is getting the QB. Jadeveon Clowney probably will not return. 

23. New York Jets - Najee Harris RB - Alabama

*The help for Darnold continues and arguably the best back in the draft. Najee can do everything you need and the Jets need him to do it all. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Trevon Moehrig S - TCU

*The Steelers secondary has been an issue and they end up with the best Safety in this class.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travis Etienne RB - Clemson

*For the first time in a long time, we will see two RB's taken in the first round. These two are that good. Travis Etienne will be a day one starter in Jacksonville. 

26. Cleveland Browns - Jayson Oweh DE/Edge - Penn State

*The Browns have to help Myles Garrett with a running mate to take away some of the double teams he sees. With an identity on Offense of run first, the Browns find a decent rusher in Oweh. 

27. Baltimore Ravens - Nick Bolton LB - Missouri

*I'd like to see Baltimore find another weapon for Action Jackson but with a defense that will lose players to Free Agency, they fill holes at LB with Nick Bolton. 

28. New Orleans Saints - Jaelan Phillips DE-Edge - Univ. of Miami

*With Drew Brees likely to retire a Hall of Fame Career. Tom Brady likely to return with a team behind him. The Saints have to get pressure on Brady and they can do that with Phillips. 

29. Green Bay Packers - Olijah Vera-Tucker OT - USC

*Injuries hurt the Offensive line late in the season. I do think a CB will come later in the draft but Aaron Rogers has to be upright in order to compete. 

30. Buffalo Bills - Kadarius Toney WR - Univ. of Florida

*He's a playmaker and that's exactly what the Bills need if they want to overcome the Chiefs. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs - Samuel Cosmi OT - Texas

*This is a need beyond needs. With injuries on the O Line derailing the season. They need depth at the position. 

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Alex Leatherwood OT - Alabama

*You want to win another ring, you have to protect Tom at all cost. 

Will the N.F.L ever Fair Minorities to Authority Positioning?

It seems as if things will never change, when it comes to Head Office positions within the National Football League. The shield has been around for 102 years. Let me address this again, the National Football League as we know it to be, has been around for 102 years. Yet, there has been nearly little, to no representation of minority Executive Positioning or Head Coaching opportunities granted. 

 

The year is now 2021, with 32 clubs representing their respective Cities: according to NFL.com sources. The players within the #1 grossing sport in America; according to moneyinc.com. Generating $13 Billion dollars in one year; is made up of 70% minority athletes. There are only 2, yes, 2 minority Owners over the league existence: Ms. Kim Pegula of the Buffalo Bills and Mr. Shahid Rafiq Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Of the two Owners within the League, 5, yes 5 have Head Coaching positions are currently held by minorities:

 

1.     Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

2.     Ron Rivera (Washington Football Team)

3.     Brian Flores (Miami Dolphins)

4.     *David Culley (Houston Texans)

5.     *Robert Saleh (New York Jets)

 

*Newly Acquired to the position this year, 2021. 

 

These are the highest positions within a Sport, that is predominantly ran by minority handlers. In fact, it wasn’t until after World War II according to “Remember the AFL” writer Fred Arbanas states; Minorities didn’t begin to become relevant within the NFL, until the 1960’s. It was the Leagues competitor during prior years, the American Football League or A.F.L was pioneering in allowing minority Athletes play professionally. 

 

In 2003, the National Football League introduced the Rooney Rule. This rule required all teams to interview a minority coach for a vacant Head Coaching position. In 2009, this rule and terms were expanded to include the General Manager Position. This rule has now in 2020 been altered again to increase the Interviewing process to at least two minorities and a female coach. With all of these qualifications in place, the impact has been minimal. Are minority Coaches that unqualified for the positions entailed? Or is nepotism the main course for certain actions within the majority of the Organizations? Will minorities of this league get their fair share? All remains to be seen. 

 

SUPER...Bowl??

 This was by far the result, of what was to be anticipated by many. No one expected a lopsided victory by any team. However, that’s exactly what occurred in yesterday’s Super Bowl victory for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tom Brady made history winning his Seventh, count them, Seventh Championship in probably the most difficult competitive team sport known to man. 

 

Combined with a physical defense that kept the Kansas City Chiefs out of the endzone for the entire game. Unheard of? Absolutely! This is an Offense that averaged around thirty points (29.6) per game, during the regular season. Whom of which, was held to only nine, yes, nine total points in the biggest game of the year. 

 

This means two things moving forward into next season. One, Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers will be back and scary to believe, they will be better than they were this season. The team looks completely in-tact with a possibility of losing some defensive stars to Free Agency. Even with the loses, the keep the main piece that started this turn around for the Franchise, you guessed it, Tom Brady. Looking to obtain an imaginable, tenth Super Bowl appearance and his eight Championship. 

 

Two, this means Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be measured on how they respond after a disappointing end. Finishing the season with a 15- and 3-win loss record. Mahomes in particular will look to redeem himself with another great season in his young career and return to the big game where, I’m sure, he’d hope to see these same Buccaneers and Tom Brady across opposite sidelines. 

The Super Bowl of Super Bowls

 

 

It’s that time of year you guys. You know what I’m talking about. It’s Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, featuring probably the most intriguing match-up in recent years. There hasn’t been this much excitement since 2015 when the then, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots eclipsed the then, defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks in one of the most controversial endings ever. 

 

Now, the Legendary 43-year-old takes on a new challenge. Only one year after leaving Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Tom Brady looks to become the only Quarterback in N.F.L history to win his Seventh Championship Title, one in both Conferences and only the second Championship for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hold on folks because in order to achieve this feat, he’s going up against his toughest test to date. 

 

The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Lead by none other than two-time league M.V.P Patrick Mahomes. Ever since taking over the starting job in Kansas City, Mahomes has been nothing short of amazing. Taking his team to three A.F.C Championship games in a row. Reaching his second Super Bowl in consecutive years, looking for his second Championship title, all at the age of 25. Trying to out play, this generations greatest player, Tom Brady.  

 

This game has the makings of an old school Hollywood Western showdown between two gunslingers, whom both of which, all they do is win. This will be Head Coach Bruce Arians first time as a Head Coach, pursuing a Super Bowl title after winning one back in 2009 as the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andy Reid looks to elevate his Hall of Fame career, by winning his second Super Bowl Championship. 

 

This one is going to be close. Tune in! See you on Monday.

 

Super Bowl Prediction:

Kansas City 34

Tampa Bay 31

 

Picture Credit: Collectible Supplies