Final Mock Draft

With six days until the NFL Draft in Chicago, it is time I put together my final three round mock for the Baltimore Ravens.

1st Round- Melvin Gordon RB Wisconsin

The more I think about this pick, the more I think it is going to be Gordon. The Ravens are known for always picking a quality prospect that makes an unexpected draft day fall. While Gordon may not be considered a falling prospect, we have seen RBs become less and less valuable when it comes to the draft. While Gordon doesn't fit an immediate need, the productive runner makes good long-term since and is definitely a value pick.


2nd Round- Devin Smith WR Ohio State

This years draft is absolutely stacked with wide receivers. With that, one potential first rounder is bound to tumble during the draft. In this scenario I am guessing that it will be Smith simply because the media hype other guys are getting at this point. This pick would be great for the Ravens, in fact, many people have predicted this being their first round pick throughout the draft process.

3rd Round- P.J. Williams CB Florida State

Yet another value pick here for the Ravens. However, this one fills an immediate need. This guy was once touted as a first round prospect due to his athleticism and relatively weak CB class. However, after some off field problems, his stock has slipped.

Jordan Speith...Maryland's Golfer (Kinda)

A couple weeks ago I wrote about Tiger Woods and his impact on the game of golf. While Tiger isn't really a Baltimore sports story, it was a big enough story to talk about. This week, I bring the biggest story in golf today, and oddly enough, a baltimore golf story.

If you are reading this, I'm sure you are aware of Jordan Spieth and his Master's win. This 21 year old star has the change to bring golf back to the forefront of sports. Now I'm sure you think I'm crazy. Spieth isn't from Maryland. In fact, he lives in the heart of Texas. But hear me out....

Back in Baltimore, we don't care about the companies like Nike and Adidas. We have our own. Our pride...Under Armour. Now most people know who UA is, they are one of the biggest sports apparel companies in the world, but not many people associate them with golf. Especially, when talking about the PGA Tour. In fact, UA founder Kevin Plank recently told the story of him and two other Under Armour employees franticly withdrawing $8000 cash just to get a player to wear their clothing in the Masters. Fast forward to now, Jordan Spieth is perhaps the biggest name in golf. While Tiger and Rory are still perhaps the most well-known, Spieth's win has catapulted himself into that conversation. And, best of all, you guessed it...Spieth is the face of Under Armour Golf.

So with that, it doesn't matter that Spieth is a Texan. He is Baltimore's Texan. He is Baltimore's golfer.

Orioles: Week in Review

Well baseball season has officially begun and the Orioles have won their first series of the year. This is the first installment of a series that I will do throughout the season reviewing the prior week for the Orioles.

Game 1- The Orioles started the season hot with a win over the Rays. O's ace Chris Tillman put in a solid effort throughout the middle innings and put the team in a great position to win. The injury and suspension riddled line up was carried by last season's hero Steve Pearce and new comer Travis Snider. Pearce continued to rake at the Trop with an opening day home run.

Game 2- The Orioles put in another solid effort against the Rays. Through an early inning offensive explosion, the O's jumped out to a commanding 6 run lead. Steve Pearce continued his "Ray-killing"ways with another home run. O's pitcher Wei-Yin Chen didn't quite have his best stuff, running out of steam in the middle innings. However, the bullpen was able to pick him up and preserve the win.

Game 3- With the chance for the early season sweep, Miguel Gonzalez took the hill for the O's. Much like the previous two starters, Gonzalez put up a solid, but far from dominating effort. Unlike the first two games, the O's offense was non-existent , failing to score a single run. With that, the O's fell in the final game of the series by a score of 2-0.

Overall, the opening series for the Orioles was a good one. However, it is apparent that the success of the team is going to rely primarily on the ability of the starting pitching. If they can get deep into games, the offense will be there in the majority of the games. With a series win under their belt, the O's will play their home opening series against the Blue Jays later today.

Tiger Woods and His Meaning for Golf

With Tiger's recent announcement about returning for the Masters, I wanted to take some time to think about how much Woods means to the game of golf.  Ever since I was little, Woods has been The Guy. There was no one who could make the game as exciting to watch, let alone compete with him. Frankly, he was my idol. Then came that fateful Thanksgiving, when the world found out about the real Tiger. I was crushed. Don't get me wrong, I think Tiger's actions were despicable and he deserves every bit of hatred that the general population gives him. However, to this day, that isn't the Tiger Woods I see. I see the Tiger who made golf cool to watch. I see the Tiger who made me want to play.

For that reason, I was happy to see Tiger return to form following his public shaming. I was happy to see the PGA Player of the Year Tiger back on the course. However, it was obviously short lived. Now us golf fans are subjected to nonstop questions about whether or not Tiger will regain form.

This brings me to my point. It isn't just us Tiger fans that are rooting for a return to form. The PGA Tour needs it. Since Tiger has decline, and more recently not played, the game has failed to capture the casual fan. With that, the game is no longer growing. Kids just now seeing the game don't have someone to look up to like we did. Sure, we can hope for Ricky Fowler or Jordan Speith to take over as the "next Tiger", but who knows when we will see someone dominate at a level like Tiger did.

10 Days Till Opening Day

With just 10 days remaining before the star of the 2015 MLB season, it is a good time to look back at my earlier post and see where my predictions stand.

First, let's take a look at the two additions to the roster since my last post.
Travis Snider RF
Everth Cabrera SS/2B/OF

In that post I also predicted 5 locks for the everyday line-up.
   

Adam Jones CF
J.J. Hardy SS
Manny Machado 3B
Matt Wieters C
Chris Davis 1B (after one-game suspension)

The only change here is that Matt Wieters' elbow is taking longer than expected to heal and he will not be ready for opening day. With that in mind, Caleb Joseph will be the fill in until he is healthy.

In that same post I predicted the remaining 4 spots in the line up. My predictions were as follows:
LF:Alejandro De Aza, Nolan Reimold, David Lough
RF:Steve Pearce, David Lough
2B: Jonathan Schoop,  Ryan Flaherty, Everth Cabrera 
DH: Delmon Young, Steve Pearce

For the most part, my predictions look to be coming true. The one difference comes with the addition of RF Travis Snider. Snider will likely be the primary right fielder. With Snider taking the right field spot, last year's hero Steve Pearce will likely be the primary DH. The only other note with these predictions is that it looks like Jonathan Schoop is going to be given every opportunity to be the everyday second baseman for the foreseeable future. 

Below are my two predicted line ups. The first is from my original post and my second is updated. 
1)Alejandro De Aza LF
2)Manny Machado 3B
3)Adam Jones CF
4)Chris Davis 1B
5)Matt Wieters C
6)JJ Hardy SS
7)Steve Pearce RF
8)Delmon Young DH
9)Jonathan Schoop 2B

1)Alejandro De Aza LF
2)Manny Machado 3B
3)Adam Jones CF
4)Chris Davis 1B
5)JJ Hardy SS
6)Steve Pearce DH
7)Travis Snider RF
8)Jonathan Schoop 2B
9)Caleb Joseph C

March Madness

The greatest weekend in sports has begun, and it has started with a bang. Yesterday was the epitome of what makes the NCAA Basketball Tournament great with wins by 14 seeds Georgia State and UAB. As with every tournament, millions of people have filled out brackets with the hopes of winning brackets pools. This tournament seems to have a favorite that most people are picking--Kentucky. However, if you truly want to win your pool you have to go against popular opinion. Let's look at some potential "value" picks to in the tournament.

Arizona #2 seed--> Arizona is a team overlooked by many people, but they have a legitimate shot to make a run to the finals.
Wisconsin #1 seed--> Wisconsin is the 1 seed in the same region as Arizona and for the same reasons they have a shot to make a run.


Potential high seeds who can make a run
Ohio State #10 Seed--> Yes, yet another team from Wisconsin's region. The reason I like them is simple, D'Angelo Russell. Russell is a freshman stud from the same ilk of Carmelo Anthony. Like Anthony, I could see Russell carrying his team deep into the tournament.


Providence #6 Seed--> Providence is the 6 seed from the wide open region led by Villanova. In march, guard play carries teams through the tournament. That's exactly what Providence has with their elite backcourt led by now-healthy Kris Dunn.

Michigan State #7 Seed--> What is there to say about Michigan State? Tom Izzo just finds a way to have his team win in March. Led by Izzo, I can see Michigan State making a run to the final four if they can escape UVA in the round of 32.

Projecting the Ravens Free Agency

If we know anything about Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens, it's that they always focus on signing their own players first and they rarely spend big on an unrestricted free agent. Newsome clearly likes to focus on players who have been cut by other teams because their signings do not impact comp draft picks. With this in mind, let's take a look at some potential free agent signings.

Current Raven's Free Agents:

Pernell Mcphee:

Mcphee has been a pleasant surprise for the Ravens since being drafted in the 5th round. However, it looks like he will follow in the footsteps of Paul Kruger and find more money outside of Baltimore

My Guess: The Colts. The Colts have and need for a pass rusher like Mcphee and there are obvious ties to Chuck Pagono (Former Ravens DC)

Torrey Smith:
Torrey Smith might be the best guy on the team off of the field. He is the guy you want representing your team in public. However, his reputation off the field likely doesn't make up for his production on the field. Don't get me wrong, Smith has been a solid receiver, but he hasn't developed into the star they hoped. While the Ravens would love to have him back, they likely won't be able to match the contract he will get elsewhere.

My Guess: Panthers or Jaguars. Both teams need a speedy wide receiver and have the ability to over-pay for that guy.

Justin Forsett:
Forsett was probably the biggest surprise on the Ravens last year. He went from considering retirement to a career year on the field. While he is old for a running back, he doesn't have the typical history of running backs his age. For that reason, it is very possible he still has a lot of football left in him. While it is impossible to tell if Forsett can replicate his unexpected year, he is a guy that has a history of being a great influence in the locker room so it wouldn't surprise me if Ozzie tries to bring him back on a modest deal.

My Guess: I think the Ravens take care of their own here. They may let him test his market, but this is a case where I don't think he will get overpaid elsewhere. Also, I believe that both sides were thrilled with last year and have genuine interest in continuing that relationship.


Outside Free Agents:

Andre Johnson: Here is a guy that looks great on paper, he could be the Steve Smith of last year. He has been a stud on the field and well respected leader off of it for years. Johnson would likely be an improvement over Torrey Smith if he decides to sign somewhere else this offseason. However, if the Ravens went this direction their starting receivers would be a combined 70 years old at the start of the year. In my opinion, if the Ravens go this route it makes it important that they draft a high-upside receiver to develop under their veterans.

My Guess: I have my doubts about Johnson coming to Baltimore. I think he will get a contract a bit above what the Ravens are willing to pay because it looks like a bunch of teams will have interest. I could see him signing with the Patriots.

Cary Williams: This move would make a lot of sense seeing as Williams won a Super Bowl here prior to signing with the Eagles. While Williams won't be mistaken for a shutdown corner, he would help the Ravens pathetic secondary.

My Guess: I think the Ravens have a real chance here if Williams makes it past his initial visits with other teams. Many insiders have noted that there is mutual interest between the two sides and a reunion may occur. Other teams in the mix include the Seahawks and Titans so far.

Winners and Losers from the NFL Combine

As many of you know, the NFL held their annual scouting combine this past week. For those of you who don't know, the combine is where potential draft picks are put through a variety of on-field and interview drills in order to test their NFL readiness. With that in mind, every year there are players who both help, and hurt their pending draft stock. Let's look at the winners of the 2015 NFL combine:

Winners: 

QBs Jameis Winston  Marcus Mariota: Both look comfortable on the field and apparently really impressed in the interview room. Both are likely top 10 if not not 5 selections

Comparison of Mariota (Front) and Winston running the 40-yard dash 

CB Trae Waynes: Waynes was considered to be the top corner available to begin with, and he did solidified  that claim in Indy. Along with, running a  4.31 forty, Waynes also performed at a high level during the drill portion of the event.                                   

CB Byron Jones: Jones may have improved his stock most out of anyone.  Jones posted a combine record broad jump of 12 feet 3 inches. Along with his record jump, Jones posted the second best vertical jump overall at 44.5 inches. 

Jones' record broad jump

Potential Opening Day Lineup

Baseball is back! Well, not quite, but pitchers and catchers reported to spring training so we are getting closer. It's in that spirit that I'm going to project the Oriole's everyday line-up for 2015.

 Let's start with the locks:                

Adam Jones CF
J.J. Hardy SS
Manny Machado 3B
Matt Wieters C
Chris Davis 1B (after one-game suspension)

That means the Orioles need to 4 spots in the lineup:
*Leaders are highlighted
LF:Alejandro De Aza, Nolan Reimold, David Lough
RF:Steve Pearce, David Lough
2B: Jonathan Schoop,  Ryan Flaherty, Everth Cabrera
DH: Delmon Young, Steve Pearce

With the positions now projected, let's look at the "likely" lineup:

1)Alejandro De Aza LF
2)Manny Machado 3B
3)Adam Jones CF
4)Chris Davis 1B
5)Matt Wieters C
6)JJ Hardy SS
7)Steve Pearce RF
8)Delmon Young DH
9)Jonathan Schoop 2B

Now this line-up has the potential to be scary, but it is banking highly on players returning from injury. Manny Machado was a potential 40 doubles hitter prior to both of his knee injuries. Chris Davis led the league in home runs prior to a horrendous year last year. Matt Wieters was off to the best start of his career prior to Tommy John surgery. Bottomline, the Oriole's offense will likely live or die by the players returning from injury.

Whatever the lineup is come opening day, the Yard is sure to be packed with excited O's fans looking forward to another competitive year in the AL East.

2015 NFL Mock Draft

Well, the football season is at its slowest point of the year. There isn't too much to talk about other than, that's right, the 2015 draft. I know, trying to put together a mock draft is a total crapshoot this early, but why not give it a shot. Here we go....

Baltimore Ravens 2015 3 Round Mock
Note**Only doing three rounds here because mid-round picks are virtually impossible to project prior to the combine.


Round 1: Marcus Peters CB Washington 

Analysis: Marcus Peters would be a classic Ravens draft pick. A top 10 talent with significant character concerns that will undoubtedly make him slip come draft day. The Ravens have a glaring need a CB and Peters is likely able to make an impact early in the season. Along with the obvious needs, the Ravens are no strangers to picking CBs with potential red flags. In the 2011 draft, they drafted Jimmy Smith after his first round slide due to his own character concerns. 







Round 2: Sammie Coates WR Auburn 

Analysis: Coates has a freakish blend of size, speed and strength. Reportedly has been clocked in the 4.3s in the 40-yard dash and this speed is apparent on the field. The Ravens also have a need at WR with Torrey Smith being a free agent and not much depth behind Steve Smith Sr. 



Round 3: TJ Yeldon RB Alabama

Analysis: Classic BPA draft pick here. Yeldon is likely to slip in the draft following his relatively disappointing season.It would make tons of sense for the Ravens to take a chance on him here because of their need at RB. Yeldon, a big, one-cut RB is a great fit in the offensive scheme.


This draft sets up to fill the majors holes in the Raven's rosters. With this set-up, I would predict that the Ravens would need to address the Safety and Defensive Line positions. 

What Should The Ravens Do With Pick 26?

Well, the football season is now officially over following the Patriot's Super Bowl 49 win over the Seahawks. As a football fan, that means one thing-on to the draft.  In this year's draft, the Ravens hold the 26th overall pick in the first round. When looking at potential draft picks, the first thing to look for is potential needs. For the sake of argument I have identified three main positions of need this offseason.

1) Secondary
There is no doubt that the secondary was the biggest point of weakness for the Ravens this year with a season ending injury to their best secondary player Jimmy Smith, the down year from Lardarius Webb, lack of production from the safety position, and a carousel of no-name defensive backs filling in. The Ravens secondary could face even more change in the coming months. Will Hill, the sole semi-bright spot in the secondary facing an arrest warrant, and Webb potentially being cut due to his contract. 

Potential Secondary Draft Picks:
Marcus Peters CB (Washington)
Trae Waynes CB (Michigan State)
Landon Collins S (Alabama)

2) Running Back
The need here is pretty straightforward. Obviously with the Ray Rice debacle behind them, the Ravens turned to Justin Forsett. Forsett, who is coming off of a career year, is an impending free agent who will likely have the chance to make more money outside of Baltimore. 

Potential RB Draft Picks:
Melvin Gordon RB (Wisconsin)
Todd Gurley RB (Georgia)

3) Pass Rusher
Pass Rushers are players that every team needs. While the Ravens have two stud OLBs, they could use some help on the defensive line. Pernell McPhee is likely to get a large pay raise somewhere other than Baltimore, while veteran Chris Canty could chose to retire. With that, the Ravens could look to pick up a pass rusher if they see fit. 

Potential Pass Rusher Picks:
 Leonard Williams (USC) 
Shane Ray(Missouri)
Dante Fowler, Jr. (Florida)


Other potential needs: WR, OL, TE
What I think will happen:
Too be honest, your guess is as good as mine. It seems like there is always a player that falls into reach of Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens, and he has repeatedly shown that he is willing to pick the best player available regardless of need. If I had to guess, I would predict that the Ravens will draft their highest rated player amongst defensive backs and running backs. 

Well That Didn't Go As Planned...

Who would have guessed it could have gotten worse than last week. That's right...The Blue Jay's have given up on their pursuit and Dan Duquette is staying as the GM of the Orioles (for now). Just to recap the recent events in the O's offseason, the only rumblings in the 41o are about the potential of a Duquette to Toronto move. Well, those rumors seems to heat up even more last week when it was reported that the two teams were in negotiations for a trade that would send a top prospect back to the Orioles in exchange for their coveted GM. Much to my dismay, those rumors were quickly squashed by Oriole's beat reporters who made it clear that owner Peter Angelos was not willing to negotiate a deal and the Jays were unwilling to part with a prized player. Personally, I don't understand. You have a GM who has failed to show the ability to do his job in the midst of these rumors, but you are unwilling to accept the value you can get in exchange for him. We aren't talking about the Dan Duquette who has pushed all the right buttons the past couple years. We are talking about the Dan Duquette who has sat on his hands all offseason while clearly dreaming about the Blue Jay's job. He might be the worse possible person to have in the job right now. So cheers Baltimore, our owner has once again managed to take a step backwards after being competitive.

Not so bright in Bmore

The week has been pretty brutal for Baltimore sports fans. The injury-riddled season of our beloved Ravens came to an end at the hands of perhaps our biggest rival not named the Steelers. Now, not only do we have to watch the (cheating) Patriots play in the Super Bowl, all us fans hear about the Orioles is how our General Manager is headed north of the border to division rival Toronto. If you ask me, it's time for him to hit the road. 

It's pretty clear that the possible Toronto move has been on the mind of Duquette all offseason. I know, Duquette swore up and down that the rumors wouldn't weigh on his mind while at the MLB Winter Meetings, but it's pretty clear that is simply untrue. I mean, what have the Orioles done? Home run leader Nelson Cruz? Gone. Team leader Nick Markakis? See you later. Look I get it, baseball is a business and you can't pay everyone. I was even cautiously optimistic about who they would sign as replacements. However, it became pretty clear that they weren't going to sign anyone. You know it's pretty bad when you get upset at losing out on the average bat of Colby Rasmus. Oh right, they signed Wesley Wright. No offense to Wesley, but who the hell is he. With everything that's happened (or hasn't), it's obvious to me that Duquette's priorities are no longer in Baltimore and the Orioles should just cut ties. On the bright side, the best player they get this offseason will probably be the guy they get back as compensation from the Blue Jays. 

The only reason to have a sliver of hope comes from last offseason. The two biggest offseason signings came in February with Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz. The problem this year is that there is no player of that caliber left. Only hope for us O's fans is a return of 2013 Chris Davis and a healthy Manny Machado. If that doesn't happen, well...only 6 months till the Ravens report for training camp.