NBA Playoff Picks- Western Conference

April 13, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The NBA season stinks. We all know it, but the playoffs is a different level of intensity. We actually see the best players in the world play at their highest level. With the playoffs starting Saturday night let’s make our picks.

Western Conference

(1)Houston Rockets vs. (8)Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves find themselves in the playoffs for the first time since the 2004 season. The Rockets come in as heavy favorites coming off of a historic season. Mike D’Antoni’s up tempo style has been massively effective with the addition of Chris Paul. Veterans like PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon have provided grittiness to a style that historically has been looked at as a more of a finesse approach.

The Wolves have to have Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns carry the load on both ends of the court. The defense as a whole must step up big time to have any chance to pull off an upset in this series. The Timberwolves have allowed 108.4 points per 100 possessions, 23rd in the league and smack in the neighborhood of such defensive juggernauts as the Grizzlies and Knicks. Jimmy Butler is good enough to contain James Harden during this series but Jeff Teague matching up with Chris Paul is a nightmare to Minnesota fans. The Wolves would be wise to have Wiggins matchup with Paul and use his length to try and disrupt Paul. But honestly I am reaching to think that the Wolves will make a series of this. Rockets have the players to matchup Towns and Butler.

Rockets in 5

(2)Golden State Warriors vs. (7)San Antonio Spurs

This series two years ago would be a headliner of the first round, but with the injuries to marquee names Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard this series feels more like a warmup for the Warriors. The Spurs will need an MVP like effort to carry the Spurs to a victory in this series. This is the least intimidating Spurs team in the last two decades. Tony Parker and Manu are not half they players they used to be so the Spurs are relying so much on their young unproven players.

The Warriors are no longer the overall favorites in the west, I think Durant, Thompson, Green and company come out with a chip on their shoulder. Durant will face different combinations of Danny Green, Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gay, and he should find ways to exploit anyone San Antonio has to offer. The Spurs will put up a fight after they go down 2-0 but they just don’t have the firepower to match the Warriors even without Steph.

Warriors in 4

(3) Portland Trailblazers vs. (6) New Orleans Pelicans

By far the most fun series to watch. Damion Lillard and Anthony Davis are about to claim their spot in the NBA elite, the winner of this series will take the first step in that direction.

The Pelicans addition of Nikola Mirotic has given them a stretch four that has opened up the middle for Anthony Davis to work. If Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo can at least limit Lillard and McCollum, they can make this an extremely difficult match-up for Portland. The Pelicans will need leadership from Rondo in this series as he is the only one with real playoff experience. Rondo has flashed signs of early Celtics Rondo this season, if that guy shows up the Pelicans can pull of the upset.

The Blazers are going into this series as one of the surprises of the West. While they were a projected playoff team no one could have seen them as high as the 3 seed coming into 2018. Portland’s improvement has come mainly on the defensive end, jumping from 15th in team defense in 2016-2017 all the way to 7th in 2017-2018. The key for Portland will be to contain Anthony Davis. Stopping Anthony Davis is really not an option for Portland but if Josef Nurkic can make Davis work on both ends it can make a huge impact on the game.

Pelicans lack depth behind the starting 5 and I can’t see anyone on this team that will be able to hold down the terrific Blazer’s guard play. This series will be tight but I think the home team will take it.

Blazers in 6

(4)Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Utah Jazz

The Jazz had a chance to win the number 3 seed on the final day of the season, but were unable to beat a determined Trailblazers team. The Jazz now have to face the biggest wildcard team of the playoffs the star driven Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz enter this series with one thing in mind. Stop Russell Westbrook! Mid-season addition Jae Crowder will play a huge role in that but not by being one one with Westbrook. If the Jazz utilize Crowder on Paul George and limit his impact, that will leave Westbrook to carry the load. We all know that may be how he wants it but has historically not lead to victories. Rudy Gobert will also be tasked with keeping the former MVP out of the paint or at least punishing him when he drives. If Gobert can be defensively strong while still supplying a secondary option to rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell the Jazz will be in good shape.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to have its two stars play at a high level to win this game. If George and Westbrook can play their games this series could be over in four, but the defense of the Jazz could smother them and force third option Carmelo Anthony into the mix. Anthony will have an immense amount of pressure on him entering this series. His legacy is on the line in this series, he will have to be more then he has been this season.

This series is a case of great individual stars meeting a much more team concept. I tend to take team over player unless Lebron James is the player.

Jazz in 7

This Bud’s a Closer

April 10, 2018April 10, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Greg Holland made his debut for the Cardinals walking 4 over 1/3 of an inning eventually earning the loss. The Cardinals signed Holland for the pressure situations during the season but to expect him to come in and make an impact right away is unfair to him and unfair to the fanbase. The Cardinals have an answer for the closing role but Mike Matheny for some reason wants to fight it and force Greg Holland into the role. That answer is former Cardinal killer Bud Norris.

Bud Norris converted to the bullpen full time last year while with the Los Angeles Angels. Norris began the season as the Angels closer and found some immediate success. Norris’s 2017 strikeouts per nine spiked dramatically, going from just under eight to well above ten strikeouts per nine innings, mostly due to his developing cutter. Before suffering the knee problems Norris was very comparable to Holland in nearly every statistic according to fangraphs.

While Norris was finding his niche in the bullpen Greg Holland was also finding success as closer for the Colorado Rockies. But similarly to Norris an injury caused second half trouble for Holland. While Holland finished the 2017 season tied with Kenley Janson for the most saves in the National League there was still some issues with arm fatigue. Holland throughout the year was showing signs of velocity loss in his fast ball which scared off many potential suitors during the offseason. Cardinals management signed Holland to a 1 year $14million contract because they felt they saw a need that would put them over the top in the NL Central, but they cannot force Holland into the role with a couple of Palm Beach appearances. Holland needs time to get comfortable both on the mound and with his new team. That does not mean that Cardinals have to lose. Use Holland in situations that are stressful but do not set him up to fail until he is at full strength.

Bud Norris has been great over the first two weeks of the season getting a hold and a save in two of the four Cardinal wins. He has shown the ability to handle high leverage situations early and has a veteran presence on the mound. I understand that Greg Holland is the closer the fanbase wants and he will eventually be the guy they want, but he needs time to work on his mechanics. He is not a fireball closer like Aroldis Chapman or Wade Davis. Holland’s game is about movement and location similar to an aging Mariano Rivera.

The signing of Holland made sense on multiple levels for the Redbirds but again this has turned into a case of Mike Matheny making a bad decision with the bullpen. Relievers live a life of ups and downs, confidence is a huge part of the game. Putting Holland in a tough situation to start the year is the exact situation that needs to be avoided. Ease him into the role early in the season. I am not saying he should get special treatment but his ego had to take a pretty big shot taking this long to sign with a team. Matheny and new pitching coach Mike Maddux have a tough task ahead of them trying to fit new bullpen pieces into the puzzle. They have to let the new arms develop there role.

Bud Norris isn’t a flashy name he probably isn’t even the guy for the job in the long run, but right now with a bullpen of uncertainty he is the only one that has been certain. The Cardinals have a team ready to win right now and he gives them the best chance to finish off games. Don’t look at this as a game with defined roles based off of projections. Look at the guy that right now gives you the best chance to win. His name is Devin “Bud” Norris and he should be the closer.

NBA Draft Preview

April 9, 2018April 9, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The 2018 NBA Regular Season is coming to an end next week. As the race for championship continues the battle for the bottom is s till very interesting. Let’s begin our mock draft

Phoenix Suns select Deandre Ayton, Center, Arizona

Deandre Ayton tenure at Arizona was not one the university will not be one of that many will remember for positive reasons. Fact is that Ayton is the clear #1 selection for a Suns team that is in full rebuild mode. Devin Booker and Josh Jackson give them some light at the end of an extremely dark tunnel but with the addition of a player like Ayton that tunnel may have an emergency generator that keeps the lights on for at least the extent of a rookie contract. The Suns last attempt drafting a big man was not successful, former Maryland big man Alex Len has not developed into an impact player that they hoped when they used their 5th overall pick on him in 2013. Ayton though is considered to be that blue chip prospect that can help this team back to relevance. This is a no brainer at #1, the only way to screw it up is to not do what everyone thinks you should do.

Memphis Grizzlies select Luka Doncic, Guard, Real Madrid

Luka Doncic enters the 2018 NBA draft as one of the most respected Euroleague resumes. Doncic also led Slovenia to last summer’s Eurobasket title. Doncic is comfortable in the lead guard position but will most likely need to learn to play a wing role along side Mike Conley. The Grizzlies have to find a direction for the franchise as they begin to see the decline of Marc Gasol, a young talented import is the answer, he can be the next star in a Grizzlies uniform. The Grizzlie will probably still stink next year but at least they will get nice media coverage with this pick.

Dallas Mavericks select Marvin Bagley, Forward, Duke University

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the two teams that have been openly tanking to help their draft position. They find themselves picking number three on draft day and will score themselves a marquee forward to build their franchise around. Marvin Bagley was one of the most productive college basketball prospects all season long at Duke, utilizing his athletic mismatch to score in the paint and manufacturing easy baskets on the offensive glass at an elite clip.

Atlanta Hawks select Jaren Jackson, Forward, Michigan State

The Hawks stink, but they really stink defensively. The answer for them is Jaren Jackson. His shot blocking numbers (5.5 per-40) are off the charts, and teams are intrigued by has ability to protect the rim and defend in space while also being able to space the floor (39.6% from three). The Hawks have no identity, they are looking to build around point guard Dennis Schroder. They need to cut bait with everyone over 25 and build their team around the length of Jackson and the continuing development of Taurean Prince. The Hawks are still very far away from being a competitive team.

Orlando Magic select Michael Porter Jr., Forward, Missouri

The Orlando Magic have a couple of nice pieces to build around with Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic. The impending free agency of cornerstone Aaron Gordon leaves an opening at the power forward position, the perfect fit will still be available with Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr. Porter Jr’s injury derailed what could have been a fun year for the Tigers in the now basketball strong SEC. Porter Jr is a scorer with the size of a power forward and the movement of a point guard. While I could see the Magic taking a shot on Trae Young here, they would be wise to go with MPJ his size and skill will make him an immediate impact.

Sacramento Kings select Trae Young, Guard, Oklahoma

This is a dream for the Sacramento Kings. A draft full of centers! Hopefully they make the intelligent decision and take the best player n the board for them. Trae Young is a captivating player that will give the Kings some attention in the California market. Trae Young alongside De’aron Fox may not work out in the long run due to the fact that both players are very ball heavy. But if I am the Kings and a talent and marketable asset like Young falls into my lap I have to go with it.

Chicago Bulls select Mohammad Bamba, Center, Texas

The Chicago Bulls greatest dream would be for Trae Young to fall to them but that is unlikely. So they will have to go to plan b. Luckily for the Bulls plan b is Mo Bamba! All-league defensive potential is the center of Bamba’s appeal, and while Texas’s season wound up a disappointment, he’s shown plenty of ability and held steady as a top selection. The Bulls have a built a nice core of young talent lead by 2017 first round pick Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Bobby Portis. The Robin Lopez stop gap is coming to an end. Plug in Bamba and let him swat shots all over the arena. His skills will continue to grow on the offensive end.

Cleveland Cavaliers (from Brooklyn) select Wendell Carter, Forward, Duke

Wendall Carter is a man at 6′ 10″ 260lbs. Carter was as solid as possible for the Blue Devils last season and is ready to make the transition to the NBA. Carter has the ability to spread the defense with mid range shooting as well as be a stable force in the middle. Pairing Carter with the range of Kevin Love will give that Cavaliers a solid punch in the middle and from the outside. His impressive skill level, passing and on-court feel should help him find an NBA fit, and a different system might unlock more of his skills.

New York Knicks select Mikal Bridges, Guard/Forward, Villanova

The Knicks shocked everyone last season going with Frank Ntilikina with the 8th overall pick in the 2017 draft. Ktilikina showed glimpses of his potential during the season, but it has been the emergence of Trey Burke that has brought the most impact to the Knick during the season. The Knicks have a strong core with the Unicorn, Enes Kanter, and a few different options at the point. A great addition will be some 3 and D wing help like Mikal Bridges. His upside could very easily point him in the top 5 so this could be a steal for the Knicks.

Philadelphia 76ers (from LAL) select Jalen Brunson, Guard, Villanova

I am going to be honest in saying this probably is a long shot, the realistic pick for the Sixers would probably be Lonnie Walker from Miami or Miles Bridges from Michigan State. Brunson doesn’t have the traditional tools of an NBA top ten pick, his athleticism has been questioned as well as his size. He relies on his considerable craft to compensate for a lack of top-flight quickness and understands how to pick his spots, change speed and direction and score the ball. Brunson brings a lot of grit as well as considerable leadership to whatever team he plays for. With the talent the Sixers have put together strong leadership is something that they have to value.

Brunson is a long shot in this spot, the Sixers really need a defensive stopper at the guard positon, Walker from Miami really does make a lot more sense but to see Brunson in Philly would be awesome for everyone.

That’s my top ten at this point…things always change this time of year I will continue to update a we get closer to the draft.

Wainwright or Flaherty? The Debate

April 5, 2018April 5, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Adam Wainwright has been the backbone of the St. Louis Cardinals rotation since he became a full time starter in 2007. 146 wins over his career has earned him the respect of players and fans alike, but as he steps on the mound Thursday for the Cardinals home opener the fan base has been split on whether this is the right decision.

Jack Flaherty has been a top prospect in the Cardinals system for the last few seasons. Reaching as high as #38 on MLB.com’s prospect rankings. The former first round pick carried his spring training momentum into the regular season striking out 9 over 5 innings against the vaunted Milwaukee Brewers lineup. Flaherty had the misfortune of being the odd man out of the rotation with the return of Wainwright. The question for Flaherty is, What happens next?

Flaherty will continue to make starts in Memphis. While he has nothing more to prove in the minors sending Flaherty down was the only choice to the Cardinals. Wainwright may one day be an option for the bullpen but as of now you have to see if he still has anything left in the tank. If he does have the ability to get outs it can be a huge asset to a playoff run with his veteran presence on the mound. No one will debate that Flaherty was great in Milwaukee, but has not yet earned the confidence to say that he is the answer in the rotation. 2017’s 6+ ERA may be a thing of the past but it still lingers in the mind of Cardinals management.

The reason the move has caused such a backlash from Cardinals Nation is really due to Cardinals management giving mixed signals to its fanbase. During the offseason John Mozeliak made it clear that the Cardinals were set with their young arms. They planned to move forward with the young arms rather then spend money on a veteran like Jason Vargas or bringing back long time Cardinal Lance Lynn. After making such a bold statement in the offseason they seem to contradict themselves by sending down the young arm before you are sure your veteran is ready to go.

The St. Louis fanbase lives for their Cardinals. They are allowed to question the decisions by management. But when you look at this situation, this was the only move that made sense. Adam Wainwright is not going to the bullpen, Jack Flaherty makes no sense moving to the bullpen. By sending Flaherty down now it also allows him to continue his regular rotation spot. Flaherty has to stay positive – especially with the injury histories of Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright – the uncertainty of Luke Weaver and Miles Mikolas there will be a spot for the young hurler to make an impact in the 2018 season.

Jack Flaherty is going to be a good, possibly great starting pitcher on the major league level but he has to be patient and mature during this process. Go talk to Carson Kelly about how to handle this situation. Don’t ask Pham.

Former Grizzlie makes MLB start

April 3, 2018April 3, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

When you are a kid playing little league you dream of making it to the big leagues. You imagine yourself on the mound with thousands of people cheering your name. The reality is most players never live that dream. Thousands of players play professional baseball for pennies in stadiums that are falling apart, eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and dinner. The lucky few that do get signed by professional organizations never actually make it on to a Major League Baseball mound. But they continue to play, they continue to hold on to their childhood imagination.

Former Gateway Grizzlies pitcher Trevor Richards, 24, was one of those that held onto to the dream and it paid off on Monday Night in Miami. Richards made his major league debut just 21 months after his signing by the Marlins organization. The local product from Aviston, Illinois (about an hour from St. Louis) didn’t get the win but he did inspire the baseball community. Richards struck out 5 allowed 5 earned runs while going 4.1 innings. The biggest impact he made was on the world, social media blew up seeing the kid that came from obscurity to the majors.

Richards played his college ball at Drury University a division 2 school in Springfield, Missouri. Never touted highly by pro scouts he went undrafted after his graduation. Not willing to call it quits yet he signed with the Gateway Grizzlies in 2015. Richards did not disappoint immediately taking a leadership role with the team at the top of the rotation. His ability to mix up his pitches and locate made him an asset to Manager Phil warren. In 2016 Richards continued his role at the top of the rotation for the Gateway Grizzlies. While he was pitching well in the Frontier League scouts were still not taking notice. It was shear luck that a scout was able to see Richards pitch. The scout that signed Richards, David Espinosa, was actually at a game to look at two relievers from the other team. “His changeup is an anomaly,” Espinosa said. “According to analytics, the spin rate on a changeup is slower than it is for a fastball. We call it a ‘white ball.’ But the spin rate on his changeup is almost as fast as it is with his fastball.” Richards changeup and poise was enough for Espinosa to pay the $3,000 contract buyout from the Gateway Grizzlies. It small price to pay for the potential that he saw. Richards rewarded Espinosa by pitching his way right through three different levels of the Miami system eventually being named 2017 Marlins Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

Richards followed in the footsteps of guys like Scott Patterson former Gateway Grizzlie turned Yankee reliever and St. Louis Cardinal First Baseman Jose Martinez. Before Martinez was hitting in the middle of the beloved Cardinals order, he was hitting dingers for the Frontier League Rockford Aviators. Richards is just one of the examples of players that have made it from obscurity. The Frontier League is one month away from beginning its historic 26th season. While this league may not have . the affiliations of a major league team, they do have players with real ability. Trevor Richards start was not only a great moment for him and his family, but a great moment for the league as a whole.

The Gateway Grizzlies will look to honor Trevor Richards this season as they host a bobblehead on Friday July 20th.

Come see the next wave of hungry athletes, the Grizzlies season begins on May 11th when the Grizzlies take on the Schaumberg Boomers.

National Championship Pick

April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The 2018 Men’s Basketball National Title game will take place Monday night. The Alomodome will become the Thunderdome as two teams enter but only one team will leave with the title. The Michigan Wolverines will try and keep the Villanova Wildcats from winning their second title in a three year span.

Villanova opens up as a 6 and half point favorite after their thrashing of the Kansas Jayhawks Saturday night in San Antonio. When Jay Wright sat down with his coaching staff and mapped out the game plan I am sure he had a great strategy. I am sure they figured they would break the record for 3-pointers in a Final Four game, IN THE FIRST HALF! This Villanova team came out and punched Kansas right in the stomach and wasn’t going to stop until the final horn went off. The Wildcats have taken an NBA approach to their college games and so far it seems to be working very well, they have been passing up on two’s for three’s and hitting them at an unstoppable rate. Through their five games in the NCAA Tournament, Villanova is hitting 42.3 percent of its three-pointers while sinking at least 13 treys on four occasions. Villanova has had an amazing season going 18-0 in non-conference games Wildcats went 13-3 against the ESPN RPI top 25 and 50 teams, respectively, while also ranking No. 1 at KenPom.com, checking in with the top mark in adjusted offensive efficiency and top 15 on the defensive side. This is a team that has almost single handedly ended the season for ousted the nations top conference the BIG12 beating West Virginia, Texas Tech and Kansas in convincing fashion. This is also a team that boasts multiple players that have been in this game before, including Phil Booth who put up 20 points against the Tar Heels just two years ago. It will be hard to make a case against the Wildcats walking through Michigan.

Michigan has gotten to the national championship game thanks to its stellar defense and ability to slow the game down. The Wolverines are holding opponents to 58.6 points per game and a lousy 38.7 shooting percentage. The perimeter defense has been dominate in the NCAA tournament, but they have not seen an offense with near the efficiency of Villanova. For Michigan to be successful they will need to have better performances from Charles Mathews and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkmann. They have to pick up their game so that Villanova can’t double and even triple team big man Mo Wagner. Michigan will also have to hit from the line, which has been an issue all season. In Villanova’s four losses this season, the Wildcats have allowed opponents an average of 23 trips to the charity stripe. Michigan has been bad at free throws this season – shooting 66.2 percent as a team – but attacking the hoop may be the path of least resistance.

Michigan has had a great season, but Villanova has been dominate most of the season. Jalen Brunson and company are just way to loaded on the offensive end, even though the Wolverines will put up a fight, this just doesn’t seem like an even matchup. I like Michigan to stick around if they can shoot half as well as they did in the Texas A&M game but fall in the end due to their free throw shooting troubles. Villanova walks out of this one with the victory and Jay Wright’s second title in three years.

Prediction: Villanova wins 80- 74

Final Four Picks

March 30, 2018March 30, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Loyola- Chicago Ramblers vs. Michigan Wolverines (-5.5)

The Final Four begins on Saturday with a matchup of two teams that play a similar style. Strong defense and efficient shooting will be the name of the game. While this game is not considered the main course of the evening it will be the most expensive appetizer the menu can offer.

When breaking down the South Region of the NCAA tournament bracket I listed Loyola-Chicago as a potential bracket buster. When I said that I really only saw them winning the first two rounds. They have shocked myself and the world be making it all the way through the region. Last second shoots and supreme offensive and defensive basketball lead them to the Final Four, no one can argue they earned it. Miami had better athletes, Tennessee was better defensively, Nevada had multiple better scorers, and Kansas State was just bigger, but none of that mattered to the Ramblers besting each playing their brand of basketball. Talk all you want about Sister Jean, this team is good and they have a great chance on Saturday. But I have to follow my instinct on this game.

While the Ramblers are a great story, every story has two possible endings. Happy or Sad. Saturday the Michigan Wolverines will play the role of antagonist. Talk all you want about Michigan having an “easy” journey to the Final Four. They took care of business in each game the way their fellow higher seeds could not. They imposed their will on other teams by smothering them defensively and hitting the big shots. Moritz Wagner will force the lone big man for the Ramblers Caleb Krutwig out of the paint which will open up lanes for Charles Mathews to drive with little to no resistance. Clayton Custer will still make plays but to see another day of above 50% shooting against a John Beilen coached team is just not believable.

The Ramblers will keep it close but eventually Michigan will impose their will on the smaller team. I see Michigan winning by double digits, I will take the 5.5 and run with it.

Michigan to win and taking the points -5.5

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Villanova Wildcats (-5)

While chaos was the theme of the South and West sides of the bracket, two #1 seeds made their way out to the East and Midwest. A battle of two top programs as well as top coaches of our generation takes place on Saturday as the Jayhawks take on the Wildcats. This is the main event of the evening and the world seems split on who will come out on top.

Senior guards will be the main focus with AP Player of the Year Villanova’s Jalen Brunson takes on All-Big 12 point guard Devonte Graham. Villanova has made already taken down two top level Big12 teams defeating both West Virginia and Texas Tech on their way to the Final Four and all the advantages seem to lean towards Nova in this matchup. Multiple scoring options for Villanova make them very dangerous. I believe they will look to attack Udoka Azubuike early to force Bill Self to put in freshman Silvio De Sousa. De Sousa showed immaturity in the Elite Eight matchup with Duke nearly costing Kansas the game. If De Sousa is forced into actions and makes similar mistakes Villanova has the experience to bury the Jayhawks.

I am a huge fan of the job Bill Self has done this year. He has taken his least talented team in years to the Final Four. That has to be respected. Ultimately Villanova is the better team and will advance. While I believe Villanova will advance I am looking at Kansas to cover the 5 points.

Villanova Wins, Kansas covers +5

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Game 1: Recap Cards vs Mets

March 29, 2018March 30, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Opening day has come and went for the St. Louis Cardinals losing to the New York Mets 9-4. Game 1 of 162 is usually not considered a problem , but Cardinals fans watching the game had to feel as if they were seeing a lot of similarities to the team of 2017.

The Negatives

Martinez’s Control

Card’s starter Carlos Martinez, whose emotions can sometimes impede his ability came out finding issues throwing strikes. Martinez lasting just 4.1 innings, walking 6 Mets while throwing 90 pitches. The Cardinals chose not to resign innings eater Lance Lynn or add a veteran starter in the offseason. They will need their ace to be the leader emotionally and physically as the season progresses.

Matt Bowman- Still Tired?

The bullpen got off to a shaky start as Matt Bowman came in and gave up 3 runs over just 1/3 of an inning. Bowman is Mike Matheny’s work horse. Matheny was ridiculed all last season for over working Bowman. Despite Bowman’s second half struggles, he is still one of Mikes “guys”. He will be relied upon in big situations this year no matter how many pieces Cardinals management brings in.

Strikeouts

The Cardinals struck out 15 times Thursday afternoon. Met’s ace Noah Syndergaard was able to fan 10 of those 14 over his 6 innings pitched. The Cardinals have power up and down the lineup but they at lack the ability to make contact way to much. While I would love to credit opening day jitters and a dominate pitcher on the mound this team is full of veteran hitters that have to make adjustments as the game gets into the later innings. You know Paul Dejong and Kolten Wong tend to have issues with strikeouts but having 9 strikeouts in a game from the top four in your lineup cannot be a trend that continues.

Jose Martinez Defense

It’s not good. I will cover that more in the positives.

The Positives

Jose Martinez

I told you I would get to Jose. Martinez was the bright spot at the plate for the Cardinals going 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI’s. His bat has to be in the lineup everyday, the man has proven himself as an impact bat. The negative of Martinez is that while he can hit he is not a stellar defender. His throwing error in the first allowed the first run of the season to score. He also forces the Cardinals to move Matt Carpenter to 3rd which takes arguably your best infielder defender Jedd Gyroko out of the lineup. This will be a problem all season long for the Cardinals. Do you sacrifice offense for defense? That usually is not the way it works.

Jordan Hicks

The rookie is electric. Certain pitchers have the ability to cause everyone to stop what they are doing to watch when they are in the game. Trevor Rosenthal was one of those guys when he first came up and now Hicks looks to be the next. With the signing of Greg Holland, there is talk either Hicks or Mike Mayers will be sent down. Unless Mike Matheny was not watching this kid throw today, the choice is very simple. Hicks needs to stay!

Summary

Game one was not what fans were looking for. This team still has way more talent then last year. My message to St. Louis fan is please don’t panic over game one.

The Cardinals will have a chance to even the score between these two teams Saturday at Citi Field when Michael Wacha (Cardinals) looks to out dual Jacob Degrom (Mets). First Pitch at 12:10PM.

Gateway Grizzlies 2018: Season of Redemption

March 29, 2018March 29, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Opening Day has come! The 2018 Major League Baseball season has come, the local St. Louis Cardinals kickoff their season tomorrow against the New York Mets. While the Cardinals work towards another World Series run, there is another team in the St. Louis area that is looking for redemption on a year that was lost.

2017 was a season to forget for the Gateway Grizzlies, finishing with the worst record in the Frontier League at 32-64. Despite a lost season, Manager Phil Warren did reach a personal milestone winning his 500th game. “It was a bit bittersweet for me, given the nature of our season. I owe a lot to people around me that have gotten me here.” Warren said when asked about the milestone. Warren looks forward to showing that 2017 was just a pothole on the road to success.

The Gateway Grizzlies enter the 2018 season with a young roster and a manager that sees this season as a chance to continue last years second half momentum. “In 2017 we were dependent on a lot of veterans that didn’t come through for us,” Warren said. The Grizzlies tough start to the season forced the team to make moves to get younger, moves that included trading veterans to make room for new blood. Veterans like first baseman Craig Massoni and Pitcher Will Landsheft were moved to competing teams. While the moves were necessary to make room for younger players, it did not have an immediate impact according to Warren, “We just weren’t experienced enough when we made the initial moves to beat more experienced teams. But as the year went on we began to see the development.”

Players like former Baltimore Oriole draft pick Matt Hearn, 21, 2018 Frontier League All Star Michael Elwood, 26, former Southern Illinois Miner Joel McKeithan, 27, and former New Mexico State Aggie Brent Sakurai, 23, were given opportunities to develop and show the fans and Warren the potential they have.

The Grizzlies pitching is beginning to take shape. Joining Michael Elwood will be Will Anderson, Garrett Woods, Alec Kisena, Austin Sweet, Tanner Cable and the resigning of Dakota Smith. Smith, a 2016 Gateway Grizzlie, was signed away to the Boston Red Sox organization. Smith spent two seasons with the Lowell Spinners where he made 23 appearances, 13 starts, comprising an impressive 2.75 ERA. Warren looks forward to having set roles for his pitching staff for the upcoming season.

The Grizzlies will look to fill a void that has been prevalent over the last few seasons at the catching position. Since Warren’s first season in 2007 until 2014 the Gateway Grizzlies had two catchers. Over the last three seasons the club has seen over ten players spend time behind the plate, “Our current situation really makes you appreciate what you had with Landon Hernandez and Charlie Lisk,” Warren said. Warren’s search for a catcher has been centered around pitch framing and defense going into 2018. Jhonniel Alvarez and Kyle Hamner are two offseason additions that will look to fill the backstop role. Alvarez, 25, spent time in the Texas Rangers system before signing with Gateway. Hamner, 24, spent 2017 with the United Shore Leagues Westside Wollymammoths. Both will have a chance to make the club and hopefully make an impact in the lineup and the pitching staff. Admittedly, Warren is still on the hunt for his potential backstop, “There are plenty of guys that are overlooked”.

As the Frontier League Opening Day nears, the Gateway Grizzlies still have certain holes to fill. Exciting additions such as former Mariner Kristian Brito, 23, will join the team looking to add some much needed power to the lineup. Brito is an imposing figure at 6’6, 240 pounds currently working out in Texas as his home in Puerto Rico was ravaged by hurricanes. Fellow infielder Trae Santos, 25, will also be joining Gateway competing for a spot in the infield. Santos, a 17th round pick of the San Diego Padres, had his best season in 2015 belting 15 homers. His power should transition well to lefty friendly GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

Early projections for the Grizzlies show tons of talent in the lineup. Warren still believes there is work to be done to finalize the roles for his team.

The Grizzlies begin their 2018 campaign May 11th against the Schaumberg Boomers at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

To check out the Gateway Grizzlies full roster and 2018 schedule go to Gatewaygrizzlies.com.

Cardinals Roster: Munoz and Mayers make sense

March 26, 2018March 27, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Opening day is right around the corner and the St. Louis Cardinals have made moves to finalize their roster. The 2018 Redbirds will have a few new additions to their everyday team, including some new and surprising names.

Yairo Munoz, a piece of the deal that sent Stephen Piscotty to Oakland has emerged as the diamond in the rough. While addressing its outfield clutter, the Cardinals were also able to upgrade their infield depth. Munoz gives the club an above-average defender who can play multiple positions, including shortstop. Munoz will take on a role that has become important on contending teams the super utility man. Players that can function in multiple spots on the field as well as the lineup have become essential to winning organizations. Ben Zobrist, Marwin Gonzalez, Kiki Hernandez are all recent examples of players that have played multiple positions and have made an impact on the roster. Munoz 2017 season showed the potential he can bring on the minor league level, blasting 13 homers while keeping his average at .300. The Cardinals are taking a bit of a gamble keeping up Munoz and essentially naming him as their 5th outfielder behind Fowler, Pham, Ozuna and presumably Jose Martinez. Munoz has shown the athletic ability to play the outfield, he has been primarily an infielder his professional career. Manager Mike Matheny made the choice of keeping Munoz on the team despite his history of sticking to “his guy”, Munoz’s spring training numbers were impossible to ignore, luckily for Cardinals fans they were not.

Mike Mayers, entered 2018 spring training still remembered in the minds of Cardinals fans for his infamous Dodgers game debut in 2016, giving up nine runs over 1 1/3 innings. Mayers, used primarily as a starter in the minors has found a role in the bullpen that seems to fit him. With an injury to projected closer Luke Gregerson, the Cardinals were able to keep the now triple digit throwing Mayers in the bullpen., still unproven on the major league level, will have to earn the trust of the skipper but if successful could move into a role that current bullpen mainstay Matt Bowman has mastered over the last two seasons. The added development of Mayers will allow Bowman to have a few more days off in the early part of the 2018 season. Mayers development of a stronger mound presence has led to 12 scoreless innings in the spring as well as a new philosophy to pitching

“I’m not just here to be here,” Mayers said. “I’m here to dominate.”

The common Cardinal fan will see Mayers on the Opening Day roster and remember the awful beginning to his career, but this is not the same Mike Mayers. This is the evolution of the pitcher formally known as Mike Mayers, now a fireballer that has no fear. Again the Cardinals have modernized their bullpen, utilizing former starters in their bullpen similar to Andrew Miller and Wade Davis.

Mike Mayers and Yairo Munoz may not factor into the Cardinals season in the longterm but the decision to have them both on the roster shows that the Cardinals are open to changing the way they build their roster, they are beginning to evolve.

The Cardinals kick off their season Thursday March 29 as they travel to Citi Field to take on the Mets. First Pitch set for 12:10PM.