Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 80 of 1503)

Tyler Gabbert decides on Louisville

June 30, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

It took him nearly two months to make a decision but Tyler Gabbert finally has a new home.

Gabbert, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie Blaine Gabbert, has officially decided to transfer to Louisville. He will be eligible to play in the 2012 season and will have three years of edibility remaining.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Gabbert was a redshirt freshman competing against sophomore James Franklin to exceed Blaine Gabbert, who was the 10th overall pick in April’s NFL draft. Franklin had been elevated to the top of the depth chart after a strong performance in the Tigers’ spring game, but Missouri’s coaching staff said that the competition would re-open in August. That’s why it was a bit of a surprise when Tyler Gabbert announced his intentions to transfer.

Louisville head coach Charlie Strong tweeted that he is “excited to have Tyler Gabbert officially join our football program.”

College Football, External Sports

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New CBA not as close as some assume?

June 29, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

Over the last few weeks, the majority of fans have been under the assumption that the NFL was on the verge of signing a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. That’s because most of the reports on the labor dispute have been positive lately.

Until now, that is.

According to a FOX Sports report, NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith met with a group of players on Tuesday to inform them that the NFL is not nearly as close to signing a new CBA as many say.

Rotoworld.com does a nice job summing up FOX Sports’ findings:

Smith did express optimism in the “under-the-radar” conference call, but told a group of 50 players that recent reports of a close or even done deal are “way off.” According to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, problem points include years of service for free agency and money allocated for retirees. “And (those problems are) even before we start talking about splitting the revenue,” one player on the call told Glazer. It sounds like speculation of a CBA just after July 4 has been misinformed. The owners are desperate to get all four preseason games in, however, so we’d still expect a deal before August.

I still think a deal will get done sometime in July. I’m no expert on the situation but it’s my understanding that the framework for a new CBA is already done. Now all the sides have to do is iron out the details (which I understand could take a few more weeks) and put a bow on things.

That said, I don’t blame Smith for managing the players’ expectations. There’s no sense in assuming anything at this point, especially when you consider how fluid these talks have been over the last couple of months. Things could break down rather quickly, so it’s smart of Smith to keep everyone focused until things are official.

At this point, I don’t view FOX’s report as a positive or negative thing. It’s understandable that the two sides still have plenty to work on, but there’s no reason to believe that the situation is as dire as it was a month ago. Again, I’m willing to bet that the CBA will be signed sometime in July and free agency can begin.

External Sports, NFL

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Breaking News: Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn admits to using steroids

June 29, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

In what only can be described as a media bombshell, the New York Daily News is reporting that Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn has admitted to using steroids in the fictional 1989 MLB season.

“Let’s just say that I was enhancing my performance a little bit,” Vaughn said. “It was the only time I ever did steroids. I did them for like six or eight weeks. You can print this, I don’t give a f-. My fastball went from 79 to like 85.”

Pretty despicable stuff right there. If Vaughn (who was only a rookie that year, mind you) was juicing, it makes you wonder who else was using PEDs in ’89. Was Clu Haywood on dope when he won the AL Triple Crown that season? Were his .341 average, 48 home runs and 121 RBI just a performance-enhanced farce? If so, I want an asterisk by everything he accomplished that year, just like I want an asterisk on all of Vaughn’s stats.

You know, Tribe fans always bitch about everything owner Rachel Phelps did that year (including trying to relocate the team to Miami) – and rightfully so. But at least she wasn’t a cheat. The same thing cannot be said for Vaughn.

Lou Brown must be rolling in his grave right now.

Humor, MLB

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The 2011 MLB All-Prospect Team

June 28, 2011 / Anthony Stalter

The Objective: Compile a MLB roster complete with only the top minor league prospects.

The Rules: As long as they were viewed as a prospect coming into the 2011 season, they can be on this team. Thus, just because guys like Jeremy Hellickson and Eric Hosmer are already contributing at the Major League level, doesn’t mean they can’t be included on this team.

That’s it.

Let’s get nasty, Ricky.

C: Jesus Montero, Yankees
There’s no doubt that Montero is the future at catcher for the Yankees, but he may have some maturity issues to iron out first. He was benched twice earlier this month for showing a lack of energy and apparently loses focus at times. But that doesn’t mean the 21-year-old isn’t a great prospect, which he is. As soon as he shows he has the mental makeup to handle catching a big league staff, he’ll be up. In fact, I have a hard time believing the Bombers won’t recall him at some point in 2011.
Honorable Mention: Gary Sanchez, Yankees; Devin Mesoraco, Reds.

1B: Eric Hosmer, Royals
Hosmer has been slumping recently but he’s still hitting .268 with five home runs and 26 RBI this year for the Royals. Those aren’t terrible stats for a 21-year-old trying to make adjustments to big league pitching. Considered the top first base prospect in baseball, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares throughout a grueling second half.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Belt, Giants; Freddie Freeman, Braves.

2B: Dustin Ackley, Mariners
The M’s called Ackley up in mid-June and already the youngster is hitting over .300. In a recent win over the Marlins, Ackley went 3-for-5 with a double and a triple while scoring the go-ahead run in the 10th on a wild pitch. Once pitchers adjust, his batting average will likely drop but Seattle has to be thrilled so far with his production.
Honorable Mention: Jason Kipnis, Indians.

3B: Mike Moustakas, Royals
Yet another one of the Royals’ young hitters makes this mock roster. Moustakas hit his first big-league homer in just his second game with the Royals earlier this month and has now reached base in seven of his last eight games. Outside of the one home run, his power hasn’t translated to the big leagues so far, but it’s still early. He has a short, compact swing and despite having an aggressive approach, he doesn’t strikeout a lot. He could be a star in Kansas City for years to come.
Honorable Mention: Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays; Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians; Nick Castellanos, Tigers.

External Sports, MLB

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