We Will See If Baker Mayfield Was Worth The Money This Sunday Against Atlanta

 This past Monday Night was very costly for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they lost both wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans should be back in a few weeks, but Godwin will be gone for the season it looks like right now. Tampa Bay has a tough three-game stretch ahead with Atlanta, Kansas City, and San Francisco. Losing their top two receivers hurts, but the next man-up mentality will need to occur.

When the Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to an extension, we will find out if he was worth the money. Mayfield will get a chance to lead the Buccaneers without two of their biggest stars, so a lot of pressure will be on his shoulders. Buccaneer fans will be able to see if he can handle it and if he should be rewarded another contract in the future.

Mayfield is going to have to trust the players he has left on offense. No more Godwin or Evans to rely on any longer. The running game that has come to life recently will need be used even more in games. Taking some of the pressure off of Baker Mayfield is also very important. You can't expect Mayfield to do it all, but he cannot throw interceptions or turn the ball over.

This game is huge for the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield. They have already lost to Atlanta and cannot afford another letdown. Divisional games are always tight and this one will probably be the same way as the last one that went overtime.

What's Wrong With The Cleveland Browns?

 Another week and another loss by the hapless Cleveland Browns. Cleveland has not played well all season and is at the bottom of many different offensive and defensive categories. What's wrong with the Cleveland Browns? Let's take a closer look at the problems that Cleveland is facing right now.

Many people want to toss it at the feet of Deshaun Watson, but reality is it's not all his fault. Yes, at times he has not played well, other times he has been failed by players around him. Many dropped balls, and a patchwork offensive line has not helped. When he gets the offense going it seems penalties crop up to hurt this team. 

Defensively, the Cleveland Browns are missing too many easy tackles and some players like Myles Garrett are playing hurt. Last season this was a Top 5 defense, but they are far from that right now. Pentalies and missed assignments continue to plague this team on a weekly basis. That hasn't been fixed in the last four weeks and I don't know if it will ever get fixed.

Even the kicking game has failed the Browns on different occasions. Coaching has also been a problem for the Cleveland Browns. This is a team that are not together and everyone is playing for themselves and not each other. Until they become one team and quit pointing fingers at each other it will not get fixed anytime soon.

Cleveland fans deserve better, but like they say it's never fun to be a Browns fan and I guess they maybe right.

Ty Cobb Was He Really That Good

 Over the years I’ve heard many legendary stories about the man named Ty Cobb. Most people have an opinion of him some good, some bad, but the one thing you cannot deny is how good he happens to be. Most people consider Cobb as one of the greatest as his accomplishments in baseball speak for themselves.

Cobb started playing baseball early even though his dad was not happy with Cobb’s choice. He wanted Ty to go to college and study to become very successful. For Cobb he was not the greatest student, so he knew he had to find something else to do.

Baseball was something Cobb picked up and year after year he got better. He started playing for a variety of teams, and eventually his talent shined through after a few stints with various teams. Eventually his contract was bought and he got his call to the Big Leagues.

In the beginning, Ty struggle to find his footing in the Big Leagues. Over time though he improved and kept working on his craft. During his major league career he grew a reputation of a guy that people, fans and other players hated. Most people will tell you Cobb was a complicated man that loved baseball and just wanted to win.

During his career some stats really stand out to you. Cobb had over 11,000 at-bats and only struck out 680 times that's a crazy stat. Most people acknowledge that Cobb maybe the greatest hitter to play the game of baseball. Ty Cobb in his career had an .366 lifetime average. That is a stat that is just hard to believe.

He also was a 12-time batting champ along with an MVP award as well. No matter if you respected Cobb or not you cannot deny his ability to play the game of baseball. Cobb may not have been the most friendly player, but he definitely cared about winning every game he played.

Brewers VS Dodgers Was A Fun Series

 Many people were wondering what we would learn about the Milwaukee Brewers as they took on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Milwaukee. Over the years in the regular season The Brewers have always played the Dodgers tough. Milwaukee lost the first two games of the series, but hung in and won the last two games for a split.

This series saw these two different divisional leaders battle hard. Both teams are loaded with talent, but the Dodgers lineup is tough to deal with everyday. From top to bottom they have some of the best hitters in baseball. There is no easy out in their lineup and you must pitch carefully to each batter. If not you can find yourself down a lot of runs quickly.

Milwaukee has pieced together their pitching staff this year, but the bullpen has been one of the better ones in baseball. With Devin Williams back and healthy Milwaukee’s bullpen has become even better. So, what did Brewers fans learn from this series?

If your a Brewers fan like me, you learned that Milwaukee will never quit playing or give up against anyone. Down two games in the series they could have gotten swept, but the battled every game in this series. Earning a spilt is huge for the Brewers and will help them later when the playoffs get here.

Make no mistake the Dodgers are one of the best teams in baseball, but a split gives the Brewers some confidence against them in the future. Series like this don’t mean alot right now, but in the bigger picture wins like this can only grow your confidence. Only time will tell what impact this series has had on them. As Brewers fans we will take a spilt with the Dodgers any day of the week.

Team USA Contines To Flex Their Muscle As They Add Another Gold Medal In Basketball

 Everyone thought Team USA would win Gold in Men's Basketball and that is exactly what they did. France fought hard throughout the game, but fell short by a score of 98-87. Stephen Curry tossed in 24 points to help Team USA capture the Gold. Without Curry Team USA maynot had won Gold.

In the last two games Curry tossed in 60 points. Lebron James was named MVP which he  deserved. Love him or hate him James gave one of his best efforts ever. He played all of his roles perfect. From leader to coach James was there for every player on the team. 

Steve Kerr is another whole different story. As coach of Team USA he has taken a lot of heat for his rotations in games. What people do not get is with all that talent not everyone will play as much as they want. It's the nature of the beast.

Team USA won the gold medal so hopefully Steve Kerr won't take as  much heat. The gap is closing between the USA and the world in basketball. Right now though Team USA is still at the top of the mountain.

Aaron Judge In A Class By Himself In 2024

 No matter how you look at it Aaron Judge this season is a lock for the MVP in the American League. The only way he is not winning it is if he gets injured. He has amassed 41 home runs and over 100 RBI's already this season.

This season I have been able to catch some Yankees game and what Judge is doing is very impressive. He is approaching Barry Bonds type numbers this season. Teams are starting to get afraid of him so they are walking him intentionally, so they won't have to pitch to him. That's probably the best compliment you can give any player.

The New York Yankees will go as far as Aaron Judge can take them, but he will need help. As great as Judge has played this season he will need others to step up in the lineup. If that doesn't happen teams will continue to pitch around him just like they did Barry Bonds.

Aaron Judge will continue his torrid streak, but I don't know if it will be enough to get the Yankees a pennant. Judge wants more then home runs and MVP's he wants to win championships. Every year the window closes more so he knows he needs to get them now before it's too late.

MLB Schedule July, 28, 2024

 Today's Schedule should be another fun one to watch. With the Olympics in full force many off these games will be fun to watch along side the Olympics.

July 28, 2024 MLB Schedule

Cincinnati vs Tampa Bay at  11:35 am

San Diego  vs Baltimore  at 1;35 pm

Cleveland  vs Philadelphia at 1:35 pm

Texas vs Toronto at 1:37 pm

Minnesota vs Detroit  at 1:40 pm

Atlanta vs New  York Mets at 1:40 pm

Chicago Cubs vs Kansas City at 2:10pm

Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston at 2:10 pm

Seattle vs Chicago White Sox at 2:10 pm

Miami vs Milwaukee at 2:10 pm

Washington vs St. Louis at 2:15 pm

Colorado vs San Francisco at 4:05 pm

Oakland vs Los Angeles Angels at 4:07 pm

Pittsburgh vs Arizona at 4:10 pm

New York Yankees vs Boston at 7:10 pm

Why Did The Yankees Trade For Jazz Chisholm?

The Yankees made a splash on the trade market, but for many not exactly the splash they wanted. New York sent some prospects to the Marlins for outfielder Jazz Chisholm which to many people was a shock. For me it wasn't really a shock as the Yankees had a plan in this trade. Let's take a look at why the Yankees traded for Chisholm. 

Now there are probably many reasons the Yankees did, but here is my first impressions of why they made the trade. Right now the Yankees are relying on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for most of there offense. Chisholm is a Micky Rivers type player. I don't think he is as good as Rivers was, but both players very similar. They both play the outfield with good speed and can get you hits when you need it or a stolen base.

Jazz Chisholm should fit in well with the Yankees lineup and they can give Soto and Judge a break from outfield play as well. Rest down the stretch will be important for playoff teams. Many people will hate this trade, but I think the Yankees did it to help Soto and Judge out. Only time will tell if it was a good trade or a bust.

John Cena Announces In-Ring Retirement In 2025

 When John Cena decided to become a professional wrestler he could not envision the impact he would have on the world, or the lives he would change. John Cena's career is coming to an end in 2025 as he has announced he is retiring. He was a 16 time champion in the WWE and his catch phrase Never Give Up has become a rally cry for all Cena's fans. John Cena popularity never really waned during his WWE career which is very rare.

People loved to cheer for him and just as many booed him as well. Even though people know John Cena from the WWE he has recently branched into movies as well. He has done well for himself and I'm sure that will continue in the future as well. One of the things many people do not realize about John Cena is how charitable with his time he happens to be.

John Cena ranks high on the Make-A-Wish program as one of the people that rarely say no to a request from the organization. He always love giving back to the fans and people who want to meet him. He is more then a professional wrestler he is a goodwill ambassador as well. John's career has been one of the best ever. What I will remember most about him is how he always gave the best of himself in and outside the ring everyday. 2025 will end his career, but not the mark he made on the world.

Bronny James Good Pick Or Just A Future Bust

 The Los Angeles Lakers took a chance, on Bronny James, but in hindsight was it a good choice for the Lakers. Now everyone in the world knew if Bronny was available they were going to take him. They knew it would be so much easier to resign Lebron James as well. With that said what can we really expect from Bronny James.

Bronny did play college basketball even though it was very limited. He played at USC and let's just say his play was stellar. In his defense he did have some heart issues to go along with his limited playing time at USC. So, honestly we do not know how much that factored into his playing time and usage at USC.

The good things about Bronny James is his dad is one of the best ever and he will have that resource to lean on in his early NBA career. Secondly, rumor is he will start in the g-league which is probably best for him to begin his career. I imagine if they go that route he will be called up during the regular season. 

I hope people do not compare him to his dad because they are totally different players and skill sets. He will never be as good as Lebron James and we shouldn't expect it. He will be a different type of player and we should let him become that on his own. When we put big expectations on people they never seen to meet them.

If people let Bronny James play his game and do what he can best he should be okay. Once we try and make him something he isn't that's where the trouble begins. It will be interesting to watch his NBA career and where it goes from here.

Brewers Continue To Win Despite Injuries

 During a MLB season injuries is something that every team must deal with to be successful. Over the last few years, the Milwaukee Brewers have done a great job dealing with this issue. How does Milwaukee do it where so many other teams seem to struggle with it. Let's take a look at why this is possible and why other teams have not adopted this approach.

Over the last decade the Milwaukee Brewers have really made a great effort in two areas. That is their farm system and drafting the right players year after year. Where most teams are looking to sign high dollar free agents the Brewers are frugal spenders and try to build teams in another way. Through the draft and promoting guys through the farm system.

Milwaukee has a Top 10 farm system that continues to get better every year. This means when they need players through injuries they bring them up to fill a vital role. These players know that they will be called up eventually and work hard in the farm system so they can be productive player's when the reach the Big Leagues.

Drafting players have changed over the years. There was a time where drafting was watching tape and visiting players in person. That still happens, but today’s scouting takes many different things into account before drafting a player. Milwaukee has had great success traveling all over the world looking for top talent.

Milwaukee has also done well drafted guys off the radar and making the most out of them. Milwaukee success has been mixing veterans with young players and they don’t plan to tinker with success.

Could The Nebraska Cornhuskers Be One of The Biggest Surprises In College Football?

 The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and fanbase has seen many lean years lately, but that could change in 2024. Matt Rhule was brought in to turn the program around and bring back the glory days. The first year under Rhule was a learning process for fans and  players alike. Rhule got the Cornhuskers to a 5-7 record, but they were in many of their seven losses in 2023-2024 season. What does the 2-24-2025 season look like for the Cornhuskers and their fans.

Matt Rhule has always been good at recuriting and the off-season seen him make some great strides. Maybe his No.1 move was being able to get one of the best quarterbacks to decommit from Georgia to come to Nebraska. Dylan Raiola was a highly prized player that many top colleges wanted. Rhule and the lure of Nebraska was too much and Raiola transferred to Nebraska.

Maybe one of the things that will help Nebraska turn it around this season is the defense. Last season they were one of the better units in all of college football. If they can repeat the same success in 2024 Nebraska could make huge strides. The Nebraska defense sets the table for the Cornhuskers and is a vital cog in this turnaround.

Nebraska still needs great quarterback play as last season that position turned the ball over to many times. Raiola is a huge upgrade at that position and will be very important to there success. If Raiola can play well and not turn the ball over look for the Cornhuskers to be one of the bright stories in 2024.

Does Kenny Lofton And Bernie Williams Deserve To Be Hall Of Famers

 When it comes to the Baseball Hall Of Fame two players always come to my mind. Bernie Williams and Kenny Lofton both were very good players, but may never get in the Hall. Many people why this happens as both players had good stats, but when it comes to the Hall Of Fame they fell short. Does this mean they are not worthy? No far from it. Let's take a look at why they fell short today.

Both were multiple times All-Stars and won numerous Gold gloves in the process. Defensively, both players saved numerous runs for their respected teams. Talent level was there for both players without na doubt. So what is preventing them from getting in the hall of fame. 

Stats play a big part and neither player reach the numbers they needed to get in, but there is more to the story then just numbers. Many times it comes down to being in the right place at the right time. For Williams and Lofton they were on the ballot when there were many good players of there skill level or better. This limited the vote that they got, but it's part of the process.

Even though Williams or Lofton may never seen the Hall Of Fame it doesn't diminish from what they gave to baseball and their many fans. Watching Lofton and Williams was a joy. It's too bad that there hard work wasn't rewarded with a Hall Of Fame spot. It happens and they are added to the list of players who almost made it.

NIL Has It Been Good Or Bad For College Football?

 When the NIL was first mention I had my reservations about if it was going to be good for college football. After seeing it implemented there are good points and bad points about NIL in college football. Today. let's take a look at NIL and how it has impacted college football.

Many people thought that NIL deals would not impact college football, boy were they so wrong. It has made an impact many people never really thought about. One of the biggest ways is players are requesting money sometimes before they even visit a campus. This means you got to pay them to just come visit. A good quarterback can run into the millions of dollars if you want him real bad. This pay me to play model works for some, but for others it has not. 

College Football teams like it if they have deep pockets. They can virtually buy any player if they have enough cash and they are willing to move to a different school. Players are looking out for there best interest, so you really cannot blame them for that as well. Many times it works out for both parties, but sometimes it's a failed marriage as well. 

Building a college football team through NIL deals is also something schools are experimenting with as well. Some schools have seen building this way as a quicker way to building a contender when you only need a few pieces to complete a team. Love it or hate it NIL is here to stay for the long run.

 

Casey Atwood Talent Does Not Always Equal Success At The Highest Levels

 Casey Lee Atwood at one time was called the next Jeff Gordon, but was never able to live up to the hype. Does this mean his career was a failure? Of course it does not make him a disappointment. There are many different things that goes into a drivers success many of those things are beyond his control Let's take a closer look at Casey Atwood's career and why he is another race car driver who just did not land where he needed to be.

In 75 races in Nascar's Top Division he ran 75 races with four Top 10 finishes. Those kind of numbers will not get you a long-term contract anywhere in Nascar these days. When he drove in the top circuit he needed more stability and help which really wasn't available to him. I think he would have been great if teamed with a Mark Martin who could have showed him the ropes and what he needed to improve on. Many times when it comes to racing the right fit is so important.

The Nascar Xnfinity Series Casey Atwood seen great success. He garnered 2 wins and 30 Top 10 finishes in 158 starts. Atwood excelled in this series which helped send him to the top circuit. He never could duplicate what he did in this series and that is a shame. Maybe he needed to stay a little longer in this series, but when the Cup comes calling it's tough to refuse.

Many people feel Casey Atwood's career was a failure, but that's not my take. He did the best he could with what rides he had. No race car driver goes out to fail. Many times it comes to being in the right place at the right time. That never happen for Casey and that is a shame. We never got to see what he could have done in the right situation. 

Most people overlook Casey Atwood, but no matter what anyone says about him he did always try his best. You really can't ask anymore for a young man who was trying his best against some of the best drivers in the world.

Brewers Have No Answers Against Yankees In Back to Back Routs

 The Milwaukee this weekend has a series with the New York Yankees and it did not end well. The Brewers suffered back to back losses to the Yankees giving up 30 runs. Is this the end of the Brewers hot start? Or is it just rough patch the Brewers must overcome. 

Everyone talked about this series as a measuring stick for the Brewers, but I looked at it in a different way, It gave the young Brewers a chance to see a veteran team with some young stars who were very good. The New York Yankees are a very good hitting team and in the off-season they improved their pitching as well.

Against a Brewers staff that has struggled at times the Yankees took batting practice in the last two games. This is a learning experience that will make the Brewers better down the road. You  will have games like this and you lose and move on from it. Pitching is a work in progress for the Brewers so there will be growing pains. 

Many fans are upset at the poor pitching performances, but it's a long season and there will be games like this as a team. The key is just improve over the season and the Brewers will be fine. There will be ups and downs, so this series does not worry me one bit.

NHL Schedule March 26, 2024

 NHL Schedule March 26, 2024

Boston at Florida   7:00pm

Philadelphia at New York Rangers   7:00pm

Carolina at Pittsburgh 7:00pm

Detroit at Washington 7:00pm

New Jersey at Toronto  7:30pm

Vegas at Nashville  8:00pm

Edmonton at Winnipeg  8:00pm

Calgary at Chicago  8:30pm

Montreal at Colorado 9:00pm

Anaheim at Seattle  10:00pm

Columbus at Arizona  10:00pm

Dallas at San Jose  10:30 pm

Will The Brewers Finish Higher Than The Predictions?

  The Milwaukee Brewers the last few years have been the model of consistency. Each year making a respectable showing many times winning the division outright. Fast forward to 2024 and it seems all the hard work the Brewers have done is now be taken granted for these days. Why is is that? Let's take a closer look at Milwaukee in 2024.

I can understand why everyone believes Milwaukee will struggling to be a team about the .500 level. They traded away Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff is gone for the season and Devin Williams will be out extended time. These are very good reasons to think Milwaukee will struggle all season long. I think it will not be as bad as people may think.

Devin Williams will be out around 3 to 4 months and then he will be back. The bullpen Milwaukee has right now should be able to hold it together until he gets back. The starting pitching is something that worries me a little. Once you get past Freddy Peralta it really gets sketchy.

There are guys who have pitched for other teams were brought in and a few young arms also will be sprinkled in as well. Milwaukee has been known to get the most out of their pitchers and 2024 won't be any different as well. As far as scoring Milwaukee has plenty of youth and veterans to add punch to the lineup. Toss in Gary Sanchez and Rhys Hoskins and the Brewers should be able to score runs.

I think Milwaukee will surprise a lot of people in 2024 and be contending again for a playoff berth or division title. Milwaukee loves winning the division, so do not count them out for that either.

Why Oakland's Win Over Kentucky Was Huge For College Basketball

 Many people think Oakland's win last night over Kentucky was just luck and the story will end in the next game. People do not realize Oakland is a very good team that earned the win as much as Kentucky didn't play well. For College Basketball Oakland was a glimpse into the future of the sport.

 Kentucky has always been a program people talked about in the elite sense, but lately they have had early exits in the NCAA Tournament. Many people  will tell you it's because they are young and inexperience which is paritally true. The other thing is College basketball is seeing a shift away from power teams and a more level playing field.

No longer is a No.1 seed given a  easy road to the Final Four. Each and every game could be there last one this is where a team like Oakland excels. Teams such as Oakland no longer have any fear in playong higher seeds. In fact, they relish the competition and the chance to eliminate a higher seed.

This is the state of college basketball these days and I kinda of like the direction it is headed. More competitive games and fun basketball to watch. Hate it or love it college basketball is very enjoyable these days.

March Madness Is Great Television For Sports Fans

 Years ago March Madness was so much different. When you created brackets you knew most №1 seeds had an excellent chance of making the Finals. Now you cannot even make that claim aymore. Even a №16 seed could upset a Top-Ranked team in this tournament.

It has become where almost anyone can win a game in this tournament. Twenty years ago that was a rare thing indeed. This has made March Madness a must see anymore. You never know now who will win or lose a game. This means even the smaller schools have a chance to win some games in the tournament.

Does this mean we will see a smaller school win this tournament soon. I do not forecast that for awhile, but we are getting closer to that point. Players are choosing smaller colleges to play for where before that was taboo. As smaller colleges start getting better players the field will even out even more.

I enjoy the more level playing field in college basketball. March Madness for me now becomes a must watch for every round. Years ago it just wasn’t that way so I’m glad for this closer then ever playing field.

Is Baker Mayfield Worth 44 Million As Bucs Quarterback?

 Baker Mayfield right now is talking with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about a new contract. It has been reported he is seeing around 44 million a year, but I do not know that to be true or not. Let's use that number as a starting point in this article. Is Baker worth 44 million? Let's talk a little about Baker and what I think he would be worth to the Buccaneers.

You cannot start talk about money without taking into consideration the Buccaneers basically were then only team offering Mayfield a contract last year. Most teams passed on Mayfield, but the Buccaneers gave him an opportunity to be in this position. I think the Buccaneers were hoping for a hometown discount, but it looks like Mayfield's camp is not in on that kind of thinking.

The number that the Buccaneers are looking for is 22-30 million range is what I'm guessing as a good number for them. Mayfield is looking for 44 million as a starting point according to various reports. So right now they are far apart, but are still working on trying to get a deal done before Monday.

The real question is Bake Mayfield worth 44 million a year or even more. I love what baker brought to the Buccaneers on and off the field, but that number 44 million is a little high. I hope the Buccaneers do not go past 35 million with Mayfield. I have this feeling they may do that though in the long run. I look for Tampa Bay to draft a quarterback in the draft as well. What about Kyle Trask?

In college at Florida Kyle Trask threw for over 60 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions. He is talented, but the Buccaneers do not seem to trust him at all and that makes me wonder. They must not feel comfortable with him or they would not have looked towards Baker Mayfield last year. 

I guess we will see how much the Buccaneers pay Mayfield, but if they do not look for Trask to be given his chance and the Bucs draft a quarterback as well. I do think the Bucs will bite the bullet and pay Mayfield. Even if its more then they want too. Mayfield knows no matter what he will be paid by the Bucs or someone else.

Baker Mayfield Continues To Show The Buccaneers Why He Is A Franchise Quarterback

 Baker Mayfield was a No.1 pick just a few years ago and now he is trying to get back to those lofty goals. Going into the 2023 season no one really wanted him, but Tampa Bay decided to kick the tires and are glad they did. Mayfield has been worth every bit of the 4 million they were paying him. He came in and became a part of team and not a distraction. This is something he has been accused of early in his career a distraction to the team and others.

The Buccaneers have seen a more matured Baker Mayfield. He has been all about the team and not worried about himself. He has played some of the best football in his career. If you ask Buccaneer players about Baker Mayfield, you will hear nothing but good things about him. Sometimes it takes a while to mature in the NFL. Mayfield has realized his time could be running out as a starter, so he has to make the most of this one.

Baker has gotten the Buccaneers into the playoffs and just recently beat the Eagles. This week they travel to Detroit for another playoff game. Mayfield is playing with house money right now. He has nothing to lose and will play loose and free. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing just like their quarterback loose and free. No one gave the Buccaneers a chance this season, so each step is a win for them.