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.

Deion Sanders And Colorado Must See TV Against Colorado State

 It seems every coach that Deion Sanders coaches against has something to say about him. This week we can add Colorado State's coach Jay Norvell to that ever-growing list. Norvell said when he talks to adults he takes off his hat and sunglasses a reference to Deion who really doesn't. This makes this game a must-watch this week that's for sure. Colorado is favored by double digits, so it will see how this all ends up in the end.

Disrespect is a word that everyone tosses around when we talk about Deion Sanders and his Colorado football team. I've lost count of coaches and players who give out bulletin board material. Sometimes it gives teams incentives, but sometimes it does not. In the end, the best team usually always wins these kinds of games. Most people will point to what the Colorado State coach said as the reason they lost the game if they lose. The bottom line is what someone says doesn't matter at game time. You still must perform on the field when it is time.

Like him or hate him Deion Sanders is good for college football. He keeps people talking about the sport and watching it as well. Anytime more people are watching the games it's a good thing. No matter who wins this game it's all good for college football.

MLB 2023 Season Preview Buckle Up The Ride Will Be Wild

 Every year it seems MLB seasons get wilder and wilder in the 2023 season promises to be just as crazy. We have the New York Yankees and the New York Mets as two of the better teams in Major League Baseball, but that does not guarantee any things these days. It seems there always is a team that comes out of left field that no one really considered and that could happen again this year.

The New York Mets are loaded this season, but can they put it all together is the question. Sometimes getting all the pieces to fit into place can take some time. The San Diego Padres are another team that has a very potent lineup that could give teams a lot of problems. Then you head over to the American League East and all of those teams are good and getting better it seems. This is why it is hard to handicap a winner in the 2023 MLB season.

Hold on to your hats this season is going to be wild. There will be plenty of drama along with good pitching and defensive gems to see. Who is standing at the end of this race is hard to predict. It will be fun and exciting to see who is left standing at the end of this journey.

George "Boomer" Scott Gets His Day In The Sun At Fenway Park On April 4th

 George "Boomer" Scott will be honored On April 4th at Fenway Park in a ceremony. I am glad to see George Scott being honored as he was one of my favorite players and more people need to know about his legacy. His son George Scott III has been keeping his dad's legacy alive and this honor is something I'm sure George Scott would have loved a lot. Many younger fans never got the chance to see George Scott and that is a shame. 

George Scott is like many former players MLB baseball sometimes forgetting about the contributions they make to the sport. George tallied 271 Home Runs and 1,051 RBI's in his Major League Career. Scott is the All-Time Red Sox leader in games played at first base, along with his 944 starts. Scott enjoyed his time with the Redsox as he started his career there and flourished. Many people remember Scott for calling his home runs taters, but he was so much more than just a home run hitter.

One of the areas George took great pride in was his ability as a defensive first baseman. George won a total of 8 Gold Gloves. At one point he won five straight Gold Gloves as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He even had a nickname for his glove it was called Black Beauty. Many people need to realize how good George Scott was as a player.

The Red Sox will be honoring him on April 4th, 2023 lets hope we have a packed house to honor this baseball great. His contributions will never be forgotten and now he has his day for his family and friends to celebrate his legacy.