MPT’s Post Combine 2015 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defense

Following the combine, here are my position rankings for the defensive players of the 2015 NFL Draft:

MPT’s Post Combine 2015 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Offense

Following the combine, here are my position rankings for the offensive players of the 2015 NFL Draft:

MPT’s Post-Combine 1st Round Mock Draft

With the combine now over, here is a quick 1st round mock to kick off the draft season following the event:

Chiefs Safety Eric Berry Focusing on a new opponent

Reports coming out of Kansas City say Safety Eric Berry, 25, was placed on the non-football injury list and that his season is over. Devastating news for Chiefs fans hopeful of a playoff run this season; but more importantly for Eric Berry himself. Following last weeks Thursday night football game against the Oakland Raiders Berry experienced pains in his chest, he was examined by team doctors and they recommended further tests. A series of those tests found what appears to be a mass in his chest. Berry then underwent more tests including a CT scan and blood work, over the weekend, then flew to Emory University in Atlanta, near where he grew up, this morning to see specialists “This mass appears to be cancerous; and possibly lymphoma” according to a team trainer. “They may do further scans. In all likelihood, they’ll do a biopsy of one of the lymph nodes or the mass” said the same team specialist, according to ESPN reports.

Berry issued a statement saying he was “in shock”. “I understand right now I have to concentrate on a new opponent, I have great confidence in the doctors and the plan they are going to put in place for me to win this fight. I believe that I am in God’s hands and I have great peace in that.” Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said Berry insisted on addressing the team himself, before leaving for Atlanta, which speaks to his courage and leadership. “When you get in these situations, you hunker down and battle for your life, which is what you do. You have to be in a certain frame of mind, have certain support to back you up, and Eric has that with his family and also the Chiefs” said Reid.

Berry was an All-American at The University of Tennessee, winning 19 awards during his time there! Berry decided to declare for the NFL draft after his junior year. He was selected 5th overall in the 2010 NFL draft, and made an immediate impact, being selected to the Pro Bowl his rookie season. Berry, tore a ligament in his knee the following season, rehabbed, and was voted All-Pro at the conclusion of his 3rd season.

This is without a doubt the scariest time of Berry’s young life, if you don’t personally know someone who has been affected by cancer, you should consider yourself extremely lucky, because I feel we all have. I went through a very similar process when I, myself, was 20. The chest pains, CT scans, blood work, and seeing doctors after doctors after doctors. I then had a biopsy on my own lung before starting chemotherapy a week later because there were multiple malignant masses in my stomach and lungs. Every time I hear the word cancer, it brings me back to when I was 20 years old. Through it all, I was fortunate enough to have arguably the best doctors in the world, because I lived in a city that had the best hospitals in the world. Like Berry and Reid said, I hunkered down, focused on a new opponent, put my faith in God, and gave it everything I had. But I was also lucky. Not all cancer is curable, and some people think because of the amazing strides doctors have made with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, that everyone survives. That’s simply not the case. So I’m taking this time and story to remind people that your donations to legitimate cancer research programs are still badly needed, and above all greatly appreciated; we’ve made so much progress as a society, but we’re not there yet.

With that being said, take a minute, say a prayer for Eric Berry; and watch him light up this diagnosis, and “make em pay” as if it was an NFL wide receiver running a crossing pattern over the middle. Berry has been one of my favorite players to watch going all the way back to his days at UT. NFL scouts were comparing him to Ed Reed and Sean Taylor, two of my all time favorite players. It wouldn’t shock me one bit to see him back on the field, ball hawking and following quarterbacks eyes come next fall. Concentrate on what’s important right now Eric, put the rest on the back burner, and things will fall back into place. I know one thing for sure; you have a fan in Boston that’s praying for you.

ScottyD

@Dpo12S

Red Sox set to sign Pablo Sandoval, Sources say Ramirez numbers inaccurate

News broke late last night that the Boston Red Sox were set to bring in free agent Hanley Ramirez to finalize a deal worth $90 million over the next 5 years. New reports coming out of Boston say those numbers are in accurate, and that the deal will be reportedly worth $88 million over 4 years with a vesting option at $22 million for a 5th season pending a physical. Now it appears the Sox are also ready to acquire free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Dubbed the “Kung Fu Panda” by former Giants teammate Barry Zito, after eluding a tag at home plate back in 2008, A 3 time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants; Sandoval,28, hit .279 with 16 homers and 73 RBI’s last season is a solid addition to a team that struggled on offense last year. In addition, he’s a pretty good defender as well. If the Sox do sign both free agents, many current Sox players will soon begin wondering if there days in Boston are numbered. The Red Sox currently already have second baseman Dustin Pedroia, whose name I only bring up as to eliminate the chance of Ramirez moving to second if he does sign. SS Xander Bogearts, who has been considered untouchable by the Sox organization in recent years; however, did struggle during the first half the season offensively and defensively before coming on late at the end, first baseman Mike Napoli, whom the Red Sox just resigned last season and third baseman Will Middlebrooks. I think the clear consensus now would be to either include Middlebrooks in a trade for starting pitching or see if he’s willing to start the season in Pawtucket.

The outfield may even be more crowed right now, with midseason acquisitions of Yoenis Cespedes, Rusney Castillo, and Allan Craig; as well as a healthy Shane Victorino coming back, and outfielder Daniel Nava. I think it’s safe to say the Sox would like to start prospects Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr in Pawtucket if they were to go into the 2015 season with this kind of log jam. However, that probably won’t be the case. If I gave you 90 seconds to name the Red Sox pitching rotation next season could you do it? Clay Buckholtz is about the only guarantee and he’s not a number one starter. Some may argue he isn’t even a number 2 on a championship team. Names like Rubby De La Rosa, Joe Kelly, Allen Webster, Brandon Workman, Anthony Ranaudo, and Matt Barnes may compete for two open slots in the rotation. Southpaw Henry Owens is widely considered the Sox best pitching prospect but should probably start the season on the farm and if needed, be brought up down the stretch run.

That still leaves at least two slots open in the rotation. The Red Sox are actively pursuing Jon Lester. If they can’t reach an agreement with Lester, look for them to turn their attention to free agent James Shields. Shields, who has pitched previously with the Rays and Royals may not be considered an “ace” but would be a solid number 2. This brings us back to the log jam of position players. I now expect GM Ben Cherrington to make a move to acquire pitching through a trade. Most will speculate Cespedes will be the one to go. You won’t get an ace back for Cespedes straight up; however, a package deal including any of the following, Middlebrooks, Victorino, Craig, Webster, Barnes, or Ranaudo and a prospect or two may be enough to land someone to pencil in at the top of the rotation. No matter what happens, it should be an interesting off season to watch for Red Sox fans at least.

ScottyD
@Dpo12s

Familiar face headed back to Boston. Hanley Ramirez to sign with Red Sox 5 years $90M

Life had never been better for Red Sox fans following the 2004 season. The Sox had just captured their 1st World Series in 86 years; the first of what would be three World Series championships in the next ten years. Flash forward a full year to the 2005 offseason. Theo Epstein had resigned as the General Manger at the end of October, following a power struggle with President of baseball operations Larry Lucchino; leaving the Sox with two relatively unknowns at the time in charge as interim General Managers. Those two “unknowns” were current Red Sox GM Ben Cherrington and now Chicago Cubs GM Jed Hoyer.

On November 24th 2005, The Red Sox and their co-GM’s finalized a deal with the then Florida Marlins, agreeing to send 4 prospects to Florida in exchange for Josh Becket, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota. One of those 4 prospects was Hanley Ramirez, who was rated by Baseball America as the #10 prospect in baseball prior to the 2005 season. 9 years later to the day, Hanley Ramirez will be flying into Boston instead of flying out this time, to finalize a deal with the Boston Red Sox worth a reported $90 million dollars over the next 5 seasons. Ramirez, 30, will turn 31 next month, hit .283 with 13 home runs and 71 RBIs in 128 regular season games last season with the L.A. Dodgers, before becoming a free agent this offseason after rejecting a $15.3 million qualifying offer earlier this month.

Multiple questions immediately come to mind following the news of Ramirez (no relation to Manny) heading to Boston. The first of which is, what position is he coming here to play? He came up through the Sox system as a shortstop but has played third base as well at times in the past. The Red Sox already have SS Xander Bogaerts, 22, under contract and secondly, what is going on with third base free agent Pablo Sandoval? Sandoval, 30, was also reportedly offered over $90 million for 5 years. Very similar to the deal Ramirez is about to sign with Boston. Did Cherrington believe Sandoval was not coming to Boston and instead of being left out in the cold with nothing, decided to settle for Ramirez before he signed elsewhere? Ramirez reportedly told teams inquiring, that he would be open to a position change. Does that mean third base? Or could it mean left field if the Sox are still in the running for Sandoval’s services? Those questions remain to be seen as of now.

Some skeptics to say he’s not the player he once was and that age may be catching up with him. Ramirez when healthy has been one of the most productive shortstops since arriving in the majors; however, he has been hampered with injuries the past few seasons playing in 128 games last season and only 86 during the 2013 season; yet he was still able to hit 20 homers while batting .345 in those 86 games. Only time will tell if he can bounce back offensively but you have to think the Sox feel confident he’ll be able to stay on the field if they’re going to offer him almost a hundred million dollars. David Ortiz isn’t getting any younger either so they could possibly move him to DH in the future if his body does start breaking down. This could also mean the end of the Will Middlebrooks era in Boston. The Sox are revamping their offense, which looked God awful last year; with outfielder Rusney Castillo, a healthy Dustin Pedroia, Yoenis Cespedes, Ortiz, Ramirez, and Bogaerts, who now has a year under his belt and the possibility of adding Sandoval as well, but they’re going to have to address their pitching situation at some point if they have any plans of playing in the post season next year. If Sandoval does sign with Boston this Ramirez deal may just be the beginning of things to come. Cole Hamels to Boston for Cespedes, Middlebrooks, and two prospects anyone?

ScottyD

@Dpo12s

Where will Jon Lester end up signing?

Multiple reports have said Jon Lester met with the Boston Red Sox this week.

Those reports say the Sox offered the 30 year-old southpaw who had a 2.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 220/48 K/BB ratio in 219 2/3 innings this season between Boston and Oakland. 6years for $110-$120 million. Let’s call it $120 because I happen to believe Lester will get more than $110 from someone. Late reports Wednesday have said that the Red Sox are willing to negotiate from their latest offer. In other words they know as well as I do that $120 probably isn’t going to get it done either .

Lester met with the Cubs and old friend Theo on Tuesday as we’ll as planning to meet with the Atlanta Braves Thursday. Lester already has a home in Atlanta but the Braves would have to shuffle around some money and players to probably make the contract work for them. As for the Cubs, right now I believe they may be the front runners. They’re probably willing to offer Lester the most money out of any teams currently “in the hunt” for his services. Lester was also drafted by Theo Epstein. As well the Cubs just made former Tampa Bay manager Joe Madden their manager, who has a spectacular track record at getting the most out of his pitchers.

New reports also have the St Louis Cardinals testing the waters about Lester. I actually believe the Cardinals may make a serious push at Lester. They saw first-hand what he could do in the 2013 World Series. Imagine a one two punch of Wainwright and Lester. In addition they just traded starting pitching to acquire Jason Heyward from the Braves and still do have a full rotation as of now. Two things to remember; you can never have enough starting pitching and you can always use pitching to acquire assets to improve your club.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reported to have interest in Lester as well. However I’m not buying it. I think if anything it may be more of a PR move to go back to their fan base and say “hey we tried.” Or to drive the price up for a division rival such as the Red Sox.

There hasn’t been much mention of the last team Lester actually pitched for, the Oakland A’s making a run at him; however, I wouldn’t put it past Billy Beane to throw out an offer even though I believe Lester is going to cost too much for their small market club.

Ranking as of now where Lester will end up

1. Cubs

2. Red Sox

3. Cardinals

4. Braves

5. Athletics

6. Blue Jays

Dark Horse: The Yankee’s. Never count them out. I could easily see Brian Cashman dialing up Lesters agent saying “ How’s 6 and $175M sound? Boom done.

ScottyD

@dpo12s

MPT’s 2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Defense

With offense yesterday, here are my rankings for the draft eligible prospects on defense for the 2015 draft heading into the season:

MPT’s 2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Offense

With the college football season right around the corner, here are my rankings for the draft eligible prospects on offense for the 2015 draft heading into the season:

Red Sox Notes Heading Into the Trade Deadline

Koji Uehara pictured above

• What to do with Jon Lester is probably the question that’s been keeping Red Sox GM Ben Cherington and President Larry Lucchino up late at night recently. The Sox have butchered this from the start. Red Sox management (Luchino) clearly low balled Lester back in spring training with a offer reportedly in the range of 4years $70 million. I think it’s almost certain he tests the free agent waters. He’s made it this far trough the season, injury free and has a 2.39 era in his last 30 games started! I won’t be surprised to see a team go 6 years at $24-$26 million a year. A number the Red Sox won’t touch with a ten foot pole. I don’t see the sox going more than 5yr at $125 million. If they do, however, I don’t understand why they already haven’t. It’s clear they have a structure in place an are set in their ways. The Red Sox have statistical evidence that clearly state’s you may as we’ll go to Vegas and throw it all on black if your going to sign a pitcher over 30 to more than 5 years. The probability of that pitcher making it through his entire contract healthy and maintaining his value to the contract he signed his extremely low.
So what do they do now? Only Ben Cherington & Larry Lucchino know the answer to that question. Are they going to bend their rule for “one of theirs” (Lester was drafted and has played his entire professional career with the Sox). If they don’t plan on ponying up a 5th year they might as we’ll move on from Jon Lester at this point. However, I don’t think they actually move him. He probably will walk during FA, the Sox will take the draft pick compensation and move forward. With who at the top of your rotation is the bigger question.

• Sox – Dodgers talking about Matt Kemp? Personally, I don’t like it. Any deal involving Kemp .277 8 hr 40 RBI would most likely include Lester or Koji Uehara. Nearly $118 million remain on Kemp’s deal until 2019. He’s far from then he was in 2010, when he finished 2nd in the MVP voting. Since then he has had two shoulder surgeries and an ankle injury that has prevented him from returning to CF, instead playing mostly corner outfield. I’d much rather see the Sox, pay Lester, instead of taking on Kemp’s salary, and go get Mike Stanton from Miami, for prospects. Get Stanton to Boston then worry about what it will cost to keep him.

•Player most likely to be dealt Koji Uehara. He’s having another incredible season 1.51 era 21 saves 63 K’s 0.76 WHIP. He would help a team down the stretch and bring back a top 5 prospect in return. While you would get more back for him if they moved him by July 31st. Don’t rule out the Aug31st. Waiver deadline either.

– Scotty D

@Dpo12s
@undraft3d