Beltran to San Fran

Everybody saw it coming. With the Mets failing to make any ground in the NL Wild Card race, Carlos Beltran was going to get dealt before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Notwithstanding the fact that a reduced 2012 payroll would probably eliminate any chance of re-signing the 34-year-old outfielder, the Mets could not afford to keep a non-arbitratation eligible player who would walk away at season's end; thus, leaving them without any draft pick compensation.

Beltran enjoyed great success while in New York. Despite his injury troubles in recent years, the six-time All-Star will go down as one of the best outfielders in Mets history. Beltran's best season as a Met was 2006, in which he hit 41 HR and 116 RBI at a .275 clip. Unfortunately, the lasting memory that season for most fans is Beltran's strikeout in the bottom of the ninth inning of game 7 of the NLCS.

Although he experienced a resurgence this year, Beltran's career in the Big Apple had run its course. When Sandy Alderson became the Mets general manager last Fall, he knew that he faced a gargantuan task. For unlike other cities, New York fans don't understand the word "rebuild". So although the Mets were going to lose major contributors through trade this year, it was imperative that Alderson kept this team in position to at least be competitive.

Alderson knew that players such as Francisco Rodriguez and Beltran had to be dealt; so did all of the Mets' potential trading partners. That's exactly why it would be very difficult to acquire value in exchange for New York's departing stars. Rodriguez was dealt for two low-level prospects. But that doesn't mean that the deal was a failure. In ridding themselves of K-Rod, the Mets avoided a $17.5 million option that was set to vest next season in the event that the closer finished 55 games.

The Beltran deal was even more of a success. Beltran played All-Star caliber baseball this season: 15 HR, 66 RBI, .289 BA. He's also surprised many by playing 98 games - good for second on his team thus far. With teams such as the Phillies, Red Sox, Giants, and Rangers looking for a quality outfield bat, Beltran was a highly valued commodity. In fact, he was arguably the most sought after position player in this year's trade market. With these conditions, it should have been easy for Alderson to receive top-level talent in exchange for the 34-year-old outfielder, right? Wrong.

In trading for Beltran, the San Francisco Giants are only getting a two-month rental. In addition, the fact that he is non-arbitration eligible made trading Beltran even more difficult - any team that traded for the three-time Gold Glove Award winner would not receive draft pick compensation when he hit free agency at the end of the season.

But Alderson did well, very well. In exchange for the two-time Silver Slugger Award Winner, the Mets received the Giants best pitching prospect. Righty Zack Wheeler has a mid-to-high 90s fastball and above-average off speed stuff. Although he has struggled with his control at times, Wheeler projects as a solid no.2 starter.

Throughout trade negotiations, Alderson was thought to have much too high of an asking price. In fact, before the Mets agreed to deal Beltran to San Francisco yesterday, many believed that Alderson would only be able to get mid-level prospects in a trade. That is why this trade is such a success: Alderson acquired the Giants' best young arm, a player who figures to be a big part of the Mets' future.

Landing Wheeler was a success for the Mets, and that should be celebrated. However, I would have liked to see Beltran continue to play for a team that is starting to get healthy. If they were at full strength all season, who knows what the Mets could have done this year.

The Jets Want Asomugha

The New York Jets already have the best cornerback in football. Now they are going after the man that most consider to be the second best, Nnamdi Asomugha. While at the Pro Bowl in Miami in 2010, the two shutdown corners discussed the idea of playing together. In fact, the former Oakland Raider even discussed the possibility of augmenting Gang Green's already elite defense.

With Revis and Asomugha on the field together, Ryan could be even more creative pressuring the quarterback. Because Revis can be trusted to single cover a team's opposing number one receiver, Ryan can send blitzers from the secondary. Imagine what he could do if an opposing team's two best receivers were shut down. But is it possible? Can the Jets sign this year's most coveted free agent?

Today the Jets agreed to a five-year $50 million deal ($24 million guaranteed) with wide receiver Santonio Holmes. The deal, which will reward Holmes with one of the largest guarantees ever for a wide receiver, likely precludes the re-signing of receiver Braylon Edwards. In signing this deal, New York reduces their already minuscule cap flexibility. In order to sign Asomugha, several contracts will have to be restructured - quarterback Mark Sanchez has already indicated that he is willing to revamp his deal.

Nnamdi Asomugha would be thrilled to play in New York. He would become a star in The Big Apple, on and off the field (Asomugha reportedly is interested in becoming an actor after his football career). However, he's not going to accept a deal significantly below market value just to play for Rex Ryan. A small discount is understandable. But there's no getting around it: landing Asomugha in New York will be a difficult financial venture, notwithstanding whether or not GM Mike Tannenbaum is able to convince several players to restructure their deals.

If the Jets land the 30-year-old db, they would have the best defense in the NFL. The question is, would the rest of the roster suffer? In the event that Asomugha signs with New York, quarterback Mark Sanchez would likely lose his most trusted deep threat - Braylon Edwards. The Jets also have to concern themselves with signing key contributors such as wide receiver/kick returner Brad Smith as well as safeties James Ihedigbo and Brodney Pool. Regardless, Asomugha's value outweighs the possible drop-offs on offense. Besides, if no one can score against the Jets, all Mark Sanchez has to do is lean on that - in the words of coach Ryan - "ground and pound" rushing attack.

Rex Ryan's bravado has created a wealth of expectations for a team that hasn't won a championship since 1968. Interestingly enough, Joe Willie's guarantee prior to that game is similar to what Ryan is preaching. It's Super Bowl or bust for the Jets. Not only has Ryan guaranteed that his team will get to the big game, he has no doubt that this is the year they are going to win it. Signing Nnamdi Asomugha would surely give that prediction some credence.

"Football's Back"

After 132 days of uncertainty, anxiety, distress, indignation, and any other adjective you can think of to describe the frustration felt during the NFL lockout, the sport we all love most is back. Yesterday the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a ten-year collective bargaining agreement, ensuring that there will no longer be discussion of law suits, revenue sharing, retirement benefits, and any other of the issues that caused the longest work stoppage in NFL history. In fact, we probably won't hear about NFL labor talks until after the 2020 Super Bowl. Feels good, doesn't it?

With just 44 days until the highly-anticipated Thursday night season opener between the New Orleans Saints and the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, the NFL landscape is about to get hectic. Here's a schedule of the upcoming events.

Today players were allowed to report to facilities. They could work out, get treatment, study film, etc. Today is also the first day where teams can sign drafted and undrafted free-agent rookies. Most importantly, however, today is the unofficial start of free agency. Players can't be signed, but teams can negotiate with their own as well as other teams' free agents. On Thursday, teams will begin cutting and waiving players. Friday will be the first day when free agents can be signed. All 32 teams will have reported to training camp by this Sunday. The preseason opener is on Thursday, August 11 (Seahawks vs. Chargers).

Although there is still some time before Saints v. Packers, this season will be a challenge for the coaches. With all of the missed offseason workouts, teams haven't had ample time to learn play books. Teams may have been able to stay in shape with voluntary workouts. However, without guidance from coaches, what did those workouts really accomplish other than keeping players in shape?

The teams most hurt by this work stoppage are those with new head coaches as well as those with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Jim Harbaugh (San Francisco 49ers), Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers), and John Fox (Denver Broncos) are just a few of the head signal callers who face a significant challenge this offseason. They have less than two months to get to know their team, win over the locker room, and implement their respective offensive and defensive systems.

Let's talk about the Washington Redskins, a team beset by a quarterback dilemma. Head coach Mike Shanahan has been handcuffed this whole offseason, unable to try and upgrade the most important position on the field. After a failed 2010 season, there was no question that Donovan McNabb's career in Washington was over. Had this been a regular offseason, the Redskins would have been able to deal McNabb and then resolve their quarterback issue. They now have very little time to figure out who will be under center week 1. What about a team like the Carolina Panthers or Bengals? These are two teams with rookie quarterbacks expected to compete for starting jobs. Try learning a completely foreign offensive system with unfamiliar teammates in less than two months.

Although some teams/players may suffer, at least we can all agree on one thing: there is no sweeter sight than helmets clashing on that familiar 120 X 53 1/3 yd green rectangle. It can now be said with certainty that there will be an NFL season this year. In the words of NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, "Football's back".

Brett Favre's Possible Return

I really believed that this would be the summer where there would be no Favre-drama. In a December 2 game against the Buffalo Bills last season, Favre suffered a crushing hit from Bills linebacker Arthur Moats. The blow resulted in a sprained AC joint, an injury which would force his epic consecutive starts streak to finally come to an end at 297. But you know the gunslinger, he wasn't done playing football. After missing just one game, Favre played a game at the frozen TCF Bank Stadium (the Metrodome had collapsed) against Chicago. He was thrown hard against the turf by Bears defensive end Cory Whooton and suffered a concussion. Favre did not play in the season finale. On January 17, he made his retirement from the NFL official. It was believed that this was the end, that good old number four was finally throwing in the towel. Favre withstood a tremendous beating last year, there was no way he could play again...right?

Notable Philadelphia radio personality and sportscaster Howard Eskin said Saturday night that the Eagles may be interested in bringing Favre in as Michael Vick's backup. Of course, this could just be pure speculation. But would it make sense for the 11x Pro Bowler to come out of retirement for a backup job in the city of brotherly love?

Once free agency begins, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Kevin Kolb will be traded. That leaves the Eagles with very little depth at the quarterback position. Although Michael Vick has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic, explosive players at his position, he is no Brett Favre. In other words, he's not necessarily the type of player who's guaranteed to start all sixteen games. So, it makes sense for the Eagles to be interested in bringing in a quality backup. But do they need Favre? Does Michael Vick need that man, that ego as his mentor?

" I would be honored to have Brett Favre as a backup. That will be amazing Learning how to toy with defenses the way he did his whole career." That came from Michael Vick's twitter account on Sunday. That tweet is now gone. Although Vick's statement indicated that he would welcome Favre's presence on the sidelines, it doesn't make very much sense. Vick is playing in a city where the fans turn on their stars in a heartbeat. If Vick struggles, there will be clamors for old graybeard to take the reins. In addition, even if Vick replicates his impressive 2010 season, there will undoubtedly be some type of Favre drama. Why would Michael Vick want any part of that? There are plenty of free agent quarterbacks that would fit perfectly in that backup role in Philadelphia. Marc Bulger, Trent Edwards, Bruce Gradkowski. Those are just a few possible names.

The more important question is whether or not Favre would actually be willing to stand on the sidelines for sixteen or more games with a clipboard in his hands. Brett Favre, a backup? It's highly doubtful that he will accept that type of role.

Of course, there's always the possibility that Favre is just desperate for that second ring. He has familiarity with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg from their time together in Green Bay. Perhaps Favre's familiarity with Reid's west coast system would be beneficial for Vick's development. But that's the only possible positive in this situation.

Brett Favre is a surefire Hall of Famer, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. But his career has run its course, it's over. Agent Bus Cook said on Monday that Favre has not expressed any desire to make a comeback. But there's a silver lining here. Favre may not have indicated interest, but he also hasn't shot down the rumors. I don't think the 41-year-old will return next year, but ruling it out completely would be foolish.

The Longhorn Network

Last summer, the University of Texas was considering leaving the Big 12 for what is now the Pac-12 conference. Had Texas left, the Big 12 may no longer have existed. Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe was able to keep the perennial powerhouse Longhorns in his conference for one main reason. UT wanted to form their own television network, The Longhorn Network. Texas teamed up with ESPN to create a 24-hour network that is set to air in August. The deal is reportedly worth $300 million over 20 years.

The network will air at least one football game, eight basketball games, pre and post-game coverage, high school games, studio analysis, and historical programming. A school with its own TV network..something tells me that such expansive coverage would be enticing to potential high school recruits. Well, the other members of the Big 12 feel the same way. No shocker here: they aren't too happy about it.

Texas A & M president R. Bowen Loftin recently told The Houston Chronicle that the network has created "a great deal of uncertainty for us and the conference...NCAA rules are extremely directed at recruiting functions. ... If we have an unequal playing field for various schools, that we think is a problem. That creates uncertainty."

Loftin's complaints are justifiable. If The Longhorn Network airs high school games, they certainly will have a huge edge in recruiting. What kid isn't going to want to play for the school that puts his high school games on national television? And then there's the fact that the network could potentially air the Longhorns' games against Big 12 rivals. What Big 12 school is going to want to have their games aired on UT's network?

The irony in all of this is the fact that the establishment of The Longhorn Network is one of the main reasons why the Big 12 still exists. The other members of the conference may not have known what they were getting into when they allowed the University of Texas to create their own network, but they now face a stark realization: The Longhorn Network makes Texas superior to it's conference peers.

If Texas does not agree to revoke their plans to air high school games on "TLN", the future of the Big 12 may be in serious jeopardy: Texas A & M and Oklahoma have threatened to join the SEC. The most likely resolution is that UT will be forced to concede in order to appease the other members of the Big 12.

There may be trouble brewing in the Big 12, but at least we're not yet talking about dissolution, knock on wood.

AL Cy Young Prediction

Yesterday five of the American League's top Cy Young candidates were on display. As we approach the final two months of the regular season, each start takes on more and more importance. So who's the favorite at this point?

C.J. Wilson and the Texas Rangers took on Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels in the rubber game of a crucial three-game set. Both aces were flawless: Weaver pitched seven shutout innings, Wilson tossed a complete game. The lone run came in the second inning when outfielder Endy Chavez - known for his defensive ability - dropped a Mike Trout fly ball, allowing second baseman Howie Kendrick to score. Weaver lowered his ML-best ERA to 1.81.

Over 2,000 miles away, the Tampa Bay Rays were able to salvage a split of a four-game series with the Yankees. C.C. Sabathia took on James Shields in what was a matchup of two of the game's premier hurlers. Sabathia went the distance, allowing two runs on five hits. Shields was equally brilliant, his only blunder a Robinson Cano rbi double in the eighth inning.

We went west, then east. Now we're talking central. The Tigers sent ace Justin Verlander to the hill as they attempted to take first place in the AL Central. With his blistering fastball and devastating off speed stuff, Verlander threw eight innings of one-run ball.

At this point, Jered Weaver has to be considered the front runner. The LA ace is 13-4 with a 1.81 ERA. Although his numbers are impressive, what furthers Weaver's case is the fact that he plays for a team ranked 24th in the league in total runs scored.

Doesn't this situation seem all too familiar? Last season, Felix Hernandez won the coveted award in the American League. The Mariners scored a paltry 513 runs all season, good for last in the league. The Angels may not be the Seattle Mariners - they are actually capable of outscoring the Los Angeles Galaxy - but they are no offensive juggernaut.

As the Angels attempt to dethrone the Rangers in the AL West down the stretch, much of the burden will fall on Weaver's shoulders. If he is truly a Cy Young-worthy, LA will be in the race until the season's final days. The halos still have ten games against the defending American League champions before the end of the regular season.

Last night was impressive: the 2x All Star beat one of the league's best offenses with virtually no run support. But Jered Weaver will need more of these types of performances if he wants to become the second straight Cy Young Award winner from the AL West.

Carlos Beltran's Imminent Departure

Today the Mets fell 6-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Currently eight games back in the NL Wild Card race, it is now almost certain that - barring a 1978 Yankees-like miracle - The Amazins' will not play October baseball this year. The Phillies and the Braves are arguably the two best teams in the National League; they will cruise into the postseason.

Now that the Mets are, in all likelihood, out of the playoff race, all eyes are on general manager Sandy Alderson. The 63-year-old made his first major move last week by trading closer Francisco Rodriguez - a deal that saved New York from a hefty 1$17.5 million vesting option for 2012 (an option that Rodriguez waived shortly after he arrived in Milwaukee).

The next challenge for Alderson will be dealing outfielder Carlos Beltran. Now in the seventh and final year of his $119 million contract, Beltran is almost surely playing his final games in a Mets uniform. In fact, with New York embarking on a 10-game road trip that will keep them away from Citi Field until Aug. 1, today was probably Beltran's last home game in Flushing. The 6x All-Star has been linked to as many as ten teams, but the Phillies, Red Sox, Giants, and Braves have emerged as the favorites.

Beltran has 15 hr and 61 rbi, hitting at a .293 clip. He also leads the Majors with 30 doubles. Even more impressive, however, has been his ability to stay on the field. Beltran ranks second on his team in games played with 93. This, of course, is coming off a season in which the 3x Gold Glove Award winner played his first game on July 15 following a major knee surgery.

With Beltran being the best position player on the market, it is Alderson's job to land a top prospect for his services. The Harvard Law School grad. has indicated that the Mets are willing to pay at least some of the $7 million remaining on Beltran's deal this year, especially if that means securing better talent in exchange. The switch-hitting outfielder will surely be able to help a contending team the rest of the summer and in the postseason. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when: Beltran will soon be dealt, likely before the July 31 trade deadline.

Although Carlos has become a fan-favorite this year, it is Alderson's job to build for the future - even if that means severing emotional ties between fans and players. It's time to face reality: the Mets are not catching Atlanta. The Mets no longer have any reason to keep Carlos Beltran. They cannot watch him walk away at the end of the season uncompensated.