Sports Stocks

    

A few weeks ago, I was listening to Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio, which is one of my favorite sports radio shows. Mike Greenberg(AKA Greeny) came up with an excellent question, which I will now pose to you. If you were treating all the sports leagues, whether it be baseball, basketball, football, or even soccer(any other sport too), as a stock, which one would you invest in? There is only one catch. You can not touch it for 10 years. I thought to myself, great question! It's certainly a tough one.

    If you look at all the sports leagues, they are all unique in their own way. The NFL, by far, is the most consistent and popular. It is the safest sport to invest your money. MLB, which has risen since the '94 strike, has started to dip slowly. It maybe best to shy away from for the time being. There are 2 other sports leagues that would be risks worth taking, NBA and MLS.

   Yes, you read correctly, Major League Soccer!!!! Why am I saying MLS? We just had the FIFA World Cup. The World Cup is very popular. Soccer is a sport on the rise. This is a sport I would invest in and just let it rise. Soccer is already a worldwide popular sport. In the United States, we have football, baseball, and basketball ahead of it. In the next 25 years, I can see soccer taking over all those 3 sports in this country. It is appealing to all age groups, both males and females. It is also a face paced sport, only 90 minutes. If there is a tie, we have penalty kicks. It keeps you on your feet.

  The NBA is also worth being investing your money. We saw that basketball at its peak from the mid 1980's with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. After Michael Jordan had his second 3-peat, it seemed that basketball went into a downward spiral for quite a few years. In 2003, everything had changed. We had a draft class the included Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwayne Wade. Lebron was hyped as the next One. He has certainly lived up to that hype.. The NBA has only increased in popularity. We have story lines like how consistently the Spurs have been or who is better Lebron or Michael Jordan?

    If you're going to invest, don't just invest your money in the sport, also invest your time. Soccer is up and coming. People need to see how popular the sport has become. As for the NBA, this years draft has been the best in years. We can have potential stars. Can you have imagined Andrew Wiggins playing along Kyrie Irving and Lebron? Lets just keep an eye on the GOOOOOAAAALLL!!!!!!!!!

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Browns Forming an Identity

     

   Earlier today, Brian Hoyer was named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns over Johnny Manziel. In my opinion, I believe that was the right choice, at least for right now. All though Brian Hoyer has only started 2+ regular season games, he does have more experience that Manziel. Even though the Browns are trying to find their identity since coming back to the NFL, this is the way to do it. They had a "quarterback controversy" throughout camp. We all know you must have a quarterback to help take your franchise where it needs to go. That's exactly what the Browns are doing.

   Brian Hoyer was the right pick to start the season. Not only has he been in the league for 5 years, but he has studied under the likes of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. Even though he was a backup, he did play, and start, in many preseason games getting to see the way other teams play with their opposing defenses. Just by picking the brain of some of the best in the league, you get to apply what they taught you when you actually do play.

   We all know that Manziel was the 22nd overall pick of this year's draft. Being drafted so high,certainly comes with high expectations. Manziel still needs to learn a lot. Partying with the likes of Justin Beiber in Las Vegas is not the way to be starting off your not so brief NFL career. On top of that, its not like he was coming in to wide open competition. Manziel is not Andrew Luck, Colin Kapernick, or Russel Wilson, he can't win on impact right away. Manziel needs to learn. I would not be shocked if he takes over anywhere from 4 to 6 games into to the season, but he needs to learn.

   The Browns did make a right decision two ways. The first being to give Hoyer the starting job at the beginning of the season. It gives them a better shot to win right away. Second, it gives Manziel, who will eventually take over the starting role, a chance to learn. The Browns are finally starting to form an identity. They may not have their top reciever right away, but just by having Manziel they have found an identity. We all know that even though he isnt the greatest, Manziel is better than someone like Tebow. Let's see what ManzielMania can bring to the table in the NFL.

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New Commish, Same Problems?

   We all know that in January of 2015 Bud Selig will be retiring. This past Thursday, the baseball owners voted Rob Manfred, Chief Operating Officer, as Selig's successor. Since Bud Selig has taken over as commissioner of baseball, the game has changed dramatically. There's not only 1, but 2 wild cards, three divisions in each league, and attendance has increased. Behind the the NFL, MLB is next most successful of the major American Sports.

     The pace of the game has become a problem. Pitchers taking their time has become an issue. There has been talk about doing a pitch clock. That would be smart, but a bigger concern is the catcher and coaches making routine trips to the mound. Those should be limited to a certain amount per game and how long each visit should be. Pitchers should not be able to warm up prior to the game and prior to the first pitch.

    Hitters as well need to change certain things. They shouldn't really need practice swings since there is batting practice. Stepping in and out of the batters box is also a concern. It should be a limited amount of times per game they should be able to do that. Since baseball has no timing on it, they should work on small things like this

   Something else Manfred should look into is how to market and promote the sports major players like Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, and Clayton Kershaw to name a few. The more you market your players, the more you market your sport.We've seen it with Derek Jeter in the Ford commercials.  Marketing your product will help TV ratings nationally.

  Manfred still has to deal with the steroid problems. Anthony Bosch and 8 others have been arrested  while naming 85 players. Even though baseball has done a lot, there are still problems that need to be tweeking with the steroids. The biggest problem is testing. We saw how someone like A-Rod was able to get around the drug testing. The punishment is fair enough.

   An interesting topic would be if Manfred will reinstate Pete Rose. Personally, I believe Pete Rose belongs in the Hall Of Fame. If someone like Sammy Sosa, who took steroids and had a corked bat, is allowed on the ballot, why isn't Pete Rose? Even though Manfred has been Bud Selig's right hand man, he should reconsider reinstating Pete Rose to an extent. Rose is not only the all-time hits leader, but is the leader, or at least near the top, in many categories.

   Rob Manfred maybe Selig's right hand man, but he should also start to make a name for himself. Whether it's increasing the games pace, marketing your players or reinstating Pete Rose, he must make his mark. Only time will tell! Good luck Rob and lets see what happens!

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Really Andrew Wiggins? Really?

 


   As everything with the Kevin Love trade rumors were happening, I was thinking poor Andrew Wiggins. He hasn't played his first professional game yet(summer league doesn't count), yet he's already in trade rumors. I feel he should get his feet wet, as the first pick of the draft, and if all goes well, then trade him. Every team has the right to do what they want(within the confines of the league of course). If the Cavaliers want to trade Andrew Wiggins, along with Anthony Bennett, and a draft pick for Kevin Love, then by all means they can do so.

   As I was on a lunch break today, I read an article on CBSsports.com that Andrew Wiggins former Kansas coach, Bill Self, said that Wiggins wanted to get traded to the Timberwolves. My first thought is why would he  want that? He gets to play with the top player in the league, Lebron, and another top 10 player in Kyrie Irving! He can only get better with both of their help. Then I read more that he wanted to be traded to the Twolves because their he can become a star. He felt playing in Cleveland he will only be a supporting player. How can someone say that? Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, already established stars, took less money to play 4 seasons with Lebron, and now Andrew Wiggins wants out of Cleveland.

    Even though its more the Cavs wanting Kevin Love then Andrew Wiggins wanting out, isn't it absurd for Wiggins to say that? Honestly, I am not a Lebron lover(nor am I a hater), I respect Lebron's skill, talent, and competitiveness to play the game. He's the best player we've had since Michael Jordan. Why would Andrew Wiggins be so greedy? Being the first overall pick does not constitute that at all. Yes I do believe that Andrew Wiggins will become a star, but he's not there yet.

   Kevin Love teaming up with Lebron James and Kyrie Irving will make the Cavs a top 2 team in the Eastern Conference, along with Chicago(as long as Derrick Rose is healthy). With Kevin Love willing to sign a 5 year extension, the Cavs are getting the better end of the deal. If and when it becomes officially, I don't think that Cavs fans will be crying wolf with Andrew Wiggins leaving. Lets just make sure that Andrew Wiggins lives up to his words and becomes the superstar on a team that will need one. Mark my words on one thing: When the Kevin Love deal becomes official, Cavs will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals at the minimum.

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Steady Eli; No Decline!

                                       

 


     With football season coming, we know that are so many story lines that it is going to be an interesting season. For the Giants, will Eli Manning adapt to a new offense? As we see with the Jets, what is Michael Vic's purpose? That's just for the local teams. We see other stories throughout the league. Andy Dalton received a massive contract extension, but is he really worth it? Cleveland looks like its going to have a QB controversy. My focus is on whether Eli is in decline or was last year just a bust?
   
     For 10 years, Eli had only offensive coordinator in Kevin Gilbride. He won 2 Super Bowls with that system. After last years dismal performance, Gilbride "retired" after the season. While doing their search of a new OC, they really liked what McAdoo brought to the table. After being a 10 year vet, Eli may have a bit of a challenge, but I think he'll catch on easily.

    Victor Cruz is returning for yet another season. Rueben Randle is growing as a receiver. Hopefully Odel Beckham, Jr. After signing Rashaad Jennings as their starting running back, the real question for Eli is his offensive line. Even though they seemed to improve the O-Line through free agency and the draft, we need to see how well they work together. If they can protect Eli well enough, Eli will have another solid season. If they don't protect him enough, Eli will still come through, but probably not as much as we want him too. He has receivers and a decent running, but his protection on the O-Line is the key.
  
    To say Eli is in a decline is a little absurd. He's 33 years old and still has a desire to compete. We all know that he has nothing wrong his arm. Every athlete has an "off" year. We see it in every sport. Eli will have a bounce back year. Victor Cruz is officially his number 1 receiver, Randle is his number two receiver. Eli is in a better situation than a lot more of the quarterbacks in the league. Everyone should cut Eli some slack! My guarantee is that he has a bounce back season and makes the playoffs!

Yankees Offense OK; Pitching a Plus!

   For many years over the past 15 years or so, the New York Yankees have lived up to their other name "Bronx Bombers". They hit alot of home runs, as well as being league leaders in offense. Besides for an above average bullpen recent years the offense is really what has carried the Yankees, with at times, decent pitching. 2014 is surely different!!

       During the offseason, the Yankees signed the likes of Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Brian McCann. In addition to that, we had returning players Brett Gardner, Derek Jeter, and Mark Teixeira. Everyone, including myself, thought "Wow what a great lineup!" The starting rotation, if healthy and the hype, was supposed to be average to slightly above average. It was supposed to another year of being in the top 3 of runs scored, home runs, and most other offensive categories. The only player with more 15 or more home runs is unexpectedly Brett Gardner. Even though 4/5 of their original starting rotation is out(C.C. and Ivan Nova out for season; Tanaka and Pineda working their way back), their rotation has been an unexpected, but very good, strength.

   For years, people have blasted the Yankees that they were only one dimensional team with offense. Now their pitching is doing it for them, even from unknowns like Shane Greene or even Brandon McCarthy(wow!). The offense maybe 10th in the AL, but a lot of the time, including in 3 of 4 games against Detroit, its scored enough runs to win games. The pitching, mostly the bullpen, has been their strength. The starting pitching, in opinion has been underrated this season.

   Shane Greene pitched 8 scoreless innings against a great Detroit offense today, Brandon McCarthy keeps winning for the Yankees, and Hiroki Kuroda has been pitching enough to keep them in games. Tanaka, until he got hurt last month, was on his way to not only winning to Rookie of the Year, but possibly winning the Cy Young award and maybe the MVP award. David Phelps, until he recently got injured, was pitching well. Some of these people maybe have been unknowns or past their primes, but they really are coming through for the Yankees.

    To all those who are complaining about the offense being towards the bottom, look up at their pitching, as well as other aspects. Look at the fact that the offense is scoring just enough runs to help the win 59 games and beating 2 of 3 former Cy Young award winners and Rick Porcello. Remember that in baseball its all about pitching and the offense scoring enough runs to help win games.  My predictions is that the Yankees make it to the playoffs and at least the ALDS, whether its through a 1 game playoff or as a division winner!

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Baseball is Saved?

                       

    I'm back!!!!!! There has been a lot going on in the sports world. Whether it's Donald Sterling losing in court, Ray Rice assaulting his wife, Anthony Bosch getting arrested, or a positive story like LeBron James going back home to Cleveland, there's so much to say about so much going on now. I believe the most interesting going on is Anthony Bosch surrendering and getting arrested by the DEA. Why do I believe its the most interesting? It's the story that's most going to affect its sport.

   You may be wondering, how is it going to affect its sport the most? First, it was noted that 85 players were named by the 9 different people, including Bosch, to have been supplied PED's in some form. If you think about it, 85 players is 3 1/2 teams worth of players. Can you imagine 3 1/2 teams being suspended in baseball? I couldn't imagine it either. We only had 13 suspended last year, now well have 85 suspended once we learn the details.

    In all the major sports, Major League Baseball is the only sport that I can remember that has had the government involved in their investigations one way or another. We saw it with the Mitchell Report in 2005. A former Senator getting involved is big. What is even bigger is when we had players like Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa testifying in front of Congress about PED's. Now, the DEA arresting Tony Bosch, even though they were not involve with MLB, is another big step.

   What I believe many people fail to realize is that this is more of a good thing than we can think. It was also mentioned that the other dealers gave PED's to 15 and 16 year olds! How can someone give children that age PED's, even with consent of their fathers? For years, people said Major Leaguers would give a negative affect to teenagers by taking PED's and now we see the teenagers being injected by those who inject Major Leaguers.

   Last, but not least, what does this say about Major League Baseball's investigation last year with Tony Bosch. They only got 13 names and 13 suspensions, but now the DEA got 85 names? How come Tony Bosch didn't give the name of other associates to Major League Baseball? Major League Baseball was on the right path to cutting back majorly on the steroid use. They were doing everything right from putting it in the CBA, investigating the people associated with it, even showing players can perform without it.

   We still have a lot of questions to be answered in the coming days in regards to the arrests. Who are the 85 players? What will their punishments be? What will become of Anthony Bosch and his associates? Will there be some kind of cooperation between MLB and the government? Those are some of the questions that will be answered. There are two things we know for sure, one is that a statement was made by the arrest. Another is that A-Rod will have to testify this time, and tell nothing but the truth!!