Sports year in review : 2016

2016 Year in Review Sports

Baseball
Vin Scully's amazing broadcasting career comes to an end as he broadcasts his final game as a Dodgers announcer.

Alex Rodriguez plays in his final game as a New York Yankee on August 12th he leaves to a standing ovation and hit an RBI double in the game.

David Ortiz calls it a career and retires as a Boston Red Sox. Ortiz was an MVP candidate in his final season.

Jose Fernandez tragically dies in a boating accident , leaving the baseball world in morning. He was just 23.

The Indians win the Pennant.

Mike Trout wins another MVP Award.

Coastal Carolina wins college baseball national championship.

Ichiro records his 3,000 major league hit.

Ken Griffey Jr and Mike Piazza get elected to baseball hall of fame.

Tim Tebow signs minor league contract with the Mets.

The Chicago Cubs win the World Series over the Indians in classic seven game series. Ben Zobrist is named World Series MVP. The Cubs end the 108 year World Series drought.

Football

Alabama wins the College Football National title game.

Peyton Manning retires a Super Bowl champion. Calvin Johnson , Charles Woodson and Marshawn Lynch retire.

The Rams leave St. Louis and return to Los Angeles.

Colin Kaepernick refuses to stand for National Anthem in protest of what he believes are injustices going on in America.

Tom Brady finally serves a 4 game deflate gate suspension. He returns to MVP form.

The Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East led by rookie Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. They lose just two games both to the New York Giants led by Odell Beckham Jr , Eli Manning and the new Giants defense. Dallas wins the East and the Giants the wild card.

Both the Panthers and the Broncos miss the playoffs following the super bowl.

The Denver Broncos led by the NFL's number one ranked defense win the Super Bowl beating league MVP Cam Newton. Peyton Manning plays in his final game and goes out on top.

Basketball

Villanova wins the National Championship in the men's division with buzzer beater.

Uconn wins women title again in college basketball.

Warriors have best regular season record in NBA history.

Steph Curry wins unanimous NBA MVP.

Kobe Bryant retires with 60 point game in final game.

Craig Sager passes away.

Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett retires.

Shaq, Yao Ming and Allen Iverson make Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lebron James leads Cavaliers down from 3-1 deficit to defeat Golden State Warriors. It is Cleveland's first major championship in over 60 years.

Other

Ronda Rousey is destroyed in her return to UFC by Amanda Nunes.

Muhammad Ali , Gordie Howe , Pat Summitt and Arnold Palmer pass away.

The Penguins win the NHL Stanley Cup.

Ryan Lochte stages and fakes robbery during the Olympics.

Usain Bolt wins third straight triple gold olympics.

Denny Hamlin wins closest Daytona 500 ever.

Austin Matthews scores 3 goals on his first 3 shots in his NHL career.

Michael Phelps dominates in Olympics again.

Predicting the NFL Playoff Picture

The NFL Playoff Picture

The NFL playoff Picture is beginning to shape. Here's how I see it playing out.

NFC East  - Dallas Cowboys (1)
NFC West - Seattle Seahawks (2)
NFC South - Atlanta Falcons (3)
NFC North - Green Bay Packers (4)
NFC wild card - New York Giants (5)
NFC wild card - Washington Redskins (6)

AFC East - New England Patriots (1)
AFC West - Oakland Raiders (2)
AFC North - Baltimore Ravens (3)
AFC South - Indianapolis Colts (4)
AFC wild card - Kansas City Chiefs (5)
AFC wild card - Denver Broncos (6)

The Top 25 MLB Free Agents

The MLB Offseason

The Cubs are World Series Champs. The MLB Awards have been handed out. Brian McCann was traded to the Astros and it's time for the Hot Stove to heat up.

The Top 20 Free Agents

1. Edwin Encarnacion - 5 years $110 million , Boston Red Sox

2. Aroldis Chapman - 5 years $90 million , New York Yankees

3. Yoenis Cespedes - 5 years 120 million , New York Mets

4. Kanley Jansen - 5 years $75 million , Los Angeles Dodgers

5. Rich Hill - 3 years $40 million , New York Yankees

6. Mark Trumbo 4 years $80 million , Baltimore Orioles

7. Justin Turner 5 years $90 million , San Francisco Giants

8. Mark Melancon 4 years $52 million , Washington Nationals

9. Ian Desmond , 5 years $90 million , Washington Nationals

10.  Dexter Fowler , 4 years $65 million , Texas Rangers

11. Jose Bautista , 3 years $50 million , Toronto Bluejays

12. Wilson Ramos 4 years , $70 million , Washington Nationals

13. Jason Hammel 4 years , $40 million , Miami Marlins

14. Matt Wieters 3 years , $35 million , Baltimore Orioles

15. Mike Napoli 2 years , $30 million , Cleveland Indians

16. Carlos Beltran 1 years , $15 million , New York Yankees

17. Michael Saunders 3 years 30 million , St. Louis Cardinals

18. Carlos Gomez 3 years $28 million , Chicago Whitesox

19. Brandon Moss 2 years $20 million , San Francisco Giants

20. Neftali Feliz 3 years $24 million , Colorado Rockies

21. Chris Carter 2 years $10 million , Tampa Bay Rays

22. Greg Holland 1 year $2 million , New York Yankees

23. Steve Pearce 2 years $15 million , Tampa Bay Rays

24. Nick Hundley 2 years , $16 million , Atlanta Braves

25. Ivan Nova 4 years $55 million , Miami Marlins

The Chicago Cubs are World Champs

The Cubs ended the 108 year drought last night as they beat the Indians in extra innings in Cleveland. The Cubs overcame a 3-1 series deficit and capped it off 8-7 in extra innings last night. Ben Zobrist was named series MVP. The game last night was one of the greatest World Series games ever played. Both Cubs and Indians have epic fan bases. Both teams are young and loaded and we could see this matchup again next year. 2016 was an incredible baseball season. Congrats to the Indians for shocking the world and making it to the World Series. Congrats to the Cubs for being the best team since April and ending the 108 year drought.

Jose Fernandez : Forever in Our Hearts

Baseball lost a huge piece on Sunday morning. Marlins ace Jose Fernandez passed away tragically in a boating accident. Fernandez was just 24. He was having a CY Young type of season. Fernandez pitched to a 2.58 era and pitched to a 38-17 record during his short but brilliant career. Fernandez was an electric pitcher and a dominating player. He was always smiling and always having fun. Fernandez embodied the spirit of every little kid playing baseball just for fun. The game lost a great player. The game also lost a great personality and ambassador. The Miami area lost one of its biggest stars since Dan Marino and Dwayne Wade. The love people had for him is beautiful to see. The Marlins will retire his number and his memory will always live on. Fernandez could have been one of the best ever but unfortunately we will now just say what could have been. Fernandez will always be apart of baseball and everyone who loved him. Baseball lost a great player but Jose's family and fans lost a great person. Jose will live on through every little kid who puts on a uniform. May Jose rest in the sweetest peace.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Ranks (Updated )

1. Cam Newton

2. Aaron Rodgers 

3. Andrew Luck 

4. Drew Brees 

5. Russell Wilson 

6. Eli Manning 

7. Ben Roethlisberger 

8. Carson Palmer 

9. Philip Rivers 

10. Tom Brady 

11. Blake Bortles 

12. Jameis Winston 

13. Derek Carr 

14. Matthew Stafford 

15. Andy Dalton 

16. Matt Ryan 

17. Kirk Cousins 

18. Marcus Mariota 

19. Joe Flacco

20. Tyrod Taylor 

21. Jay Cutler 

22. Ryan Fitzpatrick 

23. Ryan Tannehill

24. Dak Prescott 

25. Alex Smith

26. Sam Bradford 

27. Brock Osweiler 

28. Robert Griffin III

29. Blaine Gabbert 

30. Carson Wentz 

31. Trevor Semien 

32. Case Keenum 

What to Watch for This NFL Season

What to Watch for This NFL Season

1. Chances are you don't even remember that last time the Patriots played without Tom Brady. This Sunday we will see the Patriots without the best in the game Tom Brady. How different will the team look? For four weeks they probably will look very different. That being said they will be okay. I say 2-2. Good news for the rest of the league maybe but the bad news is Brady will return in week 5. He is going to be on a mission. The four game advantage the rest of the league has is nothing Brady can't handle.

2. This isn't a fantasy football column but since fantasy is a huge part of the game now many people are wondering who will have the biggest impact in your leagues. The receiver or the running back. I say it's the receivers. The amount or dominant receivers out numbers the dominating backs in the NFL. Guys like Antonio Brown , Julio Jones Deandre Hopkins and Odell Beckham will be monsters this year. But don't sleep on other guys in fantasy at the position who will have monster years. Guys like Amari Cooper , Sammy Watkins , Mike Evans and Allen Robinson will be beasts too. The thing is there's so many other guys who are going to be beasts also. That's just a few receivers but the list is huge.

3. Marcus Mariota will turn into the star we saw in college in his sophomore NFL season. Mariota's team will be much better around him and that will help the second year man. He has some better receiver play makers , two excellent running backs and a top player at tight end. It seems like he gets over looked despite being really good last year.

4. Don't forget about Jimmy Graham ! Don't forget about Victor Cruz ! They both suffered the dreaded patella tendon injury but they're both back. I don't think either them will have huge impacts right away but don't sleep on them. For Jimmy Graham I can see him being a playmaker threat down field and in the red zone for the Hawks. For Cruz I can see him putting up good numbers and being the third option behind Odell Beckham and Sterling Shepard.

5. Sam Bradford is better than some of us think. Everyone loves to remind you of the struggles or the injuries in Bradford's career. However look at his excellent play  in his last four games as an Eagle last season. Look at his play in 2013. It was only 7 games but Bradford had 14 touchdowns , 4 interceptions , and 1,687 yards. I'm not saying he's going to be elite but I think he will be good for the Vikings. He's going to love having a great running back in Adrian Peterson. I also think he will do well with rookie Laquon Treadwell. The Vikings will be a playoff team.

6. Is Dak Prescott the real deal ? Many people didn't think so in the NFL draft as he fell to the fourth round but he lit it up in preseason and now he has all the hype. When Tony Romo got injured Prescott became the man in Dallas. Sunday he opens against the rival Giants and the new defense.

7. Can the new Giants defense lead them back to the playoffs ? The Giants had the worst defense in football last year. In the offseason they spent an absurd amount of money on the defense and used the first round pick on the defense. The Giants added Olivier Vernon , Snacks Harrison , Janoris Jenkins , Eli Apple and kept Jason Pierre Paul. The Giants defense does not have to be a top defense for them to make the playoffs. Don't forget about the excellent offense led by Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. If the offensive line is average like last year watch out.

8. The best division in football should be the AFC West. The Broncos don't have Peyton Manning anymore but they still have the best defense in football. The Raiders have a top defensive player in Khalil Mack to go with a monster offense with Derek Carr and Amari Cooper. The Chiefs have an excellent defense , excellent running game and consistent passing game. They could be the best team in the AFC even if no one realizes. The Chargers drafted the best defensive player in Joey Bosa and don't forget about the potential Hall of Fame duo in Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates.

9. Myles Jack fell in the draft because of a brutal college injury but he will prove that to be a mistake to all the teams that passed on him. Jack might be limited for some time but he will prove to be one of the best rookie defenders. He will win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

10. Marshawn Lynch announced his retirement during the Super Bowl. Now he's hinting he could come back. Lynch may just be talking but if he did return it could be week 4 or 5. Lynch had a down year last year so he may have the itch to return. If he returns what team would he play for ? If the Seahawks running backs play good they probably wouldn't bring him back but if they don't they might want him. Other teams would have interest too.

By Peter Vitella

NFL Preview

NFL Predictions 

Peter Vitella 

NFC East 
1. Giants 10-6
2. Cowboys 9-7
3. Redskins 7-9 
4. Eagles 4-12

NFC North
1. Packers 12-4 
2. Vikings 10-6
3. Bears 5-11
4. Lions 5-11 

NFC South 
1. Panthers 12-4 
2. Falcons 7-9 
3. Saints 7-9 
4. Buccaneers 6-10 

NFC West 
1. Seahawks 13-3
2. Cardinals 11-5
3. Rams 5-11 
4. 49ers 3-13 

Wild cards - Cardinals , Vikings 

NFC Playoff Picture 
Seahawks 
Panthers 
Packers 
Giants 
Cardinals 
Vikings 

AFC East 
1. Patriots 12-4
2. Jets 8-8
3. Bills 7-9
4. Dolphins 4-12 

AFC North 
1. Steelers 10-6 
2. Ravens 10-6 
3. Bengals 9-7 
4. Browns 4-12

AFC South 
1. Texans 10-6
2. Colts 8-8
3. Jaguars 7-9 
4. Titans 3-13 

AFC West 
1. Chiefs 11-5
2. Broncos 10-6
3. Raiders 9-7 
4. Chargers 6-10 

Wild cards - Broncos , Ravens 

AFC Playoff Picture 
Patriots 
Chiefs 
Steelers 
Texans
Broncos 
Ravens 

MVP - Aaron Rodgers
Offensive player of the year - Antonio Brown 
Defensive player of the year - Richard Sherman 
Offensive rookie of year - Ezekiel Elliot 
Defensive rookie of the year - Myles Jack 
Coach of the Year - Bill O'Brien 

Super Bowl - Seahawks over Chiefs 

Evan Grubin 

NFL predictions 

NFC East 
1. Giants 10-6
2. Redskins 8-8
3. Cowboys 6-10
4. Eagles 5-11

NFC North
1. Packers 13-3
2. Vikings 11-5
3. Bears 7-9
4. Lions 4-12

NFC South 
1. Panthers 12-4
2.Buccaneers 8-8
3. Saints 7-9
4. Falcons 5-11

NFC West 
1. Cardinals 13-3
2. Seahawks 11-5
3. Rams 6-10
4. 49ers 4-12

Wild cards - Seahawks , Vikings 

NFC Playoff Picture 
Cardinals
Packers
Panthers
Giants
Seahawks 
Vikings 

AFC East 
1. Jets 11-5
2. Patriots 10-6 
3. Bills 7-9
4. Dolphins 6-10

AFC North 
1. Steelers 12-4
2. Ravens 10-6 
3. Bengals 8-8
4. Browns 4-12

AFC South 
1. Texans 10-6
2.Jaguars 8-8
3. Colts6-10
4. Titans 3-13 

AFC West 
1. Chiefs 11-5
2. Broncos 10-6
3. Raiders 9-7
4. Chargers 7-9 

Wild Cards - Patriots , Ravens 

AFC Playoff Picture
Steelers
Chiefs
Jets
Texans
Patriots
Ravens

MVP - Carson Palmer
Offensive player of the year - Todd Gurley 
Defensive player of the year - J.J Watt
Offensive rookie of year - Corey Coleman
Defensive rookie of the year - Joey Bosa 
Coach of the Year - Mike Tomlin 

Super Bowl - Cardinals over Steelers 

Jordan Grubin 

NFC East 
1. Giants 9-7
2. Redskins 8-8
3. Cowboys 8-8 
4. Eagles 5-11 

NFC North
1. Packers 10-6 
2. Vikings 9-7 
3. Lions 7-9
4. Bears 6-10 

NFC South 
1. Panthers 11-5 
2. Buccaneers 9-7 
3. Falcons 8-8 
4. Saints 7-9 

NFC West 
1. Cardinals 11-5
2. Seahawks 11-5
3. 49ers 7-9
4. Rams 5-11 

Wild Cards - Seahawks , Vikings 

NFC Playoff Picture 
Cardinals 
Panthers 
Packers 
Giants 
Seahawks 
Vikings 

AFC East 
1. Jets 10-6 
2. Patriots 10-6 
3. Bills 7-9 
4. Dolphins 7-9 

AFC North 
Bengals 10-6
Steelers 8-8
Ravens 6-10 
Browns 4-12 

AFC South
1. Texans 9-7
2. Colts 7-9 
3. Jaguars 7-9 
4. Titans 6-10

AFC West 
1. Broncos 11-5 
2. Raiders 9-7
3. Chiefs 9-7 
4. Chargers 7-9 

Wild cards - Patriots , Raiders 

AFC playoff picture 
Broncos 
Jets 
Bengals 
Texans
Patriots 
Raiders 

MVP - Aaron Rodgers 
Offensive player of year - Antonio Brown 
Defensive player of year - Darrel Revis 
Offensive rookie of year - Corey Coleman 
Defensive rookie of year - Darron Lee
Coach of Year - Todd Bowles 

Super Bowl - Jets over Cardinals 

Shane Tobin 

NFC East 
1. Cowboys 9-7
2. Redskins 8-8
3. Giants 6-10
4. Eagles 3-13 

NFC North 
1. Packers 12-4
2. Vikings 10-6
3. Bears 6-10
4. Lions 3-13

NFC South 
1. Panthers 13-3
2. Buccaneers 7-9
3. Saints 6-10 
4. Falcons 5-11

NFC West 
1. Cardinals 14-2
2. Seahawks 11-5
3. Rams 6-10 
4. 49ers 2-14

Wild cards - Seahawks , Vikings 

NFC Playoff Picture 
Cardinals 
Panthers 
Packers 
Cowboys 
Seahawks 
Vikings 

AFC East 
1. Patriots 12-4
2. Jets 8-8
3. Bills 7-9
4. Dolphins 6-10

AFC North 
1. Steelers 11-5 
2. Bengals 10-6
3. Ravens 8-8
4. Browns 2-14 

AFC South 
1. Texans 10-6
2. Jaguars 9-7
3. Colts 7-9
4. Titans 4-12

AFC West 
1. Raiders 10-6
2. Broncos 9-7
3. Chiefs 8-8
4. Chargers 4-12 

Wild Cards - Broncos , Bengals 

MVP - Aaron Rodgers 
Offensive Player of year - Aaron Rodgers 
Defensive player of year - Khalil Mack 
Offensive Rookie of year - Ezekiel Elliott 
Defensive Rookie of year - Jalen Ramsey
Coach of the Year -Mike McCarthy 

Super Bowl - Patriots over Cardinals 

The End for Alex Rodriguez

Farewell Alex Rodriguez

Last night was about as perfect of an ending for Alex Rodriguez as one could possibly imagine. Rodriguez received a standing ovation from the Yankees crowd every time he came to the plate. He smoked an RBI double in his first at bat. He was greeted by his mother , daughters and Mariano Rivera. In the ninth A-Rod went out to third base for one out. After the out was made he was taken out and the fans went crazy. The entire Yankee team was their to greet him. If two years ago someone said this day was possible no one would have believed it. It was a sell out crowd and the best crowd at the stadium possibly since Derek Jeter left. The fans didn't stop embracing Rodriguez all night and you could see how emotional he got. Rodriguez said their isn't anything else he could ask for.

Rodriguez has a complicated legacy. He has the numbers to be one of the best ever. Of course his PED history puts a damper on it for some people. It remains to be seen if Rodriguez will be a Hall of Famer or have his day in Monument Park but last night you saw how much the Yankee fans love A-Rod. It wasn't always easy but it was always entertaining with A-Rod. Say what you want but Alex Rodriguez is one  of the best ever.

By Peter Vitella

NBA Finals Predictions

The Cavaliers and The Warriors battled last year in the NBA finals. The Warriors beat the Cavs 4 games to 2. The Cavs were however without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Some believe if they were full strength they would have won. Others believe the Warriors were the better team. This year we may get a more accurate picture of who is the better team. Last year the Warriors whole team stepped up. For the Cavaliers Lebron James had to be a one man show and got Finals MVP votes despite his team losing. Steph Curry has won the MVP the past two years but I still see Lebron James as the best player in the world. This should be a great series.

Predictions

Peter Vitella - Cavaliers in 7

Shane Tobin - Warriors in 5

Jordan Grubin - Cavaliers in 7

Tom Baggot - Cavaliers in 5

Evan Grubin - Cavaliers in 6

By Peter Vitella

NFL 2016 Mock Draft 1.0

1. Los Angeles - from Tennessee (3-13)- Jared Goff-QB-California
2. Philadelphia - from Cleveland (3-13)- Carson Wentz-QB-North Dakota State
3. San Diego (4-12)-Ronnie Stanley-OL-Notre Dame
4. Dallas (4-12)-Joey Bosa-DL-Ohio State 
5. Jacksonville (5-11)-Jalen Ramsey-DB-Florida State
6. Baltimore (5-11)-Laremy Tunsil-OL-Ole Miss.
7. San Francisco (5-11)-Deforest Buckner-DL-Oregon
8. Cleveland - from Philadelphia via Miami (6-10)-Myles Jack-LB-UCLA
9. Tampa Bay (6-10)-Leonard Floyd-DL/OLB-Georgia
10. New York Giants (6-10)-Jack Conklin-OL-Michigan State
11. Chicago (6-10)-Vernon Hargraves-DB-Florida
12. New Orleans (7-9)-Sheldon Rankins-DL-Lousiville
13. Miami - from Philadelphia (7-9)-Ezekiel Elliot-RB-Ohio State 
14. Oakland (7-9)-Eli Apple-DB-Ohio State 
15. Tennessee - from Los Angeles (7-9)-Shaq Lawson-DL-Clemson
16. Detroit (7-9)-Jarran Reed-DL-Alabama
17. Atlanta (8-8)-Darron Lee-LB-Ohio State 
18. Indianapolis (8-8)-Ryan Kelly-C-Alabama
19. Buffalo (8-8)-Vernon Butler-Louisiana Tech-DL
20. New York Jets (10-6)-Noah Spence-DL-Eastern Kentucky 
21. Washington* (9-7)-Robert Nkemidiche-DL-Ole Miss
22. Houston* (9-7)-Laquon Teadwell-WR-Ole Miss
23. Minnesota* (11-5)-Josh Doctson-WR-TCU
24. Cincinnati* (12-4)-Corey Coleman-WR-Baylor
25. Pittsburgh* (10-6)-William Jackson III-DB-Houston
26. Seattle* (10-6)-Artie Burns-CB-Miami
27. Green Bay* (10-6)-Reggie Ragland-LB-Alabama
28. Kansas City* (11-5)-Will Fuller-WR-Notre Dame
29. Arizona* (13-3)-Cody Whitehair-OL-Kansas State
30. Carolina* (15-1)-Kevin Dodd-DL-Clemson
31. Denver* (12-4)-Paxton Lynch-QB-Memphis

Follow me on Twitter @EvanGrubin

MLB Staff Predictions

2016 Staff MLB Predictions

Peter Vitella

AL East
1. Yankees
2. Rays
3. Blue Jays
4. Red Sox
5. Orioles

AL Central
1. Royals
2. Indians
3. Tigers
4. Twins
5. White Sox

AL West
1. Rangers
2. Astros
3. Mariners
4. Athletics
5. Angels

Wild Cards
Astros , Rays

NL East
1. Mets
2. Nationals
3. Marlins
4. Phillies
5. Braves

NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Pirates
4. Brewers
5. Reds

NL West
1. Giants
2. Diamondbacks
3. Dodgers
4. Padres
5. Rockies

Wild Cards
Cardinals , Nationals

World Series
Cubs over Royals

AL MVP
Jose Altuve

NL MVP
Paul Goldschmidt

AL CY Young
Chris Sale

NL CY Young
Clayton Kershaw

AL Rookie of Year
Byron Buxton

NL Rookie of Year
Corey Seager

AL Manager of Year
Kevin Cash

NL Manager of Year
Terry Collins

Shane Tobin

AL East
1.Yankees
2.Blue Jays
3.Red Sox
4.Rays
5.Orioles

AL Central
1.Royals
2.Indians
3. Twins
4.Tigers
5.White Sox

AL West
1.Astros
2.Rangers
3.Mariners
4.Athletics
5.Angels

Wild Card
Rangers , Indians

NL East
1.Mets
2.Nationals
3.Marlins
4.Braves
5.Phillies

NL Central
1.Cubs
2.Cardinals
3.Pirates
4.Brewers
5.Reds

NL West
1.Giants
2.Dodgers
3.Diamondbacks
4.Padres
5.Rockies

NL Wild Card
Nationals , Cardinals

World Series
Giants over Rangers

AL MVP
Mike Trout

NL MVP
Andrew McCutchen

AL CY Young
Chris Archer

NL CY Young
Clayton Kershaw

AL Rookie of Year
Blake Snell

NL Rookie of  Year
Corey Seager

Joseph Vitella

AL East
1. Yankees
2. Rays
3. Red Sox
4. Bluejays
5. Orioles

AL Central
1. Royals
2. Indians
3. Twins
4. Tigers
5. White Sox

AL West
1. Astros
2. Rangers
3. Mariners
4. Athletics
5. Angels

Wild Card
Indians , Rangers

NL East
1. Mets
2. Nationals
3. Marlins
4. Phillies
5. Braves

NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Pirates
4. Brewers
5. Reds

NL West
1. Giants
2. Diamondbacks
3. Dodgers
4. Rockies
5. Padres

Wild card
Cardinals , Nationals

World Series
Giants over Astros

AL MVP
Carlos Correa

NL MVP
Bryce Harper

AL CY Young
Corey Kluber

NL CY Young
Clayton Kershaw

AL Rookie of Year
Byron Buxton

NL Rookie of Year
Corey Seager

AL Manager of Year
Joe Girardi

NL Manager of Year
Bruce Bochy

Evan Grubin

AL East
1. Yankees
2. Bluejays
3. Rays
4. Red Sox
5. Orioles

AL Central
1.Royals
2.Tigers
3.Indians
4.Twins
5.White Sox

AL West
1.Astros
2.Rangers
3.Angels
4.Mariners
5.Athletics

Wild Cards
Rangers , Tigers

NL East
1.Mets
2.Nationals
3.Marlins
4.Braves
5.Phillies

NL Central
1.Cubs
2.Cardinals
3.Pirates
4.Brewers
5.Reds

NL West
1.Giants
2.Diamondbacks
3.Dodgers
4.Padres
5.Rockies

Wild Cards
Cardinals , Pirates

World Series
Yankees over Cubs

AL MVP
Mike Trout

NL MVP
Paul Goldschmidt

AL CY Young
Chris Sale

NL CY Young
Gerrit Cole

AL Rookie of Year
Byron Buxton

NL Rookie of Year
Steve Matz

Jordan Grubin

AL East
1. Yankees
2. Bluejays
3. Red Sox
4. Orioles
5. Rays

AL Central
1. Royals
2. Tigers
3. Indians
4. White Sox
5. Twins

AL West
1. Astros
2. Rangers
3. Angels
4. Mariners
5. Athletics

AL Wildcards
Bluejays , Rangers

NL East
1. Mets
2. Nationals
3. Marlins
4. Braves
5. Phillies

NL Central
1. Cubs
2. Cardinals
3. Pirates
4. Reds
5. Brewers

NL West
1. Giants
2. Dodgers
3. Diamondbacks
4. Padres
5. Rockies

NL Wildcards
Nationals , Cardinals

World Series
Yankees over Cubs

AL MVP
Mike Trout

NL MVP
Paul Goldschmidt

AL CY Young
Chris Sale

NL CY Young
Max Scherzer

AL Rookie of Year
Byron Buxton

NL Rookie of Year
Steve Matz

AL Manager of Year
Joe Girardi

NL Manager of Year
Joe Maddon

The Top 25 in Fantasy Baseball

 

1. M. Trout
2. P. Goldschmidt
3. B. Harper
4. C. Kershaw
5. J. Donaldson
6. N. Arenado
7. C. Correa
8. G. Stanton
9. M. Cabrera
10. A. McCutchen
11. J. Altuve
12. M. Machado
13. A. Rizzo
14. J. Bautista
15. M. Scherzer
16. E. Encarnacion
17. A. Pollock
18. J. Abreu
19. M. Betts
20. C. Davis
21. J. Votto
22. K. Bryant
23. J. Arrieta
24. M. Bumgarner
25. B. Posey

Peyton Retirement is an End of an Era

Peyton Manning has retired from the NFL and an era of the NFL is forever over. Manning will call it quits after 18 seasons. Manning will leave the game on top as a Super Bowl winning champion. Manning was able to accomplish the games most prestigious win for two different teams the Colts and Broncos. Manning made the Colts a house hold name and a contender every season. He put them on the map.

Manning had always had a hit to his legacy because of his losing record in the Super Bowl. Manning however won his second in February. Manning defeated the Bears with the Colts and the Panthers with the Broncos. This past year Manning struggled for really the first time in his career. He battled age and injuries. He dealt with some allegations but still led his team despite an off year.

Manning has the all time touchdown and yards records. He also has five MVP awards. Manning despite having all these accolades was always a true professional and a true leader. Manning's retirement signifies a true end of an era for the NFL. Manning will always be remembered as one of the best to ever put on a helmet. 
By Peter Vitella

Denver Broncos Win the Super Bowl

The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 yesterday in Santa Clara. The Broncos defense was a dominating force as they rattled Cam Newton. The defense of the Broncos was so dominating that the offense did not have to do much. Peyton Manning threw for under 200 yards however it didn't matter. It was possibly Manning's last game and it will be great if he can go out on top. The Broncos defense proved to be one of the best ever. Peyton Manning became the first quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl for multiple teams. 

My Hall of Fame Ballot : 2016

My 2016 Hall of Fame Ballot

I think the Hall of Fame ballot should be extended. Voters should be able to vote for as many players as they want.

Pete Rose should be on the ballot. He is banned from Major League Baseball. The Hall of Fame is a separate entity.

My Ballot

Ken Griffey Jr - One of the best to ever take the field.

Mike Piazza - Best hitting catcher ever.

Jeff Bagwell - Power hitting first baseman.

Tim Raines - One of the best lead off hitters in the generation.

Edgar Martinez - best DH ever , it's a position

Barry Bonds - All time Home Run King , leave it at that

Roger Clemens - One of the all time best pitchers , 300 wins

Mark McGwire - One of the best Right handed home run hitter

Alan Trammell - Final year on ballot , Hall of Fame shortstop

Mike Mussina - Same stats as Jim Palmer

If I could vote for as many as I want

Curt Schilling - post season pedigree is unbelievable

Trevor Hoffman - second most saves

Sammy Sosa - 600 home runs

Garry Sheffield - 500 home runs

Lee Smith - most saves when he retired

Jeff Kent - Power second basemen

I believe that you should be allowed to vote for as many as you want.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13