Daniel Murphy vs Neil Walker: Fates Forever Intertwined

      Daniel Murphy and Neil Walkers' futures will forever be linked in the minds of Mets' fans- the recently departed Murphy has left the green pastures of Citi Field for DC and incumbent Neil Walker tries to fill the void he left behind. 

     During Murphy's tenure with the Mets, he was asked to play multiple positions but possibly never spent enough time in one to perfect his defensive abilities. Coming up as a third baseman, the hot corner was unavailable to him due to All Star and Gold Glove Award Winner David Wright. This sent Murph to have stints in left field, first base, and finally settling at second. By never having solid ground under him long enough to establish his footing and elevate his defensive skill set, Murphy made his fair share of mistakes in the field but also demonstrated some flashes of incredible athleticism. Daniel Murphy is not unfamiliar with the highlight reel (as shown in the clips below), but does that make up for all of the double plays not turned, the errors made, and the runs that scored because Murphy couldn't make the routine play? 

     Daniel Murphy's value was attributed more to his ability at the plate rather than in the field. His value was no more apparent than during his historic 2015 playoff run. In 14 games, Murphy tallied 13 runs, 19 hits, 2 doubles, 7 home-runs, 11 RBI, 6 walks, 1 stolen base, .328 avg, .391 OBP, .724 SLG, and 1.115 OPS. Daniel Murphy's playoff run can be argued as one of the greatest of all time. He was also the first player of all time to homer in six straight postseason games and the first player since Hall Of Famer Lou Gerhig to have a hit, score a run, and have an RBI in seven consecutive postseason games. Daniel Murphy may have single-handedly carried the New York Mets through the playoffs and into the World Series while winning the honors of NLCS MVP. Just as the world thought this Cinderella fairy tale story could only end one way- with the Mets hoisting up the World Series Championship, Daniel Murphy made a costly error in the 8th inning of game 4 which led to another defeat. 

     Daniel Murphy became a free agent at season's end after rejecting the qualifying offer that was extended by the Mets- thus leaving a gaping hole at second base.

      Mets' General Manager Sandy Alderson pulled off some of his "Maverick Magic" sending pitcher Jon Niese over to the Pittsburgh Pirates for second baseman Neil Walker. Niese was essentially a man without a rotation spot with four out of five spots securely locked up by Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard, and Matz while the fifth spot would be eventually filled by returning injured star Zack Wheeler. The trade was filling an obvious need for the team and extinguishing a log jam in the starting rotation and dealing from excess. 

     Walker who is a converted catcher, also spent some time playing different positions such as third base and even the outfield before settling in at second. Neil Walker, however, was able to hone his defensive prowess due to all of his hard work and duedilligence without being moved elsewhere. Walker is not just known for his defensive skill set, he won the Silver Slugger Award in 2014 after a year when he batted .271 avg, .342 OBP, .467 SLG, .809 OPS, 74 runs, 139 hits, 25 doubles, 3 triples, 23 home-runs, 76 RBI, 2 SB, and 45 BB. Walker also finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2010, behind names like Buster Posey, Jason Heyward, and Starlin Castro. Such accolades to accompany his defensive abilities make him more than a sufficient suitor to takeover the position left by Murphy.  

Below is a side by side career snapshot of Murphy and Walker:

                                                                                                   Walker                                    Murphy 

Age                                                                                                     30                                               30
Avg                                                                                                   .272                                           .288
Hits                                                                                                     833                                             967
Runs                                                                                                   405                                             422
Doubles                                                                                            174                                             228
Triples                                                                                                 17                                               20
HRs                                                                                                     93                                               62
RBI                                                                                                  418                                            402
SB                                                                                                       26                                               57
BB                                                                                                    278                                            218
OBP                                                                                                .338                                          .331
SLG                                                                                                .431                                         .424
OPS                                                                                               .769                                          .755
Putouts                                                                                        1542                                        2438
Assists                                                                                       2251                                         1559
Errors                                                                                                  43                                               86
Double-Plays                                                                                  525                                            432
Fielding %                                                                                     .989                                          .979
Strikeouts                                                                                         593                                            440

     As the comparison shows, Daniel Murphy has the edge in most hitting categories while demonstrating the speed and ability to steal more bases than Neil Walker. The lead in the long ball department goes to Walker as he has proven to have more pop in his bat than Murphy. While Daniel Murphy doesn't show the patience to draw the amount of walks as Neil Walker, he has proven to be a much harder batter to strike out. At first glance the fielding percentages are closer than one would think. Taking a deeper look at the statistics though, Murphy has committed twice as many errors as Walker, dished out over a thousand less assists, and contributed to almost 100 less double plays. Yes, some of these stats may be skewed a bit due to the positions Murphy played (LF/1B) while Walker has spent the majority of his major league career between 2B/3B. While the offensive numbers are close, clearly the defensive side weighs in favor of Walker.

     Daniel Murphy and Neil Walker comparisons will continue to be made all season as Murph's season develops in rival DC and Walker's inaugural season commences in Queens. It will be hard for Walker to win the crowd over as not only was Murphy a fan favorite, but also fresh in the minds of fans was his playoff performance: at least offensively. Maybe after the first few games against the Washington Nationals when Daniel Murphy comes through in the clutch for a National win or muffs a play in the field will help to change his favor. Walker just has to play his game of baseball: saving runs, getting pitchers out of jams all the while adding some offense.This will lead to winning more ball games and potentially getting back to the playoffs and beyond which is all the Orange and Blue Mets' Nation truly wants. No matter how Neil Walker produces for the Mets in 2016, the fans may not have time to grow an attachment to him because as always, there is a young prospect waiting in the wings, knocking on that second base door...

Pictured above is second base prospect Dilson Herrera

Time to Sign on the Dotted Line

   

    When is it the right time to lock up your young talent? The time to strike while the iron is hot and so is this team: well that time is now. With the apparent financial woes of the New York Mets ownership behind them, the moment to retain members of this elite pitching staff for the future has come.

    It is no secret that the Mets' owners were involved in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme Scandal crippling what was once their real estate fortune and subsequently hindering the daily business abilities of the New York Mets. The Wilpons estimated making $162 million off of their initial investment with Madoff, while losing $178 million in other funds in association with Madoff. Originally the Wilpons were found obligated to repay $300 million back to the victims of this Ponzi scheme. This greatly affected how the team was run. The owners would have to take loans out from Major League Baseball itself to continue to run the team, let alone try to invest in any high priced talent. As court hearings progressed, the Wilpons would begin to receive good news and better news. They were found to only have to repay the $162 million profit that they had allegedly earned. Then, as a part of a settlement agreement with the trustees, the Wilpons would owe 48.802 cents on the dollar, which roughly equals $75,132,440. Also, the payment can be made in two installments and could even get reduced again.With this new lease on life the ownership of the New York Metropolitans immediately began to reinvest in the team and payroll increased. 

    High dollar contracts are expiring, soon to be coming off the books, freeing up funds for the future. These high priced veterans like Curtis Granderson, Neil Walker, Asdrubal Cabrera, Bartolo Colon and even possibly Lucas Duda would have all paved the road for young up and coming prospects to takeover for them at their respective positions. It's worth noting that Yoenis Cespedes signed a 3 year/$75 million deal making his average salary $25 million per year, and also has an opt out clause in it for the end of the 2016 season. If taken, one could presume former Gold Glove Award winner Juan Lagares would take back duties in center field. Lagares has actually shown up to camp in what might be the best shape of his career: losing 20 lbs. in the off-season while focusing on getting healthy and in peak performing condition. Juan Lagares might be looking at a breakout year even with a lesser role. 

    Granderson in RF will most likely be replaced by prospect Brandon Nimmo when Curtis' contract expires after the 2017 season. Granderson earning $15 million a season in exchange for Nimmo's rookie contract in the $500,000 neighborhood only starts the trend of replacing aging expensive talent with cost effective home grown prospects. Neil Walker's $10.55 million/one year deal ending after the 2016 campaign, is just a place setting for top prospect Dilson Herrera and another rookie contract. Asdrubal Cabrera's tenure with the Mets will end after the 2018 season saving the team $9.25 million compared to his impending replacements Amed Rosario, Gavin Cecchini, Matt Reynolds or even Wilmer Flores (none of which at that time will be making in the millions). Fan favorite Bartolo " Big Sexy" Colon re-signed only a one year commitment with the team ending after the 2016 season for $7.25 million due to the return of Zack Wheeler who is slated only to earn $547,000. Which brings us to Lucas Duda, whose arbitration eligible, not long term contract currently sits at $6.725 million and set to become a free agent in the 2018 season. The Mets have 1b Florida State League player of the year 2015 Dominic Smith who can un-seed Duda and man the helm at first base. 

    ***Alejandro De Aza signed a 1 year/$5.75 million deal which was thought at the time to platoon with Lagares in center field, but with the return of Yoenis Cespedes he has become nothing more than an expensive bench piece. He has been highly speculated in trade rumors and will most likely be dealt for probably nothing more than salary relief. Most recently speculated the Texas Rangers were a possible destination for De Aza with LF Josh Hamilton  battling injuries, however, they just signed former SS and Washington National Ian Desmond to play some LF for them.

    The departures of these higher valued contracts yield financial flexibility to spend money on other areas of the team: the pitching staff aka the strength of this ball club and the rotation that is the envy of all baseball. Starting pitching doesn't come cheap, attempting to keep all members of the "Five Aces" pitching staff consisting of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler has some experts speculating to cost a billion dollars. Now with having the lineup riddled with young cheap talent the team may just be able to keep if not all, most of this staff together. Across the diamond the Mets' near future could appear as:

C- Travis d'Arnaud 

1b- Dominic Smith

2b- Dilson Herrera 

3b- David Wright

SS- Amed Rosario

Lf- Michael Conforto 

Cf- Yoenis Cespedes / Juan Lagares

Rf- Brandon Nimmo

    Aside from Wright and Cespedes / Lagares, the rest of the team will be making closer to the bottom tier of baseball's pay scale - most likely adding up to be around or less than $4 million total. Add in roughly $47 million between Wright, Cespedes, and Lagares, (totaling $51 million now) and if the Mets' payroll floats around $125-135 million, that leaves $74-84 million for bench help, bullpen, and rotation. This would allow those temporary unused funds to be allocated in the direction of what could go down as arguably the greatest rotation in baseball history. Now if Cespedes does utilize his opt out clause, that would be an additional $25 million that would be freed up to be dedicated to pitching. Easily this is enough to extend one or even two starting pitchers long-term deals. Now imagine if the team flirted with a payroll somewhere around the $150 million range, which would probably be enough to lock up four of the starting five for the future.

    Jacob deGrom was the first to come out publicly and state his willingness to discuss a long-term extension with the team, all while realizing his age would factor against him in the terms of that contract. deGrom has also, as a means of protest, refused to sign his $607,000 contract for this season. Doesn't really mean much besides the statement itself. These are elite pitchers and should be paid as such. Jacob deGrom was Rookie of the Year after going 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA and striking out 144 batters in his first year in the bigs. deGrom followed up his rookie campaign with an all-star nod while being in the Cy Young award picture. Jacob deGrom is out-performing many of his peers but like most of this next wave of dominant young pitching in MLB, they are compared with the best in the game but aren't paid like them. 

    This trend of young underpaid elite pitching feeling under valued isn't just a Mets' issue. Fellow starting pitching of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cy Young contender, Gerrit Cole, came forward expressing his displeasure with the current contract situation. Slated to make roughly $541,000/this year, Cole was one of the best pitchers in the National League a year ago, but will be making less than a Mets' pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery. Zack Wheeler, who didn't pitch at all last season, will be making $547,000 for the 2016 season.

    Most recently Matt Harvey has come forward saying how he is open to extending his stay with the Mets as well. As a Scott Boras client, this is unheard of. All Boras' clients test free agency and are sold to the highest bidder in a feeding frenzy. Foregoing this fairy-tale for a front-line starter is a future no one would have foreseen.Speculation and curiosity has made estimate figures circulate the media while trying to imagine what type of deal it would take to get this done. Offers estimating from three years to as many as seven and anywhere from $75 million to more than $200 million- estimates can be found suggesting what it would take to keep the Dark Knight of Gotham Matt Harvey in his orange and blue uniform for the foreseeable future. But that is just it, these are just estimates. What would it take to keep Harvey a Met?

    This rotation, as Sports Illustrated portrays it as the "Billion Dollar" rotation, very well might take just that to ensure that all the pieces stay together. Is it worth it? Having what could be the greatest starting pitching rotation that the game has ever seen and under team control for many years, is that worth it? The fans that will be able to pour into the stands each night knowing that they are witnessing something special, all the while having a legitimate chance to win each and every game, is that worth it?
     As these "Five Aces:" Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard, Matz, and Wheeler continue to mature, hone their skills and hit their primes; leading the New York Mets to an ever-so-eluding World Series Championship or even multiple, is that worth it? One way or the other, a history of mistakes begs the question from management: will this era of Mets' lore forever be remembered in history as the team that spent all the money it had to keeping its young pitching core united? Or as the team that let some of its pieces breakaway only to leave fans and historians asking: What if?  

Arrogant in the Cage but Humble in Defeat

    Reigning and defending UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor did something at UFC 196 that most professional fighters would never think of: he moved up not one, but two weight classes and did so with less than two weeks notice. McGregor holds his championship in the 145lb division, and was originally scheduled to move up to the 155lb  Lightweight division . McGregor had plans to fight Rafael Dos Anjos for his championship belt before Dos Anjos had to withdraw due to injury. With only days before UFC 196, UFC President Dana White worked feverishly to find a fighter willing to take on McGregor with only days to prepare. Conor's eagerness to fight anyone at anytime made this decision easier for White as he selected Nate Diaz to oppose McGregor.

    A war of words that has been waging for months would finally come to a head, as these two vicious verbal vigilantes were scheduled to meet on Saturday March 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. These two fighters are both well known for their crazy antics on the microphone with some of the best abilities to promote a fight. Because this match-up became official only days before the fight,  fans were seemingly shortchanged on what could have been a lengthy entertaining build up to fight night. The few brief interactions at press conferences and interviews had left the fans begging for more unfortunately due to time restraints. The PR train had only a few stops. Hopefully the fight would not disappoint the fans, leaving them wanting more in that aspect also.

    The stipulation arose that the weight for the fight would be an issue for Diaz to make what was originally scheduled to be at 155lbs. McGregor's pretentiousness led to him agreeing to fight at the weight in which Diaz would be comfortable: 170lbs. This could have been the beginning of the end for Conor McGregor as he did not even meet this weight, coming in at only 168lbs. This unheard of jump in weight classes in such a short period of time would most certainly have an effect on his fighting ability inside the octagon. Even if this insane jump in weight classes would push McGregor's physical faculties, seemingly nothing could hinder the swagger he brings to the mic.

    What has become a regularity surrounding Conor McGregor fights, his Mystic Mac persona revealed himself to make a prediction on the outcome of the fight. Mystic Mac predicted that the fight would end via knockout in the first round due to McGregor landing one of his capoeria kicks. Trying to make this prediction come to fruition was possibly the final nail in the coffin that led to McGregor's downfall to Diaz. Conor frequently attempted to land his signature capoeria kick only to swing and miss or have it blocked. This could have ultimately spent the last bit of reserve energy that McGregor had and he consequently gassed out in the second round.

    Even after round one in which Conor McGregor controlled the fight, dealing damage and landing punches at will; a bloody and battered Nate Diaz still stood. Narrowly withstanding everything that Conor could throw at him, Diaz began to go on the offensive in round two in which he landed 54 punches, more than in any previous McGregor fight total. A hard left hand landed and a stunned McGregor with a glazed look over his eyes, stumbled as he found himself in unfamiliar territory. As onlookers and paper-view subscribers watched an outcome only a few had predicted, McGregor desperately attempted to take Diaz down, which only played to Nate's strengths. Clearly superior on the ground, Diaz gained full mount and in a final act of desperation Conor rolled over which surrendered his neck for a rear naked choke submission, a tap out, and the victory for Nate Diaz.

       A broken man sat at the post fight press conference, humbled in defeat, Conor gave nothing but respect for Diaz as he said Nate was the better man that night. Social media was in an uproar taking shots at McGregor attempting to kick the man while he is down. Essentially pointing out that McGregor's mouth backed him into a corner that his fighting talent could not get him out of. Former Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo wrote on social media that "The Fairy Tale Was Over." Was it due to an ever growing ego that needed to be put into check, and arrogance that was running awry?           Conor McGregor could have easily stayed within his own weight class and most likely continued his course of dominance while being considered one of the best to ever step into the cage. What if McGregor would lose his Mystic Mac persona or at the least maintained a game-plan inside the cage not based on some fictional prediction? Arguments could be made that the flaws in Conor's game are not even inside the octagon but due to his ego, driven by arrogance that miss-manages his career and his fights. Only time will tell what the future holds for McGregor as he plans to return to the division where he found the competition easier to handle.

Are the UFC Fighters Scared of Conor McGregor?

    
     This is a very familiar road that the UFC is traveling down. A road in which not just a fighter but a champion fighter pulls out of a mega-fight due to a questionable injury at the last minute. Injuries happen, especially in this type of sport. The curious thing is when both of these highly promoted fights were against the same individual. This is of course referring to passed potential cards with Jose Aldo and Rafael Dos Anjos. When both ended with the same result: one might ask themselves are the UFC fighters scared of Conor McGregor?

    The phenomena all began at UFC 189 in 2015 when Conor McGregor was scheduled to compete against Jose Aldo for the Featherweight Championship. Just weeks before the bout was scheduled to take place, Aldo pulled out of the match due to injured ribs. This, however, was predicted like many of his knockouts by the "Mystic Mac" persona of McGregor. Conor spouted in many press interviews that Aldo would not make it to UFC 189 and would pull out before that fight, which strangely enough, came true. McGregor went on to beat a formidable opponent, Chad Mendes, at UFC 189 for the Interim Featherweight Championship belt via KO/TKO stoppage in the 2nd round (also predicted by Mystic Mac).

    Aldo and McGregor would finally meet at UFC 194 in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2015. After the long wait was finally over, these two men would step toe to toe with hopes not to disappoint. Within a flash, one punch and thirteen seconds later, the fight was over. As Conor McGregor again predicted exactly how the fight would turn out, moment by moment as it was portrayed. A defeated Aldo laid humbled on the canvas as the newly crowned Featherweight Champion celebrated his KO/TKO victory.

    Rafael Dos Anjos was slated to be the next scheduled opponent for McGregor at UFC 196 in March of 2016. The contest in which Conor has moved up in weight to the Lightweight Division to challenge Dos Anjos for his championship belt. Dos Anjos has also pulled out of what was shaping up to be an epic showdown just weeks before the contest was to take place. Dos Anjos withdrew from the fight due to a broken foot. Originally Dos Anjos presented the idea of taking a pain killing injection in his foot to UFC President Dana White, but later declared that was no longer an option as he claims he is unable to compete. 

"When we told Conor, he said, 'Come on! This [expletive] guy! Oh my God! He's pulling out?'

But when we went through the options, he said he'd fight any of them.

I swear to God, he said, 'I'll fight anyone.' He just doesn't give a [expletive]. People talk about this strained relationship between us and Conor, and he has a different style than I've ever seen, but I have never seen anyone like Conor. The closest was Chuck Liddell, but we've never had one like Conor. You think he's not hurt? But when he says he's going to fight, he's going to fight no matter what." -Dana White, UFC President

    The options seemed numerous, but finding willing opponents was another story entirely. Jose Aldo emphatically stated that he will not take any other fight until he has his rematch with Conor McGregor, but when asked to fill in at UFC 196, Aldo declined. Frankie Edgar has come out through the media saying that he wants to fight McGregor and put an end to all the hype that surrounds him. Edgar was also given the opportunity to fight McGregor at UFC 196: his response was that he is unavailable. Many fighters have spoken freely about their dislike for the antics of Conor McGregor and all claiming that they would be the one to dethrone him. The opportunity is here, the time is now, and the silence is deafening. 

    The king of trash talk McGregor not only delivers in promoting fights but shows up on fight night (which no one else can seem to do). McGregor's in-ring reputation in addition to his bigger than life, outside the octagon persona, puts him in a league of his own. His willingness to fight anyone at any time anywhere proves he is more than just words. Seems like all these other fighters are just talk, and are not able to step up when its time to put up or shut up. 

    Solidifying McGregor's stance that he will fight anyone at anytime, his opponent was finally set for UFC 196, that man is none other than Nate Diaz. These two men have exchanged less than pleasantries with each other in the past, while demonstrating the willingness to oppose each other inside the octagon. 

    "I don't care about weight divisions. I'll run through everyone on the roster." Conor McGregor 

    Normally known for fighting at the 145 weight class which he currently holds the belt for;  eyebrows were raised, questions were asked and concerns expressed when the initial matchup against Dos Anjos was in the 155 weight class. Could McGregor affectively make the jump? Will he still be as dominant? Not only did Conor dismiss those accusations but expressed interest in challenging for the Welterweight belt at 170. When Diaz had issues with what weight this fight at UFC 196 would be at, McGregor told him" to get comfortable " and he would make things easy on him proving no weight class matters in his eyes and the contest would be set at 170.

   McGregor has more than proven he can sell any fight. His promoting skills are par to no one in this business. But If Conor McGregor's talent level was half as deadly as his words, he may go down as the greatest champion in UFC history.

From Throw In To Big Win: Wuilmer Becerra

     It was the 17th of December, 2012, when the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays made their blockbuster deal official. The deal involved the reigning National League Cy Young winner and two of MLB's top 30 prospects. The Mets sent knuckle-baller R.A. Dickey and two catchers that were comfortable with his signature pitch: Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas. In return, Toronto sent top catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud, fire-throwing, elite-pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, major league backstop John Buck, and minor league outfielder Wuilmer Becerra. 

     Obviously, the rewards of this deal have been starting catcher and one of the league's best: Travis d'Arnaud and young dominating pitcher Noah Syndergaard. John Buck was also later used as a piece in the trade to acquire top second base prospect Dilson Herrera.   However, Becerra, thought to be only a throw-in at the time, began to blossom into much  more than just an added bonus. 
     In 2012, Wuilmer signed as a 17-year old Venezuelan international free agent. At the time of the trade, he was the 25th ranked prospect in Toronto's weak system after just playing 11 games in the Gulf Coast League. The year 2013 was Becerra's first full professional season where he displayed modest numbers for the Gulf Coast Mets. With 206 plate appearances over 52 games, Wuilmer hit .243/.351/.295 with only one HR and 25 RBI. A promotion followed in 2014 for Becerra as his professional career was moved to the Kingsport Mets. This is where Becerra would take the next step in his evolution to top prospect status. In such a short period of time, he showed much improvement at the plate  with a slash line of .300/.351/.469, 7 HRs, 29 RBI, 10 doubles, and stole 7 bases. 
    In 2015 while playing with the Savannah Sand Gnats (now known as the Columbia Fireflies), Becerra's skills only got better. He played in 118 games and had 487 plate appearances. Wuilmer recorded 130 hits, 27 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR with 63 RBI, 16 SB, and 33 BB. He finished the season with a more than respectable slash line of .290/.342/.423/.765. Another year passed and another promotion for Becerra brought him to A ball in 2015 where he continued to improve. He continuously proved worthy of his increase in prospect level as he rose through the ranks of the organization. 
   "The jump to full season ball is a big one, and Becerra has maintained his power and the still developing approach has held its own against better and older arms. The tools package is still there too. Becerra is a good runner with enough arm for right field, and the power potential to be an everyday guy there. He's a long way away and still struggles with spin, but the potential here is as big as any position player in the Mets system right now." - Jeff Paternostro - Mets Insider Blogger
    As a potential call up to AA Binghamton looms and the stock of Becerra continues to rise, Mets' fans could not be more happy with the deal that was made back in December of 2012. Some scouts even predict that if he continues to develop, Becerra will eventually surpass fellow outfield prospect Brandon Nimmo in value within the organization. Regardless of his competition, fans are eager to see just what this prospect has to offer. 

Can the UFC Afford a McGregor Loss?

     The biggest name in the mixed martial arts industry right now is arguably the notorious man himself: Conor McGregor. McGregor can put on a show not just inside that octagon but outside of it as well. His words are almost as ferocious as his hands. The allure of Conor McGregor has become the biggest draw in the mixed martial arts business.

     Ronda Rousey held that coveted spot until the media Goliath suffered her defeat to Holly Holm at UFC 193. The perpetual face of the UFC was knocked out in a shocking loss to Holly Holm. Excuses and explanations have been made as to why the fight played out like it did, but the most talked about subject was the unforeseen future of one of the participants. Rumors of Rousey's retirement have spread around all circles of the media, while her career outside of the octagon continues to flourish: movie deals, modeling, and even hosting SNL. This generates even more speculation on whether the return dreams of "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey will ever come to life. This forced Dana White and the UFC to develop a backup plan. 

  White began to promote up and coming new stars such as Sage Northcutt (pictured left) and Paige VanZant (below) as the future of the industry. Pegging these two young promising athletes as soon to be household names may have been jumping the gun. Just as the media circuits and UFC promoting began to feed both VanZant and Northcutt to the fans, unexpectedly both VanZant and Northcutt suffered detrimental losses. This possibly unmasked these fighters for who they truly are, which is not the type that can carry the business on their shoulders.

      VanZant was originally expected to face Joanne Calderwood on December 10, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 80. However, Calderwood was pulled from the fight in October and replaced by Rose Namajunas. VanZant was dominated in all facets of the bout, seemingly being picked apart by an opponent who out-classed her. VanZant did show a lot of heart by continuing to battle but ultimately lost the one-sided fight via submission in the fifth round.

     Most recently, Northcutt fought what was expected to be an easy bout against Bryan Barberena at UFC Fight Night in January 2016. The outcome of this contest should have boosted the rise of Northcutt. However, Sage Northcutt was submitted in the second round via choke hold. Since the loss, even Dana White has come forward making excuses such as questioning Northcutt's health going into the fight. Yet another star that Dana White hand picked to be his money maker has fallen.

     While some may say Conor McGregor's ascension has only just begun, what if he too, should fall? A McGregor loss right now could be devastating to the UFC. Who will be their flagship star? Who will be there to take the reigns, promote, and hype up any fight or event? But for those stars to continue to be a mainstay of relevancy, they need to win and do so consistently. If that's the case, then why would McGregor be pitted against such a deadly opponent?

     Rafael Dos Anjos: a man to be feared, a man not easily overlooked, and a man on a collision course with McGregor at UFC 197. Conor is going into this fight as the underdog with most experts predicting a loss in his future. Dos Anjos is riding a five fight winning streak and is the current Lightweight champion. Most recently, he has been running through high level talent like that of Benson Henderson, Anthony Pettis, and Cowboy Cerrone. Not only has Dos Anjos proven to be a viable opponent in the ring, but he also seems to be immune to Conor's tricks outside of it. McGregor tries to get opponents emotionally invested in his fights so they will be off of their game plan. Dos Anjos has been nothing but calm and collected (at least thus far) through all of McGregor's antics. He has so far presented the demeanor and fighting ability that could end the era of the notorious Conor McGregor.

     It was only recently that Conor McGregor used social media to shed some light on this fight decision: "It's with ease, and with pleasure, that I gift the fans and the company with back to back super-fights. In a time where entire cards get flushed down the toilet over a sore toe. The game is on its knees and I'm on a throne." Conor proclaimed that he trains harder, works harder, and is now proving that he is willing to fight anyone at anytime even if it means moving up a weight class.
     Could this fearless attitude, that has brought him his popularity and made the UFC more money than ever imagined, ultimately be his downfall? Conor McGregor, the man and the fighter, could surely recover from a loss when he himself knows the level of competition that he is up against. But can the organization survive? A company with no figurehead to attach its name to and ride off into the sunset with? What will the UFC stoop to then...?

       CM Punk

The Man, The Myth, The Maverick: Sandy Alderson

     It was 2010 when Sandy Alderson embarked on the journey of General Manager for the New York Mets. His campaign would be riddled with obstacles such as overcoming his team's financial instability. As he worried about the future and feeling the magnitude that this undertaking would entail, Alderson enlisted the services of three former GMs: Paul DePodesta, J.P. Ricciardi and John Ricco. 

     On this long road, Alderson has made many moves with the end goal in sight: constructing a world champion. Some were marquee moves that have provided the team with high level major league talent, but not all of the moves Alderson made have worked out for the team. 

     On June 18, 2013, the Mets sent Collin McHugh to the Colorado Rockies for Eric Young Jr. The move at the time created room for up and coming superstar Zack Wheeler, who would take McHugh's spot in the rotation. Eric Young Jr. filled in multiple positions while adding some speed to the lineup but never solidified a permanent position on the roster. While Young Jr. found his services to be needed elsewhere in baseball, so did Collin McHugh. McHugh eventually settled in with the Houston Astros and has become one of their most effective pitchers, winning 19 games in 2015.

     It was July 12, 2011 when the Mets traded Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers for Danny Herrera and Adrian Rosario. The return package that the Mets received never amounted to anything: small stints in the majors or never even reaching that platform at all. Eventually both players were let go from the organization, which made this deal nothing more than salary relief. Francisco Rodriguez went on to be an effective closer, an all star who saved 44 games in 2014. 

     Finally, possibly the worst deal ever made by Sandy Alderson was on December 7, 2011. Mets sent Angel Pagan to the San Francisco Giants for Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres. Both players ended up being unproductive for the Mets and left shortly after being acquired, returning to the San Francisco Giants. Pagan continued to put up respectable numbers, showing all star candidate productivity and has since been able to hoist up two World Series Championships.

     Many deals that Sandy has pulled off have turned out in the Mets' favor. Alderson had long-term implications in mind when making his decision on these deals. He continuously tried to see the big picture of what the team could grow into by dealing away some of the pieces from less than championship caliber clubs. 
     It was August 27, 2013 when the Mets traded Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Dilson Herrera and a player to be named later who turned out to be Vic Black. Both Bryd and Buck were in the final contract year with the team and not expected to return when the season was over. The season for the Mets was essentially over with the loss of Matt Harvey to injury and being out of playoff contention. Vic Black turned out to be a solid bullpen arm for a few seasons; he has since left the team but has nothing but good things to say about the organization. The other chip in the deal, Dilson Herrera was looked at as the future starting second baseman and potential all star. Herrera has all the tools to grow into one of the best second baseman in baseball.

     The blueprint to which the Mets have designed their success is pitching, pitching, pitching. Alderson contributed to what would become an all-star pitching staff made up of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, and Steven Matz, by making a move to acquire another potential ace on July 28, 2011. Mets sent slugging outfielder Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants for highly touted pitching prospect Zack Wheeler. Beltran went on to help the Giants with their playoff push. While Wheeler's showcase was sidelined with Tommy John surgery, he is still looked at as an elite level pitcher. Wheeler is scheduled to return this season in July and complete what could be known as a rotation of five aces: Harvey, Syndergaard, deGrom, Matz, and Wheeler. 

     The deal that will forever cement his legacy as the Mets' GM, the deal that changed the team into perennial contenders was completed on December 17, 2012. Mets traded R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole, and Mike Nickeas to the Toronto Blue Jays for Wuilmer Becerra, Noah Syndergaard, John Buck, and Travis d’Arnaud. Dickey was the reigning Cy Young Award winner coming off a career year, 20-6, 2.73 ERA. Thole and Nickeas were seen only as throw-ins because they were used-to catching the knuckleball pitch that Dickey was known for.
     Even though he was not considered to be a main piece of this blockbuster deal, Becerra blossomed into one of the Mets' top 10 prospects. Becerra's stock has risen tremendously the past few seasons as he has demonstrated above average defense, speed on the base paths, and the ability to mash opposing pitching. John Buck was later used in the deal that secured Dillson Herrera. Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard have already become main contributors on the big league roster. TDA is looked at as the best catchers in the NL East and one of the best catchers in baseball. Syndergaard is one of the most feared, flame-throwing, front-line starting pitchers in all the game. 

     Thirteen minutes before the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, Friday July 31st 2015, the Mets agreed to acquire left fielder Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers for minor league right-handers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa. Proving once again that Sandy had his finger precisely on the pulse of the team, Cespedes sparked an offensive resurgence. This historic offensive resurrection along with the Mets' pitching staff, led the team to a National League Championship. 

     The saying goes: "how do you make magic happen? Be the smartest person in the room." Sandy Alderson seems to be just that. He is able to work around financial restrictions due to the Madoff scandal and withstand the harsh New York fan base. All the while, he appeases the media as he tries to whisper parts of his plan, stating that it would have taken patience and some time to come to this moment, but the moment is now. 
     New York is now considered to be the Mets' town, as the Mets are looked at as not only the team to beat but the blueprint to copy from. Alderson is the architect of all of this, credit needs to be given to the man that shined a bright light on the dark days of Mets' baseball.

     “(Alderson) thought differently and was right. With the experience, the calmness in the face of a lot of noise in New York, he never wavered from the path he saw for this team. All of that was a credit to him. He assembled a great staff. We have a lot of smart people. But really, at the end of the day, he made the decisions that got us where we are.” -John Ricco 

Odds on Favorites in the AL East ... Place Your Betts

     With the recent acquisition of starting pitcher and ace of the staff David Price, the future of the Boston Red Sox does look bright, but Price won't be the only reason. There can be no doubt that David Ortiz, with his playful antics and clutch home runs helps. Another addition of the elite closer Craig Kimbrel shutting the door on the opposition will indeed add more wins in that column. Those three will help to establish the Red Sox as possibly the team to beat in the AL East. But the man that may lead this charge by making the most impact, is the heir to the throne of Red Sox nation: Mookie Betts.

     At just 23 years young, Betts is slotted to be the everyday outfielder. He has shown versatility in the infield and is on the verge of breaking loose. Last year Mookie batted .291, had 18 home runs, 77 RBI, 21 SB, and scored 92 runs. Betts racked up 174 hits on the year, 42 of which were doubles and eight were triples. It seemed the 2015 season was Betts' coming out party, with his minor league stats proving that there is much more left in the tank. Consistently batting over .300 while swiping as many as 38 bags, Betts has room to grow. Hitting for average, while also having power and speed makes him a formidable foe for the opposing pitchers.

      Mookie Betts was a 6.0 WAR player in 2015, putting him in the top 20 players in all of baseball. He shares that spotlight with names like former NL MVP Buster Posey and young stud Anthony Rizzo. Betts is in good company with these men, the top echelon in all of the game. Heads up Major League Baseball, Mookie Betts is here and he is putting  the AL East on notice.