Dwightmare

Ehsan Azad

Dwightmare

                Remember around this time last year, Mark Cuban sold us on the chances of reuniting Dallas with its hometown kid Deron William. Cuban told us grand stories of how Williams, and soon Dwight were going to join Dirk and create D3! The entire metroplex was excited that they would soon have the team to catapult them back into contention. Then Shark Tank happened, Williams went to the Nets, Dwight got traded to LA, and the Mavs missed the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.  So why are we excited this year?

                Oh right, the chance of getting Dwight or Chris Paul this time. The exact same situation has happened and the odds are not in our favor but Cubes continues to preach about making a splash this summer. It’s good that he delayed taping of Shark Tank, but what are you going to do about the fact that Dallas is not a favorable option now.

                If you are Howard or Paul, you know that this could be one of the last times you sign a huge max extension and you want to get all the money you can sucker out. Both players can re-sign with their current teams and get an extra year and 25 million right in their pocket. Both teams are playoff teams with chances to build off last year, so it would be hard to leave such a great situation.

                Second, if the rumors are true and it seems like both would want to leave, why Dallas? Look at the teams competing with the Mavericks in free agency. The Houston Rockets can make some big moves and get cap space to sign Dwight Howard. Howard would love to play alongside YOUNG superstar James Harden. That team would be in title contention for years to come.  The other team on the list is the Atlanta Hawks, who are the only team with the space to sign both.  I think they could be the leader to get them both since the players have always wanted to play together. It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is Dwight’s hometown. Atlanta would have to work on signing some good supporting guys, but Dwight and Paul on a team together is scary good.

                Now, what can Dallas offer that can beat all that? Well the only thing either player would love is that they would have one of the best coaches in the league right now in Rick Carlisle. They would get to be the face of the franchise as Dirk would be more than happy to give it up and they would have a great owner. That is about it though for the Mavs. Both players would be coming here and playing with an aging Dirk and he isn’t the same one we saw in the title run. The team isn’t as good surrounding them and it wouldn’t be likely they would be title contenders for long.

                In the end, the Mavs should focus on getting younger and getting exciting dynamic free agents that don’t cost a lot and then move in for the kill next year when a new batch of superstars are ready for free agency. 

Yu got to be Kidding me!

Ehsan Azad

Yu got to be kidding me!

                When the Texas Rangers were revealed to be the winners of the secret bid for the rights to negotiate for star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish, I was a little skeptical. Sure at the time he was considered one hell of a prospect and some say the best foreign player in the world. Yu was a legend in Japan and many thought he would bring that here. But, I looked at previous over-hyped sensations that came to MLB, like Chan Ho Park, and how little they did in the majors. I wanted people to tap the brakes a bit with this new star. Today, I give you permission to hit the gas on Yu mania.

                Tonight, Yu will face an incredible test as the Rangers face off against the Detroit Tigers. Justin Verlander will get the start opposite Darvish, so you know that this will be a low scoring affair. It’s up to Yu to step up and bring his best game. So far that hasn’t been a problem for Darvish.  This is a pitcher that in his first start of the season was just an out away in the bottom of the ninth from a perfect game. The man is averaging almost eight strikeouts a game and he is on pace to break Nolan Ryan’s single season record for strikeouts. He has a 2.73 E.R.A., has a 6-1 record and isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

                What makes Darvish such a feat to watch is that he overpowers a hitter every time, which is rare to see by pitchers these days. Most pitchers don’t try to overpower their throws in fear of hurting their elbow, for Yu it seems like his elbow is the last thing on his mind. This for the time being makes Darvish one of the most feared pitchers in the league right now. But, there has to be some caution on his health. He is risking it every time he gets on the mound the way he is pitching and it could cost him a long career in the majors.  Others will tell you though that Darvish is fine and his amazing stamina allows him to continue on this torrid pace. I tend to think that the unique way he throws the ball allows him to overcome any elbow or arm injury. He will play for a long time in the league.

                I was wrong on the kid. This can flat out play baseball at a high level and gives the Rangers an ace to an already emerging rotation. Now it’s time for the Rangers offense to flourish and give some run support for their ace, as Yu leads them back to top of the baseball world.

Cold Draft

Ehsan Azad

Cold Draft

                Wow was I wrong about the NFL draft, as was every other person covering the event. Going back, I don’t remember a draft so unpredictable and confusing than this one. The Dallas Cowboys especially confused the hell out of me with their crazy strategies and confounding draft picks. None the less, they were made and I have to say I was pleasantly ok with it. I mean after I was screaming for Jerry’s head, I calmed down and was open to the strategy he had put in an effect. 

                The night started out with three players on the board for the Boys. At 18, it was hard to get Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack. These guys are too good to drop, especially in a draft with no elite quarterbacks. The only option was the safety out of Texas, Kenny Vaccaro. But, the Saints ruined that plan. At that moment, Jerry admitted that they began to try to trade down to get out of the first round. That would have been fine if the number 5 overall prospect on the board, Shariff Floyd, DT out of Florida, wasn’t falling down the charts. This guy was good and would have been a great steal for the team. But, strangely they passed on him and traded with San Francisco to get the 31^st pick and just an additional 3^rd round pick. That’s another problem I had with this draft. According to the draft trade chart, that was made famous by the Cowboys, it wasn’t a fair deal to get just a 3^rd round pick to go down from the 18^th to the 31^st selection.  The more appropriate trade would have been at least an extra second round pick. But, the front office continues to stand by their trade. Now for the selections and my grade for each pick.

1^st round- Travis Frederick, C/G from Wisconsin.- I love this pick for the need, but not necessarily for the best overall player at the time. You could have got this guy in the third round and focused on better players. But, still it’s a solid addition to a raggedy offensive line. He’s strong, big, and will be a great cornerstone to an offensive line that lacks strength.  His athleticism is my concern as he slow as hell. Ran a 40 in the high 5s and lacks the necessary skills to play versus fast pass rushers. But, at the center position there is none better. Instant upgrade over Phil Costa and makes your guards look better.  Grade B+

2^nd round- Gavin Escobar, TE from San Diego State University- Talk about a reach people.  This was a guy nobody was talking about and it wasn’t really a need for the team.  They needed a blocking tight end, and this guy can’t do it. But, he is one of the best pass catchers in this draft. Great hands, pretty good size and speed and will be a dangerous addition to the passing game for Romo who already has Witten and Hanna. This is more of a luxury pick than a need, but still adds weapons to a dangerous offense. Don’t like the pick at all, but maybe it will pay off.  Grade C-

3^rd Round- Terrance Williams, WR out of Baylor- Wow, Talk about a hit. This guy has my giddy about the Cowboys offense. Now that they got a center and most likely a tackle in free agency, they add this speedy wide out to an already dangerous Receiving core. This guy has great hands, runs good routes, and has been described as a burner.  Miles Austin be scared, we might have found your replacement. It is too early to tell, but this guy could eventually be the number 2 receiver on the team.  Grade A+

3^rd Round- J.J. Wilcox, S out of Georgia Southern-Now I really don’t know much about this guy but he is being described as one of the best safeties in the draft.  Only has played the position for a year, the converted receiver has great ball skills and loves to hit. Makes a perfect addition to the Tampa 2, and will compete with Matt Johnson for the starting spot.  Grade- B

4^th Round- B.W. Webb, DB out of William and Mary- I was really shocked that they would go for a corner in this pick, but I understand why now. Orlando Scandrick’s play is getting worse and it’s time to upgrade on that end. Plus, you can never have too many corners. This guy was average, but built a good reputation at the senior bowl. He is pretty quick and can make plays on the ball. I like it, don’t love it but he is a good wait and see project. Grade C.

5^th Round- Joseph Randall, RB out of Oklahoma State- Now here is a player that fit the need and best player available need. This guy can flat out play. Some say he could be the second coming of Barry Sanders, no I am kidding but they have similar backgrounds. He is just a good running back, nothing too flashy. The best part is that he is durable. This kid did not miss a game in his college career and you will need that as Demarco Murray has not shown to be a reliable healthy player. Watch for this kid to compete for the starting job very soon. Grade A+

6^th Round- DeVontee Holloman, OLB from South Carolina- This convert from safety to linebacker is one intriguing prospect.  He gained weight to his frame to play OLB, and has 19% body fat now. According to his agent he has been working on his fat issues.  This kid is one hell of a run defender has pretty good speed and can shed blocks well.  He lacks coverage skills, but won’t need it as much because he will compete for the strong side linebacker job which deals with the run and not the pass. Expect him to add depth to the linebackers and on special teams. With how fragile Lee and Carter are, this is a great pick up.

                This draft was confusing and nauseating. It’s not sexy and it’s unconventional. But, it’s what they need and it helps secure the depth on a team that sorely needed it last year. Now the task is to sign a free agent tackle to replace Free and we might have things settled for the season.