Goodbye A-Rod, Hello Geno

MLB

On the heels of Ryan Braun's suspension, in the ongoing Biogenesis scandal, The New York Post has reported that Major League Baseball has come to a decision, and is ready to hand out suspensions this week. The report states that 15 as of yet unnamed players, have cut a deal to serve a 50-game suspension, which will put them out for this year, but able to play Opening Day 2014. Alex Rodriguez isn't going to be so lucky. A-Rod is looking at the best, a 200+ game suspension, that will keep him out until Opening Day 2015, where he would likely retire, and collect a $60 million check from the Yankees for the 2015-2017 seasons. If A-Rod refuses to accept that deal, then he is facing a lifetime ban, which essentially tears up his contract.

When the suspension drops, it puts an end to a tumultuous nine years for A-Rod in the Bronx. Rodriguez has experienced the highs (two MVP seasons and a World Series ring), and the lows (benched by Joe Girardi in the 2012 Playoffs and his struggles with the New York fans and media) of playing in the Bronx. His ten-year extension that he signed in 2007 will go down in history as one of the last moves made by late owner George Steinbrenner. Rodriguez will finish 5th on the All-Time Home Run list with 647 long balls, and he leaves an additional $30 million on the table for failing to hit milestone homers 660 (Griffey), 714 (Ruth), 755 (Aaron), and 762 (Bonds).

The suspensions will likely be one of the last major moves made by commissioner Bud Selig, who is retiring after his 21-year run as commissioner. Selig will forever be connected to the steroids scandal, which rocked the sport since the early 2000s. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are likely never going into the Hall of Fame because of their reported steroid use, and other players such as Mike Piazza may never get in because of strong rumors that he was on the juice. The game is considerably cleaner than it was ten years ago, but there is always going to be a cat-and-mouse game between new drugs and tests that are able to catch them.

NFL

Thank God Football is Back!!!!! The Jets began their training camp this week, and I am optimistic about their 2013 campaign. They should be the the second best team in a very weak division. I'll go over this in more detail in the coming weeks with my NFL Preview, but the Jets have a solid defense, and an offense that has to improve from last season. 

One of the main stories in camp this year will be the quarterback competition between rookie Geno Smith and veteran Butt-Fumbler Mark Sanchez. I'm torn on my feelings here. While Mark Sanchez played some of the worst quarterbacking I've ever seen last year, I feel like a lot of it had to do with the fact that he had a revolving door of receivers to throw to. Even if Santonio Holmes isn't able to play the first quarter of the season, Braylon Edwards has great chemistry with Sanchez, Stephen Hill can hopefully show some improvements catching the ball, since he's proven that he could get open, and Jeremy Kerley, who I like, I like a lot (but not more than Brandon Inge) in the slot. At this point, Sanchez is really playing with house money, as most Jets fans expect him to be God-awful, so there aren't any high expectations playing games with his mental state. 

On the other hand, you have Geno Smith, whose draft stock fell considerably during the second half of his last season at West Virginia. We don't know how he's going to fit in the NFL, and how he is going to deal with the pressure of playing in New York. With the success last season of Luck, RG3, and Russell Wilson, you have to remind yourselves that this is a boy entering a man's game, and just five years ago most rookie quarterbacks weren't expected to start Week 1 of their first season. We'll get our first real taste of Geno on August 9th when the Jets kick off the preseason against the Lions. 

While I'm on the subject, the fact that there is a controversy whether Rex Ryan or John Idzik have the final say on who the starting quarterback is going to be, proves that you either have to give Rex some job security or just fire him now. I'm a big Rex supporter, and the front office isn't doing the right thing leaving him twisting in the wind. The team is not built to win now, so while it would be beneficial to begin giving younger and unproven players a larger role, Rex is trying to save his job by playing the veterans. That is especially the heart of the issue in the quarterback competition. 

In more Jets camp news, we have a cornerback holding out, and his name isn't Darrelle Revis. Rookie Dee Milliner is already reminding fans of the ex-Jet by looking for more guaranteed money in his rookie contract. Milliner is one of just four first-round picks that are still unsigned. Hopefully the two sides can reach an agreement soon, since we are counting on Milliner to start Week 1 opposite Cromartie, and he can't afford to miss too much practice.

UFC

UFC on Fox 8 happened last night, and it doesn't really seem like anyone cared. If a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound?

As good as the fall/winter is going to be, the 2 August Pay-Per-Views combined with a stacked Fox Sports 1 Debut card on August 17, left last night's show lacking something. It isn't Dana White's fault that the Rory MacDonald- Jake Ellenberger put the crowd to sleep, but I don't like headlining these Fox shows with the Flyweight Championship. No disrespect to Demetrious Johnson, but the division has less than 10 fighters in it. The challenger, John Moraga had previously only fought on the prelims. 

Fox could be a very beneficial tool when used to build young fighters, or set up big championship fights that people would want to order on pay-per view. It doesn't help the company when you just throw together a second rate card. Once people think that the fights are skippable, than you start to lose your base audience. 

Hail to the King

Hail to the King

This week, Avenged Sevenfold released the title track to their sixth studio album, Hail to the King. At first, I wasn't really blown away by it, but after replaying it a few times, and doing some research into the album I am slowly beginning to like it. Before I go any further, take 5 minutes to listen to it for yourself

It's obvious reading and listening to interviews with the band that Hail to the King will be different from every other Avenged Sevenfold record. Sounding the Seventh Trumpet and Waking the Fallen were classic metal albums. Then, the band underwent a change before City of Evil, in 2005, moving away from the hardcore and more to a heavy metal/hard rock sound. 2007's Avenged Sevenfold, saw the band add a more melodic tone to their music and experimented with everything from country music to an orchestra. 

A7X was riding high, before the unfortunate passing of their drummer and friend Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan in 2009. As a result of that, Nightmare, which was released less than a year after The Rev's passing was an emotionally heavy album, and you can tell that the band was in a dark place during that period.

While Jimmy will never be forgotten, the time has come for the band to move on. Arin Ilejay was brought in to be the the band's next full-time drummer. Matt Shadows has said in various interviews that the band decided to go back and listen to a lot of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, and have come out with a more blues-rock and classic metal sound. 

It looks like the band is going through it's most drastic change since 2005. That being said, I'm looking forward to hearing the entire album on August 27th before I pass any judgement. A7X has never let me down before, and I'm expecting whatever they put out to be good. 

MLB

From the kings of modern day metal, to the king of relief pitching. Mariano Rivera had one more last this week, his last MLB All Star Game. As unlikely as it seems now, unless the Yankees make the World Series, this will be the last time all of Major League Baseball gets to show thanks and say farewell to the greatest closer of all time.

It was a touching moment at Citi Field Tuesday, as every player stood on the top step of the dugout as Rivera ran out to the field with his typical entrance theme "Enter Sandman" blaring through the speakers in Queens, just miles away from his home in the Bronx. A visibly emotional Mariano pitched a perfect 8th inning, en route to being voted the All Star Game MVP, completing the Triple Crown, of All-Star Game, ALCS, and World Series MVP.

The Yankees only have 67 games left on their regular season schedule, and now each appearance Mariano makes in the game will become more special, culminating on September 26th, the team's last home game. Mo will be missed.

On another note, Citi Field and the Mets were great hosts to the Mid-Summer Classic. Matt Harvey and David Wright starting for the NL is a bright spot for a franchise that has had so much go wrong for them the past 6 years. As a Yankee fan, baseball season hasn't been as much fun without our inner-city rival, so I hope that the Amazins' are on the rebound.

Spider Squashed

History was made at the MGM Grand Saturday night, as the nearly 7-year title reign of Anderson Silva came to an end at 1:14 of the second round. Chris Weidman, who's record improved to 10-0, has become the 6th UFC Middleweight Champion, and with one fight, will be remembered forever.

Leading up to the fight, a lot of UFC fighter, including Frankie Edgar, GSP and Chael Sonnen, thought that the Long Island native could put an end to the Brazilian's win streak, with a strong wrestling base. The beginning of the first round went exactly as they predicted, as Weidman easily got a takedown and began a vicious ground and pound, similar to Sonnen's first fight with Silva. After Anderson wiggled out of a heel hook though, it appeared that Silva was trying to goad Weidman into his style of fight. Silva was taunting Weidman by keeping his hands down and bobbing and weaving, hoping to find an opening like he's found countless times before. As the first round ended, it looked to me like Weidman was becoming frustrated, as Silva hugged and kissed him.

The second round started like the first round ended, with Silva showboating, with his Matrix-like defense. However, after Silva taunted Weidman by pretending to be out on his feet, Weidman hit Silva right on the button, knocking him down and out.

The Brazilian-heavy crowd turned on their national hero after the fight, cheering for Weidman and booing Silva during Joe Rogan's post fight interviews. Silva gave off a weird vibe during his interview, congratulating Weidman, and hinting that the title had become a burden on him, initially turning down an immediate rematch. At the post-fight press conference, Dana White said he respects Anderson's decision to take some time off before deciding what his next move is going to be. 

It has been almost 24 hours since the fight, and I'm still speechless. Even though I thought Weidman had a legit chance at the upset, I never saw it ending the way it did. This loss will quiet all the talk of superfights with everyone from Georges St Pierre to Jon Jones, and even a proposed boxing match against Roy Jones Jr. As far as Anderson's legacy is concerned, I really don't feel like this loss did too much damage. In combat sports it is nearly impossible to keep a winning streak alive, since one slip-up can leave you staring up at the lights. This just makes what Floyd Mayweather has done even more impressive.

I agree with Dana, that the idea the fight was a fix is a "fucking joke", but Anderson didn't seem to be taking Weidman as seriously as he should of leading up to and during the fight. If anything, let's hope that his actions teach the up-and-coming stars that those types of antics are a no-no in the cage. The only damper on the night, is that a lot of MMA pundits aren't giving Chris Weidman enough credit, instead saying that Anderson cost himself the fight. Weidman has had a rough year, since his house was badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy, and this win is life-changing. 

I will be shocked if Anderson doesn't change his mind, and these two men will enter the Octagon one more time soon (it's been rumored already by Dave Meltzer that they may main event in New Jersey Super Bowl weekend). If we don't see the rematch, Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami are two potential challengers for the belt.

The main event overshadowed what was a really fun show. In the co-main event, Frankie Edgar and Charles Oliveira put on a war, with non-stop action that has become the norm when "The Answer" fights. Frankie used a combination of boxing and wrestling to stop the Brazilian, and get his first win at 145 pounds. An elated Edgar said "T.R. (Toms River), NJ, take this ride with me again. Let's go!!!". I think either Ricardo Lamas or Chad Mendes makes sense as potential future opponents for Edgar as he tries to climb the ladder for a rematch with Jose Aldo.

It was a great night for the 145-pounders as Cub Swanson and Dennis Siver had a great fight (Edgar and Swanson both won Fight of the Night) as Swanson knocked Siver out at 2:24 of the third round. With this win, Swanson may have done enough to earn a shot against the winner of Aldo-Korean Zombie.

After a rough year, it was nice to see Mark Munoz rebound with an impressive performance against Tim Boetsch. Munoz seemed to be in great shape, and was very aggressive on his way to a unanimous decision. Edson Barboza is shooting up the Lightweight ranks, with a violent win against Rafaello Oliveira, chopping him down and eventually finishing him with leg kicks. 

Turning the Page

As the calendars change from June to July, the sports world begins to heat up. Baseball is reaching the mid-way point of the season and NFL talk is heating up as training camps open at the end of the month.
The Heat walk away back-to-back NBA Champions after a really fun NBA Finals with the Spurs, and CM Punk's team, the Chicago Blackhawks win Lord Stanley's Cup.

UFC

This weekend is UFC 162 from Las Vegas. The July 4th weekend card is now a staple of the UFC year, and it is no different this year. Pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world Anderson Silva defends his Middleweight strap against Chris Weidman. Silva is putting his incredible 17-fight win streak and 10 consecutive successful title defenses up for grabs as well. Love him or hate him, just like when Floyd Mayweather or GSP fight, you have to watch even if it is just for the small chance of seeing his historic reign come to an end.

Either the UFC is really selling "wolf tickets" (thanks Nick Diaz), or the 9-0 Chris Weidman really has the secret formula to squash The Spider. The Long Island born fighter is looking to pull off the shocking upset, much like his trainer Matt Serra did to GSP many years ago. With a strong wrestling base, Weidman does have a chance if he can keep the lanky Brazilian on his back, much like Chael Sonnen did in their first fight. Win or lose though, Weidman is very confident in his abilities and this should be a very entertaining fight.

In the co-main event is my boy, Toms River's own, Frankie Edgar. The Answer is on a three-fight losing streak, with two losses to Ben Henderson, and another to Jose Aldo, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Frankie should get back in the win column this time around, against Charles Oliveira. "Da Bronx" has a good ground game, winning nine fights by submission, but I don't think he will be able to stand and trade with Frankie.

It is clear that Frankie Edgar needs a win here. A loss won't put him on the chopping block, but will put him further away from every fighter's goal, 15 pounds of gold around your waist. Even with a  win against Oliveira, Edgar is still probably two more wins away from a potential rematch with Jose Aldo for the Featherweight title.

Barring injuries, UFC should finish off 2013 strong, with Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustaffson scheduled for 165 in September, the trilogy with Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos concluding at 166 in October, and GSP and Jonny Hendricks slated for 167 in November.