SB Nation Dallas: All Posts by JP Starkeyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2013-01-06T07:00:11-06:00https://dallas.sbnation.com/authors/jp-starkey/rss2013-01-06T07:00:11-06:002013-01-06T07:00:11-06:00Goodbye
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<p>After two-and-a-half years, SB Nation Dallas is undergoing drastic changes, and long-time associate editor JP Starkey says goodbye.</p> <p>Goodbye, SB Nation Dallas.</p>
<p>After two-and-a-half years, SB Nation's regional program are undergoing drastic changes. From Monday forward, you'll find the best-of the Dallas regional blog content found here -- which means this is good bye for for the staff here at SBN Dallas.</p>
<p>A <i>lot</i> changed in the last two-and-a-half years in the Dallas sports world, and over the past two-and-a-half years, we've covered all of those changes here at SB Nation Dallas.</p>
<p>We covered the only two <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a> teams to reach the World Series -- though, I suspect the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> will be back in the World Series sooner rather than later. No, the result of each Fall Classic wasn't what Texas fans had in mind, but those two years are still the best in franchise history -- and the Rangers will forever be linked to one of the all-time great World Series'.</p>
<p>We covered the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a>' first-ever NBA title. For Mavs fans, I can't imagine that there could have been anything sweeter than avenging their 2006 NBA Finals loss by defeating the Super Friends version of the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> in 2011.</p>
<p>We covered <span>Robert Griffin III's</span> ascent from a toolsy quarterback, to Heisman Trophy winner, to No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In the same time, Baylor's football program became legitimate, and Baylor's basketball program reached the Elite 8 in 2012. Not too shabby for one of Texas' smaller schools.</p>
<p>Conversely, we covered the Texas Longhorns' fall from dominance.</p>
<p>We covered Super Bowl XLV, when the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (thank goodness). My Super Bowl XLV and XLVI halftime show reviews were quite popular -- and popular enough to receive plenty of hate mail. But come on, we can all agree that the Black Eyed Peas and Madonna were awful, right?</p>
<p>For better or for worse, we covered Wade Phillips' firing, and Jason Garrett's first two full years in Dallas as head coach -- both of which ending with losses in win-and-in games for the NFC East crown in Week 17. Unlike the Rangers, it might be awhile before the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a> are relevant again.</p>
<p>We covered the NHL lockout, and hopefully, a resolution will come soon. The <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Stars</a> have built an exciting, young roster, and Stars fans deserve to be able to watch them grow.</p>
<p>Helping run SB Nation Dallas has been enjoyable. I never expected that it would end up being as fun as it was, but it truly was a great time. I never expected that I'd interview an NFL Hall of Famer (Hello, Randy White), but I did. It's unfortunate that changes are coming, but change is inevitable; and this is business, after all.</p>
<p>Needless to say, thanks to Brett Perryman for asking me to help out two and a half years ago, and thanks to Jonathan Tjarks for keeping me around after Brett left. Thanks to Robbie Griffin, Christopher Fittz, Maurice London, Liam Ponting, and Charley Code for their contributions, and of course, for the always humorous weekly NFL picks in 2010 and 2011. Thanks to KD Drummond, Tom Ryle, Luther Xue, John Stathas, Andrew Tobolowsky and Willie Funk for their contributions throughout this past year.</p>
<p>And of course, thank you for reading at any point in the past two-and-a-half years.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2013/1/6/3840774/goodbye-sb-nation-dallasJP Starkey2013-01-02T07:01:23-06:002013-01-02T07:01:23-06:00Rangers offseason review
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<p>John Stathas, Jonathan Tjarks and JP Starkey take stock of where the Texas Rangers currently stand in 2013.</p> <p>Though Texas' offseason is still incomplete, John Stathas, Jonathan Tjarks and JP Starkey take the time to analyze Jon Daniels' 2012-13 offseason.</p>
<p><i>Are you disappointed with Texas' offseason to date? Why or why not?</i></p>
<p><b>Stathas: </b>I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, but I'm certainly frustrated. As are many fans I'm sure. Missing out on almost every big name is not fun to watch, but Daniels and company aren't stupid. (We think). So fans don't need to panic. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> have made several solid moves this offseason. Best being the <span>Michael Young</span> trade. I know a lot of fans are saddened to see his departure. But this is addition by subtraction and there won't be that lingering akwardness of having to play him through another extended slump. The Rangers also got an interesting prospect by the name of Lisalverto Bonilla. The 22-year-old right-handed reliever adds depth to a depleted bullpen and there's a good chance you cuold see him this season (even before September). All in all, I think the Rangers can have a very successful offseason if they were to snag <span>Michael Bourn</span> or <span>Justin Upton</span>. But even if they don't, fans still have some things to look forward too. Profar is coming...</p>
<p><b>Tjarks:</b> It's hard not to be disappointed with all of the names they were linked to but didn't get and all of the players they lost. That being said, how often does winning the off-season translate to winning in October? Look at Anaheim and Miami last year. MLB free agency, without any restrictions on length and size of contracts, seems like the classic case of a "winner's curse" -- auctions with "incomplete information" (how a player will age) -- where you are better off losing. The one worry I have is that with all of the money coming into the sport due to cable TV deals and all the restrictions on the way it can be spent in terms of signing amateur players, the market for players has changed drastically and the Rangers haven't yet caught on. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> are getting a TV deal worth $6-7 billion. From that perspective, missing on a $150+ mil contract may not be as big a deal.</p>
<p><b>Starkey:</b> It probably stings Rangers fans knowing that they were in on <span>Zack Greinke</span> until the very end, and knowing that <span>Josh Hamilton</span> will call Los Angeles home for the foreseeable future. As much sense as Greinke would have made for Texas, they don't <i>need</i> a starting pitcher. At all. When you can add somebody like Greinke, of course you'd want to, but it's not a need. Letting Hamilton walk was smart, as is not surrendering <span>Elvis Andrus</span> or <span>Jurickson Profar</span> for Justin Upton. So, no, I wouldn't be disappointed if I were a Rangers fan -- I'd be relieved that the GM is smart enough to avoid bad contracts and bad deals.</p>
<p><i> How do you feel about Josh Hamilton not only leaving the Rangers, but signing with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a>?</i></p>
<p><b>Stathas: </b>Good riddance and I hope the Angels can strike some sort of deal with Passages Malibu. Dr. Drew is probably licking his chops.</p>
<p><b>Tjarks:</b> Hamilton could have a great first year/honeymoon period and make the Rangers look bad, but there were a lot of good reasons to pass on extending him. For one, he's a guy whose never been healthy and doesn't play with a lot of discipline -- how is that going to look in his mid-30's? Another, how is he going to respond to living in LA? Not exactly the market where you can avoid temptation easily. They're going to miss his bat a lot obviously, but there's a good chance they weren't seeing the Hamilton of 2010-2012 again even if they did bring him back.</p>
<p><b>Starkey: </b>Indifferent. It's Hamilton's right to play wherever he wants after he hits free agency, but sure, it's a little salt in the wounds for Rangers fans as he heads to Anaheim. Hamilton will make Los Angeles better in 2013, but by 2014, that contract could look pretty bad, and by 2015, it will look <i>really</i> bad. </p>
<p><i><span>A.J. Pierzynski</span> rubs a lot of people the wrong way -- including fans and peers. What do you think of his signing?</i></p>
<p><b>Stathas: </b>It solidifies the Rangers' weakest position in the lineup. I don't see how Pierzynski puts up worse numbers than the position's production in 2012. It's also nice to have a guy with a ring hanging out in your clubhouse and potentially assuming a leadership role. The Rangers haven't had a lot of guys like that these past few seasons. And now, they have one at a critical position.</p>
<p><b>Tjarks: </b>I'm always hesitant to talk about a guy's character that I don't know and have never met, but he certainly carries himself like a real dick. However, that's also a thing that tends to mellow as people gets older. More importantly, he's a left-handed bat who gives them power and production from the catcher's position, which is always nice. Even better, there's no real risk since he's on a one-year deal. Seems like a good signing, but they clearly do need to figure out more of a long-term solution at catcher eventually.</p>
<p><b>Starkey: </b>I wrote when the Rangers signed him that I don't know him, and never will, so it's difficult for me to speak about somebody's character that I don't know. I <i>do</i> know that his peers voted him the most hated player in baseball, but whatever. Maybe his teammates will love him in Texas. If he produces, his personality won't be a problem, and his signing was necessary to fill out the lineup.</p>
<p><i>What would you be willing to give up for Justin Upton?</i></p>
<p><b>Stathas: </b>I don't want to see them spend too much, but I would love to see Upton in Texas. I think he would explode in the Ballpark. But I think Michael Bourn is a guy the Rangers should look hard at. It would be nice to have a true leadoff hitter at the top of the lineup and move Kinsler down to a more traditional power spot in the order. Bourn and Andrus would be nice to see in front of Beltre, but an Upton-Beltre 3-4 would look pretty sweet too.</p>
<p><b>Tjarks: </b>That's a tough question. He'd obviously fill a huge need, but I don't think I'd deal Andrus or Profar for him. Think of the middle infield defense those two could play! Plus Beltre? Groundball pitchers would be incredible with those three behind them. Profar, given his position, skill-set and contract status, is probably one of the most untouchable assets in baseball. Andrus is a 23-year old shortstop with a great glove and an improving bat. What if he put on 10-15 pounds as he got older, which has never been a huge problem for Texas players, and adds some power? That's a guy you're only going to lose because you're being outspent; it wouldn't be at all like Hamilton's situation. Texas is a big-market TV team which gets 3+ million fans a season; they shouldn't be outspent for their own guys in the prime of their career.</p>
<p><b>Starkey: </b>Andrus and Profar are entirely off limits for me. Dealing Andrus could very well end up being a lateral move WAR-wise, and then you're forcing Profar to start 2013 as the team's starting shortstop -- and that's just not fair. I'd be willing to send Michael Olt, <span>Martin Perez</span> and a window-dressing prospect like <span>Roman Mendez</span> for Upton. If Arizona is intent on dealing him, that package would have to be pretty appealing, and if they prefer a middle infielder to Mendez, then you could twist my arm for Luis Sardinas, who is blocked in every way possible in the organization.</p>
<p><i>Is there anything the Rangers absolutely need to be a realistic World Series contender in 2013?</i></p>
<p><b>Stathas: </b>They need to get back to their offensive fundamentals that was their identity in 2010 and 2011. You didn't see a lot of double steals or guys scoring from second on bunts or infield singles. But we all saw the abysmal batting average with runners in scoring position that plagued the Rangers in August and September. Guys striking out with bases loaded and less than two outs is not how you win a World Series.</p>
<p><b>Tjarks: </b>Maybe offense from their outfield and 1B? There are questions about all four positions: Does Kinsler get moved off 2B to give Profar a spot? Can Nelson Cruz stay healthy? Is Murphy more of an 4rth OF? And then there is probably more uncertainty about CF than any other spot headed into spring traing. This might be a spot where you grab an OF at the deadline. Beyond that, there are a whole lot of things that would be nice to have, but they still have the core of an 87+ win team, which puts them in a position to get into the post-season, and as long as you get in, you're a legitimate contender for the World Series. Am I confident that they'll finally take home a World Series? Of course not, but you should never be confident of something like that in baseball.</p>
<p><b>Starkey: </b>Yes. The Rangers need to pick up another bat, but it doesn't have to be now; they can wait until the middle of the season and see what exactly they need, and what exactly is available. I'd let an infield of <span>Adrian Beltre</span>, Andrus, Profar and <span>Ian Kinsler</span> play out, and see how it affects the starting pitching, since that's four premium-range defenders in the infield. The outfield clearly needs a bat, but if Upton can't be had now at a reasonable price, then Daniels may be better off waiting until June or July when the D'Backs inevitably fall out of contention. On top of that, Texas needs another arm for the bullpen. Counting on <span>Joakim Soria</span> is risky, as is <span>Neftali Feliz</span>. I don't think <span>Joe Nathan</span> is a bad ass again this year. Ogando had a rough World Series after shifting to the bullpen after a year of starting, so it's tough (and unfair) to pencil him in as a dominant reliever come October.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2013/1/2/3826804/texas-rangers-offseason-rumorsJP Starkey2013-01-01T13:49:05-06:002013-01-01T13:49:05-06:00Rangers could target Garza
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<p>Matt Garza could end up on Texas' radar if he proves he's healthy during spring training.</p> <p>With <span>Yu Darvish</span>, <span>Matt Harrison</span>, <span>Derek Holland</span> and <span>Alexi Ogando</span> slated into the 2013 rotation, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> don't have an apparent need for a starting pitcher -- especially since <span>Colby Lewis</span> <i>should</i> return at some point in the second half from injury.</p>
<p>The old baseball cliche rings true, however: you can <i>never</i> have enough starting pitching. It's no surprise that Jon Daniels realizes this, as he aggressively pursued <span>Zack Greinke</span> before Greinke ended up signing with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>.</p>
<p>Still, Texas could end up adding a starting pitcher in the spring. Prior to his injury, the Rangers were interested in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> starting pitcher <span>Matt Garza</span>, and <a href="http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chicago/chat/_/id/46584" target="_blank">ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine thinks</a> that the Rangers could decide to pursue Garza again this spring, if Garza proves he's healthy.</p>
<p>Garza made just 18 starts for the Cubs in 2012, pitching 103 and 2/3 innings, striking out 96 and walking 32, while posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Without question, Garza is a talented pitcher, and is a capable No. 2 starter in most rotations, and an excellent No. 3 starter.</p>
<p>Elbow injuries, however, are scary, and that's exactly what prevented Garza from pitching in August and September, and it's what precluded the Cubs from trading him down the stretch. Garza, though, <a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/15/matt-garza-gets-good-news-on-elbow-injury/" target="_blank">was given a clean bill of health</a> from doctors earlier in the offseason.</p>
<p>Acquiring Garza wouldn't satisfy a need for the Rangers, but instead, it would give the Rangers depth in the rotation, and, health permitting, too many pitchers come August.</p>
<p>Whether or not Texas ends up being seriously interested in Garza come March remains to be seen, but given Texas' interest in Greinke and previous interest in <span>James Shields</span>, it seems likely that the Rangers could very well show interest come spring.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2013/1/1/3825160/matt-garza-rumors-rangersJP Starkey2012-12-31T10:28:14-06:002012-12-31T10:28:14-06:00Wild Card weekend schedule
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<p>Robert Griffin III and the Redskins will host the Seahawks next weekend as the NFL's Wild Card weekend kicks off on Saturday.</p> <p>Jerry Jones and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, along with Cowboys fans, are undoubtedly disappointed that yet another season ended without a playoff berth. With a chance to clinch the NFC East on Sunday night, the Cowboys lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> and concluded their 2012 season.</p>
<p>Still, there's plenty of good football left to be played. The NFL's playoff schedule kicks off on Saturday, when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> play host to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (3:30 p.m. CT, NBC). Houston at one point looked like a lock for the No. 1 overall seed, but finished with a 12-4 record while watching <span>Peyton Manning's</span> and <span>Tom Brady's</span> teams earn bye weeks.</p>
<p>NFC North rivals Green Bay and Minnesota will square off in the second Wild Card game on Saturday (7 p.m. CT, NBC). <span>Adrian Peterson</span> came just nine yards shy of breaking the single-season rushing record when he led the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> to a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> and a playoff berth.</p>
<p><span>Andrew Luck</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> head to Baltimore on Sunday (12 p.m. CT, CBS) as the Colts look to continue their Cinderella story.</p>
<p>Baylor fans will want to tune in midway through the afternoon on Sunday when <span>Robert Griffin III</span> and the Washington Redskins play host to <span>Russell Wilson</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> (3:30 p.m. CT, FOX).</p>
<p>Atlanta, San Francisco, Denver and New England all earned byes and will not play next weekend.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2012/12/31/3821598/nfl-playoff-schedule-2013JP Starkey2012-12-31T08:41:02-06:002012-12-31T08:41:02-06:00NFL Draft order
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<p>After finishing the 2012 season with an 8-8 record, the Cowboys will have the 18th pick in each round of the 2013 NFL Draft.</p> <p>Jerry Jones and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> aren't going to find any silver linings to Dallas' Week 17 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>. Cowboys fans, however, can start looking forward to the NFL Draft -- and now know where the Cowboys will be picking in each round in April.</p>
<p>Dallas' loss drop the Cowboys' record to 8-8, and consequently, the Cowboys<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000116754/article/2013-nfl-draft-order-kansas-city-chiefs-own-no-1-pick?campaign=Twitter_news" target="_blank"> will pick in the No. 18 slot </a>in each round of the 2013 NFL Draft.</p>
<p>After finishing 2-14, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> will pick No. 1 overall. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> also finished 2-14, but because of tiebreakers, the Jags will pick No. 2.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, who will likely have a new head coach in 2013, own the No. 4 pick of the draft, while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> have the No. 19 pick in each round.</p>
<p>It's still to be determined where the Washington Redskins will select in each round of the 2013 NFL Draft.</p>
<p>Last year, the Cowboys traded up from their No. 14 pick all the way to No. 6, to select LSU cornerback <span>Morris Claiborne</span>.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2012/12/31/3821170/nfl-draft-order-2013JP Starkey2012-12-31T08:31:42-06:002012-12-31T08:31:42-06:00Romo, Garrett will be blamed for loss
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<p>Blogging the Boys breaks down Dallas' latest Week 17 loss, as the Cowboys failed to beat the Redskins in a do-or-die game.</p> <p>For the second year in a row, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Cowboys</a> lost a do-or-die Week 17 game. In 2011, the Cowboys fell to the eventual Super Bowl champion <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a> in a game that would have given Dallas the NFC East crown -- and in 2012, the Cowboys fell in the same exact type of game, but this time to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a>.</p>
<p>Needless to say, the folks at SB Nation's Cowboys blog, <a href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com" target="_blank">Blogging the Boys</a>, aren't too pleased about the latest loss.<a href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/12/31/3820188/dallas-cowboys-end-season-with-28-18-loss-washington-redskins" target="_blank"> K.D. Drummond notes</a> that much of the blame will be given to <span>Tony Romo</span> and Jason Garrett -- even though the Cowboys were dominated in the loss.</p>
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<p>Dallas was thoroughly dominated for much of the game, on both sides of the ball. At the end of the day, though, it will be placed on the quarterback and the head coach, because that's just how it goes. Garrett didn't attempt a 50+ yard field goal before half when his kicker had struggled in that direction during pregame warmups, but fans weren't privy to that information and it will be quickly forgotten as the doubting moves into the offseason.</p>
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<p>Romo finished the game 20-of-37 passing for 218 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Unfortunately for Romo, his last interception was the back breaker. Trailing by just three points, Romo floated a pass up for <span>DeMarco Murray</span>, but Redskins linebacker <span>Rob Jackson</span> picked it off, giving the Redskins the ball deep in Dallas territory with just four minutes to play.</p>
<p>Needless to say, Romo's decision making him didn't make him any fans on Sunday night -- and certainly justified some of his critics.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/dallas-cowboys/2012/12/31/3821132/redskins-vs-cowboys-week-17JP Starkey2012-12-30T07:00:20-06:002012-12-30T07:00:20-06:00NFL Week 17 picks
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<p>Week 17 is here, and as always, John Paul Starkey picks the winner of each and every game in the NFL -- including Sunday night's defacto NFC East title game featuring the Cowboys and Redskins.</p> <p>Week 17 is upon us, and just like last year, <span>Tony Romo</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> find themselves in a defacto NFC East title game. Last year, the Cowboys fell to the Giants -- and you can bet that Romo and the Cowboys want to atone for last year's loss.</p>
<p>As always, I'm here to pick each and every game -- including the pivotal Cowboys-Redskins Sunday night affair. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (+3.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> </b>-- Tough game. Atlanta has home field advantage wrapped up throughout the playoffs, so there's no need to risk injury to their star players. On the other hand, Tampa Bay's season has spiraled out of control.</p>
<p>I'll take the Buccaneers to win in the upset, only because I don't think the Falcons will go at this game 100%.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (+3.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a></b> -- I have no reason to pick <span>Mark Sanchez</span> or the Jets here. <span>C.J. Spiller</span> is awesome, and he'll cap off a solid year for himself with a great day on Sunday. Bills win, and cover.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (+2.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> </b>-- Neither team can really do anything for its playoff seeding -- though the Ravens could end up the No. 3 if they win and the Patriots lose to the Dolphins. </p>
<p>Both teams could end up resting players in this one, and I'm going to take the Bengals to win and cover, merely because they're the home team.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> (-3) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a></b> -- Great game, sort of. Chicago's elite secondary will take on <span>Calvin Johnson</span>, and that's certainly worth watching. The Bears need a win and some help to sneak into the playoffs, and as much as I dislike <span>Jay Cutler</span>, he'll get the win here on the road.</p>
<p>Bears win, and cover.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> (-7) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> </b>-- Sorry, I'm just not smitten with the Texans, and I don't really understand why they're being given a full touchdown on the road against a team who is getting its coach back after a battle against cancer. Maybe it's because I just really want the Colts to win, but it seems crazy to me.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">Anyway, Houston wins, but the Colts cover.</span></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> (+5.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> </b>-- Yeesh. I guess if you really like <span>Drew Brees</span> and Cam Newton, you'll have fun watching this game. Is Ron Rivera coaching for his job? Maybe, maybe not. I don't know. You don't know, either.</p>
<p>I'll take New Orleans, just because they're the home team.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> (+7.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> --</b> FINISH HIM!!!!</p>
<p>Andy Reid leaves Philadelphia a winner, and <span>Michael Vick</span> flashes some brilliance and improves his stock this offseaosn. Eagles in the upset.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (no line) </b>-- Dear internet, <span>Thaddeus Lewis</span> is starting for the Browns. That is awesome in a train wreck sort of way, but I'll sure as heck be rooting for him.</p>
<p>Regardless, I'm taking the Steelers.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (+4) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> </b>-- This is a really, really, really depressing Week 17 game. So depressing that I can't be bothered to write anymore about it.</p>
<p>Titans win, Jaguars cover.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (+17.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a></b> -- I hate spreads this big. I'm taking the Chiefs to cover, but the Broncos win, and sadly clinch a first-round bye.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> (+10.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> </b>-- While I hate double-digit spreads, I don't really hate this one too much. The Raiders are really bad (not that the Chiefs aren't, mind you), but 10.5 points is reasonable for such a bad team on the road.</p>
<p>Chargers win, cover, and Norv Turner gets canned on Monday.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> (+17) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> </b>-- I'm actually sort of tempted to take the 49ers to win and cover, since they need the win to clinch the NFC West, <i>and </i>they're playing a team with absolutely no offense.</p>
<p>Since I could probably quarterback the Cardinals, I'm going against everything I believe in and picking San Francisco to win and cover.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> (+11) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> </b>-- Seattle is the hottest team in the NFL, and they won't be letting up on Sunday. Steven Jackson has a good game in his final game in a Rams uniform, but the Seahawks win and cover.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> (-3.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> </b>-- Both teams are playing for something here: the Packers, a first round bye, and the Vikings, a playoff berth.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Minnesota, Green Bay is simply better. Packers win and cover.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> (+10.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> </b>-- Bill Belichick will know by the time they kick off whether or not his team has a chance to earn a first round bye. </p>
<p>Since I don't think either Denver or Houston loses, I'm taking the Patriots to win, but the Dolphins to cover. If either Denver or Houston loses, though, the Patriots will cover.</p>
<p><b>Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> </b>-- Sorry, Cowboys fans. The season ends here. Dallas is simply not healthy enough to win a crucial Week 17 game against a team that is <i>starving</i> for a playoff berth.</p>
<p><span>Robert Griffin III</span> dazzles, even if he is a bit gimpy, as the Redskins win. Dallas will keep it close enough and cover, though.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/12/30/3816420/nfl-week-17-picks-oddsJP Starkey2012-12-28T14:52:07-06:002012-12-28T14:52:07-06:00Rangers ZiPS released
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<figcaption>Norm Hall</figcaption>
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<p>Dan Szymborski released his projections for the 2013 Rangers over at FanGraphs, and Texas' projections illustrate the need for another bat in the lineup.</p> <p>Dan Szymborski's ZiPS projections have been appearing over at FanGraphs this year, and on Friday, <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/2013-zips-projections-texas-rangers/" target="_blank">the 2013 Texas Rangers ZiPS were released. </a></p>
<p>At first blush, Texas' projections are pretty underwhelming, especially on offense. Only four players project to have an OPS+ over 100 (<span>Adrian Beltre</span>, <span>Ian Kinsler</span>, Nelson Cruz and <span>David Murphy</span>), and Murphy is best suited for a platoon role. </p>
<p>Uber prospect <span>Jurickson Profar</span> projects for the third-highest WAR (wins above replacement) among Texas position players, trailing only Kinsler and Beltre. Needless to say, that's quite the lofty projection for Profar, especially considering he doesn't turn 20 until February.</p>
<p>ZiPS seems to like Texas' pitchers -- or at least <span>Yu Darvish</span>, <span>Matt Harrison</span> and <span>Alexi Ogando</span>. ZiPS expects Ogando to post a WAR of 3.4 in just 135 and 1/3 innings. Certainly, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> and Rangers fans would take that.</p>
<p>If anything, the 2013 Rangers ZiPS illustrate that the Rangers need to acquire another bat before the offseason is over, and that Texas' staff, once healthy, will be just fine.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/12/28/3812452/rangers-2013-zips-projectionsJP Starkey2012-12-27T14:05:04-06:002012-12-27T14:05:04-06:00Napoli could hit market again
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>Mike Napoli's deal with the Boston Red Sox is in jeopardy, as the two sides can't come to an agreement after Napoli's physical. Now, the Red Sox are pursuing Adam LaRoche.</p> <p>Remember when <span>Mike Napoli</span> agreed to a three-year, $39 million dollar deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a>?</p>
<p>Well, it's looking increasingly likely that the deal between Napoli and the Red Sox won't be consummated. After taking a physical, the Red Sox became increasingly concerned with Napoli's hip, and ever since, have been trying to modify the deal. </p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Jen_Royle/status/284069672167563264" target="_blank">On Thursday, it was reported</a> that the Red Sox are indeed pursuing free agent first baseman <span>Adam LaRoche</span>, who enjoyed a career year with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a> in 2012. Unlike Napoli, LaRoche would cost the Red Sox a draft pick in the 2013 draft, since Washington extended Napoli a qualifying offer.</p>
<p>Since the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> signed <span>A.J. Pierzynski</span>, it doesn't look like the Rangers would be a suitor for Napoli, assuming that the Red Sox and Napoli don't end up with some type of agreement. </p>
<p>It's possible that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>, who desperately need a catcher, would be willing to go after Napoli if he hits the market again, but with a lingering hip issue that's preventing the Red Sox from officially signing him, it seems unlikely that Napoli would be able to handle catching 100-120 games per season. </p>
<p>The Red Sox and Napoli are trying to work through <a href="https://twitter.com/JimBowdenESPNxm/status/284381881821196288" target="_blank">"hip language" </a>in the contract, but if the Red Sox do sign LaRoche, it seems likely that Napoli will once again be looking for a team to play for in 2013.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/frontrunners_paradise/2012/12/27/3808802/mike-napoli-boston-red-sox-injuryJP Starkey2012-12-26T13:08:45-06:002012-12-26T13:08:45-06:00Michael Young: Team Mexico 3B?
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<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>Former Texas Rangers infielder Michael Young could find himself playing third base for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.</p> <p>Though it's not even a fraction as popular as the World Cup, baseball's World Baseball Classic will be held this spring -- and let's face it, we'll still probably watch even if the game's best starting pitchers aren't out there risking injury. </p>
<p>Rosters haven't been finalized yet, but an interesting tidbit came up this past week: former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> infielder <span>Michael Young</span> could play for Team Mexico. <a href="http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/michael-young-candidate-for-wbc-with-mexico.html/" target="_blank">Per the Dallas Morning News</a>, Team Mexico lists Young as a candidate for its roster, and Gerry Fraley points out that Young is a candidate to play for Team Mexico because his mother is of Mexican descent. </p>
<p>Seeing Young in Philadelphia's pinstripes will be strange enough, but seeing Young in a Team Mexico uniform? That would be <i>especially</i> odd, considering that Young was a member of Team USA back in 2006. </p>
<p>Japan has won both previous World Baseball Classics, held in 2006 and in 2009.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/12/26/3805158/michael-young-wbc-team-mexicoJP Starkey