Sox Open Their Wallets, Sign Hanley and Panda
By Brett Malamud
The Red Sox broke the bank on Monday when multiple news outlets reported that the team came to terms with shortstop Hanley Ramirez on a four-year, $88 million deal with a fifth year option for an additional $22 million. Ramirez now heads back to the team that drafted him, before Boston traded him and four other players to the Marlins for a three player package highlighted by pitcher Josh Beckett.
The Red Sox inked a pair of left side infielders (Via AP)
Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the 30-year-old Ramirez would be the Red Sox’s backup plan, had they failed to sign third baseman Pablo Sandoval. However, Monday afternoon brought an important announcement from Sandoval’s agent.
The man they call the Kung Fu Panda is expected to ink a deal with the Red Sox worth at least $90 million over five years. Sandoval’s agent informed the San Francisco Giants that the switch hitting slugger had chosen to play for Boston. Sandoval was believed to have been choosing between San Francisco, Boston, and the San Diego Padres.
Ramirez isn’t expected to play shortstop for Boston due to the presence of the 22-year-old Xander Bogaerts. The Red Sox wouldn’t replace Bogaerts, would they? It would be more likely to see Sandoval at third and Ramirez in the outfield. With six other potential outfielders, the signing could lead to the Red Sox dealing one of their current outfielders in a trade. Many will speculate that the odd man out will be the recently acquired outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, simply because of his value. Cespedes will be a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, so he seems like a likely candidate. At the end of the day, the Red Sox improved and that’s what matters most to the fans of Boston. They’re sure to make some noise this season.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
NFL Week 12 Predictions
By Brett Malamud
-FINAL: Chiefs 20 (7-4) at Raiders 24 (5-4), Thursday
-Browns (6-4) at Falcons (4-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Browns will beat the league’s worst defense this week. Verdict: Browns
-Titans (2-8) at Eagles (7-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Looking forward to watching Mark Sanchez here. I think that he’ll play well and that the Eagles will win the game. Verdict: Eagles
-Lions (7-3) at Patriots (8-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This will be a great game. However, I think that Brady takes down the league’s top defense. Verdict: Patriots
-Packers (7-3) at Vikings (4-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The rivalry continues. I don’t see any way that the Packers lose here. Verdict: Packers
-Jaguars (1-9) at Colts (6-4), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This one could be ugly. Luck is going to take over the game in route to a Colts victory. Verdict: Colts
-Bengals (6-3-1) at Texans (5-5), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
I’m going based on my gut. I think that the Texans pull a win out this week. Verdict: Texans
-Buccaneers (2-8) at Bears (4-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Bucs should be a factor in this one. Verdict: Bears
-Cardinals (9-1) at Seahawks (6-4), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
This is my game of the week. The Cardinals will have a rough time. I think that the 12th man comes through this week. Verdict: Seahawks
The 12th Man should be a factor this week
-Rams (4-6) at Chargers (6-4), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
This should be close, but not too close. Chargers will coast to the victory. Verdict: Chargers
-Redskins (3-7) at 49ers (6-4), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
The Niners should manhandle them. Verdict: 49ers
-Dolphins (6-4) at Broncos (7-3), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
The Dolphins have been good, but not great. Peyton and co. will take care of them. Verdict: Broncos
-Cowboys (7-3) at Giants (3-7), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST
This could be a great game. I don’t think that it will be though, and expect the cowboys to get out to an early lead and not look back. Verdict: Cowboys
-Jets (2-8) at Bills (5-5), Monday @ 7:00 PM EST
This game got moved to Detroit, an indoor facility. I think that the Jets run game takes advantage of that and grinds out for the upset. Verdict: Jets
-Ravens (6-4) at Saints (4-6), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST
I’m going to take the high powered Saints offense in this one. Currently they rank 2nd among the league. Verdict: Saints
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Studs and Duds: NFL Week 11
By Brett Malamud
After an interesting week, here’s week 11’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Jonas Gray, New England Patriots
It always seems that the Patriots have a running back that comes out of nowhere. Gray was another example of that. He finished the day with 38 carries for 199 yards and four touchdowns.
Jonas Gray had a huge week 11 (via AP)
Dud: Eli Manning, New York Giants
Five interceptions will definitely land you on this list.
Stud: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans has become the top wide receiver in Tampa Bay. He had a huge day, hauling in seven catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
Dud: Ben Tate, Cleveland Browns
Tate was waived on Tuesday after rushing for minus-9 yards on just two carries.
Stud: Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Charles was great against the Seattle Seahawks. He had 20 carries for 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Dud: Denver Broncos
Denver couldn’t get anything going and took a rough loss to the St. Louis Rams.
Stud: Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger struggled a bit, but Bell picked up the pieces. The Steelers running back had 33 carries for 204 yards and a touchdown.
Stud: Green Bay Packers D/ST
The Packers brought back a punt return, an interception, and a fumble all for touchdowns. Green Bay ended up forcing four turnovers against the red hot Philadelphia Eagles.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
NFL Week 11 Predictions
By Brett Malamud
This week has a lot of great matchups, especially in the later games. Here’s my week 11 predictions:
BYES: Ravens, Cowboys, Jaguars, Jets
-Bills 09 (5-4) at Dolphins 22 (5-4), FINAL on Thursday
The Dolphins took a big win that propelled them into second place in the AFC East.
-Vikings (4-5) at Bears (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Bears defense can make or break this game. I think that the Vikings will come out strong and take the victory. Verdict: Vikings
-Texans (4-5) at Browns (6-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
Good matchup here as the Texans head into Cleveland. The Browns are riding a three game winning streak and show no signs of stopping here. I think they’ll take this one in a close game. Verdict: Browns
-Falcons (3-6) at Panthers (3-6-1), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Panthers have not been able to get it together. Cam Newton has thrown one touchdown pass since week seven. I think that he’ll edge out Atlanta here though Verdict: Falcons
-Bengals (5-3-1) at Saints (4-5), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
I’m taking New Orleans, no question. I think that this one could turn ugly if Drew Brees is himself. Verdict: Saints
-Buccaneers (1-8) at Redskins (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Bucs enter week 11 with the 29th ranked offense and defense. They will probably lose this one on the road. Verdict: Redskins
-Broncos (7-2) at Rams (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Broncos should win this one easily. Look for Peyton Manning to have another great game. Verdict: Broncos
-49ers (5-4) at Giants (3-6), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Giants have won their last two matchups with the 49ers, the first of the two coming in the NFC Championship game a few years ago. However, I’m going to go with the 49ers on the road. I think that the Giants will make it a good game though and will stay close throughout. Verdict: 49ers
-Seahawks (6-3) at Chiefs (6-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This game will be a battle of defenses. I think Russell Wilson takes over and that Marshawn Lynch runs in a pair of touchdowns. Verdict: Seahawks
-Raiders (0-9) at Chargers (5-4), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
I expect the winless Raiders to stay winless this week. I just can’t see them taking down San Diego on the road. Verdict: Chargers
-Lions (7-2) at Cardinals (8-1), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
Another fantastic matchup here puts Calvin Johnson and the Lions against the Cardinals secondary. I think that Megatron wins here and has a huge game. Don’t doubt Larry Fitzgerald. Even with the Carson Palmer injury, Fitzgerald could have a good game. Verdict: Lions
-Eagles (7-2) at Packers (6-3), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
Rodgers takes on…Sanchez? A big game here sees one of the league’s top QB’s taking on the former butt-fumbler. Sanchez was good last week though. I just cannot see how he pulls one out in Lambeau though. Verdict: Packers
Mark Sanchez hopes to continue the Eagles winning ways this week in Green Bay (Via USA Today)
-Patriots (7-2) at Colts (6-3), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST
Luck vs Brady. Now there’s a good matchup. The two QB’s will duel on national television in Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts have the top ranked offense at the moment. I see that trend continuing this week as they take down the mighty Patriots. Verdict: Colts
-Steelers (6-4) at Titans (2-7), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST
A strange Monday Night Football matchup sees the Steelers’ 4th ranked offense going head to head with the Titans’ 31st ranked offense. This game shouldn’t be close as long as Big Ben keeps his composure. I’m taking Pittsburgh. Verdict: Steelers
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
Studs and Duds: NFL Week Ten
By Brett Malamud
I was pretty impressed in many of this week’s performances. Of course, with great success from your team comes great failure from your opponent. Here’s week ten’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Beast mode is an understatement as Lynch was phenomenal against the Giants. He had 21 carries for 140 yards and four touchdowns. His fantasy owners must have been happy as he scored 40 points this week in ESPN standard leagues.
Marshawn Lynch had a huge week against the Giants, rushing for four touchdowns (Via Getty)
Dud: Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton was awful on Thursday Night Football. He completed 10-of-33 passes and finished the night with just 86 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He’ll try to refocus for next week’s him matchup against the Saints.
Stud: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers torched the Chicago Bears on national television Sunday night. He threw six touchdowns, with all six coming in the first half. He was pulled in the third quarter.
Dud: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Brown’s numbers dropped off this week. He caught eight passes for 74 yards, which isn’t really that bad. Well why is he on the duds list then? Oh, that’s right. Brown had two lost fumbles, giving him just three fantasy points for the day in ESPN standard leagues
Stud: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Were you expecting anything else? Manning threw five touchdown passes in the Broncos’ rout of the Oakland Raiders.
Dud: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Newton, who hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass since week 7, finally threw one to kelvin Benjamin for a score. The only problem? The Panthers were so far out of reach that the game didn’t matter anymore. Newton threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in a very shaky performance in week 10. He’ll return to Carolina to face a favorable matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in week 11.
Stud: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
After two straight games that had Bryant with less than 35 yards receiving, Dez came alive on Sunday in London. Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bryant hauled in six catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll head into the bye week this week.
Stud: New York Jets
Finally! The Jets took it to the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers and came away with a 20-13 win for just their second win of the season. They’ll have a bye in week 11.
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
NFL Week 10 Predictions
By Brett Malamud
This week sees a lot of boring matchups and few intriguing ones. It would be unfair to predict the Thursday night game, since this is being published on a Sunday. The Browns beat the Bengals, and I probably would have picked them, as they’ve been great thus far. Here are your week 10 predictions:
-Chiefs (5-3) at Bills (5-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM ESTSurprisingly this game is going to be really good. The Chiefs have the edge in my book, and I think that their run game will win it for them here. Verdict: Chiefs
-Dolphins (5-3) at Lions (6-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
This is my game of the week and I’m going to keep up with it. Both teams enter with a top-three defense. The Dolphins have been great on the run and the Lions have been great on the pass. Calvin Johnson returns this week, but I don’t think that he’ll be too much of a factor. I think that the Dolphins take win on the road in a shocker. Verdict: Dolphins
Calvin Johnson returns this week, but shouldn’t be a huge factor. (Via AP)
-Cowboys (6-3) at Jaguars (1-8), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
We travel to Wembley Stadium in London, England for this matchup. It shouldn’t be much of a contest. The Cowboys will run right through the Jaguars. Verdict: Cowboys
-49ers (4-4) at Saints (4-4), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
A good matchup here sees the second ranked defense heading into New Orleans to face the second ranked offense. It should be a close one, but I’m taking the Saints. Verdict: Saints.
-Titans (2-6) at Ravens (5-4), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Titans enter week 10 towards the bottom of the league in virtually every major category. They will face the Ravens, who played a good offensive game last week, but were outmatched by Big Ben and the Steelers. I’m going with the smart play and am taking Baltimore. Verdict: Ravens
-Steelers (6-3) at Jets (1-8), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Jets are done. I think there’s a chance that they win here, but not a big chance. The Steelers have the third ranked offense and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger comes in with 12 touchdown passes in his last two games. The Jets will make it interesting, as they always do, but will ultimately fall to Pittsburgh. Verdict: Steelers
-Falcons (2-6) at Buccaneers (1-7), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST
The Falcons come in off of the bye week and head into Tampa Bay on a five game losing streak. Tampa Bay is ranked 31st in both offense and defense. That’ll be more of the same here, and the Falcons will win the game. Verdict: Falcons
-Broncos (6-2) at Raiders (0-8), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST
Is this even a game? Not really. The Broncos will easily dispose of the winless Raiders. Verdict: Broncos
-Rams (3-5) at Cardinals (7-1), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
Hmmm. This one isn’t really too hard to pick, I’m going with Cardinals at home. Verdict: Cardinals
-Giants (3-5) at Seahawks (5-3), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST
The Giants will need all of their star power to take down the mighty Seahawks. I see Seattle’s defense taking advantage of Eli Manning and coasting to the victory. Verdict: Seahawks
-Bears (3-5) at Packers (5-3), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST
A Sunday Night Football game that won’t be easily forgotten. This game will strictly come down to defense. Both of these offenses are projected to score a boatload of points tonight. Whoever can step up on defense will take it. And I think it’ll be Green Bay. Verdict: Packers
-Panthers (3-5-1) at Eagles (6-2), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST
Headed in with the fourth ranked offense, the Eagles look to continue their early season success. However, they’ll turn to Mark Sanchez at quarterback, following the injury to Nick Foles. This could prove to be the Eagles kryptonite as they have the 23rd ranked defense. I see them running the ball a lot en route to the victory. Verdict: Eagles
Studs and Duds: NFL Week Nine
By Brett Malamud
Here’s week nine’s edition of Studs and Duds:
Stud: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Who saw this coming? Big Ben had yet another monster game this week, throwing six more touchdowns and a total of 340 yards. Over the last two weeks, Roethlisberger has racked up 862 yards and 12 touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in NFL history history to throw six touchdowns in two consecutive games. Fantasy owners will be pleased to find out that Big Ben’s next game comes against the New York Jets, who sit at 1-8.
Roethlisberger has been fantastic over the last few weeks (via USA Today)
Dud: Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
Again I can say…who saw this coming? Rivers was 12-for-23 with 138 yards and zero touchdowns. Rivers also threw three interceptions and lost a fumble.
Stud: Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
The pair ends up on the Stud list for the second straight week. Highlighted by one of the best catches of the year, Brady and Gronkowski turned in a fantastic performance in a rout of the Denver Broncos.
Dud: Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams
Stacy appears to have lost the starting RB job, finishing week nine with ZERO touches.
Stud: Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings
Asiata was a dominant force in the red zone this week. He had 10 carries for 26 yards and three touchdowns.
Dud: New York Jets
Not only did the Jets lose to push their losing streak to eight games, but when they arrived back in the locker room they got to see their former quarterback Mark Sanchez winning a game on the road for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stud: Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
Coming in for the injured Giovani Bernard, Hill was amazing, taking 24 carries for 154 yards and two touchdowns. With Bernard out this week, Hill will have the reigns against Cleveland on Thursday night.
Stud: Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
Maclin scored another two touchdowns last week and finished with six catches, half the amount of catches he had in week eight, but finished with 158 yards
Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy
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