Is Tulo Worth the Price to Bring to Queens?

If never hurt, Tulowitzki would have all-time great numbers
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images//visual/whatshot/Troy-Tulowitzki-trade-talks-Cardinals-Rockies-111013.jpg

Since mid-summer the Mets have been linked to four-time all-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Why wouldn’t they? The Mets have a gaping hole at that position and they could fill it with a  player in his prime that could be considered one of the best of his generation.

Through nine seasons, Tulowitzki is .299/.373/.517 with 176 homeruns and 604 runs batted in. These numbers might not pop out right away to a baseball fan. But, the reason for Tulowitzki’s stats not being higher are because of his one true con, not staying healthy. Tulowitzki has played 961 games, equal to almost six full seasons. Based on this, if Tulowitzki played every season without getting hurt, he would average 29 HRs and 100 RBIs. At that rate, if Tulowitzki played every season after his rookie year healthy, he would have 233 HRs and 806 RBIs.

Put it this way, if Tulowitzki played all nine of his seasons at full health he would have the same amount of HRs Jim Thome had in his first ten seasons, who is sixth on the all time HR list. Tulowitzki would also have 46 more RBIs than Barry Bonds in his first nine seasons. Barry Bonds is fourth on the all time RBI list. In addition, six of the seven times Tulowitzki has played 90 games or more he has posted a 5.1 wins above replacement (WAR) or higher. All-star quality is posting a five plus rating. Lastly, Tulowitzki is 13th in active total career defensive WAR. In his nine seasons, that is an average of 1.45, which is a higher average than Adrian Beltre (1.36), who is currently first in active total career dWAR.

But once again, Tulowitzki’s one con can outweigh all this production. In nine seasons, he has averaged 106 games a year. Chunks of games of been missed for Tulowitzki because of injury. In 2012 he missed 113 games from surgery on his left groin, in 2013 he missed 26 games because of a right rib fracture, and in 2014 he missed 64 games for surgery to his left hip.

Not only is Tulowitzki’s injury proneness a burden to the Mets if they pick him up, but so is his contract. He will be owed $118 Million until 2020, an average of $19.667 Million for the next six years. The average salary for the 20 highest paid shortstops is $9 Million, Tulowitzki is getting paid more than doubled that. If traded to the Mets right now, Tulowitzki would be tied for the highest salary on the Mets with David Wright and would bring the total payroll to around upwards of $101 Million, bumping them up from the 23rd highest payroll to the 16th.

If the Mets believe that Tulowitzki can legitimately help them, what would they give up? Obviously their number one prospect, pitcher Noah Syndergaard, would be the main component of a potential deal.

Syndergaard was one of the prospects the Mets received in the R.A. Dickey trade back in 2012. Currently, he is ranked as the #16 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America and #11 by MLB.com. So far in his minor league career, Syndergaard has a 3.25 ERA in five seasons, from Low A to AAA, but posted a 4.60 ERA his most recent year in AAA. Although Syndergaard’s ERA wasn’t what the Mets hoped for, he did have some bright areas. Not only did he have a 9.8 K/9, but he had a 3.37 strikeout to walk ratio.

Also, Syndergaard compares to former number one Mets prospect Zack Wheeler and 2014

Is Syndergaard another deGrom in the making?
https://cbsnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/noah-syndergaard1.jpg?w=620&h=349&crop=1

NL Rookie of the Year, Jacob deGrom, in terms of AAA stats. All three of these players had high ERAs. As mentioned Syndergaard had a 4.60 ERA last year, Wheeler had a 3.93 ERA and in deGrom’s first season in AAA he had a 4.52 ERA. Syndergaard and Wheeler are also similar in K/9. Syndergaard’s strikeouts per nine innings was 9.8 and Wheeler wasn’t very far behind at 9.6. Finally, Syndergaard and deGrom both averaged around two walks per nine innings and had almost identical whips. Syndergaard had a 1.481 WHIP and deGrom had a 1.467 WHIP. In a nutshell, all three pitchers don’t have identical numbers but they are very close. What this means is that Syndergaard can be just as productive in the big leagues as deGrom and Wheeler, two pitchers who have a very high upside.

Syndergaard is a prized prospect but that is not going to cover the price for the Rockies losing the face of their franchise. Other prospects the Rockies could be interested in would be catcher Kevin Plawecki, who hit a total of 22 HRs in AA and AAA, pitcher Rafael Montero, who spent some time in the MLB last year, and outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who is currently ranked as the #60 best prospect in baseball by MLB.com. Plus, the Rockies have been in talks to acquire Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee, who would be just another trade chip in a big package for Tulowitzki.

When he is healthy Tulowitzki is the biggest game changer in baseball. With Tulowitzki in the lineup, the Amazins would be on the cusp of the World Series. The Mets have to find a way to get one of the best players of his era to the Big Apple, no matter the price.

Who's Gang Green's New Slinger? Jets QB Options for Next Year

After the end of one of the worst seasons in recent memory for the Jets, general manager John Idzik will exit along with head coach Rex Ryan, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and perhaps the rest of the front office and coaching staff.

In addition, most of the roster will be swept away, including the quarterbacks. Geno Smith, Michael Vick, and Matt Simms are destined to hit the market or be lowered on the depth chart.

The search for Gang Green’s opening day QB for 2015 may or may not be on the roster as of this moment. In this article, I will depict who should be the man under Nick Mangold for the 2015-16 season.

IN HOUSE OPTIONS:

Geno Smith, First String-

Geno Smith is the best "in-house" option
http://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/geno-smith.jpg

Coming out of West Virginia, a big knock on Smith was his severe inconsistency. This has proved to be Smith’s achilles heel. With a record of 10-18 as the starter for the Jets, Smith has decided to either come to play or serve as the opposing team’s MVP (i.e. Week 7 against New England to Week 8 against Buffalo). Don’t forget that Smith has 12 more interceptions than touchdown passes in his career. Also, with a new coaching staff most likely coming in, Smith’s odds of returning as New York’s starting QB work against him.

Prediction: Will battle for starting position next year

Michael Vick, Second String-

Vick came into the organization after signing a one year-four million dollar contract in the offseason. Although Vick came in to be “competition” against Geno Smith in Training Camp, Vick said “Nah, it’s not an open competition” in May. He did get his chance to start Week 9 through Week 12 for Gang Green but did nothing to stick out, other than poor judgment and doing a terrible job of keeping hold of the ball. There is no doubt that Vick won’t be a Jet next season, especially after his recent comments saying joining the Redskins would be a “dream come true”.

Prediction: Will not return to Jets

Matt Simms, Third String-

Simms is the son of Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms but that won’t help his case to returning to the roster for next year. As a player that is usually a healthy scratch come game day, Simms would be lucky to be a practice squad member for next season.

Prediction: Will not return to Jets

Free Agent Options:

Brian Hoyer, Browns-

Hoyer looks as a low risk/high reward option after getting benched for rookie Johnny Manziel. Before getting benched for Johnny Football after a three week stretch of zero TDs and seven INTs, Hoyer was an adequate signal caller. So far this year, Hoyer has passed for 300 yards or more three times compared to once by the Jets QBs (Week 3 by Geno Smith). If not for some horrendous play down the stretch, Hoyer would have been a QB who could have taken advantage of the open market for him. Now that Hoyer is a backup, the Jets could pounce on Hoyer for a relatively low contract. Best case scenario, Hoyer becomes a starter and plays well. Worst case, Hoyer is second string on a contract that doesn't pay very much.

Predicted Contract: 1 year/2.5 Million (1.0 Guaranteed)

Matt Moore, Dolphins-

Having a two year-eight million dollar contract for a backup is rather large. Although Moore is a backup for the Dolphins, he had a productive year for Miami before being replaced by Ryan Tannehill in 2012. Before Tannehill was drafted, Moore started in 12 games and threw for 16 TDs but turned the ball over 23 times, 14 of which were fumbles. Moore’s ceiling isn’t high but you know what you’re getting out of him.

Predicted Contract: 2 years/2.1 Million (900,000 Guaranteed)

Mark Sanchez, Eagles-

Mark Sanchez's most memorable Jets moment,
"The Butt Fumble"
http://www.tddaily.com/static/uploads/2013/07/sanchez-fumble1.jpg

A resurrection occurred for Sanchez after starting QB Nick Foles broke his collarbone. After taking over for Foles, Sanchez got off to a hot start, throwing for 1,202 yards, seven TDs (one rushing), and four INTs in four starts. Unfortunately for Sanchez, he cooled off considerably in his next two starts. In Week 14 against Seattle he threw for only 96 yards and in Week 15 in a high pressured game at home against Dallas he threw two INTs and recorded zero TDs. Also, Sanchez still hasn’t learned how to hold onto the ball as he has turned it over 15 times in six starts. Sanchez will be a starter somewhere in the NFL next year, but reuniting with the Jets wouldn’t be what Gang Green’s fans would be pleased with.

Predicted Contract: 2 years/13 Million (4.5 Guaranteed)

Trade Options:

Robert Griffin III, Redskins-

RGIII’s rise to fame lasted shorter than Redskin fans would have hoped. Now, RGIII and head coach Jay Gruden have tussled since his benching. Reports have come out left and right on how RGIII looks to be on the outs of Washington. After looking like a shell of himself after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, RGIII has seemed tentative this season, especially running the ball. After rushing for 815 yards in 2012, he rushed for 489 yards in 2013 and through seven starts in the 2014 season, RGIII has accumulated a lowly 146 yards compared to his high standards. Although his rushing statistics aren’t up to par, RGIII is still a very accurate passer. RGIII’s 69.3 completion percentage is close to tops for the league, but it is inflated due to a low number of attempts (150 attempts). If the new coaching staff for the Jets can get RGIII to be a more aggressive runner and continue to give him high percentage throws, he could be a steal in a trade.

Predicted Trade: 2015 Sixth Round Pick & 2016 Third Round Pick

Jay Cutler could be a potential trade target
http://www.geeksandcleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/jay-cutler-face.jpg

Jay Cutler, Bears-

A fat contract might be the only reason Cutler doesn’t go anywhere in 2015. The Bears are experiencing “serious buyer’s remorse” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport. In addition to wishing they never gave Cutler one of the biggest contracts in NFL history, the Bears have benched Cutler for Jimmy Clausen. Even with an arsenal of weapons in Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, and Matt Forte, Cutler could not lead the Bears to contention for the playoffs. Although Cutler’s numbers are impressive (3,640 yards and 28 TDs), most of them have come in garbage time when the Bears are well out of range of winning the game. Cutler may seem like a superstar based on statistics, but he has been questioned time and time again about leadership. He may seem like an elite QB based on statistics, but most would with the offense he is set in.

Predicted Trade: 2015 Fifth Round Pick & Jets pay 15% of contract (19 Million, 8.1 Guaranteed)

Draft Options:

Marcus Mariota is the number one QB in the 2015 Draft Class
http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/gty-456555272.jpg?w=1200

Marcus Mariota, Oregon-

The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner seems unreachable to pick after losing a chance at the number one overall pick. Unless the Jets trade multiple picks to move up in the order, Mariota won’t be coming to the Empire State.

Predicted Draft Spot: Top Two

Jameis Winston, Florida State-

Just like Mariota, Winston seems to be too good to fall out of the top five to reach the Jets. Gang Green won’t have a shot at either of the top two QBs.

Predicted Draft Spot: Top Three

Brett Hundley, UCLA-

Hundley seems like a project coming out of UCLA. Although he has a very good build for a QB (6-3/227 LBs), he has no experience in a pro style offense. Hundley has lowered his turnovers every year of college and has plenty experience as a starter at a big program. At this moment, the Jets aren’t in a state of time to contend and would welcome developing Hundley.

Predicted Round: Anywhere in the Second Round

After analyzing multiple QBs, here are three charts on where they stand with the Jets.

QBs with Most Upside:

1) Marcus Mariota, Oregon

2) Jameis Winston, Florida State

3) Robert Griffin III, Redskins

4) Brett Hundley, UCLA

5) Jay Cutler, Bears

QBs Most Likely to be on Jets:

1) Geno Smith, Jets

2) Brian Hoyer, Browns

3) Matt Moore, Dolphins

4) Robert Griffin III, Redskins

5) Brett Hundley, UCLA

Best Case Scenario Depth Chart:

1) Marcus Mariota, Oregon

2) Geno Smith, Jets 

3) Matt Moore, Dolphins

Forget Mariota and Winston, Jets should draft Brandon Scherff

A quarterback who can change the game is essential on all football levels, from youth to the pros. Without a QB that can improve your team drastically, it is hard to compete with elite teams.

Brandon Scherff 
http://archive.hawkcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/14scherff.jpg

The New York Jets are already in the midst of draft season after being one of the first teams eliminated once they turned 2-9. One of the biggest areas of need for the Jets start at a QB position that consists of second round bust Geno Smith, a washed up Michael Vick, and a practice squad mover in Matt Simms. At this point, Rex Ryan should trot himself out on the field as the Jets QB.

Fortunately, this offseason could be the year where the Jets find the signal caller they presume they needed since, well, Geno Smith. Perhaps they look to the 2015 NFL Draft, which boasts Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, two QBs who figure to be a lock for the top five.

Although the Jets need a man under center desperately, they should call out a name of a player who goes in a three point stance right next to one. The Jets shouldn’t go after hyped up prospects like Mariota or Winston, they should choose Brandon Scherff of Iowa with their eventual top five choice.

Scherff, a 6-5 offensive tackle, would be a solid addition to a porous offensive line. Although Scherff is listed as a tackle, he would be moved back to the original position he had as a sophomore at guard. “I like the nasty.” said NFL Network Draft Analyst, Mike Mayock. “I think he can play inside. He's tough, aggressive, and he finishes”. Scherff would be the next Hawkeye offensive lineman to be drafted in the first round in recent years joining Bryan Bulaga and Riley Reiff.

In addition from hailing from an offensive lineman factory, Scherff’s biggest strength fits the Jets game plan, running the ball. “His upper body strength, along with proper hand placement and good knee bend, make Scherff a force in the running game.” said Scherff’s profile on CBSSports.com.

Not only can Scherff be an impact player in the running game, but he can also be lethal in the passing game, “Quickness is more functional than flashy. Pass drop from the snap is efficient and controlled rather than explosive.” said CBSSports.com continuing Scherff’s scouting report, “Shifts his weight well and can be a wrecking ball at the second level with an eager blocking attitude and the demeanor of a wrestler, taking down rushers.” Scherff is currently ranked as the sixth overall prospect on CBSSports.com, being ranked ahead of any offensive lineman in the draft.

Most Jets fans wouldn’t concur with the decision to not pick Mariota or Winston. Every Jets fans want a franchise QB and are craving the thought of either Mariota or Winston strapping up for the Jets. But both these QBs aren’t seen as “elite” to some, like ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr.. “There is really no franchise quarterback in this draft.” said Kiper via a NJ.com interview, “Even though Mariota could go No. 1 [overall], he's not Andrew Luck. He's not in that elite-of-elite category.”

To go along with Kiper’s comments, both QBs bring about substantial negatives. Mariota isn’t in a pro style offense, which can hurt him transitioning to the NFL. But, Mariota has ran the same exact offense since high school. This brings several questions as to how Mariota will develop as a QB at the next level. How quick will he pick up his next offense? What will he do with not having simpler reads anymore? More questions will be mentioned during the draft process and they’ll only hurt his stock.

As for Winston, he doesn’t have any problems Mariota has going into the NFL Draft. In fact, Winston could be the best QB in this draft. If not for the red flags for off the field issues, Winston would be hands down the first overall pick. But, in a market like New York, what will happen if Jameis continues his string of unintelligent decisions off the field? Consequences would be monumental.

When you look at it this way, who would you rather have? An offensive lineman coming from a prestigious college for his position, a QB who has only picked up one playbook his entire life, or a QB who is a ticking time bomb off the field? The question isn’t very hard for the average fan to figure out, and it shouldn’t be difficult for the Jets brass.