I Wish...... The Mets Got Mike Trout

Future face of the Mets

Tell me who says no to this deal:

Mets receive: Mike Trout, Huston Street

Mets trade: Matt Harvey, Michael Conforto, Robert Gsellman, Morcos Molina

Angels receive: Sam Travis, Andrew Benintendi, Michael Conforto, Robert Gsellman, Morcos Molina

Angels trade: Mike Trout, Huston Street, CJ Wilson’s Corpse

Red Sox receive: Matt Harvey, CJ Wilson’s Corpse

Red Sox trade: Andrew Benintendi, Sam Travis

NBA Trade Idea: Wolves/Bucks

Minnesota trades Ricky Rubio to Milwaukee for Greg Monroe




I will fill in more blanks when time allows, but here are the highlights:

-Wolves would then select Jamal Murray with the 5th pick; Bucks would take Skal Labissiere with the 10th pick.

-Murray-Zach Lavine-Andrew Wiggins-KA Towns-Monroe with Gorgui Dieng off the bench? Yes, please. Thibs can get these guys to play D, and that offense would be unreal.

-Rubio-Kris Middleton-Greak Freak-Jabari Parker-Henson/Skal would be a wingspan fest and extremely fun to watch. Maybe a trade of MCW for a shooter could follow?

Trades That Need to Happen - Mets & Angels

I will try to fill in further explanation when time allows, but here’s the deal-

Mets trade: P Matt Harvey, P Zack Wheeler, OF Curtis Granderson, SS Amed Rosario, 2B Dilson Herrera, 3B Jhoan Urena, and OF Brandon Nimmo

Angels trade: OF Mike Trout and P Huston Street

________________________________________

Sandy Alderson needs to pick up the phone and tell Billy Eppler that he can choose anyone not named Thor, Degrom, or Conforto in exchange for the game’s best player.

From the Mets’ perspective, this deal is a no-brainer as Trout can finally play in some meaningful games while serving as the face of the franchise right next to where he grew up.

Add him into this lineup and this is what we have:

1-Wright, 3B

2-Trout, CF

3-Cespedes, RF

4-Conforto, LF

5-Duda, 1B

6-D’Arnaud, C

7- Walker, 2B

8-Cabrera, SS

Offense, in New York?!?! Holy crap!

The rotation, especially in the playoffs, would be just fine with a combo of Thor, DeGrom, Matz, and the ageless Bartolo. Street adds a 7^th or 8^th inning option for Terry Collins. A ProvenCloser™ on a non-contender would be superfluous and Street is still owed about $14m through the end of next year.

From the Angels vantage point, it’s time to blow this up and start again.

Harvey can be the ace they’ve lacked since Jered Weaver finished third in Cy Young voting in 2012. If Wheeler can return to his pre-TJ form, the Angels would have a solid #3 on their hands.

Granderson is a serviceable outfielder that would help replace a fraction (admittedly, a small fraction) of Trout’s 2016 production.

Rosario, Herrera, Urena, and Nimmo are the four lotto tickets that could form the foundation the next time this team is competitive. Rosario has superstar potential while the others can be above average regulars. The barren farm system needs a talent infusion, and I believe these four would immediately become the Angels top four prospects.

Mock Draft Results

I will try to write a draft summary, but here's a summary of how my final mock went.

Going in, I said, "I will be disappointed if I don't hit at least 8 of 31 exact picks and any less than 28 first rounders."

Well, I had 9 direct hits. It would have been 10 if I didn't foolishly swap out Ronnie Stanley with DeForest Buckner, but what can you do.

Unfortunately, I only hit 25 of 31 first rounders. I'm really kicking myself for adding both Alabama DTs instead of Will Fuller, but again, hindsight is 20-20.

Final Mock Draft: Round 1

This is going to be an incredible first round. Anytime you have a draft with a players that has a range from fifth overall to the middle of the second round (Myles Jack), you know it’s going to be entertaining. Another guy, Darron Lee, is a top-10 pick in some mocks. I don’t have him as a Day 1 pick.

Here’s my last attempt at predicting what will happen tonight. It will probably go up in flames as soon as the Titans trade back to the 6-slot when Laremy Tunsil slips, but that’s unavoidable.

1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, Cal

2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

3. San Diego Chargers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon

4. Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

6. Baltimore Ravens: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

7. San Francisco 49ers: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

8. Cleveland Browns: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

10. New York Giants: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

11. Chicago Bears: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

12. New Orleans Saints: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

13. Miami Dolphins: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

14. Oakland Raiders: William Jackson, CB, Houston

15. Tennessee Titans: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

16. Detroit Lions: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

17. Atlanta Falcons: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

18. Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

20. New York Jets: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

21. Washington Redskins: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

22. Houston Texans: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

23. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Sterling Shephard, WR, Ohlakoma

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

26. Seattle Seahawks: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

27. Green Bay Packers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

29. Arizona Cardinals: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

30. Carolina Panthers: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

31. Denver Broncos: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Other thoughts:

-It wouldn’t shock me if any of these guys were picked in Round 1 either:

Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Ohlahoma State

Kamalei Correa, DE, Boise State

Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

-Hopefully this DB from Houston (Willie Jackson) turns out better than the last one Oakland picked (DJ Hayden). Or maybe, the two work nicely together and raise each other’s games.

-I’m a sucker for last minute rumors, and I really hope the Ronnie Stanley to San Diego one is true even if I don’t agree with the pick. I'm not buying this rumor.

-My favorite players in this draft: Doctson, Ragland, and Butler. I also have a soft spot for any quality OU receivers which makes me fond of Shephard.

-I will be disappointed if I don't hit at least 8 of 31 exact picks and any less than 28 first rounders.

-Unfollow me on Twitter (@mspici) if you don't want to get bombarded tonight.

Mock Draft with Ricky & Coop: Round 1

The annual TSB-Ricky-Coop mock is here. Let's see if we do better than the NFL Network panel or any other panel for that matter. 

1. Los Angeles Rams: Generic QB #1 (Goff)
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Generic QB #2 (Wentz)
3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil
4. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Ramsey, DB, FSU
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6. Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves III, DB, Florida
7. San Francisco 49ers: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
8. Cleveland Browns: Joey Bosa, DE, tOSU
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
10. New York Giants: Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
11. Chicago Bears: Zeke Elliott, RB, tOSU
12. New Orleans Saints: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma St
13. Miami Dolphins:  William Jackson III, CB, Houston
14. Oakland Raiders: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
15. Tennessee Titans: Ronnie Stanley, OT, ND
16. Detroit Lions: Jack Conklin, OT, MSU
17. Atlanta Falcons: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
18. Indianapolis Colts: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
19. Buffalo Bills: Darron Lee, LB, tOSU
20. New York Jets: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
21. Washington Redskins: Reggie Ragland, LB, Bama
22. Houston Texans: Laquan Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Lousiville
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, tOSU
26. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Kelly, OL, Alabama
27. Green Bay Packers: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Bama
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Artie Burns, CB, The U
29. Arizona Cardinals: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
30. Carolina Panthers: Su'a Cravens, OLB/S, USC
31. Denver Broncos: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

Best theory I heard all week came from Ricky who thinks the Eagles traded up for Zeke Elliott or Tunsil, not a QB. That would be incredible.

2016 NFL Mock Draft - Round 1 (Updated)

There’s been a complete overhaul at the top of this draft after two massive trades. Here’s my (updated) best guess at how things will play out.

1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, Cal

2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

3. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

4. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State

6. Baltimore Ravens: DeForest Buckner, DL, Oregon

7. San Francisco 49ers: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

8. Cleveland Browns: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

10. New York Giants: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

11. Chicago Bears: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

12. New Orleans Saints: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida

13. Miami Dolphins: William Jackson, CB, Houston

14. Oakland Raiders: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

15. Tennessee Titans: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

16. Detroit Lions: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

17. Atlanta Falcons: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

18. Indianapolis Colts: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

19. Buffalo Bills: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

20. New York Jets: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

21. Washington Redskins: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

22. Houston Texans: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

23. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Sterling Shephard, WR, Ohlakoma

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

26. Seattle Seahawks: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

27. Green Bay Packers: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

29. Arizona Cardinals: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

30. Carolina Panthers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

31. Denver Broncos: Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech

The defensive line depth in this draft is pretty striking. In any other year, Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd from Clemson would comfortably find themselves as Day One picks. This year, though, I didn’t have a place for them in the top 31. Hopefully one of them falls to pick 51 where the Jets can stop the freefall.

2016 NFL Mock Draft - Round 1

It has been almost nine months since I've posted anything, and for that, I apologize.

My favorite time of year is almost upon us so let's get this started with the first mock of the year.

Round 1

1. Tennessee Titans: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State - The talent in this year’s draft really doesn’t match up well with Tennessee’s needs which is why I think this pick will ultimately get dealt; for now, I’ll put the top player on my board here.

2. Cleveland Browns: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss - Of course Cleveland needs a QB, but my guess is that they make a play for one via trade or free agency and grab the top receiver on their board as a weapon.

3. San Diego Chargers: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State

4. Dallas Cowboys: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State - Dallas can groom Wentz for the next couple years while Tony Romo’s collarbone remains in one piece. On second thought, Wentz better keep his legs loose.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon - I love the idea of de facto rookie Dante Fowler and Buckner getting after the QB for the next decade in Jacksonville…or London.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

7. San Francisco 49ers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

8.  Miami Dolphins: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State - My first surprise. I think EE’s stock will jump during the pre-draft process.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Nkemdiche, DT/DE, Ole Miss

10. New York Giants: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

11. Chicago Bears: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA

12. New Orleans Saints: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

14. Oakland Raiders: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

15. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, Cal - Weird things happen during the draft, especially as they relate to QBs. I think Goff will end up going much higher than this, but it wouldn’t shock me to see his name on the board here.

16. Detroit Lions: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

17. Atlanta Falcons: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky - Ohio State will own Day One and that - officially - won’t even include Spence who started his career as a Buckeye.

18. Indianapolis Colts: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

19. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

20. New York Jets: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame - Too talented to drop much farther than this even if he might have to redshirt his first season.

21. Washington Redskins: Jonathan Bullard, DE/DT, Florida

22. Houston Texans: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU - Let's get Teddy B some weapons out wide.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

26. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

27. Green Bay Packers: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

28. Kansas City Chiefs: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

29. Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

30. Carolina Panthers: Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

31. Denver Broncos: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

Note: The Cheaters Pats forfeited their first round pick.

Best of the Rest

Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma - Personal favorite of mine

Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

Leontee Carroo, WR, Rutgers

Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State

Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State