Chicago White Sox sign Cuban defector Jose Abreu for $68 million

The Chicago White Sox announced on October 18 that they had signed first baseman Jose Abreu if Cuba to a six-year contract worth a total of $68 million. The right-handed hitting slugger was a free agent and he just has to pass a physical before becoming a member of the American League team. The

Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers were also interested in signing Abreu.

The player defected from his homeland in August and the White Sox figured they needed all the help they could get after losing 99 games this season. Abreu stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 250 lbs and is sure to add some power to the Chicago batting order. North American fans got a taste of what Abreu can do when they saw him play in this year’s World Baseball Classic.

During the six games he played for Cuba, Abreu managed to pound out three home runs and nine RBIs while batting for a .360 average. In the 2010/11 Cuban season he belted 33 home runs and added 93 RBIs while batting .453 in just 66 games and was named the league’s MVP. As the White Sox could see, he has above average power and is a contender to lead the league in batting average.

Ken Williams, the executive vice president of the White Sox headed down to the Dominican Republic earlier in October to watch Abreu work out and was obviously impressed with what he could do.

Atlanta Falcons Work Out Three Free Agent Wide Recievers

The Falcoholic has reported, based off a tweet from Saints beat writer, Larry Holder, that the Falcons are reportedly working out three free agent wide receivers in lieu of their 23-17 loss to New Orleans last week.

Roddy White has stated that he will need at least three more weeks before he can be his old self
again.

While Harry Douglas had an outstanding game last week, (4 catches, 93 yards) it appears that the Falcons want to bolster their receiving corps. if these reports are true.

The receivers in question are Courney Roby, Lavelle Hawkins and Mohamed Massaquoi.  Massaquoi was a standout at the University of Georgia, but has struggled to find his footing in the NFL.

Roby has only 25 receptions for 332 yards in four NFL seasons with the Titans and Saints.  He  didn't play in the NFL from 2007-2008 before landing in New Orleans in 2009.  He also didn't play at all from 2010-2011 before playing one more year for the Saints last season.

Should the Los Angeles Lakers Sign Michael Beasley?

Now that the Phoenix Suns have waived Michael Beasley due to his recent off-court issues, the former 2nd overall pick is looking for a new home.

The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in Beasley during the 2012 NBA trade deadline, and
now they finally have the chance to sign him.

With the recent additions of forward Shawne Williams and shooting guard Xavier Henry, the Lakers' roster is composed of 14 players. L.A. could certainly use another combo forward to finalize their roster.

However, while they can only offer Beasley a veterans minimum contract, the 24-year-old agreed to a $7 million dollar buyout with the Suns, so money shouldn't be an issue for him.

The Lakers can entice Beasley with Mike D'Antoni's open-court offense, which should be a nice fit for him. With Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol's leadership, the 6-foot-10 forward will have the chance to mature as a player on and off the court.    

James Harden vows to help the Houston Rockets recruit free agents

The Houston Rockets have found the face of their franchise.

Despite not being able to take advantage of the weaker-than-usual Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, the Rockets feel that they are a team on the rise.

Last off-season, the initial thought was that Jeremy Lin was imported to Texas to give the Rockets a brand to anchor their logo on.

That did not exactly work out as James Harden rode into town and took over both on and off the court.

Harden’s combo platter  of charisma and skill have rendered him a big time player.

As Houston moves on to seek new pieces to their puzzle, Harden told ESPN that he is ready to recruit free agents to help their cause.

“Hell, yeah,” Harden said when asked if he will be active in the free agent process. “There’s a lot of good options out there.”

NFL: Steelers match Patriots’ offer for Emmanuel Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders will remain with the Steelers after the team matched an offer from the Patriots.

Story Highlights

Team matches the one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet for restricted free-agent WR

Pittsburgh’s previous loss of Mike Wallace in free agency made Sanders even more valuableSanders’ salary now will nearly double in 2013

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — About six hours before the deadline to match the New England Patriots’ offer to Emmanuel Sanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers have done just that.

The team on Sunday matched the one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet for the restricted free-agent wide receiver, Sanders’ agent, Jordan Woy, told USA TODAY Sports in an email.

The Steelers, who later confirmed the move, retained Sanders rather than take the Patriots’ third-round pick as compensation.

The Pats and Julian Edelman

While the Pats waited to see whether the Steelers let Sanders go, the team locked up another wideout on Wednesday when they re-signed Julian Edelman after letting him test the free-agent market.

Edelman made a big splash at the start of last season, even pushing fellow slot receiver Wes Welker for

game action before a hand injury limited his role. Eventually a broken left foot forced him to injured reserve. Edelman is in position to make a splash this season:

Receiver Julian Edelman agreeing to a 1-year deal with the Patriots is a move that is more important to the club than it might initially appear to be on the surface. If healthy, and that ‘if’ is a key, Edelman projects to a top-4 role at receiver. Maybe even top-3. Edelman is one of the Patriots’ hardest workers and he opened eyes among teammates and coaches last offseason and training camp. Specifically, his straight-line speed had improved. … In returning to the Patriots on a one-year deal, which includes financial incentives that will reward him should he remain healthy and productive, Edelman puts himself in the best position to hit free agency again next season and potentially land a bigger offer. The Patriots also benefit, because they need help at receiver, and Edelman’s knowledge of the system has added value given some of the other changes at the position. Edelman is also a top-flight punt returner.

Follow @HeavyInDaGames

The Colts Sign Free Agent Darrius Heyward-Bey to a One-Year Deal

Nov 11, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (85) scores a touchdown as Baltimore Ravens defensive back James Ihedigbo (32) defends in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Well, it’s finally done.  A week after hosting former Raiders receiver and first round pick, Darrius Heyward USA Today’s Mike Garafolo reported shortly after that DHB’s contract will be for $3 million

Bey on a free agent visit, Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that the team had signed him to a one-year contract. 
with $1.5 guaranteed.

Unless the team finds a true gem in this month’s draft (or LaVon Brazill makes some huge strides), Heyward-Bey will take over for the departed Donnie Avery as the number two receiver on the outside.  At 6-2, 216 pounds with a 4.3-second 40-yard dash time, Heyward-Bey will bring a rare combination of speed and size to the Colts offense.

Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs Quite an OLB Combination for Baltimore Ravens

Newly acquired Pro Bowl pass rusher Elvis Dumervil will take his physical today with the Baltimore Ravens to make his five year deal with Baltimore official. Dumervil and Terrell Suggs will now be one of the most feared pass rushing combinations in the NFL.


Dumervil, already one of the most feared pass rushers in the game, is joining a Ravens defense that lost Paul Kruger this offseason due to free agency, but in all honesty, is by far and away an upgrade from Kruger and for half the cost. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome knows exactly what he is doing, and hopefully Baltimore fans now fully understand this. Dumervil, who is still just 29 years of age, is coming off an 11 sack season, (two more than Kruger last year) has 63.5 career sacks, 16 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. In addition, Dumervil has recorded 11 or more sacks in a season three times and has had at least 8.5 sacks in five of his six full seasons.

Now, Dumervil will be opposite of the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Terrell Suggs. Suggs, who is now 30 years old, is a five time Pro Bowler in his own right. Terrell has 84.5 career sacks in his ten NFL seasons and has also added 25 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries. Suggs has had at least eight sacks in seven of his ten seasons, and should be completely healthy heading into the 2013 season, after being affected by a torn ACL that he suffered in the offseason last year and a torn biceps this season.

Everybody take a deep breath.....Wes Welker will be staying in New England

 

Relax all you fans of the Patriots, Wes Welker will still be catching balls from Tom Brady. Contrary to all the buzz on Twitter and Facebook, as well as a bunch of podcasts and interviews, you will still see number 83 lining up on Sundays next to Gronk and Hernandez.

I know his agent has stated that Welker will not re-sign with New England without testing the free agent market, that's a bit of a negotiating ploy as well as just good business sense. Would you sign a contract with your employer if you felt other companies would offer more? I would hope you would at least go for the interview to listen, even if your heart was still in your current job. This is Welker's last shot at a big multi-year contract so I am sure his agent will be plugging his numbers to anyone that will listen. Here's the problems that they face in this scenario: ( I might get blasted by Welker fans for the following so I apologize now if my opinions hurt your feelings.)

First- Wes Welker's success comes from the type of offense that the Patriots use more so than his athletic ability. I am certainly not saying that he is a poor, out of shape has been; but really, do you think he would have had three consecutive 100 plus reception seasons playing on 98% of the other teams? The Patriots offense is geared around Tom Brady and what he does best, that being quick counts and short dump offs to any number of targets. There is no single dominant receiver in the Patriot offense and that is why it is so successful. Take for instance the Gronkowski injury of last year. Here we have a TE who had one of, if not the best season that a TE has ever had. His injury would have crippled some other teams but not New England, next guy steps in and the offense continues to prosper. Let's just say that Welker needs the Patriots more than the Patriots need Welker.

Giants Backup QB David Carr Wants Starting Job

I won’t hold it against anyone who forgot David Carr still played football, he’s hasn’t had an opportunity to start a game in his two stints with the New York Giants (2008-09, 2011-12) due to Eli Manning’s incredible durability.

Carr plans to strike while the iron is hot according to Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News, and turn to free agency in an attempt to salvage his once promising career.

The 33-year-old Carr is planning to test the free-agent market to see if he can find a better opportunity to play elsewhere, according to someone familiar with his plans. Carr, who was the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL draft way back in 2002 but hasn’t started a regular season game since 2007, will be an unrestricted free agent on March 12 and expects to draw some interest from around the league.

Are the Dallas Cowboys ready to set Doug Free?

Will the Cowboys release Doug Free after signing him to a big contract a couple of years ago? The answer is not as simple as it sounds.

Your Dallas Cowboys have some big fish to fry before the season begins:

1. They have changed from the 3-4 to the 4-3 on defense. With Anthony Spencer, the team’s leading tackler from 2012, a free agent, the Cowboys need to either franchise him (which will cost roughly $10 million), sign him to a long-term contract or move on. Before they decide what to do with Spencer, they have to decide whether he will be effective as a defensive end in a 4-3 versus his natural position as a 3-4 outsider linebacker.
2. They have to address a porous offensive line that gave up 36 sacks (how did Romo survive?) and produced a paltry average of 3.6 yards per carry on the ground.
3. They are currently $30 million over the cap.

One place the Cowboys may look for cap relief is at right tackle. Two years ago, after Doug Free had a breakout year at left tackle, the Cowboys signed him to a big contract. Then They drafted Tyron Smith and moved Free to right tackle, where he struggled mightily. Free had eight fals starts and seven holding penalties in 2012, giving him the lead in penalties accrued among NFL tackles. The reason you jump the snap and hold defenders is simple: You are getting beat. By season’s end, Free found himself in a rotation at RT with Jeremy Parnell. That is how far his once-shining star had fallen.

Should the Colts Cut Dwight Freeney?

No.

Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of "Common Sense and Sensibility"!  Tune in next week as we discuss wearing helmets, cups, and cleats!

Wait, I'm contractually obligated to write more?  Fine.

On Friday, during their annual shedding of beloved veteran players, the Colts announced that they would not be retaining the services of WR Austin Collie and DE (let's stop pretending) Dwight Freeney. If anyone was surprised by either of these moves, they've likely been in a coma. Or they are Dwight Freeney.

Before a series of concussions began the end of his career in 2010, Collie appeared ready to become the Colts long-term solution to the WR position, and his stats had put him among the game's best at the position.

My biggest hope for Collie is that he can get healthy and live a long, happy life with his family.

Is Revis Taking the Business Side of the NFL Too Personally?

Darrelle Revis was interview by Andrea Kremer yesterday on the NFL Network during NFL Total Access and there are two major reactions coming of Revis’ words.  The first camp is calling this no big deal, and that the quotes were made to seem bigger than they really were.  The other camp says that Revis should be quiet.

Revis’ main gripe in the interview was how he was speechless when the trade rumors came out of John Idzik’s first day as the New GM.  He said he didn’t receive a call from anyone in the organization.

The two most important takeaways from Darrelle Revis‘ interview with Andrea Kremer of the NFL Network:
1. The Jets’ star cornerback indicated he has talked to Rex Ryan since the trade rumors surfaced, and he said the coach wants him to remain a Jet. That’s more than Ryan gave us Jan. 24, the day of John Idzik’s introductory news conference, when everybody in the organization was in non-committal mode on Revis.

2. Revis is trying to paint owner Woody Johnson as the bad guy, suggesting Johnson doesn’t want to pay what he feels he’s worth. Make no mistake, there will be a lot of posturing from both sides as this story heats up over the next few weeks. via Cimi ESPN

I think Darrelle is taking this too personally.  Every single player on the Jets should not feel like they are safe, including Revis himself.  This is clearly an organization that has to do some major soul searching, and if there is a leak out there (which happens all the time to the Jets), you have to take a breath and let it play out.

Aaron Rodgers will be paying Close Attention to Joe Flacco’s New Deal

 Green bay quarterback and MVP Aaron Rodgers is entering the final two years of his current contract. A contract set to expire after the 2014 NFL season concludes. Widely recognized as one of the best quarterbacks playing, Rodgers will be looking to cash in on his MVP and Super Bowl championship soon.

With Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco set to sign a new mega-deal soon, it appears Rodgers has a close eye on what numbers Joe Flacco will be able to secure. According to ESPN Wisconsin.

Per 540 ESPN and ESPNWisconsin.com: ”I think everybody is going to see what Joe (Flacco) ends up signing for,” Rodgers said.
“I’m sure they want to lock him up. He’s a great player – had an incredible run in the playoffs – and I’m sure they want to keep him around. A guy like that, with the post-season success he’s had, you want to keep a guy like that around for a while.”

Harbaugh, 49ers Will Not Let Alex Smith Decide His Own Fate This Offseason

Two days after losing the Super Bowl and blaming the referees, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said all the right things, blaming himself and the play-calling. He also mentioned the future of Alex Smith, the now high-priced back-up quarterback that likely wants nothing more than a fresh start in a new uniform.

Whether or not Smith gets that fresh start with another team will not be up to him, though, as Harbaugh stated on Tuesday.

            “I don’t think any player has those wishes granted when they’re under contract,” Harbaugh said via San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch. “And everything’s different. Every scenario is unique. It’s certainly not something we’re going to delve into and get into specifics.”

            ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers are going to shop Smith to teams this offseason, and Schefter also reported that teams are already lining up for Smith’s services.

            However, there may be a wrench thrown in the reported plans of Smith. The 49ers actually may keep him as their back-up quarterback next season.

Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco looking for long-term contract

It looks like Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco made a good decision to postpone talk of a new contract until the NFL season came to an end. With the Ravens edging the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3 and Flacco being named the game’s MVP, he’s definitely got a lot more bargaining power now.

Flacco was superb in the showdown with san Francisco by passing for 287 yards and going 22 for 33. He threw three touchdown passes in the first half and proved he’s one of the best at his position in the league.

He became just the sixth quarterback in history to complete three touchdown passes in the first half of a Super Bowl and could now cash in on his performance.

During the postseason he threw for 11 touchdowns to equal an NFL record and wasn’t intercepted once. He gained 1,140 yards for the Ravens and went 73 for 126 in their playoff run. He also beat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning when they went head to head on the road against New England and Denver and also bettered top draft pick Andrew Luck in a home win over Indianapolis.

 Flacco, who’s been in the league for five years now, wasn’t as spectacular in the regular season though. His passer rating was just 87.7, which was 12th in the 32-team league and quite a distance behind Aaron Rodgers who ranked first at 108.0. Flacco threw for 22 touchdowns during the regular season as well as 10 interceptions, which ranked him in mid table. However, when the stakes got higher in the playoffs he rose to the challenge. His overall postseason record now stands at 9-4 and has won at least one playoff game in each of his five seasons.

Greg Jennings Interested in the Miami Dolphins

Greg Jennings is preparing for free agency this off-season. The almost 30-year old wide receiver has spent his whole career in Green Bay but when news broke that he put his home up for sale, many are assuming his time is up with the Packers.

If it is, the time comes for Jennings to decide where he will want to play next. And at least one destination makes a lot of sense.

The Cleveland Cavaliers pave the path for the return of the “KING”

While many experts, analyst and fans speculate whether or not their will be a reunion between the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James in 2014, the Cleveland Cavaliers are paving the path to turn that speculation into reality.  Even though it is all speculation and after witnessing the whole “The Decision” fiasco we know we won’t hear James saying anything until last-minute.  Or will he have to???

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ body language has been a little different the last two years.  They seemed to be master-minding a plan to take the Eastern Conference by storm.  Intentionally drafting the perfect team to compliment a “KING”.  Drafting a team not to win so they can continue having top five draft picks, but at the same time drafting a team that will be a “Dream Team” caliber kind-of-team when finished.

One of LeBron James’ biggest reason for leaving the Cavaliers was the lack of talent on the team and an owner who wouldn’t spend the money to give him a supporting cast.  So James took his talents to South Beach and

Dan Gilbert had his feelings hurt, learned his lesson and now is doing his part to right a wrong.  Gilbert is returning royalty back to the city of Cleveland.  Making sure the fans get what they are entitled to after all these years of supporting the Cleveland Cavaliers…

READ MORE

Osi Umenyiora wants out of the New York Giants

A New York  Giants off-season would not be the same without some sort of chatter from defensive end Osi Umenyiora.  Yes, once again he is telling people he wants out. Only this time it’s not about money.

“I just feel fortunate to be able to play 10 years in New York in this city and that organization,” Umenyiora said on The Michael Kay Show via the New York Daily News.  “It was a great run, a great ride. I think now is probably time to move on.”

“I’ve earned the right to be a free agent,” Umenyiora said. “It’s been 10 years. I signed a seven-year deal and they made me play out all seven of those years. If they wanted me back, I think something would have been done before now.”

Greg Jennings Doesn’t Think He’ll Be With Packers In 2013

The writing has been on the wall for a few weeks now.  Earlier this season we documented Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings inability to stay healthy and how he felt he wasn’t sure the numbers would be in his favor when it came time to get a new deal.

With Clay Matthews, Aaron Rodgers and B.J. Raji all in line to get new deals, Jennings stated that he wouldn’t be shocked if the Packers didn’t resign him. 

Today Jennings was on NFL AM’s “Double Coverage” with Steve Wyche and Mark Kriegel, when he hinted at the fact that he doesn’t think he’ll be with the Packers in 2013.

“An educated guess? … I’m gonna lean to the ‘no’ side of it,” Jennings said. “That’s my educated guess, my personal educated guess.”