A.J. Burnett Trade Analysis

If you're a die hard "Yankees can do no wrong" type of guy I'll preface this entry by saying you won't like everything I have to say. However it is my opinion, you're entitled to yours, unless it's wrong than I don't want to hear it. 

Well the AJ Burnett experiment in the Bronx is over, and despite that many critics and baseball "experts" are calling it a failure I cannot agree. Let us not forget that after the 2008 season in which the Yankees failed to reach the post season for the first time since we were in elementary school the Yanks went on a Kardashian-esque spending spree, grabbing all the big names CC, Tex, and AJ. How did this pay off? Fantastic. We won the World Series in 2009 -- a series in which AJ was without a doubt the unsung hero.

Remember game 1 when Cliff Lee out dueled CC in Philly? You remember, when sleaze ball Chase Utley hit those homers. Than it was game 2 Pedro Martinez vs. AJ, the tattooed flame thrower threw 6 hit 1 run ball and evened the series up at 1-1. Without that game do the Yankees bring home the title? Maybe, maybe not -- but we don't have to worry about that BECAUSE AJ won. The rest was history. 

Since than he was a see-saw of terrible, blah, and good. Last year he was atrocious (15 wild pitches, 31 homers WTF?) but he did have one critical playoff game to stymy off Detroit and force a Game 5 in the ALDS -- than the Yanks lost -- and that was it for AJ. He was all but worthless during the 2011 season, but in the playoffs he showed up, and in baseball we only remember the good you do if it ends in a title, anything short and you're on the hot seat. 

A World Series champ in 2009 to 15 wild pitches in 2011

It's not his fault he accepted a 5 year $82.5 deal, no one blames him, that's just absurd money. It was the Yankees "fault" they created a market in which players don't just want but expect nothing short of the big money if they're going to the Yankees. However I can't entirely blame the Yankees either -- they had no one to lead their rotation in 2008 -- Mussina retired, Pettite wasn't a #1, and we were one season removed from Chien Ming Wang who I believe was going to be great for years to come, but than he had to fucking round third against the fucking Astros and derail his career G-D DARN IT. Their marriage wasn't unexpected, he wasn't the prom queen, he was just like a really pretty girl who you go home with thinking "Meh, not the worst I could have done!" 

But when you wake up it becomes "Oh wow, well that was nice...but um...how about I call a cab to take you home now?"

I believe it is best AJ and the Yankees split ways now, but I can't blame Burnett for what happened. The Yankees for the last 4 years have at times seemed close to being special needs patients when it comes to managing their pitchers. Turning promising talent into circus acts. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, the hopping between rotation and bullpen is unacceptable, Cashman and Girardi have to get on the same page. Those two are no where near finished, it is up to them to figure out where they fit best, but not every year!! Hughes IS a starter Chamberlain is a BULLPEN guy -- they belong where they were in the first place. 

Rafael Soriano is back, Hideki Kuroda is new (but very old), can we trust Freddy Garcia again? Ivan Nova needs to keep doing what he's doing and Michael Pineada is a question mark that could soon become an exclamation point if he is coached and managed properly. Time will tell, and I am optimistic -- just skeptical. 

I hope the Yankees can get it right this season, because if the heart of the lineup (Tex,Arod,Swish) produces offensively like they did last year our pitching will be the the difference between an October on the golf course or a chance to hear Joe Buck cringing as he says "And the New York Yankees are World Series Champions for the 28th time!"

Sean Youngberg is a life-long baseball geek, with two parents from New York he is proud to admit that he is a Yankees fan -- but excited to see the Washington Nationals win it all one of these years -- and nervous to admit that Cal Ripken Jr and Ted Williams are his all time favorite players. But oh well! Youngberg is really looking forward to ranting about the upcoming 2012 season. If you have something that riles you up and want to hear his take on it, e-mail Sean at SAYoungberg@Gmail.com

The Shiny New NFL Mock Draft 3.0

It is officially day three of the post NFL season -- an apocalyptic feeling -- we now live in a world  where we can no longer count down to Sunday's, turn to our fantasy football teams to avoid work, and pretend that being excited for Pitchers and Catchers reporting can really heal that hole in our hearts.

Yes, it's true, times are tough. If you're not a Hockey fan you may find yourself watching a NBA game and pretending to yourself that you actually care. It's ok we've all been there. 

To fill the void of no football until the combine in two weeks here's an adrenaline shot that is sure to have you running the 3,423,780 different draft scenarios your team could pull off in the first round; that is of course unless you're the Indianapolis Colts....

(Every player has been linked to an article, video, or bio...don't miss Justin Blackmon's Sport Science, Courtney Upshaw's hit or Vontaze Burfict's attitude)

1). Colts- Andrew Luck QB, Stanford- duh.

2). Rams- Justin Blackmon WR, OKST- even though I think a trade from Cleveland or Washington is probable; Blackmon might be too good to pass up. The Rams have one of the worst receiving corps and Bradford could use a big target, as Brandon Lloyd is most likely following Josh McDaniels to New England.

3). Vikings- Matt Kalil OT, USC-the best lineman in recent years falls right into the Vikings’ lap. His

4). Browns- Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor- if RG3 is available when Cleveland is on the clock, it’s a sure thing.

5) Bucs- Morris Claiborne CB, LSU- Ronde Barber might be retiring this offseason and Aqib Talib is probably going to jail for something he's done or will do.

6). Redskins- Riley Reiff OT, Iowa- who knows who will be the starting QB in Washington next season, but it would be in the best interest of the franchise to protect him at all costs. If the Skins miss out on RG3, a trade-down is possible.

7). Jaguars- Quinton Coples DE, UNC- the Jags had a very pleasant surprise with their defense last season, but someone other than Jeremy Mincey needs to get to the QB. Jacksonville could also trade this pick and target Michael Floyd.

Coples will be an instant starter in Jacksonville

8). Dolphins- Jonathan Martin OT, Stanford- Andrew Luck had great protection in Martin and he'll bring that to South Beach. Some scouts have said that his run blocking is superior to Kalil’s.

9). Panthers- Michael Brockers DT, LSU- an absolute freak DT who can plug up the run defense. Still very raw, but can get to the QB in a hurry.

10). Bills- Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama- they play in the AFC East so give them as many defensive weapons as possible. Upshaw is the best defensive prospect on the board.

11). Chiefs- Trent Richardson RB, Alabama- Jamal Charles might not be ready to go at the beginning of next season and Richardson is the top player available.

12). Seahawks- Devon Still DT, PSU- the Seahawks need to get to the QB and this huge DT could anchor a promising young defense.

13). Cardinals- Michael Floyd WR, ND- remember when it was Fitz and Boldin? Floyd would offer a speedy target that could free up Larry.

14). Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick CB, Alabama- the Cowboys are not ones to shy away from character issues and Kirkpatrick is a steal at 14.

15). Eagles- Luke Kuechly ILB, BC- Reid doesn't draft LBs in the first round but this kid averaged 15 tackles for Boston College. Immediate upgrade over...anyone.

16). Jets- Melvin Ingram DE, S. Carolina- the Jets’ defense was not as dominant as last season, and Rex will most likely try to bolster his defensive line. He’s short, but people said that about Elvis Dumervil.

17). Bengals- Lamar Miller RB, Miami- Cedric Benson may not be in Cinci next season, and even if he is the addition of Miller would make for a nice 1-2 punch. The redshirt sophomore is an animal, a home run threat who has some scouts saying is the best RB out of Miami since Frank Gore.

18). Chargers- David DeCastro G, Stanford- Andrew Luck’s success is in part due to his offensive lineman. Kris Dielman, a perennial Pro-Bowler, is considering retirement which makes San Diego’s need for a dominant guard even more pressing.

Jeffery would give Cutler and Chicago a true #1 target

19). Bears- Alshon Jeffrey WR, S.Carolina- Cutler was at his best when he had Marshall in Denver. He’s functioned with Knox, Bennett, and Hester, but a big, strong receiver would be an instant upgrade. Jeffrey’s speed has some scouts concerned, but we will see what he does at the combine. 

20). Titans- Peter Konz C, Wisconsin- best center in the draft and an immediate starter.

21). Bengals- Janoris Jenkins CB, N. Alabama- everyone knows the Bengals don’t care about players with off-the-field problems and Jenkins’ arrests allows him to fall. He’s top 10 talent who will be a great addition late in the first round. 

22). Browns- Kendall Wright WR, Baylor- if they get RG3, why not reunite him with his favorite college target?  Wright would allow Greg Little to become more of a #2 receiver, which is definitely where he should be. A dream scenario, but Cleveland need SOMETHING right?

23). Lions- Mark Barron SS, Alabama- they can't have enough defensive backs when they play Rodgers twice a year (and possibly Brees, Manning, and Ryan).

24). Steelers- Cordy Glenn G, Georgia- an aging offensive line is not a good thing, especially after the hits Ben has taken these last three seasons.

25). Broncos-Dwayne Allen TE, Clemson- Tebow needs a safety valve when he scrambles out of the pocket. Allen has drawn comparisons to Jermichael Finley and he would be a huge upgrade over Daniel Fells and Virgil Green. 

26). Texans- Mohammad Sanu WR, Rutgers- this may be a reach, but if Blackmon, Floyd, and Jeffrey are all gone then I could see Houston grabbing a big target to complement Andre.

27). Patriots- Fletcher Cox DT, Miss. St- The Pats need to revamp that once formidable defense, with Andre Carter and Mark Anderson 

28). Packers- Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB Illinois- sponge-like defense that could use a lot of plugs. Mercilus may have had the best season out of any defensive player in the draft, but could he be a one-hit wonder?

Burficit would be a fantastic fit in that Ravens D

29.) Ravens- Vontaze Burfict LB, Arizona State- hot-headed, ill-tempered, and, quite frankly, fucking psychotic on the field. He'll fall in the draft but not too many teams can offer a riled up rookie guidance and maturity like the Ravens. Are we looking at Ray Lewis' replacement? 

30). 49ers- Chase Minnifield CB, Virginia- San Francisco might not want to overpay Carlos Rogers and instead go young at cornerback. Minnifield had a very underrated year at UVA and could surprise a lot of people early on.

31). Patriots- Jerel Worthy DT, Michigan St- big, physical DT who can get to the QB as well as stop the run. Belicheck needs to keep adding to his defense.

32). Giants- Dont’a Hightower- ILB, Alabama- another ‘Bama defensive player that could make a huge difference for a team. Instand upgrade over Chase Blackburn.

Sean Youngberg and Chris Wood compiled this NFL Mock Draft. Both of these young studs were students at James Madison University where they hosted the top rated radio talk show, "So You Think You Know Sports?" The former drinking partners and wing men were forced apart by growing up, luckily for man kind they have once again joined forces to bring you (to the best of their abilities) these damn good Mock's. Look out for more NFL Mock Drafts and Sport Talk mailbags in upcoming weeks.

Do you think Chris Wood is the next Mel Kiper? Or do you find him to be a blathering nutcase? Either way send your questions, comments, and own analysis to Chris Wood at ChrisWood1313@gmail.com 

DC Pro Sports Report

The Sean-Shine State is proud to announce that our 2012 NFL Mock Drafts have been picked up by DC Pro Sport Report! What is the DC Pro Sport Report you may ask, it is a database of mock drafts that first appeared on the internet over 14 years ago - and as far as databases go - it is one of the most complete out there. 

When you go to their site you will see that the draft is the 20th mock listed under 'Chris Wood's Mock' The site is great not only to boost our readership but if you're an NFL junky than we just found the illegal cargo ship coming from Cuba to Florida. 

Thank you for reading The Sean-Shine State, and be prepared as we are getting ready to launch our new 'SO You Think You Know Sports' blog in the upcoming month; chock full of new bloggers and stories that only the minds of single sport loving men could create.

Be Good, Do Good. 

Sean