Tim Tebow is Back

Tim Tebow last suited up in the NFL for the New England Patriots in 2013 during the preseason but ultimately did not make the roster. Since that time, he has done some broadcasting work for the SEC Network while working out in hopes of making an NFL comeback. It seems that time has come. Tim Tebow is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tebow will join a crowded depth chart at quarterback with Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, and GJ Kinne currently on the roster. While he’s no lock to make the team, it is a great opportunity for Tebow who had not been receiving much attention from NFL teams.

Will Selva - Tim TebowTebow figures to fit the Eagles quite well. It’s no secret head coach Chip Kelly likes to keep the offense moving and with that you need a mobile quarterback. While Tebow has not proven to be an excellent passer, he has proven to use his legs well. With that said, it does not look like he’s in competition for the starting role but more as a backup. They may be inclined to use him in certain packages that allow him to run the option because he runs well for a quarterback.

Simply put, for Tebow to get back to where he was in 2011 in Denver he’ll need a string of injuries and he’ll have to play well in the preseason to show he belongs in the NFL. He did not prove much during the preseason with the Patriots and that led to no one picking him up once cut. It’ll be interesting to see how Tebow Mania effects Philadelphia.

Steve Nash Calls It A Career

Steve Nash, one of the greatest point guards to play the game has finally called it a career after 19 seasons in the NBA. No matter how hard he trained in order to get healthy again, it just was not happening for 41 year old Steve Nash. It was actually this time of year some 20 years ago when Nash led #10 seeded Santa Clara to victory over #7 Maryland in the NCAA Tournament which began giving Nash the recognition he deserved despite playing at a school not typically known for basketball.

Will Selva - Steve Nash

Steve Nash

Nash was drafted 15th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. After 2 seasons, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he began to make a name for himself. The nucleus of Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Michael Finley allowed the Mavericks to compete in the Western Conference.

While Nash proved he can play in the NBA with Dallas after coming from a small basketball school, he left via free agency to join the Phoenix Suns where he went on to win two MVP awards. Nash really took his play to another level in Phoenix where he was a double-double machine in points and assists. As Nash got older, the Suns as a franchise were not as competitive and Nash was still own the prowl for a NBA Championship. Nash was signed and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in April of 2012.

However, in his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Nash has not been able to stay healthy. Hampered by nerve injuries, Nash has played a total of 65 games in his 3 years with the Lakers. The team has faltered having not posted a winning season in each of those 3 seasons. At age 41, with the state of his health, and the franchise, it seems the Lakers are not close to winning a title and that it’s time to call it a career.

Nash figures to be a Hall of Famer. Over the course of his 19 year career, he has recorded career averages of 14.3 points and 8.5 assists all the while shooting 90% from the free throw line, 43% from three point range, and 49% from the field. Although he never won a championship, he will certainly go down as one of the best point guards to ever play the game.

AFC East Loading Up

Since the NFL’s 2015 free agency begun, no division has been more active than the AFC East. Between the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins they’ve all been incredibly active trying to propel their team to the top of the division. Let’s take a look at all the moves that have taken place so far.

Will Selva - Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall was traded to the Jets for a 5th round draft pick

New York Jets:

CB Darrelle Revis
CB Antonio Cromartie
CB Buster Skrine
S Marcus Gilchrist
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (traded for)
RB Bilal Powell (resigned)
LB David Harris (resigned)
WR Brandon Marshall (traded for)
G James Carpenter
G Willie Colon (resigned)
DL Stephen Bowen
OL Corey Hilliard
DL Kevin Vickerson

New England Patriots:

DL Jabaal Sheard
LB Jonathan Freeny
WR Brandon Gibson
DL Alan Branch (resigned)
TE Scott Chandler
S Devin McCourty (resigned)
LB Chris White (resigned)

Buffalo Bills:

WR Percy Harvin
DE Jarius Wynn (resigned)
QB Tyrod Taylor
WR Marcus Easley (resigned)
FB Jerome Felton
LB Keith Rivers
QB Matt Cassel (traded for)
RB Lesean McCoy (traded for)
TE Charles Clay

Will Selva - Suh

Suh lands a mega deal with the Dolphins

Miami Dolphins:

WR Kenny Stills (traded for)
DT Ndamukong Suh
TE Jordan Cameron
CB Brice McCain

This Weeks Notable NFL Cuts

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2/23/2015

Indianapolis Colts: Released DT Ricky Jean Francois

Francois, the 28 year old former 7th round pick out of LSU has been released. While never dominant, he has proven to be a contributor to both the 49ers and Colts. He may find himself work this off-season.

Arizona Cardinals: Released WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr.

Ginn Jr. has not been known much as a WR so the Cardinals let the 29 year old go in hopes of finding a new and younger kick returner. Ginn should be able to find work as a returner and number 4 WR elsewhere.

2/24/2015

New York Giants: Released DE Mathias Kiwanuka

Kiwanuka, drafted in the 1st round of the 2006 draft, has been released. The 31 year old DE/OLB has compiled 38.5 sacks during his time with the Giants. He may be looking to join a team as a reserve/pass rush specialist.

2/25/2015

New York Giants: Released RB Peyton Hillis

The Giants have not had the best of luck with running backs of late and this looks like the end of the line for Peyton Hillis in New York. Hillis, who once dawned the cover of the ever so popular Madden video game, has not had the career that he thought he would have. This could be it for his career.

Green Bay Packers: Released LB AJ Hawk

This isn’t the first time, but the Packers have released AJ Hawk. Hawk was cut and immediately re-signed back in 2011 so that the final year worth $10 million did not become guaranteed. Hawk has not been known to be a 3 down linebacker and at his advanced age, he may be looking to become a key reserve.

Detroit Lions: Released RB Reggie Bush

The Lions released the 29 year old running back after signing him to a 4 year deal in 2013. Bush ran for 1,000 yards in his first season but ran for just 297 yards this season. Bush is an asset out of the backfield catching passes and should catch on with a team relatively soon.

Baltimore Ravens: Released WR/KR Jacoby Jones

The Ravens released former Dancing With The Stars contestant Jacoby Jones. Jones has primarily been a number 3 WR with the Ravens but has proven to be a great kick returner. He should catch on with another team this year.

2/26/2015

San Diego Chargers: Released LB Jarret Johnson

The Chargers terminated the contract of LB Jarret Johnson and this comes as no surprise. The 33 year old announced his intent to retire earlier in the week. Johnson spent 9 years with the Baltimore Ravens and the last 3 years with the Chargers.

Last Weeks Notable NFL Transactions

2/17/2015

Buffalo Bills: Released LB Keith Rivers
The former 2008 1st round pick was released following a season that saw him play in 12 games with just 16 total tackles. He has certainly underwhelmed but should catch on with his fourth NFL team.

Carolina Panthers: Released S Thomas DeCoud
DeCoud signed a 2 year deal with Carolina in 2014 but won’t see the second year on that deal. After being inserted as a starting safety for the Panthers, his lack of playmaking had him benched in December. He finished with 50 total tackles and 1 interception. At age 29, he should have a little bit left in the tank to offer another team, perhaps as a reserve.

Kansas City Chiefs: Released WRs Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins
The Chiefs completed the 2014 season without completing a touchdown pass to any WR. While some of that has to do with the conservative approach Alex Smith plays with at the QB position, it’s also a testament to the skill level the WRs had. The Chiefs ultimately let former 1st round pick Jenkins, who has been labeled as a bust and Donnie Avery, who has shown some flashes throughout his career go.

2/18/2015

Indianapolis Colts: Released LB Shaun Phillips
After a great 9 year career with the San Diego Chargers that saw him record 69.5 sacks, Shaun Phillips has had trouble finding consistent work. He spent 2013 with the Denver Broncos, 11 games in 2014 with the Tennessee Titans and 5 games with the Colts. Phillips, known as a edge rusher failed to record a sack in limited time with the Colts and was released. Unfortunately, this could be the end of the road for 33 year old Phillips.

Minnesota Vikings: Claimed TE Brandon Bostick on waivers from Green Bay
Many now know Brandon Bostick as the guy who botched the onside kick allowing the Seattle Seahawks to advance to the Super Bowl. Bostick was eventually cut by the Packers but has now found a new home with the divisional opponent Minnesota Vikings.

2/20/2015

Green Bay Packers: Released LB Brad Jones
Brad Jones, a 2009 seventh round pick with the Packers defied odds lasting 6 seasons and even at times starting for the Green Bay Packers. At age 28, Jones figures to have a few years left in him. He should be able to catch on with another team as a key reserve.

Recapping the NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline came and went yesterday and boy were teams active. Over half the league (17 teams) were involved in a deadline deal. The NBA saw approximately 37 current players swap teams while many draft picks and rights to players overseas were moved as well. Lets take a look at some of the biggest moves that happened yesterday.

Detroit Pistons Acquires: PG Reggie Jackson

Oklahoma City Thunder Acquires: C Enes Kanter, F Steve Novak, PG DJ Augustin, SF Kyle Singler

Utah Jazz Acquires: C Kendrick Perkins, F Grant Jerrett, rights to Tibor Pleiss, Draft Picks

Jackson, Dragic, Garnett, and Afflalo all were moved

Jackson, Dragic, Garnett, and Afflalo all were moved

The Thunder walk away with a deep bench after this trade. After already acquiring Dion Waiters earlier this year, Reggie Jackson became expendable and Perkins was declining in production. Add in younger more talent in Kanter, Novak, Augustin (who played with Durant at Texas) and Singler and the Thunder now have a much deeper rotation.

Brooklyn Nets Acquire: F Thaddeus Young

Minnesota Timberwolves Acquire: F Kevin Garnett

The Nets get a younger (26 years old) forward in Young who can play both the 3 and the 4. He also is under contract after this year. For the Wolves, they bring home their once franchise player.

Miami Heat Acquires: PG Goran Dragic and SG Zoran Dragic

New Orleans Pelicans Acquires: PG Norris Cole. C Justin Hamilton, F Shawne Williams

Phoenix Suns Acquires: F Danny Granger, F John Salmons, two 1st round picks

The Heat get their guy in Dragic to sign long term in FA. Everyone else involved was involved just to make salary numbers work.

Phoenix Suns Acquires: PG Brandon Knight and PG Kendall Marshall

Milwaukee Bucks Acquires: PG Michael Carter-Williams, PG Tyler Ennis, and C Miles Plumlee

Philadelphia 76ers Acquires: Draft picks

The 76ers continue to compile draft picks as they’re in rebuild mode. This trade ultimately comes down to a shake up in point guards between the Suns and Bucks. Knight has played off the ball before and maybe that’s what the Suns are looking for.

Boston Celtics Acquires: PG Isaiah Thomas, F Jonas Jerebko, and F Gigi Datome

Phoenix Suns Acquires: SG Marcus Thornton and a 2016 1st round pick

Detroit Pistons Acquire: SF Tayshuan Prince

Isaiah Thomas just signed with the Suns in the offseason but he’ll be suiting up for Boston as of now for the duration of his contract. The Suns gain a 1st round pick and expiring contract in Thornton and the Pistons bring home a fan favorite in Prince.

For more on the trades that went down, check this graphic out here.

All Star Weekend Contests

This weekend some of the best players from around the NBA gathered in New York for All Star Weekend which is shared by both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Two contests that everyone looks forward to are the Three Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest

This year participating in the Three Point Contest were Wesley Matthews of the Portland Trail Blazers, Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.J. Redick of the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden of the Houston Rockets, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, Kyle Korver of the Atlanta Hawks, and Marco Belinelli of the San Antonio Spurs. Regarded as one of the better showings in Three Point Contest history, ultimately Stephen Curry was crowned the champion after posting scores of 23 and 27 in each round. Take a look at his round here:

Following the Three Point Contest was the Slam Dunk Contest. Participants in this years contest were Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic, Mason Plumlee of the Brooklyn Nets, Zach LaVine of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. LaVine, the 19 year old out of UCLA dominated the competition recording a 50 on everyone of his attempts crowning him the dunk champion. Here’s a look at all of his slams.

Some of the Worst Contracts In Baseball

Every offseason, there’s a team that was on the fringe of making it all the way, or just missing the playoffs and they vow to make it up to their fans by making a splash in the offseason. How big of a splash? Does it matter? These teams have a lot of money and want to deliver. General Manager’s jobs are on the line if they don’t win. So they’ll spend top dollar on talent, even if the player is already in decline. Does it work out? Sometimes, but sometimes not. Let’s take a look at two of the worst contracts teams are wishing they didn’t pull the trigger on.

Albert Pujols – 1B Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
images-3Following the 2011 season in which Pujols hit .299 with 37 HRs and 99 RBIs, Albert was looking to cash in. At the time, he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. A consistent .300+ hitter to go with a guaranteed 30+ HRs and 100+ RBIs, everyone lined up for the then 32 year old Pujols. The Angels opened the check book and gave him a guaranteed 10 year $240 million deal. What the Angels paid for and what they got are two different things. Pujols hit .285 with 30 HRs and 105 RBIs in his first season. He was hurt the following year and posted career lows across the board with .258 17 HRs and 64 RBIs. This past season, Pujols hit .272 28 HRs and 105 RBIs. Good numbers, but not exactly the most feared hitter in baseball. The Angels have plenty years left of Pujols deal and he’s only getting older.

CC Sabathia – P New York Yankees
images-2Sabathia was smart about his deal. After signing his initial $100 million dollar deal with the Yankees, he added an opt-out clause so he could opt out and re-up his $100 million deal and make it last well into his latter 30’s. The Yankees, who were in a tough spot at the time, had to bring back Sabathia, and with starting pitching always at a premium, they gave him 5 years $122 million which essentially added another year and $30 million to his old deal. With all this happening at the age of 31, you figured Sabathia would deliver early on and towards the end he would decline. Well the decline has set in earlier than expected. Following the 2012 season in which Sabathia posted a 15-6 record with a 3.38 ERA the wheels fell off for CC in the playoffs. CC was shelled by the Tigers in the ALCS and the Yankees were eliminated. The following season, CC posted a below mediocre 4.78 ERA to go with a 14-13 mark, not exactly top dollar numbers. The Yankees did not reach post season play. 2014 was not any better as Sabathia posted a 5.28 ERA in just 8 starts while going 3-4. The velocity wasn’t there and nor was his dominance. CC’s best days may be behind him but he’ll receive a rich paycheck from the Yankees for a few more years.

With these two examples, maybe it isn’t best to shell out all this money with no regard to age. Many teams are turning their focus to the farm system and want to develop players internally. While it is ok to grab a necessary free agent, teams are beginning to be more wary of potential blockbuster busts.

James Shields Lands In San Diego

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James Shields

The top of the crop has officially dried up in Major League Baseball free agency. James ‘Big Game’ Shields signed a 4 year $75 million deal with the San Diego Padres. A bit of a surprise to some as he was expected to be after something near the 7 year $210 million deal Max Scherzer received from the Washington Nationals. Fact of the matter is this, at age 33, James Shields is roughly 3 and a half years older than Scherzer. While Shields age may be worrisome, it has also been a great representation of his durability as he has thrown over 200 innings in each of the last 8 seasons.

While Shields has proven to be a durable starting pitcher in the majors, many teams were scared off due to how he would hold up in the latter years of his career. While what he has done is impressive, it’s also a sign of what is maybe to come, arm fatigue or injury. The market cooled off on him and he ended up with a 4 year deal for $75 million with a team option for the 5th year.

Shields holds a career mark of 114-90 with many of those years. He’s logged 1,910 career innings pitched to go with 1,626 strikeouts. For spending the majority of his career in the AL East facing the bats of the Yankees, Red Sox, and even the Blue Jays of late, Shields has managed a respectable career ERA of 3.72. The Padres hope that his numbers can only get better as he’ll face one less DH and one more pitcher at the plate.

Shields best year was in 2011 when he finished 16-12 with 225 strikeouts in 249 innings, 11 complete games, and an ERA of 2.82. Shields has struggled to live up to the name ‘Big Game’ in the playoffs of late but the Padres hope he can find his groove in a new environment in San Diego.

Get Active in Los Angeles!

california-beach

You don’t have to be a tourist to appreciate the outdoors options that Los Angeles offers year round. The city’s moderate climate and temperatures during the majority of the 12 months leaves plenty of outdoor destinations choices for family, couple or individual day trips. If you are in need of a few options for your trip, I’ve included just a few of my favorites below. There are, of course, dozens of other outdoor attractions I have excluded but you can find a longer list of options here.

Franklin Canyon

Franklin Canyon Parks offers an escape from the city noise and commotion. It is a quiet escape from the city’s traffic and overwhelming concrete. The park hosts weddings, meetings and parties, but it’s also an easy option for a family day trip. There are plenty of places around the park to have a picnic by the lake or under an oak or sycamore tree. If you are seeking to bird watch, stop by the heavenly pond where you can feed passing ducks.

Beaches

It’s difficult to pin down just one beach to visit near Los Angeles, but just to name a few, check out: Descansco Beach, Crescent Beach, Pebbly Beach, Ben Weston Beach, Royal Palms County Beach and Manhattan County Beach.

Lake Piru

This Lake, which is located in Ventura County inside the Los Padres National Forest right next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. The lake is a great camping destination with its tidy restrooms, hot showers and a stocked stored for travelers to purchase all of their needs. You can even rent a pontoon boat to take out on the lake.

Angeles National Forest

Experience amazing scenery and a natural environment when you visit this forest. The forest offers fishing, hiking, swimming and even skiing areas. Check out the wilderness areas like Cucamonga, Magic Mountain, Pleasant View Ridge, San Gabriel Wilderness and Sheep Mountain Wilderness.

Equine Experiences and Trail Rides

You can horseback ride in Palos Verdes. Activities offered include; Cowboy Boot Camp, Trail Rides, Dinner Rides and riding Lessons.