Mets Sign Bay Pending Physical

According to Mike Francesa, who reported the move on his radio show, the Mets have signed outfielder Jason Bay pending a physical and an announcement will be made early next week. Bay will take over full time duties in left field in a move the Mets badly needed to make. There has been a lot of disappointment surrounding the teams' lack of moves this offseason but something has finally been done. This was a necessary move for this team who seriously lacked power last season.

On another note the Mets are still far apart in their negotiations with Bengie Molina who is asking for a three-year deal. The team does not want to be locked in a contract with an overweight, aging catcher for three years and nor should they. Going into next season with Santos and Thole would be good enough for the catching position.

There is little in the rumor mill that connects the Mets to any starting pitchers right now. The signing of Escobar is a nice win-win situation but not even close to being someone who will drastically help the team. Ben Sheets seems like a logical option but an incentive laden deal would be the only way to go with him.

Week 16 Review

The second to last week of the season is always important. Teams are looking to lock-up playoff spots and other teams are still just fighting to stay alive. The six teams in the NFC are locked up with only seeding left to be determined. Meanwhile in the AFC there are plenty of teams that are still mathematically alive but need a lot of help, the Jets and Ravens control their own destiny. Here are some thoughts on the week...

-I'm in the minority in agreeing with Jim Caldwell pulling Peyton Manning and other starters out of the game against the Jets. You can't risk any of these guys, not just Manning, getting injured and hurting the teams chances for a Super Bowl. Manning was clearly not happy but he's got to understand.

-Speaking of the Jets, somehow they've managed to get themselves into position where they control their own destiny in the AFC. With a win over the Bengals next week, a team they can beat, the Jets earn a playoff spot. So much for Rex Ryan claiming they were out.

-Next week's game between the Cowboys and Eagles is huge. The Cowboys earned a wild card spot last night but still control their own destiny in the NFC East. The winner of that game gets their first round playoff game at home and have an outside chance at getting a first round bye if the Vikings lose tonight to the Bears and next week to the Giants.

-In their last ever game at Giants Stadium the home team didn't show up to play. In losing 41-9 to the Panthers the Giants were eliminated from the playoffs. A pitiful performance from a team that had a real chance to make the postseason. Changes will be made.

-The AFC playoff race is tight. The Ravens and Jets just simply need to win this week and they'll make it. The Ravens play the Raiders in Oakland which isn't a complete lock and the Jets play the Bengals at home. The Steelers, Texans, and Broncos need help.

-Three match-ups from Week 17 have the potential to be first round playoff games. You could see the Packers/Cardinals, Cowboys/Eagles, and Jets/Bengals all playing each other two weeks in a row.

Top five teams following Week 16:

1. Chargers
2. Colts
3. Saints
4. Eagles
5. Cowboys

NFL Picks: Week 16

So I went 10-6 last week and that is simply unacceptable. I'm not even picking with spreads, which is the manly thing to do but a manly man is something I've never been. I enjoy theater and fashion. Anyway, week 16 is always an important week in the season with plenty of teams still fighting for their lives. Let's take a look at the games.

Chargers (11-3) vs Titans (7-7)

The Chargers are hot right now and seem to be on a collision course with the Colts for the AFC Championship. Philip Rivers is having a great year. The Titans, winners of 7 out of 8, are still clinging to hopes of a playoff berth. That ends tonight. Chargers 28, Titans 24.

Raiders (5-9) vs Browns (3-11)

Tough game to get interested in. Derek Anderson is back in Cleveland who are coming off of a victory over the Chiefs last week. Oakland stunned Denver with JaMarcus Russell coming in late and leading the Raiders to victory. Oakland comes out on top. Raiders 19, Browns 13.

Jaguars (7-7) vs Patriots (9-5)

Dynasties don't last forever. New England has taken a clear fall this year. Over the last few weeks they have looked anything but impressive and have been helped out with some rough opponents. Jacksonville has some talent and are capable of putting up a tough fight. New England puts it all together this week. Patriots 27, Jaguars 17.

Chiefs (3-11) vs Bengals (9-5)

Last week the Chiefs were torn up in the running game and allowed Josh Cribbs to run back two kickoffs for touchdowns. Cedric Benson has had a good comeback season for Cincinnati and the rest of the team has followed. Last week was a tough loss for the Bengals coming off the Chris Henry tragedy. I see them rebounding big and clinching the division. Bengals 31, Chiefs 14.

Texans (7-7) vs Dolphins (7-7)

As far as I see it these are two pretty even teams. The Texans have had an up and down season while the Dolphins have played respectable considering the loss of their starting quarterback. I like the home team here in a close one. Dolphins 21, Texans 17.

Ravens (8-6) vs Steelers (7-7)

Both teams are coming off impressive victories. Baltimore buried the pitiful Bears while the Steelers pulled out some late game magic lead by Roethlisberger's 500 yard performance in a win over Green Bay. This game is always a battle and you can forget about records. This is a great rivalry, once again I like the home team. Steelers 31, Ravens 27.

Bills (5-9) vs Falcons (7-7)

Atlanta showed a lot of heart last week in a final minute win over the Jets. They were eliminated from playoff contention and still drove down to win the game. The Bills are another pitiful team. Terrell Owens has been a non-factor this year in Buffalo. Atlanta should take this one. Falcons 24, Bills 13.

Seahawks (5-9) vs Packers (9-5)

There is no other way to put it, the Seahawks have clearly given up on the season. Their bags are already packed they are just waiting to go home. The Packers lost a tough game to the Steelers last week but in the grand scheme of things it wasn't a big deal. If Green Bay wins out they are in the playoffs. This game is a joke. Packers 38, Seahawks 10.

Panthers (6-8) vs Giants (8-6)

I can't really get a good read on the Giants. They killed Washington last week but it seemed like the Redskins played listless throughout. The Panthers have played better after a rough start to the season. The Giants haven't convinced me yet. Panthers 27, Giants 21.

Buccaneers (2-12) vs Saints (13-1)

There are a lot of bad teams in the NFL this year and the Bucs are one of them. I'm surprised they've even mustered up two victories. The Saints lost to the Cowboys but last week though they will still have home games throughout the playoffs. New Orleans bounces back this week. Saints 35, Bucs 17.

Lions (2-12) vs 49ers (6-8)

The 49ers have played tough this year despite their record. They played a good game against the Eagles last week regardless of the score. The Lions have been a joke for years now but seem to have a franchise quarterback finally. Still though they are a few years away. 49ers 24, Lions 7.

Rams (1-13) vs Cardinals (9-5)

This is not a good division. Although they made a great run in the playoffs last year I don't see the Cardinals as much of threat heading into the postseason. The Rams are an awful team though Steve Spagnola will eventually turn things around, just not yet. Cardinals 31, Rams 10.

Jets (7-7) vs Colts (14-0)

Nobody quite knows what the deal is with the Colts players this week. If they have the game in hand I can see the starters being pulled. The Jets need the game desperately and will play with everything on the line in this one. I see an upset. Jets 21, Colts 17.

Broncos (8-6) vs Eagles (10-4)

The Eagles are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now have been dynamic on offense. They have already clinched a playoff spot and control their own destiny in the NFC East. On the other side the Broncos have surpassed expectations but I'm still not convinced. Eagles 24, Broncos 14.

Cowboys (9-5) vs Redskins (4-10)

In one of their biggest wins in about 15 years the Cowboys shocked the undefeated Saints and won a much needed game. They now control their own destiny in the NFC East with a huge matchup against the Eagles in the final week of the year. The Redskins quit last week and they won't bounce back. Cowboys 31, Redskins 17.

Vikings (11-3) vs Bears (5-9)

The Vikings need to win these games if they still want that No. 2 seed and first round bye in the NFC. Won't be a problem against Chicago who have been one of the bigger disappointments of the season. Vikings 27, Bears 10.

Now I'm Getting Worried

You wouldn't think that the news of Jason Marquis signing with the Nationals would be a big deal for Mets fans. They have bigger things to take care off right? Sure, Marquis is a nice pitcher but he wasn't the answer for their problems was he? The Nationals signing of Marquis may not have looked like much on the surface but it only left the Mets with fewer options and less of a chance of getting anything done this offseason. Marquis was one of the few players this offseason who actually preferred to play for the Mets. He is from the area expressed major interest in wanting to pitch for the team. Sure he isn't Lackey or Halladay but he would have been a nice innings eater for a team who drastically needs pitching. Also, this signing only magnifies the Mets' lack of action. Marquis was important because he would have been a nice addition and he actually wanted to play here and it is starting to seem apparent that Jason Bay and Bengie Molina want nothing to do with the Mets. Bay has had a 5 year deal worth 75 million on the table for over a week now and hasn't gotten back to the team and Bengie Molina is holding out for a three year deal. The Mets need to get something done, and this Marquis signing was just another piece that has gone missing.

December Talks Cease for the Moment

Nobody gave them a chance but Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, at least for the moment, have silenced all critics who've said they can't win a big game and have no chance to make the playoffs. With a 24-17 win over the Saints, the Cowboys now control their own destiny in the NFC East and are in great shape to lock up a playoff spot. I can't remember the last time Dallas won a regular season game with so much on the line. Tony Romo outplayed Drew Brees and the best receiver on the field was Miles Austin. After the game the main target of the Cowboys seemed to be Tony Dungy who was quoted last week as saying the Cowboys had "no chance" to win the game. They silenced a lot of critics last night but it will all be for nothing if they don't show up in Washington next week. That game next Sunday will pretty much be the Redskins' super bowl and I expect them to leave it all out on the field. Dallas can't have a letdown, they can't let this huge win go to waste. For now the critics have stopped, but a loss next week and you'll be hearing all the same stuff we're used to. They can't let that happen.

Bowl Season Is Here

With Christmas approaching the college bowl season is upon us. The normal mixture of waste-of-time games such as UCF vs Rutgers, interesting matchups like Boise St vs TCU, and the cream of the crop like Cincinnati vs Florida or Alabama vs Texas. Bowl season is a great chance t0 see seniors from average football schools like Marshall or Idaho leave everything they have out on the field with the dream of winning their last ever game in that uniform. In some occasions a bowl win could mean everything to a program trying to get over that hump into the big times like Temple, who with a win over UCLA this bowl season could gain a ton of national exposure. With plenty of great matchups let's rank the top 5 bowls.

5. Dec. 26, North Carolina vs. Pittsburgh, Meineke Car Care Bowl

North Carolina probably hoped to have a better season than what their final record ended up being and Pittsburgh had higher hopes of its own. How will they respond after an absolutely tragic loss against Cincy in the Big East finale? Who will have the coaching advantage with Butch Davis up against Dave Wannstedt? I think Pitt takes this but expect a good game.

4. Jan. 1, West Virginia vs. Florida State, Gator Bowl

This game clearly has the biggest story line heading in. Bobby Bowden coaching the final game of his career at Florida State against the team where it all began. There has been some controversy over the Gator Bowl's decision to take Florida State over a more deserving ACC team but I like it. Expect a big effort out of the Seminole's who I think win this game and send Bowden off right.

3. Jan. 1, Cincinnati vs. Florida, Sugar Bowl

A lot of question marks on both sides make for an interesting game here. Can Florida rebound from an SEC Championship game loss to Alabama and can Tim Tebow end his career right? Will Cincinnati be inspired at all after Brian Kelly left for Notre Dame? I expect a high scoring matchup but in the end Florida has too much.

2. Jan. 4, TCU vs. Boise State, Fiesta Bowl

I know there has been a lot of opposition to this matchup but I must prefer this to the alternatives. Instead we'd be having Boise St playing Iowa and TCU playing Georgia Tech, this game is much better. The major matchup here is Kellan Moore, who has been one of the best quarterbacks in the country, against a tenacious TCU defense which is arguably the nation's best. Expect a TCU win.

1. Jan. 7 Alabama vs. Texas, BCS title game

Yea, yea I know. Easy pick. But this game is for the National Championship, based on importance alone this game needs to be number one. You have Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram up against Texas' all-time leading passer in Colt McCoy. I feel as if Alabama is the dominant team here and Saban will have his guys ready to go. I know Texas will come to play but it won't be enough.

NFL Picks: Week 15

I wish I had started this blog a lot earlier in the season, if I had done so then each week I would post my picks and I would have been able to compile a season record. This will be my first week of picks which I will do each Thursday before the weekend including the playoffs. Here we go for week 15.

Colts (13-0) vs Jaguars (7-6)

The starters should play long enough in the game for the Colts to pull out the win. The Jaguars offense has more than have fallen off in recent weeks. Colts 27, Jaguars 13.

Cowboys (8-5) vs Saints (13-0)

The Cowboys' late season struggles have continued in early December. The defense can't make a stop at a big time and the offense has been inconsistent. The Saints are sailing along smooth coming in with an unblemished record. Tough road game for Dallas. Saints 34, Cowboys 27.

Falcons (6-7) vs Jets (7-6)

The Falcons have been killed by injuries in the second half having to play their games without starters in a few positions including Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. The Jets on the other hand come off three straight victories and that defense seems to be back on track. Jets 21, Falcons 10.

Cardinals (8-5) vs Lions (2-11)

The Cardinals are coming off a game against the 49ers in which they turned the ball over 7 times and Kurt Warner didn't have a single touchdown pass. Look for them to turn that all around with a game against the pitiful Lions. Cardinals 34, Lions 13.

Houston Texans (6-7) vs Rams (1-12)

Last week the Texans beat a Seahawk team who didn't show up to play. Schaub and Johnson played pitch and catch all day. Put them up against an abysmal Rams team and expect more of the same. Texans 42, Rams 14.

Patriots (8-5) vs Bills (5-8)

With all the talk in New England about whether or not Randy Moss was trying in the 2nd half against the Panthers this week expect a big game out of Moss. The Bills have battled in most games this year but they don't have enough to compete with New England, even if they aren't the team of a few years ago. Patriots 27, Bills 17.

Browns (2-11) vs Chiefs (3-10)

There have been a lot of distractions in Cleveland recently. Mike Holmgren has shown interest in a front office job and that my spell the end for Eric Mangini. Meanwhile things in Kansas City haven't been much better. Matt Cassel has been a disappointment of late and Jamal Charles has become the Chiefs most dangerous threat. Brady Quinn and the Browns win a sloppy one in KC. Browns 19, Chiefs 17.

Bears (5-8) vs Ravens (7-6)

Speaking of disappointing quarterback play has there been a bigger letdown in the NFL this year than Jay Cutler? He continues to throw interceptions at horrible times and Matt Forte has taken a step back in his sophomore season. The Ravens still have hopes of the playoffs and they don't let the Bears end those now. Ravens 24, Bears 14.

49ers (6-7) vs Eagles (9-4)

San Francisco always plays hard as you can see from their win over Arizona last week. On the otherside the Eagles have been dynamic on offense of recent and look to be rolling along. 49ers keep it close for a half but it won't be enough. Eagles 31, 49ers 17.

Dolphins (7-6) vs Titans (6-7)

The Dolphins have quietly gone about their business this year and are back in contention for a playoff spot. The Titans' chances seem slim, just as they did at 0-6 and look what happened. A real sleeper of a good game this week. Not sure if Vince Young is in or out but either way I like Tennessee here to finally even up their record. Titans 24, Dolphins 21.

Raiders (4-9) vs Broncos (8-5)

Perhaps out of all teams with disappointing quarterback situations Oakland tops the list. JaMarcus Russell has been Leaf-like so far in his career in the Raiders. The Broncos have had a surprisingly good year with Kyle Orton doing enough to get the job done. The Broncos take another step in cementing themselves in the playoffs. Broncos 27, Raiders 10.

Bengals (9-4) vs Charges (10-3)

This is an impossible game for an emotion Bengals team. Traveling to San Diego just a few days after hearing about the passing of teammate Chris Henry will be hard. San Diego's December ways continue. Chargers 34, Bengals 21.

Packers (9-4) vs Steelers (6-7)

The Packers have all but locked up a playoff spot while the Steelers are still holding out hope that they can somehow obtain one. The Steelers need to put forth a big effort this week if they have any chance of playing deep into January. I see the Steelers pulling out a great effort this week. Steelers 24, Packers 13.

Buccaneers (1-12) vs Seahawks (5-8)

Horrible game this late in the season. No appeal whatsoever. I give the edge to Seattle although both teams just want this season to end. Seahawks 17, Buccaneers 14.

Vikings (11-2) vs Panthers (5-8)

Minnesota got back on track last week after a letdown against the Cardinals a week before. Favre has had an unbelievable season up until this point. The Panthers are another one of those teams who can't wait for this season to be over. Vikings 31, Panthers 14.

Giants (7-6) vs Redskins (4-9)

The Giants defense has been terrible of late which directly goes back to the loss of Kenny Phillips in the secondary. Aaron Ross has since moved to safety and the Giants were burned the last two weeks by Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb. The Redskins aren't a powerhouse but I see them being able to put up some points. Like Washington in an upset. Redskins 28, Giants 24.

NFC East Coming Down to the Wire

While the NFC East may not have been all it was cracked up to be coming into the season it still has three teams contending for playoff spots. The Cowboys, Eagles, and Giants are all within two games of each other and currently hold two of the three playoff spots up for grabs. The Eagles currently hold the division lead with a record of 9-4. The Cowboys are barely clinging to the number 6 seed with record of 8-5 while the Giants are a mere one game behind that spot coming into today at 7-4. Three games remaining. While it seems the Giants may be out of luck come the end of the season a closer look suggests they have a much better chance than some people may realize, though they still may fall short. Remaining opponents is the key here, let's take a look at what each team has left on its schedule.

Cowboys- Saints, Redskins, Eagles

Giants- Redskins, Panthers, Vikings

Eagles- 49ers, Broncos, Cowboys

The Cowboys have a tough road ahead. Throw that in with the fact that it's December and things don't look great in Dallas. The Saints are 13-0 and if they are going to get picked off once this year it would be this week. Best case scenario I can see the Cowboys winning 2 out 3 games which wouldn't automatically lock up a spot.

The Giants road is a little less difficult. A divisional matchup with the Redskins on Monday Night is going to be tough game. I can't see the Panthers posing much of a threat and the Vikings may have everything locked up at that point. Best case I can see the Giants winning out but 2 out of 3 seems like a more realistic option.

The Eagles next two games aren't exactly pushovers themselves. The 49ers and Broncos could easily steal a game from Philadelphia and the Cowboys may desperately need the game to make the playoffs. Throw that in with the slaughter that the Eagles dealt the Cowboys in Week 17 last season and you could see a motivated Cowboys team with everything on the line. I can see Philadelphia going anywhere from 0-3 to 3-0, I'm going out on a limb here and saying they will lose 2 out of 3.

If all these things were to happen here would be the final records...

Eagles 10-6

Cowboys 10-6

Giants 9-3

Sorry Giants fans I just can't see it. They have fallen too far and I don't think they have what it takes to climb back into the playoffs. The Cowboys and Eagles lock up the two spots and may face each other in the first round. Both will have a lot of pressure on them come playoff time. Philadelphia fans still aren't thrilled with Donovan McNabb or Andy Reid. They want a Super Bowl, something the franchise has never accomplished. On the other hand down in Dallas Tony Romo continues to hear whispers that he's not a big game quarterback and Wade Phillips needs a deep playoff run for any chance to keep his job. Tis the season.

Let's Not Forget

Halladay to the Phillies. Lackey to the Red Sox. Nobody to the Mets. These events that have transpired over the last few days don't exactly support the promise the Mets made to fans following the 2009 season that starting pitching was their first priority. Names like Jason Marquis and Ben Sheets, which are two of the few remaining options as we head towards Christmas, don't excite Mets fans and nor should they. The uproar in New York has been plentiful. Radio station callers have complained for two days saying things like 'Typical Mets, I'm not surprised, They won't spend the money." As a Mets fan myself I feel the frustrations I just can not support the feelings. Acquiring Halladay or Lackey were moves they had to make and they failed in that regard but to suggest that this echoes similar sentiments is way off base. Let's take a look back at the big splashes team has made since 2005.

In 2005 the Mets signed Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez. Carlos Beltran has become a mainstay of this ball club and one of the faces of the team. He has established himself during his time with the Mets as one of the top center fielders in the game. Pedro Martinez was a move the Mets needed to make following an abysmal 3 year stretch. This move gave the Mets some credibility and would allow for further moves to be made in the following years.

The following offseason the Mets acquired Carlos Delgado via trade from the Marlins and signed closer Billy Wagner. Delgado added a much needed bat to what would become a powerhouse of a Mets lineup. Wagner finally gave the Mets stability in the 9th inning. Something that had been lacking for sometime.

Just a mere two years later the Mets would make their biggest move of the decade with the signing of Johan Santana. Arguably the best pitcher in the game right now. His leadership of the Mets young arms and dominant play on the field has been a priceless asset thus far. He gutsy performance on the second to last game of 2008 season told Mets fans all they needed to about Santana.

Heading into the 2009 season the bullpen was once again a major issue for the team. They needed not only a solid closer but a solid 8th inning man as well. Not only did they go out and sign Frankie Rodriguez to close out games at CitiField but they also acquired All-Star closed JJ Putz to hold down the 8th. While Putz never panned out in New York it was move all fans wanted and at the time they were thrilled about it.

There you have it. To say that the Mets don't spend money and don't get things done would be wrong. They have made more big splashes in the offseason than most, if not all, other teams. They did a bad job on this one and I'll be the first to admit it, but fans should think before they say things because they are clearly wrong.