Bleacher Report - Articles by Mike Palmietto

Bryce Harper: Baseball Prodigy Drops out of High School. Right Move?

Mike Palmietto — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:56:49 -0400

Today, Bryce Harper announced that he will drop out of high school, and go to a community college, becoming eligible to play in the majors at 18.

Harper, dubbed "The Great One" by Sports Illustrated, will take a risk to become the next baseball great.

Personally, after some thought, I agree with Harper's decision, though it is a risky one. Harper will have to avoid injuries, and miss out on a year or two of high school ball. Though he won't have the "thrill" of playing in college, Harper just turned himself into a celebrity overnight. Consider all hopes for a normal high school life for this kid...gone.

Harper has already been noted as help to revive Washington National baseball...we'll see if Stephen Strasburg dosn't bring the Nationals up to the second pick by the draft in two years...

Thinking about it, just the signing bonus of if he gets drafted, will mean Harper is set for life, avoiding injuries, of course.

Now all of a sudden, Harper could be considered one of the biggest major league busts. Anyways, wouldn't Harper being a great varsity athlete mean he will become an MLB great, and land sports magazine covers? Harper, will need to tone his skills more, if he expects to play with the big boys. And high school may be one of the best places to help Harper, not community college.

This makes me think about major league recruiting, and how nowadays, we're coming into a new era, that scouts players too early.

A majority of baseball's stars have been drafted in late rounds, or un-drafted, and being a top prospect in a sport that's so diverse, anything could happen on your way to the majors, and all this hype over one prospect is too much for me.

But maybe he is that good, and can play in the big leagues now. All that I am saying is that all this hype may be over another prospect who will be featured on Bleacher Report's top ten busts of all time.

Eric Mangini's Lucky Mistake

Mike Palmietto — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:17:41 -0500

n Week 15, the New York Jets beat the Buffalo Bills 31-27 after a fumble that was picked up by defensive lineman Shaun Ellis, which he returned for a touchdown.

Before the play, the Jets called a timeout with about 2:10 left on the clock.

It was a very stupid mistake by Mangini. He could have just let the clock run down to the two minute warning, and put his offense in a better position to win.

The Bills, on the other hand, saw this as an opportunity to pass to get the first down, and put the game away.

At the time, it seemed like a very stupid move by Mangini, and Dick Jauron thought he might put the game away, or get a big play.

Mangini also put himself in a tight position not knowing whether it would be a run or a pass.

But the real hero here is Jets' Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton for calling a safety blitz in the situation, and of course the rest is history

Bills Quarterback J.P Losman dropped back to pass, then defensive back Abram Elam forced the fumble, and Ellis picked up the lose ball, and goes in for the touchdown.

Jauron took a lot of heat for his call to pass, but I don't think you could really blame him—it was a free play handed to him straight from Mangini.

If things were different on that play, and, say, Losman completed a 12-yard pass play, it would've been Mangini's fault for calling the timeout, and Jauron would've been a hero.

Well, there ya have it, a dumb decision by Mangini cost the Bills the game.

Milwaukee Brewers: Prince Fielder a Lefty?

Mike Palmietto — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:07:16 -0400

Prince Fielder, hasn't gotten off to the greatest start of the season (lucky me, he's on my fantasy team...), hitting only .241 and striking out 23 times.

But there is one thing that makes me scratch my head—Fielder is a lefty who is doing great against lefty pitchers this year.

Now, you're probably thinking, this goes against every baseball rule I have ever known.

But it's true. Four of his five home runs came against left-handed pitchers. Keep in mind, he has played in 24 games in which he has faced a lefty pitcher, which adds up to 45 at-bats. He has 43 more at-bats against righties.

Now, let's break down the stats. He has an average five points higher against lefties, and a higher slugging percentage as well. But clearly, he is seeing the ball better against righties, with 15 more walks.

Now, let's look into the history books. Historically, he has had just as much power against righties as he has against lefties.

It also proves that he sees the ball better against righties, which is what we would expect—lefties having trouble against other lefties.

Clearly, this is just a fluke, and doesn't mean that he has proved to us that lefties can do well against other lefties. But it will be interesting to see if he keeps it up against lefties this year, and continues to show more power against them.

Not many players come close to breaking this "curse," so I would find it interesting if there are any other lefty batters doing well against lefty pitchers.

Do you know any lefties that do well against other lefties? Talk it up...

NFL Free Agency: Shaun Alexander on the Move?

Mike Palmietto — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:27:26 -0400

One of the top running backs in the league, and for many years the center piece of the Seahawks franchise, Shaun Alexander has almost ten thousand rushing yards, over a hundred touchdowns, and was on a Madden cover.

But, after being unexpectedly released earlier this offseason, he has been looking into other teams. For example, he has visited New Orleans and Cincinnati. There has also been reports that he has talked with the Broncos.

But which jersey will he be wearing next year?

If he were wearing a Saints jersey next year, how does this work?

With Reggie Bush and a past-his-prime Deuce McAllister, where would Shaun Alexander fit into this equation?

Well, I just can't picture it happening and I do not think the Saints will have Alexander for the 2008 season.

Next, the Bengals, with an, in his prime, Rudi Johnson, where would Alexander fit here?

I don't think he would unless the Bengals decided to trade him, but I think that possibility is too remote.

Lastly, the Broncos probably need a running back more then any other of the teams I mentioned, but Travis Henry is a decent back and at times can do damage.

Alexander would fit well into the Broncos roster, too bad that's the one team he hasn't visited yet.

Also, a couple questions for you, who would you rather have on your team, Henry or Alexander, or, Alexander or any of the Saints backs?

Where do you think he will go?

New York Mets: Starting Pitching

Mike Palmietto — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:02:42 -0400

So, prior to the start of the season this year, the one question that everyone has had on their mind was, will the Mets starting pitching, perform?

Now a little more than a month in, the answer so far would be, a big fat no.

With the off season transition to get Johan Santana, being the great pitcher he is, has done well, but for the money we paid to get him, not well enough at all.

Looking at his stats, he is three and two with an under three ERA. Yet he has given up seven home runs, the most on the team, and the fourth most in the league.

But, lets look at the bright side, he has forty-seven strikeouts, also leading the team, and in second in the league, acceptable stats.

Oliver Perez, is doing, terrible, yes, he has two wins and three losses, but what I have seen from him is inconsistency, and poor performance also his walk numbers have gone up, and his ERA is well over four.

Next, John Maine, is actually, not doing bad, he has gotten himself into jams, but has also gotten himself out of jams.

His ERA is well, at three-flat, and is four and two. He has been pitching late into games, and has looked pretty solid, lets hope we can keep it up.

Now Figueroa, worries me terribly. I know he has shown flashes of good pitching ability but with a 4.81 ERA, that's just not cutting it for me.

Mike Pelfery has looked just as bad as Figueroa but, I think the future looks bright for him, and we will just have to wait and see.

With the loss of Pedro earlier this year, due to injury, I think he won't, recover well, and will be in for a rough 2008.

But things could get better, I assume, things will start pointing up for Johan, and I will cross my fingers for Oliver, Nelson, Mike, and Pedro. Things might get better for the Mets, and who knows, the trade deadlines only a few months away...

All stats as of games played on 5/6.

Fantasy Baseball: 5 Sleepers You NEED To Get

Mike Palmietto — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:52:28 -0400

Hi, if you are not doing great in your fantasy league or are just looking for good players, then here might be some players that could help you out.

Mike Jacobs- 1B Florida Marlins

Mike has started the season on fire, he has seven home runs and seventeen RBI's, and trust me he is just getting started.

Mike has a pretty good .288 average and is one of the reasons the Marlins have had a fast start but the question is, will the Marlins keep getting on base, for Mike to drive them in?

Probably not but that won't affect his average or home run total, I guess we will just have to, wait and see.

Over the past few seasons he has been pretty good yet under the radar and now entering his prime at 27 expect good things out of him.

Fred Lewis- OF San Francisco ]Giants

Fred Lewis is hitting for a good average this season, this is his first year of playing everyday, and is a little bit over his head.

Lewis is hitting at .329, is a Gold Glover over in the outfield, and is an open option to anyone,

Lewis is a great option for NL only leagues and probably will cool down but from what I have seen this year he has looked pretty solid.

I picked him up in my league and that week I won in the batting average category, which he could really help in.

Cliff Lee- P Cleveland Indians

You wanna know what sucks? Cliff Lee's 2007 season, he had an ERA over six and was sent to AAA for half the season.

So why is he on this list?

He has had the best start of the season in the league.

For starters, he is 3-0 with an .40 ERA. Not bad. He has twenty strikeouts and only two walks.

So why the great start?

Well he had a great spring training and added some motion to his off speed choices, and velocity to his fastball.

In basically every pitching category so far Lee has been dominating and I may add is leading the league with his .40 ERA.

In some leagues he went undrafted but in my league after I saw his first start I traded the Mets pitcher Oliver Perez to get him and my pitching staff has been among the tops in that league.

Edinson Volquez P Cincinnati Reds

With what Johnny Cueto is doing Volquez is flying under the radar with his 1.21 ERA and is looking strong.

Not riding any bandwagons here but I think this kid, if he gets run support he will have a great season, and heck for a 24-year-old, a great career.

Volquez is 3-0, now a Red after his trade from Texas in the off season and has been lights out.

I am going to wait a little bit till I pick him up though because I am not sure if he is for real yet.

Conor Jackson 1B Arizona Diamondbacks

At the beginning of the season I would not have guess it would be Conor Jackson leading the D-Backs to one of the best starts in the MLB.

With that said, lets take a look at the stats, .359 average with 17 RBI's and has three home runs.

Now this guy was in my free agency at the end of the draft, I picked him up April 16th and my lineup immediately took a jump and he was leading MY team to first place among my ten team league.

Clearly here is a guy who, without a doubt, you need to find a way to pick up or make a trade for. Hell, by the way he is playing I would even trade a guy like Prince Fielder, but I don't think I should go that far this early in the year.

All Stats as of the end of games played on 4/23

Special Thanks To JC Sullivan

NBA: The Big Debate—Kobe or LeBron?

Mike Palmietto — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:53:34 -0400

One of the most debatable subjects in the NBA: Who is the better basketball player, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?

Right now I will go with Kobe simply because he’s been to the playoffs so many times and he wants badly to get to the NBA finals.

Not taking anything away from LeBron, but he played in the NBA finals last season, and he knows he’s got his whole career to win another.

However, when it comes to stats, LeBron has more points per game and more assists than Kobe. The cause—LeBron came into the NBA and started every game while it took Kobe a few years to get started.

If I had a fantasy basketball team and had to choose between Kobe and LeBron, I'd go with Kobe.

If I were the owner of a franchise and had to choose between the two, LeBron would get the seven-year deal. He’s younger and seemingly has more time left.

Now, if you look at the stats this season, though Kobe has fewer points and fewer assists than LeBron, he has a better supporting cast. While LeBron has more points and more assists, his supporting cast is lacking.

Kobe has been named MVP, has won championships, and has been a part of a basketball dynasty. But is it possible that he is on a decline?

NO WAY! He is one of the best players in the league and still gets at least 28 points per game, with Pau Gasol by his side.

Now the question of the day: Who is the better—all around—basketball player?

Kobe or LeBron?

LeBron James. Why? In five years he will be considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Who do you think is better? Comment your choice.

Syracuse Orange Basketball 2008-2009: The Team to Beat

Mike Palmietto — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:03:46 -0400

The Orange have one of the best young point guards in the league. Jonny Flynn has already shown that even as a freshman he is a team leader and acts like a veteran on the court.
Next is Syracuse's recruiting class coming in, Mookie Jones from Peekskill, New York (one of the best small forwards in the country) who, I recently read an article in the Journal News, about how this kid is basketball non stop all his life and his passion for the game.
Mookie played on varsity as an 8th grader for Peekskill and is an amazing hard worker. I think that Jim Boeheim will be very pleased with Jones when he plays for the Orange.
But the one downside is Donte Greene will not be returning to the Orange because he declared for the NBA draft.
Donte is crazy for making this move; he could clearly be an outstanding ball player and a few years with Jim Boeheim would do him favors to.
Donte is a naturally talented kid with a knack for taking way too many shots and to get a little bit too in love with his three point shot.
Also with the two starting juniors coming out next season (Arinze Onuaku, and Paul Harris) will make it hard for teams to get rebounds and to keep up with Syracuse fast paced play.
I also liked what I saw, from Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson off the bench last year and hopefully they will be able to stay away from injuries.
But most importantly Eric Devendorf will be back as a red-shirt junior, hungry for a Big East Championship and a good run in the tournament.
You know that Eric will give it all he has every game, and with the group he has with him, wow what a team.
If they can keep away from injuries and maybe Donte Greene changes his mind, the Orange can be title contenders once again.