Author: Matt Wells

27 years old. From New Jersey. I'm a fan of all four major sports, though I know most about football and baseball. Favorite teams: Sabres (NHL), Yankees (MLB). General fan of baseball and football, as well.

NFL General

Buckle Up for the Wild Ride That Is the AFC East Offseason

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date March 17, 2006
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In the past, the NFL has lagged behind sports like baseball and hockey when it comes to the activity that occurs in the offseason. There weren’t many trades or many free agent signings. In fact, the most activity was coaches for bolting for new teams and new surroundings. Those days are gone, and the NFL is now experiencing a free agency period that parallels (and perhaps passes) that of baseball.

Much activity has occurred this offseason, and some teams will be enjoying seasons that surpass those of seasons past. The most dramatically changed division, thus far, is the AFC East, where the Patriots may have their work cut out for them.

If you are a fan of a team in the AFC East, put your seat belt on and enjoy the ride that is the offseason in this wild division.

MLB General

Fan Interference

by Matt Wells

Stealing homeruns. Fighting. Changing the outcomes of games. No, this isn’t the future of sports as we know it. Well, it shouldn’t be, anyway.

This is sports in the past decade. This is fans, paying money to enter a stadium to see a professional sporting event, acting like idiots. These are the fans that ruin the game, whether they change the outcome of a contest or they make a professional athlete fear for his life.

These outrageous behaviors are part of sports history….a very negative part of sports history.

MLB General

How One Trade Made All the Difference

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 28, 2006
6 Comments on How One Trade Made All the Difference

by Matt Wells

In this day in age, it seems that it is very rare for BOTH teams involved in a two-team deal to come out “ahead.” Usually, there is a winner and a loser – one team is better off with the deal, and one team is left to rebuild after the deal, perhaps receiving minor leaguers or youngsters in the deal.

But, hey, who knows? One deal CAN make all the difference, and this was easily illustrated by a trade made before the 2005 baseball season. The two key players BOTH involved helped their team become better – again, this is something that is very rare. One player in the deal made a weak team become stronger; the other player helped his team win a World Series.

Miami Dolphins

What’s Next for Ricky?

Ricky Williams was given another chance. He played the second half of the 2005 NFL season, and he looked good in the public eye. NFL fans were starting to come around once again. Ricky was popular, at least for a while.

Now, Ricky has blown it again.

MLB General

The Rise and Fall of Sammy Sosa

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 16, 2006
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by Matt Wells

I write this article in anticipation of the retirement of Sammy Sosa, whether it’s within a week or whether he plays one or two more seasons. Sosa’s career has been well documented – from his start in Texas up to his decision not to sign with the Washington Nationals today (February 15, 2006).

There is no doubt that Sammy Sosa has had a long, successful career. Up to this point, he has 588 career homeruns, and up until a few years ago, he struck fear into the hearts of every opposing pitcher. This was someone who could hit the ball out of the park in a heartbeat.

MLB General

The Winners- the Losers- and the Neutrals of MLB’s Free Agency Period (NL Version)

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 10, 2006
4 Comments on The Winners- the Losers- and the Neutrals of MLB’s Free Agency Period (NL Version)

by Matt Wells

Recently, I analyzed and summarized the moves made by the American League teams in the current free agency period. Some teams made the “winners” list; the rest were less fortunate.

Now, I analyze the moves made by the 16 National League teams. Once again, there will be winners, losers, and neutrals. Let’s see where your team ends up…

MLB General

The Winners- the Losers- and the Neutrals of MLB’s Free Agency Period (AL Version Only)

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 8, 2006
3 Comments on The Winners- the Losers- and the Neutrals of MLB’s Free Agency Period (AL Version Only)

We’re a little over three months into the baseball’s free agency with not much more time to go. All 30 teams have made at least one move, which is expected in the business. Some, however made much better moves than others.

Without further ado, the winners, losers, and neutrals in 2005-06 free agency. All 30 teams will be analyzed, however (for length’s sake) the first part of my analysis will encompass the 14 American League teams only.

Texas Rangers

Rangers Hope for A More Competitive 2006

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 6, 2006
2 Comments on Rangers Hope for A More Competitive 2006

Ever since the glory days of the late 90’s with Juan Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, and Rusty Greer at the helm, the Texas Rangers have gone south. Their pitching rotation in their division-winning 1998 season wasn’t even that good by today’s standards. Aside from 20-game winner Rick Helling (20-7) and a 19-11 Aaron Sele, the Rangers rotation seemed less than ordinary, with Darren Oliver going 6-7, Esteban Loaiza pitching to the tune of a 3-6 record, and #3 starter John Burkett hitting a 9-13 mark. Ever since then, the Rangers have had poor starting pitching.

Now, those days are gone…as are the faces of the organization. Ivan Rodriguez moved on to Florida; now, he plays in Detroit. Juan Gonzalez is still in the game, but he has all but dropped from the face of the earth. Rusty Greer has retired. John Wetteland (42 saves in ’98) has also retired. Yes, the pitching has gotten progressively worse. 2006 could be the year that all changes.

MLB General

Where Selig Went Wrong with Realignment

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 1, 2006
3 Comments on Where Selig Went Wrong with Realignment

by Matt Wells

I can picture it now. You wake up early for work and open up the sports page of your newspaper. You’re in dire search of those boxscores from last night’s baseball games. While you’re at it, you take a look at the standings.

You see the 30 teams in their respective divisions, but something is bothering you. There are more teams in one league than the other! Something is wrong: 16 teams in the National League and 14 teams in the American League. Baseball is imbalanced. You wonder how something like this happened. I have two words for you: Bud Selig.

Washington Redskins

Skins Poised to Make Move in 06

Post author By Matt Wells
Post date February 1, 2006
2 Comments on Skins Poised to Make Move in 06

The Washington Redskins were essentially left for dead in 2005, predicted to finish in 3rd or even last place (that was assuming the Eagles would be good. Wrong.) After seeing a good start dwindle, they were left for dead with 5 weeks left in the season. Instead, they ran the table and made the playoffs.

Once again, they were left for dead in the wild card round of the playoffs in Tampa Bay. Two key turnovers, a fumble and an interception, paved the way for another shocking victory. The Redskins would finally lose to Seattle a week and half ago; however, the 2006 season is already looking bright because of the addition of Al Saunders.