Author Archives: @flani_23

Hanley’s DFA Almost Makes No Sense

Red Sox Nation took a huge hit yesterday: Hanley Ramirez was designated for assignment. This article hurts to type as I’m fighting away the tears at the same time. It leaves me to wonder why Dombrowski made this move in the first place. There are multiple reasons why, yet these reasons just simply don’t add up.

The Money

Hanley is still owed more than $12 million by the Red Sox. This is now adding on to more dead cap space, as they still have to pay obligations for Rusney Castillo (who is still in Pawtucket), and unfortunately Pablo Sandoval. This leaves the Red Sox with about $45 million in contract figures for players not even wearing a Red Sox uniform. Might as well just have waited until the end of the season to release Hanley.

Pedroia

With Hanley gone, we get the return of Dustin Pedroia. The only issue I have is Hanley was used to bring Perdroia back to the roster. The Red Sox have entertained the idea of placing Eduardo Nunez on the 10-Day Disabled List to make room for Pedroia’s return. This idea could’ve also have sent a reliever, such as Heath Hembree or Bobby Poyner, down to Pawtucket. This move would’ve made the most sense as you don’t lose anyone in the end, with Eduardo receiving time off due to his struggles defensively.

May Struggles

Hanley had a killer April to begin the season. He ended the month hitting a .330 BA with three home runs. May wasn’t too kind to Hanley, unfortunately. His average dropped to .254 and possessed a .708 OPS. Needless to say, his season could be turned around if a team decides to take him in. Maybe if Hanley was taken in with the “Alex Cora BP Method”, he might’ve turned things around quick. This “method” helped spark the bat of Rafael Devers, and slowly but surely Jackie Bradley. But I digress. Hanley also possessed a .571 BA in the postseason last year, which led the team.

Sad Ending

Nobody saw this one coming. The life and energy of the Boston Red Sox is gone and is never coming back. Who knows though? I can guarantee every Sox fan was hurt by this one way or another. I sure was. For Hanley’s sake, he can start fresh and end his impressive career with a new ball club. Maybe the Mets will give him a call (I hope not).

Manny Machado to LA Needs to Happen

The fact Manny Machado is still in a Baltimore Orioles uniform is a concern. Mainly because Machado was predicted to be traded this past off-season. Rumors circulated that Machado could have been dealt to the Yankees, and thank God we avoided that nightmare. So the question is, “If traded, where will Manny Machado land?” That destination has to be the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the timing for that to happen is inevitable.

A Surprise Job Opening

Let’s take a little trip back in time. In September 2015, the Dodgers called up a twenty-one year old shortstop named Corey Seager. Since then, you can say he has been their guy with the bat and in the field. Seager hit .337 in that one month during 2015 and possessed a .949 fielding percentage. In 2016, however, Seager really made his mark. In his first full season, Seager accumulated a .308 BA with 27 home runs and 72 RBI’s. He also took home National League Rookie of the Year honors, a Silver Slugger and an All-Star appearance in 2016 as well. In 2017, Seager was also on the All-Star Game roster and a Silver Slugger award winner for a consecutive year.

So Corey Seager’s pretty good at baseball and has been the backbone of the Dodgers since his emergence in the league. This season however, Seager’s season was cut short due to after being diagnosed with Tommy John and needing surgery which ended his 2018 campaign.  With a huge hole in the Dodgers lineup a move must be made to replace Corey Seager. That move has to be bringing Manny Machado to Los Angeles.

Could It Happen?

Machado, who is now a shortstop, is an ideal fit for the club, and it’s a no-brainer. Machado is entering his final season with Baltimore and is looking to take his talents elsewhere. With Baltimore clearly in a rebuilding stage and the Dodgers possessing one of the top farm systems, it will surely benefit both clubs. With Machado going to Los Angeles, it would provide some bright prospects in the Dodgers organization to benefit a ball club like the Orioles.

Machado replacing Corey Seager is an ideal situation that needs to happen. Although the Braves and Yankees could be possible destinations as well, this deal would seem to make the most sense. If a deal is not made by Los Angeles and Baltimore it would be a waste of an opportunity for both clubs.

Division Predictions: AL East

We FINALLY have arrived at the American League East. A division that should be run strictly by Boston and New York. The talent both teams possess makes these two no doubters to finish at numbers one and two. Toronto and Baltimore will look to play supporting roles in the division. Tampa Bay will be present in the division, but nothing more than mediocre. Here is the outlook:

Tampa Bay Rays

Chris Archer will be the anchor of this ball club. With the loss of Logan Morrison, Chris Archer is the face of Tampa Bay. With Denard Span and Carlos Gomez playing supporting roles, these three are the only ones likely to produce this season.

Baltimore Orioles

The addition of Alex Cobb is huge for Baltimore’s rotation that is led by Dylan Bundy. Baltimore is unfortunately one of those teams that has a hot start, then declines as the season goes on. Chris Davis, Adam Jones, and Manny Machado will be the key players to watch closely this season for the Orioles. The main storyline that will be coming out of Baltimore, “Will Machado be with the club past the trade deadline?”

Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto will be interesting this season. The addition of Curtis Granderson replaces the veteran presence in the outfield Jose Bautista had brought each season. Marcus Stroman looks as good as can be and will be the ace of the staff, despite J.A. Happ getting the ball opening day. Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak anchor the lineup, looking to be the power force in the order. The question out of Toronto, “Will Donaldson stay?”

New York Yankees

The Yankees made the ALCS last season during a “rebuild year”. With the addition of Giancarlo Stanton, they went from a scary lineup to just downright frightening. With the likes of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez included in the core part of the order, they have the best power lineup in baseball. Their problem? Pitching. The two top guys in the rotation are Cy Young candidate Luis Servino and Masahiro Tanaka. Once you get past them it’s a toss-up in regards to consistency. C.C. Sabathia, Sonny Grey, and Jordan Montgomery will look to execute in regards to consistent success in the rotation. Delin Bentances and Aroldis Chapman will be the leaders out of the pen for New York. They have all the tools and necessities to win a title. Can the pitching late in the rotation step up?

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are winning the 2018 World Series. They have the pitching in Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello with a strong supporting cast behind them. New York may have the power, but Boston has the consistency in their lineup that can take them further than the Yankees. Benintendi looks on fire this spring, so we can assume to expect a good amount from Benny this season. Mookie Betts, newcomer J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, Hanley Ramirez, and Jackie Bradley Jr. will look to continue to shine during the season. The acquisition of J.D. this off-season matches Boston up with New York in regards to power and consistency in their lineups. Boston’s key to success to not only the division, but the season: pitching. Boston in 7.

Final Standings

Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees

Baltimore Orioles

Toronto Blue Jays

Tampa Bay Rays

Division Predictions: AL Central

We now arrive at the American League Central. The division has the potential to be the worst in baseball. The loss of Hosmer in Kansas City pulls the Royals out of serious talks of a potential contention. Chicago will be led by the likes of José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada. Detroit has a new manager. The Twins will look to contend for a spot in the Wild Card. Here’s how the division will pan out:

Chicago White Sox

Other than José Aubreu and Yoan Moncada, not much is expected this season from Chicago. James Shields will be the ace of the staff this season, looking to be the leader in that rotation. For Chicago, that’s really all I got.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins are looking to return to the Wild Card game this season with high hopes. Players like Miguel Sano, newcomer Logan Morrison, and Eddie Rosario will look to lead the way in the lineup. The only issue for the Twins again is their pitching. Ervin Santana will lead the staff. Pitching is going to have to step up for Minnesota if they wish to be legitimate contenders for the Wild Card.

Detroit Tigers

It seems every year, we hear less and less about Detroit. They’ve seem to be slipping down a slope that can be easily fixed. Regardless, for right now Detroit will have to hold their own with what they’ve got now. Miguel Cabrera will lead the lineup per usual, along with José Iglesias and Victor Martinez. Jordan Zimmerman will take the helm of the staff followed by newcomer Francisco Liriano. You never know, Detroit could surprise you. Don’t hold your breath.

Kansas City

Kansas City took a huge toll losing Eric Hosmer to San Diego in free agency. Nonetheless, franchise veterans Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez will look to lead a very interesting ball club. Danny Duffy and Ian Kennedy will lead the staff, along with being the keys to their success out of the rotation.

Cleveland Indians

No team in the division will be able to contend against Cleveland. They have all the necessities to contend for a world title, but execution is key. Being bounced in the ALDS by New York should be a huge wake up call for the tribe. Corey Kluber is looking for yet again another Cy Young caliber season. Lindor, Encarnacion, and Jose Ramirez leading are leading an always talented lineup. Yonder Alonso joins the team as a huge acquisition to the ball club. Cleveland is no joke, maybe this season they won’t choke.

Final Standings

Cleveland Indians

Minnesota Twins

Kansas City Royals

Chicago White Sox

Detroit Tigers

Division Predictions: AL West

We have now arrived to discussing the American League, starting off with the West. The American League West will definitely draw some attention this season, with the arrival of Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles. Houston is looking to defend their World Series title as they got even better this off-season. From the veteran presence of the clubhouse in Seattle, to Tim Lincecum, here is a look at the AL West in 2018:

Oakland Athletics:

On paper, the Athletics are considered to be in comparison to “The Island of Misfit Toys”. One look at their roster and you could consider them the favorite to finish dead last in the division for the third consecutive year. SPOILER ALERT: I have them dead last again in the division. Despite having them last, these guys could be a huge sleeper pick in contention for the division. Oakland possesses a great core of young talent that will take the team into a positive outlook for the future. Jed Lowrie (2.77 BA in 2017) will look to lead a young, but very capable lineup this season. Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea look to lead their staff in hopes of a more promising season. Don’t sleep on these guys, but also don’t be surprised if they’re exactly where you expected them to be.

Texas Rangers:

The Rangers will look to contend as always this season with high hopes. They’ll attempt to match up against teams such as Seattle and Los Angeles, but they lack the necessary power they used to possess to do so. Their lineup will consist of guys such as average leaders Elvis Andrus, Delino DeShields, Robinson Chirinos, and Shin-Soo Choo. The always intimidating Adrian Beltre will bring in veteran leadership once again, along with Cole Hamels who will look to lead the rotation. Their pitching including Hamels, Matt Moore, Doug Fister, and Mike Minor may turn out being their strong suit this season.

Seattle Mariners:

The Seattle Mariners could definitely contend for a top spot in the division. They have the pieces in their lineup with Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano, Jean Segura, and newcomer Dee Gordon will look to play their fair share as well. Ryon Healy (Right Hand Surgery) and Ben Gamel (Strained Right Oblique) will look to produce once being returned from the Disabled List. They have all the pieces with the bat, the pitching on another hand is the concern. If Felix Hernandez doesn’t pitch that day, the game is a toss-up. There’s really no “wow” guy I can determine that will match the workload Felix will can handle. James Paxton will be a solid two for the team, but nothing more than that. The Mariners have it figured out with their lineup, it’s up to their pitching if they can step up and make some noise in the division.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

The Angels are definitely worthy of a break out season, and it’s NOT because of Shohei Ohtani. Despite winning the Ohtani sweepstakes, there hasn’t been much noise about the guy. This doesn’t mean he should be forgotten during the season. Give him some time and he’ll produce, trust me. The Angels also have Mike Trout, who’s the best player in baseball right now. Mike Trout will lead the lineup per usual with a supporting cast of Justin Upton, Andrelton Simmons, and “The Machine” Albert Pujols. Ian Kinsler is looking for a bounce back season after hitting a career low .236 BA. Garrett Richards will take the ace role of the staff in his eight season with returners Andrew Heaney and Tyler Skaggs. The Angels will definitely make some noise this season as it looks as if things may be coming together.

Houston Astros:

No question as to who’s going to come out on top of the division this season. The Houston Astros are not only looking to repeat as division champs, but World Series champions as well. They have almost all returners this season with the addition of Gerrit Cole to the pitching staff. Reigning American League MVP Jose Altuve will look to have yet another incredible season at the plate and in the field. Carlos Correa anticipates to be great per usual. Justin Verlander is hoping for another Cy Young worthy season. He takes the lead role in a very talented pitching staff, which includes Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton. They have all the tools to make another title run, or at least go deep into the postseason.

Final Standings:

Houston Astros

Los Angeles Angles

Texas Rangers

Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics

Division Predictions: NL East

The National League East had a sort of weird off-season. The Marlins cleaning house over the winter has made the division weaker. Yet at the same time, the arrival of Arrieta and Santana in Philadelphia have definitely given the division more strength. The Braves provide a young, talented presence that almost equals the Phillies’ talent. As for the Nationals, well they’re the Washington freaking Nationals man!

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are young and determined. Not much noise was made during the off-season by Atlanta. Despite that, you could consider the Braves similar to Philadelphia’s squad. Both teams are developing their young talent. In a rotation led by Julio Teheran, they should be pretty solid throughout the season if they stay consistent. Freddie Freeman will be the anchor of the lineup while No. 1 prospect Ronald Acuña is working on things down in the minors. He will definitely get the call sooner or later.

Miami Marlins

It’s sad to see what happened in Miami. They went from a “division contending” ball club to the exact opposite in one off-season. The losses of Stanton, Yelich, and company really strike a huge dent in their success this season. They’re simply in “rebuild mode” now and if you want my opinion, I don’t expect anything great from Miami this season.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are definitely looking to make a push for the division this season. New members Jake Arrieta and Carlos Santana definitely bring a veteran presence. Along with the return of Pat Neshek, they will look to lead a team that’s still in a “young rebuild mode”. Aaron Nola will be a solid number two for the club if he stays consistent. Rhys Hoskins is probably going to keep hitting home runs.

New York Mets

I think this is a big year for the Mets pitching staff. With a team that added and brought back some talent (Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce), they’re going to need to get back to business. Since the World Series run in 2015, the four leaders of the staff seem to have become flat. The healthiness of the rotation is key to their success. Syndergaard gets the ball opening day, I’m excited to see if he can stay consistent as the Mets’ ace.

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are without a doubt the favorites to win the division. Max Scherzer (16′ and 17′ Cy Young Award Winner) and Stephen Strasburg are looking to dominate as the fearsome duo they are in the rotation. Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy are looking to, yet again, have consistently great seasons. First year manager Dave Martinez will look to have great success in his first year. He can be described as a “bench coach pioneer” as he has been in that role with the Rays (2008-2014) and the Cubs (2015-2017). He looks to bring a championship mentality to the ball club, as he was the bench coach for the Cubs after their iconic World Series win in 2016. The Nationals are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season, and don’t be surprised if you see Harper’s name at the top of the MVP race either.

Final Standings

Washington Nationals

New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies

Atlanta Braves

Miami Marlins

Division Predictions: NL Central

The National League Central should be interesting this season. From the huge additions in Yelich and Cain by the “Brew Crew”, the signing of Marcell Ozuna in St. Louis, and to a very talented Cubs team. They will draw some attention this season as it looks the division just got more competitive.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals definitely upgraded with the acquisition of Marcell Ozuna in the trade with Miami. Ozuna adds power to a lineup which includes the likes of Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler. Martinez is the anchor of the rotation, which includes Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright. The Cardinals added a huge piece in Ozuna and could turn a lot of heads this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The losses of Andrew McCutchen and ace Gerrit Cole definitely have taken a toll on the Pirates. The loss of the two stars puts a damper on their hopes of succeeding within the division this season. Josh Harrison is leading a lineup that has certainly lost a lot of spunk with the loss of McCutchen. However, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco may provide a little help for Harrison in the long run. Jameson Tailon and Ivan Nova will look to take the heap of the load in regards to the pitching staff with the loss of Gerrit Cole.

Cincinnati Reds

The only name to focus on in regards to the Reds is Joey Votto. Votto, coming just two points shy of the NL MVP last season, is looking to have another how you say a very “Joey Votto” type of year. Last season, he slugged 36 homers and 100 RBI’s while compiling an average of .320. He’s definitely capable of topping off numbers like that this season as he possibly may have a shot at another MVP in the future before he finally calls it quits. They also have Billy Hamilton and I heard that he’s the fastest guy in the league or something.

Milwaukee Brewers

Watch out for the Brew Crew this season. Milwaukee added two HUGE additions in Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. This will definitely provide a large impact in the lineup which includes Eric Thames (31 Home runs in 2017) and “The Mayor of Ding Dong City” himself Travis Shaw. The Brewers lineup looks scary this season which is going to be very exciting to watch. All they need is the right pieces in the pitching staff and you have a club that could go deep into the postseason.

Chicago Cubs

Straight up, they’re going to win the division this year. It’s almost no contest if you don’t take the Brewers lineup in account. The addition of Yu Darvish is simply a luxury as it only makes them even better than they already were. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo return as the big threats of a very talented lineup. Which is also compiled of Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell, Wilson Contreras, and Jason Heyward. Ben Zobrist and Albert Almora Jr. (who is entering his third season after hitting .298 last campaign), look to provide their talents in a big way per usual. With a rotation of Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, newly acquired Yu Darvish, José Quintana, and Tyler Chatwood there is no doubt at all the Cubs take the division again this season.

Final Standings

Chicago Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers

St. Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates

Cincinnati Reds

National League West Division Predictions

National League West Predictions

With the season approaching, I think it’s time to start dishing out my division predictions for 2018. I’ll go through each division looking at their pros and cons with my final standings at the end. So here we are starting off with the National League West.

I have to be honest, I was surprised when Eric Hosmer decided to sign with the San Diego Padres. Leaving Kansas City, where he was idolized as their ideal franchise player, was honestly a bold move by Hosmer. He left Kansas City to become the new golden boy of the Padres. Sorry Wil Myers. Signing Hosmer for an eight year deal is not only a great addition for San Diego, but the NL West as a whole.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are heavily favored to once again win the division with basically everyone returning, with the exception of Darvish. They bring back a young ball club lead by the likes of Corey Seager, Yasiel Puig, and reigning ROY Cody Bellinger. Their rotation once again is led by Clayton Kershaw, who is expected to be dominant once again, while reigning NL Reliever of the Year Kenley Jansen takes the helm of the bullpen.

Arizona Diamondbacks

J.D. Martinez signing with Boston was not a huge hit for the Diamondbacks. Arizona is ready to compete for another postseason berth in 2018. The rotation of Zack Greinke, Robby Ray, Taijuan Walker, Patrick Corbin, and Zack Godley will be a key component toward the team’s overall success. Archie Bradley is currently looking to contend as the team’s closer role along with Brad Boxberger and Yoshihisa Hirano. The signing of Alex Avila strengthens their catching core, while Goldschmidt and Lamb will continue to add intimidation in their lineup.

Colorado Rockies

Colorado is also looking to get another taste of the postseason in 2018. After signing CarGO to a one-year deal, the Rockies seem to be aiming to continuing to maintain power within the lineup along with Arenado, Story, and LeMahieu. The concern with the team once again will be pitching. Hopefully the team can boost their rotation before the deadline, but don’t hold your breath.

San Francisco Giants

With the additions of McCutchen and Longoria, the Giants are looking to bounce back at the top of the division after suffering a disappointing 2017. The two newcomers will definitely bring a spark to the lineup, which includes returners Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Hunter Pence. Mad Bum, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija will anchor the staff with a strong bullpen led by Mark Melancon and Hunter Strickland. Simply put, don’t sleep on San Fran in 2018.

San Diego Padres

Finally with San Diego, there’s really not much to say. Signing Hosmer, however, is a huge step forward for the ball club. The fact they posses the #1 farm system in baseball doesn’t hurt either. Freddy Galvis and Wil Myers are looking to stay consistent this season in attempting to spark the offense. The return of Chase Headley brings a familiar face to the ball club and Carter Capps is looking to continue as the anchor out of the bullpen. Don’t expect the Padres to make much noise this season, but they are going in the right direction.

Final Standing Prediction

  1. Los Angeles Dodgers
  2. San Francisco Giants
  3. Colorado Rockies
  4. Arizona Diamondbacks
  5. San Diego Padres

J.D. Martinez Officially Signs with the Red Sox

We Finally Got Martinez

We got him! Finally, after TEN MILLION YEARS of waiting we landed a deal with J.D. Martinez. I have to be honest, I wish I was more excited about this. The guy took FOREVER to sign. So at this point, instead of being hyped up about this signing, I’m just like “Oh, okay. I expected to hear that eventually.” It’s almost like being a kid finding presents your parents got you somewhere in the attic just before Christmas. So the next morning you act all surprised and excited when deep down inside you’re just like “Yeah, that’s cool. I knew I was getting that present anyway.” Kind of sucks to be honest, but hey we finally got him. Life is good. The Red Sox are good. Everything’s great!

J.D. comes to Beantown signing a deal worth 5 years and $110 million with an opt-out after two seasons. Last season with both Detroit and Arizona, J.D. hit a .303 average, with 45 homers, and 104 runs knocked in. Adding to that with a .690 slugging and .376 on base percentages.

Boston needed to get this deal done. Dave Dombrowski has now delivered on his promises every season he’s been here. Price in 2016, Sale in 2017, and now J.D. in 2018. Martinez was projected to sign with Boston the moment the World Series ended, and there was no doubt the deal eventually would’ve been done. Now that Martinez signed the Red Sox can potentially contend against the Yankees and other dominant teams around the league.

The Possibilities Are Endless

With J.D. in Boston there are now so many different possibilities for the team. He wants to be an outfielder in Boston, which could leave to a possible move in JBJ if it comes to it. Then they could move either Benintendi or Mookie to center with J.D. in right. If he is willing to DH it could move Hanley to first, thus benching Moreland. There could even be a possible Hanley deal. Only time will really tell, but this is a huge move for Boston and could really open up a potential World Series bid.

To sum up my thoughts really, it’s hard for me to be excited about this because of how long it took for this guy to sign. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m excited! This is just the piece we needed to contend for the World Series. Not like I don’t think we’re going to win the World Series every year, but this really makes us look like a legitimate threat to the American League. I’m excited. Everyone’s excited. World Series 2018.

Eduardo Nunez Is a Safe Sign

Eduardo Nunez Is a Safe Sign

This whole offseason we have been waiting for the day when JD or our “Plan B” Logan Morrison signs. We seemed to forget about a free agent who’s a familiar face and can be a HUGE help for the club. Yeah, that Eduardo Nunez guy, that’s who I’m talking about. Nunez and the Sox reportedly have signed a one-year deal with a second year option. The 30 year-old infielder is back, and to be honest I would be fine with Eduardo if we don’t get either Martinez or Morrison.

Nunez came to Boston last season in a deal with San Francisco. He spent the second half in Boston doing what he does best: balling out. At the time of the deal he was hitting .308 with four ding dongs and 31 RBI’s. He finished the year hitting .313 with twelve dingers and fifty-eight RBI’s.

Compared to JD and Lo-Mo

Now you can say, “Well JD and Lo-Mo get on base more and drive in more runs!” Well yeah, you can say that, but the hits and average matter. In the situation the Sox are in right now, it’s time to just play it safe, they’ve signed Eduardo, and now we can go from there. With Pedroia out for the start of the season it would only make sense that in a time were you are getting no deals done, you needed to go forward with fixing the needed gaps on the field. After coming to Boston he hit .321 with eight homers and twenty-seven RBI’s. Adding on his speed and fielding ability, Nunez brings the pioneer baseball talent and knowledge that can help the Sox not only in the beginning of the season, but in the long run.

Nunez finished the season in a poor way by injuring his knee during the ALDS against Houston. I personally didn’t agree with the decision to play him and I can say almost every knowledgeable Red Sox fan can attest to as well. It’s alright, because John Farrell’s gone so we don’t have to worry about that happening again. I love the signing and everything about it. Eduardo is a straight up baller and it’s a solid move regardless if we get JD or Lo-Mo.