CLIFTON PARK, NY – Happy Halloween, MTM readers!
Considering today is Oct. 31, I wanted to do something Halloween-related for my weekly column. But what should I write about? Best sports Halloween costume? Who’s the scariest person in each of the four major sports? Oh, the choices.
Well, if I’m being honest, those were really the only things I could come up with. In the end, I decided to go with: Who’s the scariest person in each of the major four sports?
Here we go!
MLB: Aroldis Chapman, Chicago Cubs
I could have went a few different ways with this, but I went with Aroldis Chapman because, as you saw Sunday night, his pitch count can be in the upper 30s and he was still throwing in the triple digits. In fact, Chap touched 100 mph 19 times.
I’ve seen Chapman pitch in person and it’s absolutely jaw-dropping. It’s very rare that Chapman has an off night and he’s a major reason that the Chicago Cubs were able to extend the World Series to Game 6.
Chapman is in for a big payday in free agency, and hopefully it’s the New York Yankees who are cutting that check.
Others receiving votes: Andrew Miller, Cleveland Indians; Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels; David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
NBA: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Sure Russell Westbrook isn’t going to shoot a high field goal percentage this season, but I’m calling it now: 
Westbrook is winning the MVP.
Oklahoma City will still be relevant this season, and it’s mostly because of Westbrook. He’s playing pissed off and showing the world, and Kevin Durant, that he can do this all on his own.
Did Durant make the wrong choice? Only time will tell, but with a trio of 30-point performances, and a pair of triple-doubles, Westbrook and the Thunder are doing just fine.
Others receiving votes: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers; Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans; Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
NFL: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but after watching the clinic Tom Brady put on Sunday against my beloved Buffalo Bills, I had to do it. At age 39, Brady had never looked better.
The Bills front seven gave Brady fits all day, generating four sacks and nine quarterback hits, but it didn’t even matter. Brady picked apart what is an above-average defense with ease, and he’s been doing it to everyone all season.
Brady has passed for 1,319 yards, 12 touchdowns and registered a 133.9 passer rating in four games. It looks like Brady’s on his way to another MVP award. And I hate it.
Others receiving votes: JJ Watt, Houston Texans; Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots; LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
NHL: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby has certainly bounced back from his preseason concussion.
Even with this new youth movement, Crosby proves time and time again that he’s still the best player in the NHL.
What’s scarier than a matchup against Crosby and the defending NHL champs?
Others receiving votes: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks; Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Come back Tuesday for Bangin’ Ben Whitney and please follow us on Twitter at @ByDJEberle & @MeetTheMatts and like our Facebook page, Meet The Matts.
For this week’s video, I had to go with something Halloween. Meet David S. Pumpkins, y’all!
