PORT JEFF, NY – As we brace for some more snow, I got you covered – that’s a “blanket” joke… Okay, chill. Let’s get get past the icebreakers and right to our talking pionts: Mets Offseason, Red-Hot Johnnies NFL Playoffs.
Mets Offseason
After a lackluster and disappointing Hot Stove Season, David Stearns has turned things around by signing Bo Bichette to a three-year deal and then quickly acquiring Luis Robert from the White Sox. As if that wasn’t enough to reignite hope in the fan base, the Mets pulled off a trade for one of the best pitchers in baseball, Freddy Peralta from the Brewers. Suddenly, the Mets’ roster looks strong and could give fans some real hope heading into the season. Despite losing Alonso, Diaz, and Nimmo, some might argue this roster is even better than last year’s, thanks to the pitching strength and the upside of having McLean and Peralta as the 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.
Red-Hot Johnnies
St. John’s, after a slow start in league play that saw them blow a 15-point lead at home to the struggling Providence Friars, have turned things around under Rick Pitino. As he’s done so many times before, Pitino has rallied his team to five straight wins, including three on the road. Since the loss to Providence, the Red Storm have picked up three Quad 1 victories, showing the classic pattern of Pitino’s teams improving as the season goes on. This squad is starting to resemble last year’s group, which hit its stride at the perfect time. Pitino now has a shot at his 900th career win, which would place him fourth all-time, if St. John’s can defeat Xavier on Saturday — a match-up that pits him against his son, Richard.
The NFL Playoffs
We have reached the championship round, with the Seattle Seahawks taking on the LA Rams in the NFC and the Denver Broncos facing the New England Patriots in the AFC. As far as I’m concerned, the NFC championship could easily be the Super Bowl, with the two best teams in football going head-to-head in what should be an incredible game. My pick is the Seahawks winning 31-27.
In the AFC, the Patriots are back in the championship game for the first time since 2019. The Broncos, missing Bo Nix after a broken ankle and relying on a backup QB, don’t seem likely to pull off a win. I’m picking the Pats to take it 21-10.
Comment below and come back tomorrow for Aristotle “Mugsy” Sakellaridis.
