The Off The Ball Podcast

Dodgers acquired 1B Adrian Gonzalez, RHP Josh Beckett, OF Carl Crawford, INF Nick Punto and cash considerations from the Red Sox for 1B James Loney, RHP Allan Webster, INF Ivan DeJesus Jr. and two players to be named later. It's clear that the Sox are ready to rebuild and the Dodgers are ready to be a serious World Series contender. I'm shocked the Sox gave up on Gonzalez because he still is a elite player but they felt they needed to rebuild and made the deal. I love the move for the dodgers even with getting a hurt Crawford and a battered Becket but I feel Becket will be a better pitcher in the less potent NL West. Carl Crawford is out till next year after tommy John surgery but if healthy next year he can be a nice piece in outfield with Kemp n Eithier. Getting Adrian Gonzalez to pair him up with Kemp And Eithier in the middle of the lineup will do dividends for LA. Big trade for both teams that will change the playoff picture.

Mr lights out has been released from the Bills. He has been a shell of himself since his hay day in San Diego and with the addition of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson his time was ticking. I think the lights may be off for good for Merrriman but there might be a team who would take a chance on the 28 yet old pass rusher.

Jake Locker has beaten out veteran Matt Hassleback for the starting quarterback job. The titans seem to be building for the future, and with the solid weapons around him (cook, britt if healthy, ck2k and rookie Kendall wright) he can have some success but he must work on his decision making cause he has the arm and mobility to be agreat QB.

Rookie Quarterback Ryan Tannehill named Dolphins starting QB. I wasn't high on Tannehill coming out of Texas A&M but he has showed some flashes this preseason BUT he will struggle with the lack of weapons on offense. It figures to be a long season for Miami and Tannehill but he is the best option they has with Garrard injured and Moore struggling.