John's Jargon: 14th Edition

John’s Jargon

From Professional Wrestling to Baseball and Everything In-Between

Bubba’s Bounce Back?

What’s Next For Bully Ray?

By John Napolitano

Is there anyone out there who remembers Bully Ray? Strike that. In the words of Bully himself, “Do you know who he is?” Of course I am talking about the innovator of the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, the 25-time World Tag-Team Champion, and the first ballot hall of famer, Bubba Ray Dudley. Whether you recognize him as the viciously, vitriolic villain Bully Ray, or as Bubba Ray Dudley, one half of, arguably, the greatest tag-team of all time, you definitely noticed him when he blew the roof off of the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia this past Sunday at the Royal Rumble. Bubba Ray was the number three entrant in the 2015 Royal Rumble matchup, and he shocked the entire world as he appeared on WWE programming for the first time in nearly a decade. If you have seen his latest interviews or follow him on twitter, you should know that he is elated to be back with the company and even referred to the WWE as his “home.” As farfetched as that comment may be, the WWE Universe is certainly delighted to have Bubba back in our midst. But will this one off appearance lead to a full or part-time run with World Wrestling Entertainment? Unfortunately, I would imagine that the suits of WWE’s upper management are not aware of Bubba’s work in TNA as Bully Ray and will likely reunite him with his half brother Devon Dudley somewhere down the line. Don’t get me wrong. I, like many members of the WWE Universe, would love to see a Team 3D reunion. But at a time when there is such a glaring lack of heels in World Wrestling Entertainment, who better to take the reigns than Bubba “Bully” Ray Dudley?

Bully Ray was one of the greatest villainous characters in TNA history; now that may not carry much weight with some of you, but his mic work and in-ring skills were second to none when he eventually broke out in TNA. For the entirety of his career, he was known as one half of Team 3D, but Bully Ray really turned heads when he proved that he did not need to be type casted as a tandem wrestler and could cut it on his own. His condescending and egocentric mannerisms were what made him an utterly despicable figure, and that persona is very much needed in WWE today. Bad News Barrett, Rusev, Big Show, Kane, Seth Rollins, and the soon to be departing Brock Lesnar are the only noteworthy heels on the roster as of now, and no one quite has that rugged, gritty, loud-mouthed, and self-centered attitude that Bully Ray is capable of displaying on a weekly basis. His thick New York accent is sure to get under the skin of all members of the WWE Universe, and if you put him in the ring with the WWE’s best and brightest, he is sure to give you one hell of a match.

If he were to start a full-time schedule with World Wrestling Entertainment, he could have amazing bouts with current mainstays of the company, John Cena and Randy Orton. Bully Ray going over on two of the most decorated WWE Superstars of all time would give him the ultimate credibility in order to return the favor to the handful of up and comers. Imagine the clashes this legend could have with the young blood of the current WWE roster. Daniel Bryan, Dolph Zigger, and Roman Reigns could create some real in-ring magic with Bully Ray, while Dean Ambrose and Bray Wyatt could more than hold their own on the mic with him. These young bucks feuding with Bully Ray would give them a worthwhile program and enhance their in-ring resumés at the same time.

Bubba “Bully” Ray Dudley could be a huge asset to the WWE if he is used correctly. He is a surefire hall of famer and someone who genuinely loves this business. Hopefully, his appearance at the 2015 Royal Rumble was not his last on WWE programming. I think it is safe to say we are all ready for Bubba to bounce back into World Wrestling Entertainment.  

15 in '15 (Final 4)

After a few weeks of contemplation I have found four in college basketball teams that are on the highest watch in the new year. As a reminder, this isn't predictions of standings, or the actual Final Four predictions (those may come later), but a list of the top fifteen teams in the country that should be on the basketball fan's radar. We start off the Final Four with #4...

#4 Iowa State Cyclones
Most recently, ISU handed Kansas their first Big XII loss of the year in convincing fashion: an 86-81 victory at home where they have struggled against the Jayhawks, having two losses in their own building. What propelled them to this win was all five of the Cyclone starters collecting a double double and when they run an extremely fast-aced offense that averages the most transitional points out of any major conference, it shows. Iowa State, also the nation's leader in assists per game, took the court in an aggressive fashion the whole season, only falling to one of the best teams in my opinion, Baylor, South Carolina, and the Maryland team that has made it's mark on the B1G. A test of the team's true grit will come when they play five straight games against ranked opponents starting off with Oklahoma on the 9th of February and ending with a contest with the Baylor Bears on the 25th. Freshman Georgies Niang is one part of a triple threat poised to make some noise come March with Naz Long and Bryce Dejean-Jones, the teams top scorers. With almost the exact same PPG, minutes played, RPG, and FG%, expect these three young men to power Iowa State into the Elite 8.


#3 Arizona Wildcats
A preseason Final Four candidate, the Wildcats have been extremely determined to remain that way. After a surprising upset in Vegas to UNLV, the 'Cats rebounded for two dominating wins over rival Arizona State and Oregon. Following a loss to Oregon State, it was easy for Arizona to stick to what they did before the game against the Running Rebels and win. Early season padded games against Oakland and Cal State Northridge were not surprising, but it was nice to see competitive victories against a few ranked squads like San Diego State and a very good Gonzaga team that was extremely impressive when I saw them play last year. (Now obviously some seniors left and they added some guys, but it is pretty much the same team as last year's Maui Invitational tournament championship contender). Chester High School product, Rodae Hollis-Jefferson has proved to Arizona that he is one of the best young athletes in the country. As a sophomore, he averages a double double and is a legitimate threat at the forward position. His strength as a defender and a shooter will match up well against future Pac 12 opponent Jordan Loveridge of Utah. Personally, I see a possibility of an exit of the tournament in the Sweet 16 even though to a team like Northern Iowa but an Elite 8 birth is not out of the question.

#2 Michigan State Spartans
There are a handful of elite coaches in the business. Names like Coach K and John Calipari come to mind but MSU head coach Tom Izzo is definitely on that list of great coaches. With over twenty players in the NBA who came out of Izzo's program, his legacy in East Lansing is legitimate much like his current team's chances of a B1G Championship. Even though they have suffered six losses, only one draws a lot of concern, the L to Texas Southern at home. TSU, by the way, has a losing record and has only won three away games all year (one of which was against the Spartans). That loss shouldn't define a team, but it should be remembered and used to build off of, and that's exactly what Izzo did. Denzel Valentine and Travis Trice, two of the leaders of the team are excellent shooters and need to keep their hot hand and propel their team through the remaining parts of their B1G schedule to try and get to face Maryland again in the conference tournament. If MSU beats Maryland on the road to Chicago, don't be surprised if a 9 seed gets handed to the Spartans.

#1 Duke Blue Devils
The 2014-15 Duke Blue Devils were in an interesting position going into the season; they recruited three stellar athletes that would be starters as freshman. It has happened before, but Coach K is notorious for giving playing time to seniors and veterans of the roster, so having two starters as freshman is a scenario more accustom to John Calipari Kentucky who seem to have endless freshman every year. The adversity was obviously handled well, for the Blue Devils went on a 14-0 run to start the season where they won their games by an average of a little above 21 points as well as they were one of the last three unbeaten teams in the country. This season, Duke has beaten three ranked teams (Micigan State, Wisconsin, and Louisville) plus the defending nation champion UConn Huskies. Tyrus Jones, Jahlil Okafor, and Justice Winslow have all solidified the fact they belong in Cameron Indoor. The trio is impressive for sure, scoring a combined 674 points. Okafor is a projected first overall selection, but with the continued success of the team, it would make sense for him to stay at school and develop. NC State and Miami were two schools that knocked Duke off of their track for an undefeated season. The perfect record wasn't going to happen, but it was a bit surprising when the Wolfpack was able to halt that dream early. The more surprising piece of it all is that the Hurricanes added a second straight loss, especially at Cameron where Duke is historically dominant. Duke holds the top four longest home win streaks in the ACC and the longest non-conference home win streak in the NCAA so obvious dominance in Durham as the Crazies often call it the #HardestRoadGame. Either way, Duke has found a way to win this season, and they will continue on to a national championship, or well, that's at least what this Devils fan thinks.


Your team not on this list? Tweet @SBCHive or find us on Facebook and get in on the conversation!

Nightengale's Take on 2015 Baseball HOF

An excellent article was brought to y attention the other day by my grandpa, and I couldn't think of a better place to share it, then the SBCHive. All credit goes to Bob Neightengale of USAToday.com for an extremely well-written aricle.

They had the most hazardous job in all of baseball.

They were pitchers, smack in the heart of the steroid era.

It's only fitting that in this new era of pitching dominance, baseball welcomed in three of its pioneers Tuesday, who thrived during the most difficult pitching conditions in baseball history.

USA TODAY

Johnson, Martinez, Smoltz, Biggio elected to Hall of Fame

Welcome to the Hall of Fame: Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz, elected just a year after Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine.

It's the first time in history that three pitchers were voted into the Hall of Fame in a single season.

And with second baseman Craig Biggio joining the club, it's the first time since 1955 that four players were elected in a single ballot.

Yet, with apologies to Biggio, this ballot was all about the pitching.

Johnson, Martinez and Smoltz were among the preeminent pitchers at a time when juiced hitters that produced cartoon numbers dominated the game.

They won nine Cy Young awards, led the league in strikeouts 14 seasons, and won nine ERA titles.

USA TODAY

Pedro Martinez's election should begin wave of Dominicans into Hall of Fame

They stand from Johnson, 6-foot-10, the tallest man ever inducted into the Hall of Fame, to Martinez, 5-foot-11, the shortest right-hander to be inducted, and Smoltz, 6-4, the greatest hybrid pitcher who started and relieved.

"Can you imagine if those guys pitched in today's era,'' former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone told USA TODAY Sports, "and not when hitters were doing what they were doing. They wouldn't give up a run.

"It was a different game back then. The game isn't close to being what it was when they pitched.''

A juiced game, when bulked-up hitters were bashing 60 or 70 home runs, and driving in 100 runs by the All-Star break, and crooked numbers dominated the scoreboard.

This past year, with drug testing fully implemented, and amphetamines now banned, just one player - Nelson Cruz - hit 40 home runs.

There was a reason why Bert Blyleven was the only starting pitcher to be inducted from 2000 to 2013, with his career ending before the steroid era.

We've now had five starting pitchers earn Hall of Fame berths in a two-year window.

It should be six, of course, but Roger Clemens and his seven Cy Young awards remain on the outside looking in, his career shrouded by the steroid controversy. The same, of course, goes for Barry Bonds, baseball's all-time home run king who's considered one of the greatest players since Babe Ruth.

"It's actually sad to be honest,'' Martinez said. "I feel sad for them they're not going to be with me. I know they were special players, people I admired.

"I had probably more than one reason to do it. I could have gone the short way. But I did it clean. I did the right way. You have to respect the game. You have to respect yourself. You have to respect your family.''

It would have been easy for any of the pitching triumvirate to complain about the injustice of competing during the steroid era. Mistakes weren't landing in the outfield for singles. They were clearing the fences, even stadiums, for homers.

Yet, none of them ever publicly complained about pitching during this time.

Smoltz says he actually began letting his feelings known about baseball's steroid problem in 2000, but only in private conversations, never making it a public vendetta. He always hoped there would be changes, and the implementation of a drug-testing policy. He just never imagined that it would now be the most comprehensive in American team sports, thanks to the union and baseball management.

"I tried to find different ways to make my point,'' Smoltz says, "because I cared and loved the game for so long. I just didn't think we could get to this point.

"he game has found a way to show the legitimacy to show the fans whether what they were watching is legitimate or not."

FOR THE WIN

After missing by two votes, Craig Biggio makes the Hall of Fame on his third shot

The only trouble now, of course, is weeding through future Hall of Fame ballots and determining who was clean, and who was dirty. There will be plenty of attention focused this next year on catcher Mike Piazza, who has admitted to androstenedione, which was not banned by baseball at the time. He drew 69% of the votes, and is a strong candidate to be elected next year with center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. and closer Trevor Hoffman.

"I realize the fans and media have hard time determining,'' Smoltz says. "Hopefully in time, it becomes clearer for all parties involved.''

If nothing else, the Hall of Fame logjam is now clearing.

John Smoltz had 213 wins and 154 saves in 21 seasons.(Photo: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports)

Just two years after no one was elected, drawing heavy scrutiny that the Hall of Fame voting process was broken, we've elected seven players in the last two years, with another three likely next year. We had 51% of the writers voting for the maximum 10 spots compared to just 22% in 2013.

The biggest remaining question now will be whether anyone with links to steroids will ever be inducted. Mark McGwire (10%) and Sammy Sosa (6%), baseball's heroes back in 1998, are clinging to dear life on the ballot. The candidacy for Bonds (36.8%) and Clemens (37.5%) remains at a stalemate, with the needle barely moving.

"I don't know what guys were doing, all I know is that it wasn't part of my life,'' says Biggio, the first Astros' player elected, who wept after being informed of the news. "Other choices players made, that was their choice.''

Just as it's the choice of voters to decide on the fate of Bonds and Clemens.

So far, no one's budging.​

Follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale

PLAYER	VOTES	2015 PCT.	2014 PCT.
Randy Johnson	534	97.3%	1st Year
Pedro Martinez	500	91.1%	1st Year
John Smoltz	455	82.9%	1st Year
Craig Biggio	454	82.7%	74.8%
Less than 75% of vote, but still on ballot.
Mike Piazza	384	69.9%	62.2%
Jeff Bagwell	306	55.7%	54.3%
Tim Raines	302	55.0%	46.1%
Curt Schilling	215	39.2%	29.2%
Roger Clemens	206	37.5%	35.4%
Barry Bonds	202	36.8%	34.7%
Lee Smith	166	30.2%	29.9%
Edgar Martinez	148	27.0%	25.2%
Alan Trammell	138	25.1%	20.8%
Mike Mussina	135	24.6%	20.3%
Jeff Kent	77	14.0%	15.2%
Fred McGriff	71	12.9%	11.7%
Larry Walker	65	11.8%	10.2%
Gary Sheffield	64	11.7%	1st Year
Mark McGwire	55	10.0%	11.0%
Sammy Sosa	36	6.6%	7.2%
Nomar Garciaparra	30	5.5%	1st Year
15 yrs on ballot, will not be on next year's ballot
Don Mattingly	50	9.1%	8.2%
Less than 5%, will not be on next year's ballot
Carlos Delgado	21	3.8%	1st Year
Troy Percival	4	0.7%	1st Year
Aaron Boone	2	0.4%	1st Year
Tom Gordon	2	0.4%	1st Year
Darin Erstad	1	0.2%	1st Year
Brian Giles	0	0.0%	1st Year
Jason Schmidt	0	0.0%	1st Year
Cliff Floyd	0	0.0%	1st Year
Jermaine Dye	0	0.0%	1st Year
Rich Aurilia	0	0.0%	1st Year
Tony Clark	0	0.0%	1st Year
Eddie Guardado	0	0.0%	1st Year

Courtesy of BBWAA, Baseball-Reference.com

John's Jargon: 13th Edition

John’s Jargon

From Professional Wrestling to Baseball and Everything In-Between

What Can We Expect in 2015?

The Three Matches We Need to See at WrestleMania XXXI

By John Napolitano

The fifteenth year of the first century, within the second millennium Anno Domini is already underway, and that means the atmosphere, once again, is going get hectic in World Wrestling Entertainment. Every New Year in the WWE brings about an exciting stretch of innovation and content creativity known as the Road to WrestleMania. This exciting time period takes place between late January and late March in order to generate optimal excitement for the “Show of Shows,” the “Granddaddy of them All,” and the “Showcase of the Immortals,” WrestleMania. Seeing as though we are on the precipice of the Road to WrestleMania, I see no better opportunity to ponder, nay, demand what contests should take place on the biggest stage in entertainment, WrestleMania XXXI.

The year 2014 was a year of transition for World Wrestling Entertainment. A handful of superstars, such as Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, and Roman Reigns, have been scratching and clawing for the proverbial upcoming main eventer spot that was vacated by an injured Daniel Bryan at the start of the year. Daniel Bryan cemented his name as the next top guy at WrestleMania XXX, but an untimely neck injury left him on the shelf for the remainder of 2014 and left us with yet another year of Randy Orton, Triple H, John Cena, and Brock Lesnar running the show. I wish to take nothing away from these future Hall of Famers, but their combined presence made 2014 feel more like 2004. Don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating that a new main event caliber superstar be created every year, but combined and individually, Randy Orton, Triple H, John Cena, and Brock Lesnar have participated in nearly every WrestleMania Main Event since WrestleMania XVIII in 2002 (Aside from WrestleMania XXIV in 2008 and WrestleMania XXVI in 2010). It is more than time to harvest this young crop of talent and have them takeover as the future of World Wrestling Entertainment. Without further ado, I present the three matches we need to see this year at WrestleMania XXXI.

            Randy Orton and Seth Rollins have had their fair share of tension, and then some, ever since the disbanding of the S.H.I.E.L.D. and Rollins’ jump to The Authority in June of 2014. Monday Night Raw simply has not been big enough for the two of their egos, which is what led Seth Rollins to turn on Randy Orton in early November. Orton has not been seen on television since this brutal bashing at the hand of Seth Rollins. Undoubtedly, Orton will be gunning for the “Undisputed Future of the WWE,” Seth Rollins, upon his return later this month. These two superstars could put on an awesome bout at WrestleMania with superb spots, amazing aerial action, and a fantastic finish. This program might just have the most history behind it out of any of the other potential WrestleMania programs, as it dates back to June, which is why we need to see this match happen at WrestleMania XXXI. The outcome of this contest does not matter. If Orton were to claim victory, Rollins would simply move on to cash in his Money in the Bank contract soon after. If Rollins were to claim victory, it would surely emphasize his ascension to the top of the mountain.

            The United States Champion and Russian Renegade, Rusev, has been on a total path of destruction since debuting the night after WrestleMania XXX. He has yet to be pinned or submitted in one on one competition. I only see it fit that this ultimate superpower goes one on one with the face of the WWE, John Cena; however, this match can be in no way reminiscent of WrestleMania XXX when John Cena defeated the “Eater of Worlds,” Bray Wyatt. If Rusev is to cement his legacy as the most vitriolic of villains, then he will, without question, have to vanquish the “Leader of the Cenation,” as there is no logical reason for John Cena to defeat Rusev. I feel that these two forces can put on a better performance than Cena and Wyatt, and tell a better story in the process. If John Cena really wanted to give back to the business, this bout could be even contested for the United States Championship in order to give the title significance. Rusev is definitely ready for that final push into the spotlight, and a victory over John Cena will be more than enough to get him there.

            Ever since I witnessed Daniel Bryan’s phenomenal promo on the final Monday Night Raw of 2014, it has been my sincere and honest opinion that there is no one else in World Wrestling Entertainment who should take the WWE World Heavyweight Championship off of Brock Lesnar other than the “G.O.A.T.” This is the same man who just one year ago overcame The Authority, wrestled two five-star matches in one night, and won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Albeit, Brock Lesnar’s utter dominance of the Undertaker and John Cena in 2014 makes it hard to envision Daniel Bryan successfully besting the “Beast Incarnate,” but if there was ever an underdog to get behind, it’s Daniel Bryan. This year, it is Daniel Bryan’s turn to win the Royal Rumble and head into WrestleMania XXXI with his sights set on Brock Lesnar. This will give Daniel Bryan the ultimate credibility and make it feel as though the WWE is not just trying to manufacture new stars every year, but really willing to invest in Daniel Bryan. If CM Punk could put on a competent bout with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2013, then Daniel Bryan could do the same. I do not know how, but I know for a fact that Daniel Bryan needs to beat the “Beast.” Of all the potential directions to take on the Road to WrestleMania, this route must be taken, and we need to see this match at Levi’s Stadium this March at WrestleMania XXXI.

2015 NFL Draft: 1st Round QB's

  Even though the NFL and NCAA seasons have not yet come to an end, all eyes are soon to turn to the NFL draft. And where will the most attention go to? The most important and dynamic position, Quarterback. Two names headline this years draft. Marcus Mariota out of Oregon, and Jameis Winston out of Florida State. These two are sure fire first round QB's, but the only question is.... What teams will draft them?
 
      First off, what teams need a new QB in the first round? The Tampa Bay Bucs desperately need someone at the helm of their offense, after their stint with Josh McCown didn't pan out like they planned. Mike Glennon didn't show up like the Bucs would have wanted either. The two had a combined 3,623 passing yards, 21 TD's and 20 INT's, with six fumbles over the 16 game 2014 season. Obviously these two aren't getting it done. Mike Evans needs a high quality quarterback slinging TD passes to him on a game-to-game basis. Who should they draft? Marcus Mariota. This Heisman winner is exactly what a developing team with potential, like the Bucs are looking foo. LOW TURNOVERS. In his three year career at Oregon, Mariota had a total of 13 interceptions. And in his Heisman winning 2014 season, he had three interceptions. If the Bucs want any chance at competing for the once strong, now weak NFC south, they need Mariota to take care of the ball, which he has proven time and time again that he can do. On top of low turnovers, this kid can score. This past season, Mariota totaled 55 TD's, with 15 of them on the ground, and 40 in the air. His playmaking ability and being able to extend the play with his feet is a perfect fit for Tampa. If Mariota spends his rookie year with the Bucs, be sure to expect some Evans to Mariota connections!
 
     The next team who needs a QB desperately is the Tennessee Titans. For years now they have struggled finding a solid QB who can produce game in and game out. Jake Locker can't stay on the field. Charlie Whitehurst provided for the team, but he hasn't truly shown he can consistently win for the Titans. Zach Mettenberger had an interception in every game he started, so how does anyone know if he's ready for the big time after only playing seven games. The Titans are a team with not a ton of weapons, so they need someone to bring life to the offense. Who better than Jameis Winston? In the situation the Titans are in, where they need any sort of spark in the system, I would put aside any off the field concerns and draft Winston. He was a Heisman winner in 2013, and even though he lost his number one target, Kelvin Benjamin to the 2014 draft, he still dropped a 3,907 yard passing season, with 25 TD's. Winston is a guy who the Titans should take a chance on. If Winston doesn't pan out, then they have Mettenberger as a safety net. But, if I were the Titans, I would offer up Jake Locker to a team like the Texans, who need a solid backup who can step into starting at anytime, for some offensive weapons, or defensive insurance.

    Many people think that the Jets need to draft a top ranked QB. I say no. Geno Smith had a few ups and downs, but the month of December served him well. He passed for over 1,000 yard, and had six TD's, and three INT's. From October on, Geno only improved, having a 97 QBR for the last two months of the season. The Jets need to hold onto Geno, and trust that whoever they bring in to replace Rex Ryan will develop him, like Rex couldn't. What should they do in the draft then? I see a CB as their number one need. Now, they could draft a corner at six overall. But, a viable option for them would be to trade down into the middle teens of the draft, and rack up some quality talent to buff up their offensive line. Nick Mangold is a keeper, but the rest of the offensive line is hindering the Jets' ability to score. Trading down, gathering up some extra talent, and acquiring a CB like Ifo-Ekpre Olomu out of Oregon, or Kevin Johnson from Wake Forest.