Mandatory Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/Reuters

If you’re anything close to a football fan you have probably heard of the name of New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. Chances are if you were one of the 120.8 million viewers who viewed the immaculate Patriots’ comeback to defeat the Seattle Seahawks, you probably know who Butler is as well.

Butler, 25, attended the University Of West Alabama, a school containing a Division II athletic program. Prior to his collegiate career at West Alabama, Butler attended Vicksburg High School in Mississippi; during his time there, he only played the sport of football during his freshman and senior years. The recruiting process was not luxurious to Butler, therefore he took his talents to a community college.

His career at Hinds Community College would be short-lived due to him being kicked out of school in 2009. According to Providencejournal.com, there has been no confirmation of the specific reasoning, but Butler’s only arrest record included possession of paraphernalia.

Where does a man go from here? After being kicked out of an educational environment, as well as a football environment, it would be hard to imagine to be consistent in your dreams.

Soon enough, Butler was working at a local Popeyes, a fast-food chain, and took classes at Alcorn State University. It seemed Butler was facing the typical dilemmas normal college students face; that being financial issues, time management, and an independent nature.

The aspiring student at the time in Butler was not enough to fulfill Butler’s desires.

“That just made me realize how bad I wanted it and how bad I really needed it,” Butler said. “You don’t know how good it is until it’s gone” (Providence Journal, Daniels).

By the next semester in autumn, Butler was invited back to Hinds Community College to participate with the football team. Eventually, Butler would go on to play well enough to transfer to West Alabama, the start of his soon-to-be NFL career.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Joe Chance, UWAAthletics.com

At West Alabama, Butler provided collegiate coaches, as well as NFL coaches, something to talk about. Some regarded the evolving safety to be one of the best, if not the best, in the Gulf Coast Conference, according to CSMontier.com.

By the time Butler’s name was around the Division II atmosphere, West Alabama received a call from New England Patriots special teams coach Joe Judge. One thing led to another and the Patriots had signed the defensive back to a contract as an undrafted free agent.

What could you expect from the 24-year-old at the time? Coming in at a minimal 5’11”, 190 frame it looked as a body count move for the Patriots, at the time. Although his name was not as popular as Darrelle Revis or Brandon Browner, Butler manager to fight for a roster spot and soon started a game in the preseason, specifically against the Philadelphia Eagles. It should be noted that Butler not only made the team, but it was due to his tremendous play in training camp by deflecting passes, forcing fumbles, and picking the opposing quarterback off.

Mandatory Photo Credit: NFLRush.com

His impacts continued throughout the regular season, after making the team. Aside from Super Bowl XLIX, Butler was placed on a few people’s radars following the Patriots game against the Denver Broncos in Week 9. Mastermind quarterback Peyton Manning eyed Butler and immediately tested the rookie. The rookie would line up against founded wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and would give him his money’s worth. By the end of the game, Sanders would total 151 yards on ten receptions; keep in mind a good portion of those yards came when Butler was not on Sanders.

The importance of game time playing was enough, but to garner the Patriots trust was even more. The Patriots, or any organization, would know that any quarterback would test a rookie defensive back, but for the Patriots to trust their rookie speaks volumes.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Getty Images/Mike Ehrmann

As the Patriots achieved their Super Bowl berth, Butler remained a focal point due to the mismatch the Seahawks provided the Patriots with in cornerback Kyle Arrington on Chris Matthews. Butler was implemented and made terrific plays around the field.

The coverage provided by the, then, rookie seemed astounding, especially on Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson‘s throw to Jermaine Kearse to set-up a red-zone threat late in the fourth quarter. Kearse bobbled the pass and fell to the ground in what was great coverage by Butler, but the ball landed in Kearse’s hands leading to a completion. Nothing could have been done more for the rookie in that situation. Butler’s ball skills were proved to be polished, as he was able to get his hand on the ball four out of six times at the Super Bowl, including Kearse’s miraculous catch.

In what could be the most controversial call in NFL history, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and company decided to throw it on the one-yard line. The rest would be history as Butler would read the play – the same play the Patriots reportedly practiced prior to the Super Bowl – and solidified the interception; the event would lead to the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl championship in the 2000 era. Butler would be soon known as the Super Bowl hero.

The calendar has turned and, as the Patriots would say, it’s on to 2015. Yes, the Patriots were crowned as 2014 champions with the aid of Butler’s tremendous game clinching interception, but now Butler seems in line for the starting job at the corner back position.

The secondary has been depleted since the end of the 2014 season; Revis bolted back to the New York Jets, Browner was released and signed with the New Orleans Saints, Arrington was released and signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and Alfonzo Dennard was released and signed with the Arizona Cardinals, only to be released again.

Do analysts and a variety of football fans have the right to be skeptical about the concerning Patriots’ secondary? More than likely. In fact, Patriots fans should be too. However, the silver lining should be Butler and his raw talent.

Does Butler need to improve to provide the NFL and viewers around the league with more than what many see as a one-hit wonder? The answer is an overwhelming yes, but many should note that Butler is nowhere near a one-hit wonder, even to current date.

The key component to improving, according to Patriots cornerback coach Josh Boyer, is to play at the pro level and being familiar with the system the defense is running. Butler should be given that opportunity in the upcoming 2015 season.

Should Patriots fans be overconfident in Butler? No, but as stated earlier, the silver lining for the Patriots’ secondary should be safety Devin McCourty and the emerging Butler.

Mandatory Photo Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

During the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, the Patriots defense held the Packers’ starting offense to limited points and consecutive red-zone stops. In a variety of plays Butler played a crucial aspect to stop Aaron Rodgers‘ and company from putting points on the scoreboard.

Playing with Revis, Browner, and the entirety of faces on the 2014 Patriots defense has aided Butler’s knowledge of the game.

The concerning focus for Butler should be living up to expectations. Following the Super Bowl he mentioned that he felt overwhelmed and hopes that the interception would not depict in career. The only person who can change that would be for the 25-year-old Butler in 2015.

The post New England Patriots: Who Is Malcolm Butler? appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

The NFL is constantly looking for ways to change the game. Of late, running backs have altered the game for the foreseeable future. Below are the projected top ten running backs for the 2015 season, noting impact to their team, as well as statistics.

10. Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens

Justin Forsett came onto the scene in 2014 like no other. The Baltimore Ravens have lacked a true running back following the Ray Rice dilemma in early in the 2014 season. Forsett viewed the indefinite suspension to Rice as an opportunity.

In 2014, Forsett rushed for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition to those statistics, Forsett also averaged 5.4 yards per carry, most among running backs.

2015 should look no different for Forsett and the Ravens. After reaching the AFC Divisional Round, Forsett continued his success by rushing for 129 yards on 22 attempts. Forsett’s motivation and story is one to admire, as well as contribute to his future success.

9. C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos

After the Denver Broncos lost Knowshon Moreno to the Miami Dolphins, they were in search for someone to step up. Initially it was supposed to be Montee Ball, but he suffered an injury. Ronnie Hillman followed, but was soon injured. Lastly was 24-year-old C.J. Anderson. Anderson has opened eyes in Denver, as well as around the league.

Anderson played in 15 games in the 2014 season and has added another dynamic level to the Broncos’ offense. With Peyton Manning at the helm, having a dominant rushing game aids Manning and the offense as a whole.

The 24-year-old rushed for 849 yards with eight touchdowns on 179 attempts. Looking forward to 2015, the Broncos should expect Anderson to be their three-down back. Adding Hillman and Ball should be purely for change of pace due to Anderson proving himself in the 2014 season.

8. DeMarco Murray, Philadelphia Eagles

How could the leading rusher in all of football be ranked eighth just a season later? The answer is simple; a change of teams. DeMarco Murray has all the talent in the world, and will remain a premier running back in the 2015 season. Replicating his 2014 numbers will be difficult for anyone to do, let alone himself yet again.

Murray exploded during the 2014 season. Some of that credit must go to the Dallas Cowboys offensive line. In 2014, Murray rushed for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 attempts. In addition, Murray averaged an astonishing 115.3 rushing yards per game.

So how could Murray fall back to eighth? After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Murray has given up the luxurious Cowboys’ offensive line. Keep in mind, Murray has had a history with injuries and fumbling the ball as well. The positive aspect is that Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles will accompany Murray in Philadelphia, easing the wear and tear on the reigning rushing champion.

7. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Arian Foster is one of the most dynamic rushers in the NFL. He has the intangibles to wreck havoc among almost any defense. The main issue has been his health. Foster has played a full season -16 games- only twice in his six year career. The last time it occurred was in 2012 where he rushed for 1,424 yards and 15 touchdowns.

If Foster remains healthy for the 2015 season, you could expect the 28-year-old running back to provide spectacular numbers.

6. LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills

During the off-season LeSean McCoy’s name has been fluttered around the league. First, it started with the 27-year-old being traded to the Buffalo Bills, in stunning fashion. Later it was brought up that McCoy was hosting a party that was only permitted to women; strange.

Nonetheless, McCoy remains poised to bounce back from, what many have called his 2015 season, disappointing. In 2014, McCoy rushed for 1,319 yards and accumulated five touchdowns.

Now under head coach Rex Ryan, McCoy should be expected to be vital to the Bill’s offense. Their quarterback situation remains hazy, but with a dominant run game and solidified defense, the Bill’s could become a threat to the AFC East.

5. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers look poised for a tremendous 2015 season. Led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers offense is lethal. Of recent years, the addition of Eddie Lacy has installed another dynamic level to their destructive offense.

Lacy has been consistent throughout his short two-year career thus far. In 2014, Lacy rushed for 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns behind Rodgers.

Looking forward to the 2015 season, Lacy should continue to play a prominent role in the Packers’ offense behind Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy.

4. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

It could be argued that Jamaal Charles is the most agile running back in the NFL. His rushing abilities alone are prolific, but his passing threat in what makes him unique.

In 2014, Charles rushed for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns. Through the air, via passing, Charles accumulated 291 yards and five touchdowns.

Charles has been a vital key to the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, noting that no wide receiver recorded a touchdown in 2014. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin and emergence of Travis Kelce, Charles could see less pressure on himself, thus providing an outlook of a positive 2015 season.

3. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Le’Veon Bell was arguably the best running back in football last season. In his second season of his career, Bell took the NFL by storm by rushing for 1,361 yards and eight touchdown. Not only did he contribute on the ground, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an additional target in the backfield in Bell. Through the air, Bell totaled 845 yards and three touchdowns.

Looking forward to the 2015 season, Bell was initially suspended for three games, but it has since been reduced to two games. Even with two games down, one can assume Bell to be a major contributor to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, as the young running back has stated he wants to be more involved in the passing game.

2. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Marshawn Lynch is the most dependent running back in the system he is in place with. The Seattle Seahawks have been a run first team since Lynch had arrived in 2010. Since then, Lynch has rushed for 5,930 yards in five seasons.

Although it was rumored that Lynch could potentially retire this season, or next, he will remain a vital asset for the team’s offense in 2015. No other team relies on their running back than the Seahawks do with Lynch.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

It’s tough not to choose Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson here. Coming back from being put on the commissioner’s exempt list and being suspended, Peterson seems to have every muscle in his body ready for football.

The last time Peterson was out for an extended period of time was due to a torn ACL. The following season Peterson would threaten Eric Dickerson‘s single-season rushing record, falling nine yards shy of the record.

Situations are different now; Peterson has not suffered an injury, but has been revolved around off-field issues. Fact of the matter is, Peterson is focused on football and has publicly stated that he intends to break the single-season rushing record; it’s a scary thought.

The post Projecting the NFL’s Top 10 Running Backs appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Yard Barker

NEW YORK – Training camps are underway for the New York Jets and all eyes are set on a bounce back season. Yet, there remains scattered thoughts elsewhere in regards to priorities. Defensive end Sheldon Richardson was most recently charged, on July 14, with resisting arrest and various traffic violations due to his speeding.

During the extravagant scenario, Richardson was reportedly speeding and reaching a top speed of 143 mph. In addition, Richardson has several other individuals in his car, including a 12-year-old boy in the back seat.

The complications do not end there; Richardson was asked to get out of the vehicle at gunpoint due to the police officer’s demands, but seemed to reach for something below. Later, the police officer, known as Tim Lohmar found a loaded semi-automatic handgun beneath Richardson’s driving mat. It was confirmed later that Richardson owned the gun legally.

The Jets organization are in an interesting situation. Reportedly, the Jets were not aware of Richardson’s story until the news broke on July 30; thus, leading to the fact that Richardson failed to notify the team of the arrest.

Although the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year will not face a charge on child endangerment, had no drugs found in the vehicle, and was carry a legal weapon, it should prove to be enough for any organization to cringe at the facts.

Earlier in the year Richardson was suspended by the NFL for four games for abusing the substance policy; he failed the test due to marijuana, the same drug Lohmar has stated Rirchardson’s vehicle had reeked of.

“We’re pretty darn sure we know what was going on there,” he said. “It reeked of marijuana … but without the [marijuana] itself, you don’t have enough evidence to support drug charges” (Cimini).

The current complications with Richardson could complicate his personal life, as well as his career in the NFL. If found guilty on the given charges, Richardson could be subject to up to one year in jail and a potential $1,000 fine.

Where does the 24-year-old Richardson go from here? Let alone, where does the NFL go from here? Richardson could be subject to additional penalty due to his recent actions from the NFL, his employer. Whether it would be a fine or an additional suspension remains to be unknown, if any degree would be added to his penalty.

The Jets however are in a more intriguing situation. Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan expressed trust issues with Richardson’s behavior.

“There is a degree of trust that has been broken, but we are supportive of him. … We’re doing everything in  our powers to help him not just as a football player develop, but as a man making sure he does the right things off the field” (Wesseling).

It is however evident that Richardson is aware of his issues. Richardson spoke to the media, but refrained from talking about the arrest due to pending legal matters.

“I’ve got to do better,” Richardson said. “I will do better.” Richardson continued, “That was just one bad night,” he said. “I thought it would be fun to show my family members something. They never rode in a car like that before” (Costello).

It seems that Jets players are segregated into two parties concerning the Richardson’s dilemma. Many have come out in full support, encouraging Richardson to get help and find himself as a man, but according to TMZ, a controversial source, several Jets players have been angered by his actions.

“He shouldn’t be back on the team,” one NY player told TMZ … “It’s disgusting to think he’d do something like that with a kid in the car.”

An additional player stated his concern due to the endangerment to the child. “I’m very disappointed in what he did. I have kids, I can’t even imagine doing what he did.”

Whether this could spark locker room controversy, Richardson will have to mature to continue his football success. Many have speculated that this could be the beginning of the end of Richardson’s career with the Jets, as he is a free agent in 2017.

At one point, specifically 2014, Richardson hinted towards an extensive contract topping $100 million with the Jets. Those demands should seem fleeting as Richardson finds himself in a multitude of issues. Maccagnan has stated that he will not commit to Richardson’s long-term future.

“At this point in time, we’ll see how it progresses,” Maccagnan said Saturday. “It’s not about words right now, it’s about actions — not actions on the football field. It’s how he handles himself” (Cimini).

In an effort to solve some, if not all, of the issues, Richardson is scheduled to undergo counseling from a team psychologist.

As stated earlier, Richardson will not see the field until Week 6, as of now with no discipline on the most recent matter, against the Washington Redskins.

The post What’s Next For New York Jets’ Sheldon Richardson? appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Photo Credit: EndZoneScore.com

SEATTLE – Now that the Seattle Seahawks have signed 26-year-old Russell Wilson to a contract extension, what is next on the agenda for the Seahawks?

The Seahawks have had potentially the most success out of any organization in the past two years, claiming Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos and making an additional appearance in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots.

During the off-season, and when the media was not talking about Patriots’ Tom Brady’s suspension, the hottest news story seemed to be Wilson’s dire need to be the most expensive player in the NFL. Wilson was reportedly seeking a $25 million annual salary, as well as potentially the most guaranteed money in the NFL. It seems that Wilson has settled for less by taking a four-year, $87.6 million contract with $60 million in guarantees; the salary per year would be around the $22 million mark.

Although Wilson’s dilemma and contract negotiations seems to be deluded, there remains other financial issues among the Seahawks. Most recently, safety Kam Chancellor has specified that he will not report to training camp until a new deal is reached; Chancellor’s is in the midst of a four-year, $28 million contract. It is proclaimed official now that Chancellor is holding out due to his second absence from training camp. In addition to Chancellor’s requests, several Seahawks players have been vocal concerning their contract this includes linebacker Bobby Wagner, defensive end Michael Bennett, and linebacker Bruce Irvin.

Shortly following Wilson’s new contract, Wagner took to Twitter with a subtle comment. Wagner is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, but could fall victim to the franchise tag.

Can't keep everyone

— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz54) July 31, 2015

One could question asking why are the Seahawks facing these issues now? The answer is simple; they handled themselves well at the drafts in recent years.

In 2010, the Seahawks selected a few notables in Russell Okung, Earl Thomas, Golden Tate, and Chancellor. In 2011 they continued their success by selecting Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell, and Malcolm Smith, all late in the draft. During the 2012 draft, the Seahawks took Irvin, Wagner, Wilson, and Robert Turbin with their first four selections.

The notable players the Seahawks have selected over the course of four years have panned out greatly, aiding to their recent success. Various players who’s contracts are nearing an end, or feel as if they outplayed their contract, are looking to cash in. There seems to be no evident issue for the 2015 season financially for the Seahawks, but we could see that trend change after the season.

For example, Wilson will be owed a base salary of $700,000 for the 2015 season, but will see that numerical value increase to a base salary of $12.34 million in 2016; the value would slowly progress upwards reaching $17 million by 2019.

Flashback to March of 2015 when Irvin had specified that he would be in Atlanta for the following year due to the Seahawks declining his fifth-year option. Reports fluttered following his comments stating that he was misinterpreted. Aside from the point, Irvin remained unhappy due to the decline of his option in his contract. The following tweet is NSFW.

Faced way tougher adversity getting outta them streets coming up! That's shit is nothing! FUCK THAT OPTION!

— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) May 4, 2015

The Seahawks could potentially be in the Super Bowl, yet again, due to their exceptional roster this year, but the future could be viewed as hazy due to contract complications among numerous players. This is the start of something that could be lingering.

The post What’s Next For Seattle Seahawks Following Russell Wilson’s Contract? appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Mandatory Photo Credit: JASON O. WATSON/GETTY IMAGES

The Texas Rangers have acquired pitcher Cole Hamels from the Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com’s TR Sullivan. Reportedly as of now, the Rangers also acquired Jake Diekman and cash, while the Phillies have acquired Matt Harrison, outfielder Nick Williams, pitcher Alec Asher, pitcher Jerad Eickhoff, and catcher Jorge Alfaro.

Deal is done

— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) July 30, 2015

Trade rumors have circulated around Hamels and the Phillies organization of late. The acquisition of Hamels is immense due to the quality of a pitcher the Rangers are receiving. Hamels is owed $23.5 million through the 2015 season, then owed $70.5 million through 2018; in addition, Hamels’ current contract includes a 2020 team option worth $20 million.

In Hamels’ contract there is a no-trade clause. Texas was a location in which Hamels could not waive his no-trade clause, thus providing an easier transaction for the Phillies.

For those unaware of the magnitude of the trade, this trade is the definition of a blockbuster deal. The Phillies have acquired six players, while the Rangers have acquired two. FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi specified the transaction.

UPDATED: #Rangers get Hamels, Diekman, cash; #Phillies get Alfaro, Williams, Eickhoff, Asher, M. Harrison and one more player, per source.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2015

Cole Hamels trade is a true blockbuster. Rangers get two players. Phillies get six. We'll be talking about this one for years.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2015

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees were several teams in on the mix with Hamels. The Phillies repeatedly asked the Yankees organization in regards to their top prospects, but general manager Brian Cashman was not intending to budge on the Yankees top four prospects.

Hamels’ last start came against the Chicago Cubs, throwing a no-hitter. Thus far through the 2015 season, Hamels owns a 3.64 ERA with a 1.181 WHIP in 128.2 innings. Through his career, all with the Phillies, Hamels owns a 3.30 ERA with a 1.145 WHIP in 1,930 innings.

As the top tier starting pitchers on the market are diminishing, one can assume that Detroit Tigers’ David Price‘s stock is trending upward. Although capable of becoming a free agent at the end of the 2015 season, Price could aid a team for their playoff push, or even further.

The acquisation of Hamels to the Rangers could prove to be crucial. The Rangers currently sit with a 47-52 record and 8.0 games behind the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros. Although, the Rangers currently sit 4.5 games behind the second wild card spot in the American League.

The post Texas Rangers Acquire Philadelphia Phillies’ Cole Hamels appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Mandatory Photo Credit: Scoopsnest.com

The off-season thus far for the New York Knicks has been typical. Displeased fans during the draft and a surplus of New York media circulating and revolving around the team’s struggles. Knicks’ fans could have something to look forward to as the Knicks have signed guard Arron Afflalo to a two-year, $16 million deal Thursday morning. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne.

The news comes as the second day of free agency in the National Basketball Association. The Knicks stayed relatively quiet through the first day, but splashed with the signing of Afflalo the following day.

Afflalo, 29, played for both the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trailblazers during the 2014-15 season. The signing fills the void of recently traded guard Tim Hardaway to the Atlanta Hawks. In addition, Afflalo fits Knicks’ head coach Derek Fisher‘s needs with a quality two-way play.

Although the 2014-15 season was considered a down year, compared to his 2013-14 campaign, Afflalo still posted 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest.

With the addition of adding Afflalo, and now the Knicks missing out on Greg Monroe, the Knicks can look forward to an improved offensive unit, as well as premier defensive unit. Afflalo has been considered one of the league’s best perimeter defender throughout his career thus far. If the production of the defense remains the same, the Knicks can surely benefit.

Although Knicks’ fans have expressed their distrust with Phil Jackson and the triangle offense, slotting Afflalo could in more of an ideal situation, opposed to former Knicks J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. Playing alongside of iconic Carmelo Anthony and newly drafted point guard Jerian Grant can provide opportunities for Afflalo.

The post New York Knicks Sign Aaron Afflalo To Two-Year Deal appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Photo Credit: Outsidepitchmlb.com

The 2015 All-Star game is only a few weeks away. The All-Star game is known to bring the best of the best around the Major Leagues. In order for a player to be selected into the All-Star game they must garner enough votes; those votes come purely from the fans around the league.

Well, the 2015 All-Star game, hosted by the Cincinnati Reds, may a look a tad odd, at least on the American League end of things. Currently, the Kansas City Royals have eight potential starters holding the highest amount of votes. Do all the Royals deserve, rightfully, to be in the All-Star game?

Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the few sports that entitle their All-Star game to be important. For those unaware, the All-Star game winner gains home-field advantage in the luxurious World Series. Yet, the fans hold the responsibility of choosing who gets to play in the game, rather than coaches and officials of the game.

The most recent Royals player to lead the voting in their respected position is second baseman Omar Infante. Many non-Royals’ fans are concerned as to if Infante is worthy of an all-star bid, and they have a right to be too. Through 53 games, Infante holds a mere .204 batting average and has driven in 17 runs. Other individuals in the American League who are second baseman that can prove to more worthy are Cleveland Indians’ Jason Kipnis and Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve. To put it into perspective, Kipnis is batting an astounding .355; Altuve, on the other hand, has 17 stolen bases and has aided the Astros to a 36-28 record, good for first in the American League West.

The same statement could be made in several cases around the field. An additional example, is Lorenzo Cain more worthy than Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout? Trout has 13 additional RBI than Cain, and provides a more stable batting average at .297. In terms of WAR, Trout has an edge over Cain by 0.8 (3.8 total).

Names that could be worthy that are missing on the current roster of All-Stars are Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera, Seattle Mariners’ Nelson Cruz, and Toronto Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson.

As Royals’ fans decide to celebrate, one minor flaw could be installed. Using Infante as an exemplar, if Infante is rightfully named as an All-Star, the Royals will have to pay an additional $250,000 to his contract as a bonus. As Infante is struggling this season, having an additional All-Star would be neat, but when he wouldn’t deserve it, would Royals’ fans want to pay an additional dollar value? Same could be said about various other players.

Regardless, currently the Royals lead all position players, except one, in terms of All-Star game votes. Manager Ned Yost doesn’t have much to say about it either.

“If you don’t like it, go out there and vote. Our fans have gotten out and voted. Does seven starters surprise you? Yeah. But once you sit back and think about it, it’s really not that surprising” (USA Today Sports).

In ends meet, the annual All-Star game is in fact fan selected. If you’re unhappy with the results, as Yost stated, go vote for the player you believe deserves to be named an All-Star.

*Below is the current (June 15) rosters and votes per player.

Here is the latest AL voting update for the #ASG: pic.twitter.com/9YMYBvIG2a

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 15, 2015

The post Should All The Kansas City Royals Start The All-Star Game? appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Photo Credit: (USA TODAY Sports Images)

The Cincinnati Reds have been linked to numerous trade speculations throughout the season. Currently sitting in fourth of the National League Central with a 28-34 record, the Reds could potentially look to deal an abundance of players, of those including starting pitcher Johnny Cueto and relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman.

Ideally, where could we see the hard throwing right-hander if he were to be moved? Keep in mind Chapman will become an unrestricted free agent by the end of the 2015 season.

1. Washington Nationals

There has already been reports that conversations were being held in regard of Chapman. If that’s not a sign to keep tabs on the Nationals, then one wouldn’t know at all. Although Nationals’ closer Drew Storen is performing well in the 2015 season, having an insurance and blazing fastball that comes with Chapman can be threatening.  Although the reports stated that a deal is not close to occurring, having links to Chapman is one step closer to making a deal happen.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are one of the hotter teams in baseball of late, as they are on a 11-game win streak. Closer Brett Cecil has been decent throughout the season thus far, but stabilizing their bullpen could be another advantage in the uneasy American League East. Acquiring a player with the abilities of Chapman could thrust life into the bullpen and provide the Blue Jays in an upward trend towards the top of the standings.

3. Seattle Mariners

What has happened to closer Fernando Rodney? After several dominant years of closing games out, this year he holds a disastrous 6.49 earned run average in 26.1 innings pitched. The Mariners have removed Rodney from the primary closer role and have shifted to a committee. By installing Chapman into the mix, the Mariners could feel a more secure feeling heading into the latter ends of the game, ultimately saving their lead.

The post Could Cincinnati Reds’ Aroldis Chapman Be Traded? appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Photo Credit: hockey.dobbersports.com

The New York Rangers season ended in disappointment, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported that alternate captain Martin St. Louis and the Rangers will be preparing to, “move on,” from each others’ company.

St. Louis was shipped from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Rangers in 2014 following him asking to be traded. The Lightning traded the winger for captain Ryan Callahan and several draft picks. During his tenure with the Rangers thus far, as he will become an unrestricted free agent this off-season, he aided the Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 2014 and the Eastern Conference Finals against his former team, the Lightning.

The career St. Louis has provided NHL fans to witness has surely been a great one so far. St Louis, who turns 40 on Thursday, has provided Rangers and Lightning fans joy due to his impressive play. During the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, St. Louis certainly struggled, as the Rangers looked for a reliable goalscorer late in the playoffs. Rangers’ fans were expecting the same St. Louis they had received in the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs; then, St. Louis scored eight goals.

The established leadership St. Louis provides is evident, and can be appealing to teams undergoing a drastic amount of changes. However, it should be noted that if St. Louis intends to keep his winning ways afloat, perhaps joining a young, undeveloped, team is not smart, at this point. What should be kept in mind is, does St. Louis want to continue to play in the NHL?

As Rangers’ fans say their farewells to St. Louis it shouldn’t be on a bitter note. The two meshed well together for a brief season and a half, but it is time the two move apart.

The post Report: Martin St. Louis Unlikely To Return To New York Rangers appeared first on Insider Sports Network.

Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The NBA season is over for the Philadelphia 76ers, yet things are still not going their way. Center Joel Embiid – third overall selection in the 2014 draft – sat out the entirety of the 2014-15 season due to a foot injury. Embiid, expecting to return healthy and aid the 76ers, now could potentially miss the 2015-16 season.

Embiid came into the league with a surreal amount of potential, backing up his case for being the third overall selection. In addition to his on-court potential, fans got to know the center on social media as well. Prior to the 2014-15 season, Embiid pitched his idea to, now, Cavaliers’ LeBron James to join him in Philadelphia.

@KingJames hey bro hope you're having a good day…… Want to join us in philly?? Peace

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 1, 2014

The Philadelphia 76ers may need more comic relief after a press release stated that Embiid’s foot was not healing in ideal fashion and suffered a setback. Keith Pompay, of Philly.com, specified that Embiid may not be ready for the NBA 2015-16 opener, and could potentially miss the season.

“Recently, Joel and Sixers personnel traveled to Los Angeles for a series of routine exams with a number of physicians who have been actively involved throughout this process. During his visit with Dr. Richard Ferkel, a standard CT scan on Joel’s right foot revealed less healing than anticipated at this point.”

Oh boy. Could the 76ers really afford Embiid missing another season? Chances are no, if they intend to compete, but it puts an additional strain on their rebuilding plans. The 76ers, holding a 18-64 record, contain the third overall pick in the 2015 draft, similarly to the 2014 draft. With Embiid’s potential absence, the 76ers could look to shift their outlooks and take another, ‘big man,’ with their pick. Originally, analysts would assume the 76ers would select Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell, if still on the board.

Speculations vary in a wide range, but a definitive decision is far from now. It’s proven to be too early to decide if Embiid can play in the following season, as the current season has yet to end.

Losing Embiid for an additional year would prove to be completely heartbreaking for the 76ers’ organization, but playing in the 2015-16 season has not been ruled out. In addition to potentially losing Embiid, the 76ers may have to look at an alternative in terms of draft strategy.

The post Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid Could Miss 2015-16 Season appeared first on Insider Sports Network.