No Flop Zone
The Best of College and Professional Sports
About Me
- Charles
- Welcome to the No Flop Zone. I am an amateur analyst and current college student blogging about college basketball and football and other sports interests. Follow me on Twitter @nofloppinghere
Friday, February 7, 2020
Building a Lineup: MLB Prospects
Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles organization, 22 years old
As the first overall pick the 2019 MLB Draft, Rutschman's college career at Oregon State was nothing short of outstanding. In his final season he slashed .411/.575/.751 along with 17 HRs and 58 RBIs in 57 games. While the numbers won't look as strong at the next level, Rutschman's can't miss hitting tools and above-average fielding skills will.Having finished the season in Class-A Delmarva, Rutschman has only seen a small taste of pro-ball, but in an Orioles organization with an overall lack of talent everywhere there is a very real possibility that he hits the big leagues within the next two or three years.
Other Considerations: Luis Campusano (Padres), Joey Bart (Giants), Shea Langeliers (Braves), Daulton Varsho (Diamondbacks)
First Baseman: Evan White, Mariners organization, 23 years old
To avid baseball fans, White's name will sound familiar as he just signed a long-term deal, making him the first prospect to do without playing above the AA level. This extension is well-deserved, as he has shown steady improvement and potential ever since being drafted in 2017. Last season in AA Arkansas, he slashed a .293/.350/.488 with 18 HRs and 55 RBIs in 92 games. Although the Mariners are far from a household name, White is the favorite to start the season playing first for the Mariners and could look to have a similar breakout season as Pete Alonso did in 2019. While his hitting still has some developing, he is quick for a first baseman and plays exceptionally well in the field.
Other Considerations: Andrew Vaughn (White Sox), Ryan Mountcastle (Orioles), Lewin Diaz (Marlins)
Second Baseman: Nick Madrigal, White Sox organization, 22 years old
As the best true second baseman prospect, Madrigal's fielding talent and ability to put the ball in play make him one of my favorite prospects in baseball. At only 5'7", he does not possess a lot of raw power but makes up for it by hitting at a high average and getting on base. Over his entire 2019 Minor League season, spent in A+, AA, and AAA, he slashed .311/.377/.414. He only hit 4 home runs but had 55 RBIs. The second baseman role in the bigs currently belongs to Leury Garcia, but I expect Madrigal to compete for that role in spring training and also during the regular season.
Other Considerations: Brendan Rodgers (Rockies), Vidal Brujan (Rays), Nick Solak (Rangers)
Third Baseman: Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates organization, 23 years old
As the team with the lowest payroll in baseball, it looks like the Pirates are turning to what is a very solid farm system to provide the stars who will play on the banks of the Allegheny for years to come. Hayes may be the face of the Pirates in the future, as he is the best position player prospect in the entire organization and my favorite third base prospect (of which there are many) in all of baseball. Hayes' game is above-average in every category, and he has still yet to tap into the power potential he has to go along with the best part of his game, which is his glove. He slashed .265/.336/.415 in an AAA season that ended on a high note. Colin Moran is a solid option at the hot corner for the Bucs currently, but Hayes could replace him as soon as some point in 2020.
Other Considerations: Alec Bohm (Phillies), Nolan Jones (Indians), Nolan Gorman (Cardinals), Josh Jung (Rangers), Jonathan India (Reds), Kody Hoese (Dodgers)
Shortstop: Wander Franco, Rays organization, 18 years old
Widely regarded as the best prospect in baseball, 18-year-old stud Wander Franco possesses all the tools to become the next star in St. Petersburg/Montreal/Nashville/Portland or wherever the Rays decide to keep playing baseball in the future. All jokes aside, Franco is a generational talent who has constantly looked like one of the best players in the minors all the way up to A-Advanced. While playing for A-Advanced Charlotte, he slashed .339/.408/.464 in 52 games. Not only is Franco a switch-hitting menace at the plate, but he is an above-average fielder with a strong arm. Although the Rays have a stable full of middle infields already in the bigs (Willy Adames, Joey Wendle, Brandon Lowe) and yet to make their debuts (Vidal Brujan, Xavier Edwards, Greg Jones, Taylor Walls, Lucius Fox), Franco looks like the future of the Rays and a player who has the ability to become a perennial all-star shortstop.
Other Considerations: Gavin Lux (Dodgers), Royce Lewis (Twins), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Nico Hoerner (Cubs)
Outfielders: Jo Adell (Angels, 20), Jarred Kelenic (Mariners, 20), Dylan Carlson (Cardinals, 21)
Let's start off the outfielders with Angels phenom Jo Adell. The Angels already have a strong outfield with MVP Mike Trout and the power-hitting Joc Pederson, and adding Adell at some point in 2020 may make that outfield one of the best the game has to offer. Adell is a five-tool player, with power for days and speed that award him "Anomaly" status if you were creating a player in MLB the Show. At 6'3", he has potential to be a guy who can hit 35 HRs and throw a guy out for trying to stretch out a double. We may see Adell in Anaheim as soon as this season.
Next is one of my favorite prospects in all of baseball, Jarred Kelenic of the Mariners. Not only does he have the ability to hit 20-plus home runs from the left side of the plate, but he also has the speed and instincts to steal 20-plus bases, which he did both of through his 2019 minor league season. Kelenic is still a youngster, but the Mariners have no outfielders who will be much better than him in the future.
Dylan Carlson has maybe the toughest battle to reach the big leagues out of any player on this list, and that has nothing to do with him and purely to do with the talent in front of him in the Cards outfield (Dexter Fowler, Harrison Bader, Tommy Edman, Lane Thomas). However, Carlson has steadily been a guy who Cardinals fans cannot wait to see in St. Louis, as he was the MVP of the AA Texas League and then recorded 26 hits and 5 home runs in 18 games of AAA ball while hitting at a .361 clip. While Carlson may not see the pros this year, he looks like a viable option in the future as long as he can continue this pace.
Other Considerations: Travis Swaggerty (Pirates), Christian Pache (Braves), Drew Waters (Braves), JJ Bleday (Marlins), Jasson Dominguez (Yankees), Taylor Trammell (Padres), Trevor Larnach (Twins)
Designated Hitter: Luis Robert, White Sox organization, 22 years old
Two words come to mind when I think of Luis Robert: Raw Power. While he probably will play in the field once he hits the pros in south side Chicago (likely this year), I would stick him at DH in my theoretical lineup. Not only is he a home-run hitting machine, but he has top-notch speed and also hits for a high average. Robert accomplished the rare feat of 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 300 total bases over the 2019 minor league season. He swings the bat with a vengeance, and his swing reminds me of Jorge Soler, an outfielder who finished third in home runs in 2019. Robert has the potential to be an all-star and with the young core in place in Chicago, they have an opportunity to be a sleeper team over the next decade.
LINEUP.
1. Wander Franco, SS, Rays, S/R
2. Jo Adell, OF, Angels, R/R
3. Luis Robert, DH/OF, White Sox, R/R
4. Adley Rutshman, C, Orioles, S/R
5. Evan White, 1B, Mariners, R/L
6. Dylan Carlson, OF, Cardinals, S/L
7. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pirates, R/R
8. Jarred Kelenic, OF, Mariners, L/L
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B, White Sox, R/R
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Welcome Back! Why I Have Been Away for Four Years and Some Betting Advice for Bowl Games
December 28th Bowls/Playoff Games
Memphis vs. Penn State (-7) - Cotton Bowl Classic
If you're planning on betting this game, I would hammer Penn State to cover the spread -7. This is a team that has quality wins over a lot of Big 10 teams and even though I think Memphis is a good team, I don't think they will will be within a touchdown of Penn State in this matchup.
Notre Dame (-3.5) vs. Iowa State - Camping World Bowl
This is one is a little less cut and dry, but I would still pick Notre Dame to cover -3.5 against Iowa State. Brock Purdy for the Cyclones is one of my favorite players in the country, but he's going up a Notre Dame team who only has lost to the current #5 and #14 teams in the country. I'm rolling with Brian Kelly's Irish here.
LSU vs. Oklahoma (+13.5) - Peach Bowl CFP Semifinal
It shouldn't come to a surprise to those that have followed college football all year that the dominant LSU Tigers and Heisman winner Joe Burrow are almost two touchdown favorites over the Sooners who struggled at times in a mediocre conference. However, I think two touchdowns is a lot of points against a team who boasts CeeDee Lamb, possibly the most dynamic player in the country. Keep in mind LSU's best running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, is going to be limited in action. I still think LSU will win the game, but I would take Oklahoma to beat the spread.
Clemson (-2.5) vs. Ohio State - Fiesta Bowl CFP Semifinal
Some are calling this the best semifinal game in years, and they could be correct. The two teams are very similar but what this comes down to for me is simply the health of Ohio State QB Justin Fields. He is not 100% healthy with a knee injury, and if he was, I think that this game would pretty much be a pick 'em, but without Fields I'd ride with the Clemson Tigers to cover 2.5 points.
Other Bowls
VA Tech (-2.5) vs Kentucky- Belk Bowl (12/31)
This game should be close, and the only reason why I would put money on the Hokies to cover is because Kentucky's offense is one-dimensional with Lynn Bowden at quarterback. I love Lynn Bowden's talent, but I think giving Justin Fuente a month to prepare for the Kentucky offense will result in Virginia Tech covering the 2.5 point spread.
Navy (-2.5) vs Kansas State - Liberty Bowl (12/31)
Listen to me real quick. HAMMER Navy in this game. The Midshipmen offense has been electric with Malcolm Perry at the helm and I usually trust service academies to win in bowl games, so covering 2.5 should be a small task.
Wyoming vs. Georgia State (+7) - Arizona Bowl (12/31)
This game sounds a little boring to the average viewer, but Georgia State's running attack is very tough to stop. I think this game becomes exciting and Georgia State can make it interesting with QB Dan Ellington leading the Panthers. The game will be closer than a touchdown, so I have Georgia State beating the 7 point spread.
Wisconsin vs. Oregon (+2.5) - Rose Bowl (1/1)
For the Granddaddy of them all, I'm rolling with the Ducks. While Wisconsin has looked very good at times, their offense is one-dimensional and Oregon has a talented defensive front seven (11th in the country in rushing yards allowed) who can make the Rose Bowl very tough on Jonathan Taylor and the Badgers offense. Oregon should've made the playoff, but had one slip-up, and I believe that they still have the talent of a playoff contender. They should win this game outright, so they will definitely cover the 2.5 point spread and would be a smart money line gamble.
Indiana vs. Tennessee (-1.5) - Gator Bowl (1/2)
I have been a big fan of Indiana and their offensive attack of Peyton Ramsey and Whop Philyor all season, but I would not bet against the Volunteers in this one. Tennessee went on a tear of a 5-game winning streak to end the season. The Volunteers will feature a ground attack of Tim Jordan and Eric Gray (246 yards in season finale) to go along with the 29th ranked defense in the country to beat Indiana by a margin wider than 1.5 points.
Bonus Pick
FCS Championship- North Dakota State (-11.5) vs James Madison- (1/11)
I followed the FCS a decent amount, and I learned that North Dakota State will absolutely beat anyone by however much they want. 11.5 is a lot for a championship game, but NDSU is just THAT good.
All lines were provided by Action Network as of 12/28/2019.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Heisman Rankings: Post First CFP Reveal
Paxton Lynch will have a tough time making a push for the Heisman due to not being a Power 5 player, but he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football. He has led Memphis to an 8-0 record with a signature win over Ole Miss. Lynch has completed 70.2% of his passes to go along with 2709 yards and 18 touchdowns, and only one interception. The junior faces an uphill battle with his Heisman hopes, but he definitely has a chance.
9. Keenan Reynolds, QB, Navy
Keenan Reynolds has a strange stat profile for a Heisman candidate quarterback. He has thrown for only 431 yards and 2 touchdowns. What makes Reynolds a bona fide star is his ability in the running game. Through seven games this season, Reynolds has rushed for 753 yards and 13 touchdowns. The unique game that Reynolds plays makes him one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
8. Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford
If you want to talk about someone that nobody was looking at coming into 2015, look no further than Stanford star Christian McCaffery. McCafferey leads the 7-1 Cardinal with 1060 rushing yards, and he has looked impressive doing it. The sophomore is not only a rushing threat, but a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 25 passes for 310 yards. Do not be surprised if you see McCaffery near the top of list come December.
7. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Watson may not be the passer Lynch is or the runner Reynolds is, but he leads the number one team in the country, and he deserves some Heisman consideration for it. Watson has 24 total touchdowns the year, and 2322 total yards. He also had a 23 yard punt. The important thing is Watson is completing over 70 percent of his passes, and he is productive and critical to his team's success.
6. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Dalvin Cook is the reason that FSU has been able to remain in the Top 25. He is an absolute beast, rushing for 1037 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season. The most staggering stat is his 8.2 yards per carry. He also has 181 receiving yards. The dominant force that Cook has been for the Seminoles is one that will carry them as far as they will go.
5. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Derrick Henry is just the next stud back for Bama, following Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, and T.J. Yeldon. Henry has been a workhorse, rushing for 1044 yards and 14 touchdowns for the fourth ranked Crimson Tide. Anyone who has watched Henry has seen him bowl over defenders and into the end zone time and time again. Although Henry has been spectacular, he still has a ways to go if he wants to win the Heisman.
4. Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
Thought Cook's stats and Henry's stats looked good? The face of the College Football Playoff has better stats. He has rushed for 1130 yards and 13 touchdowns for the undefeated Buckeyes. He has not missed a step since running over Alabama and Oregon in the CFP last year, looking every bit as strong as he did then. Elliot looks to lead the Buckeyes back to the title, and he wants to win a Heisman as well.
3. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Everyone knew coming into the year that Boykin is the best quarterback in college football, and he has lived up to that hype. The senior has 2927 pass yards on the year and 28 passing touchdowns, but he also has 524 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Boykin has been the best quarterback in the nation so far, but he has work to do to get his No. 8 Horned Frogs to the Playoff.
2. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
It has become very uncommon to see a receiver this high on a Heisman ranking, but Coleman has earned it. The Baylor junior has been absolutely ridiculous this season, catching 58 passes for 1178 yards and 20 touchdowns through only eight games. The potential for more touchdowns in Baylor's high-powered offense makes Coleman look like he could be the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991.
1. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Let's not sugarcoat anything here: Leonard Fournette is by far the best player in college football. The running back has 1352 yards and 15 touchdowns, and he has only played seven games. He also is making contributions in the special teams game, as he has returned 25 kicks, including a 100-yard touchdown return. No defense has had any hope of stopping Fournette this season, and that helps LSU's overall success. For anyone else to win the Heisman, they will have to go through Fournette.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Top Football/Baksetball Player Combos for the Upcoming College Seasons
Scooby Wright was one of college's best linebackers last year, and he led Arizona to a BCS bowl and the Pac-12 South Title. Kaleb Tarcewski has never been the number one on Arizona before, but the center will look to make a large impact on the Wildcats this year.
Florida State- Jalen Ramsey (Defensive Back) and Xavier Rathan-Mayes (Guard)
Ramsey is easily the best defensive back in college football. Now with Jameis Winston out of the way, the attention turns to him. Xavier Rathan-Mayes showed what he could do on the basketball court when he burst for 35 against Miami last season, and he will be the Seminoles number one option.
Baylor- Shawn Oakman (Defensive End) and Rico Gathers (Forward)
Both Oakman and Gathers look like freak athletic specimen that would scare you in either sport. Oakman is the most intimidating player in college football, and his athleticism off of the line can be a frightening sight for opposing quarterbacks. Rico Gathers has been a double-double threat for years now in the post at Baylor.
LSU- Leonard Fournette (Running Back) and Ben Simmons (Forward)
This is probably the best combination you will find in the college sports world. Ben Simmons is already considered to be a frontrunner for Player of the Year without even playing a college game yet. On the football field, Fournette has the speed and strength to explode for a touchdown every time he touches the ball.
Oklahoma- Eric Striker (Linebacker) and Buddy Hield (Guard)
Eric Striker is small for his position, but had nine sacks and seventeen tackles for loss last year. Buddy Hield is one of the most fun players to watch as he scores from everywhere on the floor, and he makes the Sooners Final Four material.
Mississippi State- Dak Prescott (Quarterback) and Malik Newman (Guard)
Dak Prescott broke out last year and led an explosive Mississippi State team to the number one spot in the polls. While the basketball Bulldogs will not be number one this year, Newman will frustrate opposing defenses with his explosiveness and shot to match.
Notre Dame- Jaylon Smith (Linebacker) and Demetrius Jackson (Guard)
Jaylon Smith does whatever he is asked on the field. He excels at making plays in the backfield and dropping in coverage. Demetrius Jackson was overshadowed last year by first round draft pick Jerian Grant, but he is ready to break out this year for the Fighting Irish.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Post-NBA Draft Article: Mock Results and UDFAs
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, F, Kentucky
4. New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, F, Latvia
5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, F, Croatia
8. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona
11. Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, F, Texas
12. Utah Jazz: Trey Lyles, F, Kentucky
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, G, Murray State
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Jarell Martin, F, LSU
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Spain
UDFAs
Here are the top undrafted free agents from this years draft
Robert Upshaw, C, Washington
Brandon Ashley, F, Arizona
Quinn Cook, G, Duke
Aaron Harrison, G, Kentucky
Terran Petteway, F, Nebraska
Dez Wells, G, Maryland
T.J. McConnell, G, Arizona
Michael Frazier II, G, Florida
Cliff Alexander, F, Kansas
Jonathon Holmes, F, Texas
Christian Wood, F, UNLV
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Final NBA Mock Draft 2015
1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, F, Kentucky
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
3. Philadelphia 76ers: D'Angelo Russell, G, Ohio State
4. New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, F, Latvia
5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja, F, Croatia
6. Sacramento Kings: Emmanuel Mudiay, G, USA
7. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, F, Duke
8. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson, F, Arizona
9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker, G, Kentucky
10. Miami Heat: Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
11. Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner, F, Texas
12. Utah Jazz: Trey Lyles, F, Kentucky
13. Phoenix Suns: Frank Kaminsky, F, Wisconsin
14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne, G, Murray State
15. Atlanta Hawks: Bobby Portis, F, Arkansas
16. Boston Celtics: Jerian Grant, G, Notre Dame
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Kelly Oubre, F, Kansas
18. Houston Rockets: Tyus Jones, G, Duke
19. Washington Wizards: R.J. Hunter, G, Georgia State
20. Toronto Raptors: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F, Arizona
21. Dallas Mavericks: Delon Wright, G, Utah
22. Chicago Bulls: Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin
23. Portland Trail Blazers: Jonathon Holmes, F, Texas
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevon Looney, F, UCLA
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Jarell Martin, F, LSU
26. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson, F, Virginia
27. Los Angeles Lakers: Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville
28: Boston Celtics: Terry Rozier, G, Louisville
29. Brooklyn Nets: Rakeem Christmas, F, Syracuse
30. Golden State Warriors: Rashad Vaughn, G, UNLV
Second Round
31. Minnesota Timberwolves: Christian Wood, F, UNLV
32: Houston Rockets: Chris McCullough, F, Syracuse
33. Boston Celtics: Anthony Brown, F, Stanford
34. Los Angeles Lakers: Jordan Mickey, F, LSU
35. Philadelphia 76ers: Guillermo Hernangomez, C, Spain
36. Minnesota Timberwolves: Pat Connaughton, G, Notre Dame
37. Philadelphia 76ers: Joseph Young, G, Oregon
38. Detroit Pistons: Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky
39. Charlotte Hornets: Chasson Randle, G, Stanford
40. Miami Heat: J.P. Tokoto, F, North Carolina
41. Brooklyn Nets: Robert Upshaw, C, Washington
42. Utah Jazz: Andrew Harrison, G, Kentucky
43. Indiana Pacers: Norman Powell, G, UCLA
44. Phoenix Suns: Darrun Hilliard II, G, Villanova
45. Boston Celtics: Michael Frazier, G, Florida
46. Milwaukee Bucks: Keifer Sykes, G, Wisconsin Green-Bay
47. Philadelphia 76ers: Trevor Lacey, G, NC State
48. Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Richardson, G, Tennessee
49. Washington Wizards: Kenneth "Speedy" Smith, G, Louisiana Tech
50. Atlanta Hawks: Cady Lalanne, C, Massachusetts
51. Orlando Magic: Sir'Dominic Pointer, F, St. John's
52. Dallas Mavericks: Terran Petteway, F, Nebraska
53. Cleveland Cavaliers: Quinn Cook, G, Duke
54. Utah Jazz: Vince Hunter, F, UTEP
55. San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Harvey, G, Eastern Washington
56. New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ashley, F, Arizona
57. Denver Nuggets: Larry Nance Jr., F, Wyoming
58. Philadelphia 76ers: Dez Wells, G, Maryland
59. Atlanta Hawks: Branden Dawson, F, Michigan State
60. Philadelphia 76ers: Aaron White, F, Iowa
Sunday, June 7, 2015
The "Awards" of the 2015 NBA Draft Class
I like this. It's a nice cut. The buzzed on the sides, mohawk look works for Oubre. He did have it better in high school, but he's going pro now. This award came down to Oubre or Notre Dame's Pat Connaughton, and Oubre pulled it out. But he comes nowhere close to last year's winner, Elfrid Payton.
Speediest Shorty: Marcus Thornton, G William & Mary