The Sports ReKap

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tired of the NFL's Antics: Keep Your Wallets and Eyes Closed

Editor's Note: At The Sports ReKap we pride ourselves on bringing you all takes on a certain situation. While it is not difficult to write a piece on why people should love the NFL, we decided to have one of our contributors give his take on why the NFL is heading in the wrong direction and why it is up to the fans to stop it. As always, let us know what you think.

By: Kevin Saad (@KevinSaad93)

The NFL has returned to its usual Sunday dominance with a slew of games this past weekend. Unfortunately for the league, the dark cloud in the room that is the Ray Rice situation will not go away. After the tape was released this past week of what actually went down in the elevator, Rice was suspended indefinitely and had his contract terminated by the Baltimore Ravens.

The outcry has been astronomical as expected, with people calling for a lifetime ban from the league. These moralists will keep pressuring the NFL, but as usual, fade away into darkness. And guess what? The NFL will continue on its quest for world domination because here’s what Roger Goodell and his cronies care about in order of importance:

1. Money

2. Moola

3. Cash

4. Revenue

5. Pesos

The NFL is the golden child for American capitalism and corporate greed. The league reported 9 billion USD in revenue in 2014. Goodell says he’s shooting for 25 billion by 2027.

Players and owners kill, beat women, drive drunk and routinely get arrested during the offseason and in recent years, former NFL legends have taken shotguns to their chests in order to put them out of the permanent trauma sustained in the glorified warfare that is our nation’s “New National Pastime”.
All of this happens and the NFL just looks the other way. Why? See the list.

Goodell and his 32 owners are able to frolic around in their cash stacks because of one person: the football fan.

It doesn’t matter if you are diehard, seasonal, or bandwagon fan. The fan is the one that drives up TV ratings so the league can sign massive TV rights deals to make the owners rich. The fan is the one who spends $200+ on gameday for a ticket, parking, and tailgating.

But here’s the dirty little secret. You are not just a fan; you are also a consumer. You’re the one that makes these owners rich and puts them above the law and in a different tax bracket. If it wasn’t for the fan giving into the media exposure, then these teams would be a fraction of what they are today.

Do you really feel bad about what went down in that elevator? Do you hate how 32 owners and their head honcho run a real life circus every year and profit off it at your dime while human lives are forever changed? Then I have a solution for you: football rehab.

Cut the cord on your Sunday Ticket. Don’t join the fantasy football league. Stop wearing your jersey around campus. Don’t go to games. Find other hobbies to take up in your free time and spend more time with your friends and family. If friends and family are all football heads, find a new sport to watch. Premium sports channels and the Internet are only seconds away. There are different ways to have fun on the weekends besides watching football. But if you act like you care about what happened to Janay Rice and still go back to idolizing Peyton Manning’s throwing motion every Sunday for the rest of 2014, then you are a hypocrite.

You are no better than the New Year’s resolution maker who goes to the gym for a week then retreats back to the couch for the rest of the year. So wake up and realize how we as Americans have let a sport with such primitive traits dominate our culture. If not, be content with letting greed and savage behavior run our society through the National Football League.

Be sure to follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinSaad93) and tune into his radio show, The Beef, on St. Joseph's University Radio in the fall.

The Sports ReKap, hosted by Nick Kapetan and DJ Vogt, will begin airing again in September on MarquetteWire.org.

Nick- @KapN93

DJ- @DvJ14

Like Us On Facebook

Be sure to visit Sobelman's this summer, the official sponsor of The Sports ReKap, and try their array of mouthwatering burgers. Visit their website: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/

It is still over 9 months away but please start considering joining a Relay For Life team at your school next year. For more information on how to join a team at Marquette please contact Kristen Krawczyk at kristen.krawczyk@marquette.edu

The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Kevin Saad, Kevin Clancy, Nate Craft, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Matt Barbato, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Same Old Jay

By: Nick Kapetan (@KapN93)

Jay Cutler made a lot of people look like fools on Sunday.

The quarterback made himself look like a fool as well as the organization that decided to label him as "their guy" moving forward when they handed him that hefty contract this past offseason. However, the people who should feel the most embarrassed in the aftermath of the loss to the Buffalo Bills are those that believed Cutler finally became a mature quarterback.

If you read or saw any of Cutler's quotes from Sunday afternoon, you might have noticed how pre-2014 the quarterback sounded. He answered questions like the reporters were pesky bees trying to sting him. Now nobody expected Cutler to be peppy while sporting a grin from ear to ear after suffering a horrendous loss. But seriously, how hard is it to not act like someone whose upset at the world? Does he really have to question everybody's knowledge of the game of football?

It was apparent not just by what he said postgame, but what he did during the game that Cutler has not put his past behind him. While his numbers were not horrendous, the pouting after various plays was.

Granted this is all after one game. Nobody makes lasting judgments after one game, but we have seen this same old Cutler for years.

Fans were spoon-fed this garbage that their quarterback was a new man. In training camp and the preseason it appeared that he was. He rolled into Bourbonnais in a gigantic mini-van with a smile on his face and a fresh spring in his step.

Cutler was depicted as a family man who miraculously found the meaning of life. "This newfound attitude will lead to Bears victories" people proclaimed from the heavens. Everything was all fine and dandy until the games started to count. Then, in the heat of the moment, Cutler went back to his old self.

Heading into week two the Bears are up against a depleted, yet still dangerous 49ers defense. Slipping to 0-2 would be a deep hole for the team people deemed as a Super Bowl sleeper, to climb out of. If the Bears want to prevent their fans from grabbing for the panic button, they better make a statement. The season isn't over. You can still believe they can do it. Just don't expect Jay Cutler to be a new man.

Nick Kapetan hosts The Sports ReKap with his co-host DJ Vogt. The show airs every Tuesday from 6:00PM-7:30PM CT on MarquetteWire.org

Nick- @KapN93

DJ- @DvJ14

Like Us On Facebook

The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Kevin Clancy, Nate Craft, Kevin Saad, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Matt Barbato, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Week 1: Putting The Past Behind Them

By: Nick Kapetan (@KapN93)

The Bears defense knows that it was horrendous last year. You do not have to remind any of the returning players, head coach Marc Trestman, or highly scrutinized defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. They all know. The fans know. Heck, the whole nation knows.

Last season’s defensive unit quite possibly was the worst in the franchise’s storied history. The Monsters of the Midway once described the punishing enforcers on defense, but you could make the case that that label can now be placed on Trestman’s explosive offense.

This past offense general manager Phil Emery knew that his team’s defense needed a facelift. After announcing that he was retaining Tucker, he went out and signed a boatload of proven veterans that would mix with the countless rookies Emery decided to draft.

Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young were brought in to provide pressure on the quarterback, which clearly was not there last season. Rookies Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton were drafted in order to provide depth up front with plans to make a significant impact right away. While a whole host of castoffs were brought in to compete for open spots in the secondary, first round pick Kyle Fuller will be the one that is asked to make an immediate impact.

The Buffalo Bills do not provide the most difficult initial test for the drastically changed defense. With a unit that features a two-headed monster in the backfield but not much else, the Bills offense is the epitome of a one-dimensional attack.

C. J. Spiller and Fred Jackson make up the dynamic running back duo. Spiller is the young buck that is playing for a new contract while Jackson is the grizzly veteran who is playing to prove he still belongs in the league.

Jackson is as much of a bruiser as Spiller is a speedster. While they have differing styles, they complement each other perfectly. At a time when running backs are being used less and less, the Bills offense runs through these two.

Handing off the ball to Spiller and Jackson will be second year man EJ Manuel. The signal caller is not Michael Vick in his prime, but he can give the Bears fits with his feet.

During certain points last season before his injury, Manuel caused havoc by buying time while scrambling out of the pocket. His 186 yards in ten games is nothing to write home about, but he showed flashes of a mobile quarterback. For Manuel it all depends on if he can put his horrendous preseason performances behind him.

There is a reason why the team signed journeyman Kyle Orton and it was not because of his impeccable neck beard. Manuel has not shown that he can be a productive quarterback in the NFL; do not expect him to start doing so this Sunday.

The Bills do not sport a receiving core that is anywhere close to the Bears, but it will be interesting to see how the Bears fare against explosive wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Eyeballs should be on how the secondary matches up against Watkins and if the inexperienced deep threat is able to beat the Bears downfield. If he is able to rack up anywhere close to 100 yards, no one would blame you if you started to panic.

All the Bears need to do in the opening game of the season is generate pressure upfront. As long as the front four do what they are capable of doing, the Bills offense should not be able to make a statement of any kind.

Keep an eye on how the defense does against the run. Last year’s unit gave up 100 yards to the likes of Benny Cunningham of the St. Louis Rams. Remember that nightmare?

Do not expect an upset on Sunday. The first game of the season does not indicate what the rest of the season will be like, but it will be nice to finally see the Bears play a game that matters. Hopefully, the performance will be a step in the right direction for a defense in search of an identity.

Score Prediction: Bears 30 Bills 17

Nick Kapetan hosts The Sports ReKap with his co-host DJ Vogt. The show airs every Tuesday from 6:00PM-7:30PM CT on MarquetteWire.org

Nick- @KapN93

DJ- @DvJ14

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Thursday, September 4, 2014

Jordy Nelson’s Shiny New Contract

By: Chris Linskens (@Cree414 )

Ever since the news broke that Jordy Nelson was receiving a contract extension from the Green Bay Packers, two questions have been brought up the most: “Is Jordy worth the money? What does he have to do to prove it?” The answer is yes and almost nothing, but hear me out before throwing your arms in the air.

Jordy Nelson is 6’3”, taller than the average NFL wide receiver by four inches (according to ESPN). You can’t replace the physical stature, combined with the quickness and agility that is Jordy Nelson.

How about injuries? Scratch that off your list as a major concern as well. Nelson has only missed 5 out of 80 possible games he could have played in the past five seasons. Growing up on a farm will make you pretty tough I suppose.

Nelson has also snagged over 200 receptions for 3,300 yards and 30 touchdowns over just the past three seasons alone. Nelson is third on the Packers’ all-time rankings of touchdown receptions in a single season with 15. He trails only Sterling Sharpe (18) and Hall of Famer Don Hutson (17).

People have compared Nelson to his former teammate, Greg Jennings, who also put up some gaudy numbers within his first few seasons with the Packers. Unlike the current number one wide out, Jennings injured his hamstring a few times after signing his three-year, $26 million contract extension in 2009 with Green Bay. Jennings is a good receiver as well, but the comparison isn’t fair for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Jennings has only played all 16 games in a season three times in his eight years in the NFL. He has often had different injuries, most notably when he only played eight games in 2012.

Secondly, Jennings started for the Packers even as a rookie, Nelson did not and had to work his was into the starting lineup. Jennings filled a need as a speedy, slot receiver as a rookie. This is the reason he cracked the starting lineup using three wide-receiver sets, even with talented receivers Donald Driver and James Jones being available. Nelson does not typically line up in the slot and can be used as a feature receiver in multiple roles.

Thirdly, Jennings is about 25 pounds smaller and three to four inches shorter than Nelson. Nelson is able to catch balls and get to places that Jennings can’t, because of his size and does so without giving up athleticism.

If anything, the fact that Nelson is bigger and is able to put himself in more versatile roles compared to Jennings ever could, makes him an even better athlete.

What also needs to be brought up when comparing Nelson and Jennings is how they act off the field. Nelson’s name never comes up when rumors about inner turmoil come up and he never has spoken out against the Packers organization. The same can’t be said for Jennings, as he was always looking for the spotlight in some way.

All I’m going to say is that you don’t see Nelson doing every Old Spice or NFL ticket exchange commercial he can get his hands on. Jennings could have left Green Bay with a bit more class, without bashing teammates and team philosophies publically on the way out.

Again, Jennings didn’t deserve a second contract extension with Green Bay for many reasons. Nelson got his by doing things the right way and working hard. All he has to do to justify his new contract is to keep doing what he has been doing.

The Sports ReKap, hosted by Nick Kapetan and DJ Vogt, will begin airing once again next week on MarquetteWire.org.

@KapN93

@DvJ14

@Cree414 (Chris)

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The Sports ReKap

Be sure to visit Sobelman's this summer, the official sponsor of The Sports ReKap, and try their array of mouthwatering burgers. Visit their website: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/

It is still over 8 months away but please start considering joining a Relay For Life team at your school next year. For more information on how to join a team at Marquette please contact Kristen Krawczyk at kristen.krawczyk@marquette.edu

The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Kevin Clancy, Nate Craft, Kevin Saad, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Matt Barbato, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Defenses Beware: NFC North is Loaded with Explosiveness

By: Matt Barbato (@RealMattBarbato)

An embarrassment of riches is a unique experience. You know, those moments when you get the same gift twice at Christmas, or when two people bring pizza and soft drinks to a meeting. Or when you misread the recipe and made double the amount you intended. It's a time when you exclaim "Gee whiz, I have too much of this, but who cares, I'll eat it!"

Offensively, the NFC North is a true definition of an embarrassment of riches. The NFC North might just be the best division in the NFL and is certainly the most entertaining. There isn’t a division that boasts as much firepower on the offensive side of the ball, yet contrasts with mediocre defensive play. The NFC North is the epitome of what football is drastically becoming: Fast-paced games with big-armed quarterbacks, bigger receivers and plenty of points to go around.

Let's first look at the laundry list of dynamic receivers throughout the division. Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson. It isn’t easy. Oh, and don’t forget Golden Tate and Cordarrelle Patterson, they’re pretty good too.

The face of the North might just be Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Those who doubt Rodgers’ status as an elite quarterback should’ve noticed how bewildered Green Bay looked with average quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien (average might be speaking lightly in Tolzien’s case) running the offense.

Rodgers is the best quarterback in the division, but Jay Cutler and Matt Stafford are pretty good as well. Stafford has thrown for at least 4,600 yards the last three seasons. Cutler, injuries aside, was on pace for a 3,800-yard season and showed signs of brilliance in his first year under offensive guru Marc Trestman.

The passing game gets most of the love when talking about the North, but it is also the only division in the NFL to have a 1,000-yard rusher on every team last season. Adrian Peterson is the best back in the division, if not the league, but Matt Forte is a rare three-down back, Reggie Bush is a pass-catching specialist with underrated abilities as a runner and Eddie Lacy is a bruising back who punishes defenders.

The NFC North boasts the most offensive talent of any division, but in determining the best team in the division we must look at the other side of the ball.

The Packers were horribly mediocre, injury-plagued and dormant. The Bears were historically bad, especially against the run and were thin directly up the middle. Detroit was undisciplined, often committing silly penalties that cost them games in even funnier fashion. The Vikings defense was torched in the secondary, surrendering the most passing touchdowns and second-most passing scores in the league. Pass rushers Julius Peppers and Jared Allen also moved around the division. Allen left Minnesota to sign with Chicago, while Peppers was cut by Chicago and signed with Green Bay.

Green Bay’s defense will be better simply because the injury bug won’t strike as effectively as last year. Starters Morgan Burnett, Sam Shields, Clay Mathews and Nick Perry all missed time due to injury. Casey Heyward played in only three games in 2013 after an impressive rookie campaign in 2012. A healthy Heyward and better play from Burnett will be essential if the Packers secondary plans on improving. Micah Hyde is currently slotted as the other starting safety, but expect 18^th overall pick Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to get in the mix at safety as well.

Chicago made the most moves on defense, not just in the division, but quite possibly the entire league. Bears general manager Phil Emery revamped a lot of the front seven, adding Allen, defensive end Lamarr Houston and defensive tackle Willie Young.

The Bears beefed up their cornerback group by drafting Kyle Fuller with the 14^th pick and he should fit nicely with established veterans Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman. The question rests in the last line of defense. The Bears still haven’t announced who the starting safeties will be. Trestman told the media he is rotating guys around, which doesn’t exactly boast much confidence in the unit. The most likely combo seems to be free agent addition Ryan Mundy and rookie Brock Vereen, but it wouldn’t stun anyone to see Danny McCray or Chris Conte, who saw plenty of action last year, get in the mix.

Defensively, the arrow can only point up for Chicago, who ranked 30^th in points allowed per game and total yards allowed, the first time the team has performed that poorly in both categories in the team’s 91-year history (excluding 1920 and 1921).

The Lions should be more disciplined on defense with new head coach Jim Caldwell, but the team didn’t do much to bolster the roster. The Lions did not target a cornerback in free agency and also opted to take tight end Eric Ebron with the 12^th overall pick instead of a defensive player.

Detroit has a nice front seven with anchors Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Stephen Tulloch in the middle. Ziggy Ansah should make strides in his second season. The secondary consisting of Rashean Mathis, Darius Slay, James Ihedigbo and Glover Quin will be highly scrutinized and expected to improve upon last year’s 3,950 yards allowed through the air.

The Vikings’ biggest addition was defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who should give Minnesota a plug on the middle of the line. The Vikings are hoping Everson Griffen is an adequate replacement for Allen. The team signed Griffen to a $20 million extension this offseason after four years as a situational pass rusher. Minnesota will rely on Captain Munnerlyn and second-year pro Xavier Rhodes as its top cornerbacks.

Minnesota is the only team in the division with uncertainty at quarterback. Matt Cassel is slated to start Week 1, but Minnesota traded up to get Teddy Bridgewater with the 32^nd pick in May’s draft. Cassel is a very good bridge quarterback, meaning he can be an adequate starter while Bridgewater learns on the bench.

Outside of Peterson and Patterson, Minnesota lacks much firepower. Keep an eye out for Kyle Rudolph, who could have a nice season with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner calling the plays.

Unlike the other three teams in the division, Minnesota will be defensively oriented with new head coach Mike Zimmer. Minnesota will need to revamp the defense quickly if it wants to get the most out of Peterson’s prime seasons.

Detroit has been loaded with talent the past couple of seasons, but have disappointed miserably. When he’s on, Stafford is a top-5 quarterback. Johnson isn’t slowing down and Golden Tate adds a speedy option to offset Johnson’s size. If Bush gets hurt, the Lions have a superb backup in Joique Bell. If the secondary comes together, the Lions will contend for a playoff spot.

Chicago has the most upside in the division, but it’s also the biggest question mark. Can Cutler stay healthy? How much does Allen have left in the tank? Will the front seven gel together quicker than expected? All of these factors will determine whether Chicago is a Super Bowl contender or out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. There might not be a team in the league whose season could hinge on one player as much as Chicago’s season could hinge on Cutler.

The Packers seem like the safest team in the division. Rodgers and Cobb are healthy and Nelson is one of the most underrated talents in the game. It will be fun to watch Mike McCarthy’s offense with a running back as talented as Lacy. Green Bay can air it out, or smash it down opponents’ throats. The defense will be under a ton of pressure, namely Burnett and Heyward. If Mathews stays healthy, Dom Capers could have some fun mixing and matching schemes with him and Peppers.

In the end, Green Bay is the best team in the division. They have the best quarterback, a running back who gives the offense a contrasting look and should be much improved defensively.

Here are my full predictions for the division:

1. Green Bay Packers 12-4

2. Chicago Bears 11-5

3. Detroit Lions 7-9

4. Minnesota Vikings 6-10

Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter (@RealMattBarbato)

The Sports ReKap, hosted by Nick Kapetan and DJ Vogt, will begin airing again in September on MarquetteWire.org.

Nick- @KapN93

DJ- @DvJ14

Like Us On Facebook

Be sure to visit Sobelman's this summer, the official sponsor of The Sports ReKap, and try their array of mouthwatering burgers. Visit their website: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/

The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Matt Barbato, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Kevin Saad, Kevin Clancy, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Banking on KD: Why Nike Needed to Match Under Armour’s Offer

By: Kevin Saad (@KevinSaad93)

It’s the story that has been hanging over the basketball world for the past month. Reigning NBA MVP Kevin Durant was on the verge of a groundbreaking deal with the Baltimore based Under Armour brand, with UA offering a reported 10 year, 285 million dollar deal for the endorsement rights of the OKC star. This astronomical offer would consume around 10% of UA’s marketing budget. All just for one man. Granted, this man is the reigning NBA MVP and arguably the most marketable man in sports at the moment.

Many believed that this was a dumb move for Under Armour. It wasn’t. In order to sway basketball consumers toward their brand, you need a guy like Durant in your camp. Nike and Jordan Brand still own 95% of the basketball shoe market share and Adidas has flopped so far with Derrick Rose’s constantly ailing knees. John Wall, Damien Lillard, and Andrew Wiggins could be a great lineup, but they need a few years to reach that elite level where they can sell sneakers with their influence.

Under Armour made an absolute power move with their offer and a player like KD entering his prime would have been an executive’s dream. It was necessary if they wanted to get their foot in the door and impact the culture. Besides the absurd amount of cash, the option of stock is huge considering how NFL owners have cashed out on their stock options when a deal was signed with the league. UA also threw in a community center in his mother’s name, which is significant because we all know how important family is to KD. His famous MVP speech and Aunt Pearl signature sneaker are just a couple gestures that Durant has used to show love to his family, who helped launch him onto the national stage.

As convincing as Under Armour’s offer was, Nike had to match (or in this case exceed with a reported $300 million dollars) UA’s offer. Here’s why:

1.) The Future: Right now, KD has the third most popular sneaker in the Nike signature camp, trailing LeBron and Kobe. But look ahead. Kobe has 2 years of basketball left in him at best and LeBron is in his late prime at age 29. In 5 years, Kobe has faded into the sunset and LeBron is in the twilight of his career. KD will be 30 and still has five more solid years in the home stretch of his Nike deal. His injury track record is much cleaner than the likes of Derrick Rose or Bryant (who barely has had a chance to play in his last two lines of signature shoes due to injury). If Nike wants to still be on top in the next decade, they needed to pay up in 2014. I highly doubt they’ll regret it.

2.) The Story: It’s no secret that KD might be headed back home to DC in a couple years. The countless disappointing playoff exits with OKC and newly discovered tension with the media (Remember the Mr. Unreliable headline?) makes it seem like OKC might not be home for long. Add in the Wizard’s talented youth core and the Maryland homecoming love and you have a convincing argument that KD could be returning to his roots. This would have been a dream scenario for Under Armour (being based out of Baltimore), but Nike can still weave a captivating storyline surrounded around KD’s homecoming.

3.) The Reputation: No matter how you spin it, Kevin Durant is “a good guy”. He has never acquired a group of haters like LeBron and has managed to stay away from controversy like Kobe and D-Rose. Fans seem to love his humble demeanor and ridiculous scoring prowess. The “KD is Not Nice” campaign flopped because the guy was too damn nice. He’s marketable to a wide demographic and his family friendly appearance (no visible tattoos, rarely pictured out partying, drinking, smoking, etc.) makes him a safe player to lock down for a long term deal

When it’s all said and done, Nike overpaid for KD. It’s hard to make an argument that anyone on the planet is worth $300 million dollars. But they had to do it. Under Armour is making a serious push to become a threat to Nike with their surging stock price. However, no one does basketball like Nike and they couldn’t pass up the chance to have Jordan, LeBron, and the current MVP all under one roof for another decade. Hate it or love it, the Swoosh is here to stay and KD is leading their charge into the future.

Be sure to follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinSaad93) and tune into his radio show, The Beef, on St. Joseph's University Radio in the fall.

The Sports ReKap, hosted by Nick Kapetan and DJ Vogt, will begin airing again in September on MarquetteWire.org.

Nick- @KapN93

DJ- @DvJ14

Like Us On Facebook

Be sure to visit Sobelman's this summer, the official sponsor of The Sports ReKap, and try their array of mouthwatering burgers. Visit their website: http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/

Sunday, August 31, 2014

A Dunn Deal

To call Adam Dunn's time with the Chicago White Sox a disappointment, would be an understatement. On Sunday, Dunn was shipped off to the Oakland Athletics on the final day that teams could acquire players and place them on their postseason roster.

In the winter heading into the 2011 season, the White Sox tried to sell their "All In" movement to their fans. Dunn, was the face of the team's mindset that they would do whatever it took to win another World Series. Former general manager Kenny Williams, who was never afraid to jeopardize the future of the franchise in order to win right away, handed The Big Donkey a 4 year 56 million dollar deal.

Throw away what sabermetrics might say about Dunn's OBP being respectable at times. Don't be caught up in people pointing to the fact that Dunn saw a large number of pitches during his at-bats, his walk total, or his 95 homers over the course of the past three years. Adam Dunn's contract was the worst in franchise history.

Dunn's legacy with the White Sox will be highlighted by all those swings that would lead to him taking a slow stroll back to the dugout. His 222 strikeouts two years ago was horrendous and a symbol of the designated hitter's time in Chicago.

Yes, Dunn provided some moments of glory. He did have walk-off homers and would deliver occasionally in the clutch with a base hit. Heck he even was at the plate during that famous balk-off win. Despite these positives, Dunn was never that threat in the middle of the lineup that the Sox thought they were getting three and a half years ago.

What frustrated most of Dunn's teammates over the years was the criticism their beloved friend received from the media and fans. That's the thing, Dunn was not a bad guy. He was never cocky or full of himself. During his tenure in Chicago, he took the heat and admitted that he needed to do better. He took care of rookies like how he took pitcher Scott Carroll out to dinner after his first start this year.

At times, Dunn would even have fun with the negative words he would receive from others. He famously tipped his cap after getting on base amid his historically terrible 2011 season. While he never had a serious blowup while he was struggling, people could tell that the hardships were taking a toll on him at the plate. That could be a huge reason why he plans on possibly retiring after this season.

General manager Rick Hahn once again is showing that his sight is on the future and will do whatever it takes to cleanse the franchise of previous mistakes. Getting something, anything, for one of the biggest disappointments in White Sox history, is another step in the right direction.

Follow Nick on Twitter: @KapN93
Nick Kapetan hosts The Sports ReKap with co-host DJ Vogt on MarquetteWire.org.