The Aftermath Of Deflategate

Deflategate: New England, Tom Brady, was it worth it?

Today the New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady, a four time Super Bowl winner was suspended for four-games during the 2015-2016 season for his role in "Deflategate,"

On top of Brady's suspension the Patriots were fined $1 Million, and lost their first-round draft pick in 2016 and fourth-round pick in 2017.

Does the suspension fit the crime?

In my opinion, no. I think the punishment should have been harder. Although this is a step in the right direction for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who was chastised last year for his "light" punishment on Ray Rice.

While I don't think Rice faced the correct punishment from Goodell, the Baltimore Ravens' front office took the right approach when they released him from the team. Shortly after that announcement the NFL came back and suspended him for the entire season.

While Rice's initial suspension was only two-games for beating up his wife, the eventual punishment fit the crime.

Now to Brady's suspension.

First impression, it does not fit the crime. He cheated on the biggest stage in the sport, the Super Bowl, won, and is being suspended for a handful of games next year. The Patriots will also lose out on a pair of draft picks, the 2016 first-round pick and 2017 fourth-round pick. As well the Patriots will be fined $1 Million.

While the million dollars sounds like a large sum to most, to an NFL franchise like the Patriots it is very small. The Patriots are currently ranked by Forbes as the second most valuable NFL franchise coming in at $2.6 Billion dollars.

But as far as the Patriots and Brady are concerned, they should take this as a small loss with a huge win. Brady will get some extended time off this off season. He will have less game time on his body, and they will get a chance to play backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who last year completed six passes for a total of nine yards. But most of all, the Patriots still won the Super Bowl last year.

As per the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Brady will have three-days to appeal the suspension. Word is out that Brady, and agent will appeal the suspension.

I think if the NFL really wants to get this one right. They should strip the title from the Patriots' and Brady. Ask the Seattle Seahawks' fans who started a petition to strip the New England franchise of their fourth title under Brady.

Nothing would bring chaos to the NFL more than a year without a Super Bowl winner.

Now it's your turn Goodell, make me proud.

Where Have All The Stolen Bases Gone?

Where have all the stolen bases gone?

A tribute to Rickey Henderson.

Today marks the 24th anniversary of Rickey Henderson's record breaking stolen base, breaking Lou Brock's all-time stolen base record of 938. As a member of the Oakland Athletics' on May 1, 1991 a day that Rickey Henderson claimed he was "the greatest of all time."

To this day, Henderson is still number one of the all-time stolen base leader board with , and Brock is still number two with 1,406 career stolen bases.

To put that in perspective, after Henderson broke Brock's record he still recorded another 468 stolen bases. That number alone would still rank Henderson in the top 50 base stealing players of all time, coming in at 45 just above greats like Eric Young, 465, Delino DeShields, 463 and Bobby Bonds, 461.

If you compared Henderson's post-Brock steals to current players, he would still rank above some of the best such as Jose Reyes, 458 and Jimmy Rollins, 456.

If you dig deeper into Henderson's career you see some outstanding numbers, including the modern MLB single season record of stolen bases with 130. Sorry, Hugh Nicole, 1887 isn't considered modern. The 130 stolen bases Henderson recorded in 1982 are incredible. He almost recorded one stolen base a game for the entire season. 

Now let's put that 130 stolen base season into perspective.

Since 1982 only two players have topped 100 stolen bases, Vince Coleman, and Henderson. Coleman topped 100 steals three times, in 1985, 1986 and 1987, with his highest total coming in 1985 with 110.

Comparing Henderson's 130 stolen base season to careers or current players is just as fun. Henderson's single season would put him him tied for 40th with Alcides Escobar and Chris Young who have played eight and 10 years respectively.

So where have all the stolen bases gone?

Has the game changed? Yes, but speed is still a very important factor in determining who makes a club and who doesn't. Just ask Jose Altuve, five years, 140 stolen bases or Dee Gordon, five years, 138 stolen bases. While Altuve was also the American League batting champion last year, one of the main factors for him making the club was not his size, it was his speed.

Are teams still attempting to steal?

Yes, but the highest single season total by a current MLB player is 78 by Jose Reyes in 2007. That season Reyes attempted to steal a base 99 times. Henderson topped 78 stolen bases six times in his career, and attempted over 99 stolen bases five times. Here is Reyes' stealing career base 400 with the Miami Marlins.

So whats the real reason stolen base totals have been going down?

Is it defensive positioning? Is it pitchers trying to pick off runners? Sorry Jon Lester we don't think so.

I think it's bigger than that. I think Rickey Henderson was a one of a kind athlete. One that still holds several MLB record including most runs scored, most stolen bases, most times caught stealing and most lead off home runs.

But one thing is for sure, stolen bases have gone down since the late 80s' and don't look to be coming back any time soon. But one can hope for change, because the stolen base is one of the most exciting parts of baseball even if it only takes a few seconds to do it. Maybe someone will sign Usain Bolt, I hear that guy is pretty fast.

Until next time, this has been Last Resort Sports! I hope you enjoyed my blog and I look forward to reading your comments below!