Tom Brady Leaves Patriots Practice With Apparent Knee Injury written by: carlmedia When Tim Tebow signed with the Patriots on June 11th, it was looked at as a luxury signing for fans as the hybrid QB would likely never see the field unless Tom Brady had New England healthily ahead of the opponent, and even then it’s not sure if Bill Belichick would pull his starters regardless of a big cushion. New England fans got an unexpected scare and no doubt a foreshadowing of a season of ‘Tebow Time’ after Tom Brady left the field with an apparent knee injury after getting rolled into by a teammate.

The Play

Grainy, fan-shot video of the Brady injury quickly surfaced on Twitter. The Patriots were practicing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the recording clearly shows Brady wearing his red QB jersey that is supposed to keep signal callers upright and to alert defenders that they’re nearing the opposing quarterbacks. On the play he was injured, Brady took a quick three step drop and threw an out pass to the right sideline intended for Aaron Dobson. New England left tackle Nate Solder is pushed backwards by Tampa Bay defender Adrian Clayborn and Brady’s definitive red jersey emerges from the pileup rolling around on the ground and writhing his left knee in pain.

Fans in the background of the amateur video can immediately be heard groaning, “Oh no!” and images were surely conjured up of Brady’s season ending knee injury that happened only 8 minutes into the 2008 season. The knee that Brady hurt during the August 14th training camp hit was actually the same one that he tore up on that fall day in 2008 that catapulted backup QB Matt Cassell into a starting role and a heavy payday. After the hit by Clayborn, Brady was able to limp off the field but was immediately tended to by team doctors and trainers.

The Prognosis

The sigh of relief emanating from the Atlantic Northeast that was heard around 4:30 PM EST was fans hearing the reports that Brady’s injury was simply a strain. X-Rays on the left knee were negative and team physicians have labeled the star QB day-to-day for practice. Even if Brady’s knee isn’t giving him problems for the duration of the preseason, fans can rest assured that Number 12 won’t take the field until the September 8th opener in Buffalo. Even the savvy Bill Belichick knows just how much Brady means to New England’s success in 2013 as they battle with injuries and jail sentences to their top 2012 tight ends and aim to replace their top wide receivers from a year ago as well.

Controversy on the Hit?

There are a select few NFL teams who practice with fellow NFL squads instead of making due with their expanded rosters and the Patriots were almost dreading their decision to do work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It can be a nice reprieve to finally hit somebody in a different jersey but the increased intensity of the competitive practices can lead to incidences like that which happened in Patriots camp. Buccaneers DE Adrian Clayborn, who pushed the offensive tackle into Brady, was quoted after practice as saying that he knows enough to stay away from the QB but his instincts kicked in when he had LT Nate Solder on his heels. Clayborn’s roster spot is likely secure but to a second or third string player fighting for a roster spot, hitting the ‘off-switch’ could be a career breaking decision. Either way, the Brady injury not being serious saves all fans from hearing sports talk reporters admonish the preseason and prevents the shredding of almost every fantasy football ranking sheet.

The Big Picture for the Patriots and the League

When word of an apparent Tom Brady injury first surfaced, betting odds for the Super Bowl, AFC, and AFC East were suspended which just goes to show how big of a cog in the machine the 36 year old Brady still is. There was also quite an uproar on social media amongst Boston sports fans which is also an indictment on the trust of 2nd string QB Ryan Mallett. Those who have also already drafted Brady in their fantasy leagues got an early season break when the QB was listed as day to day, saving August 14th from being dubbed their day of infamy…although it might’ve also been a sign from above as the Brady hit just happened to go down on a teammate’s birthday – Tebow’s 26th!

As much as every coach promises that next year will be different, when that new training camp begins it always resembles the previous years. The challenges are numerous and solutions often take time and money. From too much weight loss, to injuries, to new players lacking experience. Every team adopts situations that leave coaches wondering why they ever chose the job.

For the Seattle Seahawks, how long will their wide receiver Percy Harvin be out? For the 49ers, who is going to fill Michael Crabtree’s role for the defending NFC champions? These are the uncertainties management faces year after year.

Rookies are another issue that teams must deal with. Although they are the future hope for the team, their skills and experience aren’t apparent on day 1 of trainin camp. The Buffalo Bills were forced to make some decisions this week over who to choose as their starting quarterback. Kevin Kolb or E.J Manuel? The Rotoguys like the extra experience that Kolb has, yet Manuel is very motivated to prove himself and to keep an NFL position.

The Dolphins have some serious lineup issues themselves considering how much money they spent this offseason. The offensive line and secondary face more questions than they ever did. This is a team to watch when it comes to low-level veteran trades and waiver pickups when roster cuts are announced. The Dolphins still could use veteran help at left tackle, running back and at cornerback, where it’s uncertain how soon rookies Jamar Taylor and Will Davis can play. According to us, the Dolphins are still exciting to watch. They always find a way to remain in the game and often stun their opponents.

At least there is some optimism for the Kansas City Chiefs. They managed to sign Right-Tackle Eric Fisher to a four-year fully guaranteed contract worth $22.19 million. The Rotoguys have faith in the team’s decision because they have lots of experience on and off the field.

Since we launched last month a question we get asked often is ‘Who are the RotoGuys?’ As most of you have seen we hit the ground running and have not stopped: daily updates, daily strategies, cutting edge reviews and an active social media presence.  Add to that some spice with our Roto Models aka RotoGirls.  So whose insight are we reading week after week with the Strategy articles….unique news perspectives and site reviews?

Beginning this week, we will include author info for every article to keep track of the brains behind the strategy.  As you have probably noted, each of us has a distinct writing style which stands out so to better follow your RotoGuy all updates will carry our beautiful avatars!

The Rotoguys are Dan & Dave better known as “Diamond” Dan & “Downtown” Dave.  Lifelong friends with fantasy sports and winning big as a hobby they launched put their efforts together and launched RotoGuys.com.  Involved in a variety of fantasy pools from hockey to baseball and basketball to football they even dabbled in some PGA and Nascar action.  For Diamond Dan it is about the bottom line: winning and his motto when diving into fantasy pools is taken from Sir Winston Churchill  “Play the game for more than you can afford to lose…only then will you learn the game”  he encourages any DFS rookie to live by Sir Winston’s quote.  For Downtown Dave it is all about the joy of the game taking what Aristotle Onassis once amply stated “After a certain point, money is meaningless, it ceases to be the goal.  The game is what counts.”

Dan is the news hound picking up the most groundbreaking tidbits from the news of fantasy sports: everything from industry news to injury reports.  His passion is also the NHL and NFL.  Nicknamed Diamond by friends for his ability to spot out the diamonds in the rough which have proven incredibly useful for fantasy teams: from Bernie Nichols in 1988 to Bartolo Colon and Chris Davis this year he has spotted out some 5 carat gems out of a stack of rough hay.  Follow him and listen wisely.  Dave is the brain behind most of the strategy related to MLB & NBA as well as breaking down the Reviews for our readers.  Nicknamed Downtown for his tenacity to ‘Go Big or Go Home’ in all aspects of fantasy sports:  Dave’s ability to look past the minor details and give you the bottom line is second to none.  His unique style of writing is already a hit among our fanbase.

Another contributor with a  great fan following is Gia who you have seen featured on our RotoGirl of the week.  In just a week of her being presented it seems Gia already has her own fanclub at Rotoguys!  Gia is all about sports be it MLB, NFL, NBA and even NHL: watch for her unique player analysis.  She is our resident model and glamor girl.

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Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers is the first MLB big name to be suspended in what is a potentially far reaching drug investigation.

Braun a 2011 National League MVP was suspended without pay for the rest of the season and the post-season Monday, the start of sanctions involving players reportedly tied to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

Braun accepted the 65-game ban and in a statement of admission said “I am not perfect. I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions,”

Yankees Star Alex Rodriguez and more than a dozen players were targeted by MLB following a report by Miami New Times in January that they had been connected with Biogenesis of America, a now-closed anti-aging clinic.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced Braun’s penalty, citing the outfielder for unspecified “violations” of both baseball’s drug program and labour contract. Braun will miss the Milwaukee Brewers’ final 65 games without pay, costing him about $3 million of his $8.5 million salary. With the Brewers in last place in the NL Central, they aren’t likely to have any playoff games for him to miss.

“I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed,” Braun said. “I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love.”

Braun’s acceptance of the suspension marks a 180-degree turnaround from his defiant spring training news conference in Phoenix last year, after his 50-game ban was overturned.

The Brewers star was hitting .298 with nine homers and 38 RBIs this year, slowed by a thumb injury that limited him to one game between June 9 and Friday. He was at Miller Park before Monday’s game against San Diego and addressed the Brewers, then left without speaking to reporters.

Braun met with MLB investigators in late June. Baseball’s probe was boosted when Anthony Bosch, who ran Biogenesis, agreed last month to co-operate with the sport’s investigators.

The suspension is the latest in a string of high-profile drug cases across sports. Cyclist Lance Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France winner, ended years of denials in January, admitting he doped to win. Positive tests were disclosed this month involving sprinters Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson.

By serving the entire penalty this year, Braun gains a slight monetary advantage. His salary increases to $10 million next year, when a 65-game suspension would cost him about $500,000 more.

Negotiations over penalties for other players haven’t begun, according to a second person familiar with the probe, also speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

Rodriguez acknowledged using PEDs while with Texas from 2001-03 but has denied taking them since.

A three-time AL MVP, Rodriguez has been sidelined all season following January hip surgery and was hoping to be activated this week. A quadriceps injury developed while he played at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and caused him to remain on the disabled list. He is not expected at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa, Fla., until Wednesday.

Braun became the latest star tripped up by baseball’s drug rules.

Four All-Stars this year have been linked in media reports to Biogenesis: Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz San Diego shortstop Everth Cabrera, Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon enjoying a great season and Detroit shortstop Peralta.

Other players tied to Biogenesis in media reports include Melky Cabrera now with the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero.

Many predicted that the Blue Jays had come full circle under GM Alex Anthopoulos and with a some solid signings and would put up impressive numbers. Most of those predictions came from the Blue Jays themselves.

While I think Toronto is great city and a notch above other Canadian cities in terms of economy and sheer size it tries hard to be as cool as Montreal and as interesting as Vancouver. It usually falls flat. Montreal and Vancouver are cities that don’t to try hard at being unique they just have those elements in their mountains by the sea landscape or mix of franco and anglo “harmony” and diversity. What does this have to do with Baseball? All summer long we were sold on two near facts: Blue Jays will do great things and Alex Anthopoulos is the next Theo Epstein, Billy Beane, etc. This by the way is a term we utilize all too often. Billy Beane was unique and continues to be and Theo Epstein is an entirely different breed of GM. 
Alex Anthopoulos climbed his way up from mail clerk from the Montreal Expos eventually joining the Blue Jays in 2003 as a scout and assistant GM later replacing sitting GM JP Ricciardi in 2009. Impressive no doubt especially when we consider that he was 32 when he was handed the reigns of a major league baseball team.

The 2012 off season was filled with excitement, joy and pride for Blue Jays fans who had not seen a World Series since the early 1990’s. What started with a blockbuster deal with the Miami Marlins adding Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, John Buck and Emilio Bonifacio to the lineup was followed by signing Melky Cabrera and ended the off season signing Cy Young Winner R.A. Dickey.

Aside from Blue Jays owners Rogers Communications have deep pockets every saw Anthonopoulos as making the right moves and not just Steinbrenner 80’s style signings for big names.

There was a new sense of confidence with the Blue Jays and a city that loves nothing more than to utter ‘this is the year’ (Ask any Maple Leaf fan) they hoped on the Blue Jays bandwagon prematurely crowning Anthopoulos as a genius.

During this hyperactive free agency of summer 2013 we’ve seen a lot of start movement and a change of balances in the NBA. We’ve experienced blockbuster trades, like the one between the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets that sent Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to play alongside Deron Williams in Brooklyn. We also watched the latest episode of the Dwightmare saga, with the Superman finally deciding to join James Harden in the Houston Rockets. Several teams will try to dethrone the Heat this upcoming season and especially in the Eastern Conference, things will look drastically different. The New York Knicks also made a significant move, by trading for Andrea Bargnani, who will play alongside Tyson Chandler in the frontcourt, sending Marcus Camby and Steve Novak to the Toronto Raptors.

The 7-footer Andrea Bargnani will have a unique chance to resurrect his career now that he’ll be with a new team, under a new coach and playing together with superstar Carmelo Anthony. It’s true that during the last couple of years, Bargnani went off course. His numbers dropped, his morale followed the decline and the injuries he suffered only came to complete the doom of his tenure in Toronto. Even the fans wanted him out, expressing their disappointment whenever they got the chance to see him on home court.

It was just a matter of time for the former No.1 overall pick to find his next destination and now he did. Stepping into a big-market city, like New York and playing in a competitive team will give the 27 year-old center a unique chance to return to his normal level of play. Although last season, in 35 games, he averaged 12.7 points per game, 3.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 40.0 percent from the field, there’s no doubt he can perform way better. At least that what’s he was accustomed to do, during his first seasons in the league. Now, entering the 2013-2014 season fully healed, he’ll have to prove he can return back to his 20 point-per game performances and also find his touches from long range. Being a 36.1 percent three-point shooter for his career, Bargnani went on a shooting slump over the past couple of seasons, shooting a combined 30.4 percent from beyond the arc. Standing at 7 feet and weighting 256 lbs, one of the main strengths of his game was outside shooting. That’s how he made a name for himself in the league and that’s an aspect of the game he’s missed the last years.

As a member of the Knicks team, he is projected to get many chances to find his shooting pace once again, as New York has two of the best penetrators in the league, Melo and J.R. Smith. With those two drawing the most attention from the opposing defense, Andrea Bargnani will have the opportunity to find more open shots than he did with the Toronto Raptors. As he’s just entering his prime, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise if we see him making a strong and emphatic comeback next season.

Another Italian player, Danilo Gallinari, still remains an unsolved puzzle for the Denver Nuggets. The team recently lost its star forward Andre Iguodala, who decided to join the Golden State Warriors. That leaves Gallinari as the lone option for the starting small forward position with Kenneth Faried most probably switching to the starting power forward. The only problem for the Nuggets is when and if Gallinari will return back fully healed and what his condition will be.

After suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury, back in April 2013 things don’t look very good for the 24-year old ace. He will definitely miss the start of the season and in fact he could remain sidelined for the biggest part, eyeing his return somewhere around before the start of the playoffs. It’s a real pity for him and the Nuggets to see him out of action, as until getting injured, he recorded one of the best seasons of his career. With a career-high 16.2 points per game and also 5.2 rebounds last season, Gallinari had emerged as a centerpiece in the Nuggets team. Considering the young of his age, his performance was and still is projected to go only upwards. The truth is that ACL injuries tend to be the trickiest ones for players in any kinds of sports. Hopefully Danilo Gallinari gets back on track next season at his 100 percent. The Nuggets will definitely need him to repeat the success of this past season and go even further. The Denver Nuggets recorded one of the best seasons of their franchise history last year and they are looking to repeat a successful course next year. Considering the young average in their roster, they surely have the potential.

The third Italian player of the NBA, Marco Belinelli saw big changes in his NBA career over the span of the couple of years. After spending last season with the Chicago Bulls, he will now be a member of the San Antonio Spurs for the next season and the one after. He signed a contract worth $5.6 million for the two years. Though he, too, experienced some injury issues during the last portion of the season and against the Miami Heat in the playoffs, Belinelli had a solid season in general. His 9.6 points per game along with his 2.0 assists and 39.5 shooting from the field are definitely not jaw-dropping. Nonetheless, he greatly assisted the team to stay at a high level, keeping in mind that the Chicago Bulls lacked of their superstar point guard Derrick Rose.

Now, with a new and proven team in San Antonio, he will have yet another chance to chase a ring. After reaching the NBA Finals only to lose the 2013 NBA Championship with a dramatic finale in Games 6 and 7 this past season, Greg Popovic’s team is projected to make a strong comeback next season and play one of its last cards to win another Championship. Marco Belinelli can be a great member of that squad and the presence of Popovic could only benefit him get better as a player. He is expected to be yet another threat on the three-point line, together with sharpshooter Danny Green and the rest of the crew. In fact, several Spurs players have the ability to knock down threes and that has become a big element of their game during the last seasons. He is expected to start off the bench, playing as a backup guard, with some ball handling responsibilities, too.

So while Kovalchuk’s stock as a family man may have gone up his stock as a shrewd ‘businessman’ should crank up a few notches as well. At the end of the day, he may have left 10 million on the table with the Devils deal but he will surely make that up with his paltry 13% tax rate and consider that he may even last longer in the KHL which is much less physical than the NHL.

The big loser in all this are both the Devils and other Russian players. Will other teams wonder who the next Kovy will be and jump ship for bigger deals in Mother Russia? Just when Russians were becoming an integral part of the NHL this happens. What we can expect is heavy penalty clauses in deals if a player decides to retire early possible pre set damages clause to make them think twice before “pulling a Kovy”. Truth is some so called experts have never accepted the Russians and other Europeans in the NHL and will use this as a reason to instill more fear and distrust. Tim Thomas abruptly left the Boston Bruins leaving them with out a net minder for mind boggling reasons such as preparing for an economic catastrophe. Thankfully the Finnish Tuukka Rask saved the day for the Bruins. Kovy walked away, Thomas walked away. Life goes on.

Last week I wrote about the top free agents in the NHL and this week like clockwork some of those big names were snatched up by teams: some surprises, some questions and some good moves.

Canadiens: Too “Little” Too “Late” ?

Back in 2007, the Habs thought  that living in the past was well a thing of the past and ‘Les Glorieux’ decided to plunk down a nice chunk of change for free agent Danny Briere. He was talented, in his prime and his french Canadian upbringing would sit well with fans that longed for the next Beliveau or Lafleur. One problem. Someone forget to let Briere in on the plan. Apparently, Briere would rather stay in the City of Brotherly Love than join the Canadiens. To add insult to injury, he was accepting less money to stay with the Flyers. The daily press conferences, borderline insane hockey mad town and instant recognition walking the streets of Montreal was not Briere’s cup of tea. Oh yes and there is the pressure. The media expect answers on everything from a missed pass to a disappointed glance during a game and the fans: lets just say that 20 years of not winning a cup has made some very intense hockey fans in Montreal.

Fast forward to 2013, now 35 and after various injuries, two ‘quiet’ seasons and a contract buy out the Canadiens decide to make Briere an offer. This time apparently age has made Briere wise and he accepts a 2 year 8 million dollar deal. The Habs fans are not impressed. They don’t forget and more than that they don’t see Briere as the answer to their woes. The big bad bruins starting with 6 foot 9 Zdeno Chara and hard hitting Milan Lucic have been pounding the Canadiens for many years. They tried various solutions including enforcer Georges Laraque and none seemed to work. Alongside the talented but small sized Brian Gionta and David Desharnias they feel Briere at 35 is not only washed up but actually a step back.

Thankfully the Habs picked up George Parros from Florida which may be a more interesting pick up to add size and attitude to a team some call ‘soft’ and he also brings with him a bad-ass ‘stache’.

Jagr-Meister

On the subject of the Canadiens, they are apparently in talks with Jaromir Jagr. Despite his age, he picked up
35 points last season, including 16 goals in just 45 games with Boston and Dallas and could provide leadership to the Habs. Added to that, his rapport with center Tomas Plekanec makes it a great fit for both he and the team

Nathan Horton dons a Blue JacketThe Columbus Blue Jackets made a major move on Friday to shore up their lagging offence by signing free-agent right wing Nathan Horton away from the Boston Bruins.The 28-year-old playoff-hardened forward, who visited Columbus earlier this week, signed a seven-year deal worth $37.1 million US — with $29 million US of that coming in the first five years.The signing was one of the biggest free-agent moves ever by the franchise that is the Blue Jackets and in my humble opinion Horton was the best free agent out there: young, tough and talented and a Stanley Cup Ring under his belt.

Columbus needs more than Horton as the team is built around their star goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky but it is a huge move.

Only one giveaway per person (no double entries). Rotoguys will send out the t-shirt once confirmation is received via FanDuel and contact participant via email. Only participants that joined and made a deposit with FanDuel via RotoGuys will receive prize(s). The following MLB Baseballs are up for giveaway on a first come first serve basis: Chris Stewart, Phillippe Aumont, Chris Perez, Jordan Walden, Kyle Kendrick, Wally Joyner with COA.

Giveaway stock limited to 50 t-shirts and sizes. The 20th, 40th and 50th participant will receive an autographed baseball as well. Cannot be exchanged for money.

In past years the NHL draft has taken place over several days, sometimes detracting from the stories which emerge from the later rounds. This year, with all the craziness of the lockout and how it altered every NHL date we’ve come to memorize over the years – the draft took place all in one day.So in hockey’s penultimate exciting moment of the offseason the 2013 NHL Draft began, and began with a surprise. No, not the worst kept secret in hockey that the Colorado Avalanche would select Nathan MacKinnon first overall, but that other possible #1 choice defenseman Seth Jones would fall to 4^th. Sometimes it pays to be lucky, right Nashville?

Jones’ fall to fourth was one story of the draft, but the real highlights of the first round were some other blueliners wound up.

The Buffalo Sabres did their best to begin digging their way out of the NHL basement after a disappointing season. With both the 8^th and 16^th picks, the Sabres had an opportunity – and they seized it – in the form of two beastly defenders Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov. If Buffalo is going to start making headway in the new (and tough) eastern division these two bruising defensemen are definitely a good place to start.

Speaking of strong d-men, how about Philadelphia’s draft choice who is a shadow of one of their top players? The Flyers’ chose Samuel Morin at 11^th overall – a player who is almost a carbon copy of Chris Pronger (aka his idol growing up). Philly, too, is looking to bounce back from a less-than-stellar NHL campaign and a player who was a fan of an incredible defenseman, then grew up to the same size as him is a pretty solid bet.

Is it me or was this first round all about size? Dallas also took advantage of power players available in the first round by drafting Valeri Nichushkin. The Russian power forward could end up being the steal of the draft – and yes that’s something you can say about a guy who was taken 10^th overall. Let’s face it – he dropped a few spots because he’s European, and there were some concerns coming out of the combine – but this pick is going to help Dallas regain some of its past glory.

Dallas also might have had another major steal in the Canadian goalie they picked up late in the second round. Philippe Desrosiers led Canada to gold at the U-18 world tournament, so look out for him in the crease down the road.

There was definitely a lot of skill to go around, but what’s another essential factor of the greatest game on ice? Yup – fighting. Two big names come to mind when you look at the grittier side of the draft: Keegan Kanzig, a 6’7” defender went to the Flames and a former enforcer’s nephew was drafted by the Red Wings: Tyler Bertuzzi.

So whether your team picked up a big defender or a skilled forward in the top 10, there was plenty of skill to go around. However, nothing was more heart-warming than the New Jersey Devils’ final pick of the draft (especially because they were the hosts of the night).

Current goaltender and future hall of famer Martin Brodeur announced the 208^th pick of the draft: naming his son Anthony as the newest member of the Devils organization.

Looking ahead, plenty of these guys will have an impact on the NHL, but time will tell. With all the skill to be had, there are plenty of chances for these guys to break out. Should be an interesting season next year.