Thank You Nava

             As improbable a career as it gets.  Daniel Nava stepped in to the batters box in his Major League Debut against the Phillies in June of 2010.  With the bases loaded Nava took the very first pitch deep. Grand Slam! from that day on Nava was a fan favorite in Red Sox nation. 

             Since then Nava went up and down between the bigleagues and triple A.  His best season by far was 2013. Nava played the majority of the season and at times was the best player for the Red Sox.  He played a big role in the teams success that ended in a World Series Championship.
           
             Nava has always been the underdog.  In college he didn't make the baseball team and transferred to a school that gave him a shot at playing.  After college he played baseball in an independent league where he was acquired by the Boston Red Sox Organization. 

            Today the Tampa Bay Rays claimed him off of waivers from the Red Sox.  I for one will be rooting for Nava and I'm sure alot of Red Sox nation will do the same. 

            His perseverance and heart is a reflection of what  makes sports so great.  It's not always the athletes with the most God given ability and talent that make an impact, the grinders who are tenacious succeed too.  Nava is an inspiration to anyone who has ever been told they cant; Nava has proven he can. 

Zach Grenkie

43 2/3… This is a lot more than a number.  As many of you may know the meaning of this number is the amount of consecutive innings Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Zach Grenkie has pitched without allowing a run.  It’s also a symbol of the recognition Grenkie is finally receiving.

  In 2002 Grenkie was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 6^th pick in the first round straight out of high school.   In 2006 he took a year off of baseball due to a social anxiety disorder.  Many people including Grenkie, thought his career would be over.  Grenkie was able to overcome his anxiety and rejoined the Royals in 2007.  He won the American league Cy Young award in 2009. 

A huge contract such as Grenkie’s $20 Million + a year can get in the head of athletes and affect their ability to play to their potential.  It’s kind of funny how it hasn’t for Grenkie considering his personal obstacles.  Nope not Grenkie, he has arguable been the best pitcher in baseball since signing the deal with the Dodgers in 2013.  He is doing all of this as a player who plays the most mental position in the most mental sport. 

Grenkie’s scoreless innings streak is impressive and he deserves all the credit and recognition he is receiving.  The most impressive part about it though, is the adversity he has had to fight through on his way to where he is today.  That is what makes him inspiring.   

NFL Mock Draft

I gave it a shot last year so I'll do it again. My mock draft for the NFL 2015 draft picks is...

1. Jameis Winston -Tampa Bay

2. Leonard Williams - Tennessee

3. Amari Cooper - Jacksonville

4. Kevin White - Oakland

5. Marcus Mariota - Washington

6. Shane Ray - New York Jets

7. Robert Gregory - Chicago

8. Vic Beasley - Atlanta

9.   Dante Fowler Jr. - New York Giants

10. DeVante Parker - St. Louis

11.  Todd Gurley - Minnesota