For those of you that are paying attention, there were some good comments in response to yesterday’s SU posting.

• Always nice to once in a while see that some members of the SU intergalactic subscriber base actually agree with me (thank you T. Potter).  Regarding the college football playoffs, I am not sold on Clemson and would have no  problem seeing them out of the mix if they lose to UNC tomorrow.  I actually feel that Ohio State could run the table just as they did last year if given the chance.  Their roster is stacked and the truth is that they have under-achieved all year.  The post-game comments after the Michigan State loss may have finally awakened them but alas, could be too late.  I agree that Stanford should not be in the mix.  Prediction: Alabama is the last man standing.
• I don’t think that Daniel Murphy is going to set any records with his free agent contract.  While someone will likely overpay in years and money, I think he will land in the 4 years, $48 million range.
• While David Price can opt out after 3 years, it’s hard to see why he would want to do that unless the Red Sox go into the tank or if the fans hate him which is unlikely as Price is a good dude.  But that is just a bad contract and the rest of their staff as it stands today is not scaring anyone.  It will now be interesting to see what Scott Greienke commands.
• Pete, I think in the big market cities, any price increase in tickets or beer/hot dogs are no longer noticeable.  At some point, it’s just a rounding on an already ridiculous price point.  I can see how in Atlanta it would be more of an issue.  But you have a new stadium on the way so your day will be coming shortly.
• Finally, I agree with A. Grossman that the Red Sox have a lot of holes to fill to get back to the top of the division.  Even though Toronto is directly weakened with the Price signing and the Orioles are in decline, Boston is still not there on paper or in reality.

Don’t get caught napping on Brian Cashman.  He is the master of misdirection and he keeps talking fiscal responsiblity and his “process” whatever that is.  SU predicts at least 2 major moves – not necessarily big dollar investments – but via trades as he knows what he is giving Girardi is not even 90 wins worth.  This is NY: home of the $29 2 hot dogs and a beer combo.  We expect more.

Finally, SU checked out Stephan Curry the other night on the NBA League Pass (worth the investment Knick fans as there is good basketball being played in other cities).  28 points in the 3rd quarter alone and something like 21 consecutive points for his team.  What a shooter.  How youngsters are not studying his shooting form (and if you watch college basketball, you know that 95% of them are NOT) is beyond me.  True, he has Dell Curry genes to work with but his motion is simple and effortless.  And, he passes the ball and wait, get this, moves without the ball.  What a concept!  The Warriors are a lot of fun to watch.

It’s good to see that MLB owners are no longer giving ridiculous free agent contracts to older pitchers (not).  David Price, he of the woeful post-season won/loss record, just got a $217 million, 7-year deal from the Red Sox.  He will be 37 years old at the end of his contract.  You don’t even want to do the math.  Think of it this way: if he stays healthy all year, that is $1 million per start assuming 31 starts for the regular season.

SU was relieved to learn that the Yankees were apparently not involved in the bidding.  They are trying to get younger and after the next couple of seasons, will have a lot of money coming off the books.  As I have said many times, it’s time to field a more interesting team and for the fan base, that means getting younger.  Brian Cashman seems to be on the right path now.  Until he’s not.

SU reaction to the Kobe Bryant retirement announcement: great scorer; me-first player; never afraid to take the final shot (and miss it); got his rings; and is a possible rapist.  I don’t feel he will receive the type of affection that a Derek Jeter received or what a Big Papi will get in 2016.  I admire his competitiveness but his selfishness outweighs that.  Clearly sees his skills are eroding.  Note to Kobe: please don’t come back next year with the Knicks.

Should Johnny Manziel be starting for the Browns this week?  SU has been surprised by how many people feel he should be (but not his coach).  SU asks at what point do you punish a player and make it stick?  Why is it necessary to always roll over?  SU said from the beginning pre-draft that he was a Ryan Lief type of QB.  Buyer beware.  Not a good guy.  But given his persona, Cleveland will not be his final stop in the NFL.  There just aren’t enough good quarterbacks out there and some owner/GM will always be willing to take a flyer on him.