Giants: Players To Look Out For In 2017

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B.J. Goodson

Goodson is looking more like the guy who will earn the job of starting middle linebacker by the start of the season. Some may chalk this up to the Giants lack of true candidates on the roster, but don't tell that to the second-year man out of Clemson, whom has been lobbying for this chance since OTA's. Should he get the nod, one should believe that he will seek to break the teams overly long streak if mediocrity from the mike position.

Eli Apple

Though he did play in 14 games in his rookie season, Eli Apple will tell you that he feels he didn't put his best foot forward. He was forced to leave a few games due to recurring problems with his hamstring and ankle and at times struggled to play through them. All in all, however, he did manage to contribute to a successful campaign that saw the team make the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. Now healthy, Apple is ready to get to work and prove just how valuable his skill set is for a secondary that improves by vast proportions in 2016.

Paul Perkins

Perkins has not yet been named the starting running back, but you must think it's only a matter of time before he is. His impressive abilities a runner have gotten him noticed by the entire coaching staff, many of whom claiming him to be the back of the future. Though he'll need to outperform the likes of Shane Vereen and the equally talented rookie Wayne Gallman throughout the preseason. Perkins looks to be confident he can get the job done and be a staple of the offense for the next few years.

Landon Collins

After a 2016 season that saw him finish second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting (Some believe he should have won) Landon Collins has not only helped solidify the safety spot but has become a force to be reckoned with on defense. If he can duplicate what he accomplished last season, He could earn a place as one of the best safeties in the NFL.

Odell Beckham Jr.

If there's a player on the Giants that has consistently delivered, it's OBJ. Having amassed over 4,000 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns, some may wonder what the 4th year man has left to prove. However, with a contract extension on the horizon and a taste of the playoffs on his pallet, Beckham certainly has a lot to play for in 2017. He also will look to establish himself as a vocal leader in the locker room that his teammates can trust and count on for this season and the seasons to come.

Yankees: Mid-Season Grades and Contributions

Offense - B+

Photo: Kathy Willens/AP

The Yankee offense has seen a large improvement from previous seasons, allowing them to opportunity to stay in games they were losing quite often last year. The club currently sits third in runs scored (477) and sixth in batting average (.264) something no one could have though possible when the season began. If they can keep up or perhaps build on their first half performance it will go a long way in helping the Yankees reach their goals.

Top Contributor - Aaron Judge .329 AVG 30 HR 66 RBI

Surprise Contributor - Ronald Torreyes .278 AVG 2 HR 20 RBI

Low Contributor - Chris Carter .201 AVG 8 HR 26 RBI

Starting Pitching - C+

Photo: Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

One of the biggest concerns heading into this season was the starting rotation and where the production would come from. Unfortunately, that remains an issue as the Yankees have not been able to get much consistency out of all five pitchers. It's hard to find success if you cannot pitch and the team needs to get this aspect of the game on the upswing if it wants to compete in the embattled American League playoff picture.

Top Contributor - Luis Severino 5-4 3.54 ERA

Surprise Contributor - Jordan Montgomery 6-4 3.65 ERA

Low Contributor - Masahiro Tanaka 7-8 5.47 ERA

Bullpen - C 

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For the past three seasons, one of the Yankees greatest strengths has been their bullpen. It didn’t matter who was on the mound, they always managed to get the job done. That has been a prudent struggle thus far as Joe Girardi simply cannot find a reliable arm for those key situations. It’s likely that the team will look for help come the trade deadline, which many are hoping will take some of the edge off a less than stellar first half for Mike Harkey and crew.

Top Contributor - Adam Warren 35.2 Innings 2.07 ERA

Surprise Contributor - Chasen Shreve 24.1 Innings 2.96 ERA

Low Contributor - Tyler Clippard 34.1 Innings 5.24 ERA

NBA Draft: Prospects the Knicks should target at Number 8

Malik Monk G Kentucky

The Knicks struggled to find a consistent shooter other than Courtney Lee this past season. with the growing use of the three pointers in the NBA, the team can ill-afford to be without at least two on the roster. Monk was one of the nation’s best pure shooters in the nation shooting 40% from deep in his only season at Kentucky. If he happens to fall to this spot (which some think is unlikely) Jackson is probably going to take him.

Dennis Smith Jr G NC State

Smith is a dynamic player with traits comparable to Russell Westbrook, which is something the Knicks could certainly use. While he isn't the ideal point guard he possesses the ability to make things happen on the court. along with his highflying dunks and scoring, he could inject the same excitement on the court that Porzingis did just two seasons ago.

Luke Kennard G Duke

If there is an odds-on favorite to surprise everyone on draft night, it's Kennard. He's arguably the best shooter in the draft class and has a very high Basketball IQ, which should lower the learning curve for him. He lead the Blue Devils in scoring and three point percentage, making him an attractive target for a Knick team in need of a confident scoring wing

Frank Ntilikina G France

Assuming that the Knicks are looking for a good game managing point guard in this years draft, Frank Ntilikina is their guy. He may not have the pizzazz of the other guards but he gets the job done. He also possesses the perimeter defensive skills that have plagued New York point guards for quite some time. Some may think that drafting him here is too safe, but knowing the current state of the Knicks safe is a word that many should revel in.

De'Aaron Fox G Kentucky

Fox may be a long shot pick, but crazier things could happen on draft night that may could allow the Knicks the chance to pick him up. though he hasn't grown into his body (weighing a slender 170) he's hot the tools to succeed as a guard. His shot is still a work in progress, but he still managed to shoot a steady 47% in 2016 despite this issue. If he comes into range by way of a miracle or some unexpected trade, Fox could be quite a find for NY

Yankees: Who's Hot, Who's Not

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Who's Hot

Dellin Betances

Aroldis Chapman is out for the next month with a shoulder injury, leaving the duties of closer to Betances whom has been more than up to the task. With a 0.73 ERA thus far, there is little doubt that he will prosper in the role, even if it is temporary.

Aaron Judge

In just a year, Judge has gone from a strikeout prone hacker to one of the best power hitters in baseball, His .331 average and 15 homers have every buzzing about his potential to become one of the games premiere players. If he can keep this up, he will surely get high consideration for Rookie of the Year and more. 

Starlin Castro

As the Yankees top hitter, Castro is proving to be well worth the trade as he has provided the team with something they haven't has since losing Robinson Cano. 

Who's Not

Masahiro Tanaka

It has a struggle to say the least for the man tagged as the ace of the staff. Tanaka has just two quality starts to his resume this season and is currently marred in a dismal slump in which he's surrendered 10 homers and 21 earned runs in May alone. It is critical that Tanaka get back on track or it could be a long season for the prized Japanese import, and if he should decide (Tanaka can opt out of his contract at the end of the year) his last in pinstripes.

Chase Headley

After a promising start, Headley finds himself in a bit of a spiral as he's hitting just .172 in May. 

Tommy Layne

The Yankees left hander have not fared well this season and Tommy Layne may be the worst of all. Sporting an inflated 8.18 ERA in 14 appearances, there isn't much reason for the team to rely on him in any situation. The team may be best suited finding a replacement to get more consistency out of their left handed middle relief.

SSnow's 7 Round Giants Mock Draft 2.0

1. Zach Cunningham LB Vanderbilt

The Giants have placed Cunningham high on their list of potential first round selections, which is a surprise given Reese’s history of shying away from this position. He is the best linebacker in the draft and would add a credible playmaker to an already stout defense. If the team does pull the trigger here, this would be a tremendous pickup.

2. Gerald Everett TE South Alabama

O.J. Howard and Njoku are still on the radar for the first round, but just in case they get away Everett should be there for the Giants in the second. He’s a more than capable fit for the offense and will have no trouble forming a rapport with Manning.

3. David Sharpe OT Florida

Left tackle is still a problem and the team must have answer for this issue within the first three rounds. Sharpe may not be the best player that will be available here, but he is a solid blocker whom has the good experience protecting the weak side.

4. Brian Hill RB Wyoming

The Giants still need a running back so expect them to take one at some point in the later round, probably sooner than later.

5. Nazair Jones DE/DT North Carolina

With Hankins now in Indianapolis, the team is going to need to add depth to the DT position. They could look for an immediate replacement in the early rounds, but the team will probably play it safe and pick one up here.

6. C.J. Beathard QB Iowa

Many still expect the Giants to draft a quarterback that will eventually take over for Eli. While the talent pool will be a bit slim late this late in the draft, the team may elect to take a QB whom they can mold for two to three years as a project before giving him the keys to the offense

7. DeAngelo Brown DT Louisville

Once again depth will be key to keeping the line strong and the Giants don’t plan on making the same mistake they made in the past, which saw their line become one of the worst in the NFL from 2013 to 2015

Yankees: Prospects To Watch In 2017

Clint Frazier

He's already looks poised to breakout this season and could very well steal a roster spot when spring training is out. With the future of Brett Gardner up in the air (he's been on the trade radar for a few teams), there's a chance for Frazier to play his way into a permanent role if he stays hungry.

Kim Klement USA Today Sports

Gleyber Torres

The Yankees are high on Torres as he was the big pick up in the Chapman deal with the Cubs last season. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees plan to develop him especially since he appears to be tagged as the potential shortstop of the future.

Thomas A. Ferrera/Newsday

James Kaprielian

After an elbow injury slowed his progression through the system, Kaprielian is back and ready to get back to where he was. There's a lot to like about this young man as he has showcased good accuracy and an ability to get strikeouts. It'll take some time to get his arm into form, but there is no reason to believe that he won't round into form and find his way up the ranks in no time.

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Chad Green

Green has already had a taste of the Major Leagues after being called up for a few games in May of last year. Things didn't go as smoothly as one would have liked, but the fact that Green remains on Girardi's radar for a rotation spot speaks volumes about his work ethic. Should he win out, fans could be hearing his name on a consistent basis for years to come.

Jordan Montgomery

To the surprise on many, Montgomery remains in the hunt for an open pitching slot. This comes after his effort in the recent spring training combined no-hitter. His number in the minors are formidable, pitching to a 2.61 ERA in 292 innings since being drafted in 2014. It would be a pleasant surprise if the 24-year-old found his way into pinstripes come April.

SSnow's 7 Round Giants Mock Draft

1. Ryan Ramcyzk OT Wisconsin

The Giants could easily go defense here, but the need for a more stable left tackle is a lot more urgent after the way this spot performed this season. Ramcyzk has the footwork and strength to hold up well against good pass rushers and is a steady blocker in the running game. The only concern here is his recovery from arthroscopic surgery on his labrum that will cause him to miss the combine. However, if he can heal quickly and impress at his pro day this pick should be a no-brainer.

2. Gerald Everett TE South Alabama

Once Larry Donnell lost his starting job, it became evident that the team would look to replace him. With wideout like abilities, Everett is just the kind of tight end the Giants offense is looking for. He’s a coverage nightmare for linebackers and smaller secondary players whom will struggle to match his physical style and breakaway speed. If he can impress in Indianapolis, the team will find it hard to pass him up.

3. DeMarcus Walker DE Florida State

The Giants must continue to add depth to the defensive line, Walker is the type of pass rusher the team has looked for in years past. He's has excellent speed off the edge and at times can physically dominate his man at the line of scrimmage. His impressive 25 sack total in two seasons should help him standout among the rest of the mid draft talents. Unless Reese feels otherwise, expect the Giants to give him a good look at the combine.

4. Dalvin Tomlinson DT Alabama

The team has a bi8g decision to make with Johnathan Hankins on the offseason. Should the let him walk in free agency, there will be a need to replace him with a stopper that can line up next to Damon Harrison. He may have trouble adjusting to a more complete role in the NFL, but the Giants have the veteran talent to help him learn and grow into a formidable middle man.

5. Ben Gedeon LB Michigan

Although so many Giants fans would like to see this position filled much earlier, one should believe that Reese will once again get cold feet and elect to make a safer LB pick. Gedeon had an impressive Senior Bowl which helped get him noticed by several teams and it would make a lot of sense for the Giants to look at him in this spot. He's an experienced signal caller that knows how to play the game of football.

6. Zach Pascal WR Old Dominion

Unless the team decides to bring back Victor Cruz or sign a replacement, a wide receiver should fall to them in the late rounds. Pascal earned second team all-conference in Old Dominion by having decent hands and good abilities in the return game. Though he probably won't knock anyones socks off in the pros, he fits the bill when it comes to NFL ready receivers.

7. Caleb Peterson G North Carolina

Big Blue must find more depth at the right guard position since it has been a bit of a revolving door for too long. Peterson is a solid blocker whom had success protecting top QB prospect Mitch Trubisky and showed some talent in the running game. He doesn't appear to be very high on many scouts draft boards, but the Giants can't afford tom pass on filing a position of need.

4 Areas The Giants Need To Focus On In The Offseason

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Offensive Tackle

The left tackle experiment with Ereck Flowers has been a near disaster as he lacks the ability to contain even the most remotely skilled pass rusher. That puts pressure on the team to find a more capable player with tools and experience to protect Manning's blind side. It would be easy to search the free agent market, but the team is better suited taking one in the upcoming draft. Flowers on the other hand is beter suited as the right tackle spot, the position he played regularly at Miami

Middle Linebacker

For the most part, the linebackers played pretty well this season. However, that doesn't mean that the Giants can get complacent with the current group. It's been a long time since the team had a true stud at middle linebacker so it's time to end this drought and a upper tier talent. There are plenty of good linebackers coming out of the collegiate ranks this year, it would be a shame to see the Giants let this golden opportunity to upgrade slip away.

Fullback

One thing the Giants running game was sorely missing this season was a true fullback. After Nikita Whitlock and Will Johnson went down with injuries (plus a subsequent suspension for Whitlock) the team never bothered to replace them. Unfortunately for them, they wound up regretting it as the team finished dead last in yards per game on the ground. If the rushing attack is to have any effectiveness next season, the team must fill this hole ASAP.

Offensive Coordinator

Although Mike Sullivan is the official offensive coordinator, Ben McAdoo assumed most of the offensive play calling in 2016. Unfortunately for him, the offense struggled to run effectively all season, thus making the case for Sullivan to take a more permanent role with the offense. McAdoo may have had success coordinating for two seasons, but it’s clear that the added duties of being a head coach diverted his attention from the vaunted system that helped him win the gig in the first place.