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Jim Ross Returning to the Wrestling Announce Booth for New Japan Pro Wrestling

 

Many wrestling fans have been clamoring for the return of Good Ol' J.R. to the announce booth, and it sounds like they're finally going to get it. According to FOX Sports, Ross is set to join the AXS TV community and assume the lead commentator duties that Mauro Ranallo left vacated when he jumped to WWE to become the voice of SmackDown. Ross'll do voice-overs from Los Angeles. More from FOX:

 

"This opportunity to work with AXS TV is attractive on many fronts," Ross said. "The travel won't be weekly but approximately 8-10 trips to Los Angeles in a year's time. While there, in a two-day, voice-over session, we will hammer out up to six shows. I'm happy OKC now has non-stop flights to LAX."

"I'm a big fan of the New Japan product as they have been one if the most highly regarded brands within the genre for decades," Ross said. "New Japan has a unique opportunity with AXS TV to grow their brand in North America. The more fans sample the athleticism, physicality, no-nonsense presentation of NJPW the more they're going to like it.

"For me, the New Japan Pro Wrestling business philosophy reminds me of my earlier years in wrestling. I've had numerous other offers, some serious and others just flirting to return to TV Wrestling broadcasting but none have had the appeal that AXS TV offered me. We think my style will fit the NJPW in-ring presentation well. We'll know that conclusively in early March. Plus, AXS TV and I discussed other potential projects outside NJPW." 

NJPW's season features episodes highlighting matches from the 2015 New Japan Cup, Invasion Attack, HINOKUNI, Best of the Super Juniors 22, Dominion 7.5, G1 Climax 25 and more throughout the year.

"It's a dream to be able to sit next to the legendary Jim Ross and call the incredible wrestling action of New Japan Pro Wrestling," Barnett said. "I've listened to his commentary throughout the years and I'm glad to have someone as distinguished as him to work with in the booth."

...

"NJPW has some studs on their roster and they do a great job of offering a strong, physical style that highlights stiff strikes, heavy kicks and high level air skills," Ross said. "Hiroshi Tanahashi is their ace -- NJPW's version of John Cena as it relates to carrying his company's brand during challenging business times. Kazuchika Okada is the heir apparent to Tanahashi and is one of the most dynamic performers anywhere in the world. 

"I'm hopeful that my partner . . . and I can continue to introduce many new fans to more of these amazing, proud athletes. The NJPW roster is loaded  with many young, talented, highly trained men that all hungry to fight their way into main events."

Did Ross, who is a contributor to FOXSports.com, miss calling the action?

"I think I only missed it when I heard others doing it on television," Ross said with a a laugh. "I've never missed it while sitting in an airport or checking into another hotel. Broadcasting has been in my DNA for over 40 years so it's here to stay. Broadcasting was always my favorite facet of being in the TV wrestling business. 

"I'm very excited about this opportunity to get off the bench and get back in the game," he added. "My tank is far from empty. The social-media feedback, especially on Twitter, regarding the possibility that I might get back behind the mic for some pro wrestling has been nothing short of spectacular. I've been touched by the genuine outpouring of support from fans who have been supporters of mine for years. 

"It's my job to not let these folks down, and I won't."

 

It'll be great to hear Ross back on the airwaves for pro wrestling, even if it isn't for WWE. Does this mark a potential return to WWE for Ross in the future? I'll be interesting to see if this is just a pit stop for one of the best announces in professional wrestling history.

The Eagles Will Reportedly Sign a Former Retired Offensive Lineman

Photo credit: USATSI

 

The Eagles are reportedly signing a player who's been retired for the last two years to [attempt to] replace the loss of Evan Mathis on the offensive line, according to FOX Sports' Ross Jones. John Moffitt, who was retired for two years and in rehab for drugs, will be your newest Eagles guard.

Moffitt was drafted by and played for the Seahawks for two seasons, before being traded to the Browns and Broncos, for who he played zero games.

He gets the endorsement of Jay Glazer.

 

"I have never been so proud of a guy I've trained than I am of John Moffitt," FOX Sports' Jay Glazer wrote last week. "Retired two years ago (because) he knew he had drug issues, took time to go to rehab, clean up his life, beat his demons and he has taken his life back! Guy inspires us every day."

 

With his drug problems behind him, Moffitt is looking to make a difference on the Eagles offensive line, which nobody is really thrilled about. Maybe he'll replace Evan Mathis' current replacement.

It's worth noting the Eagles have not confirmed the news.

The Eagles Are Going to Sign Tim Tebow

 

The Eagles had Tebow in for a workout last month, but he left without signing a deal. It looks like this is due diligence work from Chip, as Glazer is reporting the Eagles are looking for a fourth quarterback as they begin their offseason program. Glazer's report is more shock because of it being Tebow, but I don't think this will lead to, say, Tebow starting opening day in September.

Adam Schefter says it's a one-year deal.

The Eagles and DeMarco Murray Have Mutual Interest in Each Other, May Ask Each Other out on a Date

 

You could probably replace "DeMarco Murray" in that headline with probably every free agent currently, but I digress. According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, the Eagles and free agent running back DeMarco Murray have mutual interest in joining as one. Or something. 

Adam Caplan on NFL Insiders just said the Eagles and Cowboys free agent RB DeMarco Murray have mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/nFLkvKiPmG

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 10, 2015

 

Murray wouldn't be too shabby of a replacement for Frank Gore, who decided Chip Kelly's "overbearing approach" wasn't the way for him to go, according to FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo.

A source said Gore also indicated to a friend he was concerned with what he heard about Kelly's overbearing approach in Philly. Kelly's intense, no-nonsense approach — which has helped make him successful throughout his college and professional coaching career — initially rubbed McCoy the wrong way, though McCoy and Kelly were able to patch up their relationship for a good part of their two seasons together. However, receiver DeSean Jackson and cornerback Cary Williams were among those who didn't mesh well with Kelly's philosophy, and Williams indicated Kelly's lengthy, up-tempo practices were an issue for veterans who wanted to rest their bodies during the week.

 

I think it's hilarious Gore reportedly had a problem with Chip Kelly's system of running things. Plenty of players love it. The ones that don't are obviously more vocal about it, but you've seen more players the last two years say good things about the way Chip runs things, because they're not as loud as the LeSean McCoys and Cary Williams of the world. In hindsight, it was probably a good thing Chip didn't sign a 32-year-old running back to be his featured back in the offense.

The Padres Apparently Offered the Phillies a Strong Deal in Return for Cole Hamels

Guess what Ruben Amaro, Jr. did?

 

There's two sides to this story, obviously. The side where the Phillies think  they're being lowballed on offers for not only Hamels, but other players they want to trade [Papelbon, Howard, Lee, etc.]. Amaro holding firm in his stance that the Phillies won't settle for less than what they want, which I have to admit is a pretty admirable trait. I like the fact they won't settle for less, but when the sticking point becomes how much to pay on Hamels' contract when trading him, there should be no negotiation. Short of 100%, the Phillies should pay most of Hamels' contract to move him - because that's what it's going to take to move him. It's not Ruben playing hardball, it's Ruben being stubborn.

 

The other side is where us and other league executives are led to believe Ruben Amaro, Jr. is asking for way too much in return for Hamels, whether it's true or not. The fact that the Phillies have been able to unload Jimmy Rollins, Marlon Byrd, Shane Victorino, and Hunter Pence for almost nothing in return is worrisome to say the least. Can we trust Amaro to make the right move? Still not entirely sure about that. He did a great job trading minor league prospects that virtually amounted to nothing in return for Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Roy Oswalt. But he's done a piss-poor job rebuilding this team the last few years.

Then, it was looking like a deal with the Padres could be possible. Then the Padres went out and signed James Shields to a four-year, $75 million deal. They don't need Hamels as much as they might've needed him before. They also don't need to give up as much as they would have had to if they choose to continue to pursue Hamels. And that's where Ken Rosenthal comes in.

The St. Louis Cardinals are Interested in Adding Cole Hamels

Photo credit: USATSI

According to FOX Sports, the St. Louis Cardinals are interested in adding a big pitching arm, and Cole Hamels is among them.

The team is exploring trades for left-handers Cole Hamels and David Priceand the possibility of signing free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer, according to major-league sources.

No deal appears close on any front, and it’s possible that the Cardinals will simply decide that the acquisition cost in each case is too high.

 

The Cardinals have starting pitching depth, but the question marks surrounding their rotation are abundant. Beyond Lance Lynn, according to the article, the Cardinals have some heavy questions regarding their rotation going into this upcoming season. They are looking to acquire a left-handed ace, which explains their interest in Hamels, along with David Price. Mac Scherzer, a right-hander who is still a free agent, is from St. Louis and would be a great fit in his hometown. However, with the price he's asking for and what the Cardinals are willing to spend, a match doesn't seem likely.

To secure Hamels, the Cardinals likely would need to part with Martinez or Gonzales as well as an outfielder such as Randal Grichuk or Stephen Piscotty (the Phillies have long coveted Peter Bourjos as well, sources say).

 

If Ruben Amaro, Jr. agrees on a trade with the Cardinals, I'd be willing to settle for the Cardinals' entire scouting department.

On a side note, it would be interesting to see if the Phillies try to throw in Ryan Howard in a possible deal with the Cards. Howard is from St. Louis and before he signed that five-year extension with the Phillies, rumors were running rampant that a Ryan Howard for Albert Pujols trade straight up was in the works. Obviously, that didn't happen, and those rumors were squashed almost as quickly as they were spread. But, at this point? It wouldn't surprise me.

Are These CBS Sports Expert Picks the Saddest Thing You've Ever Seen?

ESPN:

NFL Network:

 

FOX Sports:

 

Yahoo! Sports:

 

So pretty much the entire planet is taking the Eagles tonight. That is, everyone except for the "experts" at CBS Sports. 

 

I understand that some guys want to be edgy and different with their picks. March to the beat of their own drum, if you will. But, I think its time CBS Sports forfeited their "Expert Picks" franchise. It's over. Hang em up, boys. I mean, seriously, two guys over .500?  Two? Rename this "Totally Average People's Picks" and I'll allow that. You have to be better than that. All of you. Awful, take a lap. 

I love the fact that they highlight the person who is winning too. You aren't winning, Jamey. You're all losing. Big shout out to Will Brinson, though. I know you're down in the dumps right now with your 61-85 record, but you're still ahead of some guys I'm sure. Maybe Paul, the Octopus that picks the World Cup games, or that lady in your office that chooses based on uniform color. At least you have last years winning season to hang your hat on:

 

You can take that one game over .500 1st place victory to the bank! Have a day, Will Brinson, have a day!

 

For tonight, Eagles win this game. They have to win this game because in my expert opinion the Panthers aren't good at playing football whereas the Eagles are good at playing football (Hire me, CBS). Many, many years ago (two), I would tell you that this is your trap game. The Eagles and the fanbase come in riding high and then get their asses handed to them and we come crashing back to reality. But, this is Chip Kelly's team now and C.R.E.A.M. Chip Rules Everything Around Me. This team is of a mental fortitude the likes of which we have never seen. They don't quit, they stay humble, and they don't get tired. I'm not expecting The Sanchize to light the world on fire, but he should be able to take the keys to the car and stay in between the lanes. That's really all he needs to do. Go Birds.

 

 

UPDATE: I didn't realize the CBS picks were picking against the spread. My apologies to the CBS Experts. Their picks are just bad, not outright horrible. 

Jim Ross Signs Deal With FOX Sports, Finalizes PodcastOne Deal

Jim Ross has officially signed a deal with FOX Sports.

Ross wrote in a blog post earlier this month that he was nearing a deal with them.

Ross also has a deal with PodcastOne, and will be doing a weekly podcast beginning in February. It won't be all wrestling, as Ross has clearly articulated he has more than wrestling in his arsenal, but he'll be taking calls, so wrestling will seem to be a main topic for his show.

Ross officially published his first article after a deal was struck on FOXSports.com yesterday, citing his favorite Rumble moments. One of them was from 1995, when Lawrence Taylor and Bam Bam Bigelow got into a heated confrontation.

1995: Indeed this was a good year for this event. This was the night that Bam Bam Bigelow had a physical confrontation with NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. LT was sitting at ringside smiling at Bigelow who was exiting the ringside area and that "show of disrespect" drew the ire of the tattooed, bald man from New Jersey, who obviously wasn't a Giants fan, and prompted him to shove LT hard ... very hard. When Taylor got off the concrete floor, No. 56 wasn't smiling -- at all. Not even a little grin. Old school Bigelow had just welcomed the NFL legend into the world of sports entertainment. One might say that Bam Bam called an audible. 

 

Check out Ross's column here.