You might have read in the past few months that Ohtani cost himself “hundreds of millions of dollars” by coming to the United States this year. That’s not really hyperbole: Because of baseball’s international signing rules, he couldn’t get a signing bonus more than, roughly, the $2.3 million the Angels will give him; he won’t get paid more than the major league minimum this year or next; and he won’t get paid his full market value until he hits free agency in six years, when he’s quite possibly already past his physical prime.
The Jaguars face-planted in the desert last week; they should show up for this game angry from losing to a Cardinals team led by Blaine Gabbert, even while having a chance to still win in the final minutes. When the Jaguars and Colts last met, in October in Indy, the Jaguars got 10 sacks and pitched a shutout. A healthy Leonard Fournette would help the Jaguars, although T.J. Yeldon ran for 122 yards in his place in Indianapolis.
Instead the Yankees came along and acquired Stanton at the discounted price of Starlin Castro and two Single-A players.
The Eagles enter the week riding a nine-game winning streak, led by surging second-year quarterback Carson Wentz.
Wentz has completed 60.2 percent of his passes this season, while tossing 28 touchdowns with just five interceptions. His 104.0 QB rating is fourth-best in the NFL, and he helped the Eagles win all eight of their division games.
Philadelphia will travel cross country Sunday night to battle the Seahawks, who are one game behind the Rams in the NFC West. Seattle has won five of its last six matchups against the Eagles, including three straight.