Mets claim Tommy Milone off waivers

In their quest to add depth to an already-depleted starting rotation, the New York Mets have claimed pitcher Tommy Milone off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Milone, 30, will presumably enter the Mets rotation as soon as possible. 

With injuries to Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, and Seth Lugo, New York had been scouting the open market for starting pitchers. The team was once connected to Doug Fister, Jake Peavy, Colby Lewis, and John Danks, but elected to go with the seven-year veteran Tommy Milone. 

Milone (pictured) allowed 15 ER in 21.0 IP for the Brew Crew

Milone began the 2017 season with Milwaukee, but did not fare well, posting a 6.43 ERA in six games (three starts). The 30-year old was once viewed as a suitable rotation piece with the Athletics, where he went 13-10 with a 3.74 ERA in 31 starts in 2012. However, after a trade to the Minnesota Twins in 2014, Milone's career hit a snag. In 2015-16, Milone put up a combined 4.55 ERA in 43 appearances (35 starts). 

For his career, Milone has logged over 700 innings pitched and accumulated a 45-33 record with a 4.21 ERA and 6.5 K/9. With a $1.25 million salary in 2017, the veteran will given a solid opportunity to reclaim his stock in the league.

For the Mets, it is important that they add Milone to the starting rotation right away. Rafael Montero has been astronomically bad in 2017, so one has to imagine that he will be on his way out very soon. 

In the meantime, good job by Sandy Alderson on taking a flier on Milone. Perhaps the Mets will continue to search the market in hopes of finding a potential innings-eater for the 2017 campaign. 

Reviewing the Giants 2017 NFL Draft Selections (Rounds 2-7)

On Thursday, the New York Giants drafted Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram with the 23rd overall pick. The selection was not anticipated by most G-Men fans because Miami's David Njoku and Alabama's O.J. Howard, both of whom were considered a better talent than Engram, were still available. The bottom line was, the Giants had a need at tight end, and the addition of Engram should provide quarterback Eli Manning with yet another offensive weapon. 

GM Jerry Reese completed his tenth NFL Draft with the Giants

For more on the Engram pick, please read our recent article. 

In this article, we will take a look at each Giants selection from rounds 2-7 in the 2017 NFL Draft. 

Round 2, No. 55: Dalvin Thompson, DT, Alabama

Tomlinson (pictured) vs. Wisconsin in 2015

Tomlinson is the clear favorite to replace defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins, who recently signed with the Indianapolis Colts. In fact, Tomlinson drew comparisons to Hankins in the Pro Football Focus pre-draft guide. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 310 pounds, Tomlinson had three sacks as a senior at Alabama, but was used more as a run stopper than a pass rusher. According to Giants GM Jerry Reese, Tomlinson is a two-gap player that has the ability to push the pocket, while Vice President of Player Evaluation Marc Ross said that the 23-year old can "for sure" be an immediate contributor to the Giants. 

According to NFL.com, Tomlinson is a "prototypical Alabama defensive tackle who has leverage, power and technique. Tomlinson's powerful frame and ability to stack the run between the tackles could make him a scheme-flexible target in the draft."

Tomlinson may see action as early as week one in the upcoming season, as his competition currently consists of incumbents Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas. 

Round 3, No. 87: Davis Webb, QB, California

Whether Giants fans want to hear it or not, quarterback Eli Manning only has a few years left in his NFL career. With this notion in mind, the front office decided to select Webb, who may be viewed as Manning's eventual replacement. Those who followed the draft were surprised to still see Webb's name on the board in the third round, as he was predicted to hear his name called as early as the first round. 

Could Webb (pictured) be the future QB for Big Blue?

After three seasons at Texas Tech, Webb transferred to California where he was named the starting quarterback. From there, the senior completed 382 passes for 4,295 yards with 37 touchdowns. 

"I am just excited to be part of a great organization," Webb said via conference call. "I commit to the controllable, and the Giants thought enough of me to pick me and I am just very thankful for the opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting teammates and getting in the playbook and being in the weight room and just develop relationships and be a great quarterback."

Eli Manning is currently signed through the 2019 season, so there is no need to rush Webb into a more serious role. For now, the Giants should be committed to letting him stay on the sidelines to learn as much as possible before any in-game action.

Round 4, No. 140: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson

Standing at 6-0 and weighing 215 pounds, junior running back Wayne Gallman has fared very well in the last two collegiate seasons. In 2015, he set the single-season school record with 1,527 rushing yards, while scoring 14 touchdowns. Then, in 2016, he racked up 1,133 yards with 17 touchdowns, leading Clemson to a title victory over Alabama. 

Gallman (pictured) scores in a game against North Carolina in 2016

According to scouts, Gallman has a physical running style, and that could serve as a complement to current-running back Paul Perkins. Before the draft, NFL.com said that Gallman "has agility burst through the line of scrimmage to rip through arm tackles and attack the second level. (Gallman) runs with plus effort every time he touches the ball."

Gallman could be a nice value-pickup for the G-Men, who had been slim in their running back depth. The 22-year old should see immediate action with the team when they square off against the Dallas Cowboys in week one. 

Round 5, No. 167: Avery Moss, DE, Youngstown State

Moss (pictured) could be a nice gamble for NYG

The selection of Moss raised some eyebrows due to his questionable past. Moss began his collegiate career at Nebraska, but was suspended for the entire 2014 season after pleading no contest to one count of public indecency. He was later dismissed from the program and transferred to Youngstown State. The 22-year old went on to produce 10.5 sacks with Youngstown. 

"He's a true defensive end that can play the run, rush the passer," GM Jerry Reese said. "Big guy, has a lot of upside. We think he is just now scratching the surface of where we think he can be."

The Giants will need to monitor his behavior, but Moss has the capability to be an eventual NFL starter. As a fifth-round pick, New York made a slight risk here, but must feel that the pay-off could be tremendous. 

Round 6, No. 200, Adam Bisnowaty, OT, Pittsburgh

Coming into the draft, the offensive line was an area of focus for the Giants, and they finally addressed the need in the 6th round. Bisnowaty, a four-year left tackle at Pittsburgh, has excellent size (6-6, 304 lbs), but his durability has been a concern. He had missed time in each of his first three seasons with injuries to his ankle and back, and some believe that this trend may continue in the NFL.

Bisnowaty (pictured) lines up in a 2015 scrimmage

On a positive note, NFL.com claims that Bisnowaty "possesses good upper-body strength and his pass punch has some snap to it. He aggressively passes off twisting defensive ends to the guard and does a good job of thumping at initial contact as a run blocker."

The Giants reportedly view Bisnowaty as a tackle, and they will immediately throw him into the offensive line mix. The franchise desperately needed an offensive lineman and could not leave the draft without one, so it is easy to get on board with the Bisnowaty selection.