Since our schedule needs to be cleared for The Things That Need to Go in 2016 list, Odds & Ends comes out today!

I’m not the biggest of soccer fans, but I’m very excited that the Sacramento Republic FC could be getting closer to be an MLS franchise.

Sacramento Soccer and Entertainment Holdings (SSEH) announced plans Tuesday to build a new soccer-specific stadium in the downtown Railyards if the city is chosen as part as of Major League Soccer’s expansion. The designs were also released on Tuesday and the stadium is expected to seat anywhere between 18,000-20,000 people. It’s designed to have steep seating to keep fans close to the action, a full bowl,and a canopy that wraps around the facility. The stadium is expected to cost between $100 million to $150 million and will be financed with private money.

If the city is selected to have an MLS franchise,the stadium could be completed as early as 2018.

I think this is a great project. I think this city is ready for an MLS franchise as the support for the Republic has been thriving since their entry into the USL Pro league. Also,it’s being financed with private money and that makes the project more attractive,especially with a city who’s already being burdened with paying for the Golden 1 Center currently under construction. It’s also a great project for downtown,which more and more is being revitalized and this is just another nice piece to the puzzle. If this term sheet between the city and the Sacramento Republic FC isn’t a sign to the MLS that they’re serious about being “Built for MLS”, then I don’t know what is.

Zack Greinke has made up his mind on where he’s spending next season beyond,and to the surprise of many,he didn’t choose Los Angeles or San Francisco.

The 32-year-old right handed pitcher agreed to a six-year,$206 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. Greinke finished 2015 and his Dodgers career with a 19-3 record and a 1.66 earned run average and was runner-up to Jake Arrieta in the Cy Young Award vote. He also had a 45 2/3 inning scoreless streak.

Earlier in the week it had been reported that it was between two teams for Greinke,the Giants and the Dodgers. While I don’t know what happened in negotiations between the two teams,my hunch is that neither club was willing to offer him six years and so a third team was added to the mix at the last minute. The Diamondbacks,wanting to make some sort of splash in a division that they haven’t won in a while, were willing to give him that sixth year when he’s 38 and getting overpaid at that point and that’s what sealed the deal.

I’m not too disappointed the Giants didn’t get him because he wasn’t worth a six-year deal. Was he worth $206 million? Sure,but I would’ve given him a five-year deal with the dsame money. The Giants can definitely afford him on just the price of alcohol alone at AT&T Park. But to me,and I’m sure Bobby Evans and Brian Sabean as well, giving him six years wouldn’t have been very prudent. The Giants will make a free agent splash at some point,we just don’t know when that will be.

Is it just me,or does it bother anyone else that Luke Walton isn’t being credited with the wins that have led to the Golden State Warriors’ 20-0 start thus far?

Walton,the team’s interim coach while their current head coach,Steve Kerr,is out recovering from back surgery,has guided the Warriors to victory every game they’ve played thus far and isn’t credited with those wins. The NBA in a statement on Tuesday,explained why:

“The NBA clarified today the league’s rules regarding coaching records: the head coach of record is credited with team wins and losses. Steve Kerr remains the head coach of record for the Golden State Warriors and is credited with those results.”
Additionally, any team head coach, interim head coach or acting head coach is eligible to be recognized with league coaching awards. Therefore, Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton is eligible for NBA Coach of the Month. The winners for the season’s first month will be announced later today.”

Walton was announced as the winner of the NBA Coach of the Month for November that same day.

I think it’s an outrage that Walton isn’t being credited with those wins,even Kerr has come out and said that these wins belong to him and I agree. I wasn’t sure how the team would do without Kerr on the bench and they haven’t missed a beat, in fact,they’ve gotten better and their record is the ultimate proof. I think the ultimate reward for Walton when it’s all said and done is a head coaching gig in the NBA that’s more permanent where any game his team wins will actually be a part of his coaching record,which is currently 0-0.

That’s it for Odds & Ends this week, enjoy The Things That Need to Go in 2016 list tomorrow and throughout next week!