Jagger's Friday Mailbag - 10/25/2024

Welcome all to the third anniversary of the Jagger mailbag which is two years and 11 months longer than I thought I’d last. So here’s to me for keeping you regular on Friday mornings. And here’s to you for keeping me on my toes in this little thing we call wrestling and for allowing me into your bathrooms every week, but not in a freaky way. It’s truly an honor. Let’s get to it! The hunt for the All-Jagger team starts next week! 

Are Taylor and JB examples of going out on top if they get gold? Or do you see them trying to run it back if they fall short? Also, are you attending the Jersey Jostle? I mean, Jagger Jostle? Nick Kosko 

It certainly is for David Taylor if he takes home gold and conquers Sadulaev to do it. I do believe the Magic Man has said “This is it” for him as he begins his college coaching career. I know it hasn’t been discussed much but he’s taken over the reins at Oklahoma State. And I know David has caught a small bit of heat in some pockets for coming back to compete right after getting the gig, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. The timing of all this works out where I’m sure he hasn’t been off the mat at all or taken some three-year layoff where he’s suddenly interrupting his whole schedule with some far-fetched dream of another medal. DT has arguably been the best in the world for the last five years and just ran into the buzzsaw that is Aaron Brooks at trials. He can win another one. 

I don't think this is it for Burroughs. Nor should it be unless a similar situation to DT arises and he takes a top college job. As the late, great Toby Keith once said, he ain’t as good as he once was, but he’s as good once, as he ever was. If that makes any sense. The bottom line is that JB may not be the old JB, but he was so good that even down a notch or two is still better than most guys. Now he can hang out at 79kg for a few years and take his chances in 2028 if he feels so inclined. Maybe he drops back down to 74kg or maybe he goes up to 86kg. I don’t know, I'm not trying to think of 2028 at all since I’ll be fifty years old by then. It pains me to even type that. 

I don’t know about the Jostle yet since that’s a long day when you factor in the three hours of driving and four hours of duals over the course of an entire Saturday. But I admit it's a fantastic use of alliteration. 

How did you make out in your fantasy wrestling draft last night? What are your expectations for this year’s squad? Dan Seifring

You were there and saw who I drafted so you probably have a better idea of how I did than I do. The league is tricky because you can do nothing all year then have a good March and finish right out the top if you have the right horses. The MatScout himself pulled that off last year with a top-three finish after limping through the regular season. I’ll never rack up those regular season wins by playing matchups or taking advantage of random open tournaments like some of you do. But I do like my top five. Figs is the returning champ, Ragusin has high-placing potential, Orine was a nice piece to trade for to shore up my 141, Echemendia is a candidate to make another leap, and Shapiro might just win it at 157. Things get a little tricky until the end where Mr. Fast Twitch and Ben Kueter anchor the lineup. I also have preseason darling Troy Spratley and Bouzakis floating around and both have loads of potential. Hopefully, I can compete this year before tanking next year in the Tank for Bo campaign. Then I dominate the second half of the decade.