Author: @mickgurn

Jackie Bradley Jr. Is What the Red Sox Need

Jackie Bradley Jr. Is What the Red Sox Need

Posted by | Apr 26, 2018 | ,

“He cannot hit!”  “Send him down.”  Blah, blah, blah.  When discussing Jackie Bradley Jr. and what he means to the Red Sox, these are the responses I get.  However, I disagree.  Jackie Bradley Jr. is doing exactly what the Red Sox need him to do.  Jackie Bradley Jr. is currently hitting .225 with two homeruns and six runs batted in.  If his average climbs to the .240-.250 range for the season, that is all we need. Defensive Wizard In case you are living under a rock, Jackie Bradley Jr. is already making jaw-dropping plays.  His spectacular catch against the Marlins is...

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Providence Bruins Heading to Allentown

Providence Bruins Heading to Allentown

Posted by | Apr 25, 2018 | ,

The Dunk is rocking following two intense Atlantic Division matchups this past weekend in Providence.  The two games were split amongst the Providence Bruins and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.  Games 3 and 4 are taking place next Friday and Saturday in Allentown at the PPL Center.  If the Providence Bruins continue to play the way they are plying, this is going to be a quick series.  Going out to Allentown is going to bring some new challenges to the team.  Not to mention the last two times the Providence Bruins played at the PPL Center, the Phantoms shut them...

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Paw Sox Longest Game Ever Played

Paw Sox Longest Game Ever Played

Posted by | Apr 18, 2018 | ,

It was some 37 years ago today, on a frigid Saturday night, that the Pawtucket Red Sox hosted the Rochester Red Wings.  No one at the time ever realized how historically important this game would be.  The game between the Paw Sox and Red Wings began on April 18th, 1981.  The two teams battled up to the 32nd inning.  At 4:07 A.M. on April 19th, 1981, play was suspended.  While there were a solid group of fans at the beginning of the game (1740), only 17 fans stuck around until 4:07 AM.  Nevertheless, Harold Cooper, the International League President, shockingly...

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Merrimack Warriors Hire Scott Borek

Merrimack Warriors Hire Scott Borek

Posted by | Apr 16, 2018 | , ,

The newest Head Coach of the Merrimack College Warriors Ice Hockey team is Scott Borek. Merrimack College lured Scott Borek away from Providence College. Scott Borek has been working under Nate Leaman the past three seasons.  Before that, he was working under Dick Umile at the University of New Hampshire since 2003. Coaching History Scott Borek first broke into the college hockey scene as a Dartmouth man before a neck injury.  However, the end to his playing career did create some positives.  He remained with the Big Green as a student assistant coach.  Little did Scott Borek know how...

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Down the Farm: 2018 Paw Sox Outlook

Down the Farm: 2018 Paw Sox Outlook

Posted by | Apr 5, 2018 | ,

For Pawtucket Red Sox Opening Day on Friday, April 6th , there is a 100% chance of rain.  Somewhat fitting for all the news that surrounds the team and their future.  Nevertheless, the excitement for a new upcoming season is what Pawtucket needs.  Tickets remain cheap, parking is free, and amazing fan giveaways will continue this season.  Attendance is going to make or break the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox this season.  I encourage all readers to make the trip down, it is well worth it. Roster The powerhouse Bryce Brentz and his 30 homeruns will not be...

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Hobey Baker Award Finalists

Hobey Baker Award Finalists

Posted by | Mar 16, 2018 | , ,

March is here, therefore it is time to announce the ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the best player in College Hockey.  Before I list the ten finalists, I think it is important to clarify what it means to be the best player in all of college hockey, and how Hobey Baker’s legacy stands today. Hobey Baker Today, Hobey Baker, is synonymous with the award sharing his name.  However, not many fans know much about him.  It is easy to just assume Hobey Baker’s skill at the game is why the award is named after him. ...

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Pace of Play in Major League Baseball

Pace of Play in Major League Baseball

Posted by | Mar 14, 2018 | ,

MiLB is now a testing ground for everything baseball related. This ranges from players to umpires. Not to mention, future big-league executives. In recent seasons Minor League Baseball has become test subjects for rules that the major leagues might employ in the future. Pace of Play is a big debate in baseball. The addition of a pitch clock in MiLB and Spring Training games is the root of the changes so far. It is yet to appear in the Big Leagues due to player backlash. Today, Commissioner Rob Manfred announced some new rules that will be in effect this...

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Worcester and the Pawtucket Red Sox

Worcester and the Pawtucket Red Sox

Posted by | Mar 9, 2018 | ,

A Tale of Two Cities Every time the possibility of the Pawtucket Red Sox relocating comes into the news, the city of Worcester is thrown around as a possibility destination. Worcester is on the up and up when it comes to minor league and small market teams as of late. The issue is quickly becoming a tale of two cities, Worcester and Pawtucket. Two very similar cities. The Worcester Railers received nothing but open arms when they moved into the DCU Center to replace the Worcester Sharks. The ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders continue to bring economic...

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Back in Boston: Brian Gionta

Back in Boston: Brian Gionta

Posted by | Feb 28, 2018 | , ,

The Bruins signing of 39 year-old Brian Gionta to a one year, $700k deal means a former Boston College legend will be returning to Boston. The last time Gionta wore a jersey with Boston across the front was in 2001. Offseason Brian Gionta’s 1000 NHL games are the reason why he is a household name throughout the National Hockey league.  Gionta last put in time in the NHL last season with the Buffalo Sabres.  Gionta captained Buffalo for three straight seasons after signing a deal in July of 2014.  During his time in upstate New York, Gionta solidified himself...

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What to Do with Blake Swihart?

What to Do with Blake Swihart?

Posted by | Feb 27, 2018 | ,

“See my smile? It feels good.”- Blake Swihart after smacking an RBI triple. Blake Swihart has been, one of the hottest players in Spring Training so far for the Red Sox. While there have only been a handful of games, Swihart shines in every opportunity this spring. First and foremost, I am a Blake Swihart guy. I see him hitting the ball all over Fenway Park, and have seen him blast balls out of McCoy Stadium. However, Swihart being a catcher for the Red Sox no longer seems possible. That being said, I believe there are many other ways in...

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Sam Kennedy Blames Pace of Play

Sam Kennedy Blames Pace of Play

Posted by | Feb 21, 2018 | ,

Red Sox President and CEO, Sam Kennedy, is blaming the drop in Red Sox viewership over the past couple of seasons on the MLB’s pace of play issues. “People don’t want to get home at 11:30 or midnight.  They have to work the next day.  We understand that.  We’d like a crisp, faster game.  We’d like every game to be started by Chris Sale.  You get an amazing product.” –Sam Kennedy in a WEEI interview First of all Sam, way to throw the majority of your starting rotation under the bus. Second of all, pace of play is not...

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Northeastern Huskies Beanpot Champions

Northeastern Huskies Beanpot Champions

Posted by | Feb 14, 2018 | ,

“For the first time in 30 years, the Northeastern Huskies are college hockey’s Beanpot champions. Can you believe it?” – Joe Castigilione, probably. David Versus Goliath For as often as this biblical phrase is part of sentences, it truly fits the Huskies and Terriers rivalry. From a historical standpoint alone, Boston University is the favorite to win the Beanpot every season. After all, thirty Beanpot Championship trophies and banners in their trophy case back that up. Not to mention their incredibly hot goalie, Jake Oettinger, and their nine game unbeaten streak coming into the game, Boston University is in familiar...

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Ben Mondor: The Man Who Saved the Paw Sox

Ben Mondor: The Man Who Saved the Paw Sox

Posted by | Feb 13, 2018 | ,

  Continuing with our Paw Sox Relocation series, the proud franchise that is the Pawtucket Red Sox owns a deep history. The Paw Sox are currently faced with relocation to dreaded Worcester before. Not to mention, entering near bankruptcy. However, one man pulled the pride of Pawtucket out of the trash and into the future. That man is Ben Mondor. 1970’s The Year of Our Lord 1970 gave birth to the very first incarnation of the Pawtucket Red Sox. However, they were a Double-A team at the time. Pawtucket was beginning to seem like their home for the foreseeable...

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Huskies and Terriers Set For A Dogfight

Huskies and Terriers Set For A Dogfight

Posted by | Feb 7, 2018 | , ,

How many dog puns can I make? With just three days removed from the Super bowl and Opening Day still 50 days away, we turn to college hockey and the Beanpot to help put us in a better mood. The Semi-finals fell on Monday, just as our Super Bowl hangovers were starting to go away. The Northeastern Huskies took on the Boston College Eagles, not Philadelphia. The Boston University Terriers battled the Harvard Crimson. Both were some of the best college hockey games put on television this season. Not to mention, cured some of our Super Bowl depression. Huskies...

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Dick Umile: A Look Back on a Storied Career

Dick Umile: A Look Back on a Storied Career

Posted by | Feb 5, 2018 | ,

  Dick Umile, head coach of the UNH Wildcats will be retiring following the end of this season. Umile has been a head coach at the University of New Hampshire for 28 seasons. In 22 of those seasons he coached the Wildcats to winning record. Umile has always been a Wildcat; he was a player from 1969 till 1972. During his time on the ice, Umile talied 60 goals and 84 assists. As the captain of the Wildcats, Umile led them to the ECAC Semi-Finals for the first time in school history. Umile was drafted by the Saint Louis...

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Pawtucket Red Sox Relocation: Finances

Pawtucket Red Sox Relocation: Finances

Posted by | Jan 31, 2018 | ,

McCoy Stadium, current home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, has been home to baseball in Rhode Island for 75 years. Not to mention, it is home to countless memories, including the longest game in baseball history. The possible relocation of the long time Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox is burdening many fans and officials. The aging McCoy Stadium, which just celebrated its 75th season, is need of renovation. While many Rhode Islanders love the field, they believe it is time for a new one. It is important to realize this a widely contested debate and is continuing...

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Hockey East Biggest Games 1/20/18

Hockey East Biggest Games 1/20/18

Posted by | Jan 24, 2018 | , ,

Hockey East competition is storming into 2018 and teams are beginning to separate themselves. Northeastern officially claimed first place in the Army ROTC Hockey East Rankings with twenty-three points. Likewise, Boston College, although struggling lately is still right there with twenty-two. The Friars’ recent loss put an end to a golden opportunity to gain ground on Northeastern and Boston College. As a result, Providence has twenty-two points and now stands next to Boston University. Providence College and UConn The Friars took an early bus ride down to the XL Center on Thursday night for a home and away series against...

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Northeastern is a Team to Recognize

Northeastern is a Team to Recognize

Posted by | Jan 16, 2018 |

The Northeastern Huskies are a team looking to take no prisoners in the college world. After sweeping UMaine this past weekend, the Huskies are one point shy of Boston College for first place in Hockey East. The Huskies are led by Hockey East Player of the Week, and NCAA Scoring Leader, Adam Gaudette. The Braintree native’s seventeen goals, and eighteen assists add up to be the most in the NCAA. Gaduette’s hat trick against UMass Lowell earlier in the season was a thing of beauty. The Vancouver Canucks’ prospect is someone to keep an eye on. This Season Head Coach Jim...

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It’s Time to Make Christian Vazquez the Guy

It’s Time to Make Christian Vazquez the Guy

Posted by | Jan 14, 2018 | ,

After the best offensive season of his young career, Christian Vazquez has solidified himself as the mainstay behind the plate. All he needs to do in order to ascertain the starting role is to keep this momentum going. In addition to playing with a fire attitude, Vazquez has one of the best clubhouse and on-field personalities on the Red Sox. His excitement is on display on every pitch he catches. Just watch how fired up he was after hitting a walk-off home run: The point of this article is not to bash Sandy Leon. Instead the intention is to...

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Merrimack and the Long Road Back

Merrimack and the Long Road Back

Posted by | Jan 12, 2018 | ,

Merrimack and the Long Road Back On December 8th, 2017 it was shaping up to be another long season for the Warriors. Merrimack’s record was 2-9-3, with no bright spots to be found. Since then, however, it appears that the Warriors have turned a corner and are heating up in the Hockey East. Since that day, Merrimack is 4-2-1 and sits ninth in Hockey East standings with a measly 8 points. If this hot pace can continue, the Warriors may be making a run. Seniors Jace Hennig and Brett Seney have been tearing it up and leading the team...

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David Price Opt Out is For the Best

David Price Opt Out is For the Best

Posted by | Jan 6, 2018 | ,

  David Price’s career in Boston can be described as shaky at best. There are Price lovers and Price haters, most fans can agree that Price has not been all that. Fighting with fans, Hall of Famers, and the media, Price cannot handle the pressures of playing in Boston. David Price’s 7 year/ $217 million contract came a year after Jon Lester was offered a 4 year/ $70 million contract. Lester is a good pitcher who can perform in the playoffs. However he was 30, and according to John Henry the Red Sox refuse to sign pitchers over 30....

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What to Make of the Mitch Moreland Signing

What to Make of the Mitch Moreland Signing

Posted by | Dec 24, 2017 | ,

The Red Sox’s biggest splash of the off-season thus far has been signing Mitch Moreland to a 2 year, $13 million-dollar deal. The former Gold Glover hit .246 with an OPS of .769. “Mitchy 2 Bags” became a fan favorite and seems like a great guy to have in the club house. Fans are up in arms because of Dave Dombrowski’s “failure” to add a bat like Giancarlo Stanton or Eric Hosmer in this offseason. However, there is more than meets the eye with the extension of Mitch Moreland. Eric Hosmer Eric Hosmer is a name the Red Sox...

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What is Going on with Boston University Hockey?

What is Going on with Boston University Hockey?

Posted by | Dec 23, 2017 |

With the history and tradition that surrounds the Boston University Terriers’ Hockey program, a “down” or “rebuilding” year are out of the question. The students, alumni, season ticket holders, and higher-ups expect and demand greatness, and every game the team endures “Sucks to BU” chants where ever they go. Coaching David Quinn has been given the unfortunate gift of taking the helm of the Terriers from Jack Parker. This is perhaps the most unenviable position to be in College Hockey, Quinn has taken the Terriers to some success. Coach Quinn has taken the Terriers to a record of 83-53-17....

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The Enigma That Is College Hockey

The Enigma That Is College Hockey

Posted by | Dec 13, 2017 |

History of College Hockey New England College Hockey is a treasured luxury to complement our brutal winters. Other than back-breaking shoveling, what provides New Englanders with a sense of pride is college hockey. The Hockey East Conference, which was established in 1984, is home to amazing teams, legendary hockey-minded coaches, and NHL Hall of Famers. In no other sport do coaches last if they do in college hockey. Jack Parker, Jerry York, Dick Umile all had 20+ year coaching careers, all with the same team. Jack Parker coached the Terriers for 40 seasons. That is unheard of in other...

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