Author Archives: @JamieGatlin1217

Brandon Workman’s Resurgence

Brandon Workman has not had an easy major league career since making his MLB debut during the 2013 season. After a solid rookie campaign it seemed as if he had a secured spot in the Red Sox rotation. His second season did not go as well. In fifteen starts he had one win and ten losses. The Sox as a team struggled in 2014 and sent Workman down to get a look at their other prospects. He did not return to the majors until last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Last year, the right-hander proved to be an effective reliever, and since his recent recall that has not changed.

Workman’s Early Days

In 2013, Workman appeared in twenty games including three starts. The following season the Sox tried to make the righthander a starter, and he recorded a 5.17 ERA. He gave up fifty earned runs in eighty-seven innings of work. The 2014 campaign was a season that Workman was ready to turn the page on, and things only got worse in 2015. Workman began the season in Pawtucket, and after trying to put off surgery he had Tommy John, ruling him out for the rest of the season and all of 2016. He returned to the majors last year and reminded people of what they had missed.

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Workman Makes His Return

When the Red Sox recalled Workman last year, many did not know what to expect. The right-hander was out to prove his doubters wrong, and did exactly that. In thirty appearances he recorded an ERA of 3.18. In thirty-nine innings, he struck out thirty-seven batters and held opponents to a 2.52 average. Before last year the lowest average he held batters to was .263. Workman did not make an appearance in the playoffs, but it was still his most effective season by far.

Photo Credit: AP Photo Michael Dwyer

What to Expect Going Forward

Workman did not begin the season on the Opening Day roster. The Red Sox recalled him on June 5th and he has been very effective. In five innings he has five strikeouts and has not allowed a run. How long Workman stays in Boston is unknown as he was recalled to fill in for an injured Drew Pomeranz. If he can keep pitching like he has, then it may be very hard to send him down once Pomeranz returns. For the Red Sox it is not the worst problem to have.

“A Rookie Season to Remember” By Jake DeBrusk

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In his rookie season Jake DeBrusk showed the skills that made him a first round pick. DeBrusk had a very good regular season but broke out in the playoffs. For the Bruins he was tied for the most playoff goals with six along with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. Going into next season the expectations will be higher for the former fourteenth overall pick. In the postseason he showed he could elevate his game at the highest level. His sophomore campaign has the chance to be even better.

The Impact Of Jake DeBrusk

Coming into the 2017-2018 season the Bruins expected a lot from DeBrusk. In the 2015 NHL draft he was one of the Bruins three first round picks. Of those three he is the first one to make it to the NHL. The Bruins put him on the second line to begin the season alongside David Krejci and David Pastrnak. The Bruins eventually elevated Pastrnak to the first line alongside Bergeron and Brad Marchand. DeBrusk proved to be a perfect for the second line and David Krejci. He is a playmaker with grit something the Bruins second line had been lacking. This showed in his statistics.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

DeBrusk’s Rookie season By The Numbers

DeBrusk appeared in seventy games for the Black and Gold. He scored sixteen goals along with twenty seven assists. DeBrusk proved to be a weapon on the powerplay as he had nine points on the second power play unit. The former first round pick is not afraid to attack especially when the Bruins are down which is rare for a rookie. In the playoffs he took his game to a new level.

A Playoff Run To Remeber

Throughout the playoffs Debrusk did not seemed fazed by the playoff stage. As fellow rookies Danton Heinen and Charlie McAvoy struggled at times DeBrusk did not. In game seven against the Toronto Maple Leafs he scored two goals including the game winner. DeBrusk’s game winner was impressive considering that he was leveled as soon as he released the puck. In the playoffs great players rise to the occasion which is what DeBrusk did. The playoffs showed how far the rookie had come and the impactful player he will be.

Photo Credit: Tara Sullivan, Boston Globe

What To Expect Next Year

Going into the 2018-2019 season Debrusk will be key for the Bruins. If DeBrusk can continue to improve then the Bruins will have a dominant top two lines. In DeBrusk’s rookie season he showed that he can be a very special player. Reaching the twenty goal plateau next season should not be a hard challenge as his chemistry with Krejci improves. His encore could be one to remember as he has the skills to become something truly special.

Danton Heinen’s Breakout Season

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The 2017-2018 season ended in disappointing fashion for the Boston Bruins. They surprised many finishing second in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Tampa Bay. The talented young nucleus of the Bruins including players such as Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, and Danton Heinen carried the team. Next season the Bruins will expect more from these young players who are expected to form the next Bruins core.

Danton Heinen’s First Full season

When the 2017-2018 season campaign began Heinen was not on many people’s radars but that will not be the case going into next season.

The Bruins drafted Danton Heinen in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL draft. He made his debut in the 2016-2017 season, appearing in eight games. This past season he earned a more prominent role and spent the majority of the season on the Bruins third line. Due to injuries throughout the season, Heinen sometimes found himself on the Bruins first and second line. In seventy games Heinen scored 16 goals along with 31 assists, very effective on the power play recording twelve power play points. Heinen made the Bruins third line dangerous as he played alongside David Backes and Riley Nash, who had a career year. The rookie finished fourth on the Bruins in points, four ahead of fellow rookie Jake DeBrusk. The former fourth-round pick had a very productive regular season but the playoffs were a different story.

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Danton Heinen Struggles in the playoffs

Despite a solid rookie season Heinen was a non factor in the playoffs. In nine games he scored one goal and did not record an assist. In the second round Heinen was a healthy scratch for game four as the Bruins tried to find a spark for their dormant offense. It was a playoff run to forget and one that will motivate Heinen next season. Despite his playoff struggles Heinen still had a impressive rookie season that not many did not see coming.

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What To Expect Next Season

Heinen is not a player who will score thirty goals like Marchand or Pastrnak . The Bruins do not need him to be that type of player. Heinen showed last year that he can contribute in different ways. He is not selfish with the puck as his thirty one assists were the fourth highest on the team. Heinen gives the Bruins a dangerous third-line center who is also very productive on the power play. Like many of the other Bruins players, Heinen will be motivated after a disappointing ending to the 2017- 2018 season. If he can build on his rookie season than the Bruins third line will again be a threat.

Red Sox Make a Statement in Houston

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With a 9-3 victory over the Houston Astros, the Red Sox earned a split in their series against one of the best teams in baseball. This series was big for the Sox and they made a statement. Coming into the series the Red Sox had the best record in baseball. The Red Sox have received criticism for not having a difficult schedule compared to other teams. The Astros represented the perfect challenge; they have a potent lineup and the best rotation in baseball, including Justin Verlander, who is having a Cy Young year. The first two games went to Houston, but the Red Sox fought back.

Red Sox Drop First Two in Houston

The series did not start the way the Red Sox wanted. Drew Pomeranz started the opener and allowed four runs in five innings of work. The Sox were not able to muster much offense against the Astros’ pitching. Lance McCullers went six innings allowing only two runs, and the Astros’ bullpen pitched three scoreless innings to win 4-2. Game two also ended in a loss for the Red Sox, as the Astros won 7-3. Red Sox ace Chris sale gave up four runs in five innings of work. Joe Kelly who has been lights out gave up three runs, including two home runs, and Houston’s bullpen again shutdown the Red Sox hitters. It appeared as if the Red Sox may lose the series against a team that they have a very good chance of facing in the playoffs.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Red Sox Battle Back

The Sox had different plans for game three as David Price took the mound. The Sox needed Price to be at his best, and he delivered. Price gave up three runs, but he went six innings and struck out seven batters to earn the win. The Red Sox received clutch home runs from Vazquez and Benintendi. They finally got to the Astros bullpen after Verlander departed. Will Harris gave up three runs. On Sunday the Sox were in complete control, as Astros starter Charlie Morton gave up six runs including two home runs. The Sox were led by Holt and Moreland, who combined for five runs batted in as the Sox won 9-3.

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What Does This Series Show?

The Red Sox faced their greatest challenge of the young season without their hottest player and veteran leader. They faced the Astros’ best three pitchers, who have all been the toughest in baseball this season. David Price and Rick Porcello showed up for Boston in this series. They split the series on the road after losing the first two. There is still a lot of baseball to be played, but the Red Sox showed what type of team they are in Houston.

The Rise of Hector Velazquez

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Last year Hector Velazquez made his MLB debut and went 3-1 in eight appearances as a starter and reliever. The Red Sox signed Velazquez after his 2016 breakout season in the Mexican League. Over the last two seasons he has provided the Sox with rotation depth. On May 18th of last season, he made his first MLB start and gave up six runs against Oakland. Since then he has been one of the best Red Sox pitchers whenever called upon. This season has been no different.

Injuries Test Red Sox Early

The Red Sox were tested early this year as Drew Pomeranz and Steven Wright began the season on the disabled list. As a result, both Brian Johnson and Velazquez made the opening day roster. Johnson started off the season well before struggling as his ERA has risen to 4.67. Velazquez has been of the Red Sox best pitchers as his 2.15 ERA ranks second on the team behind Joe Kelly. He has proven to be a reliable arm as a starter and a reliever. This has improved the Red Sox depth and has given them options when they’ve dealt with injury. Velazquez has rewarded Boston faith with his performance.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Velazquez’s Value by the Numbers

In thirteen appearances this season, including two as a starter, he is 5-0. In 29.1 innings of work he has twenty strikeouts and has walked only eight batters. He has allowed thirty-two hits on the season, but he has only allowed seven earned runs. In six appearances in May, Velazquez has only allowed two earned runs. He is not a strikeout pitcher but he knows how to use the strike zone. As Brian Johnson has struggled, Velazquez has emerged as one of Alex Cora’s most trusted bullpen arms.

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Can Velazquez Keep This Up?

Velazquez has appeared in twenty-one games at the major league level recording a 2.50 ERA. The Red Sox showed their faith in him when they activated the righty of the disabled list and optioned Bobby Poyner who had a 1.86 ERA in nine appearances to Pawtucket. As the innings pile up, Velazquez’s durability will be tested. In Velazquez’s young major league career he has done nothing but give the Red Sox quality innings. If he can continue to pitch well, then this could be a breakout season for the former Mexican league star.

Bobby Poyner’s Unwavering Perseverance

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Bobby Poyner has been lights-out for the Red Sox bullpen this season. His performance has made some wonder how he flew under the radar for so long. The Red Sox drafted Poyner in the 14th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He is a fearless lefty that has the ability to get batters out from both sides of the plate. His numbers in the minors have been impressive. If he can keep up his early season performance then by the end of the season he could be a Cinderella story of the 2018 season.

Bobby Poyner in the Minors

In four minor league seasons Poyner has recorded a 2.34 ERA. Before making his major league debut this season, the highest level Poyner reached was AA, where he dominated. In 27 appearances for Portland last year he recorded a 0.94 ERA. In 38 innings he struck out 52 batters. That impressive campaign earned him an invitation to Spring Training, where the former Florida Gator did not disappoint. Poyner earned his spot as in Spring Training he recorded a 0.87 ERA. He’s carried that dominate performance into the regular season.

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Poyner Excelling in the Majors

Poyner has pitched 9.2 innings in the majors this season and has an ERA of 1.86. He is averaging a strikeout an inning. Poyner has given up 12 hits this season, but has only allowed two earned runs. He spent some time on the disabled list earlier in the season costing him a spot in the bullpen. When healthy, Manager Alex Cora has not been afraid to use him in high leverage situations. Despite his impressive start, Poyner was sent down to Pawtucket when the Red Sox activated fellow reliever Hector Velazquez from the disabled list.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Will He Be Back?

This is not the last that Red Sox fans will see of Poyner this season. If he continues to excell in the minors, then the Red Sox will find a spot for him. He has grabbed every opportunity like his career has depended on it and delivered. How long Poyner stays in Pawtucket is unknown. If Poyner can continue to pitch well then the Sox will have a choice to make. As Poyner has done throughout his career he will not make it an easy one.

Andrew Benintendi: Man on Fire

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The Red Sox three starting outfielders have very different starts to the 2018 season. Mookie Betts has been perhaps the best player in baseball while Jackie Bradley has been a liability with the bat. However Andrew Benintendi, who has one of the highest ceilings of the Red Sox young core, has started to come into his own. The former Arkansas Razorback started the season struggling. But over the last twenty-three games he has hit his stride giving the Red Sox a lethal one-two punch at the top of the lineup. Benintendi was expected to take on a big role in the Red Sox offense and lately he’s shown why.

Benintendi’s Cold Start

Entering 2018, Andrew Benintendi was coming off a rookie season in which he finished second in Rookie-of-the-Year voting. He started out that impressive season on fire. However, this season has not been as easy for the former first-round pick. Through the Red Sox first twenty one games Benintendi batted .218 with a .706 on-base percentage. He was hitting with little power as three of his five home runs on the season have come in his last fifty eight at bats. Benintendi was streaky with the bat last year going into into slumps every other month. He has emerged from this slump as one of the hottest hitters in baseball.

Photo Credit Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Benintendi Breaks Out

Over his last twenty three games the Red Sox left fielder has hit .340 with a .959 on base percentage. This has raised his average on the season to .275 and ops to .816. In his last fifteen games he has fourteen runs batted in. He now has the third most RBI on the team. His power has been on display as Benintendi hit home runs in both of the Red Sox last two games. This has been a welcoming sign for the Red Sox as his bat makes the Red Sox lineup much deeper. Even though Benintendi struggled with the bat, his defense was still exceptional.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Can Benintendi Keep This Up?

As a rookie, the former first-round pick showed why the Red Sox have high expectations for Benintendi. The key will be consistency and avoiding prolonged slumps. Hitting behind Mookie, he will get plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. Over the last twenty three games he has been the player everyone expected. With Benintendi hitting his stride, the Red Sox become a more dangerous team offensively.

Why Re-signing Khudobin Is Key

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The Bruins will have many tough decisions this offseason. A few players entering free agency are Riley Nash, Rick Nash, Anton Khudobin, and Tim Schaller. Of all these players, the most valuable is Khudobin. Before last season the Bruins struggled to find a good goalie to back up Rask. This cost them late in the season as they tried to make the postseason. After struggling in 2016-2017, Khudobin had a bounce back year. He proved this past season why resigning him will be key for the Bruins.

Khudobin by the Numbers

This past season Khudobin statistically had his best season since 2013-2014, when he was in Carolina. He recorded sixteen wins, which was three short of his career high. He had the third lowest Goal Against average of his career. Khudobin stabilized a position that has been a glaring weakness for the Bruins. He proved that he was able to handle the increased responsibility as he played the third most minutes of his career. He also recorded his first shutout since 2015-2016 when he was with the Ducks.

Picture Credit: John Tlumacki/ Globe Staff

Beyond the Statline

Khudobin’s impact was not just reflected in his numbers but the impact he had on the team. Early on in the season when Rask was struggling, his backup pushed him to improve. When it seemed like Rask may lose his job as the number one goalie to Khudobin, he played much better. The backups in recent years had never put that type of pressure on Rask. Khudobin’s play allowed the Bruins to rest Rask throughout the season to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Every night it seemed like the Bruins had a chance to win regardless of who was in net once Rask got on a roll. This was key for the Bruins as they have many young defenseman.

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Will the Bruins Re-sign Their Backup ?

Resigning Khudobin will not be easy. The Bruins do not have much cap space to work with. They have to think of the future as Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Ryan Donato will all be restricted free agents after next season and Jake DeBrusk the year after. All those players will command large contracts and replacing them isn’t a simple task. The Bruins have no goaltender in the minors that is NHL ready. Bringing back Khudobin will be key for this team if the two sides can find common ground. A one year will deal may be best as it solves a present need while giving the Bruins flexibility in the future.

Joe Kelly Becoming A Key Bullpen Piece

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When the Red Sox acquired Joe Kelly at the 2014 trade deadline they envisioned him becoming a rotation fixture. Four years later Kelly has turned into a key bullpen piece. As a starter he has never been able to pitch deep into games forcing the Sox to move him into the bullpen. In Kelly’s first season as a reliever he recorded a 2.79 ERA. Through eighteen appearances this year Kelly as been even better in a Red Sox Bullpen that has struggled at times.

Moving Joe Kelly Into The Bullpen

Kelly has always been known for his fastball that can top 100 mph . This was a problem for the flamethrower as a starter he was unable to control it. Since being moved into the bullpen his control has improved. In fifty eight innings last year he struck out fifty two batters. He struck out twenty four batters over his last twenty innings and opponents hit .202 against him. Kelly struggled last year in the second half but his .279 ERA was still impressive. For the Red Sox it seems like they have finally been able to salvage something from the John Lackey Trade. In 2018 Kelly is only adding to that narrative.

Photo Credit: David Kohl- USA Today Sports

His 2018 Season So Far

This season has been an interesting one for Kelly. He became a fan favorite for what happened in the Yankees first series at Fenway. His work on the mound has been even more impressive than his fighting skills. Kelly has thrown nineteen innings, striking out twenty two batters with an ERA of 2.23. The Red Sox have used him in high leverage situations as he has two saves on the year after having none last year. When Kimbrel was unavailable Kelly was not the reliever called on to close out games. Kelly is becoming one of Manager Alex Cora’s most trusted weapons.

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What To Expect

As the season goes on Kelly is expected to be one of the Red Sox most used relievers. Kelly’s opportunities in high leverage situations will be determined by his performance. The right-hander will be a free agent at the end of the year which will keep him highly motivated. The Red Sox had high expectations when they traded for Joe Kelly in 2014. If he can continue his impressive start then it could be a special season for the former starter.

Why Mitch Moreland Is Key For Boston

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The Red Sox resigned Mitch Moreland to a two year deal in the offseason. It was not seen as a major addition. Through twenty six games, Moreland is hitting .325 along with six home runs. Along with Hanley Ramirez the two have formed an impressive platoon at first base with both getting bats as the DH as well. Moreland again is proving why he is a key player for this Red Sox team.

Mitch Moreland’s First Season In Boston

Last season Moreland got off to an impressive start at the plate. He hit a career high thirty four doubles and had the second highest on base percentage of his career. The former Ranger played in a career high 149 games and hit twenty plus homeruns for the third consecutive season. Hanley Ramirez was coming off an impressive year but struggled in 2017. This made Morelands contributions even more important. Resigning him was not seen as a major move given that Sox fans were expecting J.D. Martinez who the Sox eventually signed. The Sox first baseman won’t hit forty home runs or drive in one hundred runs but resigning him was key.

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Moreland’s Hot Start to 2018

So far this year Hanley Ramirez has rebounded from his poor 2017 season. This has meant less at bats for Moreland as the Red Sox have also used Martinez in DH spot. Moreland could see more playing time if Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to struggle. He will not hit .325 all season and that is not what the Red Sox expect of him. Moreland can be a very effective bat last as he showed in 2017 until he cooled off due to a fractured foot. He provides the Red Sox with depth and allows them to give Hanley or Martinez a day off without losing much offense. He has stepped up in the clutch like in Oakland when he hit a pinch hit grand slam.

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Expectations Going Forward

Last year Moreland played in 149 games. It is unlikely Mitch will play in that many games this year but he will still be given his chances. If Bradley continues to struggle Moreland will see more playing time as Martinez will see more time in the field. If the Sox first baseman continues to step up then it will be hard for Cora not to put him into the lineup. Last year it seemed as if he was on pace for a career year before he fractured his foot. In 2018, he is picking up where he left off.