Author Archives: @JamieGatlin1217

Expectations for a Healthy Tyler Thornburg

When the Red Sox acquired Tyler Thornburg in the 2016 offseason, they envisioned him becoming a critical bullpen piece. Since the trade, Thornburg has not thrown a pitch for the Red Sox due to thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder. The former Brewer could rejoin the Red Sox soon as he began his rehab assignment Monday. Thornburg was impressive in his first appearance considering the last time he pitched any kind of regular season game was in 2016. He could be a very welcomed addition to the Red Sox bullpen if he can return to his old form.

Red Sox Trade for Thornburg

When the Red Sox acquired Thornburg, he was coming of a dominant season in which he recorded a 2.15 ERA. He had recorded thirteen saves and struck out ninety batters in just 67 innings. He held batters to a .167 average, and was particularly dominant on lefties, who hit a measly .130 against him. In exchange for him, the Sox gave up prospects and Travis Shaw, who has broken out as the Brewers’ starting third baseman. This hurt the Red Sox as they struggled to get any production from third base until the MLB debut of Rafael Devers last year. Thornburg could still make it a good trade for the Sox, but the team will ease him back in.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Where Thornburg Fits In

When the Red Sox acquired Thornburg he was supposed to be a dominant late inning reliever. He still could be, but the Sox will be careful. Like with Carson Smith when he returned from Tommy John, the Red Sox will not use Thornburg in high leverage situations at first. The priority will be getting him comfortable on a Major League mound again. In his first rehab appearance he struck out three, showing that his strikeout stuff is still there. By the end of the season he could be the setup man for Kimbrel.

Photo Credit: Matt Stone

What to Expect

People will have to be patient with Thornburg, as he is coming off a difficult injury. It would be a surprise if he came back and dominated right away. The Red Sox will give him every opportunity to succeed. If he can return to his old form then the Red Sox get one of the best relievers in baseball without having to give anything up. Thornburg’s timetable is still uncertain and the Red Sox will be very cautious with his rehab. One thing is for sure- he will be more determined than ever and the Sox could be in store for something special. Getting him back to where he was in 2016 could be better than any trade the Red Sox could make.

Grading the Bruins’ Game Two Performance

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@demalia_lorenzo Game Two Grade

Much has been made about the officiating after the Bruins dropped game two. Most of that criticism is justified, as the Bruins were on the wrong side of some bad calls all night. But even if the officials did not stink up the place the Bruins were not the better team that night. Tampa took it to them all game long and out worked them in every aspect of the game. The Bruins did not have a shot on goal for most of the first period and were out shot 31-20 on the night. They were also playing on their heels far too much, not making enough plays through the neutral zone and getting quality second chances.

Photo Credit: Eric Russo

The Bruins just could not handle the pressure the Lightning put on them all game. But it was not just the Lightning, it was the Bruins’ sloppy play that cost them the game. The B’s turned the puck over 13 times and Tampa had eight takeaways. Both are far too many against a team of Tampa’s stature. The Bruins were also noticeable less physical than the Lightning, as they got out hit 42-24. Overall, everyone will take a split in Tampa heading back to Boston for Game 3. But if the Bruins want to get back on track, they need to tighten things up through the neutral zone and clean up the turnovers.

Grade: D

@JamieGatlin1217 Game Two Grade

The Bruins knew Tampa Bay would come into Game 2 highly motivated after being dominated on their home ice in Game 1. The Bruins struggled offensively in the beginning, as they were unable to record a shot on net in the first thirteen minutes of the game. They fell behind early as Tampa scored the game’s first goal eleven minutes in. The Bruins gained some momentum later in the first period, as Charlie McAvoy scored his first goal of the postseason to tie the game at one.

Tampa Bay scored the next two goals while the Bruins struggled with their puck management. Rask played well in this game, but turnovers hurt the Bruins and led to good scoring opportunities that Tampa Bay capitalized on. In the third period Torey Krug cut Tampa’s lead to one. The Bruins seemed poised to tie it after Marchand got a breakaway that was broken up after he was clearly slashed on the hands by Anton Stralman. This was one of the many controversial calls by the officials that changed the momentum of the game. Tampa put the game out of reach with an empty net goal that made it 4-2 with less than thirty seconds left.

Photo Credit: Douglas R. Clifford/ Tampa Bay Times

Overall Grade C: In Game 3 they will need to put the puck in the net. They will have to tighten up on defense as stretch passes and turnovers have hurt them all year. They will need to be more physical and help Rask. If they can do this then Game 3 could end very differently than Game 2.

@Lizzie88 Game Two Grade

The Bruins knew Tampa was going to come out strong after losing 6-3 on home ice. The Bolts hit back, and Boston just couldn’t catch up. In the first 13 minutes, the Bruins were held without a shot on net. The Black and Gold fell behind, and for once it wasn’t all on Rask. The Bruins were a bit sloppy at times before changing the momentum after Charlie McAvoy tied the game up in the first period. But the night belonged to Tampa. One thing stood out in this game and continues to be a problem throughout the league: the inconsistent officiating in the NHL. Not to use it as an excuse for how disjointed the Bruins looked, but blatant missed calls can change the play of the game.

After Krug brought the B’s within one goal in the third, Brad Marchand was poised to tie the game on a breakaway. However a head scratcher non call stopped the B’s momentum as Marchand was clearly slashed on his hands by Anton Stralman. The interesting part is Torey Krug got called on a “slash”–a love tap up against the pad that did not interfere with any play. Other non calls included a clear cross check to David Pastrnak against the boards. And for the refs, an even more frustrating aspect is the continued shifting of players during the face off. As a fan of the game, just drop the puck.

Photo Credit: NHL. Com

The Bruins need to play better, hit better, and just shoot the puck on net. This series is expected to be chippy and exhausting. The B’s will be bringing the series back to Boston tonight, and with home ice advantage, the Garden will be vibrating. Let’s hope the boys will feed off the crowd and win these next two games. As Marchand puts it:
“We have home ice advantage now, we’ll go home. This games’ over, it’s done with and we’ll move on”

OVERALL GRADE: C- The Bruins need to stop with those turnovers. It’s been their issue all season long. Top line is allowed one off night. Tighten up the D, help Rask out more and get more physical. This series won’t be easy. Stay out of the penalty box, hoping the refs will call a better game.

Brock Holt’s 2018 Resurgence

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The Boston Red Sox acquired Brock Holt in the 2012 offseason. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his all out hustle. In 2014 he finished eighth in Rookie of the Year voting, and was an All-Star the following season. Since his breakout 2015 season, Holt’s averaged has dropped from .280 to a career low .200 last year. So far this season he has shown that his All-Star form may not be gone as it appeared to be.

Holt’s Uncertain Spring Training

When Spring Training began, Holt found himself in an odd position. For the first time since being traded to Boston, he was fighting for a spot on the roster. He was coming off a year in which he hit a career low .200 and battled injuries for a second consecutive year. Holt’s competition was a former top prospect Blake Swihart and defensive standout in Devin Marrero. It seemed as if Holt’s tenure in Boston was coming to an end. Holt won a bench spot after he hit .308 in seventeen games, and he has carried that momentum into the regular season.

Photo Credit: Frank Jansky/ Icon Sportswire

Brock Holt’s Hot Start

Holt began 2018 struggling at the plate. On April 10th, shortstop Xander Bogaerts was placed on the ten day DL due to an ankle injury. This was Holt’s opportunity to get regular at bats. He took full advantage, as from April 17th to 26th he raised his average from .207 to .340. During that span Holt had six runs batted in. Last year, in 64 games he had only seven runs batted in. Holt already has seven extra base hits, which is more than he had all of last year (6). Unfortunately for Brock, the Red Sox were forced to place him on the ten day DL on Friday due to a left hamstring strain.

Photo Credit: Jae C. Hong AP/ Photo

Can He Keep It Up?

Holt will not bat .340 all year, and this injury should not ruin his season. For the first time in two years, Holt is showing life with the bat that many thought was gone. The Red Sox do not need him to hit .340 all year as anything he adds with the bat is a plus. If he can hit .280 like he did from 2014-2015, then the Red Sox bench becomes much deeper. It allows the Red Sox to play Holt all over the diamond without losing any offense. This will be key down the stretch as the Red Sox look to keep their stars such as Bogaerts and Pedroia fresh for the playoffs. Holt’s resurgence gives this team more weapons and reminds people why he is so important to this team.

Bergeron’s Case for the Selke

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Last Wednesday the finalists for the NHL Selke Trophy were announced and with little surprise, Patrice Bergeron was one of the three finalists. Bergeron has won the award four times and received votes for the award every year since the 2009-2010 season. Winning the award this year could cement Bergeron as the best two-way forward in NHL history, as he is now tied with Canadiens great Bob Gainey for four Selke Trophies. The Selke Trophy is given to the forward who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. Winning it this year will not be easy as the other finalists, Anze Kopitar and Sean Courturier, are having career years. All three have a strong case, but Bergeron’s is unique.

Why He Shouldn’t Win

This year Bergeron may have his weakest case to win. Due to a fractured foot, Bergeron missed a month of the season. That is a significant number of games missed as the LA Kings Anze Kopitar only missed three games, and the Flyers Sean Courturier suited up for all 82. Bergeron finished fifth in faceoff percentage, an area in which he usually ranks higher. He saw an increase in offensive zone usage and along with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, formed one of the top lines in the NHL. That offensive dominance is reflected in his stats since he recorded 63 points in merely 64 games. Despite all this, there are still many reasons why Bergeron would be deserving.

Why He Should Win the Selke

Despite the injury, Bergeron still managed to finished in the top five in some essential categories. He had a +21 rating, which was his highest since the 2013-2014 season when he played in 80 games. Even though his face off ranking was low, compared to years past it was still impressive. He ranked higher than both his competitors and was first in shorthanded face-offs. His impact on the ice was obvious as the Bruins struggled during the month of his injury. Bergeron’s line was exceptional defensively as they didn’t give up an even strength goal until January. Despite missing 18 games, Bergeron still had a very good season and has a real shot at winning the award for the fifth time. But his competitors also have a good case.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

His Competition

The main reason that Bergeron may not win his fifth Selke is his health. His numbers as usual were above average, but he was limited in time compared to the other finalists. Bergeron averages 80 games a season and, had he played that many, his statistics would have been different. This makes his case more compelling as what he did in shortened time was impressive. Courturier had a remarkable season offensively and posted a plus rating of 34, thirteen points higher than Bergeron. Kopitar lead all NHL forwards in overall time on ice and was part of the league’s best penalty kill unit. All of these finalists have their own case on why they should take home the award. The debates will continue as the winner won’t be announced till June, and it could end up being very close.

Celtics Youth Impressing in the Playoffs

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Celtics Youth Stepping Up

The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics have played two games in their playoff series. The Celtics have won both and made one thing apparent. Their young players won’t let expectations determine how far this team will go. They will be without Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, and Daniel Theis until next season. In the first two games Brown, Tatum, and Rozier have stepped up, showing that the young Celtics are ready to lead this team.

Expectations Coming

At the start of the season the Celtics had title aspirations. As injuries depleted this team, expectations of a deep playoff run have diminished. The Celtics won the first game in an overtime thriller, but dominated the Bucks in Game 2. They have played with grit and hustle which could carry them far in the playoffs. Furthermore, the young players have embraced the challenge and have not let the injuries be an excuse, and now control the series.

Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

Celtics Youth Leading the Team in the Playoffs

With the injury to Irving, the Celtics turned to Rozier to be the starting point guard. Just like in the regular season he’s answered the challenge. In Game 1, Rozier hit a clutch three pointer, which would have been taken by Irving or Hayward had they been healthy. Terry has scored 23 points in both games. In Game 2, Jaylen Brown was the spark as he scored thirty points. Like Rozier, the Cal product has elevated his play in the playoffs when the Celtics needed it the most. Tatum has also been incredible and has looked like anything but a rookie playing in his first playoff series.

The Vet

With all the injuries, Al Horford as shown why he’s so valuable to this team. In Game 1 Al recorded a double double. Last night, Horford had only five rebounds but also scored sixteen points. If the Celtics are to make a deep run they will have to ride their veteran center. Head Coach Brad Stevens said, “ We’re going to ride Al… With where we’re at, he’s going to facilitate”. He isn’t going to put up big numbers but that’s not his job. The scoring will be picked up by the Celtics young stars and other veterans, such as Marcus Morris.

Photo Credit : Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

Final Thoughts

The road to the finals for this team will not be easy, especially with them shorthanded. Through two playoff games the young Celtics have shown they won’t give up. Regardless of the outcome, the playoffs have shown how bright the future is in Boston. Next year they will make a deeper run, but for now its best to just enjoy what these young players are doing. Next year this team could make a special run.

Bruins Dominate Game 2

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Offense Carries Bruins in Game Two

In Game 1 the Bruins dominated the Maple Leafs. Game 2 was no different, as they were fueled by a special performance by David Pastrnak. In the first two games of the series the Black and Gold have outscored Toronto 12-4. They have been explosive offensively and almost automatic on the power play. Game 2, however, belonged to a Pastrnak. In the playoffs legends are made, and through two games it seems like this could be a historic playoff run for the twenty one year old forward.

Dominating Early

In Game 2 the Bruins took the lead and never looked back. They scored four goals in the first period and again dominated on the power play, as they had two goals bringing their total in the series to five. The Bruins scored their early goals by attacking the net. Halfway into the first period the Maple Leafs changed their goalies, which showed how much the Bruins were dominating. Everything was going the Bruins’ way as Kevin Millers goal bounced off the Maple Leafs’ goalie’s stick and his own defenseman before going in.

Photo Credit: Greg Cooper USA- Today Sports

Bruins Balanced Offensive Attack

Pastrnak had a special game, but his linemates also played very well. Marchand recorded four assists and Bergeron recorder three assists. This line is considered one of the best in hockey and in Game 2 they could not be stopped. Of the Bruins’ five goals in the game, their top line contributed on all of them. They have a unique chemistry and make the hard plays look easy. For the second straight game Krejci and Debrusk also contributed. They both had goals and showed why Boston’s second line is also very dangerous. Through the first two games the Bruins four lines have all been good. That depth is what made them so good in the regular season.

Photo Credit: Tara Sullivan

Pastrnak’s Unreal Performance

During every postseason every player steps up. That’s what makes them so special, but Pastrnak does not fall under that category as he is one of the top young players in the league. In Game 2, he elevated his play to a whole new level. So far in his young career he’s gotten better every year. He still makes mistakes but this year but he has minimized them. On Friday he showed that he could carry a team in the playoffs. The playoffs are young, and Pastrnak is just getting started.

Follow Jamie Gatlin on twitter @JamieGatin1217

Bruins Take Game One

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Bruins Heading Into Game One

Last night the Bruins began their playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Black and Gold did not finish the regular season strong. However, they did not let that affect them, as they won Game One 5-1. The Bruins got goals from five different players and capitalized on their power play opportunities. The Bruins played with grit and toughness in their playoff opener. This lead to an impressive win in front of their home crowd.

Capitalizing on the Power Play

Of the five goals the Bruins scored, three of them came on the power play. The Bruins have one of the most dangerous power play units the NHL. Marchand, Pastrnak, and Bergeron showed why last night. In the first period Torey Krug found Marchand cutting to the net. Krug hit Marchand in stride and he lifted a backhander over the Maple Leafs goalie as if they had done it one hundred times before. The Bruins second power play unit was also impressive as they recorded two goals. Scoring on the power play will be key for this team as it has hard to stop, especially with Rick Nash returning to the lineup.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty Images

Tuukka Rask

Last night the Bruins number one goaltender had a very good game. Of the 27 shots he faced he saved 26. That comes out to a save percentage of .963 %. This is a big postseason for Rask, and he couldn’t have done much better last night. He made key saves and tough ones in front of the net with multiple Maple Leafs picking at the puck. That is the goalie Rask will need to be for this team to make a deep run. Last night he eased any concerns that he could still be that goalie in the playoffs.

AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Style of Play

Last night the Bruins saw the return of Sean Kuraly to the fourth line. He showed what the Bruins had been missing during his injury. In the third period he scored an incredible goal, which personified the grit and effort that made the Bruins fourth line loved during the regular season. During the third period, while in mid-air Kuraly swatted in a rebound of a shot by Pastrnak. Kuraly did not give up on the play and scored an incredibly difficult goal. This is the type of play the Bruins pride themselves on and how they will need to play to advance.

AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Final Thoughts

This series is far from over. Game One was as good of a start as this team could have asked for. Game Two is tomorrow night at 8 PM. Don’t expect this team to let up; their playoff run is just getting started.

The Sizzling 2018 Start for Mookie Betts

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Betts’s 2017 Season

At age 23 following a monster 2016 season, it seemed as if Mookie Betts was ready to take over baseball. Last year, Mookie had a down year compared to his 2016 season. His average dropped by fifty four points. He was still able to drive in over a hundred runs, which for most players would be considered a very good year. For the Red Sox right fielder it was a disappointing year by his standards, but through this season’s first ten games he has been on fire.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

2018 Season for Betts so Far

Over the offseason, new Red Sox manager Alex Cora changed Bett’s hitting approach. Mookie is not your conventional leadoff hitter due to his power ability. Over the offseason, Cora told his right fielder to be more aggressive at the plate. So far it’s worked out well. In Spring Training, Mookie struggled, but he has erased all concern through the season’s first ten games. Last night in the Red Sox’ 14-1 victory over the Yankees, Mookie went 4-4, including a grand slam. He has been a spark plug for this Red Sox team from the top of the lineup, and last night he reminded people how he can impact a game in many different ways.

Photo Credit: Winslow Townson USA TODAY Sports

Expectations for Betts Going Forward

Mookie’s hot start has shown that this season could be a big year for him. If the Red Sox are going to contend for a championship, he will be key. He has a rare combination of power and speed. So far this year Cora has been able to maximize that and bring the best out in Mookie. In 37 at bats this year, Mookie has 16 hits including seven extra base hits. One of the reasons the Red Sox offense struggled last year was because Betts had a down year. When Mookie is at his best he is one of the best in baseball. He is projected to only drive in ninety runs this year. If he continues hitting like this he could very well pass that projection.

Photo Credit: Kevin Skiver

Why He Could Win MVP

Betts will not hit .423 all season. He is capable of hitting over .300 as he did two years ago. So far he is off to an impressive start. In 2018 he has looked more like his 2016 self. A season in which he was in the conversation, along with Trout, as the best player in baseball, and started in the All-Star game. It is still early, but 2018 could be his best season yet.

Playoff Preview: Boston vs. Toronto

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How the Regular Season Ended

The Bruins’ regular season didn’t end as many would have liked. They lost four of their last five games, including their regular season finale with first place on the line. The Bruins did not show the same dominance they had earlier in the season. This has left some wondering if they should be worried about this team with the playoffs set to begin Thursday against Toronto.

Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images

Injury Bug

As the Bruins’ season came to a close, it seemed as if everyone was battling an injury. There is a good chance the Bruins will see the return of three key players on Thursday: Rick and Riley Nash, and Sean Kuraly. With the exception of Brandon Carlo, this team will be at full strength for the first time in a while. When the Bruins acquired Rick Nash it gave them a more dangerous second and third line. With the return of these three players, the Bruins become a much deeper team. This team was a force when fully healthy. However, the second half the season saw their performance dip as many key players were injured. This forced Cassidy to juggle the lines just as everything seemed to be firing on all cylinders.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Importance of Tuukka Rask Against Toronto

In the playoffs the play of Tuukka Rask will be key. In order for the Bruins to advance, he will need to have a dominant performance. Rask hasn’t shown that dominant form lately, as in his last three starts he’s allowed eleven goals. He now has a couple of days of rest. This playoff run could define his time in Boston. He has been heavily criticized for his play in clutch moments, and is still defined by the 2013 Stanley Cup, when the Bruins collapsed in the final two minutes of Game 6. As a result, the Bruins watched the Blackhawks celebrate a championship on their home ice.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Last Playoff Series Between Toronto and Boston

The last time Toronto and Boston faced off in the playoffs was in the 2013- 2014 season. Bruins fans remember that season fondly as the Boston made history. Facing a three goal deficit, the B’s became the first NHL team to win a Game 7 after trailing by three goals in the third period. This series will be filed with many exciting moments. The Bruins will not want to find themselves in that position again.

Photo Credit: Brian Babineau/ Getty Images

What to Expect for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

With this team fully healthy they should put on a better performance than they have as late. When healthy they have been dangerous because of their depth and style of play. These players will be motivated, as the Bruins will be looking to advance past the first round for the first time since their magical comeback against Toronto five years ago. All season this team has had a knack for coming up big with the odds against them. It all begins Thursday, and this team will be determined to end this season with a championship.

Boston’s Amazing Head Coaching Success

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2018 Success of Boston Head Coaching

For a sports city it is rare for all teams to be playoff contenders. For Boston, that has become the norm, and 2017-2018 has been no different. The Red Sox have started the season 5-1. The Patriots lost in the Superbowl, and the Bruins and Celtics are playoff bound. A big reason for this amazing success is the heading coaching of these teams. Each has their own style, but has created high expectations and have impressed in their respective circles.

Photo Credit: John Tlumacki/ Globe Staff

Patriots Head Coach: Bill Belichick

In describing the impact of these coaches, Belichick goes first. Since the Superbowl he has come under fire for numerous things including benching Malcolm Butler. When he came to New England the Patriots were a struggling franchise. Since 2000, they’ve played in eight Super Bowls, winning five. They are constantly in the playoffs and anything less than a Super Bowl has come to be considered a failure. It’s been even more impressive considering Bill has done this in the Salary Cap Era. At times Bill’s head coaching has led to questionable decisions, but since he took over the franchise has become dominant and the envy of the entire league.

Photo Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics Head Coach: Brad Stevens

Brad Steven became the Celtics head coach in 2013. Since then he’s had one losing season, and every year the Celtics have improved. He has gotten the best of his players and his teams have become surprise contenders. This season could be considered his best work. The Celtics lost Gordon Hayward in the first game of the season. Key players such as Irving, Smart, and Daniel Theis have missed extended periods have time. Even with all the injuries, the Celtics still have the second best record in the Eastern Conference. Stevens’s head coaching has allowed his young players to excel. He is considered one of the best coaches in the league among his peers, and is a serious contender to win Coach of The Year.

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/ Getty

Bruins Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy

Cassidy became the head coach of the Bruins at mid-season last year. With the Bruins struggling they fired their longtime head coach, Claude Julien. Since Cassidy took over, the Bruins have sixty-seven wins and twenty-six losses. This year the Bruins have been one of the best teams in the NHL. When the season began, no one saw them making a deep Stanley cup run, which now they are poised to do. That is in large part to Cassidy, as he’s turned a team which some considered to be rebuilding into a serious championship contender. With this Bruins team being very young they will be contenders for years to come. If Cassidy keeps pushing the right buttons than he will be as well.

Photo Credit: Arthur Pollock

Red Sox Manager: Alex Cora

The last coach to be mentioned is one who is very early into his tenure. Cora became the Red Sox manager this past off-season. Through the first two series of the season the Red Sox are 5-1. When the Sox hired Cora, it was a move that many praised around the MLB. He is replacing John Farrell, who wasn’t a fan favorite in Boston despite leading them to two division titles. Under Farrell the Sox did not win a postseason series and won only one postseason game. The ultimate goal is winning a championship, but winning a playoff series would show that things have changed in Boston. Cora knows what it takes as last year he was a bench coach for the World Champion Houston Astros. So far his Red Sox tenure is off to a good start.

Photo Credit: Michael Dwyer/ AP Photo